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last week. He said the crime lab is still a week or two from completing its analysis of physical evidence from the crime scene, and that an arrest will be made, but is not imminent. “I am cautiously optimistic,” he said. As to reports that one of the suspects had fled the state, Zappala spokesman Mike Manko said he had “no information on the suspects.” Nor would he comment on whether or not the $20,000 reward offered through the county by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had helped to develop leads on the suspects.
Courier Staff Writer
As friends and family gathered at Lighthouse Cathedral to say their final farewells at the funeral services for Jerry Shelton, Brittany Powell and Chanetta Powell, Allegheny County police continued searching for the persons they believe are responsible for the backyard ambush that claimed their lives along with those of Tina Shelton and Shada Mahone, and Chanetta Powell’s unborn child. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephan Zappala said the police have two suspects and, so far, have initiated four searches based on sealed warrants since
JERRY SHELTON
BRITTANY POWELL
CHANETTA POWELL
SEE SHOOTERS A5
Fitzgerald backs Woodruff to Removed from race, fill state Supreme Court seat Walker-Montgomery seeks write-in votes Obama nominates Haywood for Appeals Court opening
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
by Christian Morrow
name to Gov. Tom Wolf as a candidate to fill the seat. “He’s been a terThe North Hills Black rific judge on Common legal community has sud- Pleas Court and I think denly taken on a much he’d be a great addition to higher profile as two of its the Supreme Court,” said residents have been pushed Fitzgerald. “He’s well refor considerspected, has ation to take a solid repuseats on the tation and state’s highhe’s well est court and liked in the the federal community 3rd Circuit so I’m recCourt of Apommending peals. that the Following Governor’s J u d g e committee Michael take a look E a k i n ’s at him.” March 15 Woodruff announcetold the New ment that he Pittsburgh was resignCourier he is ing from the honored to s t a t e have had his REBECCA ROSS HAYWOOD Supreme name put Court amid the ongoing forth. scandal over pornographic “Of course, I am honored emails, Allegheny County by the confidence expressed Executive Rich Fitzgerald in me by County Executive and county Democratic Rich Fitzgerald in submitParty Chair Nancy Mills ting my name to Governor announced they were sub- Tom Wolf for appointment mitting Common Pleas to the seat recently vacated Judge Dwayne Woodruff’s on the PA Supreme Court,” Courier Staff Writer
CCAC, IUP students prepare trip to assist Flint in water crisis
JUDGE DWAYNE WOODRUFF he said. “Having served in the Court of Common Pleas for over a decade, following successful careers as a lawyer and a professional athlete, I am uniquely
by Michael Rose For New Pittsburgh Courier
The Community College of Allegheny County and Indiana University of Pennsylvania are preparing to take a community service trip to Flint, Mich. to assist with efforts during the current Flint water crisis. “We would like for our students to become culturally competent, conscious leaders, who think critically and develop meaningful solutions to combat local, national, and global social problems,” CCAC Assistant Professor, Christopher W. Robinson said. SEE CCAC A5
SEE MARTIN A4
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With endorsed incumbent state Rep. Mark Gergely, D-White Oak, facing multiple corruption charges related to an illegal gambling operation throughout the Mon Valley, the prospects were looking up for McKeesport Councilwoman V. Fawn Wa l k e r- M o n t gomery, who had switched parties to get on the Primary Election ballot as a Republican—the only one in the race. It worked until March 17, when V. FAWN WALKER-MONTGOMERY Commonwealth Court Judge Michael Woj- neys and political goon cik upheld a challenge to squad, used legal techniher nominating petitions calities/flawed specialist and removed Walker- to remove my name from Montgomery from the bal- the ballot. They spent extensive money and relot. But, if she can get 300 sources getting attorneys write-in votes in the April to remove my name from 26 Primary election—the the ballot,” she said. “While I am disapsame number required for her petitions—she’ll be pointed in the outcome, I back on the ballot as a Re- am not discouraged. We publican in November. SEE MONTGOMERY A4 Though the challenge
NPR’s Martin holds forum on Black Pittsburgh Recently, host Michel Martin held a forum for NPR about how Black people can adapt in a changing Pittsburgh. With so many Black communities morphing into upscale White communities around the city what are Black people both as residents and business owners to do to hold on to what they have? To discuss those issues, Martin had a local all-star panel of MacArthur Grant winner photographer Latoya Ruby Frazier; CEO of Urban Innovations21 Bill Generett; film maker of “East of Liberty A Story of Good Intentions,” Chris Ivy; City Lab and Pop City e-zine founder Eve Picker and Owner and operator of Café Con Leche, Tara Sherry Torres. Most of the discussion surrounded the is-
by Paige Mitchell
equipped to serve on our state’s highest appellate court. I would readily accept the appointment.”
was ostensibly filed by Republican voters, WalkerMontgomery released the following morning placing the blame elsewhere. “State Representative Marc Gergley, his attor-
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MICHEL MARTIN—Host of National Public Radio’s Black Pittsburgh forum. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
George Curry says
‘Reverse Robin Hood’ pummels the poor Forum A7
Obama, Castro come face-to-face in historic meeting in Cuba
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MARCH 23-29, 2016
by Josh Lederman Associated Press Writer
HAVANA (AP)—Brushing off decades of distrust, President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro shook hands Monday in Havana’s Palace of the Revolution, a remarkable moment for two countries working to put the bitterness of their Cold War-era enmity behind them. Obama and Castro stood together as a Cuban military band played the national anthems of Cuba and the United States— stunning sounds in a country where resistance to the U.S. has been part of the national mission for decades. Greeting each other warmly, the two leaders inspected an honor guard before sitting down for a series of meetings. Whether Obama and Castro could use the meeting, one of the first since Cuba’s 1959 revolution and the only one in Cuba, to further the ambitious diplomatic experiment they started 15 months ago was an open question, infusing Obama’s historic trip to Cuba with uncertainty and tension for both governments. For Obama, there was no better place than Havana to show that engagement can do more than isolation to bring about change on the communist island. Yet for the Cubans, the glaring question is whether their own government is ready to prove the ambitious diplomatic opening is more than just talk. American companies, eager for opportunities in Cuba, were wasting no time. Obama announced that tech giant Google had struck a deal to expand WiFi and broadband Internet on the island 90 miles south of Florida. Outside the palace in Havana’s sprawling Revolution Square, Obama posed for a photo in front of a giant sculpture of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, creating an indelible image sure to reverberate in Cuba and beyond. The revolutionary leader was once one of Fidel Castro’s top lieutenants, his face an iconic symbol of Cuba’s revolution. That revolution is reviled by critics of the Castro government. Paying tribute to another
This Week In Black History
INTERNATIONAL
LEADERS SHAKE HANDS—Cuban President Raul Castro, left, shakes hands with U.S. President Barack Obama during a meeting in Revolution Palace, March 21. Brushing past profound differences, President Obama and President Castro sat down for a historic meeting, offering critical clues about whether Obama’s sharp U-turn in policy will be fully reciprocated. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) Cuban independence hero, Obama adjusted a wreath at the foot of a 59-foot statue of Jose Marti, calling it “a historic moment.” “It is a great honor to pay tribute to Jose Marti, who gave his life for independence of his homeland,” Obama wrote in the guestbook. “His passion for liberty, freedom, and self-determination lives on in the Cuban people today.” On his first full day in Cuba, Obama planned an event with U.S. and Cuban entrepreneurs aimed at championing Cuba’s fledgling private sector. He was to be feted in the evening at a state dinner, an honor illustrating just how far the U.S. and Cuba have come despite their deep ideological differences. The long-awaited meeting between Obama and Castro was one of the most scrutinized moments of Obama’s 2-day trip to Cuba, the first while in office by a U.S. president in nearly 90 years. The White House’s attempts to get Castro to agree to a joint news conference appeared unsuccessful, and it was unclear whether they’d answer any questions. As Obama began his trip, he said that with less than a year left in office, “the time is right.” Since succeeding his brother Fidel in 2008, Castro has orchestrated eco-
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nomic and social reforms with broad-based impact, though to many Cubans and foreigners they appear slow to materialize. Not only are hundreds of thousands of Cubans now able to pursue free enterprise, but restrictions on cellphones and Internet have been eased and citizens feel more comfortable discussing Cuba’s problems. Yet Castro has given little ground when it comes to changing Cuba’s singleparty system or easing strict limits on media, assembly and political dissent. His government has also repeatedly chided Obama for saying he wanted to empower Cubans. None of that has dissuaded Obama, who insists that any intransigence by Cuba’s government only proves why Cubans will be better off when they’re intimately exposed to American values. “We felt that coming now would maximize our ability to prompt more change,” Obama told ABC News. “Particularly because this has been welcomed by the Cuban people with enormous popularity.” To that end, Obama came to Havana hoping his visit would spur Castro to offer gestures of good faith and meaningful change, which would undermine critics who accuse Obama of kowtowing to an authoritarian government. Though Cuba approved U.S. hotel chains Starwood and Marriott to operate here and moved to lift fees on converting U.S. dollars, those steps pale in comparison to sweeping changes Obama has enacted to lift decades-old U.S. restrictions. AP White House Correspondent Julie Pace and AP writers Michael Weissenstein and Peter Orsi contributed to this report. (Follow Josh Lederman at http://twitter.com/joshlederma nAP)
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Week of March 23-29 March 23 1916—Marcus Garvey arrives in the United States from Jamaica. He would go on to build the largest Black nationalist and self-help organization in world history—the Universal Negro Improvement Association. The UNIA owned everything from bakeries to a shipping line. It would develop chapters throughout major cities in the U.S., Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. “Garveyism” emphasized racial pride, economic empowerment, Blacks doing for self and the establishment of a powerful Black nation in Africa to give protection to Blacks throughout the world. 1942—Scholar and political activist Walter Rodney is born in Georgetown, Guyana. Rodney would become one of the leading intellectual forces behind the worldwide Black Nationalist and Pan-Africanist movements MARCUS GARVEY of the 1960s and ‘70s. He was a brilliant scholar who traveled widely and among his major writings was the book “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.” He died in a car bombing in Guyana in 1980. March 24 1837—Blacks in Canada are granted the right to vote. Most of these Blacks had escaped from slavery in America. 2002—Halle Berry becomes the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress. She won for her role in the movie “Monster’s Ball.” She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Movie/Mini-Series for “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” in 1999. Berry was born on Aug. 14, 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio, to an African-American father and a Caucasian mother. March 25 1931—Ida B. Wells Barnett dies. Barnett was one of the leading Black female activists in America for over 30 years. Born in Holly Springs, Miss., she became a HALLE BERRY crusading journalist against racism and injustice with her Memphis, Tennessee-based newspaper—“The Free Speech and Headlight.” When a prominent Memphis Black man (and friend or hers) was lynched in 1892, she launched a national campaign against lynching. In 1909, she became a member of the Committee of 40 which laid the foundation for the organization which would become the NAACP. But she later sided with scholar W.E.B. DuBois when he accused the NAACP of not being militant enough. Barnett would also later join with White suffragettes in demanding that women be given the right to vote. 1931—The “Scottsboro Boys” are arrested and accused of raping two young White women—a crime which evidence suggests (then and now) never occurred. However, the saga of the nine Scottsboro Boys (young Black men aged 12 to 20) would stretch out over a period of nearly 20 years in a series of trials, convictions, reversals and retrials. The racism of the period was so thick that even when one SCOTTSBORO BOYS of the young White women recanted and admitted that no rape had occurred, an allWhite Alabama jury still found members of the group guilty and sentenced them to death. The convictions were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court and more retrials and new convictions followed. Eventually, either by paroles or escapes, all the Scottsboro Boys would leave Alabama prisons. The last one died in 1989. 1942—Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul” music, is born in Detroit, Mich. March 26 1831—The founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Church, Richard Allen, dies at age 71 in Philadelphia, Pa. As its first bishop, Allen set the AME Church on the path to becoming the ARETHA FRANKLIN first Black religious denomination in America to be fully independent of White control. He, in effect, chartered a separate religious identity for African-Americans. He also founded schools throughout the nation to teach Blacks. This includes Allen University in Columbia, S.C. 1944—Singer/Actress Diana Ross is born in Detroit, Mich. She headed the most popular female signing group of the 1960s—The Supremes. 1950—Singer Teddy Pendergrass is born in Philadelphia, Pa. For a period, Pendergrass was the leading sex symbol in R&B music. However, an automobile accident on March 18, 1982 left him paralyzed from the chest down. Pendergrass died Jan. 13, 2010. March 27 1924—The sensational Jazz singer Sarah Vaughn was born on this day in Newark, N.J. 1970—Mariah Carey was born on this day in Long Island, N.Y. Her parents are of Irish/African-American/Venezuelan background. Carey came to prominence after releasing her self-titled debut studio album “Mariah Carey” in 1990; it went multiplatinum and spawned four consecutive number one singles on the U.S. BillMARIAH CAREY board Hot 100 chart. Under the guidance of Columbia Records executive and later husband Tommy Mottola, she continued booking success with followup albums “Emotions” (1991), “Music Box” (1993), and “Merry Christmas” (1994), Carey was established as Columbia's highest-selling act. In 1998, she was honored as the world's best-selling recording artist of the 1990s at the World Music Awards. She married actor/comedian Nick Cannon in 2008. She lists Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder as her favorite singers. March 28 1900—The British demand the Ashanti Golden Stool. Ironically, the Ashanti had been one of the tribes which had actually benefited from slavery by capturing and selling their fellow Africans. But when the slave trade ended, the British turned on the Ashanti in a bid to colonize the Gold Coast (now Ghana). In an apparent attempt to demoralize and humiliate the Ashanti, the British demanded that they turnover one of their greatest symbols—the Golden Stool. The demand led to war. The Ashanti were led by Queen Yaa Asantewa. Her fighters kept the British at bay for several months. But with superior fire power, the British eventually prevailed. 1972—The two surviving Soledad Brothers QUEEN YAA ASANTEWA are found not guilty by an all White jury in the alleged killing of a White guard at the California prison. The other Soledad Brother, revolutionary writer George Jackson, had been killed during an August 1971 Marin County Courthouse escape attempt, which also led to charges against college professor and communist Angela Davis. Davis was also eventually acquitted. 1984—Dr. Benjamin Mays dies. The president of Atlanta’s Morehouse College had been one of the leading Black educational figures in America during the 20th century. March 29 1981—Dr. Eric Williams, prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, dies in Port of Spain at the age of 79. Williams was a historian and his classic work was DR. ERIC WILLIAMS “Capitalism and Slavery.”
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CONTROVERSIAL CASTING CHOICE—Actress Zoe Saldana arrives at the AFI Fest on Nov. 9, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP
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NINA SIMONE IN CONCERT—In this June 27, 1985 file photo, singer Nina Simone performs at Avery Fisher Hall. (AP Photo/Rene Perez, File)
‘Nina’ distributor: Casting complaints show slavery’s impact by Sandy Cohen Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP)— The distributor of the forthcoming film about Nina Simone says complaints about Zoe Saldana playing the singer reflect an interracial “pathology” established by slave owners. “It’s a tragic past that still exists today,” said Robert L. Johnson, head of the studio releasing “Nina” next month. Producers have been criticized since Saldana was cast in 2012 for choosing an actress who needed extensive makeup and prosthetics to achieve Simone’s dark skin and traditionally Afri-
can features. “What people are expressing today is something that happened to us during slavery, when light-skinned Blacks were turned against dark-skinned Blacks and dark-skinned Blacks were turned against lightskinned Blacks,” Johnson told The Associated Press in an interview March 16. “It’s been an unfortunate part of our DNA that was put in our heads by slave masters that is still present today, as you see by people talking about is somebody dark enough to play a role.” Saldana, who is Black, has a significantly lighter complexion than Simone. Saldana’s skin appears to have
been darkened for the role, and she wears a prosthetic nose. Writing in The Atlantic, Ta-Nehisi Coates said casting Saldana—star of such hits as “Avatar” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”—speaks to the economics of Hollywood. “Saldana is seen as bankable in a way that other Black women in her field are not,” he wrote in an article posted March 15. “It’s equally difficult to ignore the fact that, while it is hard for all women in Hollywood, it is particularly hard for Black women, and even harder for Black women who share the dark skin, broad nose and full
Black women feel jilted by Obama with Supreme Court pick
NOMINEE—Federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland, receives applause from President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden as he is introduced as Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court during an announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House, in Washington, March 16. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
by Jesse J. Holland Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP)— Black women’s groups said March 16 they feel President Barack Obama jilted them by choosing someone other than a Black woman as his newest nominee for the Supreme Court. Obama chose federal appeals court Chief Judge Merrick Garland, a White man, to replace deceased Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Garland is the third Supreme Court nominee of Obama’s presidency. “The fact that he would once again look over Black women for this specific appointment is an absolute slap in the face to his top supporters,” said Avis A. Jones-DeWeever, founder of the Exceptional Leadership Institute for Women. Minority voters have been the most devoted supporters of Obama’s two presidential campaigns. Black women, in particular, had the highest turnout among all racial and ethnic groups in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, and they had hoped Obama would nominate a Black woman to the high court. Besides Garland, Obama’s short list included federal appeals court judges Paul Watford, who is Black, and Sri Srinivasan, who would have been the court’s first Asian-American and the first Hindu. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Obama selected Garland “for one reason and one reason only, and that is simply that he believes that Chief
Judge Garland is the best person in America to do that job.” But many may be disappointed Obama did not choose a “judge who can add to diversity on a court that still fails to represent the richness we see in our communities,” said Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. “Having racial diversity, in particular, has always led to better outcomes that are more representative of our communities, especially given the demographics in this country,” said Lakshmi Sridaran, director of national policy and advocacy for South Asian Americans Leading Together, an advocacy group. Over his two terms in office, Obama has chosen Black women for highranking positions in his administration: Attorney General Loretta Lynch and United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice. The eight-member Supreme Court has three women—Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Obama’s previous nominees, Sonia Sotomayor, who is Latina, and Elena Kagan, who is White. Justice Clarence Thomas, nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1991, is the court’s only AfricanAmerican. Black women may feel especially rejected, considering their large turnout in 2008 (68 percent) and 2012 (70 percent). The vast majority of them, 96 percent, voted for Obama in 2012, according to exit poll data. By selecting Garland,
Obama “does not give the respect to his most ardent supporters,” said Barbara Arnwine, executive director at the Transformative Justice Coalition. “The passion you saw around Sotomayor you will not see around this pick,” Arnwine said. Jones-DeWeever said Black women might have been inspired to lobby the Senate daily to get a Black female nominee confirmed, as they did during Lynch’s confirmation process. But now, Jones-DeWeever said, “I’m not motivated to lift one finger to get his nomination through.” Janice Mathis, head of the National Council of Negro Women, said such disappointment likely will not affect Black women’s participation in this fall’s presidential election. Black women “are extremely pragmatic voters and I think when they look at the situation the activist community will support the president’s effort to fill this vacancy,” Mathis said. Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable Public Policy Network, said her group will support Garland, but “we have and will continue to advocate for the next Supreme Court vacancy to be filled by an exceptional black woman.” (Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in Washington and Deepti Hajela in New York City contributed to this report.) (Jesse J. Holland covers race and ethnicity for The Associated Press. )
lips of Nina Simone.” Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, lamented that Blacks have so internalized slavery’s notion of division by skin color. “That’s almost saying that dark-skinned Black people have a special cross to bear than light-skinned,” he said. “That is exactly what was put on us, that’s the burden that was put on us by slave owners who separated us by color.” Johnson noted that Rosa Parks was light-skinned: “You think Rosa Parks’ pain was less than Nina’s when she had to endure not sitting on a bus?” He acknowledged, though,
that he’s heard similar complaints about skin tone before. “I had it when I was running BET. I’d get letters from people saying, ‘Why are all the women in the videos light-skinned women? Can’t there be any dark-skinned women?”’ he recalled. “So it’s always been in Black life undercover. This issue about Zoe Saldana and Nina Simone just brought it out to the surface.” Johnson defended the use of makeup in “Nina,” saying, “Every film that I’ve ever seen made by mankind, people put makeup on.” Saldana has not com-
mented publicly on the controversy. The Simone estate, which cooperated with production of the Oscarnominated documentary “What Happened, Miss Simone?” has urged fans to host listening parties rather than watch the new biopic. Representatives for the estate did not immediately respond to an AP request for comment Wednesday. Some Black actresses, including Queen Latifah and Paula Patton, are supporting “Nina,” saying they’ll reserve judgment until they see the film, which is set for release in theaters and on-demand on April 22.
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MARCH 23-29, 2016
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NPR’S Martin holds forum on Black Pittsburgh CONTINUED FROM A1
sues of why most of these creators began in Pittsburgh, left and came back. Their stories were consistent with many past and present Pittsburghers. Their families moved here
in the 50’s to work in the steel mills and when the steel mills closed in the 80’s there was no opportunity, so they left. But like most people, they wanted to finish where they began only to see the communities they
VANESSA GERMAN performs at the beginning of the program. (Photos by J. L. Martello)
left were unrecognizable. Ivy said it’s clear what the problem is and it is the reason why his film is called “A story of Good Intentions.” “A select small group of people making decisions for people they don’t live around. You have to try to relate to people who are being affected by the changes,” Ivy said. He pointed out that this line of callous thinking directly affects the Black business owners in East Liberty. “Like when you have small business owners who have been in this community for 10-15 years trying to stick it out trying to be a part of the change and then they have leases that can double or triple in the amount in a month’s time and they have to leave. I am frustrated because nobody is talking about it out of fear of backlash either from the city administration or developers. I’m trying to get everyone to understand you have to stand your ground.” Frazier took the opportunity to build on how those experiences lead to a subtle psychological effect for residents. “UPMC is now in the USX tower. You can’t come into Pittsburgh without being warned, told, and promoted that this is the central beacon. That is the psychological effect that it can go from one industry, the steel industry that was effecting our bodies, being the labor, to being the new symbol of a non-profit global healthcare corporation that we all have to kind of live underneath and cooperate with to pay our bills and survive. That has a certain psychological effect.” Picker, who was one of the earliest developers of buildings in East Liberty, said it isn’t better or worse just different. “I always liked the grit. I was the first loft developer Downtown and to see the same buildings over and over I’m not happy with the changes.” She said communities are getting too rich too fast isn’t good for the look of a neighborhood,” she said.
Culturally, Torres, who said she is Puerto Rican and Polish but is identified as White said culturally the city can be hard to adapt to. “There is a Black Pittsburgh and a White Pittsburgh and they are completely different planets,” she said. She had to stop due to thundering applause from the audience before continuing “and if you don’t belong in either one you don’t really have a place.” She continued by addressing LGBT issues adding “while marriage equality is always seen as the major issue, homelessness is addressed as the bigger problem and the gay and lesbian community center is underfunded or its way understaffed. It is not able to give services. Those are the people generally homeless, she said. The conversation turned to many different issues not talked about publicly including property taxes, whether or not they should stay the same for as long as a person is there and when someone new buys the property let them pay the raise in taxes. Asking are Black jitney drivers being targeted to make them unwelcome and asking whether or not there is a deliberate attempt to drive Black people out of the city altogether. Torres ended the forum saying, “There is a lot of pain that has never been dealt with. We need an exorcism.” The forum ended by expounding on a few ideas for people to take with them. The things that work need to be scaled to build on their successes. Stop throwing money at researching the problem, and throw it at the problem. Invest in Black and Latina women, invest in childcare, hire Black marketing services, stop hiring White marketing agencies, and create messaging for Black services. Artists Vanessa German, Wall Jamal, Guaracha Latin Dance Band also attended and gave performances.
CHRIS IVEY an award winning film maker.
BILL GENERETT president and CEO of Urban Innovation21.
(J. R. Martello contributed to this story.)
LaTOYA RUBY FRAZIER a visual artist and author.
Removed from race Walker-Montgomery seeks write-in votes CONTINUED FROM A1
always knew that this would be an uphill fight and that the powers that be would do everything in their power to try to prevent me from becoming the next State Representative in the 35th District. Clearly, they are scared of my candidacy because they know I am a strong, credible candidate with the proven experience to do the job right.” Her campaign had submitted 389 signatures, well above the 300-name threshold. But it was not enough. Seventy-seven were stipulated as invalid by both sides, and by the end of the hearing, the number was down to 295. Some were disallowed due to wrong addresses, others for handwriting—14 of those because the person circulating the petition—not the voter—filled in information like the date, or address, or the printed version of the signature. Election law requires that the voter fill in
all the identifying information. “I had to people who signed affidavits saying signatures were theirs—the judge disallowed them anyway,” she said. “Its just another example of the corruptions in the party. Someone facing six counts of illegal gambling and election violations should not be the voter’s only choice” Now, it’s down to oldfashioned shoe leather campaigning to get those 300 write-in Republican votes. “My fight is far from being over. My dedicated campaign volunteers and I will be organizing a write-in” campaign to ensure the voters in the 35th District have a choice in the General Election,” she said. “Working together we can end the political corruption, create more family-sustaining jobs, improve our local schools, and eliminate the crime epidemic plaguing our communities.”
WALI JAMAL award winning actor performs a skit from one of August Wilson plays.
TARA SHERRY-TORRES with Café Con Leche.
MIGUEL SAGUE JR. performs with the Guaracha Latin Dance band performed at the end of the show.
EVE PICKER with CityLAB.
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Community Calendar Play & Record Your Music MARCH 23—Carnegie Library presents a selfguided music tutorial at 10 a.m. at its Allegheny branch, 1230 Federal Street. Attendees can learn to create music using Lynda.com; Garage Band; and state of the art equipment including MacBook, Fender Lead Guitar, Fender Bass Guitar, AKAI MPK Mini Keyboard and Drum Machine and Blue Snowball Microphone. The event is free. For information Call 412.281.3753 or email hilldistrict@carnegielibrary.org
Scholarship Luncheon MARCH 26—The Allegheny County Democratic Committee Black Caucus will host the Dorothy I. Height-C. Delores Tucker Scholarship Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, 112 Washington Place, Uptown. This event is free, but reservations are requested by March 19. For more information, call 412-562-0368 or email acdcblackcaucus@outlook.com.
Easter Egg Hunt MARCH 26—A For the People Insurance Agency Inc. will host a Customer Appreciation Easter Egg Hunt from 2-4 p.m. at 2516 Wylie Ave., Hill District. This event is being held to thank the community for 25 years of business. There will be food, drink, entertainment and prizes. For more information, email bill@aforthepeople.com.
Annual Service Summit March 20—Carlow University presents its Seventh Annual Service Summit for aspiring community leaders and activist who want to give back to the community. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the St. Agnes Center of Carlow University, and will feature presentations of the Get Involved! and Rising Stars Awards. For additional information and registration go to pittsburghservicesummit.com
Gentrification/ Displacement lecture MARCH 30—Carlow University presents a lecture by Georgette Norman, the former director of the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Ala., titled, “A Place Called Home: Displacement and Replacement of AfricanAmerican Communities,” which coincides with a photographic display by artist Charles “Teenie” Harris, Chris Ivey, Curtis Reaves, and Tom Jefferson. The lecture is at 6 p.m. at the Kresge Center, 5th floor, University Commons. For information call 412-578-6208 or email scrhor@carlow.edu
African American Network Convention APRIL 1 & 2—Talk Magazine presents its 13th annual statewide convention at the Marriott City Center, 112 Washington Place. Reception and Meet & Greet 6-9 p.m. April 1, Convention Day breakfast, program and panel discussion, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required before March 25. Visit info@talkmagazinepa.com for more information and registration.
Scholarship Luncheon APRIL 2—The Black Association of South Hills for Women (BASH) will host its 37TH Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Luncheon from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Meadowlands Hotel, 340 Racetrack Rd., Washington, Pa. The theme is “Spring into Wellness.” For more information, www.bashforwomen.com. (To have an event placed in the calendar send information at least two weeks in advance to newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
MARCH 23-29, 2016
METRO
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Toomey to oppose Haywood nomination PITTSBURGH (AP)— President Barack Obama has nominated a federal prosecutor from Pittsburgh to fill a seat on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The nomination of Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Ross Haywood was made March 15, a day before the president nominated District of Columbia Circuit Court Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court. Garland’s nomination is
expected to set off a highprofile partisan battle between the president and Senate Republicans, but Haywood’s nomination could also prompt a bitter— if far less-publicized—confirmation process. If Haywood, 47, is confirmed by the Senate, she’ll become the first Black woman to serve on the court, which sits in Philadelphia. She’s currently chief of the appellate division in Pittsburgh,
CCAC, IUP prepare for trip to assist Flint in water crisis substances within the city’s tap water. Some have blamed the water problem of the Flint mayor and his attempt to save money. “Our goal is to raise $5,000 to donate 5,000 gallons of water to Flint. We currently have a Go Fund Me page to help raise donations,” Professor Robinson said. During the trip to Flint, they also plan to visit Detroit, to teach the students about community revitalization, u r b a n economic development, and u r b a n planning. T h e C C A C S o u t h Campus Society for Social Advocacy student organization plans to continue raising funds for CHRIS ROBINSON the Flint project. “There is no short term so“We plan to take 56 students on the trip, 28 from lution to this large scale CCAC and 28 from IUP to public health issue and Flint and Detroit. We plan urban social problem,” Proto partner with Mott Com- fessor Robinson said. “Our munity College for learn- intention is not to just siming more about the Flint ply help once and return water crisis and Mt. Olive home. We would like to conBaptist Church in Flint for tinue supporting cities such community water distribu- as Flint, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and other communition.” Flint is a predominantly ties that demonstrate a poor city and one of the need for future social workBlackest cities in America. ers and urban leaders. We Flint is also the original would like for our students home of General Motors. It to be engaged in meaningis under a state of emer- ful memorable diverse exgency due to the poisonous periences.” CONTINUED FROM A1
“The core values of social work include; service, social justice, dignity, worth of the person, competence, integrity, and the importance of human relationships. Getting our students involved in service learning opportunities, such as this project, is a great way to integrate cork course content into real life practice.” The trip is scheduled to take place March 31 through April 2.
SEN. PAT TOOMEY which prosecutes cases in 25 western Pennsylvania counties. The circuit court handles appeals from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Republican U.S. Sen. Pat
Likewise, county police are adhering to their March 11 statement that they would not be responding to “rumors and/or theories” circulating about the case. Though Zappala said the day after the March 9 shooting that the home where the victims had gathered for an all-day cookout was not a “stash house,” the motive for the shootings may be drug related. He also said Lamont Powell, who remains hospitalized at UPMC Mercy with gunshot wounds to the neck, chest, lower back and hand may have been the primary target. A second man, who has still not been identified, was also hospitalized in critical condition. A woman, also not identified, was treated and released. Jessica Shelton, who lost three of her six children and a niece in the shooting, now has 5 grandchildren living with her and is searching for a larger home. Tree of Hope founder Adrienne Young said though she was able to help the families get funeral expenses covered through the state’s Victims Crime Compensation Fund, the family, Jessica in particular, needs more help. She continued to urge people to donate to the Shelton-Powell Fund at Citizens
Bank. On March 17, the Squirrel Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Healing decided to lead the way with their support for the families by making a $10,000 donation to the fund. In the wake of the shooting, Community Empowerment Association president and CEO Rashad Byrdsong held a community meeting scope of the violence. “This Wilkinsburg shooting touched a lot of people because it was different— the killing of women and children like this is relatively new to Pittsburgh,” he said. “Everyone took the stance that this is unacceptable and must be addressed.” But what Zappala called “brutal” and “methodical” about the planned assault, Byrdsong said it stems from the same neighborhood problems that give rise to lesser but no less deadly violence. “Sure they weren’t fighting over colors, here. But this was either drugs or retaliation,” he said. “These are economic crimes— home invasions, armed robberies. They can’t be discussed in isolation from the poverty in these communities. “We need to get the churches, mosques, nonprofits, schools all behind
should take a step back, put an end to this political theater, withdraw a nomination that is not suitable for such an important lifetime position,” Toomey said in a statement. Toomey also said Wednesday that Obama shouldn’t nominate a replacement for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia before leaving office. Toomey is up for re-election and four Democrats are vying for the chance to oppose him as the party targets his seat in the swing state. Toomey said he’d consider Garland if he were nominated by whoever succeeds Obama. Casey issued a statement saying Republicans should fairly consider Garland and that Haywood should be given “a fair hearing and timely vote.”
Fitzgerald backs Woodruff to fill state Supreme Court seat CONTINUED FROM A1
Wolf spokesman Jeffrey Sheridan declined comment on how many recommendations to fill the vacancy had been received, and on what Wolf’s criteria would be. “Governor Wolf has great respect for County Executive Fitzgerald and Nancy Mills, and their recommendation will absolutely be taken into consideration,” he said. “The governor will nominate an individual in due time, and he looks forward to the Senate providing advice and consent regarding his nomination.” Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, the state’s second most powerful office holder, has so far made no public recommendation to fill Eakin’s seat. Should Woodruff be nominated and confirmed, he would be the only Black judge on the state Supreme Court. He would serve out the remaining portion of Eakin’s term and run to retain the seat in 2017. Fitzgerald and Mills have pledged their support to that campaign as well. Woodruff campaigned for Supreme Court seat last year when six Democrats and six Republicans clashed in the primary election for the court’s three vacancies. He did not, however, win enough votes to continue in the general
Possible shooters ID’d as last Wilkinsburg victims buried CONTINUED FROM A1
Toomey has said he doesn’t think Haywood is qualified and some Republicans have urged opposing any of the president’s judicial nominations until his term expires. Among other things, Toomey said Haywood “struggled to answer legal questions” about some Obama executive orders that blocked illegal immigrants from being deported, a hot-button issue among conservative Republicans. Toomey said that since he’s been in the Senate, every other federal judicial nomination has been approved by him and fellow Pennsylvanian, Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat, which Toomey said is common in states with senators from opposing parties. “Instead of blowing up a bipartisan working arrangement, the president
these kids in solidarity,” he added. “Black men have to unite around not allowing women and children to me gunned down with impunity in our community.”
election. Later in the day March 15, President Barrack Obama nominated Rebecca Ross Haywood to fill the vacancy left by Judge Marjorie Rendell, wife of former Gov. Ed Rendell, who took senior status in July. In contrast, attorney Haywood has never run to be a judge—but she clerked for one, U.S. District Judge Alan Bloch, after graduating from University of Michigan Law School in 1994. Since then, other than spending a year with the firm of Jones Day, Haywood has served as an assistant U.S. attorney. In 2010, she was promoted to chief of the appellate division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Throughout her career, Rebecca Ross Haywood has shown unwavering integrity and an outstanding commitment to public service,” Obama said in a statement. “I am proud to
nominate her to serve on the United States Court of Appeals.” Given the Republican congressional resistance to confirming any of the president’s nominees to fill the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat, it is unclear whether or not Haywood would even get a hearing. But should she be confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to serve on the appellate court. David Hickton, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania called Haywood “an exceptional nomination.” “Rebecca Ross Haywood is a lawyer of unparalleled legal ability and judgment,” he said. “She is also a wonderful person. She will make an outstanding judge.” Originally from McKeesport, Haywood attended Elizabeth Forward High School before earning an undergraduate degree in economics from Princeton University.
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MARCH 23-29, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OPINION
Pa. Primary vote will matter
Guest Editorial
Poverty myth hides glaring truth about America Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said during the Democratic debate in Flint, Mich., on March 6: “When you’re White…you don’t know what it’s like to be poor.” Sanders was trying to make the point that White people in America haven’t had to contend with racism based on skin color. That’s true for contemporary America, but the U.S. senator’s suggestion that White Americans haven’t experienced poverty is untrue. According to 2014 U.S. Census Bureau figures—the most recent data—there were 46.7 million Americans in poverty, or 14.8 percent, of the U.S. population. Here’s how those numbers breakdown by the racial and ethnic make-up of the population: There were 19.7 million Whites in poverty, accounting for a poverty rate of 10.1 percent; 10.8 million African Americans in poverty, for a rate of 26.2 percent; 13.1 million Hispanics in poverty, for a rate of 23.6 percent poverty rate; and 2.1 million Asian Americans in poverty, for a rate of 12 percent. Simply looking at the rate figures, one finds numbers do lie. What’s the real truth: Whites who make up 62 percent of the U.S. population have a lower poverty rate than other groups—at 10 percent—but that is still nearly 20 million people out of nearly 319 million in 2014. Blacks made up about 14 percent of the population then, according Census data. “The numbers are similar if you raise the income slightly,” reported Politifact.com, a nonpartisan fact-checking website that rated Sanders’ claim as false. “At 125 percent of the poverty level, the number of White Americans rises to about 26.5 million. That’s a lot of White people who are in or near poverty.” When Sanders suggested Whites don’t experience poverty, it was not out of malice. He was attempting to make a general point about racial discrimination and to empathize with the Black Lives Matter movement, which has tackled police brutality and other issues since its emergence. To his credit, Sanders said after the debate that he misspoke, as such misstatements by him are not uncommon. The poor are often ignored by elected officials and the news media. When the poor are mentioned, they often are portrayed as being only African Americans and Hispanics. The facts matter. How much racial stereotyping would be reduced if the news media repeatedly reported that the majority of the people in poverty are White? How would public policy be changed if the truth about poverty was widely known and acknowledged? (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
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There has been no change in the Wilkinsburg massacre. The two victims in critical condition are still critical and authorities are saying they are seeking one suspect but have no lead on the other. I still don’t believe that nobody knows why this went down other than the killers. There was an excellent column by the Tri-State Defender out of Memphis talking about the lack of a national outcry after this massacre. Sure the news went national but not to the degree that it should have. If ISIS or some other terrorist group had killed some White people all hell would have broke out. It would have been on every network, every Sunday morning show, and all the presidential candidates would be talking about it. So far the only presidential candidate to mention it or any of the mass killings on urban streets is Hillary Clinton. The column says what we have been saying for years. Black on Black murders doesn’t matter to the general media. Speaking of the presidential primaries, Hillary and Donald Trump are way ahead right now after five more primaries last Tuesday. Trump won Florida, knocking Marco Rubio out of the race; he won Illinois, North Carolina, and tied Ted Cruz in Missouri, while finishing second to John Kasich who won his home state of Ohio keeping him in the race. On the Democratic side even though Hillary is beating Bernie Sanders big time, he still shows solid support by his followers and he still has money. And even though Hillary is trying hard to get him to drop out, he has made it clear that he’s not going anywhere. He has made it absolutely clear that he believes the Progressives in this country views should be heard and he’s going to take it to the Democratic convention. What this means is that Pennsylvania votes will still matter come April 26 for both parties. Even though
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’
and those Blacks need to let the community as well as the media know. We also need to know what Whites are running who have shown concern for the issues facing the Black community and Black people as a whole. We can’t do it alone. But once again, the presidency is only part of the picture; we need to look at the whole picture, nationally as well as local. Bottom line is from community, city, state, to national, we must make politicians accountable. Hats off to Rich Fitzgerald, and the Democratic chair for their endorsement of Judge Dwayne Woodruff for the vacant Pennsylvania Supreme Court seat. Hopefully Gov. Tom Wolf will heed their call and appoint Judge Woodruff to this position. I can’t think of anyone more qualified for it. Congratulation to Allderdice High School in its trip to the PIAA finals, making them the first Pittsburgh team since that great Schenley Spartans team in 2007. The Dragons (28-2) lost 74-62 to the defending champion from Philly, Roman Catholic (27-4). How this team lost four games is a mystery to me. It is a great accomplishment for any team to make it to the PIAA finals and it will probably be the last City League team to do it. But as far as Allderdice being the greatest team of all time in City League play as some have said? I still go with the Schenley team of 1971, which was led by Maurice Lucas, Ricky Coleman and Jeep Kelly or the Fifth Avenue team of 1976 led by Bill Clark, Sam Clancy, David Kennedy and Warnie Macklin. The year they played they were head and shoulders the best team in the state and won a championship to prove it. The best team in the state this year was Roman Catholic, which I don’t think could have beaten either of these teams.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump should have massive leads coming into the Pennsylvania Primary, the winners of the large number of Pa. delegates will have a lot to say about whom the next president will be. So it’s time now for us, Blacks in Pennsylvania, to come up with what we want from the next president, Senators, Congressmen and our state government representatives. We shouldn’t wait until a week before the election to become concerned. We need to find out now who’s running and what they stand for. How will their election affect our lives? For example President Obama wasn’t able to accomplish a lot of what he intended because the Senate and Congress, controlled by Republicans, blocked just about everything he put forward, and what they couldn’t block they watered down. We need to find out how many are in Pennsylvania and vote them out of office, and this includes Sen. Pat Toomey who has been anti Obama ever since he was elected. For example the Women of Color Political lunch, which was supposed to be focused on the presidential election, I didn’t read of any priorities for the presidential candidates from this group other than getting more women to run for office. This should have been a planning meeting to find out what issues are important to Black women and what they expect from the presidential candidates, both Democrats and Republicans, and make these can(Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the didates accountable. We need to know what Blacks are running for what, New Pittsburgh Courier.)
The GOP: ‘Political correctness run amok’ (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—The two most dramatic political events of last week involving the Republican Party—Donald Trump’s election victories in the Super Tuesday Republican primaries, and GOP Senators restating their refusal to even consider President Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court—dramatically illuminate what a certain fashionable, ugly phrase really means and who it most often applies to. The phrase I’m referring to is “political correctness run amok.” For more than two decades, those words have been hurled at acts or policies or even just suggestions deemed “too concerned” with making a place in society for this or that outsider group. My own stripped-down definition of the phrase is this: We’re being too kind to the (fill in the blank). Let’s keep on making them feel as if they don’t belong. But now, it should be clear to all that the Republican Party is the true practitioner of political correctness, and that the wreck the GOP has become since Trump entered its presidential primary contest nearly a year ago is the result of the GOP’s own corrosive dynamic of political correctness run amok. The rigid, reactionary and amoral code of conduct it established within its ranks and, as soon as President Obama took office, stoked within its base of supporters is a powerful example of the damage an unthinking, unquestioning obedience to a particular ideology can do. That rigidity forced it into a political dynamic of all-out opposition to any Obama proposal. Yet, it still spectacularly failed to defeat such major Obama initiatives as Obamacare and the Iran Nuclear deal. Nor, of course,
Lee A. Daniels
Commentary did it make good on now-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s notorious 2010 boast that the GOP would make Obama a one-term president. And it backed the disastrous—for it and the nation as a whole—Citizens United decision of the Supreme Court’s conservative majority handed up in 2010. Those three developments led directly to presidential primary rampage of Trump, who now threatens the GOP with “riots” at its convention if he‘s blocked from the nomination. One can justly be aghast and furious at Trump’s boundless amorality, and still realize it’s not much different from what’s been the GOP’s standard operating procedure during the Obama presidency. That posture has now produced the GOP’s ridiculous claim that Obama should neglect his presidential responsibility because it fears that with Justice Antonin Scalia’s death, it’s lost control of the Supreme Court. Of course, Obama ignored that desperate demand, pointedly announcing his Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, at a Rose Garden ceremony the day after Trump’s Super Tuesday victories made his position atop the wreckage of the GOP that much stronger.
The juxtaposition of those two events underscore that American society is well on its way this year to a moment of extraordinary political drama. In that regard, it’s worth citing three comments that, taken together, frame how it got here and what’s at stake. The first comes from It’s Even Worse Than It Look, the 2012 book by two veteran scholars of American politics, Thomas E. Mann and Norman Ornstein. They wrote: “The Republican Party has become an insurgent outlier—ideologically extreme; contemptuous of the [nation’s] inherited social and economic regime; scornful of compromise; unpersuaded by conventional understanding of facts, evidence and science; and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition.” The second is from words written last week by Rich Lowry, editor of the staunchly conservative National Review magazine: “Trump’s iteration of the Republican Party won’t have a bleeding heart;” he stated, “it will be out for blood. Far from eschewing negative campaigning, personal abuse — and threats — will be its calling card. It will care less about policy than attitude and shibboleths. Electorally, it will repel minorities and hope to run up the score with Whites. It won’t have an open hand on immigration but will talk of mass deportation. It won’t care about human rights, and in fact will be happy to violate them—or threaten to—as the national interest and a desire for vengeance dictate.” Finally, these are words President Obama spoke in declaring Judge Garland as his nominee for the Supreme Court: “At a time when our politics are so polarized, at a time when norms and customs of political rhetoric and courtesy and comity are so often treated like they’re disposable—this is precisely the time when we should play it straight, and treat the process of appointing a Supreme Court justice with the seriousness and care it deserves...[If not], then it will not only be an abdication of the Senate’s constitutional duty, it will indicate a process for nominating and confirming judges that is beyond repair...The reputation of the Supreme Court will inevitably suffer. Faith in our justice system will inevitably suffer. Our democracy will ultimately suffer as well. I have fulfilled my constitutional duty. Now it’s time for the Senate to do theirs. Presidents do not stop working in the final year of their term. Neither should a senator.” (Lee A. Daniels is writing a book on the Obama Years and the 2016 presidential election.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
FORUM
‘Reverse Robin Hood’ Black women in peace movement pummels the poor (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—While you were focusing on the antics of Donald Trump and young people “feeling the Bern,” Republicans at the state and federal level were stepping up their attacks on the poor. When I was covering Jesse Jackson’s 1984 presidential campaign, he had a term for this kind of callous behavior by elected officials. He described each as a “Reverse Robin Hood“ because they rob from the poor to give to the rich. In my home state of Alabama, for example, Republican State Senator Arthur Orr has submitted a bill that would, if enacted, place restrictions on two programs that primarily benefit the poor—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or food stamps, and Temporary Aid to Needy Families. According to the Montgomery Advertiser, “The legislation would cut eligibility for Temporary Aid for Needy Familiesfrom five years to three. It would also require TANF recipients to sign a paper acknowledging they would stick to the requirements of the program, including those related to work. The bill would also prevent the Alabama Department of Human Resources from seeking work waivers for those receiving SNAP, and would also require EBT cards for recipients of public benefits to have photos on them. The legislation would also end SNAP eligibility for anyone who may not be cooperating with child care enforcement.” The bill was approved in committee on a 10-3 vote and now goes to the Senate. Alabama officials say the average TANF befit for a family of three is only $215 a month. About 27,073 people in 11,923 households are covered. Of those, 77 percent or 20,974 are children. The average food stamps benefit is $261.81 per month, about $65.45 per person. Meanwhile, Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley has given “massive pay raises“ to key staffers and cabi-
George E. Curry
Commentary net members, including more than $73,000 each to Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Administrator Mac Gipson, Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Jim Byard, Revenue Commissioner Julie Magee and Insurance Commissioner Jim Ridling. At least six staff members received annual raises of $21,000 to $34,000, according to news reports. In addition, the state has rejected pay raises for teachers, retirees and state employees, closed 31 driver license offices and five state parks. The attack on the poor is not limited to Alabama and other Southern states. As recently as January, House Speaker Paul Ryan was being praised for challenging his party to prioritize poverty. He said, “There are the millions of people stuck in neutral: 6 million people who have no choice but to work part time, 45 million people living in poverty. Conservatives need to have an answer to this—because we do not write people off in this country. We just don’t.” But those words have not been mirrored by action. A budget proposed by House Republicans would represent severe cuts in programs assisting low-income residents. “Despite House Speaker Paul Ryan’s statements in recent months that House Republicans want to focus on and reduce poverty, the budget calls for what would be the most severe budget cuts in modern history in assistance for Americans of limited means,” said Robert Greenstein, president of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington-based nonpartisan research organization and policy institute that conducts research and analysis on government policies and programs. “These programs would be cut a stunning $3.5 trillion over ten years, eliminating, by 2026, roughly 40 percent of federal resources for low-income assistance. Although low-income programs account for 28 percent of federal domestic-program spending (i.e., spending on everything except defense and interest payments on the debt), they would bear about 60 percent of the cuts in the House budget.” Greenstein continued, “The budget would make tens of millions more Americans uninsured by repealing the ACA (without putting anything in its place) and cutting Medicaid more than another $1 trillion over ten years on top of that. The ACA has reduced the number of uninsured people by about 20 million; the budget would reverse those gains, and its deep additional Medicaid cuts would intensify the damage.” In sharp contrast—just as Alabama Gov. Bentley was inflating the pay of his cabinet members—the Republican budget, if passed, would ease the tax burden on those in the highest income brackets. It would also force cuts in Pell Grants, education and job training programs. “Not surprisingly, the budget charts a different course on defense and taxes,” Greenstein stated. “It boosts the former. On the latter, it eliminates the Alternative Minimum Tax—intended to ensure that high-income people pay at least some minimum level of taxes—calls for lowering income tax rates, and proposes a corporate tax system under which all profits that U.S. corporations show on their books as coming from abroad, including offshore tax havens, are largely or entirely exempt from U.S. taxes. It speaks of closing some tax breaks but doesn’t identify any specific tax breaks to curb.” As Greenstein noted, “The budget would cut nondefense discretionary programs and services by roughly $1 trillion over ten years below the levels under the harsh sequestration budget cuts. Yet under sequestration, spending for this part of the budget is already slated to shrink to the lowest level on record by 2018, as a percent of GDP, with data back to 1962.” Robin Hood was a character in English folklore. This is for real. (George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge: Black America’s Newsmagazine, is editor-in-chief of EmergeNewsOnline.com. Curry can be reached through his Web site, georgecurry.com.)
(NNPA)— eth century. Some words Julianne Malveaux She worked seem rarely with sermentioned vicemen in in this France durhighly toxic ing the war. political Those war season. experiences W e ’ v e perhaps inheard about fl u e n c e d bombs and her to work walls, but very little about peace. as a peace activist during the 1920s. One is almost tempted, when some In 1926, she wrote a report conof the candidates are speaking, to demning US occupation of Haiti. burst into song—give peace a Bertha McNeill was another of the chance. In this Women’s History African American women involved Month, it makes sense to reflect on in WILPF. She led the Washington, women and the peace movement, D.C. chapter, and also served as a and especially on the African Amer- vice president of the organization ican women who have been peace for two terms. These women—as do some of our activists and have played a signifinon-African American sisters like cant role in this movement. The Women’s International League Media Benjamin and Arandhati of Peace and Freedom was founded Roy—come to mind in the middle of in 1915 in the midst of World War I. this raucous political season. Sane, Its first chair, Hull House’s Jane Ad- calm voices are missing in these dams, cared deeply about world dis- presidential debates. We are also armament. Early on, though, there missing a future focus that takes were criticisms of WILPF and the the futility of increasing militarism peace movement because African into consideration. American were too often invisible. With the immigration crisis In a book poignantly titled, No Peace sparked by conflict in Syria, the viWithout Freedom, Race and WILPF, olence maintained by ISIS, unrest Joyce Blackwell writes about ten- in the Middle East, and tension sions within the path breaking with Russia, not to mention the peace organization. In a similar number of US troops still in book, “A Band of Noble Women: Afghanistan and Iraq, wouldn’t it Racial Politics in the Women’s Peace be appropriate for us to hear about Movement,” Melinda Plastas writes alternatives to militarism. That brings me to California Conthat African American women combined the effects of race, gender and gresswoman Barbara Lee, the only war, and “demanded a place for person who had the courage to opBlack women in the international pose President George W. Bush’s push for military action after peace movement. Mary Church Terrell was involved September 11, 2001. She appropriin WILPF almost from its outset, ately asked whether our country was serving on its board for a time. The rushing into war. Subsequent events D.C. doyenne, who was one of the suggest that we did rush—“weapons first African American women to of mass destruction” were never earn a college degree, was involved found. Many of us are quite familiar in the civil rights and social justice with Barbara Lee’s peace activism, movements. but far fewer of us know much about A teacher by profession, she was Mary Church Terrell and Addie one of the first women to serve on the Hunton. While African American Washington, D.C. Board of Educa- peace activists were few in the tion. She played founding roles in WILPF early days, their contribumany justice organizations, includ- tions were significant and, more iming the NAACP, the International portantly, they paved the way for acCollege of Women, the National As- tivists like Barbara Lee to advocate sociation of Colored Women, and a peace agenda and a peace budget. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Those who profit from the military Some of her dealings with WILPF industrial complex seem so welded were not smooth—she was not re- to the notion of war that they won’t elected to serve a second term on the give peace a chance. And they’ll take Board of the organization, to the cha- war however they can—at home, as grin of many of the White women police departments are increasingly who felt that Black women’s voices militarized (do we really need tanks needed to be heard on peace matters. in city streets), or abroad, where it is Terrell was not the only woman easy to create an enemy. Black who worked with WILPF during its women’s history of peace activism early days. Addie Hunton came to should be lifted up this month, espeactivism early, working as an orga- cially the work of Mary Church Ternizer for NACW in the early twenti- rell and Barbara Lee.
Commentary
World better off if western education is considered sin After Boko Haram doesn’t Haram, the Is- J. Pharoah Doss really mean lamic Nigerian “western edubased terror cation is a sin.” group, gained The article global attenstated the tion by abductnorthern ing over 200 Nigerian schoolgirls and Hausa lanthreatened to guage “doesn’t sell them into have a fourslavery I wondered the meaning of letter word that means western edtheir name. ucation … It is a word that came to Al-Qaeda meant “the base”, like be applied to a century old British central planning, but Boko Haram’s colonial education policy that many activities were unprecedented, even Hausa-speakers saw as an attempt for a terror group, so I figured their …to colonize their minds.” name translated into a firm believe The article stated Boko meant that justified their actions. bogus or fraudulent deception and But translators said it meant: Haram is an Arabic word that Western education is a sin refers to things forbidden in Islam. What does that mean? The article continued, “Boko is And what does that have to do reasonably associated with ‘western with kidnapping? education’ in English translation Nothing, unless they meant “origi- today. But the actual resistance was nal sin,” which is something one is to something being imposed…A born into. That concept normally Japanese or Chinese or Indian eduisn’t associated with Islam. But cational system would have been with a vivid imagination it can be just as boko (in this sense bogus).” argued that the schoolgirls were The article concluded, “The born into western education, and if group’s name reveals…That their Boko Haram borrowed the concept desire is not to obliterate non-Isof “original sin” the kidnapping lamic education all over the world. would be justified if their intentions Just in their own backyards.” (This were to return the abducted girls ignored their activities in neighborback into what they considered ing Cameroon and Chad.) proper Islam. The next year after this article But it wasn’t a rescue operation. was printed Boko Haram pledged Boko Haram planned to sell the allegiance to ISIS. A terror expert schoolgirls into slavery. who lives in Nigeria stated the alNow according to the Encyclope- liance would make sense for both dia of Islam slavery is an excep- groups. “Boko Haram will get legittional condition that can be entered imacy, which will help its recruitinto under limited circumstances. ing, funding and logistics as it ex(Profit motive wasn’t mentioned pands” and ISIS has its biggest afbut I can understand why Boko filiate toward a global caliphate. Haram needs to avoid the western I’m a firm believer in accuracy. phrase: The end justifies the Some reference sites have dropped means.) the word sin and translated Boko But what does that have to do Haram into “western education is with western education? forbidden”, but this translation is It’s simple if Boko Haram en- non-threatening. dorses slavery and the emancipaIt’s absent of the absolutism of a tion of slavery has western origins mentality not just opposed to modthen the morality of the west is a ern morality but forbids its developtransgression against divine law— ment and that is bogus. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the or a sin. I thought I figured it out until I New Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at saw a headline that read: Boko jpharoahdoss@blogspot.com)
Commentary
MARCH 23-29, 2016
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Jesse Jackson Sr.
Commentary
Obama’s foreign policy has moved us toward reason (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—As Barack Obama’s presidency counts down its last months, amid the raucous babble of the Republican presidential debate, people are beginning to realize how much we will miss Obama’s leadership. He has served with dignity and grace, increasingly rare attributes in American politics. His family has exhibited the values that Americans embrace. He has brought the economy back from the freefall he inherited. Republicans, of course, scorn all things Obama, with particular emphasis on his foreign policy. They argue that he’s destroyed our nation’s credibility, gutted our military and fostered the spread of terror. The din covers the emptiness of the argument. In reality, Obama’s foreign policy will be remembered as making a start toward reason. His record, of course, is complex. The president has enjoyed some remarkable successes —taking out Osama bin Laden, traducing alQaida, the nuclear deal with Iran, normalization of relations with Cuba (and thus with other neighbors across the hemisphere). He’s also met with frustrations as well. He was unable to extract us from Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Syria and Libya. He failed to close Guantanamo. He’s also asserted, dangerously, unprecedented executive prerogatives in the use of drones, assassination, the hunting of whistle-blowers, mass surveillance and more. But Obama’s biggest legacy is his effort to turn America away from the interventionist appetites of both the neo-conservatives and the “indispensable nation” liberal activists. In a remarkable set of interviews with Jeffry Goldberg in the Atlantic, Obama argues that while the United States must lead, it cannot police the world. We must be both “hardheaded” and “big hearted.” We have to be clear about our real security concerns, learn to pick our spots, and not allow ourselves to be dragged into every civil war or humanitarian crisis. The president is clear—and clearly right— on the priority of threats facing the U.S. Despite the popular terrors about terror, he understands that the Islamic State is not an existential threat to the U.S. In contrast, climate change potentially threatens the world if we don’t act to counter it. Similarly, the president argues that the Middle East is no longer terribly important to U.S. interests, particularly with our increasing energy independence. The U.S.China relationship, in contrast, is the “most critical.” Sustaining a peaceful rise of China that will make it a partner in securing international order is far more important to our security than all of the civil wars in the Middle East. Obama believes, against the clamor of an interventionist foreign policy establishment, that overextension in the Middle East is far more destructive than restraint in the region. As his adviser Ben Rhodes summarizes, the president’s view is that “overextension in the Middle East will ultimately harm our economy, harm our ability to look for other opportunities and to deal with other challenges, and, most important, endanger the lives of American service members for reasons that are not in the direct American national-security interest.” According to Goldberg, Obama also has a common sense position about Putin. He sees Russia as weak, but understands that it has direct security concerns about Ukraine and Georgia on its border. That fact is, as Obama says, the U.S. is not going to war over Ukraine. Russia is prepared to do that. “People respond to what their imperatives are, and if it’s very important to somebody and it’s not that important to us, they know that and we know that.” Mexico has had to learn to live with the United States; Ukraine similarly has to learn to live with Russia. This sounds like common sense, but it challenges the consensus of the foreign policy establishment that believes the U.S. is the only superpower and can “win,” as Donald Trump would say, simply by flexing its muscles. But of course they argue, we must be prepared to maintain credibility and strike if someone calls our bluff. Obama clearly understands the dangers of this posture. Obama has made mistakes, as any president does. But he has come to understand the limits of U.S. power to direct global events, even as he realizes the importance of U.S. leadership to force global action. He calls on us to understand our limits and to set real priorities. He does this in the face of a national security state that is permanently engaged across the world, in the face of liberal and conservative interventionists who scorn common sense as weakness, and in the face of allies who are happy to have the U.S. carry the load. Listen to the posturing and the bloviating of the Republican contenders for the presidency. Listen to the drone of the think tankers and academics calling for escalation without thinking of consequences. It doesn’t take long to realize that how much we should value the first steps that President Obama has taken toward reason. (Jesse L. Jackson Sr. is founder and president of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You can keep up with his work at www.rainbowpush.org)
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MARCH 23-29, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
New Pittsburgh Courier
‘Does My Opinion Matter poetry showcase B4
LIFESTYLES
Preacher Appreciation B2
Church hosts
MARCH 23-29, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report Delta’s create Easter baskets At this time many parents and people who just like to make Easter Baskets are busy right now creating a basket. I have already made four for friends and family. We’ll talk about those later. On a recent Monday evening members of Delta Sigma Theta gathered at the Martin Luther King Elementary School on the North Side of Pittsburgh and put together 27 Easter dinner baskets for deserving families. Imogene Hines of Delta Sigma Theta said DST realized that there is much attention given to candy and sweets so we pledged to address hunger deficit in Black families by offering a full family meal instead. We hope that others will follow our lead and adopt other families in need at local schools. We addressed the hunger issue twice in 2015, once with Easter Dinners and once with the holiday Turkey Dinners. We will have mac and cheese, green beans, sweet potatoes, instant mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, jiffy corn bread, yellow cake mix, chocolate frosting, and a coupon for $15 to buy their choice of turkey, ham, or chicken. Each bag will have a card from our sorority. We thought it would be easier for those catching public transportation to have a bag instead of a heavy box. The history of the Easter basket is an interesting one. The use of Easter baskets developed from the more modern symbolism of Christianity. Christians celebrate Easter because it signifies Christ’s resurrection. Lent, which lasts for 40 days before Easter, begins the day after Fat Tuesday, which is a festive day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, many Christians sacrifice the consumption of food and other items until Easter. The tradition of feasting on a large Easter meal symbolizes the end of Lenten fasting. In earlier times, this Easter feast was brought in large baskets to church to be blessed by priests. Thereby, the link between a religious holiday and Easter treats was formed. The blessing of the contemporary Easter basket in Catholic churches today is similar to the ancient Jews who brought in their first seedlings for a temple blessing. Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will be hosting their Regional Conference in August here in Pittsburgh. Social Service is one of their program thrusts. DST teamed with the School Social Worker and Principal of Martin Luther King Elementary on the North Side to identify and deliver the gift of Easter Dinner Baskets to 27 families. Now back to my baskets. I can write about it now because my family will not see this story since they live out of town. Everyone in my immediate family gets a basket. Oh I feel like Oprah. You get a basket and you get a basket. My great nephew gets a dinosaur basket with candy and toys and a pair of sunglasses. I have a basketball basket for my brother in law complete with golf balls and coffee mugs from his hometown. I love what the Deltas’ did for over two-dozen families, that is what the holidays should be about. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
The grand opening of Hotel Indigo
CAN YOU GUESS WHICH FLOOR?—Fourth floor hallway at Hotel Indigo
NEED TO MAKE A CALL?—Lobby house phone area
by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer
Don’t you wish that you could get a sneak peak of a hotel room before you check
CHANGE MAKERS—Blyden Terry, Nigel Parkinson and Mayor Bill Peduto
IN FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA—Kyndall Douglas and Eugene Profit
ENJOYING THE GRAND OPENING—Barbara Utterback and David Motley (owner representative)
WELCOME TO THE GOVERNOR’S SUITE—Patrick Wozniak
in? Many hotels would tell you that is why we have a website. On March 3, Hotel Indigo, one of Pittsburgh’s newest boutique hotels pulled back the covers and invited hundreds of guests to see what the Highland Avenue location is all about. Guests were given a punch card that entered them into a contest for a trip. As they made visits to the various rooms Hotel Indigo staff members punched their cards. The crown jewel of Hotel Indigo is the Governors Suite complete with living and dining areas, a walk in closet and a spa like bathroom that would make anyone swoon. The rooms are full of décor and design touches that showcase the theatre and entertainment heritage of East Liberty. After the tour Nigel Parkinson, Hotel Indigo, owner/developer and general contractor and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto spoke about the building of the hotel from the ground breaking to present. The project took nearly a decade to complete. They recognized some of those who made the hotel possible including Blyden Terry.
Hotel Indigo is an IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group) property and is lo-
cated at 123 North Highland Avenue in the heart of East Liberty.
WE HOPE WE WIN—Sidney and Edwina Kaikai
SHARING A WORD AT THE RECEPTION—Nigel Parkinson and Stephanie Turman
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RELIGION
MARCH 23-29, 2016
Praise & Worship HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8787
“Be Encouraged”
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Hill District Church hosts Preacher Appreciation Service
Elder Christopher C. Thompson Power Hour Sabbath...............8:15 A.M. Sabbath School........................9:00 A.M. Divine Worship......................11:00 A.M. AYS One Hour Before Sunset Prayer Meeting Wednesday......7:30 P.M.
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & Noon Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) Noon www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School Worship Service Wednesday Night Bible Study
PROCLAMATION—Pastor Andrew V. Jackson, left, receives a proclamation from Ralph P. Watson representing City Councilman Daniel Lavelle. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
THE JACKSONS ENJOY THE MOMENT—Rev. Helen Jackson and Rev. Andrew V. Jackson, pastor of Webster Avenue Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in the Hill District, thank the congregation for the special day of appreciation as well as guest pastors and congregations.
9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship.......11 a.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature
our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com
PASTOR WILLIAM CALLOWAY of Mt. Olive in Clairton preached PASTOR GEORGE WOODRUFF Word. of Mt. Caramel Baptist Church.
THE MT. OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR
Black Churches help fight prostate cancer BOSTON, Mass. (BlackNews.com)—The Prostate Health Education Network nnounced that it credits its partnership with Black churches for helping to make important progress in the fight against prostate cancer within Black America. Over the past 12 years, the overall death rate for prostate cancer has dropped by 40 percent, and declined at a rate 6 percent faster for Black men than for White men, according to government statistics. PHEN’s
mission is to eliminate the African American prostate cancer disparity and partnering with churches is a key part of its strategy. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer for men in the U. S., and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, following lung cancer. However, within Black America the incidence rate is 60 percent higher and death rate 130 percent higher than for white men, making this the largest racial disparity for
any type of major cancer among men or women. “Some of our most effective educational outreach efforts are in partnership with churches, and we are anxious to accelerate this success by expanding our church partnerships in 2016, the need for more progress within Black America remains urgent,” said Thomas A. Farrington, PHEN president and founder. “We host a prostate cancer educational symposium with PHEN each year that is growing in attendance,” said Bishop Robert Jackson, Pastor, Acts Full Gospel in Oakland, CA. “This event is a tremendous success and helps to increase prostate cancer knowledge and also provides free prostate cancer screening to the community.” PHEN offers churches a number of ways to partner, including: •PHEN’s 8th Annual Father’s Day Rally is a prostate cancer awareness campaign, to be held in churches nationwide, on June 19, 2016. •PHEN’s 4th Annual Educational Symposium Series is held in partnership with a number of churches from April through September of this year. •Partnerships For Education, Support and Outreach is a new PHEN initiative launched this year, to provide churches with the capability to host monthly prostate health educational meetings. All of these initiatives are FREE and open to the public, at no cost to churches who partner with PHEN. Twelfth Baptist Church, located in Boston, MA has been a PHEN church partner since 2008, “We have helped to raise awareness through hosting the PHEN
Father’s Day Rally and two highly successful educational symposiums,” said Rev. Dr. Arthur Gerald Jr., Pastor. “These events help to spread prostate health knowledge within our congregation and community.” “St. Paul’s has made great progress in raising prostate health awareness and knowledge as a PHEN partner with the Father’s Day Rally and educational symposiums, and we are looking forward to launching a PESO this year,” said Rev. Dr. Lance Watson, Pastor of The St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. “I know the tremendous blessings that knowledge provides when facing prostate cancer, because this is my testimony!” said Farrington, a 16-year prostate cancer survivor. “We pray for more church partnerships to help PHEN bring these same blessings to even more congregations and communities and to eventually eliminate the prostate cancer disparity.” Churches can find more information about PHEN partnership opportunities and register to join on PHEN’s website at www. rapcancer.org (About PHEN—The Prostate Health Education Network is the nation’s leading patient education and advocacy organization addressing the prostate health needs of Black America where men are diagnosed at a rate 60 percent higher and die at a rate 130 percent higher than white men. PHEN monthly support group meetings have been held at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA since its founding in 2003. Based in Quincy, Mass., PHEN, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, an was founded by Thomas A. Farrington, a prostate cancer survivor. PHEN Initiatives include monthly live educational webcasts, the Annual Father’s
Day Rally, educational symposiums with church partners, and the Annual African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit in Washington, DC. For more information, visit PHEN’s website at www.prostatehealthed.org.)
Church Circuit Friendship Luncheon
MARCH 26—New Birth Baptist Church, 406 W. Grant St., Duquesne, will host its Friendship Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Every last Saturday of the month, members of New Birth invite the community from the tri-state area to a delicious lunch, a clothing giveaway for the needy and an enlightening discussion. For more information, call 412-466-2229.
Usher and Missionary Day
APRIL 10—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth Street, Sewickley, will hold its annual Usher and Missionary Day with friends and family on Sunday April 10th at10:45am. Pastor Travis C.Coon will bring forth the word. The theme this year is “Serve Him” taken from 1st Samuel 12:24. All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the service of our ushers and missionaries and their dedication to God’s work. Dinner will be served immediately following service. (To have items listed on the Church Circuit, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier. com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
IMANI BROWNING from the North Side showing off her dress. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
AALIYAH BAILEY checking out a dress.
PROM DRESSES OF ALL SHADES AND SHAPES
PEOPLE
PITTSBURGH—The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) annual Project Prom giveaway of prom attire to eligible high school students began with the gown giveaway kickoff on March 5, at the Project Prom Shop in Century III Mall, West Mifflin. The gown giveaway continues March 7 through 11 and March 15 through 17. An assortment of free, beautiful gowns of all colors and styles were distributed to teens that meet the eligibility requirements. The teens had plenty of options in brand new and gently used prom gowns. There were also a selection of accessories, such as purses and jewelry, to accompany the gowns. Volunteers were available to assist during the shopping experience. To be eligible, high school students had to live in Allegheny County and meet one of the following requirements: •Receive services through child welfare, or mental health or intellectual disability services, or receive substance use disorder (drug & alcohol) treatment; •Live in a homeless shelter or transitional or bridge housing program. They may also be eligible if they or a household member: •Received food assistance from a food pantry or utility assistance; •Received or is eligible to receive free or reduced-price school lunches; •Received unemployment benefits; •Is in military active duty or a veteran. Additional Project Prom events: The first Project Prom Primping Pajama Party is a prom and beauty demonstration fair to help participants look and feel their best for prom. The party included a complimentary catered brunch and a refresher course with a certified etiquette coach. Participants will also get first access to the selection of prom gowns on a special day before the gown giveaway started. Preregistration was required. The annual Project Prom for Gentlemen event is a free catered dinner to teach teens proper etiquette in formal situations and is open to eligible guests. The teens also received a certificate for a free tux rental. Check with guidance counselor or caseworker for registration information. Preregistration is required. The Allegheny County Department of Human Services will hold a sale of formal dresses on Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Project Prom Shop, located on the third floor of Century III Mall. The public will have the opportunity to purchase formalwear and accessories at a fraction of the retail price and help support Project Prom and Project Prom for Gentleman. The dresses, priced at or below $25, have been carefully screened to ensure that each is clean and undamaged. The gowns are available through the generosity of retail establishments and individual donations.
CAN’T FORGET THE SHOES
MODELING—Lashawnda Rorster, Aaliyah Bailey and Indyha Fielder show off their dresses in front of Project Prom.
MARCH 23-29, 2016
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AUDRA KAUTZ from South Park trying on a dress with mom Anita Kautz helping her decide.
LASHAWNDA RORSTER from the West End.
INDYHA FIELDER from City Charter high school.
New Pittsburgh Courier
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ENTERTAINER MARCH 23-29, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘Writing My Wrongs by Terri Schlichenmeyer
‘ Does My Opinion Matter’ – Poetry Showcase
For New Pittsburgh Courier
You can’t judge a book by its cover. Even so, we do it all the time: we see someone’s outside and think we know what’s inside. We base it on his looks, or his youthful indiscretions—things, as in the new book “Writing My Wrongs” by Shaka Senghor, that he may deeply regret. Little James White wanted to be a doctor when he grew up. Enveloped by the love of his parents, he was secure in the idea that he could maintain his honors status and do good for people in his Detroit community. But then his parents split, reconciled, and split again; his mother took her frustrations out on him and she kicked him out of her house. Jay was just “a little boy” of 14 then, but it didn’t take long for someone to offer him a job selling cocaine at $5 a “rock.” He started
earning big money, wearing cool clothes, getting girls, smoking crack. By 17, he’d been in trouble with the law and had been given many second chances. By 18, he’d been shot in the leg and foot. By 19, he was in prison for shooting another man, killing him. In his first six weeks in County Jail, Jay saw it all: rape, robbery, beat-downs, murder. He learned the “law of the jungle” and knew that he could never let small disrespects slide. It was a whole new world, but a sentence of up to 42 years for firearm possession and murder put him in another universe. Years later, transferred to various prisons within the state and carrying a new name and a new assault charge, Senghor promised himself repeatedly that he would change, only to have it beaten back by prison life and the deep anger and guilt he carried. Finally, mid-way through a four-and-a-half year stint in ad-seg, he “took a long and painful look” at himself and equipped his cell “like a classroom,” reconnecting with the Black history he loved and the religious studies he craved. “But the real changes,” he says, “came when I started keeping a journal.” I’m glad he did that. You will be, too, once you’ve started “Writing My Wrongs,” but don’t think for a minute that this is an easy book to read. One expects passages of brutality in a book about prison, but author Shaka Senghor takes it a step beyond, to something of nightmares or movies. That he was moved from prison to prison makes the chaos even keener; prisoners, says Senghor, sometimes lose track of time and readers could be forgiven for the same. Enter the maelstrom from the safety of your sofa, in fact, and the ending of this book— Senghor’s hard-won redemption and afterlife—will remind you that you’ve been holding your breath awhile. (“Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison” by Shaka Senghor, c.2016, Convergent Books, $26/$35 Canada, 269 pages.)
by Paige Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
Fredric “Fu” Underwood III brought his “Does My Opinion Count” Poetry Showcase to the city recently, where many gathered at the Kelly Strayhorn Theatre to witness different forms of art unfold. “I have to say thank you; from the heart and through the soul,” Underwood said. “Everybody’s opinion does count, it’s about who you voice your opinion to and when. Everything comes into play and I’m learning to listen to these opinions more and more. So I thank you!” Twenty-four different poets graced the stage, allowing their lyrical talent to fill the ears of those who were in the audience. The participating poets were: Cam, Blaire, Josh, Mario, Shayla, Robert, Dev Swayn, Raediah, Mike Smalls, Kierra Walker, Gerald Brooks, Imani Jai, Khalil, Allie Rose, Dewey Markie, Z Bey Da Poet, Leon Ford, Gracie Tha Elixir, Terrel Milliner, Jihad Da Kon Scion, Jas Jones, Jay Oriola, and Fredric “Fu” Underwood. State Rep. Ed Gainey took to the stage during intermission to encourage the youth to get involved and register to vote for the upcoming election. Gerald “Grindware” Brooks delivered a heartfelt poem about life as a Black man from Wilkinsburg, being a father, professional athlete, and motivational speaker. Imani Jai sang a song that she wrote. Poet Jas Jones delivered a poem entitled, “Why I don’t watch the news” because she doesn’t enjoy seeing the daily reports of shootings, killings, and young lives being taken. Topics throughout the evening ranged from love to politics
JOSH ABAH
to social media to different personal life circumstances. “I was so nervous about performing tonight, but I enjoyed being a part of this project and I’m pleased with how my performance turned out,” Jas Jones said, “Not only is Fu my frat brother, but he’s truly a brother to me and I support anything and everything he does without hesitation. This poetry showcase was amazing, and I thank him for bringing his vision to life,” poet Gerald Brooks said. Art was not only delivered on stage, but art work filled
the venue. While paintings were given away, and available for purchase from Chantel Peterson, PBJ Customs, Grits, and others. “I honestly cannot thank everybody enough for the helping hands. Family, Friends, ALL the Artist, Cam Chambers and the band, Robert James,” Underwood said. Cam Chambers and the band performed during intermission and throughout the event. “My most memorable moment of the night was the reaction to the people when I was silenced on
FREDERIC UNDERWOOD “FU” organizer performing his piece.
‘BLAIRE’
GERALD ‘GRINDWARE’ BROOKS
stage! Because it’s a feeling I have never had before and they were accepting my thank yous before I could thank them. I did most of the legwork myself, putting this together, but my friends helped where they could and my father was a big sponsor for the event. Cam Chambers put the band together. Also my relationship with Kelly Strayhorn Theater,” Underwood said. “This has been my second time attending one of Fred’s productions, and I must say they are getting better and better. Congrats on a great event and I hope there will be more shows to come,” crowd participant Donneisha Brown said.
ROBERT TIMMONS
SHAYLA ‘MS. SHAY’
MIKE SMALLS
DEV ‘NERD BOY’ SWAYN
KIERRA ‘FLAWLESSANNE’ WALKER
‘MARIO’
ALL THE ARTISTS ON STAGE (Photos by J. L.Martello)
‘Why Are They Angry With Us? Essay on Race’
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ARTS & CULTURE
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Tackles issues of race, racism through personal experience by Genea L. Webb
and how their coloration affected them within the family and in the public arena. “The problem in thinking about the racial identity of people with African heritage lies, to a significant degree, with the term Black. As a racial classification, Black suggests racial and ethnic homogeneity,” writes Davis. “In fact, Blacks are now, and for hundreds of years have been, a multiracial, multiethnic people. In this sense, Blacks are like Puerto Ricans or Dominicans, which is why the term African American is a better term to describe these American Black people. “It is more encompassing and refers to people in
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Personal antidotes, numbers, theory and professional jargon are combined in a compelling way to talk about the often touchy subject of race in Larry E. Davis’ book “Why Are They Angry With Us? Essays on Race.” The eight-chapter, 134page tome addresses the questions and conflicts about race in America that have plagued our country from the days of Jim Crow through the battle for Civil Rights and today. The collection relates racial incidents and observations to address the deep misunderstandings our country holds about race and attempts to explain the workings of race and racism in America. The essays attack the core of many commonly held attitudes, which contribute to racism in America. “I wrote it in a way so people can know why things happened and why the world works the way that it does,” said Davis. “I wanted the average person to read it. I wanted women’s groups to read it. It’s a bit of a hybrid because it’s a little academic because it has theories in it and at the same time it’s written in first person and tells stories.” Davis grew up in Saginaw, Michigan and received his PhD in social work and psychology from the University of Michigan. He worked as a faculty member at Washington University in St. Louis before joining the staff of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. He currently serves as the Dean of Pitt’s school of social work where he is the Donald M. Henderson professor. Davis is also the director and founder of the Center on Race and Social Work, which conducts applied social science research on race, ethnicity and color. He is also the proud father of two sons. His professional interests include interracial group dynamics; the impact of race, gender and class on
DEAN LARRY DAVIS holding his book. (Photos by J.L. Martello) burgh chancellor, Mark A, Nordenberg purchased 25 copies. “It’s not just a good book, it’s a good book with a good chance of having some real impact. That is why I wanted to make a small contribution to giving the book legs by giving it to 25 people that I am quite sure are going to talk about it,” Nordenberg wrote in a letter to Davis. “I’ve gotten some wonderful reviews from people,” Davis said. “The response has been wonderful. The book is selling and it’s exceeding my expectations for it.” As a result, Davis has
traveled across the country speaking about the book and race. He has spoken at various colleges and universities including Norfolk State, NYU, the University of Michigan and many others. Written in a conversational tone the book grabs the reader from the introduction where Davis’ mother, a fair-skinned Black woman, who was on her way to Montgomery with Davis and his siblings to visit her mother, was told by the train conductor that she would have to leave the Negro children in the Colored section of the train and
WORTH THE WAIT—People line up to get Dean Larry Davis’ book signed. interpersonal interactions; African-American family formation; and academic achievement of youth. Some of his publications have been in the Journal of Adolescent Research, Social Work, Journal of Applied Social Psychology and the Journal of Black Psychology among others. He has written, edited or co-authored six books. The celebrated professor spent the better part of a decade crafting “Why Are They Angry With Us? Essays On Race,” which was published by Chicago-based Lyceum Books, Inc. “It has taken me a long time to complete this volume in part because of its personal nature. Some of the stories mentioned in this volume bring back memories that were not always pleasant. But at the same time it helped conjure up things that I have not thought about since childhood,” Davis said. The book has been received well by both the academic and general public. Former University of Pitts-
move to the Whites only section. Davis’ mother told the conductor that she was Negro and that the children were her own. The conductor punched the family’s tickets and tended to the other passengers on the train. The final exposition tackles the subject of racial identity for bi-racial people
America who look to have African ancestry and to those who, as was the case for my mom self-identify as being Black,” Davis continued. “We must encourage those who are of African mixed-racial ancestry to recognize and appreciate their racial/ethnic history. This is particularly true for parents of Black mixed-race children. They need to understand that, in America, if their child’s skin color identifies them as having African ancestry, they will be perceived and treated by others as belonging to the African American group.” (For more information on or to purchase “Why Are They Angry With Us? Essays on Race,” visit www.lyceumbooks.com.)
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MARCH 23-29, 2016
Keeys becomes first RMU Institute Scholar
PITTSBURGH—Sophomore Nolen Keeys, a biomedical engineering major, is the first Robert Morris University student to be named an Institute Scholar by the highly selective Institute for Responsible Citizenship in Washington, D.C. From hundreds of applicants each year, the Institute chooses only 12 of the most talented African American male college students from across the United States to participate in its intensive Washington Program, which takes place over two consecutive summers. The program includes internships in each scholar’s field of study; a seminar in constitutional and economic principles; private meetings with government and corporate leaders; and
NOLEN KEEYS the opportunity to be mentors to high school students enrolled in the institute’s Youth Scholars Academy. This summer’s session runs from May 29 to July 23. “When I applied, I didn’t realize that only 12 people were going to be selected. I am ecstatic. I’ve put a lot of hard work into studying, making sure I maintain a high GPA and building a strong resume. I can now see my career and my future starting to take shape,” said Keeys, a native of Temple Hills, Md., and a graduate of Bishop McNamara High School. Among the other institutions represented in the institute’s Class of 2017 are Princeton University, the University of Chicago, the University of Southern California, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Alumni of the institute for Responsible Citizenship include seven graduates of Harvard Law School, two Rhodes Scholars, two Fulbright Schools, six graduates of Yale Divinity School, two Ph.D.’s, and a U.S. Army captain, to name just a few. “Nolen is about to embark on a miraculous journey, and we could not be prouder of him at Robert Morris University. This is an extraordinary achievement for Nolen and it speaks highly of RMU. We are breathing rarified air,” said RMU President Chris Howard. Keeys’ distinction is particularly gratifying for Howard, who has now sent four students to the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, including from the previous schools where he served—first at the University of Oklahoma, where he was vice president for leadership and strategic initiatives, and then at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he was president. The Institute for Responsible Citizenship aims to inspire and prepare the nation’s best and brightest African American men to use their talents to serve others. Founded in 2003, the Institute now claims more than 150 scholars and alumni. “Nolen appears to be exactly the kind of young man that the Institute was created to serve. He is brilliant yet humble. And he is driven to be successful for reasons that are noble. He will gain a great deal from his participation in the Institute and he will contribute a great deal as well,” said William A. Keyes, founder and president of the Institute for Responsible Citi-
zenship. Keyes added, “I am thrilled to have our first student from Robert Morris, especially now that RMU has Chris Howard at the helm. There is no college president I admire more than Dr. Howard.” Howard took office at RMU on Feb. 1, and he soon asked his new colleagues to seek out students to apply to be an Institute scholar. It was RMU Provost David Jamison who encouraged Keeys to apply, having met him in October when Keeys was inducted into the National Society for Collegiate Scholars and Jamison was serving as interim president. “Nolen has an exceptional academic record and a thoughtful, determined approach to meeting his goals. He already has a dignified, professional demeanor that will mark him as the best sort of representative for Robert Morris University,” said Jamison. Keeys has a 3.9 GPA and plans to attend medical school and become an orthopedic surgeon. He is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and a peer tutor at RMU, and he also has played intramural basketball and football. Keeys volunteers at the Veterans Administration hospital near his hometown. He is the son of Christopher and Sabrina Keeys. Keeys said that among his many mentors at RMU he has been closest to Chet Thompson, an academic advisor and co-director of the Black Male Leadership Development Institute. “One of the things that really strikes me about Nolen is that he is very ambitious. He knows what he wants.
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He’s very direct and purposeful. He’s very knowledgeable about his career path and what it takes. I’m very honored that he named me as one of his mentors,” said Thompson. Keeys’ achievements demonstrate RMU’s commitment to providing opportunity and excellence to students of all backgrounds, said Yasmin Purohit, chief diversity and inclusion officer at Robert Morris. “Nolen Keeys’ selection as an Institute scholar by the Institute for Responsible Citizenship is yet another example of RMU’s current upward trajectory and momentum. Nolen’s extraordinary skills and dedication, coupled with RMU’s support, is testimony that RMU is ready to make its mark at organizations of excellence such as the Institute for Responsible Cit- FLYING HIGH—A student going up high for the rebound in the game between police and East End high school students. izenship,” said Purohit.
HELPING BETTER RELATIONS—As a part of building better relations between Pittsburgh police and the Black community, the bureau sponsored a basketball game between East End residents and officers serving those neighborhoods. The occasion was an effort to allow, the police officers and residents of all ages to get to know each other personally. Above, several pose together. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
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Be afraid, be very Mayor Peduto afraid of the IRS pushes access at
by Constant Watson III For New Pittsburgh Courier
When it comes to taxes you owe, the Internal Revenue Service has a way of ruining all aspects of your life. And as time goes by, the IRS adds salt to your wounds by adding penalties to what you already owe. It’s like the meter in a taxicab; the counter keeps going, adding more and more chanrges to that IRS debt, even when you are standing still. Many times the penalties and interest end up being more than what you actually owe the IRS. However, understanding the relentless measures the IRS takes to collect penalties—and having the right experts on your side—can help you avoid the traps that can drastically impact the way you and your family live. You may be asking yourself this question—“If I can’t afford to pay my taxes in the first place, why do they keep adding penalties?” The IRS can have a lot of power over you and can do a lot to make your life miserable. They can freeze your bank accounts and can seize all the money you have in them. They can also garnish your wages, taking as much as 75 percent of your net paycheck. Can you live on 25 percent of your net pay? The IRS thinks and expects that you can. But, in addition to slapping bank levies and wage garnishments on you, they can put a lien on your
house, making it nearly impossible to borrow against it to pay the IRS off. And if you sell your house, the IRS gets their money first from any equity you have. Federal tax liens prevent you from borrowing any money, except for those high-charging payday loans. An IRS lien makes it harder to rent an apartment, get a car, and obtain any kind of credit. It can even jeopardize your job. And believe it or not, the IRS even has the authority to just show up and knock on your door. Make no mistake—the IRS is the most brutal collection agency on the planet. To put it simply, the government wants its money, and they want it now. They are the only creditor in the world that doesn’t need a court order to take your “stuff.” And they have a lot of leverage to do whatever they want. They can take your personal property, including your car, real estate, motorcycles, jet skis, snowmobiles, boats, jewelry, IRAs, 401Ks, and the list goes on. If you owe them, they will collect. And they are not going to go away. So how do you solve the problem? The only professionals who can represent you before the IRS are: Attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents. That’s it. However, you shouldn’t jut go to anyone to handle your IRS tax problem. It makes sense to go to a
PowerBreakfast by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Noting it has been 200 years since Pittsboro was officially incorporated into a city and renamed Pittsburgh, and that what once was the gateway to the West for pioneers is perhaps becoming the gateway to the future for pioneers in driverless cars and trafficflow management, Mayor Bill Peduto said 25 percent of the city’s population has no access to that future—and that needs to change. “We have Uber working with CMU to develop autonomous cars, Google doubling its employees, Apple doubling its footprint. We have Tata Steel from India, and Taiwan’s version of GE looking to perhaps locate here. That’s a lot of opportunity,” he told the African American Chamber of Commerce PowerBreakfast audience March18. “But 25 percent of the city has no connection to that, because we are divided by zip codes.” Peduto said the city’s Black youth need to be connected to the kind of training that will let them compete for the increasingly tech-based jobs the city is nurturing, and thanks to a recent meeting at the White House, he may have a way to help do that. “Through Citiparks, we would use our rec centers for an initiative called ‘rec to tech’ where we would get kids— during that dangerous window from after school to evening—and teach them coding, programming and related job readiness skills so they can do this work,” he said. “Someone has to build out this system. It should be people from right here.” There are nonprofits already engaged in this kind of work in the Black community, he said, and he is looking to meet with them about plugging
right in to the new program. Peduto said he is also working on another issue that could a l l o w more lowand moderate-income families stay in the city and take advantage of these opportunities when housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable. “ T h e g o o d news is w e MAYOR BILL PEDUTO aren’t S a n given African American businesses Francisco, or Seattle, or New York City— any access,” she said. not yet. We can get ahead of this,” he said. Peduto said representatives from “What we are working on is finding a building trades and carpenters’ union way to develop a program with HUD had complained to him about the same and our housing authority and the thing, and suggested a possible, partial URA where we can use our abandoned solution based on the contract letting and tax delinquent properties with and monitoring system already being Section 8 vouchers, essentially letting used to notify vendors, suppliers and families fix up these properties and contractors of all bids being issued by turning the vouchers into equity. So at every city department and authority. the end of the day, they come out as “We could potentially expand that to homeowners.” include notifications for bids going out He said he is also looking to find a by private developers (because the way to give MWDBE’s priority on oc- plans would require zoning or plancupying the available business space ning approval),” he said. “If they aren’t under Mellon Park on Smithfield looking for any city assistance, there’s Street. not much we can do. But if they want Chamber President and CEO Doris some contribution in, say, infrastrucCarson Williams asked if Peduto could ture improvements, we could then reassist her members in gaining access quire them to do a percentage of busito some of those new firms expanding ness with local MWDBEs.” in Pittsburgh. (Send comments to cmorrow@“Neither Google nor Disney have newpittsburghcourier.com.)
Deductions you can take even if you don’t itemize SEE AFRAID C2
The IRS allows certain deductions from your income before you need to compute your tax liability. Depending upon your filing status and your personal circumstances over the past year, you need to determine if you are going to itemize your deductions or take what the IRS defines as the “standard deduction.” This standard deduction is a dollar amount that non-itemizers may subtract from their income based upon their filing status: single ($6,300), married filing jointly ($12,600), married filing separately ($6,300), head of household ($9,250), and qualifying surviving spouse ($12,600). Taxpayers who are at least 65 or who are blind may increase their standard deduction by $1,250 if they are married and $1,550 if they are single or a head of a household. The IRS provides an online tool to help you compute your standard deduction. Taxpayers opting for the standard deduction, however, do have additional considerations available to them for reducing their tax bill that are known as “above-the-line”
deductions. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers the following information about these deductions. Student loan interest The first $2,500 of interest on a loan used solely to pay qualified education expenses for a student enrolled more than half-time in a graduate or undergraduate degree program qualifies as an above the line deduction. The ability to deduct this interest phases out as adjusted gross income exceeds $65,000 for single filers and $130,000 for married filing jointly filers. Alimony expenses Alimony payments made as a result of divorce decree or written separation agreement are deductible as long as the recipient’s Social Security number is provided. One half of self-employment tax Sole proprietors and some general partners must pay both the employer and employee halves of the Social Security and Medicare tax on their self-employment
earnings. They may then deduct one half of this tax as an above-the-line deduction. Retirement plan contributions Eligible contributions to a regular IRA (Roth IRA contributions do not qualify), a self-employed pension plan, SIMPLE IRAs by a nonemployee taxpayer, and other qualified plans may be above-the-line deductions. Each plan has its own set of rules for how much may be contributed to the plan and whether or not certain deduction phase-out rules apply. Health savings account contributions Taxpayer payments into high-deductible health insurance plans are deductible above the line. The deductible limits are $3,350 for single coverage and $6,650 for a family plan. Taxpayers over 55 may increase the contribution limit by $1,000. Moving expenses The cost of moving household goods due to a new job are deductible above the line as long as the new place of work is at least 50 miles
farther from the taxpayer’s old residence than the old residence was from the taxpayer’s old workplace. Travel expenses for one trip to the new address as well as certain short term storage costs also qualify for the deduction. Early withdrawal penalties Any penalty for withdrawing money from a certificate of deposit or savings account before the maturity date is an above-theline deduction. Health insurance for the self-employed Sole proprietors, certain general partners, and more than 2 percent shareholders in S Corporations may deduct their health insurance premiums above the line. The deduction may not exceed the taxpayer’s selfemployment income less the other above the line deductions for retirement plans and one half of their self-employment tax. Taxes can be complicated. For more resources on this topic or to find a CPA in Pennsylvania by location or area of expertise, visit www.picpa.org/taxhelp.
Veterans and consumers of color often targets of fraud (NNPA)—Although the former Corinthian Colleges, once one of the nation’s largest for-profit colleges, closed its doors last year, many of the problems incurred by its former students persist. The now-defunct college is the only questionable actor among for-profit colleges. To date, investigations, and lawsuits have focused on a growing list of other for-profit schools and colleges including but not limited to Computer Systems Institutes, DeVry University, ITT Tech, Marinello Schools of Beauty and Trump University. With tuition costs higher than many public colleges and universities, many for-profit college students are financially forced to take on private student loan debt at interest rates that exceed those of federal student loans. Others are advised to add related charges to credit card accounts. One of the worst financial abuses perpetrated are against the men and women who sought to successfully transition from military to civilian life. Many veterans enrolled and even graduated from for-profit institutions, like Corinthian, but now find there are three strikes against them: the promised better careers and high earnings never materialized, and thirdly, educational benefits that underwrote a portion of the so-called educational cost have now been suspended. In response, eight state Attorneys General have challenged the Department of Veter-
to 90 percent of ans Affairs (VA) to their annual rev“restore the educa- Charlene Crowell enues from Title IV. tional and vocaVR&E assistance is tional rehabilitation not included as part benefits that thouof Title IV. If both sands of veterans Title IV funds— are deprived of due which also include to misleading adPell Grants—are vertising, or enrollcombined with ment practices of VR&E benefits, taxpredatory institutions, such as Corinthian Colleges, Inc.” payers are almost completely funding forThese Attorneys General (AGs) represent profit enterprises. “[T]he VA’s decision to provide funds to the states of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Mex- Corinthian for student veterans’ attendance at these programs should be deemed ico, Oregon and Washington. “Most of the student relief flowing from an administrative error,” said the AGs. enforcement actions against predatory edu- “This administrative error deprived stucational institutions has, however, per- dent veterans of their right to use their tained to student loans—not the hard- benefits at an institution that was free of earned benefits of our nation’s veterans,” erroneous, deceptive, and misleading advertising, sales, and enrollment practices.” wrote the AGs. Two taxpayer funded programs, the PostFor the Federal Trade Commission, the 9/11 G.I. Bill and the Vocational Rehabilita- apparent lack of actual benefits derived tion and Employment (VR&E) program are from enrollment at DeVry are at the heart at the heart of the AGs’ concerns. G.I. Bill of a lawsuit filed in late January. Its combenefits, funded by Title IV federal student plaint charges that one of DeVry’s key aid, provide up to $21,084 per year for tu- claims was deceptive—that its graduates ition; additional funding covers housing, had 15 percent higher incomes one year folbooks and supplies. VR&E benefits are lowing graduation. FTC also cited how awarded for service-related disabilities that DeVry promised that its graduates would can include job training and education, work- find jobs in their fields of study and would place accommodations and career coaching. earn more than those graduating with Legally, for-profit colleges may receive up bachelor’s degrees from other colleges or
Commentary
universities. In most cases, these promises never materialized. On March 10, according to FTC, DeVry filed a motion to have the case dismissed. On May 2, a hearing will be held to hear oral arguments from both sides. “Millions of Americans look to higher education for training that will lead to meaningful employment and good pay,” said FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. “Educational institutions like DeVry owe prospective students the truth about their graduates’ success finding employment in their field of study and the income they can earn.” In at least one case, ‘university’ was used in the name of a for-profit enterprise even though it lacked a required state charter to do so. According to New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, between 2005 and 2011, Trump University operated as an unlicensed educational institute that promised to teach real estate investment techniques. The office’s investigation revealed that participating consumers paid up to $1,495 for a three-day seminar. While in attendance, they did not receive the real estate training promised but were encouraged to sign-up for programs ranging in costs from $10,000 to $35,000. In 2005, the New York State Education Department advised the enterprise of its state law violation. The enterprise’s name SEE TARGETS C2
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Julia Wilson receives Outstanding Alumna Award from USC Alumni Association by Roz Edward National Content Director
The University of Southern California Black Alumni Association awarded Julia Wilson, CEO and founder of Wilson Global Communications, headquartered in Washington, D.C., with the 2016 Outstanding Alumna Award on Thursday, March 10, at the association’s 40th anniversary and scholarship benefit at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey. USC President C.L. Max Nikias gave remarks to a capacity crowd of 450 attendees. Wilson graduated from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, and later taught journalism at USC as an adjunct professor. Wilson currently works closely with the 46 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, 42 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and education leaders in China on a sponsored educational program for underserved American students to study at Chinese universities. She is the appointed liaison representative of the China—United States Exchange Foundation. “We proudly honor the noteworthy achievements of Ms. Wilson” said Dr. Michele Turner, executive director of the USC BAA. “Her commitment to excellence in global markets aligns with those of our organization and mission, and splendidly showcase our theme this year— Legacy 360°,” Turner added. Following a video narrative of Wilson previously videotaped in Washington, D.C. that included meetings with Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, Emcees Holly and Rodney Peete introduced Wilson during the USC awards dinner for her accomplishments as a “creative leader of cross-cultural economic and educational exchanges in international markets” and presented her with the award on behalf of the USC BAA. “We live in a connected world, and after operating in the international space for more than 20 years, I am convinced more than ever before of the importance for us to participate in the global marketplace,” said Wilson as she accepted the award. She encouraged the university to continue striving for excellence and empower diverse students to compete globally. “America’s future economy is only as good as its educated
workforce,” she added. In 1994, Wilson became the first American woman to found a public relations company in the newly democratic South Africa. She later expanded Wilson Global to Ghana where she published “The Ghana Club 100,” a magazine highlighting that nation’s top 100 companies during Pres. Bill
PHONING IN?—In this Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, file photo, Apple CEO Tim Cook waves during the Apple event at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)
JULIA WILSON Clinton’s visit in 1998, copies of which were autographed by the president. Wilson also coordinated the philanthropic activities in South African townships for Prince Charles’ Prince of Wales Trust. She moved Wilson Global to our nation’s capital in 2005. In 2013, she assisted Xavier University of Louisiana in establishing the first U.S. Confucius Institute (of Chinese cultural studies) in the State of Louisiana. WGC has amassed an extensive international network of contacts, built over more than two decades, providing cross cultural consultation and expertise to organizations seeking global opportunities in education, business and civic affairs. Other awardees during the benefit included: Academy Award-nominated filmmaker John Singleton; author, educator/activist and creator of the Kwanzaa holiday Dr. Maulana Karenga; California State Assembly member Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr.; Young alumni, Deara Okonkwo and Neftalie Williams. The evening featured a keynote address by Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president of Global Corporate Responsibility for Northrop Grumman, who described the USC BAA as “life-changing and supportive” throughout her tenure at USC. She pledged her commitment to help create a similar environment for black students, and announced a donation of $400,000.00 to the USC BAA for student scholarships. USC BAA presently boasts a 100 percent graduation rate among the students they support.
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specialist in tax resolution to handle your IRS difficulties. Remember, that for every tax problem, there is a solution.
(Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist. For a free consultation, call 708-206-9900 or visit www.constantwatsoncpa.com.)
Targets of fraud CONTINUED FROM C1
was not changed until 2010. Through it all, it never received a license to operate in the state. “More than 5,000 people across the country who paid Donald Trump $40 million to teach them his hard sell tactics got a hard lesson in bait-and-switch,” said AG Schneiderman. The pending lawsuit filed in Manhattan’s New York Supreme Court, seeks full restitution for consumers defrauded of more than $40 million. A separate but similar 2010 cased filed in San Diego filed against Trump University is a second class-action lawsuit, and is scheduled for a May 6 pretrial hearing. As for the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges, recent news accounts reveal how the purchaser of the former colleges, nonprofit Zenith Education Group, has failed to correct many of the problem students continue to face. While
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ownership may have changed and enrollment dropped, other issues like allegations of fraud and mismanagement by the same people who worked under Corinthian persist. In response the Department of Education confirmed to Associated Press on March 15 that the law firm hired to monitor the college turnaround was fired and further that a replacement will be hired. Last fall the Center for Responsible Lending released research that found how high-cost, for-profit colleges make millions each year by targeting students of color. As students of color enroll more often at forprofit colleges, they are also disproportionately harmed. The quest for financial justice continues…. (Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending. org.)
Apple starts busy week with new iPhone launch by Brandon Bailey SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—Apple is kicking off a busy week: Monday the giant tech company will host reporters and analysts at its Silicon Valley headquarters for a product launch event. On Tuesday, its lawyers will square off with authorities in federal court over the FBI’s demand for help unlocking a San Bernardino killer’s encrypted iPhone. The tech giant’s dispute with the government has commanded headlines for weeks, but it may get scant mention at the company’s product event. Instead, CEO Tim Cook is expected to show off some new additions to the current family of iPhone and iPad devices at Monday’s gathering. Apple could use a lift. IPhone sales are leveling off, after surging last year to record levels that made Apple the world’s biggest company, by stock market value. And many are wondering if Cook can come up with another big hit. So far, however, there have been no hints of any dramatic announcements, such as last year’s highly anticipated Apple Watch debut, or major initiatives like the company’s long-rumored but yet-to-materialize streaming TV service. And even though Cook has been outspoken about his opposition to a judge’s order compelling Apple to write software that overrides iPhone security features, tech analysts say he probably won’t risk overshadowing the company’s products by discussing the case at Monday’s event. While Apple has been mum about its plans, several analysts expect the company will introduce an upgrade to its older, fourinch iPhone 5S—aimed at consumers who haven’t sprung for the bigger-screen iPhone 6 models that Apple introduced over the last two years. The new phone may come with features like Apple Pay and the company’s fastest processor, which have previously been offered only on versions of the iPhone 6. Analysts and tech blogs say Apple also may unveil a new model of the iPad Pro, which the company introduced last year
with several features—like a detachable keyboard and stylus—designed for business users. A four-inch iPhone isn’t likely to see the kind of blockbuster demand that Apple enjoyed with its large-screen iPhone 6 and 6S models, according to several financial analysts, but it could help Apple boost overall sales. The smaller phone might also draw some additional users into the market for Apple’s online services, including Apple Music, Apple Pay and the highly profitable mobile App Store. While shoppers bought a record 74.8 million iPhones in the final three months of 2015, Apple has signaled demand in the current three-month period will fall short of the 61 million iPhones sold in the January-March quarter last year. Even with new features, analysts say the 4-inch iPhone should sell at a lower price than the larger models, which list at $549 or more. That means it may appeal to some shoppers, especially in overseas markets, who want a premium phone at lower cost. It may also draw interest from owners of older iPhone 5 models who find the larger models unwieldy. Many analysts expect Apple will release a more dramatically revamped new iPhone 7 in the fall. The proliferation of iPhone and iPad models may seem contrary to Apple’s traditional focus—espoused by late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs—on producing fewer products that it believes are superior to competitors’ offerings. By contrast, Samsung is known for selling a multitude of phones and tablets at various sizes and prices. But Apple has gradually expanded its family of devices in recent years to reach consumers in different market categories, which also helps the company sell more online goods and services, said Gartner tech analyst Brian Blau. “Tim Cook has said he thinks there’s a lot of life left in the iPhone product line, despite the media and investor community pressuring Apple over the potential decline in premium iPhone sales,” Blau said. “I think it’s exactly these types of things that he has in mind.
You gather all your paperwork, finalize your tax return, and you’re ready to go. But just as you’re about to send it off to the IRS, you wonder, “Should I check my math again? Did I take all the deductions I should have?” As taxpayers scramble to complete their tax paperwork and file their return by the April 18 deadline, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers these do’s and don’ts that will help minimize your tax filing headaches. Do check your facts The IRS reports that some of the common errors it sees on tax returns include wrong or omitted Social Security numbers, math mistakes, misspelled names, and forms that aren’t signed or dated. Taxes can be stressful, but if you take a deep breath and review your work before you send it in, it could save you time (and possible penalties) later. Don’t overlook additional income Most taxpayers are used to getting a Form W-2 from their employers in January detailing their income and withholding for the previous year. However, you may also receive other statements if you performed any freelance or consulting work during the year (Form 1099-MISC) or if you earned money from savings or investment accounts (Forms 1099-DIV or 1099-INT). If you fail to include this income on your return, you could end up paying penalties and interest. Do get organized Whether you’re filing an individual return or one for a small business, it’s always easier when your documents are in order and easy to access when you need them at tax time. Having your paperwork on hand makes it possible to identify possible deductions for which you qualify and document your eligibility to take them. It will also make it easier to spot income or other items that should be reported on your return so that you can avoid penalties. An
added bonus: Good documentation of your investments and other financial transactions will help you better manage your personal or business finances. And if you’re ever audited, you’ll be ready with the paperwork you need. Do deduct donations You know that cash you give to charities is typically deductible, but don’t overlook other donations. Remember to include the value of clothing, furniture, food, or even cars that you give to an organization to help support a good cause. To claim the deduction, be sure that the donation is made to a qualified organization and be ready to document the fair market value of any noncash donations. Don’t fail to file You must file a federal income tax return if your income is above a certain level, which varies depending on your filing status, age, and type of income you receive. Even if you believe you don’t owe taxes, you aren’t eligible for a refund, or you don’t have the money to pay your taxes, it’s important to send your return to the IRS by the deadline. If you don’t you could face a penalty, either for failure to file, failure to pay, or both. Here’s another incentive: In a recent year, the IRS announced that it was holding $1 billion in tax refunds that were due to people who hadn’t filed their returns. The median check awaiting these taxpayers was $698. Whether it’s a matter of avoiding a penalty or getting a nice refund, there are many good reasons to be sure your return is submitted on time. Your CPA can help Seeking a great way to destress your tax season? Turn to your local CPA. He or she can help you navigate the challenges of filing an accurate and complete return and offer valuable advice on tax and other financial planning concerns. Visit www.picpa.org/consumers for PICPA’s CPA locator tool and other tax resources.
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Don’t make these common tax-time mistakes
MARCH 23—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host “Get Behind the Numbers and Increase Your Profits: Understanding Financial Statements Workshop” from 9 a.m. to noon, Room 108, Rockwell Hall, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue. This hands-on workshop will provide a step-by step approach to explaining two important financial statements: profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet. A representative from Wilke & Associates will offer clear examples for using these statements to make informed decisions, identify potential problems within a business and set realistic financial goals. Participants should bring a calculator and a copy of current financial statements. The cost is $49. For more information and to register visit www.sbdc.duq.edu/events or call 412-396-1633.
Lunch and Learn Series MARCH 24—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host its Lunch & Learn Series at 12:15 p.m. at the Downtown & Business Branch, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. The topic will be “Book Promotion and Building Your Brand.” Ann Howley, author of “Confessions of a Do-Gooder Gone Bad,” will facilitate this interactive workshop and explore the best ways to promote one’s book and further their career as a published author. Space is limited. For more information, call 412-281-7141 or visit www.carnegielibrary.org.
Understanding Your Credit Report/Score MARCH 30—The Business Institute of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania and the Small Business Development Center of the University of Pittsburgh will host “Understanding Your Credit Report/Score and Ways to Improve It” Workshop from 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. at the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Ave., Downtown. Heather Murray, the manager of Education at Advantage Credit Counseling Service, will discuss how business owners get themselves into difficult positions and will help participants understand what really goes into one’s Credit Score, and share ways and techniques to improve it. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-392-0610 or email information@aaccwp.com.
WIL Power Panel and Happy Hour MARCH 31—The CORO Pittsburgh Women in Leadership program will host the panel discussion on Women in Politics, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Penn Brewery, 800 Vinial Street. The discussion will focus on barriers to political involvement, why women don’t run for office, and ways women can get involved without running. The cost is $25. Discounts are available for current CORO program participants, young professionals and alumni. For more information visit https://coropittsburgh.givecorps. com/events/186-women-in-leadership-wil-power-panel-happyhour.
First Steps Series APRIL 1—The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence will present First Steps: Mechanics of Starting a Small Business from 7:30 a.m. to 10: 30 a.m. at Mervis Hall. The presentation will allow those Thinking of starting a small business to begin exploring questions about the size of their market and what marketing tools will be needed to attract customers, and to learn about business structures, access helpful resources, learn about available funding options, and understand what is needed to formally establish a business. The cost is $25 and covers programs and materials. Register by calling 412-648-1`542 or email at iee@innovation.pitt.edu.
Talk Magazine Convention APRIL 1—Talk Magazine will host its 2016 Pennsylvania African-American Network Convention at the Pittsburgh Marriot City Center, 112 Washington Place, Uptown. The two-day event will include entertainment, presentations and panel discussions, networking opportunities and much more. This event is free and registration is required by March 25. For more information, call 412-823-4007 or email info@talkmagazine.com. (To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
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‘Dragon Mania’ comes to historic halt by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier
The entire city of Pittsburgh got behind the Allderdice Dragons and they connected a community and bridged a generational gap between the young and old. They dominated most opponents and captured the attention of the city and their school. Ten buses from Allderdice made the trip to Hershey. “Dragon Mania” had the Giant Center crowd amped up and the presence of Allderdice’s “Big Three” electrified a crowd where the majority of the fans came to see them. For a moment, it appeared Allderdice was about to put a stranglehold on its first Class AAAA state title in school history. Allderdice jumped out to a 10-0 lead as Roman Catholic (27-4) had turnovers on its first five possessions. Allderdice (28-2), seeking to become only the third City League team to win a PIAA crown since 1980, was led by James “Remember My Name” Jackson’s 21 points on 9of-17 shooting and 19 by Ramon Creighton. James Jackson found Dajuan “Above the Rim” Dugger cutting through the lane for an NBA type dunk before the buzzer to give the ‘Dice a commanding 17-10 lead after one quarter. Allderdice got into foul trouble early with center Timothy Pugh and forwards Jordan Rawls and Dajuan Dugger all eventually fouling out. With the Dragons big men all on the bench Roman Catholic began to attack the paint with Stevens, and used an 11-0 run
JAMES JACKSON (22) led Allderdice with 21 points. to turn a 24-18 deficit into a 29-24 lead late in the second quarter. Allderdice junior Jahi Ogbonna hit a jumper and scored on a breakaway to cut it to 31-30 before Carr made a runner for a 33-30 halftime lead.
Aliquippa undefeated state champs
ALIQUIPPA CELEBRATES PIAA CLASS AA CHAMPIONSHIP HERSHEY (AP)—Sheldon Jeter and Jassir Jordan each banked 22 points as Aliquippa completed a perfect season Saturday afternoon with a 68-49 victory over Mastery Charter North in the PIAA Class AA boys’ basketball title game at the GIANT Center. The 5-foot-11 Jordan also dished out seven assists for Nick Lackovich’s Quips (30-0), who used a 15-2 run that turned a close game (33-28) into a 48-30 lead with eight seconds remaining in the third quarter. Jordan collected the first nine points of that pivotal run, then dished to Jeter for another score as Aliquippa generated needed separation. Mastery Charter North was able to get
within 14 points several times in the fourth, but no closer. Daeqwon Plowden netted 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, posting a double-double for Terrance Cook’s Mastery Charter North squad (27-4), which appeared in its first state championship game. Rodney Ross added 11 points for the Pumas. Aliquippa’s Kaezon Pugh, the PIAA Class AA football player of the year and a Pittsburgh linebacker recruit, finished with 11 rebounds. Pugh, Jordan and 6-6 senior Chucky Humphries were starters a season ago when Aliquippa lost 62-51 to Conwell-Egan in the PIAA Class AA final. Saturday’s triumph delivered Aliquippa its first state basketball championship since 1997 and its fifth overall.
Overtime by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—“Make Ya Wanna Holler…And Throw Up Your Hands” yet another in a long line of famous and way ahead of its time quotes from the late great Marvin Gaye. Trump, KKK still alive, families wiped out, people protesting, heroin overdoses at an all-time high…“Lord, What We Gonna Do…If Everything You Say Is True?” (The late great Curtis Mayfield.) :09—I know you want to hate on Pitt for being bounced in the first round, but before... :08—I know you Curry/Warrior boys have a hard time swallowing this pill, but let the Spurs win over Golden State give you another reminder that you heard it here first Mike Booker and Zik…the Spurs will win the West and the NBA title. :07—Speaking of Pitt, and I just was if you were paying attention, Jamie Dixon is heading back to his Alma Mater TCU— Texas Christian University, you may think it’s
BILL NEAL funny, but TCU doesn’t. They’re bought out his very, very, very big contract! :06—The Duquesne Dukes men’s team is still alive in the CBI (College Basketball Invitational) and that’s a great thing, but the noise on the Bluff is all about the women’s team taking out NCAA powerhouse U. Conn. Hey, “anything can happen!” :05—However, anything didn’t happen for the Lady Mountaineers. They got beat by Ohio State and to add insult to injury Kelsey Mitchell scored 45 points…huh!
:04—Don’t worry “Bazemore” you’re not forgotten, not that soon!!! :03—Achieving Greatness Inc. still looking for aggressive, self-motivated, talented executive types to grow the company and get paid $. Call 412-628-4856 if you’ve got skills. :02—Coming to you this summer, the 40-year anniversary “All Connie Hawkins League Team and party.” Names are coming to it. Call your picks in for the committee or shut up when the list comes out! :01—Most of you will say Michael Jordan and some of you, like me, will say Wilt Chamberlain, not to forget Magic, Dr. J., Larry Bird, Shaq or Barkley, but before you say who the greatest player of all time is, you better Google Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!!! I’m just saying. :00-00—DOUBLE OVERTIME—Anyone that tells you that their NCAA bracket is still alive, after Middle Tennessee upset Michigan State, is lying to you! ~ GAME OVER ~
Tim Jackson is a creative force but he didn’t have his customary offensive performance and center Timothy Pugh was an important part of Allderdice’s run to the state championship game but was held scoreless. Allderdice and Roman Catholic might as well been playing their PIAA Class AAAA state championship game in a boxing ring. Or maybe call UFC boss Dana White and rent a cage because it was a game of ice packs and bandages. The Cahillites pounded their way past Allderdice to win the PIAA Class AAAA state championship game. Allderdice had the stars. But Roman Catholic had more size, muscles and recruits—and that’s why the Cahillites are back-to-back PIAA Class AAAA state champs. The thought of Allderdice playing zone defense seems odd. The Dragons love to press and love to have their guards get in the personal space of opposing ball-handlers. But at times this year, Allderdice has dusted off the 2-3 match-up zone defense and used it well. And on Saturday, the Dragons decided to use it for the entire game and Roman Catholic exploit the defense by getting inside to take advantage of easy baskets and monster dunks. Allderdice stayed close for a while in the third quarter and Creighton’s 3-pointer, put him over 1,000 career points, brought the Dragons within 39-38. But Stevens took over the game. Lamar Stevens, flying over Allderdice guard Ramon Creighton for a right-handed slam off teammate Tony Carr’s missed jumper. The video board showed a replay of the dunk as the game continued, with the clock ticking toward the two-minute mark of the third quarter. It was one of three dunks by Stevens in the third quarter as Roman Catholic
started to pull away from Allderdice in route to a 73-62 win. Stevens finished with a game-high 27 points and seven rebounds, while Nazeer Bostick had 15 points and five rebounds and Carr added 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Stevens, Carr and Bostick all signed with Penn State in November as part of the program’s best recruiting class in program history. The class is currently ranked 22nd in the nation by ESPN. “There’s no question that, as far as a whole total team, we haven’t seen this type of talent on our schedule all season. Nothing even close,” said Allderdice coach Buddy Valinsky. “Our players had their eyes on Roman Catholic all season, partly because Roman is the defending champions. Even though we’re ranked the No. 1 team in the state they’re the champs in our mind, if we want to claim being the No. 1 team in the state, we would have to beat Roman at some point.” If you subscribe to the adage “bigger is better” when it comes to basketball, you have to be a fan of 6’7 Lamar Stevens. An era in which privacy is becoming a myth and people’s lives often are played out in the media, scrutinized for every telling detail, Lamar Stevens remaining eligible after transferring to Roman Catholic for athletic intent is puzzling. Roman is a team that has been built the past few years with a few player transfers. Player transfers are rampant in Philadelphia, without penalty from District 12 (Philadelphia Public and Catholic League) officials. Players comment in newspaper and Internet stories about being recruited or wanting to transfer in order to play basketball, but the transfers still go through without penalty. Roman’s Carr transferred to Roman from Abington Friends before his sophomore year. Stevens transferred from Haverford School to Roman Catholic for his senior year. Stevens wanted to play his final season of high school with Carr and Bostick because all three are teammates on Team Final AAU. The achievements of the 2016 Allderdice Dragons are as great or greater than any team in City League history, because in the past the Philadelphia Public schools and Catholic League team were not part of the PIAA state basketball championships. Previous City League champions played the suburban eastern schools like: Carlisle, Reading and Chester. Allderdice has dominated those same schools. “If Lamar Stevens didn’t transfer to Roman Catholic for his senior year we would have beaten them by 20 and everybody knows it,” said Creighton. “We will always remember this year. It might not be history for them, but it’s history for us. We didn’t win, but I still believe we’re one of the best teams ever in the City League. We will believe that forever.” Beaver Falls, New Castle, Pine Richland, Penn Hills, Lincoln Park, Mars, Central Catholic, North Hills, Carlisle, Imhotep Charter, Academy Park, Wheeling Park, Carrick, Brashear, Perry, Westinghouse, Hempfield, St. Plus X Catholic, Obama and Central Tech—will all bear witness to Allderdice’s greatness.
Inside Conditions…Fouling out by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
The definition of the commission of a personal foul in the NBA is: “a. A player shall not hold, push, charge into, impede the progress of an opponent by extending a hand, forearm, leg or knee or by bending the body into a position that is not normal. Contact that results in the re-routing of an opponent is a foul that must be called immediately. b. Contact initiated by the defensive player guarding a player with the ball is not legal. This contact includes, but is not limited to, forearm, hands, or body check.” After a player commits his sixth foul he is automatically ejected from the game. That makes perfect sense. However NFL defensive players being ejected for committing multiple personal fouls during a National Football League game doesn’t make sense to Richard Sherman, the AllPro cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks. Michael MiddlehurstSchwartz recently wrote an article for USATODAY. “Seahawks’ Richard Sherman: Roger Goodell ‘foolish’ for ejection proposal. Even in the offseason, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman isn’t holding back on his criticism of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. At the NFL’s owners meeting this week in Boca Raton, Fla., the league’s competition committee will present 19 rule change proposals. A
move to eject players who receive two personal foul penalties was supported by Goodell and among the notable items to be discussed. And Goodell’s stance does not sit well with Sherman. “I think it’s foolish,” Sherman said in an interview on SportsCenter. “But it sounds like something somebody who’s never played the game would say, something that they would suggest, because he doesn’t understand. He’s just a face. He’s just a suit. He’s never stepped foot on the field and understood how you can get a personal foul.” Kudos to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for at least trying to do something to address the “assassin attitude” that a few select NFL Players have toward oftentimes defenseless and vulnerable offensive players. C’mon Rich, gimme a break. Goodell does not have to have his “clock cleaned” to be aware of the fact: that sh— hurts. Just like the NFL created the Mel Blount, no contact after 5 yards rule to stop cornerbacks from manhandling wide receivers all over the field as long as the ball was not in flight; the NFL should name the proposed new rule; “the Burfict-anti-thug” rule. When players begin to be ejected for losing games for their teams as a result of their overly aggressive play, then and only then will they become a bit more cautious in regards to their “thug laced” behavior. A few of these “dirty” players don’t play the game just to
compete. Oftentimes their primary goal is to cripple, maim and cause serious injury to their opponent to satisfy their “video game infected egos.” There is a new coldness and callousness by which this “X” generation plays football. It is my opinion that they reflect the social environment that they come from. Many of them approach serious violations of the law such as drive by shootings and killings as just a normal day in the hood, so a helmet to the back, neck, head or knee; to a few perverted minds represents nothing more than “fair play.” I would go even farther then the commissioner. There are 16 games during the regular season for the NFL. If a player commits 14 personal fouls during the season, that player should be suspended immediately for the remainder of the season, but allowed to be reinstated for the postseason. If that player commits more than two personal fouls during the playoffs, that player must be suspended for the remainder of the season including the Super Bowl if his team advances to the title game. Enough is enough. The time for the thuggery in the NFL to end is not next week, next month or next year. The time for the unchecked premediated violence and mayhem to end in professional football is now! (USA Today was the source for this article) (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741.)
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Qualified persons are invited to apply to the City of Aliquippa Civil Service Commission to take competitive examinations leading to eligibility for appointment as a Police Officer in the City of Aliquippa Police Department. An application form may be obtained beginning March 21, 2016 at the City Building, 581 Franklin Avenue, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Completed applications must be returned by 4:00 PM, April 4, 2016 with a $35.00 non-refundable application fee payable to the City of Aliquippa. REQUIREMENTS: At the time of application applicants are required to be Act 120 Certified or have successfully completed Act 120 Training with the State Exam successfully completed by date of conditional hire, have a high school diploma or GED, be a minimum of 18 years of age, hold a valid motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, be a U.S. Citizen and be physically and mentally fit to perform duties of a police officer. Successful applicants must meet all other Civil Service requirements. Women and Minorities Are Encouraged to Apply. EOE ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
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UPMC Community Medicine, Inc. seeks a Family Medicine Physician to work in its Elizabeth, PA location and various unanticipated locations in Allegheny County, PA. Treat both inpatients and outpatients by providing total body wellness, disease prevention, and management of chronic conditions and illnesses, including providing care and disease management for HIV-infected patients. Must have Medical degree or equivalent; must have completed Family Medicine residency (3 years); must have a valid PA medical license or be eligible for licensure; must have a valid DEA license or be eligible for licensure. Apply by visiting http://careers. upmc.com and enter 1600005Q in the ‘search keyword/Job ID’ field. EOE M/F/V/D
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The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will hold its March 2016 Board of Commissioners meeting on THURSDAY MARCH 24, 2016. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 10:30 A.M. 200 Ross Street, 13th Floor Wherrett Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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Estate of EDOWSKI SR., MR. CHARLES, deceased, of 215 Oakhaven Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate No. 02-16-01171. Ms. Kimberly A. Whitaker, 5500 Jane Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15225, Executor, c/o Max Feldman, Attorney at Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.
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Estate and Trust Estate of BURKE, STEVEN E., deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 02-1600682, Gail S. Burke, Executor and Trustee under Irrevocable Trust Agreement of Steven E. Burke c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, PC, One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, PC, Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANTS (ESG) PROGRAM NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY
Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) and the City of Pittsburgh, Department of City Planning would like to announce that applications are available for the 2016 Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program. Applications available to apply for funding are the Street Outreach/ Shelter Application and the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Lead Agency Application. These applications can also be used for any ESG funding that ACED and/or the City of Pittsburgh may apply for through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA-DCED). Funds are awarded to both jurisdictions from HUD and/or PADCED. The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program provides funding to: (1) engage homeless individuals and families living on the streets; (2) improve the number and quantity of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families; (3) help operate these shelters; (4) provide essential services to shelter residents; (5) rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families; and (6) prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless. All agencies awarded funds are required to participate in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Below are the ESG eligible components. 1) Street Outreach funds may be used for essential services related to reaching out to unsheltered homeless individuals and families connecting them with emergency shelter, housing, or critical services, and providing them with urgent, non-facility based care. Eligible costs include engagement, case management, emergency health and mental health services, and transportation 2) Emergency Shelter funds may be used for: providing essential services, including services to special populations, to homeless families and individuals in emergency shelters, operating expenses and renovating emergency shelters. Because these costs are focused on emergency shelter, a transitional housing facility will only be eligible to receive Emergency Solutions Grants funds for these costs if: It meets BOTH of the following criteria under the new emergency shelter definition: a) Its primary purpose is to provide a temporary shelter for the homeless in general or for specific populations of the homeless; and b) It does not require occupants to sign leases or occupancy agreements OR It received funds under a FY2010 ESG grant and met the criteria under the former emergency shelter definition (“any facility, the primary purpose of which is to provide temporary or transitional shelter for the homeless in general or for specific populations of the homeless.”) 3) Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing funds may be used for rental assistance, housing relocation and stabilization services, housing quality inspection services and rent reasonableness analysis. Families assisted under the homelessness prevention component must have an income below 30% of Area Median Income. To receive an application, contact Elizabeth Daniels-Totten, City of Pittsburgh Planning Department at (412) 255-0740 or by e-mail at elizabeth. daniels-totten@pittsburghpa.gov or Tammy Pifer, Allegheny County Economic Development at (412) 350-1197 or by e-mail at tammy.pifer@ alleghenycounty.us. Applications may also be downloaded from the following website: http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/ESG. If interested in applying for funding, please submit original application, along with one (1) copy of the agency audit or financial statement plus six (6) complete copies excluding the audit or financial statement. Applications should be submitted to Tammy Pifer, Project Manager, Allegheny County Economic Development, One Chatham Center, Suite 900,112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Applications are due on Monday, April 25, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.
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ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Pittsburgh, PA March 11, 2016
The Office of the Director of the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY will receive Letters of Interest with current SF 330 for professional services until 4:00 p.m. on April 6, 2016 for the following assignment: COUNTY PROJECT NO. ZBHD-CCRN CLACK BUILDING NO. 1 RENOVATION The Allegheny County Department of Public Works is seeking Architectural Services for interior/exterior restoration, renovation, and adaptive reuse of Clack Building No. 1. The consultant must staff this project with skilled and experienced personnel who are most appropriate for the specific tasks including, but not limited to structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing disciplines. The Allegheny County Health Department’s Frank B. Clack Health Center consists of eight buildings in a campus setting, located at 3901 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Building No. 1 originally served as a hospital facility, and was constructed in 1908. The intention of this project is the complete renovation of Building No. 1 with the goal of achieving a minimum LEED Silver rating. For further information contact Carlton R. Bolton, AIA at 412-350-5447. Instructions for submission of Letters of Interest are available on the Allegheny County Internet Website (www.alleghenycounty.us ; click on “Department of Public Works;” then click on “Department Internet;” then click on “Bids and Proposals.”) Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Sealed bids will be received in the office of the Controller of Butler County, Mr. Benjamin Holland, County Government Center, 124 West Diamond Street, P.O. Box 1208 Butler, Pa. 16003-1208 until 2:00 p.m. prevailing time Tuesday, April 5, 2016 with all bids opened at Agenda Setting meeting on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in the Public Meeting Room, First Floor, County Government Center, 124 West Diamond Street Butler, PA. All sealed bids must be clearly marked 2014 Zelienople Borough ARC Grant Revitalization Project on the outside of the envelope. A general description of the work is as follows: The project includes improvements related to the Borough’s streetscape project including stormwater piping, sidewalks replacement, retaining wall installation and related facilities. Bid Documents may be obtained at the office of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. 200 West Kensinger Drive, Suite 400, Cranberry Township, Pa 16066 upon the payment of a non-refundable fee of $20.00 for a CD of the documents payable to Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. The addenda, if any, will be issued only to those persons whose names are on file with the Engineer as having obtained the contract documents. All questions regarding the specifications call 724-779-4777 or fax 724-779-4711. Each proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder’s bond, or certified check or cashier’s check, in favor of the County of Butler, in the amount of not less than ten percent. The County of Butler reserves the right to waive any informality in and to accept or reject any and all bids or any part of any bid. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days. Bidders must submit with their bids the non-collusion affidavit contained in the contract documents. Prevailing wages established under the Davis-Bacon Act will apply to this contract. The contract documents contain requirements addressing prevailing labor wage rates, labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goals for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie A. Osche, Chairman Kimberly D. Geyer Kevin E. Boozel ATTEST: Gerald S. Paterson Interim Chief Clerk
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The City of Pittsburgh is requesting comments on its proposed use of Community Development Block Grant funds and on the City’s past CDBG performance. A public hearing will be held at 9:00a.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 200 Ross Street, 1st Floor Conference Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Please note that the building is handicapped accessible through the rear entrance. Comments may also be sent to: Michael Petrucci Assistant Director for Community Development Department of City Planning 200 Ross. Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 It is requested that comments be received no later than Monday, April 18, 2016
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MARCH 23-29, 2016
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MARCH 23-29, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
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INVITATION FOR BIDS
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Professional ADA/UFAS Third Party Certification Services RFP#750-19-16
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA March 18, 2016
ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY March 23, 2016
Letters-of-Interest with current Form SF330, for professional engineering services, will be received at the office of the Vice President, Engineering of the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) until 3:00 PM on April 18, 2016, for the following: Design Engineering Services Separate contracts will be awarded for each of the projects listed below. Design responsibility will include but not be limited to the following as required: field recognizance; subsurface utility engineering/locating; environmental assessments; air spacing; geotechnical testing; surveying; preparation of bid documents to meet FAA, PADOT and ACAA requirements; construction budget estimates; and preparation of safety and phasing plans. Typical projects will include: 1. General On-Call Graphic Signage Services Work will include upgrading all exterior and interior directional and informational signage, illuminated and non-illuminated, for roadways, parking lots, business park, cargo areas, hangar area, and terminal building interior signage upgrades for the airlines and other tenants. 2. Asphalt and Concrete Repair and Replacement Program Work will include miscellaneous repairs and replacement of cracked and deteriorated pavement on roads, shoulders, sidewalks, curbs, parking lots, runways, taxiways, aprons and ramps at the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC). 3. Miscellaneous Airfield Pavement Rehabilitation and Electrical Upgrade Work may consist of partial or full keel section replacement, isolated concrete slab work, joint and crack repair, trench drain repair, asphalt shoulder work, lighting upgrade, signage, and pavement marking. Typical projects will include: a. Rehabilitate Airfield Signage and Sign Bases at PIT b. Rehabilitate Airside Apron and Trench Drains at PIT c. Rehabilitate Taxiway F and Adjoining Taxiways at PIT d. Rehabilitate Taxiways A & AA at PIT e. Rehabilitate Taxiways D, E & N f. Rehabilitate Runway 10R-28L at PIT g. Rehabilitate Runway 10L-28R at PIT h. Replace Joint Sealant and Spall Repair at PIT i. Rehabilitate Runway 10-28 at AGC j. Rehabilitate Runway 13-31 at AGC k. Rehabilitate Apron at AGC l. Rehabilitate Taxiways and Taxilanes at AGC m. Replace Joint Sealant and Spall Repair at AGC n. Rehabilitate Airfield Signage and Sign Bases at AGC 4. Infrastructure Development at PIT and AGC Work consists of: permitting (building and environmental), stream and wetland remediation, surveying, site grading, drainage, access taxiway, roadways, apron, sanitary and storm sewers, potable and fire protection water, electrical, telephone and gas lines. 5. Infrastructure upgrades at PIT and AGC Work consists of replacement of various utilities including but not limited to electrical upgrades, potable waterline, fire line, ect., and associated work. 6. Building Rehabilitation, Replacement and Upgrade at PIT Work consists of miscellaneous mechanical, electrical or structural repairs, roof replacement, caulking, sealing, painting, baggage system upgrades and security upgrade on the Landside and Airside Buildings, and miscellaneous buildings as required. 7. Traffic Study Work includes conducting a traffic study of airport non-aviation areas for the purpose of acquiring multiple curb cuts onto state or local rights-of-way. 8. Building Rehabilitation, Replacement and Upgrade at AGC Work consists of miscellaneous mechanical, electrical or structural repairs, roof replacement, caulking, sealing, painting, grades and security upgrade on the Main Terminal Buildings, and miscellaneous buildings as required. 9. Runway 28 Safety Area at AGC Work consist of final clearing, grading, pavement design, NAVAID replacement, ect., to meet FAA requirements. 10. Lease Building/Hangar Improvements at PIT and AGC Several of the Airport lease facilities need either upgraded or reconfigured due to age or reuse requirements. Construction Management Services The Airport Authority will utilize a Construction Manager (CM) on each of the projects listed above except for items 1 & 7. Specific responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Field inspection to ensure compliance with bid documents, maintaining a CPM Schedule to coordinate the activities of multiple prime contractors, recommend contractor progress payments, develop construction phasing plans to minimize operations outages, negotiate and recommend minimal Change Orders for contractor scope changes or value engineering, prepare correspondence, provide final as-built drawings, and maintain all records as required by the FAA, PADOT, ACAA or other entities as required. General On-Call Service Contracts The ACAA has a need for separate professional consultant service contracts to provide design and construction management services on an on-call, as-needed basis for small projects, assessments, estimating, engineering studies, management programs, and other special engineering needs that may arise. Consultant must be qualified in multi-discipline areas, i.e., civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, environmental, and architectural; and be prepared to respond on very short notice to various problems which may arise at any time of day, seven days a week. Areas of expertise must also include familiarity with FAA Advisory Circulars and PADOT and DEP permitting requirements. If you are interested in providing any of the aforementioned services, consultants are encouraged to submit a Letter-of-Interest and current Form SF330, identifying specific projects of interest or on-call services with emphasis on areas of competence. Also, identify whether interested in providing design or CM services. The ACAA encourages responses from small firms, minority and women’s business firms, and firms that have not previously worked for the ACAA. The ACAA will only use Form SF330 to prequalify firms to be part of a most highly qualified shortlist to submit comprehensive proposals for this work. Comprehensive proposals will include the following as a minimum: Description of the project, project understanding, project team identification with resumes, approach to major tasks, schedule for achieving project objectives, techniques for cost control, and identification of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Firms with description and quantity of work they will perform to meet FAA and ACAA DBE requirements. Note: Do not include company brochures and limit transmittal letters to no more than five typewritten pages. A link to obtain SF330 can be found by going to the following website: Standard Form 330 (SF330) <http://emessaging.vertexcommunication.com/ct/ct.php?t=412808&c=231814044&m=m&type=1> Submissions should be made to: Allegheny County Airport Authority Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz. PO Box 12370 Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370 Attn: Mr. Dennis Pivik, P.E. Vice President, Engineering Questions should be directed to Mr. Dennis Pivik at 412-472-3667 or email to dpivik@flypittsburgh.com Shortlist selection will be based on the following evaluation criteria: Staff qualifications, prior or related work, regulatory experience (FAA, PennDOT, DEP, Building Codes, ect), and office location. Final firm selection will be based on the following evaluation criteria: Sensitivity to ACAA requirements and project constraints; demonstrated interest in the project, organization, clarity, cohesiveness, quality and completeness of proposal/presentation; indicated ability to manage the project, produce required products, meet project schedule and control costs; demonstrated knowledge of FAA, PADOT, local and ACAA applicable standards and requirements; experience with economic analysis; value engineering, construction procedures and scheduling methods; and sensitivity to DBE goals, impacts to operations and other sensitive areas of construction management. LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for OPTIONS In-Home Services. Proposals are due by: June 3, 2016. For more details and submission information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/ Human-Services/Resources/ Doing-Business/Solicitations(RFP/RFQ/RFI).aspx. Marc Cherna, Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services
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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
Sealed bids will be received for the Mars Borough Clay Avenue Park Improvements, will be received in the office of Benjamin Holland, BUTLER COUNTY CONTROLLER, FLOOR 5, COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 124 WEST DIAMOND STREET, whose mailing address is P.O.BOX 1208, BUTLER, PA 16003, on or before 4:00pm, April 1, 2016. All Bids must be plainly marked Bid – Mars Borough Clay Avenue Park Improvements Re-Bid. All bids will be publicly opened and read at the Public Agenda Setting Meeting of the Butler County Board of Commissioners on April 6, 2016 at 9:30am, in the Commissioner Public Meeting Room located on Floor 1 of the County Government Center, Butler, PA 16003. Bids will be received for the following: Park Improvements – CDBG Improvements Re-Bid CDBG Improvements Package includes, but is not limited to: removals, erosion and sedimentation control, 4” backwater valve, bituminous paving, concrete paving, galvanized handrail, placing topsoil and seeding. Park Improvements – Playground Improvements Re-Bid Playground Improvements Package includes, but is not limited to: site preparation, furnishing and installing playground surface edger, organic protective playground surfacing with underdrain and timber edger. Bidders must bid all work on the bid form. Failure to bid all items will result in the rejection of the bid. 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 (Base bid and all alternates), shall be submitted with each bid. The successful bidder will be required to submit a 100% performance bond, a 100% labor and materials payment bond and a one year maintenance bond in the amount of 10% of the project value. Should a bidder desire to submit a bid for more than one package, they can do so provided they are submitted independent of one another in separate envelopes. Portions of this project are funded by CDBG funding. Therefore, all work is subject to the Davis-Bacon Wage Rates and federally required MBE/WBE, Section 3, and nondiscrimination practices. Bids must be submitted on the forms furnished herein. Bid packages are available through Accu-Copy Reprographics (724) 935-7055. Contact Accu-Copy to complete a Bid Registration Form and to submit a non-refundable deposit of $30.00. Sets can be mailed, if requested, at the bidder’s expense. The project Landscape Architect is Pashek Associates, 619 East Ohio Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; All questions must be emailed to jbuerkle@pashekassciates.com with “Mars Borough Clay Avenue Park Improvements – Re-Bid” clearly indicated in the subject of the email. No questions will be received or responded to by telephone. All questions must be submitted prior to March 30, 2016, by 12:00 pm. No questions will be addressed after that date and time. Butler County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Bids, or any part of a Bid, and to waive informalities, and to award the Bid in the best interest of Butler County. No Bid may be withdrawn for thirty (60) days following the scheduled closing time for the receipt of Bids. BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie Osche, Chair Kim Geyer Kevin Boozel Attest: Gerald Patterson Director of Administration/ Chief Clerk
ON-CALL ARCHITECTURAL/ ENGINEERING CONSULTANT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) ADVERTISEMENT 2016
The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh (“Authority”) is soliciting Proposals from qualified professional consulting firms to perform on-call services that include those of engineers, architects and other professionals as may be required for various maintenance and capital improvement projects of Authority owned facilities and as more fully described in the RFP document. RFP Packets will be available Friday, March 18, 2016 after 12:00 pm on the Authority website at www. pittsburghparking.com and also at the Authority main office located at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Prospective bidders are required to submit three (3) copies of the proposal and one (1) electronic copy of the proposal, in a clearly marked and sealed envelope 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, April 21, 2016.
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The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Professional ADA/UFAS Third Party Certification Services RFP#750-19-16 The documents will be available no later than March 14, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., April 1, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 March 23, 2016 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, WEDNESDAY, April 13, 2016, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in the Gold Room, Room 410, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, one‑half hour later, 11:30 o’clock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 2016 Capital Roads Reconstruction Program, Various Roadways Various Municipalities COUNTY PROJECT NO. 7A00-1601 PRE‑BID INFORMATION: Purchase and/or view the Proposal, Specifications and Drawings at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. The non‑refundable charge for the Proposal and disc containing the Specifications and Drawings is $ 107.00 including sales tax. Bid documents may be mailed for an additional fee of $16.05 including sales tax. The Contract Manager will accept only check or money order to the “COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY.” The Department of Public Works will hold a Pre‑Bid Meeting on March 31, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. in Room 505 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pgh., Pa. 15219. Details of this project, Bidding Requirements and Contract Conditions are available on the Allegheny County internet website (www.alleghenycounty. us; click on “Departments,” click on “Public Works” then click on “Bids & Proposals)” and are also available on the Pennsylvania Purchasing Group/PAPG website (www.PAbidsystem.com; click on “bid opportunities;” then click on “Allegheny County-Dept. of Public Works-open documents” – then register if necessary). Chelsa Wagner Controller County of Allegheny
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for DEEP STORAGE ENTRY (Structural and Architectural) as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The design engineer is ED3 Consultants Inc. The contract for this work will be with the Sports DOCUMENT 00030-AA & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh ADVERTISEMENT and Allegheny County. Inquiries reANNOUNCEMENT garding the bidding should be made ALLEGHENY COUNTY to the Sports & Exhibition Authority AIRPORT AUTHORITY 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Ryan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Buries - E-mail: rburies@pittsburghSeparate and sealed Proposals cc.com, Telephone: 412.325.6179 will be received at the Office of the Facsimile: 412.325.6104. Bid Senior Manager of Procurement, Packages may be obtained after Allegheny County Airport Authority, the date identified below through Department of Procurement, Accu-Copy at (724) 935-7055. AdPittsburgh International Airport, ditional information on the project Landside Terminal, 4th Floor can also be found of Accu-Copy’s Mezz, P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, website at http://www.accu-copy. PA 15231-0370 until 1:00 P.M. com/planroom.html prevailing local time, APRIL 20, This Advertisement applies to the 2016, and bids will be publicly following Bid Package: opened and read by the Airport Project: David L. Lawrence ConAuthority in Conference Room A, vention Center Pittsburgh International Airport, Bid Package Name: Deep Storage Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA Entry Bid Package Available: March 22, 15231-0370, one half hour later, for 2016 the following: Time/Date/Location for Pre-Bid PROJECT NUMBER 40G4-15 Meeting: 11:00 AM, Thursday, HANGAR REHABILITATION March 24, 2016, DLCC, 1000 Ft. PROJECT NUMBER 40G5-15 Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA TERMINAL BUILDING 15222 RESTORATION Time/Date/Location for Bid: 2:00 AT PM, Friday, April 1, 2016, LCC, ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., PittsA pre-bid conference will be held burgh, PA 15222 in the Administration Building, at Allegheny County Airport, at 10:00 a.m., on MARCH 31, 2016. Plans, REQUEST FOR specifications and bid documents QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) for the above referenced project ARCHITECTURAL/ will be available for purchase, at ENGINEERING SERVICES Pittsburgh International Airport. For Attention is called to the fact that ELDERLY HIGH-RISE INTERIOR not less than the minimum salaries IMPROVEMENTS and wages, as determined by the CONTRACT ACHA - 1554 Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, must be paid on these The ACHA is currently seeking the projects. services of a qualified architectural Proposals must be made on the firm to provide professional design Authority’s form and in accordance and construction administration with the Plans and Specifications services for ELDERLY HIGH-RISE and the “Instructions to Bidders”’. INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS - the The non-refundable charge basis of the project being dwelling for the Bid Documents and a unit kitchen and bathroom improveDisk containing the Plans and ments at two to four high-rise sites. Specifications is $150.00; mailing Interested firms are requested to can be arranged for an additional respond with written qualifications $75.00 charge. that demonstrate evidence of the This project has DBE participation firm’s capabilities, including other goals; DBE firms must be certified information as requested. A dewith the Pennsylvania Unified tailed package - describing submisCertification Program) (PA UCP). sion requirements, may be obtained Firms must be certified prior to by contacting Andrew Jamrom A/E award of contract. A searchable Administrator at (412) 402-2464 or database of DBE firms can be ajamrom@achsng.com. found on the PA UCP web site: A Pre-Qualification Conference http://www.paucp.com shall be held at the Allegheny CounThe Airport Authority reserves ty Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix the right to reject any and all bids Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA or waive any informalities in the 15222, Board Room, on Thursday bidding. March 31, 2016 at 10:00 AM. All ofNo bidder may withdraw his bid for ferors are encouraged to attend the a period of sixty [60] days after the Conference. scheduled closing time for receipt Qualifications may be mailed or of bids. hand delivered to Andrew Jamrom, To view a complete advertisement, Architectural/Engineering Adminwhich is also included in the istrator, Allegheny County Housbidding documents visit www. ing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street flypittsburgh.com under doing 12th Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvabusiness with us – business nia 15222. Qualification submittals opportunities or call 412-472-3543 must be received no later than 2:00 or 412-472-3779. P.M. on Tuesday April 12, 2016. Christina A. Cassotis Frank Aggazio, Executive Director Chief Executive Officer COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!
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