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Whites donʼt have to pretend to be Black to lead an NAACP chapter
World shocked at enduring racism, gun violence in U.S.
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Are our churches safe?
VOL. 106, NO. 25
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JUNE 24-30, 2015
Local clergy address safety, gun reforms due to S.C. shooting by Ashley Johnson Courier Staff Writer
The horrific, racially charged shooting that took place last week in the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., and took the lives of nine individuals who were gathered for Bible Study and prayer, has not only rocked the local community, but the nation as a whole. The heinous acts of accused shooter Dylann Roof on June 17 have not only robbed individuals and congregations of their place for solace, but of their peace of mind as well. When he took the lives of the church’s pastor, Rev. Clementa Pinckney along with Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Tywanza Sanders, Myra Thompson, Ethel Lee Lance, Rev. Daniel L. Simmons, Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor and Susie Jackson he took a piece of the nation’s heart.
Since the shooting, several issues have been at the forefront of many local pastors’ minds, the main one being church security. Reverend Dr. Steven Jackson, pastor of Bethel AME Church, the historic Hill District Church that is known as the oldest Black church in the area, said that while last week’s incident has left the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the country as a whole, shocked and hurt, security in churches is an issue that needs to be addressed. “We have got to take a serious look at security in all of our churches, anyone could walk in. But we have to look at a couple of things; should we lock doors and impede people or do we keep it open and pray?” A church is supposed to be open, a welcoming place for all. Although he refuses to lock the doors of the spiritual edifice, Rev. Jackson
PRAYERS FOR PEACE—Several ministers gathered at Bethel AME Church on June 18 to pray for peace after the South Carolina church shooting incident. Pictured are, front row, from left: Rev. Dr. James McLemore, Rev. Dr. Steven Jackson and Rev. James Harris Sr. Back row, from left: Rev. Yolanda Wright and Rev. Liddy Barlow. (Photo by Jackie McDonald) said he will be more alert and will warn his members to do the same. He said that some AME churches around the country have
even gone as far as hiring private security for their services and other events. SEE CLERGY A4
Neighborhood Allies puts $540k into Black community ‘capital’ by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
PRESLEY GILLESPIE
Living up to its core focus of investing in the education, talent and leadership of African American neighborhoods that have been left behind and where “capacity is limited, opportunities are few, and physical conditions have continued to deteriorate,” Neighbor-
hood Allies recently awarded $540,000 to eight nonprofits across Pittsburgh and in Wilkinsburg. Among the recipients was Operation Better Block, which received $75,000 to do maintenance repairs and façade improvements to occupied homes along Tioga Street in Homewood, maintain six vacant lots and to create a small
greenspace. Jerry Jackson, OBB executive director, said the grant is the largest they’ve received from Neighborhood Allies, and is greatly appreciated. “They have really recommitted to their core value of investing in Black communities,” he said. “And in this SEE NEIGHBORHOOD A4
KBK Enterprises to renovate Larimer School by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Nearly 20 years ago, East Liberty Concerned Citizens founder Ora Lee Carroll envisioned renovating the historic Larimer School as a senior living facility and offices for support services as the centerpiece of her Larimer Development Plan, which also included building and renovating 22 surrounding houses. She was never able to raise the estimated $8 million needed for the project. In 2000, A Second Chance Inc., a kinship adoption
agency, bought the building planning to move its entire staff there. But, following the terrorist attack of 9-11, it too failed to attract funding. Developer Emmitt Miles bought the building in 2005, planning to use federal money to train residents to tackle one of the building’s major issues—asbestos abatement. He, too, was unable to win funding for the project. Now, however, someone who should have less problems attracting funds is SEE KBK A4
Corporate diversity conference promotes mentoring by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
NEXT PRACTICES—Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO Esther Bush moderates a panel discussion on increasing regional minority hiring, promotion and retention. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
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Montia Brock, a Chatham University graduate student in infant mental health counseling told the audience at the third annual Corporate Equity and Inclusion Roundtable that she faces a choice when she receives her degree—whether to stay in Pittsburgh or leave. “I grew up in the Hill, graduated from Schenley,” she said. “I see a lot of changes in the Hill, but I am not part of it. So my question is do I stay, or do I go someplace where I’ll be welcomed and valued.” The roundtable’s panelists agreed that Brock is exactly the kind of person—young, Black and well educated—that corporations, foundations and government agencies in Pittsburgh need to find, cultivate, hire and promote to address the city’s lack of diversity. The half-day roundtable, hosted by Duquesne University, featured two panel discussions and two keynote speeches as well as addresses from Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh
IMPERATIVE—Dennis Yablonsky tells the audience at the Corporate Equity and Inclusion Roundtable that increasing racial diversity in the region is both a moral and economic imperative.
Mayor Bill Peduto and Dennis Yablonsky, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. Yablonsky presented data promoting the need to not only train and cultivate young African Americans, but to import racially diverse talent to address the more than 100,000 jobs that will open as the last of the baby boomers retire over the next 20 years. “Diversity is not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic one,” he said. “We need to replace about 5,000 people a year just to stay even.” He said his organization is working on several levels to address the problem, but like several of the other speakers, he noted it comes SEE DIVERSITY A5
George Curry says
Whites still live in the ‘State of Denial’ on race Forum A7
World shocked at enduring This Week In Black History racism, gun violence in U.S.
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JUNE 24-30, 2015
by Christopher Bodeen
Associated Press Writer
BEIJING (AP)—Often the target of U.S. human rights accusations, China wasted little time returning such charges following the shooting at a historic Black church in South Carolina that left nine people dead. Elsewhere around the world, the attack renewed perceptions that Americans have too many guns and have yet to overcome racial tensions. Some said the attack reinforced their reservations about personal security in the U.S. — particularly as a non-White foreigner—while others said they’d still feel safe if they were to visit. Especially in Australia and northeast Asia, where firearms are strictly controlled and gun violence almost unheard of, many were baffled by the determination among many Americans to own guns despite repeated mass shootings, such as the 2012 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where a gunman killed 20 children and six adults. “We don’t understand America’s need for guns,” said Philip Alpers, director of the University of Sydney’s GunPolicy.org project that compares gun laws across the world. “It is very puzzling for nonAmericans.” A frontier nation like the U.S., Australia had a similar attitude toward firearms prior to a 1996 mass shooting that killed 35. Soon after, tight restrictions on gun ownership were imposed and no such incidents have been reported since. A similar effect has been seen elsewhere. “The USA is completely out of step with the rest of the world. We’ve tightened our gun laws and have seen a reduction,” said Claire Taylor, the director of media and public relations at Gun Free South Africa. Ahmad Syafi ’i Maarif, a prominent Indonesian intellectual and former
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leader of Muhammadiyah, one of the country’s largest Muslim organizations, said the church shooting shocked many. “People all over the world believed that racism had gone from the U.S. when Barack Obama was elected to lead the superpower, twice,” he said. “But the Charleston shooting has reminded us that in fact, the seeds of racism still remain and were embedded in the hearts of small communities there, and can explode at any time, like a terrorist act by an individual.” In Britain, the attack reinforced the view that America has too many guns and too many racists. The front-page headline of The Independent newspaper said simply, “America’s shame.” The newspaper said in an editorial that America seems to have moved backward in racial relations since Obama’s election, and that the “obscene proliferation of guns only magnifies tragedies” like the church shooting. The leftist Mexico City newspaper La Jornada said the U.S. has become a “structurally violent state” where force is frequently used domestically and internationally to resolve differences. “In this context, the unchecked and even paranoid citizen armament is no coincidence: Such a phenomenon reflects the feeling of extensive sectors about the supposed legitimacy of violent methods,” it said. In China, the official Xinhua News Agency said the violence in South Carolina “mirrors the U.S. government’s inaction on rampant gun violence as well as the growing racial hatred in the country.” “Unless U.S. President Barack Obama’s government really reflects on his country’s deep-rooted issues like racial discrimination and social inequality and takes concrete actions on gun control, such tragedy will hardly be prevented from happening again,” Xinhua said in an editorial.
The former premier of Turks and Caicos...
made a special trip to Pittsburgh recently. Learn why on the next edition Elaine Effort of Pittsburgh Profiles with KQV News Reporter Elaine Effort.
Pittsburgh Profiles Heard on
KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, June 26 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, June 27 at 6:30 A.M. Sunday, June 28 at 1:30 P.M.
On China’s Twitter-like Weibo microblogging service, some users compared the United States to lawless Somalia and said racial discrimination was fueling violence and high crime rates. China has had its problems with racial and ethnic discrimination. China is overwhelmingly dominated by one ethnic group, the Han, and activists decry the lack of awareness about discrimination in jobs and housing faced by minorities such as Tibetans and Turkic Muslim Uighurs from the northwest. Chinese police have been accused of heavyhanded tactics against those labeled separatists or terrorists, although such measures appear to be supported by most Chinese. In Japan, discrimination tends to be based less on skin color than on national origin, resulting in biases against Chinese and Koreans, said Hiroko Takimoto, 41, a patent attorney in Tokyo. Racially motivated killings are “simply something Japanese as a people cannot understand,” she said. Yuka Christine Koshino, 21, a political science student at Tokyo’s Keio University, said she was devastated by the shootings, particularly after having participated in racism awareness campaigns while studying at the University of California, Berkeley. Those interactions had given her hope that the situation was improving. The shootings “shocked me,” said Koshino. Chairman of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates Max de Mesa shared the sentiment of civil rights activists in South Carolina who pointed out that the Confederate battle flag, the symbol of the proslavery South during the Civil War, continued to fly over the state even as it mourned. “Some of the (old) structures and some of the attitudes remain and they were even nurtured, at least that is being shown now,” de Mesa said. “That would be no different from a suicide bomber,” he said. “For a jihadist, ‘I will be with Allah if I do that.’ The other says, ‘I am proving white supremacy here.”’ Indonesian intellectual Syafi ’i Maarif said he hoped the incident would help Americans stop equating terrorism with Islam. “Terrorism and radicalism can appear in every strata of society under various guises and in the name of ethnicity, religion and race,” he said.
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Week of May 24-30 May 24 1854—Anthony Burns, one of the most celebrated fugitive slaves in American history, is captured by deputy U.S. Marshals in Boston. But at the time anti-slavery feeling was running high in Boston and it was one of the cities which had vowed not to obey the Fugitive Slave Act—a federal law that required even those opposed to slavery to help slave owners capture run-away slaves. For fear that Boston residents would help Burns escape to Canada, the U.S. government sent 2,000 troops to Boston to assist in returning Burns to Virginia. Thousands lined the streets as Burns was marched to a ship on June 3 for a trip back South. However, a Black ANTHONY BURNS Boston church raised the money to purchase Burns and within a year of his capture, he was back in Boston a free man. 1856—The so-called Pottawatomie Massacre takes place. A force of men led by famed abolitionist John Brown attacks a pro-slavery settlement in Franklin County, Kan., leaving at least five men dead. The attack was part of a period known as “Bleeding Kansas” when pro and anti-slavery forces battled one another in a bid to determine whether Kansas would be a slave or free territory. The “Pottawatomie Massacre” was also one of the events which made the Civil War unavoidable. 1944—Legendary singer Patti LaBelle is born Patricia Louise Holte in Philadelphia, Pa. June 25 1773—Massachusetts slaves petition for their freedom. As a result of the petition, a bill ending slavery in the state was actually drawn up and passed by the legislature. But the governor refused to sign it and there were not enough votes to override his veto. 1941—President Franklin D. Roosevelt issues Executive Order #8802 banning racial discrimination in the nation’s war industries on the eve of America’s involvement in World A. PHILLIP RANDOLPH War II. The order came as a result of pressure from Black labor leader A. Phillip Randolph who had threatened a massive “March on Washington” to protest discrimination by the military and the military industry. 1968—Lincoln Alexander becomes the first Black member of the Canadian parliament. 2009—Pop music superstar Michael Jackson dies of cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home after reportedly being given a powerful sedative (propofol) to help him sleep. Jackson was 50 years old and was in the process of preparing a major comeback tour. His doctor Conrad Murray was charged with and found guilty of manslaughter in the case. June 26 1899—Black inventor William H. Richardson redesigns the baby carriage. While the idea for the baby carriage is nearly 300 years old, Richardson’s patent, filed at the Boston patent office, included sevMICHAEL JACKSON eral new features including a special joint which allowed the bassinet to be turned to face the mother or whoever was pushing the carriage. Many of Richardson’s designs are still in use today. [There is some authority that Richardson’s patent was actually filed on June 18.] 1942—Harvard medical student, Bernard W. Robinson, becomes the first AfricanAmerican to win a commission to the United States Navy. June 27 1872—Paul Lawrence Dunbar, one of the most popular poets in Black American history, is born in Dayton, Ohio. Dunbar first gained national recognition with a collection of works published in 1896 entitled “Lyrics of a Lowly Life,” which included “Ode to Ethiopia.” Despite the power of his poetry, Dunbar angered some Blacks who were concerned about “what will White people think” because he generally used Black dialect and not Standard English in much of his poetry. Dunbar’s first poem was published in a newspaper owned by high school friends and American airplane pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. The Wright brothers would also provide Dunbar with funds to open the Dayton Tattler—a newspaper geared toward the city’s Black community. Unfortunately, Dunbar died at the age of 34 in 1906 of Tuberculosis. June 28 1839—Cinque (original name Senghbe), after being kidnapped and sold into slavery, is placed on the Spanish slave ship Amistad. The son of a King of the Mende (Mendi) tribe in West Africa would lead the most successful revolt on a slave ship during the entire history of the slave trade. The Amistad was captured by the slaves who killed the captain and attempted to sail the ship to Africa. But due to delaying tactics by the remaining White crew, the ship was captured by a U.S. naval ship. Cinque and the rebellious slaves were taken to New Haven, Conn., and put on trial for murder. Amazingly they won their case and were allowed to return to Africa. 1971—Muhammad Ali is allowed to box again after CINQUE winning a victory in the United States Supreme Court. The court overturned his conviction for refusing to be drafted and serve in the United States war in Vietnam. When asked how he could claim to be a pacifist opposed to war while being a professional boxer, Ali’s most frequent response was, “I am not going 10,000 miles from here to help murder and kill and burn poor people to help continue the domination of White slave masters over the darker people.” 1978—The United States Supreme Court hands down the Bakke Decision which undermined affirmative action programs that had been designed to give preference to Blacks and other minorities in education and industry in order to compensate for decades of past discrimination. Although the court ruled affirmative action programs were constitutional; it struck down the use of quotas and that had the effect of weakening the affirmative action programs. June 29 1970—NAACP Chairman Stephen Gill Spottswood creates a national controversy by telling the annual convention of the civil rights organization that the administration of President Richard Nixon was “anti-Negro” and was pursuing policies “inimical to the needs and aspirations” of African-Americans. 1972—The United States Supreme Court rules in a historic five to four decision that as it was being carried out in America, the death penalty was “cruel and unusual STEPHEN GILL SPOTTSWOOD punishment” and thus violated the Constitution. The ruling also suggested that the death penalty was racist. At the time 483 of the approximately 600 people waiting to be executed in the nation were Blacks or members of other minority groups. However, since the decision, at least 38 states and the federal government have re-instituted the death penalty by supposedly meeting Supreme Court guidelines. June 30 1847—Dred Scott (and his wife, Harriet) files his famous lawsuit in St. Louis Circuit Court arguing that after living with a slave master for several years in non-slave territories, they should be considered free. After several twists and turns, the case makes its way to the United States Supreme Court where the court rules against Scott and Justice Roger B. Taney writes what may be the most racist decision ever rendered by the court. Taney wrote that Scott was “private property” and had no right to sue in federal court. He also declared that Blacks were not citizens of America and never could be. Then he topped the decision by writing of Scott and all Blacks, “being of inferior order, and altogether unfit to associate with the White race…they have no rights which DRED SCOTT the White man is bound to respect.” 1917—Glamorous Singer-Actress Lena Horne is born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to an upperincome Black family. She would perform with Jazz greats such as Artie Shaw, Teddy Wilson, Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington. She also became the first African-American woman to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio. But she became disenchanted with Hollywood and returned to her nightclub career. She is best known for her 1940s hit “Stormy Weather.” In her later years she became active in civil rights including participation in Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic 1963 March on Washington. Horne died on May 9, 2010 at the age of 92. 1967—Major Robert H. Lawrence is named the first Black U.S. astronaut in the NASA space program. The Chicago-born Lawrence would later die under somewhat mysterious circumstances during a training exercise in December 1967. 1974—A deranged Black man, Marcus Chennault, shoots and kills the mother of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Along with Alberta Christine Williams King, a church deacon was killed and another church member wounded. Chennault, a Dayton, Ohio, native, reportedly claimed that Black Christians were deceiving and misleading Black people.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
JUNE 24-30, 2015
NATIONAL
UNBOWED—A parishioner prays at the Emanuel AME Church four days after a mass shooting that claimed the lives of it’s pastor and eight others on Sunday, June 21, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/David Goldman, Pool)
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NEW EMMANUEL LEADER—Rev. Norvel Goff, right, prays at the empty seat of Rev. Clementa Pinckney at the Emanuel AME Church on Sunday, June 21, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/David Goldman, Pool)
Reopening church doors after shooting ‘sends message to every demon in hell and on earth’ CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) —Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church opened its tall, wooden doors to the world June 21, embracing strangers who walked in from the street or tuned in from home for the first worship service since a White gunman was accused of killing nine Black church members. It was that same hospitality that allowed the suspected gunman to be welcomed into a Bible study for about an hour before he allegedly stood up, made racially offensive remarks and opened fire in the church known as “Mother Emanuel” because it is one of the oldest Black congregations in the South. “I was so pleased when authorities told us you can go back into ‘Mother Emanuel’ to worship,” said the Rev. Norvel Goff, a presiding elder of the 7th District AME Church in South Carolina, before adding a note of defiance to a service sprinkled with themes of love, recovery and healing. “Some folks might need some more time in order to walk in. But for those of us who are here this morning ...because the doors of Mother Emanuel are open on this Sunday, it sends a message to every demon in hell and on earth.” The church’s air conditioning did little to fight the heat of extra bodies in the sanctuary. There was fervent singing and shouting, so much so that many congregants waved small fans in front of their faces. Despite the heaviness in the air, many stood—some holding small children—to shout their praises or raise their hands toward the church’s vaulted ceiling. For
SHOOTING VICTIMS—Clockwise from top left: Susie Jackson; Sharonda Coleman-Singleton; DePayne Doctor; Ethel Lance; Daniel Simmons Sr.; Clementa Pinckney; Cynthia Hurd; Tywanza Sanders. Credit Clockwise from top left: David Goldman/AP; Jeffrey Collins/AP; Leigh Thomson/Southern Wesleyan University, via AP; David Goldman/AP (2); Grace Beahm/The Post and Courier, via AP; Adam Ferrell/The Post And Courier, via AP; Anita Brewer Dantzler, via AP added security, police officers stood watch over worshippers. Some congregation members stood to applaud when Rev. Goff thanked law enforcement for their response to the shooting. Reverend Goff was appointed to lead the historic Charleston church after Emanuel’s senior pastor, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, was fatally shot during the massacre. A black sheet was draped over Pinckney’s usual chair, which sat empty. At least one parishioner kneeled down in front of it and prayed. Reverend Pinckney was also a state senator and married father of two children. Reverend Goff acknowledged Father’s Day and said: “The only way evil
can triumph is for good folks to sit down and do nothing.” As Emanuel’s congregation belted out a gospel hymn, church bells rang throughout the “Holy City”
a former state lawmaker and vocal Confederate flag supporter. The slayings have renewed calls for the flag to be removed from the South Carolina Statehouse
“How do you sit in a Bible Study next to a pastor for almost an hour and then you just stand up and shoot to kill? That kind of hate, that kind of evil—we need God y’all. We need Jesus.” REV. TIMOTHY MCDONALD —nicknamed because of the numerous churches here. Later on June 21, people were expected to gather on the Arthur Ravenel Bridge to join hands in solidarity. The bridge is named after
grounds, in part because photographs of Roof in a purported manifesto showed him holding Confederate flags. The 2,500word manifesto also contained hate-filled writings.
Less than 2 miles from the church, someone vandalized a Confederate monument, spray-painting “Black Lives Matter” on the statue. City workers used a tarp to cover up the graffiti, police said. Photos on local news websites from before the tarp was put up showed the graffiti in bright red paint, along with the message “This is the problem. # RACIST.” Around the country, pastors asked people to pray for Charleston. In Atlanta’s 1st Iconium Baptist Church, a predominantly Black church with a tradition of speaking out for social justice, Rev. Timothy McDonald told his congregation on June 21 that he had met Rev. Pinckney last April during a visit to Columbia, S.C.,
with a group of ministers. “You talk about a promising young man,” he said, expressing shock at the manner of Rev. Pinckney’s death. “How do you sit in a Bible Study next to a pastor for almost an hour and then you just stand up and shoot to kill? That kind of hate, that kind of evil — we need God y’all. We need Jesus,” Rev. McDonald said. The tragedy resonated far beyond urban areas. Congregants at a small church in rural north-central Pennsylvania signed a condolence card to send to Emanuel. Reverend Nancy Light Hardy of St. James United Church of Christ said she debated mailing the card, which seemed “pitiful and lame” when set against the “inconceivable” killings. “But at least it lets the Charleston church know that Christians across the country are thinking about them,” she said. The welcoming spirit Roof exploited before the shooting was still alive. Gail Lincoln said she typically attends another AME church nearby, but felt compelled to visit Emanuel this week. “Through all of this, God is still our refuge,” Lincoln said. “I’m still heartbroken, but it’s going to get better. I know it’s going to take time, day by day.” As a further sign of resilience, the church’s Wednesday night Bible study is expected to continue as normal next week, said Emanuel member Harold Washington, 75. “We didn’t change a thing,” he said. (Associated Press contributors include Mike Stewart, Don Schanche, David Goldman, Emily Masters, Allen Breed, Josh Replogle and John Mone.)
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JUNE 24-30, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
METRO
Clergy addresses safety, gun reforms due to S.C. shooting CONTINUED FROM A1
While he won’t go that far, Rev. Jackson said he would seek assistance from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police by asking Zone 2 Commander Eric Holmes to increase patrols around the church. Like Rev. Jackson, Rev. Glenn Grayson, pastor of Wesley Center AMEZ Church in the Hill District, said he would not be locking church doors either. He said, “It’s mind boggling to imagine someone fellowshipping with you for a whole hour and then intentionally having enough hatred or mental illness in their spirit to brutality kill nine people, and leave one alive to tell the story.” While he is conscious of the need for safety and struggles with what to do, Rev. Grayson said the church should be a welcoming place and to prejudge someone from the door and say they can’t come in is “not what Jesus would want.” Along with church security, many local leaders are seeing this as time to discuss the lingering topic of gun reform. Many view guns as being too easily accessible. Even President Obama addressed the need for reforms when commenting on the shooting. According to reports, Roof exhibited signs of instability prior to the incident. Reverend Grayson, who lost his son to gun violence and attended college at the same time as one of the victims, said, “Again innocent lives were taken senselessly through gun violence. Those nine people represented a fragment of the world. They say every day 34 people lose their life to gun violence, which speaks of the world we’re in.” He went on to say, “It’s sad that what the overall society wants, Congress can still vote it down. People want better gun laws, people want the dangerous and mentally ill to not have such quick access, people want more accountability and people want consequences for frivolous security of people’s weapons.” Reverend Dr. James McLemore, presiding elder of the Pittsburgh Conference of the
AME Church, said that it’s past time for legislators to pass reforms for stricter gun legislation. “We need gun control. And I think that we need to demand it of our legislators, not ask it, but demand it. It’s our children getting killed. It’s our lives being threatened. It’s our churches being damaged,” Rev. McLemore said. “It’s past conversation. We need to push the issue and stand up. “ While Roof has been captured and the justice process has begun, what will it take to heal the wound of this nation? Both Rev. Jackson and McLemore agree that it will take prayer. The day after the shooting, AME churches, and churches of other denominations, across the country held prayer vigils. But Rev. Jackson believes it goes beyond that. He said it takes education and engaging in conversations about the issues at hand. “The key to this and the key to racism is education. We have to get to know each other; we have to quit dealing with stereotypes and such. We have to sit down at the table, and it can’t just be politicians and clergy; we’ve got to include the business community in this—everybody has to come to the table.” Like Rev. Jackson, Rev. Grayson believes it takes more. Since the incident and the reports of Roof’s obsession with the Confederate Flag, many, including South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, have called for the symbol of racism to come down from the State’s Capitol building. Petitions have even been circulating. Reverend Grayson said that unfortunately, often times for major change to come, it historically takes a sacrifice of a life; he referenced the story of Jesus. While it cannot bring back the nine individuals who so innocently lost their lives, he said by taking down the flag that represents racism, “it would bring some solace and spirit to not only the victims’ families, but to African Americans who understand the suffering that it represents in South Carolina and as an image around the world.”
LARIMER SCHOOL
KBK Enterprises to renovate Larimer School CONTINUED FROM A1
tackling the school project—developer Keith B. Key. Key built and manages 135 unit Garfield Commons Community and the Hill District’s Skyview Terrace for the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. He plans to convert the school into 36 senior housing units, and ground-floor community service space. He has budgeted $14 million for the project. Miles’ Fishers of Men nonprofit is listed as a partner. With the historic building’s interior marble wainscoting and terrazzo floors; its exterior Corinthian columns, bas-relief sculptures and statuary, it will undoubtedly be the most ornate affordable housing complex in the city. Project Manager Jennifer DiNardo said the housing renovation will focus on the original 1896 building and the 1904 addition. The gymnasium and auditorium buildings, added in 1931, are slated to be used for community- and public-service related functions. “Our first priority is stabilizing the roof, particularly on the original 30,000-squarefoot building, which is a huge project itself, so we don’t have any additional deterioration inside,” she said. “But the building has such a great history, and with all the development underway in the area, it just has to be addressed.” DiNardo said KBK has already com-
pleted a phase 2 environmental assessment and found far less asbestos than originally anticipated, most of that in old floor tiles. There is, however, a substantial amount of lead-based paint that will either have to be removed or encapsulated. “We have bids out now on for the roofing work, and anticipate having that completed before winter,” she said. “Unfortunately, we did not win our low-income tax credit application in the last round. We are reapplying for those again in the fall and for historic tax credits as well. We will also be seeking gap financing from the (Urban Redevelopment Authority).” When the balance of the work begins, DiNardo said KBK “absolutely” plans to employ local residents and subcontractors on the project. Once the project is completed, we’ll buy it from Mr. Miles and KBK will manage the property. Emmitt will be service partner. He has a lot of community service interests including providing for veterans.” DiNardo said the main building’s interior marble and terrazzo stonework is all intact. And though scavengers have looted items like copper pipe since the building was closed in 1980, all of that would have been replaced anyway because the floor plan will be entirely reconfigured. (Send comments pittsburghcourier.com.)
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Neighborhood Allies invests in Black community CONTINUED FROM A1
A TIME FOR PRAYER—Front row, from left: Julius. Redd, Marla Wilson, Pastor Steven Jackson, Hattie Brower, Rev. Dr. James McLemore, Rev. Yolanda Wright and Gelora Wilson. Back row, from left: Kathy Bynum, Russell Bynum, Rev. Liddy Barlow and Rev. James Harris Sr. (Photo by Jackie McDonald)
case, if we do our part correctly, it will make attracting investment dollars easier.” Jackson said OBB had failed to win tax credit funding to build six houses on the vacant properties last year, but developed another approach that Neighborhood Allies approved. “Hey, we tested our Cluster Planning idea here. So
now we’re going to test another idea,” he said. “Our plan is to help the poor homeowners improve their properties so that new homes built in the vacant spaces will not look out of place, and potential buyers would not be seeing rundown properties next door. We’re testing if priming the pump by fixing existing structures attracts developers.” Like OBB, Homewood’s Community Empowerment Association also won a $75,000 grant to further its work construction industry training and job placement for Homewood residents and to assist local public and private developers and contractors to recruit and retain qualified community residents Rashad Byrdsong, CEA president and CEO, said the grant reflects Neighborhood Allies holistic approach to community development—a concept Byrdsong, himself, has worked to advance. “There hasn’t been a lot of investment in the social capital of the community— now it’s happened,” he said. “This is a new initiative and direction under new President Presley Gillespie. He sees the broader picture, and they’ve put their money where their mouth is. They’re also sponsoring leadership development plans to increase community competencies. Hopefully, this can be a new model for corporate responsibility.” Gillespie, a former vice president with KeyBank and the founding executive director of the Youngstown (Ohio) Neighborhood Development Corporation, took over as Neighborhood Allies’ inaugural president when it re-invented itself in 2014. It was previously called the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development. Gillespie said his mandate is simple. “Our goal is to disrupt the status quo,” he said. “We need to create new ways of thinking about our neighborhoods, changing the language of community development. We have talent and people here who can get things done. What we lack is regular connections
across neighborhoods and sectors.” Gillespie said investment has to look beyond the built environment, beyond housing. It has to include people’s sense of wellbeing. “We call it ‘complete capital,’” he said. “We have to be able to test things, like an urban laboratory. We need a culture of risk and innovation. We can’t be afraid to make mistakes. We plan to be adaptive.” The other grants awarded June 4 were: •$75,000 to Made Right Here for a yearlong youth maker training and professional development program with Larimer Youth; •$50,000 to FOCUS Pittsburgh to create, convene and manage a local advisory board made up of highlevel experts and professionals who will inform the implementation of a pilot trauma-informed community development strategy in the Hill District; •$75,000 to Hosanna House Inc. to implement a placemaking strategy that will complete beautification and infrastructure improvements that will connect the services Hosanna House offers at their facility with the Penn Avenue business district; •$65,000 to the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation to support a small business marketing/promotion and investment attraction program that incorporates physical façade and building improvements with tools that both current and prospective entrepreneurs can use to grow and maintain their businesses; •$50,000 to The Mission Continues to deploy a service platoon of 40-60 returning veterans to work with community leaders to plan and execute service missions throughout our focus neighborhoods; and •$75,000 to Vibrant Pittsburgh to implement a pilot diversity advancement project that will create an online platform to identify, source and pool diverse talent and formalize a partnership with leaders to recruit and place that talent locally. (Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourtier.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
JUNE 24-30, 2015
METRO
A5
URA approves Humphries’ housing plan on North Side by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Though best known as a jazz drummer and teacher, Roger Humphries is getting into the housing business, and thanks to the Urban Redevelopment Authority, he will shortly begin building six market-rate townhouses on the North Side. Of all the items on the board’s June 11 agenda, the sale of one authority-owned lot on Carrington Street for $1,500 took the least amount of time to approve. The lot adjoins properties Humphries’ RH Factor LLC. had already assembled for the project. The total development costs are projected at $1.7 million. Humphries said his older sister had been interested in real estate and that he had earlier lived across form the properties. So when the opportunity presented itself he and his wife Regina began acquiring the land. “It was always in the back of my mind,” said Humphries. “We’ve been at this for a while, and now we’re ready to start.” Four of the townhouses
will face Carrington Street and the other two face Jefferson Street, all will have garages and rooftop decks. The homes are modular units and will be built by New Era Homes. Construction should begin in midJuly and should only take about 90 days. Given the area market, and other modulars going up nearby, Humphries estimates the sale price in the $350,000 range. “I’m just grateful to have this project to do, and to finally see it come to fruition,” he said. The board also approved $1.2 million in loans for the second phase of the Garfield Glen scattered site affordable housing project. The two- three- and fourbedroom homes will be designated for those with incomes under 60 percent of the Area Median Income and will be available for purchase by the residents after 15 years. For the Hill District, the board approved an exclusive six-month negotiating term for ACH Clear Pathways to purchase a lot on Centre Av-
ROGER HUMPHRIES enue for the construction of a recreation center which will serve as their permanent location for their organization. ACH Clear Pathways provides after school and summer programming for neighborhood youth. It also approved a similar arrangement for the Hill Community Development Corporation to purchase 17 properties along Centre and Wylie Avenues and Erin Street for a “comprehensive redevelopment of the New Granada Theater block. Plans call for the proper-
ties to be developed for a variety of purposes. Hill CDC president Marimba Milliones said she would be issuing a request for proposals within 30 days to identify a development partner for the project, which includes retail and housing space and refurbishing the New Granada. “We’ve finalized all our market analyses and feasibility studies, and even have some interested tenants. But securing a developer is our first priority,” she said. “We’ll also be unveiling the community’s Centre Avenue comprehensive redevelopment plan on June 20 at our State of The Hill District event.” The board also approved entering into a $500,000 loan arrangement with the PNC Foundation for projects in the 28-acre former Civic Arena site. Authority Housing Director Tom Cummings explained that the funds would be used in lieu of monies that will be collected via the LERTA district tax abatement reinvestment fund for development in and around the
lower Hill. “Because the reinvestment fund will not have any money in it immediately, we would use the loan for financing,” he said. “Loan funds would only be drawn down for specific projects, which would come before us for approval anyway, and would later be repaid from the reinvestment fund when it is funded.” The board also agreed to sell the lot adjoining Nigel Parkinson’s Indigo Hotel on Board Street in East Liberty to the hotel’s ownership group for a tree garden, which would be used for occasional outdoor hotel events but would remain a public space. The most contentious agenda item was the approval of a $50,000 grant to offset the costs associated with the “Tiny House” project in Garfield. The idea is to make use of some of the city’s small vacant lots by building very small houses—essentially standalone studio apartments— on the sites. Eve Picker, told the board that this first attempt ran into problems with the
site—and with the dictates of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, which required trenching water lines under the sidewalk and street to connect to mains on the opposite side, and then returning everything to its previous condition. “So we’re left with a sales price of about $100,000,” she said. “We don’t even really know who the market is for this.” Rick Swartz, executive director of the Bloomfield Garfield Corp., told the board efforts to build any “affordable housing” in the city run into similar cost brought on by environmental and city code requirements. “Site costs are running $50,000 regardless of what size of structure you’re putting up,” he said. Prior to the meeting board Chair Kevin Acklin announced that the authority had adopted environmental strictures proposed by the Heinz Endowments during its P4 meetings in May. He also applauded several authority staffers for completing LEED green building certification.
Corporate diversity conference promotes mentoring CONTINUED FROM A1
down to making a personal commitment. “I made the decision to double the percent of minorities on our staff—now it’s not a big staff,” he said. “But last year it was 10 percent, today it’s 13 percent. And before our next funding cycle begins it will be 20 percent.” The first half of the roundtable focused on diversification of corporate and institutional supplier chains and featured an address by Marquis Miller, vice president of the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council, and a panel discussion moderated by Doris Carson Williams, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of western Pennsylvania. Miller noted that 21 percent of the firms in the
JACOBI KENT
TIM STEVENS
country are minorityowned. They do $1 billion a day in business and generate $49 billion in tax revenue each year. Increasing diversity by supporting them as suppliers of goods and professional services
has multiple benefits. “They will hire more minorities, benefiting Black communities. They are selfreinforcing,” he said. “They can also, because they have already established relations, support international growth.” Miller also noted that as a “next practice,” companies should hire individuals with not only the job they
Community Calendar Flea Market JUNE 27—The Homewood Concerned Citizens Council will host a Homewood Community Flea Market from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Hamilton Avenue Parklet, 7050 Hamilton Ave., Homewood. This is for Homewood residents, business owners, community stakeholders and community based organizations. Tent and table space is available. For more information, call 412-5120391 or email hccc@elitemail.org.
Study Group Lecture Series JUNE 27—Seshemet Community Council will host its Enrichment Study Group Lecture Series 2015 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at CCAC Homewood Brushton Center, 701 North Homewood Ave., Homewood. The topic is “The Global System of Racism/White Supremacy and How it Affects Black People.” This will be an open group discussion amongst attendees. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. For more information, call 412-2257654 or visit www.seshemet.com.
Community Festival JUNE 27—Schenley Heights will host the Schenley Heights Community Festival from 12-4 p.m. at the Robert E. Williams Memorial Park, corner of Milwaukee and Adelaide Streets, in the Hill District. The event will include dancing, drumming, AARP information, the Story Mobile, information and vendor tables, children, music, entertainment, prizes, food and more. For more information, call 412-687-1819.
Public Hearing JUNE 30—Port Authority of Allegheny County will host a Public Hearing on the ConnectCard from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Port Authority, Board Room, 345 Sixth Ave., Downtown. After Aug. 1, Port Authority will charge $5 on ConnectCard sales to cover program costs. This public hearing is an opportunity for the community to voice their opinions. There will also be a hearing from 4-6 p.m. Pre-registration is re-
quired. For more information, call 412-566-5187.
Hometown Hoops Mini-Camps ONGOING—The Allegheny County Parks Department will host the Hometown Hoops MiniCamps, weekdays from 10 a.m.2:30 p.m. at 30 site locations throughout the county. Now through Aug. 3, boys and girls ages 9-18 will have the opportunity to participate in a free basketball mini-camp. Lunch will be provided. Registration is not required, but is strongly suggested. For more information, call 412-350-2455 or email hometownhoops@alleghenycounty.us.
SummerFood Program ONGOING—The Allegheny County Department of Human Services will host its SummerFood Program at more than 80 sites located throughout Allegheny County. The program provides a free breakfast, lunch and recreation program for children through 18 years old, as well as eligible individuals with disabilities. A site supervisor and accompanying staff member will be present to ensure the well being of the children. For more information, call 1-800-851-3838 or visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/food .aspx.
OASIS Tutor Training ONGOING—OASIS is seeking volunteers for its Intergenerational Tutor Training from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Macy’s Department Store, 11th floor, Fifth Avenue, Downtown. The training sessions will take place Aug. 4 & 6. Free training will be given to mature adults who are 50 years old or more and would like to commit to tutoring youth for onehour, per week. All materials, books and supplies will be provided. Registration is required. For more information, call John Spehar at 412-232-2021 or email jdspehar@oasis.net. (To have items listed on Community Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or email: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
are applying for in mind, but for the job above that. “And you should hire them for their willingness and ability to be re-skilled for needs you have not yet identified,” he said. A second panel, moderated by Urban League of Pittsburgh President and CEO Esther Bush looked at hiring, promoting and retaining minorities. Local firms like PNC, Highmark and UPMC have all instituted programs to do just that. But all agreed that hiring success is—especially in these days of faceless internet job applications—is tied to UPMC Chief Diversity Officer Candi Castleberry-Singleton’s admonition from last year’s conference: “if we only recommend people we know for jobs, we all need to make new friends.” “But it goes beyond that, beyond ‘the illusion of inclusion,’” said Castleberry-Singleton. “It’s the difference between mentorship and sponsorship—that means
you have skin in the game. It takes a conscious personal commitment from everyone. And Sara Oliver-Carter, vice president for Diversity Council at Highmark, acknowledged man in the audience, Jacobi Kent, who’d taken advantage of her company’s programming. He’d driven from Camp Hill, Pa., to attend the conference. “When I came to Highmark, I had just a BA, now I have an MBA and I’m a manager in accounts receivable,” he said. “A year ago, I wasn’t invited to things like this, So, I am making new friends, like Sara—she answers my calls.” In closing, roundtable founder and Black Political Empowerment Project President Tim Stevens thanked everyone for their time, input and dedication. “Our goal is that Pittsburgh will be emulated and duplicated in the level of equity and inclusion we create,” he said.
(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
Correction In the “Schism in Pittsburgh’s gay community” story in the June 17 edition Flecia Harvey, president of Pittsburgh Black Pride, said part of a quote attributed to her she didn’t say. A person, she did not identify, standing next to her added, “They used to be close but if you get on Michael’s (Battle) bad side, he goes back to his woman phase pms.” The first part of the quote Harvey said she did say. “Michael Battle used Pittsburgh Black Pride in it. I told him to take our name out of it, I said we are not a part of that and he got upset with me…it was a mess. He is losing it. I’m not sure what his motives are but it seems he is trying to mess up Pittsburgh Black Pride and at the same time mess Gay Van Horn’s name up.”
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JUNE 24-30, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OPINION
My heart goes out to Charleston, S.C. families
Guest Editorial
Ex-NAACP leader needed to resign The president of the NAACP’s Spokane, Wash., chapter has resigned as furor over her racial identity mounted, after her parents said she has falsely portrayed herself as Black for years even though she is actually White. Rachel Dolezal resigned as president of the NAACP’s Spokane chapter on June 15 just days after her parents said she is a White woman posing as Black. The 37-year-old woman with a deeply tanned complexion and dark curly hair, graduated from historically Black Howard University, taught African studies at a local university and was married to a Black man. For years, Dolezal publicly described herself as Black and complained repeatedly of being the victim of racial hatred in the heavily White region. A day after her resignation, Dolezal said in a television interview that she identifies herself as Black. Her mother, Ruthanne Dolezal of Troy, Mont., told reporters she has had no contact with her daughter in several years. She said Rachel began to “disguise herself” as Black after her parents adopted four Black children more than a decade ago. Dolezal had to resign as president of the Spokane chapter of the NAACP. By lying about her racial identity she damaged her credibility as a leader and would hurt the organization if she stayed on as its leader. The resignation comes after a swift fall for an activist credited with injecting remarkable new energy into the civil rights organization. The irony is Dolezal did not need to be deceptive and portray herself as African American to fight for human and civil rights. Late last week, the national NAACP stood by her, saying “one’s racial identity is not a qualifying criteria or disqualifying standard for NAACP leadership.” In fact the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, was founded in 1909 by both Whites and Blacks and has Whites and other non-Blacks as active members. By all accounts Dolezal has been widely credited with reinvigorating Spokane’s moribund NAACP chapter. Under her leadership, the chapter acquired an office, increased membership, improved finances and made other improvements. Dolezal can continue her work as a civil rights activist but to be viewed as credible she must be honest and transparent. Integrity does matter. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via email to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
Founded 1910
Rod Doss
Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher
Allison Palm
Eric Gaines
Office Manager
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Ulish Carter
Ashley Johnson Associate Editor
Managing Editor
Jeff Marion Circulation Consultant
John H. Sengstacke Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
My heart goes out with regrets for the nine people murdered in cold blood at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. recently, as well as their families and friends, and the city as a whole. The alleged killer, Dylann Roof, had just turned 21. According to news reports the young man entered a Bible study class and spent over an hour talking to the people before he started shooting. He left one witness alive so she could tell what happened. There were three people who actually survived the massacre, one by pretending to be dead while she watched her son “go down.” Most of the information about this massacre sounds like it was a racial killing. Roof felt that Black men were raping White women, and Black people were taking over this country. I’m still trying to figure out where these Right Wing White people are getting their information from that Blacks are taking over this country? What do we own? What city have we taken over? Especially throughout the South where we have practically no power? Just look at Black people’s income or accumulated wealth compared to Whites. Our business ownership compared to Whites. Just look at the White communities compared to Blacks. Look at most of our urban areas. Are they saying that the Urban League, and the Congressional Black Caucus are lying when they come up with “The State of Black America” which has Blacks way, way behind Whites in everything? Are the Right Wing Whites saying Blacks shouldn’t have anything? Maybe they think Blacks are getting rich on welfare? And what got me is that he was just a kid. I could understand a White male over 50 but a kid of 21 with his future ahead of him, who was not poor by any stretch of the imagination. It is reported that his father brought him a gun for his 21st birthday, hopefully not to do what he did.
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’
to make sure they are treated equal through inclusion. We can’t take anything for granted. White people as a whole have never just did the right thing in this country without Blacks fighting and pushing them to do it, so why would the Gay Rights struggle be any different. Former FBI kingpin J. Edgar Hoover was gay, but he was a staunch racist. Check out the movie “J. Edgar.” *** How does a 3-year old leave the house and no adult in the house know it? Adrionna Williams was found dead about two-and-a-half miles from her house. So far no one knows how she got there. My question is how did she get out of the house? You never let a 3year old out of your sight because toddlers are always into something and most of the time it’s dangerous. You fix the doors so she can’t get out. Speaking of kids lives Melanie Timbers and other members of Emmanuel Baptist Church led the Rankin Community Outreach Prayer Walk in which they emphasized the importance of every Black life with a theme of “Our Kids Lives Matter!” The rally was created to let the youth of the Rankin community and surrounding areas know that they were loved and that the shootings and killings had to end, because all life is precious. Rashad Byrdsong is also to be commended for his ceaseless work in the community to bring attention to the Black on Black violence issue. Recently it was the planting plants, mostly beautiful flowers, to commemorate the beautiful lives lost. And last but not least, great job on the Juneteenth celebration by B. Marshall. He had a little bit of everything, which was somewhat confusing at times but the overall effort was great. It was different in that it was a happy celebration of Black life in Pittsburgh, and Black life in America as a whole.
It’s a shame that all these families had to go through this because of some mentally deranged kid who has been listening to too much Right Wing rhetoric. This was not random because the Pastor of the church, Rev. Clementa Pinckney, was active in the community and a state senator. The list of the people killed are; Rev. Clementa Pinckney, 41; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45; Myra Thompson, 59; Ethel Lance, 70; Rev. Daniel Simmons, 74; Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49; and Susie Jackson, 87. *** This years’ Gay Pride parade had a lot of controversy from within. First the fight between the group having it and another group about the artist selected. Then some of the people saying the overall White group did not have the best interest of Blacks at heart. Just because a person sleeps with the same sex don’t mean that person likes Black people or have the best interest of Blacks at heart. I’m sure plenty of the good ole boys in the South who were hanging Blacks, were sleeping with the same sex. Why would a gay or bisexual person be any less racist than a straight person? Just like Black people had to fight for our rights within the labor movement, the women’s movement, and every other movement in this country. Just because the doors are opening for (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the gays, doesn’t mean Black gays will get through those doors if they don’t fight New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Focus on real Black women, not imposters by Julianne Malveaux (NNPA)—By the time you read this, perhaps the disturbing story of Rachel Dolezal, the prevaricating White woman who passed for Black, led the Spokane NAACP, and wove a web of elaborate lies, would have receded from media headlines. Probably not. I expect additional disclosures, a book, and a reality show. While most African Americans have concluded that Dolezal is a mentally impaired liar, too many Caucasians, obsessed with race, are likely to give this story legs. Meanwhile, there are millions of African American women who are rendered invisible by the media. If Matt Lauer wants to focus on the women in the NAACP, he ought to interview Roslyn Brock, the chair of the NAACP board. If he wants to look at the women who lead organizations, he should focus on Melanie Campbell (National Coalition for Black Civic Participation) or Sherilyn Ifill (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund). These women can add substance, not sensationalist fluff, to a conversation about women and race. Where is the 15-minute interview of Dajerria Becton, the teenager who, bikini-clad, was brutally dragged by her hair at a Texas pool party? Where is the follow-up on Renisha McBride, the teen who was killed by a crazed White man from behind his locked screen door? When have any of the African American women in Congress been featured in the lengthy interviews that others in Congress routinely get? Admittedly, lengthy profiles don’t happen often, but when they do happen, African American women certainly aren’t the focus of them. The presence of African American women in media is much improved in some respects from just a decade ago. MSNBC anchor Melissa Harris-
Perry brings a welcome approach to issues, Gayle King and Tamron Hall diversify a morning news lineup that was once far more homogeneous, and Gwen Ifill bring a necessary gravitas to evening news, and Donna Brazile is an important part of the commentariat. While those who bring the news are more diverse, the content of news is much less so, and frivolous sensationalism is often given more visibility than substance. African American women are also ignored by our natural allies, the White women who lead women’s organizations. To be sure, we can count on NOW’s Terry O’Neill to be an advocate for social and economic justice issues. She has been a reliable ally to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a regular presence on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s radio program (disclosure—I’ve been on the program with her on occasion), and a supportive force at national conventions. Still, Roland Martin was right to take her on regarding her silence around the way Dajerria Becton was brutalized. Truth be told, NOW should also be chastised for the many ways African American women, and our issues, are ignored by the nation’s premier women’s organization. In the words of Sojourner Truth, “Ain’t I A Woman?” Now that the Treasury Department has agreed that a woman will be on the U.S. currency by 2020, and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew is seeking input on which women through a Treasury department website. A selfdescribed grassroots organization called Women on 20s delivered a petition to President Obama in May, calling for a woman to appear on the $20 bill. Of the 600,000 people who signed the petition, the most people selected Harriet Tubman to appear on the bill, with Eleanor Roosevelt being the second choice. Wouldn’t it be great if majority women’s organizations pushed for an African American woman to
grace our currency? It would certainly go a long way toward recognizing instead of ignoring Black women. The United Nations has designated 2015-2024 the International Decade for People of African Descent. The theme of the decade is recognition, justice and development. The U.N. General Assembly has released a resolution that includes objectives and a program of activities for the decade. What if the media spent as much time on this as they have spent on a troubled imposter? To the extent that women of African descent around the globe experience similar histories and oppressions, such coverage could be informative and educational. Because African American women are too often invisible (or underrepresented) in the media and elsewhere, it is especially galling to watch the endless Dolezal coverage. Are African American only interesting when we are being portrayed by a confused wannabe Black woman? What about the real Black women? And what about asking African American women what they think about this nonsense to get interesting perspectives on this sideshow? What about looking at the “passing” phenomenon from an African American perspective (nobody knows how many African Americans passed for Caucasian to gain access to opportunities, educational and financial, during the Jim Crow days)? If Rachel Dolezal’s chicanery is to be covered by the media, it ought at least be placed in context. Sojourner Truth said, “I have plowed, and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And aren’t I a woman?” Dolezal has neither plowed nor planted. Her hijinks should be ignored, not glorified. (Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.based author and economist. She can be reached at www.juliannemalveaux.com)
Israel gets away with whitewashing murder by Bill Fletcher Jr. (NNPA)—When I read recently that an Israeli government investigation had concluded that the killing of four Palestinian children in Gaza by Israeli planes during the Israeli invasion of Gaza in 2014 had been regrettable but not a crime, I found myself thinking about a very dark and satirical line that circulated during the Palestinian s Second Intifada. In the face of repeated Israeli Defense Force killings of civilians—for which the Israeli government would regularly express regret and suggest had been unintentional—some unknown satirist suggested that the next time that Palestinians blew up a bus that they should apologize for the deaths of the passengers and point out that the actual target was the bus. Nothing can be as cynical as the repeated Israeli government killings of Palestinian civilians only to hide behind the veneer of civilization. Having locked a segment of the Palestinian population into what much of the world
describes as the largest open air prison on this planet—Gaza—cutting them off from acceptable interaction with the rest of the planet, the Israeli government always seems shocked when there is some sort of attack, legitimate or otherwise, launched by Palestinians. It is at that moment that the Israeli government, boasting one of the strongest military machines on Earth, smashes the Palestinians, always in the name of opposing terrorism. Never do they note that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, let along the blockade of Gaza, is internationally recognized to be illegal. In the most recent case, the Israeli government admits that its planes killed the Palestinian children. They feign regret but they do not answer some very simple questions. Here’s one: Were the aircraft being fired upon by those children or anyone in the vicinity? Here’s another: With one of the most sophisticated and high-tech intelligence operations on the planet, are we supposed to believe that the Israeli Defense Force was unaware that
these were children on the beach? Using that logic, how can the Israelis claim that missiles fired by Palestinians are being targeted at civilians and not accidentally falling on civilians? We have reached a point when the arguments raised by the Israeli government must be understood to be the equivalent of those raised by European settlers in the Old West (the U.S.A.) against Native Americans. No matter what agreements Native Americans came to with the settlers, the Native Americans were always blamed for violence and treated as savages until they were either annihilated or locked up on reservations. Nearly all violence against Native Americans was treated as legitimate compared with any act by Native Americans to protect their own land. It sure feels as if the Old West is alive and well and being played out in occupied Palestine. (Bill Fletcher Jr. is the host of The Global African on Telesur-English. He is a racial justice, labor and global justice activist and writer. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and at www.billfletcher.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Whites still live in the ‘State of Denial’ on race (NNPA)—Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley is fond of saying, “Slavery was America’s original sin, and racism remains its unresolved dilemma.” But the unwillingness to face up to the raw racism that led to the murder of nine African Americans attending Bible study at a church in Charleston, S.C. proves that the problem is more than just an unresolved dilemma. Judging by public opinion polls, most Whites live year-round in the 51st state —the state of denial. First, let’s deal with the facts. Around 9 p.m. on June 17, Dylann Roof, a 21-year-old avowed White supremacist, entered Emanuel AME Church in Charleston and murdered nine, unarmed African Americans, ranging from 26 to 87 years old. Each victim was shot multiple times. We have the murderer’s own words that his goal was to “start a race war,” according to law enforcement officials who took Roof into custody. Rather than address obvious racism, our non-friends on Fox & Friends and other Fox network programs attempted to make the massacre about religion, gun control and anything other than the actual culprit—racism. Fox & Friends host Steve Doocy referenced “hostility toward Christians.” That theme was echoed by Bishop E.W. Jackson when he noted that “we don’t know why he went into a church, but he didn’t choose a bar” or “basketball court.” Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani also postulated that “maybe he hates Christian churches.” But we aren’t talking about any Christian church. We are talking about a historic Black church that had been carefully targeted by the shooter. Within minutes after his name was made public, Dylann Roof’s White supremacy views
George E. Curry
Commentary became widely known. A photo on his Facebook page showed him wearing patches with the flags of White minority-ruled South Africa during the apartheid era and Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Both flags are popular symbols associated with White supremacists in the U.S. Another photo posted on Facebook by one of Roof’s friends showed him leaning against an automobile sporting the license plate, “Confederate States of America.” Several days after the rampage, Roof’s racist manifesto was discovered. In it, he said: “Anyone who thinks that White and black people look as different as we do on the outside, but are somehow magically the same on the inside, is delusional. How could our faces, skin, hair, and body structure all be different, but our brains be exactly the same? This is the nonsense we are led to believe. “Negroes have lower Iqs, lower impulse control, and higher testosterone levels in generals. These three things alone are a recipe for violent behavior…” Toward the end, he wrote: “I chose Charleston because it is most historic city in my state, and at one time had the highest ratio of blacks to Whites in the country. We have no skinheads, no real KKK, no one doing anything but talking on the internet. Well someone has to have the bravery to take it to the real world, and I guess that has to be me.” Some conservatives tried to make the shootings a gun issue. After several Fox personalities suggested that ministers arm themselves, Steve Doocy chimed in, “If somebody was there, they would have had the opportunity to pull out their weapon and take [the shooter] out.” But it’s not that simple. “Fox & Friends used a mass shooting at a South Carolina church to baselessly promote the carrying of guns as a solution to prevent such attacks—even though research indicates that civilians are more likely to harm themselves or someone else than stop a criminal when they have a gun, and there is ‘no evidence; that arming civilians stops mass shootings,” observed mediamatters.org After conducting a 5-month investigation, Mother Jones magazine concluded: “In the wake of the massacres this year at a Colorado movie theater, a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, we set out to track mass shootings in the United States over the last 30 years. “We identified and analyzed 62 of them, and one striking pattern in the data is this: In not a single case was the killing stopped by a civilian using a gun. And in other recent (but less lethal) rampages in which armed civilians attempted to intervene, those civilians not only failed to stop the shooter but also were gravely wounded or killed. Moreover, we found that the rate of mass shootings has increased in recent years—at a time when America has been flooded with millions of additional firearms and a barrage of new laws has made it easier than ever to carry them in public places, including bars, parks, and schools.” Clearly, the rampage in Charleston, S.C. was not about attacking Christianity or the need for more guns. It was about racism—an issue this country has always been reluctant to address. (George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National NNPA and BlackPressUSA.com. He can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com.)
JUNE 24-30, 2015
FORUM
1960s = Black Power 2015 = Black Lives Matter In the 1960s action of desegsegregation was Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick regation. everywhere north How? Across and south. Howthis nation ever during the m a s s i v e 1960s a newdemonstrations found sense of debegan to occur, termination boycotts, selecbegan to sweep tive buying, exacross the nation. posing and deIt was driven by feating politiuntold numbers of individuals who cians that we had been giving our votes would perform significant roles in to and receiving absolutely nothing in negating segregation. return. Now we were hired as vice There were two faces that truly stood presidents, CEOs and police officers out, one was Dr. Martin Luther King and we moved into all White neighborJr. and the other was a Nation of Islam hoods. Yes as George Jefferson once minister Malcolm X. Their will and de- said, “We are moving on up and out.” termination to eradicate the problems Blacks have now made some very sigthat would relegate Blacks to a posi- nificant advances starting with segretion of second-class citizenship were gation, implemented desegregation identical, but their approach was dif- laws and in 2015 too many believe that ferent. they have arrived and forgot how they The White community at the outset got there and who helped them. Too vilified Dr. King. They portrayed him frequently I hear these people making as an agitator, troublemaker, un-Amer- a distinction between their children ican and a Communist dupe. Dr. King and other Blacks who are in critical sitpreached non-violence and “turn the uations by referring to them as “those other cheek”. Malcolm X preached “by people” and then continue by saying, “I any means necessary”. The White com- don’t give a damn.” munity then made the determination We must begin to care about each that Dr. King was the lesser of two other, those youths and other persons evils. They both invoked a sense of re- facing bad situations. But by the grace spect and awe. When they spoke, you of God they could be our family memcheered, clapped, shouted and wanted bers. We must begin to live out that to become an instrument of action and new phrase, “Black Lives Matter”. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contribuchange. Under the leadership and direction of these two giants we began an tor to the Forum page.)
To Tell The Truth
Horror, terror, and forgiveness “The Horror! ideological goal. The Horror!” are J. Pharoah Doss The only way the dying words this becomes of Mr. Kurtz in terrorism is if the novel The Black churches Heart of Darkinvest in armed ness. There’s a security and consensus these metal detectors words summabecause they rize the totality believed there of human evil is a culture of witnessed by a man driven insane by terror against Blacks. And if Black succumbing to its savagery. But churches react in such a fashion proKurtz’s attempt to describe the un- moting the idea that their houses of speakable failed because it’s impossi- worship are unsafe they should pay atble to articulate what’s unimaginable. tention to the plight of fellow ChrisFollowing the South Carolina tians in Nigeria. Emanuel AME Church massacre (9 In 2011 the terrorist group Boko blacks were shot and killed by a 21 Haram killed hundreds of Christians year old white male.) attempts were and destroyed 430 churches, 2012— made to describe the unspeakable and 900 Christians were killed, 2013—612 others pondered political solutions to Christians were killed and approxithe unimaginable violence. mately 300 churches were destroyed, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. labeled 2014, according to Human Rights the shooting an act of terrorism and Watch, Boko Haram was responsible said there is a culture of terror against for killing 2,053, and in 2015 the death Black people, a local pastor at a prayer toll equaled lasted years total in just vigil downgraded Jackson’s sentiments January. This is terrorism and its toto domestic terrorism, and the next day tality is an unimaginable campaign of at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Pres- horror. ident Barack Obama said, “We have to Now the President believes Ameristop being confused about this. You cans are confused about common sense don’t see murder on this kind of scale gun safety reform, maybe, but propo…In any other advanced nation on nents of preventive government action earth…I refuse to act as if this is a new are confused about the flip side of freenormal or pretend it is simply suffi- dom. In a free country people are free cient to grieve and that any mention to to break the law, especially if they are do something to stop it is simply politi- willing to accept the consequences. No cizing the problem…If congress had legislation can prevent this choice. The passed some common-sense gun safety function of government when a law is reforms after…A group of children had broken is to apprehend the perpetrator been gunned down in their own class- and prosecute him or her to the fullest room…We might have stopped one extent of the law, and in South Carshooter…you all [The 300 mayors in olina the fullest extent of the law is the attendance] might have to attend death penalty, which should make punfewer funerals.” ishment the subject of any public policy But these comments also failed, not discussion not prevention. (If there is in articulation but in accuracy. principled opposition to the death Before 9/11 Jackson would have penalty now is the time to demonstrate called the shooting a hate crime in an the courage of conviction.) effort to claim conditions in America And those that immediately dehaven’t changed and Blacks are still manded the perpetrator’s execution victims of racist attacks reminiscent of probably couldn’t imagine themselves Red Record lynchings or the Red Sum- speaking the words of forgiveness by mer of 1919. After 9/11 the words ter- the family members of the victims. rorism implies the same victimization Those same words probably failed to as hate crime except it has more shock register in the mind of the man in cusvalue, like Kurtz repeating the word tody. But forgiveness is the only act of horror. prevention under these circumstances, But this was an individual act of because forgiveness prevents the fammass murder. That’s all the description ily members from succumbing to selfneeded. Does first degree murder need destroying rage and permanently conviction or sentencing assistance being victimized by the horror. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New from hate crime charges? And terrorism is the systematic use of violence in Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahorder to achieve a political, religious, or doss.blogspot.com)
Commentary
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.
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Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
Commentary
Left and right converge on criminal justice reform (NNPA)—While social change for some may appear to be inevitable, it does not happen by osmosis, and it does not occur without a focused effort led by those who are not restrained by the fears of social transformation. An effective reform of the system of laws, courts, policies and institutions defined as the criminal justice system in the United States of America requires more than a principled public debate. What is needed today with a renewed sense of urgency, beyond the all-too-frequent expressions of justifiable outrage and protest in response to videotaped incidents of police brutality, is a committed, bipartisan, well-resourced nationwide criminal justice reform movement. Black lives do matter. In fact, all lives matter. As President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the nation’s oldest and largest trade association of African American-owned newspapers, we reach more than 20 million readers per week through 205 affiliated local and regional print and digital media companies. The issues of mass incarceration, overcriminalization, prosecutorial and police misconduct, equal justice, alternative sentencing, recidivism and judicial dysfunction are all serious problems that are having a severe negative impact, in particular, on the quality of life of African Americans. What is required today, however, is a multiracial coalition to ensure that a successful reform movement is representative of the interests of all Americans. I know something about the movementbuilding process, dating back to my early days in the 1960s as a youth coordinator in my home state of North Carolina for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. (SCLC). Dr. King said it best when he affirmed, “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Dr. King Jr. was a master movement builder. I learned firsthand from witnessing how Dr. King fused together a diverse coalition of intergenerational leaders to bring about change at the local, state and federal levels toward equal justice for all. Fifty years later, we need to rebuild and expand the movement to reform criminal justice. I also know what it is like to be unjustly sentenced and incarcerated in a prison system that dehumanizes both the imprisoned and those in charge of vastly deteriorating overcrowded penal institutions. As a member of the Wilmington Ten civil rights activists who were unjustly imprisoned for a combined sentenced of 282 years for standing up for the rights of equal education for African American students in Wilmington, N.C. in the 1970s, I have experienced the systematic degradation. Today, there are millions of people who not only want to see changes in the criminal justice system, but also are willing to join and support the emergence of a national “Criminal Justice Reform Movement” (CJRM). My columns for the NNPA have always been about speaking truth to power in the vain of Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. DuBois, two pioneering editors who knew the power of words. Yet today, we must also dare to speak the truth to ourselves. We must participate in helping to build this important reform movement. We cannot afford to be silent or stand idle on the sidelines while others in earnest strive to make changes to a system that will ultimately determine the quality of life in our communities for generations to come. Thus, it is why without any hesitation that I am hereby publicly stating my endorsement of the coalition building efforts of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), Charles Koch Institute and Koch Industries, Coalition for Public Safety, Center for American Progress, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and other national and regional organizations that have committed to support various criminal justice reform efforts. I believe it is now a propitious time to work together to establish a national bipartisan reform movement. I was very interested and encouraged to learn that the controversial Koch Industries has been involved in the issues of overcriminalization and criminal justice reform for years. Yet, many of my colleagues in the Civil Rights Movement were unaware of this fact. Reforming the criminal justice system is not a concern to be constrained to the left or to the right on the political spectrum. The respect for the moral dignity and wellbeing of every person, without the filter of race, class, religion or any other discriminating factor, is a paramount principle that has to be maintained in a society that strives to strengthen the inclusiveness of its democracy. The current social and political polarization over criminal justice reform is not healthy for our nation. What is healthy is the budding bipartisan reform movement that is now emerging. Now is the right time. Now is the right moment to raise our voices and join forces together to build and sustain the criminal justice reform movement. (Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is the President and CEO of the NNPA and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lectures and other professional consultations at: http://drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/drbfc)
Whites don’t have to pretend to be Black to lead an NAACP chapter
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JUNE 24-30, 2014
by Jazelle Hunt
For New Pittsburgh Courier
WASHINGTON (NNPA)— If Rachel Dolezal had looked around, she would have discovered that a White person does not have to pretend to be Black in order to lead an NAACP chapter. In fact, she would have to look no farther than several states south, to Arizona, to see that a White man, Donald Harris, is president of the Maricopa County NAACP. Dolezal served as president of the Spokane, Wash. NAACP branch of the NAACP until her parents disclosed that their estranged White daughter was passing as Black. The shocking disclosure created a national uproar—not about her being White, but her living a lie—and led to her resignation. As president of the Phoenix-based NAACP branch, Donald Harris was not amused. “I think there may be some mental health issues,” he said. “[Dolezal] has done some good things, and she’s also done some bad things. But she did them knowingly. [She’s become] a joke, and that’s a shame. But that reflects more on her than it does on the NAACP.” Paul Krissel, a White man who has served as treasurer of the Salem-Keizer NAACP chapter in Oregon, agrees. “[A] commentator said, ‘It’s like a car crash. We love a car crash. Why don’t we spend this much time looking at the work of the NAACP? All of a sudden you want to have a conversation about racial identity because a White woman converted herself over to Black?’ These conversations have been going on for years, and all of a sudden the mainstream is interested in them because there’s a car crash.” The NAACP, the nation’s largest surviving civil rights organization, was founded in 1909 by 60 people, most of them White liberals. Seven of the founders were Black, including W.E. B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrell. William Monroe Trotter, the crusading editor of the
Boston Guardian, helped form the NAACP but quit because he thought it was being controlled by Whites. Trotter focused on reviving the National Equal Rights League, an all-Black civil rights organization started in 1864 by Frederick Douglass, Henry Highland Garnett, and John Mercer Langston, among others. The NAACP did not have its first African American executive secretary (now called president) until James Weldon Johnson assumed the post in 1920. In December, Donald Harris, a White, 77-year-old lawyer and Vietnam veteran, was elected to succeed Oscar Tillman, who had headed the Maricopa County, Ariz. NAACP branch almost three decades. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Jewish parents who were also members of the NAACP, Harris has been a member and volunteer of the Maricopa County chapter over the past 50 years. Even so, Harris’ race matters. Someone made that clear at the very first chapter he joined while working at Camp Pendleton in California, after returning from the war. “In the beginning…I joined the [North San Diego County] branch of the NAACP. I used to go on Wednesday nights and I was the legal adviser,” he recounted. “One night I stood up and said, ‘I think this is what we ought to do.’ And a woman who was a member said, ‘I’m tired of White people telling us what we need to do.’ And I just said, ‘Thank you very much ma’am, you just freed up my Wednesday nights.’ And I took off.” Harris’ race came up again when he was elected the new branch president in Arizona by a 19-to-0 vote (with four abstentions). By then, he had spent many years as volunteer and nearly 15 as a board member. Still, there was an “unpleasant meeting” in which Black leaders, elders, and pastors, who were not members but had a lot of influence in the community, proposed ways to undermine or recall his presidency. “There was a hunt for a
Obama says n*gger and cable news goes wild WASHINGTON (AP)— President Barack Obama said the United States has not overcome its history of racism and is using the Nword to make his case. In an interview, Obama weighed in on the debate over race and guns that has erupted after the arrest of a white man for the racially motivated shooting deaths of nine Black church members in Charleston, S.C. “Racism, we are not cured of it,” Obama said. “And it’s not just a matter of it not being polite to say n——r in public. That’s not the measure of whether racism still exists or not. It’s not just a matter of overt discrimination. Societies don’t, overnight, completely erase everything that happened 200 to 300 years prior.” Obama’s remarks came during an interview out Monday with comedian Marc Maron for his popular podcast, where crude language is often part of the discussion. The president said while attitudes about race have improved significantly since he was born to a white mother and Black father, the legacy of slavery “casts a long shadow and that’s still part of our DNA that’s passed on.” Obama also expressed frustration that “the grip of the NRA on Congress is extremely strong” and prevented gun control from advancing in Congress after 20 children and six educators were massacred in a Connecticut elementary school in 2012. “I will tell you, right after Sandy Hook, Newtown, when 20 6-year-olds are gunned down, and Congress literally does nothing—yes, that’s the closest I came to feeling disgusted,” he said. “I was pretty disgusted.” He said it’s important to respect that hunting and
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sportsmanship are important to a lot of gun-owning Americans. “The question is just is there a way of accommodating that legitimate set of traditions with some common-sense stuff that prevents a 21-year-old who is angry about something or confused about something, or is racist, or is deranged from going into a gun store and suddenly is packing, and can do enormous harm,” Obama said in a reference to suspect Dylann Storm Roof, whose purported 2,500-word hatefilled manifesto talked about white supremacy. Roof faces nine counts of murder in connection with Wednesday’s shooting. Obama sat for the interview Friday in Maron’s Los Angeles garage studio— close to where the president attended Occidental College—and seemed to marvel at the absurdity of it. “If I thought to myself that when I was in college that I’d be in a garage a couple miles away from where I was living, doing an interview as president, with a comedian ... it’s not possible to imagine,” he said. But he said he did the interview because he wants to reach a nontraditional audience and “break out of these old patterns that our politics has fallen into” where “it’s not this battle in a steel cage between one side and another.” With the campaign to replace him heating up, Obama said he thinks he would be a better candidate if he were running again, because although he’s slowed down a little bit, “I know what I’m doing and I’m fearless.” “I’ve screwed up. I’ve been in the barrel tumbling down Niagara Falls. And I emerged and I lived. And that’s always such a liberating feeling,” he said.
FORMER SPOKANE NAACP PRESIDENT RACHEL DOLEZAL ON THE TODAY SHOW. (Screenshot NBC) new president but nobody… wanted to do the work. I did not want to be president…but it was such an embarrassment [for the chapter]. So I said, ‘I nominate myself,’ waiting for somebody to say, ‘How about me.’ But nobody did,” Harris said. “Then a couple of people, after the fact, started saying, ‘Gee, we wanted to be president.’ And therein lies the rub.”
There were also death threats, both at the time of his election, and recently, as he has made a few national media appearances regarding the Dolezal saga. But his race has also mattered in a positive way, which writer and commentator, Michaela Angela Davis pointed out last week when she and Harris appeared on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 together.
“What [Harris] said is it— using his White male privilege to help the American project. That’s what [Dolezal] could have done,” she said. For Harris, that truth was hard to hear. “It is unpleasant, but true. I can use my leverage in the White community to push civil rights,” he said. “Cindy McCain lives here, she owns Anheuser-Busch—I can go to her and say, ‘I need
$70,000.’ I can hit up my fat-cat friends. I can ask $25,000 from the Fiesta Bowl, and we’ve never gotten that much from them. I could go places where African Americans couldn’t go.” Paul Krissel, a former treasurer of the Salem-Keizer NAACP chapter in Oregon, has had similar experience as a White executive member and volunteer. Now “semi-retired,” he’s been volunteering heavily with the NAACP for the past five or six years, planning events and serving in general. “The challenge is always to help well-meaning people get beyond, ‘I want to do good for somebody else,’ to, here’s the social construct that creates these patterns of discrimination and oppression in society. This has to be the work of White people challenging White people. I have the credibility to challenge White people in a way a person of color wouldn’t be able to,” Krissel stated. “If I just go hang out with people of color, hang out at these organizations, and feel good about myself for being involved in that work, but I’m not going back out to my peers…then I’m really not doing the work.”
New Pittsburgh Courier
‘Do the Write Thing Challenge’ B6
LIFESTYLES JUNE 24-30, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
preaches at Pentecostal Temple B2
Marvin Winans
B
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
Can we stop the hate? All of us who are adults know that we do not like everyone all of the time, but you learn to tolerate people of all hues and all backgrounds. How many of us have seen the pictures of two little children, one Black and one White, embracing each other? I’m sure those pictures are not too hard to find right about now after the horrific incident in South Carolina. The point this picture is trying to make is hate is learned behavior. The children will have a great time playing with each other until some “well meaning” adult begins to fill their minds with negative information that probably is not true. So what led Dylann Roof to walk into that church and kill nine people? It was reported that he said, “Black people were taking over the world” and he said in the church “you’re raping our women and taking over the country you have to go.” Roof also wanted segregation between the Black and White races. A friend told him that was not going to happen. What I want to know is whose women are being raped? What was he so angry about? Perhaps too many Black men are hosts of game shows. Steve Harvey on “The Family Feud,” it used to be hosted by a White man; Terry Crews on “Millionaire,” it used to be Cedric the Entertainer for a minute and before that a White person; Wayne Brandy on “Let’s Make A Deal” used to be hosted by a White man and, to top it all off, there is a Black man in the White House. A person who is not secure in who they are could be worked up by all of this “Blackness.” Black people in magazines, on television, Black people on the fortune Five Hundred list, not that he has read that, but this could work an insecure person into a frenzy. I will never forget the whispers of a coworker, “I don’t think we’re ready for a Black president.” He would whisper this over the phone and think I could not hear him. I used to think it was funny, but now I really don’t. There are times when I feel uncomfortable in neighborhoods where I am the minority and I’m all alone. I wonder if people are glaring at me in an odd way or if it is just my imagination? When I walk into a restaurant and I am asked, “how can I help you?” instead of “how many in your party?” I get suspicious. I’m coming in to eat, not ask for directions. I believe in my heart that many of the domestic shootings that have occurred in the past two years are due to people that are full of hate for people of the opposite race. When I saw Roof being led away by police in such a calm, polite fashion, I was appalled. At one point he appeared not to be handcuffed. Why do the White mass murderers always get to live to go to trial and someone who is selling loose cigarettes has to die?
MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS—Sherea Davis, Arriba Walker and Rosa Montgomery
SHOWING SUPPORT—Diana Jaden, president of local chapter Delta Sigma Theta, and Jackie Blakely Tate, president of local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Sigma Gamma Rho honors mothers by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer
On May 17, at the beautiful Springwood Conference Center, Delta Phi Sigma, Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. held a Celebration of Mothers Luncheon. The luncheon celebrated mothers and women from all walks of life and experiences. Guests were entertained by songstress Kara Starver and heard important remarks from Mike Hellman of the Pittsburgh AIDS Taskforce. Hellman spoke about his journey as a man diagnosed with HIV and explained to mothers that they have to have a conversation with their children about AIDS prevention. All proceeds raised by the luncheon were donated to the March of Dimes March for Babies Campaign. Ben Chaffee of the March of Dimes joined the ladies and exBEAUTIFUL IN BLUE—In no order, Tosha Taylor, Katrina Knight, Andromeda Hancock, Gwendolyn Stevens, Eilene Felder, Sheena Hancock and Lorenda Porter.
MIKE HELLMAN—Pittsburgh AIDS Taskforce
pressed the sincere gratitude of the March of Dimes organization. Sigma Gamma Rho has supported the non-profit organization through a multitude of programs, most recently Project Reassurance and H3 “It’s All About Me.” The Sorority entered into an agreement with the March of Dimes to provide educational tools, workshops and events to improve the overall quality of life in the community in keeping with the Sorority’s founding mission. Sigma Gamma Rho will share the mission and a vision to improve infant health, educate young women of child bearing age, and provide resources, mentoring and support. Saving babies and their mothers has been the goal of the March of Dimes since its inception. The March of Dimes helps moms have full-term pregnancies and research
GUESTS—Jocelyn Taylor, Loretta Portuphy, Cheryl Ward and Gwen Porter
BEN CHAFFEE—March Dimes
of
the problems that threaten the health of babies. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was founded on Nov. 12, 1922 on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., by seven schoolteachers. The soror-
ity’s aim is to enhance the quality of life in the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of the organization’s programs and activities.
FUTURE SIGMAS—Zoe Williams, Maya Porter, Zyon Williams, Isabella Porter with Lorenda Porter, right.
BEAUTIFUL IN BLUE—Alicia Thomas, Rebecca Hatcher, Temona Williams, Ashley Jones, Chiana McClure and Arriba Walker (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
WELCOME—Shenna Hancock, local Basileus, welcomes Marcia Harris, regional director of Sigma Gamma Rho, right.
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JUNE 24-30, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
RELIGION
Praise & Worship
Church Circuit Friendship Luncheon
HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
JUNE 27—New Birth Baptist Church, 406 W. Grant St., Duquesne, will host its Friendship Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. On the last Saturday of each month, guests can enjoy a delicious free lunch and enlightening discussion. There will also be a clothing giveaway to benefit the needy in the Tri-State area. Clothing is limited to two items per person and no lunch takeouts are available. For more information, call 412-466-2229.
2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8757
“Be Encouraged”
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
Elevation of Praise
Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh., PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.....................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.....................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday.......................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurchpgh.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:00 p.m.
East Liberty PresbyterianChurch Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 www.cathedralofhope.org
Sanctuary Worship.........10 a.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext 40. We are looking to
WELCOME TO PITTSBURGH—Bishop Marvin Winans, First Lady Barbara Mann and Bishop Loran Mann, pastor of Pentecostal Temple COGIC. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
Marvin Winans preaches at Pentecostal Temple
GOSPELFEST
by Jackie McDonald
JUNE 27—The Lower Monongahela Area Activities Committee of the Allegheny Union Baptist Association at 3 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, 17 Cochran St., Duquesne. The event will include the honoring of Min. Carolyn Perrin and Rev. Cora Suiter. A soul food dinner will be served following the service. For more information, call 412-687-2749 or email auba2749@verizon.net.
For New Pittsburgh Courier
It wasn’t a musical concert, but a special Men’s Day Service that brought Bishop Marvin L. Winans of the famed Winans family and The Winans group of Detroit to Pittsburgh. The invitation was extended by the Council of Christian Men of Pentecostal Temple COGIC Church in East Liberty. He presented a classic gospel message entitled “Preach,” taken from the New Testament book of Titus in the Holy Bible. In his sermon, Bishop Winans stated that though this is a society filled with information derived from multi-media, he cautioned Christian believers not to trade googled facts or politically corrected and government legislated acts for the revelation of God’s Word. He further stated that as followers of Christ, one cannot allow themselves to succumb to the pressures of acceptable ideologies of sin and though the methodology of preaching may have changed, the gospel message should not be compromised. Quoting from the sixth chapter of the Epistle of Galatians,Bishop Winans emphasized that Jesus told his disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” and that we should continue to preach “sound gospel,” the message of salvation, mercy, healing, abundance, blessings, wealth, etc., and that believers must allow the Holy Spirit to give the revelation of the truth of the gospel so that the world might see God’s word manifested. He ended his sermon to a spiritually exuberant crowd as he challenged and deputized all believers present to “preach the word!” The expectant audience was filled with anticipation, hoping for just a chord or two from any one of the gospel songs he’s known for serenading, however, the focus and purpose was the spoken word and Bishop Winans would not be dissuaded. Winans founded the Perfecting Church in 1989 in Detroit and grew it from 75 to more than 5000 today. However, he’s better known as one of the most powerful gospel singers and writers in the history of gospel music as well as one of the most successful. As the lead singer and composer for the group that included his siblings Ronald, Michael, and twin Garvin he became one if not the most noted singers in gospel music during the 1980s and 1990s. (Ulish Carter contributed to this article.)
Praise and Worship Concert JUNE 27—Bethany Baptist Church, 7745 Tioga St., Homewood, will host a Musical Celebration at 4 p.m. The evening will honor the 25th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. William R. Glaze. The concert will feature The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, Reflection of God’s Children, Linda Ross Brown, Voices for Christ and many more. All are welcome. For more information, call 412-242-3255 or email info@bethanybaptistpgh.org.
BISHOP MARVIN WINANS PREACHES
Family and Friends JUNE 28—New Creation Family Worship Center, 325 Oakland Ave., Greensburg, will host its Family and Friends Recover All at 9 a.m. The theme is “Empowering Friends and Family to Win!” The speaker will be prophet Derrick Johnson. There will also be a picnic following the morning service. For more information, visit www.newcreationfamilyworshi pcenter.org.
Ministry Anniversary Celebration
BARBARA HARPER Soloist from Mississippi Mass Choir
REV. ART SHEFFEY Master of Ceremonies
STEVEN THOMAS Soloist
JUNE 28—The Food Service Ministry of St. James AME Church, 444 Lincoln Ave., Lincoln-Lemington, will host its 3rd Anniversary Celebration from 1-6 p.m. The ministry, which provides the opportunity for young people to gain real life experiences that will influence real life choices through food service, will serve dinners for a cost. For more information, call 412441-9706 or email stjamesamepgh@aol.com.
Annual Men’s Day JUNE 28—Morningside COGIC, 5173 Dearborn St., Garfield, will host its Annual Men’s Day at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call 412-3619865.
Men’s Fellowship
AUDIENCE ENJOYING THE SERVICE
feature our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to:
JUNE 28—Second Baptist Church, 108 W. 12th Ave., Homestead, will host its 9th Annual Men’s Fellowship Day at 4 p.m. The theme is “Come on Man, No More Excuses.” The guest preacher will be Rev. Anthony Murray of Hopewell Baptist Church. For more information, call 412461-8235.
Kennywood Ticket Sale JUNE 29—The Rachel Randall Education Department of Pentecostal Temple COGIC, 6300 E. Liberty Blvd., E. Liberty, will host the selling of Ride All Day tickets for Kennywood Park. Tickets will also be sold on July 13 & 29. Pentecostal Temple Family Day will be held July 29. For more information, call 412-3716268 or email gzusislove@comcast.net.
New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 e-mail:
egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com
JUNE 27—Webster Avenue Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 2325 Webster Ave., Hill District, will host its one-day youth and young adult revival, “Elevation of Praise” at 2 p.m. The guest preacher is Min. Ronell Hunt. There will be mime, spoken word, music and praise dance.
COUNCIL OF CHRISTIAN MEN—From left: Shelbie Wright, William Sutherland, Eugene Mitchell, Rev. Art Sheffey, Rev. Terrence Davis and Min. Dana Hodge.
(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 email: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
JUNE 24-30, 2015
PEOPLE
B3
Local student Taylor Robinson dreams big, wins big by Shanna Smail Courier Intern
Fifteen-year-old Taylor Robinson from Regent Square has become quite an inspiration for youth. She finds time to volunteer, intern, compete in competitions and plan for her future, all with unstoppable effort and energy. This past school year, the Ellis School for Girls student won the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held in March at Heinz Field, and also came in first place in her division for the Third Annual Martin Luther King Jr. and Women’s History Month essay contest. Winners were recognized last month. For the essay contest, students were asked to write about an important female role model or activist that exhibits the “tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals” that the late King possessed. Robinson chose to write her essay about local artist Vanessa German who is the founder of Love Front Porch, a community outreach based in Homewood that serves to keep local youth off of the streets and on German’s front porch creating art and learning. Robinson, who will be a senior in the fall, made her decision after hearing German’s story during the artist’s visit to her school and reading the essay prompt. She saw a perfect opportunity to express her love for writing, spread her point of view and also gain more recognition in the Pittsburgh community. Robinson thought German was the perfect person to compare to King and really wanted to shed light on Pittsburgh women who are doing inspirational things right at home. “She works in places where people are too fright-
cial contagion theory over the Internet. Robinson used her self-created acronym C Y B E R , which Robinson said stands for Content, User Characteristics, Body Image and Emotional Reaction, to examine this. She examined 1388 tweets, 215 Twitter users, and 36 hashtags. Robinson’s results concluded that social contagion is present and plays a role in a user’s profile TAYLOR ROBINSON content, chara c t e r i s t i c s, ened to go, which makes body image and emotional her a brave individual,” reactions on Twitter. Robinson said. Also, Robinson has received As for the science fair, a number of other awards Robinson has been partici- this year, they include First pating since the sixth Place at the PJAS science grade. This can be evi- fair, as well as winning the denced by her Honorary Third Place award in the Scientist Award, which rec- PRSEF category of social beognizes five years of partic- havioral science, the 2015 ipation in the PRSEF. This Award for Health Sciences year, Robinson’s experi- from Duquesne University, a ment for the PRSEF, titled Certificate of Merit for excelCYBER Psychology, was lence in presentation, and a based upon and expanded $12,500 scholarship to Alfrom Itch Matrix, her legheny College. eighth grade experiment On her success, Robinson that studied the theory of said, “I feel truly blessed to social contagion by having have received so many participants watch a video awards this year and to of people itching and then have such a strong relationstudying if they’d itch. ship with my mother. There CYBER Psychology also have been so many times studied the theory of social that I felt like choosing a contagion, but instead of different and easier project video, via Twitter. In 2014, and picking sleep over Robinson had done exten- working, but she pushed me sive research during an in- forward and made sure that ternship at Pitt Nursing I stayed motivated. At the School, looking into differ- same time, I also feel inent platforms to study be- spired knowing that I set havior. my mind to my goals and CYBER Psychology serves that it has paid off. to provide evidence of the so“I think my accomplish-
ments break the stereotype because although I am set with lower opportunities, I am still achieving higher standards and breaking the boundaries that are set in my way.” Robinson is involved in many activities, academic and extracurricular. Outside of school, she is a scholar in the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute program; competes in the Brain Bee, which is a quiz game about neuroscience; and has volunteered with the Market Day program, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, where she read and recorded books, and with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. At her former school, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy of St. James Catholic Church, she
started her own newspaper source. After graduating, Robinson was accepted into the FAME program and started high school at The Ellis School For Girls. At Ellis, she is vice president of the Student Diversity League and the scheduler for Ellis’ “Culture Jam”—a student led diversity conference where a large number of schools discuss topics related to race and diversity. She is editorial editor for the Ellis online newspaper, The Ellisian Times, and is also a peer tutor. Robinson highlighted getting accepted in Ellis and FAME as one of her lifetime achievements. She said it has given her several opportunities that include interacting with a variety of cultures and growth on different levels.
As for her future, Robinson said she wants to pursue journalism and premed in college. Her favorite course is Literature and she truly believes that a journalism track would be a great way for her to develop writing skills and also integrate her opinions into largescale events. Robinson said she doesn’t see many African American doctors or scientist, so the medical field really stands out to her as well. Along with volunteering, as well as in her free time, Robinson said, “I usually write, dance, and volunteer. I am also a major source of opinions! Whenever I have the chance I give my opinion and I try to force people to see both sides of every argument. From my beliefs, there’re always two sides to everything.”
Valerie Thomas-Njie earns Pitt’s prestigious Volunteer Excellence Award Valerie Thomas-Njie, executive director and senior vice president of Bidwell Training Center, has been honored with the University of Pittsburgh’s Volunteer Excellence Award. The award annually recognizes Pitt alumni who have enriched the lives of others through extraordinary efforts in the community. A leader in volunteerism at Pitt as well as the city of Pittsburgh, Thomas-Njie is an affiliate president for Pitt’s African American Alumni Council (AAAC) and serves as secretary for the Pitt Alumni Association Board of Directors. As affiliate president for the AAAC, she plays a key role in organizing annual homecoming festivities, freshman orientation and graduation events, and fundraising for scholarship initiatives.
In the broader Pittsburgh community, Thomas-Njie is an active member of the City Charter High School board, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the
VALERIE THOMAS-NJIE
Health Careers Futures Board of Directors. She also has been a member of the Pennsylvania Association for Adult and Continuing Education and the Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators. Thomas-Njie oversees operations for Bidwell Training Center, a Pittsburghbased adult career training institution. Under her leadership, Bidwell has been recognized with numerous national awards, including the 2012 School of Excellence Award, granted to only 17 of 800 Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges member schools. In 2014, Thomas-Njie was elected to a four-year term as an ACCSC commissioner and was awarded the organization’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2009.
New Pittsburgh Courier
B4
ENTERTAINER JUNE 24-30, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘The Red Bicycle’ by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
Last years’ swimsuit is way too small for you now. You’ve outgrown most of your summer clothes, in fact, and you’ve given them away; you can’t wear them anymore, so someone else may as well use them. But clothing isn’t the only thing you can hand-medown. In the new book “The Red Bicycle” by Jude Isabella, illustrated by Simone Shin, one boy’s outgrown bike becomes another child’s treasure. Leo had been saving his money for two entire years. Every time someone gave him money, he put it in the bank because there was one thing he wanted more than anything: a shiny red bicycle that sat in the bike shop. Once he had enough saved, he bought the bike and named it Big Red. Big Red took Leo everywhere. They went to school and to the park and to work, until the day when Leo was too tall to ride his
THE WATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR (Photos provided by the Watoto Children’s Choir)
Watoto Children’s Choir returns to Pittsburgh with new music, same message of God’s Love by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier
bicycle anymore. He needed a bigger bike and, knowing that he wanted to do something special, he donated Big Red to a program that sent his bike to Africa. Almost a month later, near the coast of Ghana, Awa Sawadogo took her granddaughter, Alisetta, to bicycle distribution day. Alisetta looked at green bikes and orange bikes and bikes with fat tires. Though she’d never ridden a bicycle before, the one Alisetta wanted was red. Once she learned to ride it, it was perfect for getting to around— until the day a village pig ran into the bike and there was no money for repairs. A broken bicycle was no problem for Boukary, a health-care worker at a nearby clinic, who told Alisetta that her bike would make a sturdy ambulance. He carted it away, repaired it and gave it new paint. Then he added a long trailer on the back of the red bicycle and put it to work. At the hospital, Haridata, a volunteer, set off on the red bicycle to fetch a sick little boy who was brought back for treatment. Over the years, she became “a legend in the villages around the clinic,” both for her care and for her bicycle. And today—who knows? The bike that the village children called “Le Grande Rouge” might still be ridden somewhere… Is getting rid of a longloved (but quite outgrown) possession a challenge in your house? “The Red Bicycle” might help move you in the right direction—although a good story with muted illustrations isn’t all you’ll find here. At the end of this book, author Jude Isabella and illustrator Simone Shin give parents and teachers more information: additional books they can read on this subject and, more importantly, information on donating your child’s outgrown bike to a good program. Kids will also see photos of refurbished, donated bikes in action, and they’ll learn how to help people half a world away. (“The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle” by Jude Isabella, illustrated by Simone Shin, c.2015, Kids Can Press, $18.95/$19.95 Canada, 32 pages.)
Letting people know about God’s love for them through song is one of the reasons that Miriam Mujawimana joined the Watoto Children’s Choir five months ago. “While I have been on tour, the choir has taught me how to read my bible, how to be organized and how to care for my belongings,” said Mujawimana who hails from Uganda, Africa and resides in the Watoto village. “I enjoy performing and the company of the chaperones and the other children.” The Watoto Children’s Choir (Watoto mean’s children in the Swahili language) was founded by Gary and Marilyn Skinner and has traveled internationally since 1994 as advocates for the estimated 50 million children in Africa orphaned by HIV/AIDS, poverty, war and disease. Accompanied by a team of adults, the choir represents Watoto’s mission through their stories, music and dance. The group made a return visit to Beulah Baptist Church in late May to spread their positive message and perform songs from their new project, “Oh What Love.” The choir also performed at the church in 2013. Pittsburgh was one of many stops on the group’s sixmonth, cross-country tour which began in Alabama in January and continues to travel throughout the East Coast and Midwest regions of the United States visiting supporting churches and organizations. The choir is made up of children who have lost one or both parents to HIV or AIDS or to war. In addition to the United States, the choir has toured Asia, Austrialia, Canada, Germany, China, Israel, The Netherlands and New Zealand to name a few. “It was an amazing experience,” said concert attendee, Rhonda Cook. “The kids were dressed in traditional African clothes and sang beautifully and danced a lot with the music. It was very high energy.” The 18 members of the Watoto Children’s Choir were not surprised by Cook’s thoughts. “The choir has been met with an incredible response. The stories of
these children are so uplifting and they represent so many children in Africa whose lives are being changed by all that God has done and continues to do,” said Aubrey Hudson the Watoto Children’s Choir Communications Director. “Through their performance, the children share the sense of belonging they have found in God and hope to influence the lives of other. We are hearing amazing stories of how people have fund hope and comfort through the songs of these children.” The choir has released several albums since its creation. Some of those albums include “Dancing in the House of the Lord,”
which was released in 2011, “Live in Los Angeles” in 2003 and their most recent project, “Oh What Love” earlier this year. “‘Oh What Love’ is about being children of God and that is why we worship him,” Mujawimana said. While in Pittsburgh the group performed songs from its previous albums and its’ most recent single “Be Exalted.” The sweet children got the audience involved by asking them to sing along on many of the songs. In addition to the goodness of God’s love, the album’s songs also talk about a new, vibrant Africa. Following the concert, audience members were invited to take part in an ice cream social with members of the choir and their adult chaperones. “It was a really wonderful evening,” Cook said. The Watoto Children’s Choir has performed at the US National Prayer Breakfast in in Washington, D.C. in 2004 and 2009, the White House in 2003; President George W. Bush’s tour of Africa in 2003; Buckingham Palace in 2007. They have also performed and/or recorded with some of gospel music’s top artists including Nicole C. Mullen and Chris Tomlin. The choir has won the honor of Best Choir at the inaugural Olive Gospel Music Awards in Kampala Uganda in 2011.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
JUNE 24-30, 2015
ARTS & CULTURE
B5
Movie Review
‘Dope’ is fundamentally Dope by Merecedes J Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier
Forrest Whitaker serves as narrator and producer in the certified hit, “Dope”. Starring Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Zoë Kravitz, and A$AP Rocky, this film tackles the societal, environmental hurdles young students have to face every day in an urban setting. Seniors and best buds Malcolm (Moore), Jib (Revolori) and Diggy (Clemons) are forced to move some serious weight after getting stuck with an unwanted amount of Ecstasy. Their ‘90s hiphop flavor and studious reputations make the clan stick out like sore thumbs when they get caught up in a drug ring. Led by
Harvard-hopeful Malcolm, these geeks must use their street and book smarts to stay safe and get rid of the dope. Writer and director Rick Famuyiwa also brought us cinematic classics like “The Wood” (1999) and “Brown Sugar” (2002). The film, which is also set in Inglewood, California, makes some surprising connections to “The Wood.” “Dope” is more colorful than “Boyz N the Hood” (1991), hipper than “Class Act” (1992), and more delicate than “Dangerous Minds” (1995). “Dope” is dope. Dope storyline. Dope cast. Dope soundtrack. Songs included new, original material produced by Pharrell Williams. But, it was the homage that the movie played to 90s hip-
Bounce TV acquires ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ ATLANTA,/PRNewswire/—Bounce TV—the nation’s first and only broadcast television network designed for African American audiences—has licensed the broadcast television rights to all five seasons and 104 episodes of the Peabody and EMMY award-winning sitcom “The Bernie Mac Show” in a multi-year agreement with Twentieth Television. Bounce TV air the “The Bernie Mac Show” MondayFriday with back-to-back episodes from 8-9 p.m. (ET) beginning June 1. The sitcom joins “The Hughleys” (7-8 p.m.) and “The Parent ‘Hood” (6-7 p.m.) in Bounce TV’s early evening line-up. In the series, Bernie Mac stars as a famous stand-up comedian living large in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife Wanda (Kellita Smith). However, their world changes when they suddenly must take custody of his sister’s three children when she is ordered into rehab. The critically-acclaimed show, loosely based on Mac’s stand-up comedy act, was a mainstay on FOX from 2001-2006. Mac’s character being a celebrity allowed for a who’s who of stars to make guest appearances on the show including Chris Rock, Halle Berry, Don
Cheadle, Charles Barkley, Snoop Dog and Ice Cube. The series was created by Larry Wilmore, now the host of “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” on Comedy Central. Bounce TV is the fastestgrowing African American network on television and has become the #2 mostwatched among all Black
networks. The network airs on the digital broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 85 million homes across 90
markets, 90 percent of African American television homes—including all of the top Black television markets—and three quarters of the total television homes in the United States. Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.
BERNIE MAC CAST
June Thursday 25 Pittsburgh Improv Jam The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents its Pittsburgh Improv Jam at 10 p.m. at Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Thursday patrons can enjoy a night of spontaneous, comedic scenes inspired by audience suggestions and performed by experienced improvisers. This is a 21 and older event. For more information, call 412456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.
third annual Pittsburgh Underground Music Awards from 710 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. The awards ceremony celebrates the artistry of the city’s underground music sceen with more than 20 categories. The evening will include performances, DJ KB on the 1’s and 2’s, and a red carpet event. For more information, visit www.pghundergroundmusicas wards.com.
Riverview Jazz
Andys Wine Bar at the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel presents Jazz at Andys from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. at 510 Market St., Downtown. Every Tuesday through Saturday, local musicians will perform live. It is open to the public. For more information, visit www.andyswinebar.com.
Citiparks presents the Riverview Jazz Series from 78:30 p.m. at Riverview Park, North Side. Each Saturday, guests can beat the summer heat with the cool sounds of some of Pittsburgh’s best jazz musicians. The featured musician will be Roger Humphries. The concerts are free. For more information, call 412-255-2493 or visit www.citiparks.net.
Friday 26
Sunday 28
Jazz at Andys
Salsa Fridays The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents Salsa Fridays from at 11 p.m. at Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Friday, guests can enjoy an evening of music, dancing and fun. Free salsa lessons are available, followed by music from local DJs until 1:45 a.m. This is a 21 and over event. For more information, call 412456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.
Saturday 27 Underground Music Awards The Pittsburgh Underground Music Awards presents the
Jewelry in the Space Age The Carnegie Museum of Natural History presents “Out of This World! Jewelry in the Space Age” at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Wertz Gallery, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. The fine jewelry exhibit brings together scientific fact and pop culture in a showcase of wearable and decorative arts related to outer space, space travel, the space age and the powerful influence these topics have had on human civilization. This exhibit runs through Jan. 4, 2016. For more information, call 412-622-3131 or visit www.carnegiemnh.org.
Monday 29
Savoy Jazz
JazzLive
Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz Mondays from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere. The evening will feature Judi Figel with the Roger Humphries Trio. The attire is business casual. For more information, call 412281-0660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents JazzLive at 5 p.m. at the Backstage Bar at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Tuesday guests can celebrate a decade of jazz in the Cultural District and enjoy hot jazz from some of the most talented musicians. The musician will be Javon Rushton. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.
Tuesday 30
hop that really set the score apart from other soundtracks. “Dope” bumped classic hits to support the “golden age of hip-hop” like Nas’ “The World Is Yours,” Naughty by Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray,” “Rebirth of Slick” by Digable Planets, and “Slam” by Onyx. Zoë Kravitz, who plays Malcolm’s love interest, Nakia, is calm and sexy in “Dope.” She might be a bigger sex symbol than her mother, Lisa Bonet, was in the early 90s. The Cosby Show star and Lenny Kravitz created an unstoppable force. At the age of 26, Kravitz has managed to become a global superstar since her film debut in 2007. Already jam packed with fresh, new talent the movie could have done without Tyga. He is just corny and unconvincing. His acting attempt is almost laughable.
The young and old nerds of the world can unite for “Dope.” Its very existence provides a reputable solution for every young person who is bound by the shackles of their environment, confronted by the pressure of their peers, and fenced in by the horror of stereotypes. As the movie proclaims, “it’s hard out here for a geek.” Hood vs. Honor Roll. Gangster vs. Gifted. The biggest battle for students like Malcolm, Jib, and Diggy are the natural elements of the world that they cannot control; their surroundings, economic status, skin color, and intelligence. The solution is using a safe mixture of all inevitable circumstances to defy the laws of statistics. Believe me, I know from experience. “Dope” is in theaters June 19. 4 STARS
Juicy J releases new video Grammy-nominated rapper Juicy J has released a new video for “Already” ft. Rae Sremmurd from his mixtape Blue Dream & Lean 2 today. Juicy J has just kicked off “The Hustle Continues” Tour. The 25-date tour will bring him to major markets such as Los Angeles, Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta and more. The Academy Award Winner is touring in anticipation of his upcoming album “THC: The Hustle Continues.” Juicy J has been keeping busy in 2015, starting off with an appearance at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in celebration of the nomination for his 6x Platinum song with Katy Perry “Dark Horse” in the ‘Best Pop Duo/Group Performance’ category. Additionally, the song has since been recognized with a 2015 Kids’ Choice Awards nomination for ‘Favorite Song of the Year’ and 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards nomination for ‘Best Collab-
JUICY J oration.’ Juicy J is also currently featured on two major Top 10 singles, including Usher’s “I Don’t Mind” and Ne-Yo’s “She Knows,” and also released a new track “For Everybody” featuring Wiz Khalifa and R. City. “
B6
JUNE 24-30, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
PEOPLE
MAKING IT HAPPEN—From left: Joy Maxberry Woodruff, Judge Dwayne Woodruff, teacher Laura Hurst, 8th grade Pittsburgh Allegheny Traditional Academy student Nasir Stewart, mother Danielle Crowley and Kristi Heidel, judge’s intern–2nd year law student at Duquesne University. (Photo supplied by Carmen Robinson)
NASIR STEWART Male DTWT National Ambassador
‘Do the Write Thing Challenge’ – An initiative of the National Campaign to Stop Violence The Pittsburgh “Do the Write Thing” Challenge honored 130 top student writers that represented 43 schools in the greater Pittsburgh area. The celebration took place June 4 at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Station Square. A total of 1,831 middle school students accepted a difficult challenge: helping to end violence thru written expression. One important program goal is to encourage students to engage in discussion, in the classroom, which creates a sense of community responsibility. A second goal is to recognize those students that excelled in written expression. All 130 students received various prizes and, the best male and female student
was chosen as “National Ambassadors” to represent Pittsburgh at the DtWT National Recognition Week in Washington, D.C., this summer. The ambassadors will have the opportunity to present their views on youth violence to national leaders such as the Secretary of Education, the Attorney General of the United States, the Secretary of the Interior and Members of Congress. Over the past seven months, the students representing 43 schools within the Pittsburgh Public Schools, Woodland Hills School District and the Catholic Diocese, have been led by their teachers in classroom discussions on violence and created literary works which were read by
students of Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne University School of Law, and then passed on to Pittsburgh’s dignitaries who choose the finalists. Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, District Attorney Stephen Zappala, Urban League CEO Esther Bush, Highmark BCBS’s Evan Frazier and UPMC’s Winifred Torbert all joined Allegheny County Family Court Judges in choosing the finalists and the DtWT National Ambassadors. On behalf of the Allegheny County Family Court, Judge Dwayne D. Woodruff and wife, Joy Maxberry Woodruff, who have served as co-chairs of the Pittsburgh DtWT Challenge
since its inception in 2007. The dinner celebration is unique as it brings together students, teachers and parents from all areas of Pittsburgh to celebrate a common goal: to end violence. During the event, students were encouraged to share their experiences with Pittsburgh juvenile judges and the many local dignitaries who attend. The Pittsburgh DtWT Challenge receives generous sponsorship from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Diehl Automotive Group, UPMC, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Worgul Law Firm and Pittsburgh Barbeque Company.
TIA MILES Female DTWT National Ambassador
Local Navy culinary specialist
(Article courtesy of the Pittsburgh Do the Write Thing Challenge.)
Aurora Reading Club celebrates 120 years The Aurora Reading Club of Pittsburgh recently celebrated their 120th Anniversary. In celebration they brought to Pittsburgh Ann Jeffries, the award winning author of the “Family Reunion-in The Wisdom of the Ancestors Series.” At their regular meeting, Jeffries was presented by Sharon Jarrett-Brown, a high school classmate from Asheville, N.C. The club discussed her book “Southern Exposures.” One of the book’s themes is, “Two is company, but three is a family.” Despite their desperate problems, the Alexander siblings rally together. Jeffries has written more than 29 books. AURORA’S PRESIDENT MARGARET BURLEY, ANN JEFFRIES AND SHARON JARRETT-BROWN
(Read more at her website www.newviewliterature.com.)
Celebrating a century—Amy Perkins turns 100 BRIDGEVILLE, Pa.— The family and friends of Amy Evelma (Purnell) Perkins gathered on May 16 at the South Fayette Fire Department Banquet Hall, to commemorate her 100th birthday. Perkins, or “Miss Amy” as she is respectfully called by many of her neighbors, friends, and fellow community members, was born to Leroy and Viola Jones Purnell at their home in what was previously referred to as Bower Hill, Pa. (located in present-day Bridgeville), on May 20, 1915. When Perkins was 3, her father left to fight overseas in World War I and never returned. Years later, in 1927, her mother, Viola, would travel to England—as a “Gold Star Widow”—to attend a ceremony honoring her husband’s ultimate sacrifice on foreign soil—on behalf of the United States of America. Perkins graduated from Bridgeville High School in 1934. Subsequently, she left home to further her education at Cheyney State University. Upon returning home she met and married Morris Perkins Jr.To this union were born three children, Elaine, Gail and Gregory Perkins. Perkins was then hired by John J. Kane Hospi-
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS—Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jazmine Scott, from Pittsburgh, makes pizza in the galley aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the region. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josh Petrosino)
tal—located in Scott Township. She was promoted to the position of assistant physical therapist from which she would retire 21 years later, in 1978. Even after the death of her husband, on Oct. 11, 1999, she has continued to serve as Deaconess and Missionary, while also being honored as “Church Mother” at her local church. Throughout her century of life, Perkins has always remained humble and has quietly worked to improve the lives of others.
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James Clingman
Blackonomics
Sapping your spirit at vacation time (NNPA)—The cost of air travel, coupled with all of the delays and cancellations, is very frustrating. For example, there was the recent United flight that was diverted to some remote outpost in eastern Canada where the passengers spent 20 hours or so in a barracks without luggage, and not knowing when or if they would resume their flight to London. Then, there are the tales of woe from passengers who sat on the tarmac for hours without food, air conditioning, or information on when they would leave— that is, except for the occasional, “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience; we will be cleared for takeoff shortly.” As though the sheer inconvenience of flying is not enough, the airlines are finding more and more ways to get money out of our pockets. They told us fuel costs went up when the oil crisis hit, but they did not lower their prices when the price of oil went down. They started passing out brown bag snacks to passengers, which didn’t last very long. Then, they began selling everything, even the famous peanuts, crackers, and soft drinks. The next chapter was the extra charge for checked luggage. So, folks started stuffing carry-on bags with as much as they could into them in order to get around those charges, which by the way went up from a few dollars to sky-high prices now. The current move is to eliminate carry-on bags all together. Cha-ching! The most outlandish scheme is the one currently being perpetrated by Spirit Airlines (What a name!). My family took a trip recently, the first leg of which was a flight from Atlanta to Houston. After searching for a reasonable price for two tickets, Spirit won the day for the lowest price. After all, it was just a short hop over to Houston from the ATL, right? How much could it be? Tickets were booked, and less than 24 hours before the 4 p.m. flight, an email arrived informing us that the flight had been moved up to 7 a.m. Yes, “moved up.” The problem with that move was not only the short notice, but also the inconvenience it caused because we had to drive about 150 miles from Greenville, S.C. to Atlanta to catch the flight. Nine hours made a great deal of difference in our case. But we adjusted and made it to the airport on time. The fun and games were just beginning. Upon arrival at the desk, we had to pay for our bags, of course, and we had to pay for a seat selection. Want to sit by a window or in an aisle seat? You’ll have to pay for that. The price of the tickets was $459.40, and with the extra charges for bags and seats, the price was $589.36. This scam was repeated on the return trip. The lesson: Always read the fine print. Ask questions about additional charges. And remember that nothing is free— cheap, yes—but never free. The other lesson is that some businesses such as Spirit Airlines purport to be the cheapest most cost efficient way to fly. They reel you in and then drop the bomb on you with extra fees. Not illegal, but definitely unethical. I SEE SAPPING C2
THE SHARING OF RESOURCES—Chairman of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, Samuel Stephenson and president and CEO Doris Carson Williams share the Chambers mission and benefits with Jo Ellen Parker, president and CEO of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.
Carnegie Museums update given to Chamber members by Diane I. Daniels
markable cultural commonwealth. We understand the significance that all the cultural organizations within the city have to thrive and succeed as well as the whole city as a commonwealth of businesses, governmental sectors and the non-profit cultural sectors to create an intellectual and cultural ecosystem that is good for everybody. I love the term commonwealth for a museum because what a museum holds and offers to the public is literally the common wealth of humanity. The art and science that we hold, protect, interpret and share with our community is the common wealth of human kind,” she said tying the concept together.
Other values of the museums that she identified were transparency, digital soFor New Pittsburgh Courier phistication, social inclusion and being an entrepreneurial non-profit. The word commonwealth is a familiar Transparency she said means being term in Pennsylvania, one of four of the thoughtful about the information that is constituent states of the United States conneeded to help people make good decisions. sidered a commonwealth state. Jo Ellen “Being good communicators and sharing Parker, president and CEO of the Carnegie trust worthy good information, with the Museums of Pittsburgh liken her consorpublic, supporters and those that rely on tium of museums as a commonwealth. the programs that the museum offers,” she Kentucky, Massachusetts, Virginia and said. Pennsylvania are four of the first 15 states Digital sophistication, Parker said means that joined the Union and Parker heads the not being quant. Technology, she said has to four cultural museums in the city of Pittsbe translated into the world of the Internet burgh. The Carnegie Museum of Art, the and digital information. The goal she said is Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the to reach people from all areas Carnegie Science Center and of the world that might never the Andy Warhol Museum, four enter the physical walls of the entities that date back to 1895 museums. “Reaching people when founded by Andrew with our programming, inforCarnegie. mation, and cultural assets as The guest speaker during the well as preserving what we African American Chamber of know and do and share in a Commerce of Western Pennsyldigital format we can have a vania’s monthly Power Breaknational and international fast Meeting, Parker discussed reach.” her vision and value system for With the belief that it is imthe museums. “The value and portant to share the museums idea of the commonwealth is philanthropic legacy Parker that none of us succeed unless explained that social inclusion all of us succeed. We don’t reis a value to the museum adally succeed if others are strugministrators. Inclusion she gling,” she said. said means involvement from “That value operates for us at all backgrounds, heritages, levthe Carnegie Museum at a els of ability and faith tradinumber of levels. As a family of tions. “We want to make sure museums all four has to thrive that we are sharing the riches to contribute to the welfare of of our legacy with everyone the city to represent a range of that is interested,” she emphacultural opportunities and persized. spectives of the people that To assure that they are meeting visit us,” she explained. “We are, as a family of museums a LEADER EXPLAINS FOUR IN ONE—Jo Ellen Parker, president and CEO of their goal of being a social incluCarnegie Museums of Pittsburgh update members of the African American small commonwealth that op- Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania about the museums. (Pho- sive museum a diversity catalyst erates within a city that has for tos by Diane I. Daniels) SEE CARNEGIE C2 its size and population a re-
Global warming is a myth (NNPA)—The concept of global warming and the environmental justice movement started to grow during the Nixon administration. President Nixon saw it as a diversion from the antiVietnam War movement and the pressures of the Civil Rights Movement. He was shrewd in taking a tiny bureau from the Department of Interior and making it a cabinet level agency— the Environmental Protection Agency. Thus, the “Green Movement” began. By the time the Clinton administration came to Washington, D.C., claims of “environmental racism” were in full swing. When the Obama administration came, people were talking about “environmental justice” on equal footing with the Civil Rights Movement. Currently, the Sierra Club (environmental advocate group) mixes the Civil Rights Movement with the Global Warming Movement as if they are the same thing. It is an outrageous lie. One of the biggest claims of the environmentalists is that air pollution known as Ozone causes asthma. Asthma is a sickness that can lead to death. Let’s look at the definition, prevention and risk factors of this illness known as asthma. According to the prestigious Mayo Clinic, “Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that
interferes with daily activities and Harry C. Alford may lead to a lifethreatening asthma attack. Asthma can’t be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled.” Regarding prevention, Mayo states: “While there’s no way to prevent asthma, by working together, you and your doctor can design a step-by-step plan for living with your condition and preventing asthma attacks. Identify and avoid asthma triggers. A number of outdoor allergens and irritants—ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution—can trigger asthma attacks. Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps to avoid those triggers.” And on risk factors: “A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma. These include blood relatives (parent or sibling); having a similar illness such as hay fever; being overweight; being a smoker; exposure to second hand smoke; having a mother who smoked while pregnant; exposure to exhaust fumes; occupational triggers such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing.” From the above we note that asthma cannot be cured and they don’t know what
causes it. Yet, environmentalists are claiming that global warming is the culprit. The claim that asthma is caused by global warming and air pollution is bunk! Our air Ozone levels have been decreasing on a yearly basis. Consistently, our Ozone levels are reducing at a very impressive rate. Yet, asthma levels are doing the reverse. They are increasing. It becomes quite obvious that dirty air and Ozone are not factors causing asthma. It is something else and our medical industry can’t seem to figure it out. But one thing is certain: There is no correlation between asthma and our climate and our climate continues to improve because of improved technology and discipline. Despite the improving environment, the environmentalists continue their campaigns to hurt our industries and reduce our economic prowess. They are stopping millions of potential jobs and thousands of new businesses starting up and contributing to the economic growth of our great nation. This is more than the story of “Chicken Little,” this is a direct attempt to cripple America. They feel that we are too big and too strong. Shame on us for achieving and maintaining greatness. They want to reduce our “carbon foot-
Beyond the Rhetoric
print,” which means a lesser economy, fewer jobs, a smaller military to defend ourselves and protect the peace in the world. They believe that America as the number one nation in the world is selfish and we should surrender our status. Environmentalism is a tool to defeat us and, my people, I and my ilk will fight with every breath we take to stop this assault. They want to slow us down and make us vulnerable to the bad guys. The bad guys who actually really pollute with a vengeance that is far greater than what we do. China, India, Russia, etc. are the biggest polluters in the world and don’t care about it. Meanwhile, the environmentalists are attacking us—the ones who use improved technology to better serve our land, water and air. Secretary of State John Kerry has even admonished our African nations about building their infrastructures. He says they “must lessen their carbon footprint.” Secretary Kerry please send that logic straight to hell. Africa’s day of development has arrived. Their quality of life and economic status are going to improve greatly and without providing any damage to our environment. The United States has a vested interest in this as new friends—stronger and better is what we need. Build on America and pay no attention to the phony environmentalists. (Harry C. Alford is the co-founder, president and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.Website: www.nationalbcc.org Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.)
C2 JUNE 24-30, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS
No agreements to show as PA budget deadline looms by Marc Levy Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) —The new fiscal year for Pennsylvania state government begins July 1 and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature are meeting regularly in an effort to reach agreement on granting the state another year of spending authority. The sides have had little, if any, progress to show. Other subjects are in the mix as well. Here is a rundown. BUDGET Wolf has proposed a plan to increase overall spending through the state’s main bank account by about 9 percent to $31.6 billion. That counts pension obligations that Wolf wants to move to a restricted account. The spending would account for a deficit Wolf’s administration has estimated to be in excess of $2 billion. Under Wolf’s plan, tax increases would be necessary to pay for it from a grab bag of sources including sales, personal income, Marcellus Shale natural gas production, bank share values and sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Neither Republicans in the House or Senate have introduced or passed a counterproposal, nor have they agreed to any sort of tax increase or overall spending figure.
EDUCATION SPENDING Wolf is proposing the biggest one-year increase in history of discretionary aid for public school instruction and operations, about $410 million, or about 7 percent. He also wants to cut an estimated $160 million in school district payments to cyber charter schools by capping the per-student subsidy, while adding an additional $380 million for early childhood education programs, special education programs and higher education. Republicans have not agreed to any specific element of Wolf’s education plan. Top Republicans say they want to increase aid to public schools, but they have not said how much. The sides also have not agreed on how to distribute new aid to Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts, a hot topic. PROPERTY TAX REDUCTIONS Wolf proposed a plan to cut school property taxes and Philadelphia’s wage tax by $3.2 billion by raising the state’s personal income tax rate from 3.07 percent to 3.7 percent, increasing the state sales tax rate from 6 percent in much of the state to 6.6 percent and expanding the categories of items that are subject to sales tax. He also would aid renters by expanding a state rebate program by $426 million to de-
liver $500 rebates to all renting households earning $50,000 or less. The House responded by passing a $4.3 billion plan to raise the personal income tax rate to 3.7 percent and the state sales tax to 7 percent in most of the state. The House bill would expand the existing rent rebate program for senior citizens, raising the income level for eligibility from $15,000 to $35,000, but it would not reduce Philadelphia’s wage tax. Wolf’s plan and the House bill disagreed on how to divide up the property tax cuts among schools districts and taxpayers. The Senate has yet to take up the House bill or a counterproposal. WINE AND LIQUOR SALES
The House passed a bill that would license private wholesalers, instead of the state, to market wine and liquor products to retailers, and license around 2,500 new wine or liquor outlets to replace all but 100 of the approximately 600 statecontrolled wine and liquor stores. The Senate has yet to take up the House bill or a counterproposal. Wolf has said he opposes the House bill. He favors keeping the current state-controlled wine and liquor store system and making changes to it to boost its profits. PUBLIC PENSIONS Wolf says he can cut pension debt for state government and public school employees by an estimated $10 billion over 24 years. He wants to borrow $3 bil-
lion in bonds to refinance part of the pension debt and cut investment management fees by $200 million annually. Republicans have not agreed to Wolf’s plan. Senate Republicans passed a counterproposal to reduce payments into the pension system by an estimated $18 billion over 30 years, largely through concessions from current employees, and postponing payments into the state employees’ pension fund. The Senate bill also would end the traditional pension benefit by shifting future employees into a 401(k)-style plan. House Republicans have not signaled whether they will support the Senate bill or an alternative. Wolf has said he does not support the Senate bill.
Get out of debt (and stay out) Are you carrying a large amount of debt? On average, American households have about $15,000 of credit card debt, according to NerdWallet. If you’re struggling to pay off your outstanding balances, or if you’re tired of high interest costs, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants explains the best ways to get out from under those bills. Step 1: Start Spending Less It sounds easy, but we all know that it can be pretty tempting to whip out the credit card and go completely off budget. To solve that problem, leave your credit cards at home and resolve to rely on cash throughout the day. In addition, delete your credit card information from the online merchants you visit most frequently so it’s a little harder to make an impulse purchase and you have time to reconsider. When you’re about to splurge, ask yourself if your purchase is worth the interest costs you’ll pay if you charge it and don’t pay off your balance immediately. You may find it’s easier to bypass busting your budget. Step 2: Budget, Budget, Budget It’s tough to determine how much spending is too much unless you know what you can afford to spend each month. When you create a budget, add up your monthly income, then subtract your recurring expenses, such as rent or mortgage, food, commuting costs, and, of course, regular debt payments. Remember that if you overspend what remains, it will just increase your outstanding debt balances. Step 3: Pay Off Problem Accounts If you have a manageable mortgage with a low interest rate, erasing that balance will not be a high priority, especially since you can deduct the interest payments on
your tax return if you itemize. High-interest charge cards are another story. Your best bet is to economize enough to pump up your payments and get rid of those balances entirely. If that’s not possible, shop around for a credit card that offers a lower interest rate and aim to pay more than the minimum balance every month—without adding any additional debt. While you may be tempted to pay off a low balance first, if the interest rate on that account is reasonable, make the high interest accounts a priority. Step 4: Dedicate Windfalls to Debt Did you receive a tax refund this year? Or maybe you’re expecting to get a bonus at work? It’s natural to want to use some of that money for fun, so set aside a small percentage to put toward a vacation or other indulgence. Use the rest to lower your outstanding balances. In fact, whenever you find yourself with extra funds, earmark some for debt payments. Once you get in the habit, you’ll find it’s much easier to maintain smaller balances or even eliminate them completely. Step 5: Reap the Rewards When you pay off a big balance, give yourself a pat on the back and a nice reward. But think small—you don’t want to undo all the good work you’ve done. Plan a weekend away at a local amusement park, for example, instead of a week in the Caribbean. But do give yourself an incentive to stick with your smart spending plan. (Your local CPA can help. Whether you’re wrestling with debt or tackling other financial issues, be sure to turn to your local CPA. He or she can offer great ideas for managing your money. To find a local CPA and learn more about using credit cards wisely visit www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.)
PA job growth continues to set records HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s job growth continued to set records in May, despite a small increase in the statewide unemployment rate. The state Department of Labor and Industry said Friday that the jobless rate rose to 5.4 percent in May, up one-tenth of a percentage point from April. That remains below the national rate of 5.5 percent. A May survey of employers found that seasonally adjusted non-farm payrolls in-
creased by 18,200 jobs for a record total of nearly 5.86 million. The biggest increases from April were in health and education, which added nearly 9,000 jobs, and construction, which added more than 3,000 jobs. The department also revised down April’s big gain of 27,000 jobs by about 7,000. Despite May’s job gains, unemployment still rose as more people began looking for work.
Carnegie Museums update given to Chamber breakfast members CONTINUED FROM C1
position has been created she said to guarantee that changes are being created within their interactions. Parker expressed that operating as an entrepreneurial non-profit or mission centered organization is also a principal and value of the Carnegie Museums. She suggested that the breakfast attendees think of the legal structure of a BCorp, what she described as a form of corporate charter in which a for profit organization is legally permitted to include social good values with shareholder return as corporate mission. She said that at the Carnegie Museums they are quite capable of being mission centered and are savvy business people, have market awareness, are disciplined in the way they approach their business and mindful to their cost and revenue and how both are managed. She said such thinking goes back to the commonwealth theme of wanting to seek to do well rather operating as a businessperson or non-profit. To conduct business within the Carnegie Museums system, Parker suggests contacting the financial and operations department to find out what business opportunities are available or to be directed to proper departments. “If
there happens to be a problem I can be contacted directly,” Parker said. President and CEO of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh since August of last year, Parker is the former president of Sweet Briar College located in Virginia and has served as executive director of the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education and as president of the Great Lakes Colleges Association. She is a native of Olathe, Kansas and has earned her A.B. in English from Bryn Mawr, her M.A. in English from the University of Kansas and her Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Pennsylvania. The African American Chamber offers a variety of programs and services aimed at assisting its participants in their development and gaining access to decision-makers for business growth. Its next event is a members’ mixer scheduled for June 25 at 5 p.m. at the Skyline Terrace Community Room at 385 Elmore St. The mixer is hosted by KBK Enterprises. The Chamber’s Business Institute is conducting a cyber-security presentation Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Manchester Bidwell Corporation. Pittsburgh native Diana Burley, PhD co-Pl and Research Director for
the National CyberWatch Center and Full Professor in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University is the presenter. (For information on the African American Chamber of Commerce events call 412-392-0610..)
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Lunch and Learn Series
JUNE 25— 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 “TechConnect: Craigslist Basics.” This is an opportunity to learn how to buy and sell on Craigslist. For more information, call 412281-7141 or visit www.carnegielibrary.org.
Members’ Mixer JUNE 25—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host its Members’ Mixer from 5-7 p.m. at Skyline Terrace, in the Community Room, 385 Elmore St., Hill District. The evening, hosted by member, KBK Enterprises, will offer a glimpse of their new development, Skyline Terrace, and an opportunity to network with other Chamber members. Attendees are asked to bring business cards. Reservations are required by June 23. For more information, call 412-392-0610 or email information@aaccwp.com.
Business Fraud Protection 101 JULY 9—The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence will host its Business Fraud Protection 101 seminar from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at 50 McIntyre Square Dr., Pittsburgh. PNC will highlight some of the common threats of internal and external fraud, share actionable best practices to decrease the risk of financial loss, and provide an overview of available fraud mitigation solutions to protect one’s company. Registration is required. For more information, email Rachel LaMarco at rlamarco@innovation.pitt.edu.
First Step JULY 10—The Small Business Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh will host its “The First Step: The Mechanics of Starting a Small Business” from 7:30-10 a.m. at the University of Pittsburgh, Mervis Hall, Roberto Clemente Drive, Oakland. This session is designed for new business startups and entrepreneurs. Attendees will learn about business structure and formation, insurance, government, procurement, financing options, major components of the business plan, taxation, requirements and more. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-648-1544 or visit www.entrepreneur.pitt.edu.
Special Breakfast Meeting JULY 10—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host a Special Breakfast Meeting at 8 a.m. at the Rivers Club, One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant St., Downtown. The breakfast will introduce Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay. He will update Chamber members on plans for law enforcement. Reservations are required. For more information, email call 412-392-0610 or email information@aaccwp.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.)
Sapping your spirit CONTINUED FROM C1
believe ethics is important in a business; Spirit is not a company that I would consider in that vein. Other airlines have unethical practices as well. We are at their mercy though, as they merge and become virtual monopolies. We are their captive market, as we sit for hours on runways without simple creature comforts or information about our fate. We are the sheep walking through mazes of ropes and chains, as TSA workers miss contraband that passes right under their noses. But it’s the only mode of travel we have in many cases, depending on time and distance, of course. So what do we do? Research and get the full picture on prices and charges that may not be disclosed when you purchase your ticket. And if you get ripped-off,
notify the company, as we did. Then spread the word to others, the way I am doing now, about unethical business practices. Don’t believe me? Go to this link: http://www.foxnews.com/tra vel/2013/05/08/5-outrageous-spirit-airlines-fees/ This particular airline has something called the “Free Spirit” club. I question their “spirit” and it sho-nuff ain’t free. Every little item costs something. I can truly see the day coming when the following announcement will be made by the flight attendants: “In case of a sudden loss of air pressure, an oxygen mask will drop from overhead. Before putting your mask on, insert $5 into the convenient slot in front of you, put your mask on, and breathe normally.” (Jim Clingman can be reached through his website, blackonomics.com.)
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JUNE 24-30, 2015
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Overtime
Lukewarm
by Bill Neal
by Aubrey Bruce
For New Pittsburgh Courier
For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—Ok, Ok, O-K you got me. I made my first mistake of the year, but at least with me, I am man enough to own up to it. My top 10 forwards of all time list from last week listed one Michael Jeffrey Jordan, aka “Your Airness,” as a guard/forward. Clearly, he’s a guard…a guard who can play forward. . . No, not buying that either huh? I—was—wrong…I admit it. Are you happy now? So here’s the new list cause that changes everything. No. 1 LeBron James, No. 2 Julius “Dr. J” Erving, No. 3 Scottie Pippen, No. 4 Elgin Baylor, No. 5 Larry Bird, No. 6 Karl Malone, No. 7 Charles Barkley, No. 8 James Worthy, No. 9 Connie Hawkins, No. 10 Elvin Hayes. (Text me if you got a
The Pittsburgh Pirates were playing excellent baseball until last Friday, when their ship strayed from warm salty waters straight into a buzz saw disguised as a baseball team, namely the Washington Nationals. At times it seemed as if the Nationals were an all-star team and the Pirates were a h i g h school squad. W e l l , Pittsburgh wasn’t quite that bad but the Pir a t e s seemed very uptight and tense fac- AUBREY BRUCE ing the Nationals. This was as tight as I have seen the ball club since the first week of the 2015 season. Let’s back up for a few moments. The Pirates began the month of June in San Francisco playing the SF Giants in a 3 game series, Pittsburgh took 2 out of 3. They traveled on to Atlanta where they took 2 out of 3 from the Braves. Back to PNC Park where the home cooking needed to be a home remedy because the Buc’s lost 2 out of 3 to the lowly, cellar dwellers in the NL Central Division,
‘We Are Family’ Giving a facelift to Willie Stargell Field by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier
BILL NEAL better list. 412-628-4856) (And no, I didn’t forget, Tim Duncan. He’s a center/forward. Bob Pettit, Elvin Hayes, Dave Debusschere!) (Yeah, I know!) :09—If you played, coached, ref’d in the famous Connie Hawkins Summer Basketball League, or for that matter just came to be where the action was, then you don’t want to miss the final shot. This will be “The Last Connie Hawkins Reunion” for all time. Thursday, June 25, upstairs at The Savoy…top floor VIP section. :08—You don’t care about O.J. still being locked up. You don’t give a damn about Tiger Woods dying a slow death and you could care less about “A-Rod” becoming only the third man in baseball history to ring to 3,000 hits and 600 home runs. Welcome to the Willie Mays Hank Aaron Club. :07—All I can tell ya is this. My Black sisters can stop worrying about brothers dating White women cause now we’ve…oops, my bad…they’ve got a White woman who’s Black to date. Huh? :06—“The Stones” are comin...“The Stones” are comin. Lord have mercy, the Rolling Stones are coming to the Burg! Aw man, I shoulda be there. Rock & Roll!!! :05—I told ya weeks ago not to worry about the Pirates. Now after seven in a row and the best pitching staff in baseball, “Let it do what it do baby!” :04—Speaking of “Tiger.” The U.S. Open is upon us and anything can happen. It’s over when “Tiger” says it’s over. :03—I’m always talking to you about the great athletes from the City League and to be sure there have been many. Here’s a few Penn Hills names to remind you of. Of course you know the legendary Hubie Bryant. Mister Everything to be sure, Penn Hills Hall of Fame, University of Minnesota All-American Track & Football and Pittsburgh Steeler. But please be reminded of the family legacy known as the Carmacks. They were all special and one of the most special was “Delmar Carmack” the Steph Curry/Earl Monroe of his day. Smooth as silk and would do you up in his school clothes. Rest in peace my brother. :02—Steelers season starts July 25. Let’s get it on! :01—The Bengals let Terrelle Pryor go. What the hell do the Bengals know. Stay the course Terrelle. “Greatness lies within you!” ~ GAME OVER ~
“We Are Family”, by Sister Sledge, was a popular song in the late 70’s; also Willie Stargell’s and the Pittsburgh Pirates’ theme song in the 1979 season that ended with a World Series Championship. A similar theme was witnessed Saturday morning when FitUnited, the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon Group, Pirates Charities, City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Homewood Community Sports and community volunteers came together to update the Willie Stargell baseball and football field in Homewood. Despite inclement weather and volunteers in rain coats, ponchos and some wearing plastic garbage bags, volunteers huddling under tents and umbrellas and braving the on again off again rain to get the job done. Christine Grady, London England naïve, is the United Way Initiative FitUnited Program manager said: “We were at a meeting with a group representing the “Kid of Steel” at Lincoln Elementary late in 2014 and Westinghouse high school coach Monte Robin-
son suggested that we invest in updating the Willie Stargell Field.” Lois Mufuka Martin, Chief Volunteer Engagement Officer at United Way said: “We are committed to doing meaningful and high impact projects that will bring all kind of people together. Look around and you see black, white, young, old, community activist, corporate leaders.” Ubuntu, one of the terms that Nelson Mandela used. Ubuntu, is a Nguni Bantu term roughly translating to “human kindness.” It is an idea from the Southern African region which means literally “humanness,” and is often translated as “humanity toward others,” but is often used in a more philosophical sense to mean “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity”. “My concept of Ubuntu is you have to believe that the people are 99 percent just like you. Collective culture and understanding that to be human is to affirm one’s humanity by recognizing the humanity of others.” It wasn’t “Chicken on the Hill wit Will,” referred to Stargell’s ownership of a chicken restaurant in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, but
Inside Conditions nobody was complaining. “We provided free food and refreshments for the volunteers,” said Kristi Burry, Program Manager FitUnited. “Everybody worked hard and did a great job of painting, cleaning, concession stand renovations, bleacher repair and so much more. We will also put in a new field surface this summer.” Jamon Miyares, a 5’10”, 210 pound 10th grader, of Homewood, who was keeping dry and busy with fellow Westinghouse High School football teammates and is powerfully built like Josh Gibson or Barry Bonds, said he no longer plays baseball and he prefers football and wrestling. The decline in the number of African American baseball players is alarming and nobody fully understands why. Less than eight percent of the players on the 25-man Major League Baseball rosters on opening day were African American. What is it going to take to get the U.S.-born Blacks to start playing baseball again? An energized debate on the decline of blacks playing baseball in the United States is taking place, and experts speculate and believe that its only because the youth rather play football and basketball. Anwan Wesley’s career has been defined by a willingness to step out of his comfort zone in order to fulfill the needs of the community. It was during his first year
that Anwan learned that it was not only important to be willing to take risks but also to have the patience to ensure that the rewards from the risks are realized. Wesley, president of the Homewood Baseball Association, said in 2013 Homewood only had four teams and in 2015 they have nine teams, including two Girls Softball Teams and a Pony League Team. The Association is using baseball to help in unifying the community. The Homewood Baseball Association had a Community Parade this year and over 300 people came out to support. If the Rose Bowl hadn’t already trademarked the term “The Granddaddy of Them All,” the Little League World Series would be tempted to. Besides the longevity of the series, the one aspect that jumps out from the series is teamwork and life lessons learned from the game of baseball. Local Black baseball fans heard the cries from Western Pennsylvania all the way back to the Negro Leagues where the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays teams had some of baseball greatest all time players. With the leadership of Wan, the HBA and the Homewood Community Sports this could be the beginning of what inspires black youths to start playing baseball again.
BLACK AND WHITE TOGETHER—Young people from different pardts of Allegheny County and the city of Pittsburgh worked together to renovate Willie Stargell Field in Homewood. (Photos provided by )
the Milwaukee Brewers. There is a slow electrical burn going on somewhere can’t you smell it? Pittsburgh then welcomed their comrades from “the city of brotherly love,” otherwise known as Philadelphia and promptly swept the Phillies back under the NL East rug beating the Phillies three straight. I stated hearing Michael Jackson and his brothers singing the hit from their final “Victory” tour, “Can’t you feel it? The Pirates began to feel sort of “groovy.” Why? Because the Buc’s had their cannons locked and loaded, as they stood on deck ready for battle. Pittsburgh was just waiting to continue their “victory” celebration at the expense of the underperforming and undermanned Chicago White Sox who were about to sail their badly damaged “schooner” into the “mined harbor” of PNC Park. Can’t you feel it? Bu..bu..but wait. I’m beginning to stutter now. Did I..I..I.. men..men..mention, tha..tha..that, th..the Whi..Whi..White, So..So..Sox have been hanging around the cellar of the American League Central Division for a good while now? The Pirates continued on to Chicago to face the “Sox” at home where they beat them 2 out of 2, showing Chicago that their squad was in a deeper bind than the “Windy City’s” worst deep dish pizza. In less than 48 hours the Pirates would be flying the “Jolly Roger” at half-mast after Pittsburgh was bombarded by the Washington Nationals because last Saturday the Pirates even became the victims of a get this…a no-hitter. Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer had a perfect no hitter going until Pirates pinch hitter Jose Tabata’s elbow got “nicked” preventing Scherzer from pitching a perfect game. The miniscule E.R.A. that was put up by the Pirates pitching staff 16 games prior to Pittsburgh sailing into Washington, DC was now more inflated than a hot air balloon. This is not the time for the Pittsburgh Pirates to begin to believe the hype. Pittsburgh cannot survive and thrive being lukewarm, offensively or defensively because there is not much wiggle room between triumph and tragedy in Major League Baseball. If you don’t believe me, ask Pirates pitcher Charlie Morton. (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
FOUNDER JAY DONALDSON AND STAFF—Ebony Hubbard, Morrice Hubbard, Mary Adams, Cannan Bey, Lenora Donaldson, Tonya Avery, Josh Adams and Isiah Williams. (Photos by Rossano P. Stewart)
P.R.O.M.I.S.E. ‘Open Mic Night’ bridges gaps between youth
2015
by Paige Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
A recent event took place where people of Pittsburgh were given the opportunity to gather and share their talent in a positive way. The stage was open for performances of spoken word, poetry and dance. More than 50 people attended the free event and free refreshments were provided as well. The P.R.O.M.I.S.E. “Community Open Mic” (Stop the Violence) event took place May 3 at the Letter Carrier’s Building on California Avenue on the North Side. “We wanted to give the community an opportunity to fellowship, develop community relationships, and come together for a positive and fun event. We wanted to give people the opportunity to heal from the violence through music, spoken word, dance, and testimonials,“ P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Board Member Mary Adams said. The Spoken Word performers included Israel Williams, Devin West, Chon Pryor, Devyn Swain, and Josh Adams. Poetry: Maya Burley, and Taneiya Young. Vocalists were Marina Hawkins, Destiny Marshall, Gelisa Bonner, and Tamika Torres, and Ayauna Welch danced. DJ No Intro was the deejay during the event, while P.R.O.M.I.S.E. hosted. P.R.O.M.I.S.E. plans to hold more positive events to bring the community together in the future. Several of the future events were highlighted during the occasion. “The event gave P.R.O.M.I.S.E. the chance to empower the community on the programs and services we are planning. We were able to use this event as means to market and advertise our upcoming summer events,” Adams said.
PIRATE GANG—Devin West and Chon Pryor Events coming up this summer include, the Jakim Donaldson P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Basketball Camp that will take place July 29-31 at Perry High School, funded by the City of Pittsburgh Community Development Block Grant; P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Day at PNC Park- August 3rd, tickets donated by the Pittsburgh Pirates; and Gathering for Lost Loved Ones, taking place Aug. 22 at West Park on the North Side. P.R.O.M.I.S.E. also plans to hold more Open Mic events in the future, and feel the community appreciated their event. “My overall thoughts on the event- I was extremely pleased with the talented young people who came out and participated in this
event. To see the passion they all possessed for their art was impressive and touching! I look forward to P.R.O.M.I.S.E. hosting future open mic events and them growing with participants as well as spectators,“ Ebony Banks-Hubbard said. Community Leader Ronnell Guy, director of North Side Coalition for Fair Housing was present at the event as well. “We called out to the elders, some ignored our calls. We called out to the youth, some came through to participate, but by being passionate and true to our goals- We P.R.O.M.I.S.E. to build better relationships with our young and elder,“ founder of P.R.O.M.I.S.E., Jay Donaldson, said.
Nomination deadline, noon June 30, 2015 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER FAB 40 NOMINATION FORM NOMINATOR: NAME: ________________________________________________________________ CONTACT INFO: ______________________________________________________ NOMINEE_____________________________________________AGE ___________ _______________________________________________________________________ TITLE/POSITION COMPANY/AFFILIATION ADDRESS______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP PHONE_________________________E-MAIL_______________________________ Describe the specific accomplishments that demonstrate the nominee’s professional excellence:
_______________________________________________________________________ YOUNG POET—Maya Burley recites Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman.”
PATRIOTIC HEART—Taneya Young sings “God Bless America.”
VOCALIST—Gelisa sings “All of Me.”
Bonner
_______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Describe the nominee’s community service activity or organizational involvement, if known:
_______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 M.C.—Isiah Williams
DEVIN SWAN—Raps to the music of Dizzy Gilliseppe.
DESTINY MARSHALL—Sings “Unthinkable.”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION
New Pittsburgh Courier
CLASSIFIED JUNE 24-30, 2015
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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Help Wanted
Legal Notices
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER, PART-TIME ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Allegheny County is accepting applications for a Correctional Officer, Part-Time in the Allegheny County Jail. For application requirements and job description check our website at www.alleghenycounty.us/jobs or visit us at our Human Resources office at 102 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA PART-TIME NURSING POOL TEMPORARY POSITIONS WITHOUT BENEFITS
Registered Nurse (varying shifts, seven days a week): College campus nursing responsibilities, not limited to: student-patient examinations, preventive intervention and treatment of medical conditions including emergency treatment, and maintaining records. Ability to position, lift and/or transfer non-ambulatory students/patients, with assistance as needed. For position details and to apply on line, visit https://careers.calu.edu. Cal U is M/F/V/D/AA/EOE.
SECRETARY
F/T position. Pgh. area. Assoc.ʼs Deg. in Business pref. Three years of Secy./Admin. exp. reqd. Must have HS Diploma/GED. Liaison to board, attends board mtgs., prepares minutes maintains files & correspondence. Performs all admin. & clerical tasks reqd. by the ED: Manages calendar & maintains appts., assists with reports, proposals, data entry & mass mailings. Performs all admin/clerical tasks for PR, Fundraising, & Community Outreach. Attends special events & community events. Backup for reception. Operates & maintain office equip. Maintains mailing lists, purchases & maintains supplies. Coordinates use of volunteers. Must attend all board mtgs. Must have reliable means of transportation. Must be able to travel & work evenings & weekends when necessary. Assists with special projects. Exc. verbal & written comm. skills along with exc. word processing, typing, data entry, & org. skills. Proficient in MS Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat & social media web platforms. Personal exp. with a disability pref. Salary is $32,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Full bene. pkg. EOE/ADA. Pls. submit a cover letter & resume by 7/3/15 to: lwilson@trcil.org or fax to: 412 -371-9430. ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
JUNE 2015 HACP BOARD MEETING
Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will hold its JUNE 2015 Board of Commissioners Meeting on THURSDAY JUNE 25, 2015. The Meeting will be held at 10:30 AM 200 Ross Street 13th Floor Wherrett Room Pittsburgh PA 15219 RENTAL SERVICE Unfurnished Apartments
AUBA SENIOR CITIZENSʼ APARTMENTS
2700 Centre Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 NOW ACCEPTING HOUSING APPLICATIONS 62 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER RENTAL SUBSIDY AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY, 1 AND 2 BEDROOM UNITS, APPLIANCES, CARPET, CONTROLLED BUILDING ENTRY, CAMERA SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM, COMMUNITY ROOM, ON-SITE LAUNDRY, ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED, LOCATED ON BUS ROUTE PLEASE CONTACT LAYLA WILLIAMS AT 412-683-8059 OR 412-231-0111 FOR APPLICATION APPOINTMENT
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Letters have been granted on the estate of each of the following decedents to the personal representative named who request all persons having claims against the estate of the decedent to make known the same in writing to him or his attorney, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment to him without delay:
Estate of HILL, ROBERT V., deceased of Pittsburgh, PA. No. 02-15-02637. Carol Brackett, Adm., 2805 Webster Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 or to Sheila M. Ford, 6419 Stanton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.
Estate of SMITH, MARGARET ANN, deceased of Coraopolis, PA. No. 02-15-02830, Kimberly Lynn Smith, Executrix, 60 Ehle Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 or to Rosemary L. Corsetti, Esquire, Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, PC, One Oxford Centre, 20th Floor, 301 Grant Stret, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Estate of MEYERS, TERRI L., deceased of Borough of Aspinwall, No.: 021503691, Landreneaux, Natalie Marie, Executrix, 3841 Ian Court, Eureka, CA 95503 or to R.M. Entwisle, III, Atty., 125 1st Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
FICTITIOUS NAME
Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Fictitious Names Act of Pennsylvania that an application for registration of a fictitious name was filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the conduct of a business under the fictitious name of Accusage Now, with its principal office or place of business at 1 Alpha Drive East, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. The name and address of the person who is party to the registration is Personal Training Now, LLC, 1 Alpha Drive East, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. The name of the fictitious name is: Accusage Now
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Bids/Proposals
ADVERTISEMENT
Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, Purchasing Department, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233(412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 947 – Lead Paint Abatement – West Hall A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting and site visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2015. The assembly point will be the front entrance of West Hall, Allegheny Campus, 800 block of Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at which time they will be publicly opened. Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at h t t p s : / / w w w. c c a c . e d u / B i d RFP_Opportunities.aspx. It will be each vendorʼs responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Green Physical Needs Assessment/Integrated Energy Audit (GPNA) RFP #R600-18-15
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Green Physical Needs Assessment/Integrated Energy Audit (GPNA) RFP #R600-18-15 The documents will be available no later than June 15, 2015 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., July 7, 2015 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 June 26, 2015 2:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and login, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR MARKET STUDY ANALYSIS SERVICES RFQ#2015-05
Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC) hereby request qualifications from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): MARKET STUDY ANALYSIS SERVICES RFQ#2015-05 The documents will be available no later than June 15, 2015 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., July 7, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation c/o Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A Pre-Submission Conference will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Monday, June 26, 2015 10:00 A.M. ARMDC strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and login, 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.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA June 9, 2015
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, July 1, 2015, 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, onehalf hour later, 11:30 oʼclock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Painters Run Road Lateral Support Project Site 1/Site 2, Upper St. Clair Township COUNTY PROJECT NO. 6242-0206 PREBID 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 nonrefundable 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 PreBid Meeting on June 19, 2015 at 1:30 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
TO PLACE AN AD IN SOUL READERS Call 412-481-8302, Ext. 140 The deadline for all ads to be placed is Monday at 4 p.m. All ads must be paid for in advance. We accept Money Orders, Credit Cards and Western Union “Quick Collect” payments.
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT: INVITATION FOR BIDS CONTRACT #ACHA-1541 – 1/GC
ROAD REPAIR AND RESURFACING – PROSPECT DRIVE AT PROSPECT TERRACE The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is requesting bids from qualified firms for ROAD REPAIR AND RESURFACING – PROSPECT DRIVE AT PROSPECT TERRACE. Bid Documents will be on file and may be obtained after Tuesday, 23/June/2015 at the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, or by contacting the ACHA at 412-402-2464. A nonrefundable fee of $40 will be charged for paper documents and $25 for CDs. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday, 25/June/2015, at 10:00AM at Allegheny County Housing Authority Central Office, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, PA 15222. Bids are due by 2:00 PM. local time on Wednesday 8/July/2015 at the Allegheny County Housing Authority, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. The ACHA encourages responses from small, minority, and women owned firms, as well as firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. Frank Aggazio, Executive Director
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KINGSLEY ASSOCIATION 6435 FRANKSTOWN AVE.
CCAC—HOMEWOOD BRANCH WILKINSBURG EBA HOMEWOOD & EAST BUSWAY BRUSHTON AVE
10991 FRANKSTOWN RD MIKE’S SPOT 815 UNIVERSAL RD CREAMY CREATIONS 144B JEFFERSON RD SHOP N SAVE 3335 WILLIAM PENN HWY SHEETZ 3457 WILLIAM PENN HWY GETGO 10525 FRANKSTOWN RD CVS PHARMACY 10600 FRANKSTOWN RD SHELL OIL 7619 BAUM BLVD KIWI SUNOCO FRANKSTOWN AVE WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP II 132 NORTH HIGHLAND AVE MARATHON GAS 6680 FRANKSTOWN AVE PENN AIKEN DAIRY 5401 PENN AVE GIANT EAGLE #17 6320 SHAKESPEARE ST HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 FRANKSTOWN AVE SALIK HARDWARE 607 NORTH HOMEWOOD AVE NEGLEY A PLUS 123 NORTH NEGLEY AVE BAKER’S 7203 HAMILTON & STERRETT AVES DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 FRANKSTOWN AVE HOSPITAL CORNER 4201 PENN AVE PEOPLES GROCERY 5136 PENN AVE A&M MARKET 5224 PENN AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 7701 PENN AVE WOOD & PENN 902 WOOD ST AL’S FISH & CHICKEN 1000 PENN AVE SAVE A LOT 725 ROSS AVE CVS PHARMACY 520 PENN AVE GETGO 408 PENN AVE QUICK STOP LIBERTY 3349 LIBERTY AVE K-2 CONVENIENT STORE 4900 PENN AVE SHUR SAVE 4120 MAIN ST SHELL GAS 6701 FRANKSTOWN RD UNIMART 5724 ELLSWORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #77 254 YOST BLVD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 YOST BLVD SPEEDY MART 2131 ARDMORE BLVD SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 FORBES AVE MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 MURRAY AVE GIANT EAGLE MURRAY AVE & LORETTA ST DISCOUNT TOBACCO & NEWS 1929 MURRAY AVE OAK HILL MARKET 504 OAK HILL DR SULTAN BEY 4601 CENTRE AVE UNIVERSITY OF PGH
BOOKSTORE 4000 5TH AVE CVS #4369 4610 CENTRE AVE CENTRAL AREA: RITE AID PHARMACY 100 WILLIAM MARKS DR FORBES TOBACCO 3801 FORBES AVE GET GO #64 4924 BAUM BLVD SCHWARTZ MARKET 1901 5TH AVE SMOKER FRIENDLY 906 5TH AVE
FABER COE & GREGG FIFTH AVE. PLACE FABER COE & GREGG 600 GRANT ST NIELSEN’S STORES #09 301 GRANT ST— ONE OXFORD CENTER NIELSEN’S STORES #13 437 SEVENTH AVE— KOPPERS BUILDING 9TH & PENN NEWS-NUMBERS 136 NINTH AVE EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 SEVENTH AVE NEAL NEWS 400 CHERRY WAY CVS PHARMACY #4120 610-612 WOOD ST
HILL DISTRICT: NORTHERN AREA: WONG’S MARKET 2170 CENTRE AVE ANN’S MARKET 2316 WEBSTER AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 2350 CENTRE AVE UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 CENTRE AVE K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 MERCER ST SHOP & SAVE SUPERMARKET 1850 CENTRE AVE
W. N. GROCERY 1018 NORTH AVE. GIANT EAGLE #25 WEST VIEW PLAZA GIANT EAGLE #45— PINECREEK 9805 MCKNIGHT RD— PINECREEK CENTER GIANT EAGLE #52 132 BEN AVON HEIGHTS RD GIANT EAGLE #67 8050 MCKNIGHT RD NORTH SIDE BEER & DOWNTOWN: BEVERAGE 1304 FEDERAL ST KWIK-E-MART ALLEGHENY GIFT 204-10TH ST CHICKALOS SNACK BAR SHOP—AGH HOSPITAL 300 LIBERTY AVE—STATE 320 EAST NORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #652 OFFICE BLDG 1ST FL 318 CEDAR AVE LOBBY 7-11 #158 7-11 #167 1001 WESTERN AVE 643 LIBERTY AVE RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 7-11 #165 1207 N. FRANKLIN ST SIXTH & PENN AVE QUIK-IT 7-11 #170 820 PENNSYLVANIA AVE 429 WOOD ST RITE AID #3459 LIBERTY NEWS 802 PENNSYLVANIA AVE 604 LIBERTY AVE MARSHALL SHELL FABER COE & GREGG 1500 SPRING GARDEN HILTON HOTEL—COMAVE MONWEALTH AVE SWINKO’S MARKET ESTER’S SNAX 2535 PERYSVILLE AVE FEDERAL BUILDING, MERCY STREET EXPRESS 2ND FL 6 MERCY ST SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 SMITHFIELD ST CITY NEWS & ARCADE 422 WOOD ST FABER COE & GREGG 500 GRANT ST