Media Report May, June, July & August 2020
V
Burgh’ers Brewery introduces Black Is Beautiful Beer - 100% of the proceeds benefit the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
Full copies of Agency Media Reports are available upon request in print and electronically from the Development Office. If interested, please call 412-227-4229, or email development@ulpgh.org.
Date
5/1/2020
Topic
All One Pittsburgh Fund Raises $50,000 To Buy And Distribute Essential Supplies To Those In Need
5/5/2020
Mentions: Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government services while practicing social distancing Pirates celebrate Jackie Robinson Day
5/6/2020 5/6/2020
Mentions: Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and All One Pittsburgh Take Charge of Your Health Today Lunch & Learn: Data and Digital Literacy
5/5/2020
5/12/2020
Mentions: Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Mental Health and Coronavirus Covid-19 Reopening phases Governor Wolf announces Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Covid-19 Status Change Covid-19 Testing in Homewood Mobile coronavirus testing coming to Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood After 274 Years, Princeton will have its first Black Valedictorian
5/12/2020 5/14/2020
FIND Study – University of Pittsburgh Marc Morial video updates on Facebook Live
5/15/2020
Seven Carnegie Mellon University faculty elevated to rank of University Professor
5/8/2020 5/8/2020 5/8/020 5/11/2020 5/11/2020
5/16/2020 5/16/2020
Mentions: Joe Trotter, Jr. and The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Vote by Mail Zion Madison Thomas – Obituary Mentions: Dean Richards, Chet Thompson and BMLDI
Media Outlet
CBS Pittsburgh
Facebook New Pittsburgh Courier
New Pittsburgh Courier New Pittsburgh Courier
Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook – link to NY Times article Facebook Facebook – via National Urban League Carnegie Mellon University
Facebook Obituary
Date
Topic
Media Outlet
5/21/2020
Covid Across Borders – Marc Morial talks with Ndaba Mandela
5/22/2020
Chamber, Shell donate care packages to residents
Facebook via National Urban League Ellwood City Ledger
5/26/2020 5/26/2020
Mentions: Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Last Day to request a mail-in ballot to vote in June 2nd primary Polling locations
Facebook Facebook
5/31/2020
6/2/2020 6/2/2020 6/2/2020 6/3/2020 6/6/2020
6/10/2020 6/10/2020
6/10/2020
6/11/2020 6/11/2020 6/11/2020 6/11/2020 6/12/2020
Community Leaders add signatures to statement addressing civil Genorcity unrest Mentions: Esther L. Bush, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh VOTE Urban Seniors Jobs Program flyer Primary Voting – Find your polling spot TD Jakes WATCH: Project CommUNITY: Just Listen – A Conversation with Black Pittsburgh Mentions: Esther L. Bush, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Systemic Racism Explained – Video Racism: A Conversation between friends Pastor Eric Manning of Mother Emanuel AME Church and Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life Or L’Simcha Congregation Local Black Leaders see a difference in Floyd protests
Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook via CBS This Morning WTAE
Facebook Facebook
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Mentions: Esther Bush, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Guest Esther L. Bush – Larry Richert and Kevin Battle Morning KDKA Radio Show Equity for All Forum Facebook via National Urban League 145 Days until the General Election Facebook Breonna’s Law Facebook via National Urban League KDKA Radio’s address the Unrest: A Solutions Summit Facebook via KDKA Radio Guest: Esther L. Bush, Board Member Reverend Abernathy and others.
Date
6/12/2020 6/15/2020 6/15/2020 6/16/2020 6/17/2020 6/18/2020
Topic
Critical Voices in Critical Times: Outlooks from the Congressional Black Congress Tune In: The National Urban League LPC2020 – Legislative Policy Conference – Day 1 Take Charge of Your Health Today Tune In: The National Urban League LPC2020 – Legislative Policy Conference – Day 2 Michelle Obama laid out how important voting is in fixing America’s Criminal Justice System The Time is Now. Join The Movement. Donate. Volunteer. Be the Change you seek
Media Outlet
Facebook Facebook via the National Urban League New Pittsburgh Courier Facebook via the National Urban League Facebook via Elite Daily Facebook
6/19/2020 6/19/2020
Public Service Announcement from the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Juneteenth – Make Black Count Facebook Marissa’s Fundraiser for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Facebook
6/19/2020
75 Books about Extraordinary Black Mighty Girls and Women
6/19/2020 6/24/2020 6/25/2020 6/27/2020 6/26/2020 6/30/2020 7/7/2020
Juneteenth – Make Black Count Voter Registration Pittsburgh Job Opportunities: Urban Seniors Jobs Program Roots Picnic US Census Bureau extends deadline to 10/31/2020 Join the Movement Planned Giving Newsletter
Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook via Census 2020 Facebook Facebook
Date
7/8/2020 7/8/2020 7/10/2020 7/11/2020 7/11/2020 7/12/2020 7/12/2020
7/14/2020 7/15/2020 7/15/2020 7/16/2020 7/21/2020
Topic
Job Opportunities: Enterprise Financial Services Group Vote Take Charge of Your Health – Online version Congratulations to the men graduating from the Black Male Leadership Development Institute NA Fundraiser for Racial Justice Tell Your Senators to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Althea Gibson became the first person of color – male or female – to win at Wimbeldon in 1957
Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook
Don’t forget to tune in to Marc H. Morial’s weekly Burgh’s Best to Wear it, No. 49: Before serving on the bench, Dwayne Woodruff made an impact on the field Major A. Mason, III – Obituary Virtual Party – National Urban League with Marc H. Morial and MC Lyte URA announces additional Housing Stabilization Program administrators are up and running
Facebook Facebook
7/22/2020
Mentions: Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Bold Action Needed: Esther L. Bush, Ken Gormley, Mary Frances Cooper
8//6/2020
Leadership Café
8/8/2020 8/8/2020 8/10/2020 8/11/2020 8/12/2020
Media Outlet
Facebook Facebook via National Urban League Facebook
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Facebook South Pittsburgh Reporter
Pittsburgh Quarterly
YouTube via VACO GLOBAL Burgh’ers Brewery creates “Black is Beautiful” beer, helps Urban Pittsburgh Tribune Review League Lawsuit disputes signature verification of mail-in ballots Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Have you tried Black is Beautiful yet? Facebook via Trib Live Congratulations are in order for Kamala Harris, the first Black Facebook via National woman to be nominated for a national office by a major party! Urban League Take Charge of Your Health Today; Food Insecurity The New Pittsburgh Courier
Date
8/12/2020
8/12/2020 8/13/2020 8/13/2020 8/14/2020
Topic
Burgh’ers Brewing releases its first canned beers, Black is Beautiful and Pittsburgh artist C.B. Perry’s Palette
8/17/2020 8/25/2020
8/27/2020
Mentions: Allyce Pinchback Johsnon – member of the Urban League Young Professionals Job opportunity: Election workers, poll workers, etc.
8/27/2020
8/27/2020
8/29/2020 8/31/2020 8/31/2020 8/31/2020 8/31/2020
Pittsburgh City Paper
Mentions: Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Surviving Covid while Black: The Pandemic inside the pandemic Facebook via National Urban League State of Black America Facebook via National Urban League 2020 State of Black America Facebook via National Urban League Biden’s VP pick a relatable one Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Mentions; Esther L. Bush and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh The Daily Briefing Mentions: Esther L. Bush upcoming appearance on the Confluence The Confluence: Interview with Esther L. Bush Pittsburgh Magazine 40 Under 40
8/17/2020
Media Outlet
WESA
WESA Facebook via Pittsburgh Magazine
Facebook via Allegheny County government site
1000 years after the 19th Amendment: Pennsylvania’s role in history Mentions: Urban League The Pirates and MLB teams around the nation celebrate Jackie Robinson Day Mentions: Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Chadwick Boseman dies on Jackie Robinson Day Fill your tank and support the Urban League Facebook Analytics for the period of May 1, 2020 until August 31, 2020 Google Analytics for the period of May 1, 2020 until August 31, 2020 BurrellesLuce Media Impressions
Facebook via People Magazine Facebook
All One Pittsburgh Fund Raises $50,000 To Buy And Distribute Essential Supplies To Those In Need
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Families in need of basic essentials like toilet tissue and paper towels could get them Friday on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The Urban League of Pittsburgh teamed up with Project Destiny and corporate partners, including Koppers and the Pittsburgh Pirates, for an essentials drive. The Urban League’s All One Pittsburgh Fund Drive has made it possible for families to get some of the household essential items they need. Until 3:30 p.m. Friday, families could get rolls of toilet tissue, paper towels and liquid soap. So far, the All One Pittsburgh Fund has raised nearly $50,000 to purchase the supplies. They’ve teamed up with local non-profits that can distribute the supplies in their communities. Organizers at Project Destiny say the items will be given to people without any judgment, and while practicing social distancing. Project Destiny is located on California Avenue on the North Side. An Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh says the All One Pittsburgh Fund Drive has raised nearly $50,000 and will plan other drives in the future. For more information about the All One Pittsburgh Fund Drive, visit ulpgh.org.
This month’s “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on the importance of data literacy. The current COVID-19 pandemic has flooded our media with many sources of information. Things are changing daily, and these constant changes can be difficult to navigate and evaluate. Erricka Hager and Bee Schindler, community engagement coordinators with CTSI, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, spoke about this topic. BS: Good afternoon, Ms. Bush. I’m looking forward to discussing today’s topic with you. I’ve noticed that education holds a special space in your heart. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on how communities can learn how to better understand the data they encounter. The daily news system and the way we access data certainly are changing. EB: They surely are, Bee. And many of these changes are having a negative influence specifically on Black and Brown communities’ understanding of information. Currently, our readers are getting news, rumors and opinions coming at them from a variety of sources. This content includes data that is informative and true and information that is false. Sifting through this information can be both frustrating and confusing. Our readers need tools to sort through the data storm on this pandemic. EH: Yes, Ms. Bush. Even as a public health professional, I find the constant stream of data to be somewhat overwhelming. I’m sure our readers are noticing an uptick in misinformation being shared across multiple platforms. I agree that our readers need the necessary tools to help move through all of the data, especially about COVID-19. Elizabeth Monk, research specialist in the Urban and Regional Analysis Program with the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social and Urban Research, shared a few tools that are available for our readers to improve their data literacy skills. What are some other tools that our readers can access? BS: Aside from the resources shared elsewhere on this page, there is another local resource available to our readers. The Pennsylvania Health Literacy Coalition focuses on empowering communities to understand health information. Health literacy is defined as the ability to find, understand, evaluate, communicate and use health information to make informed decisions about your health. The coalition has materials and resources available for community members to help determine whether or not health information is valid. EH: That’s a great resource, Bee. For some people, the constant stream of COVID-19 information is easy to understand and navigate. But for others, seeing the increasing numbers may be scary and confusing. I’m also worried about the folks who have limited access to any credible information at all. These folks often look in magazines, newspapers or social media platforms for information. Data literacy skills are necessary for evaluating the risks and benefits of health-related decisions and information. BS: Simply put, improving data literacy enables communities to seek accurate health information. It will also empower folks to “Take Charge of Their Health,” a skill critical in minoritized communities where the dominant lens might otherwise not provide the tools to disentangle the data. EB: Thank you so much for your time and thoughts, Bee and Erricka. As usual, we have continued to provide our readers with the necessary resources to help them understand the information they find online. I look forward to hearing your thoughts next month as we discuss caring during COVID-19. I’m sure the “Take Charge” page will be filled with valuable information for many of our community members.
May 15, 2020CMU Names Seven University Professors 1.2K By Sakena Washington Seven Carnegie Mellon University faculty members have been elevated to the rank of University Professor, the highest distinction a faculty member can achieve at CMU. The newly appointed University Professors are Jessica Hodgins, Allen Robinson, Kathryn Roeder, Tuomas Sandholm, Mahadev Satyanarayanan, Susanne Slavick and Joe William Trotter, Jr. "University Professors are distinguished by international recognition and for their contributions to education, artistic creativity and/or research," said Provost Jim Garrett. "Each University Professor exemplifies a high level of professional achievement and an exceptional commitment to academic excellence at our university.“ Garrett said the professors were nominated and recommended by academic leaders and faculty who have achieved the designation of University Professor.
Joe William Trotter, Jr., the Giant Eagle Professor of History and Social Justice and past History Department chair, founded and directs CMU's Center for Africanamerican Urban Studies and the Economy (CAUSE). An elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he is a pioneer in the development of U.S. urban, labor and working-class history. His scholarship includes a wide range of scholarly books, essays and articles in professional journals and edited collections. His most recent book, "Workers on Arrival: Black Labor in the Making of America," selected a CHOICE Outstanding Academic Book for 2019, chronicles African American urban life since the Atlantic slave trade. He recently completed another book, "Pittsburgh and the Urban League Movement: A Century of Social Service and Activism." He has served on the boards and committees of professional organizations, including the National Endowment for the Humanities. He is past president of the Labor and Working Class History Association and president-elect of the Urban History Association. He also is a member and past vice president of the board of trustees of the H. John Heinz III Regional History Center, a Smithsonian affiliate. Trotter has delivered scholarly papers and lectures in professional forums in the United States and abroad, including institutions of higher education in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, the Netherlands, and the Middle East. He has served on the boards and committees of numerous professional organizations: Executive Council, OAH; Chair, Nominating Committee, OAH; OAH Program Committee; Executive Council, SHA; Program Committee, SHA; Francis B. Simkins Prize Committee, SHA; Immigration History Society Executive Board; Jameson Fellowship Committee, AHA; Program Committee, Oral History Association; chair of the annual Program Committee of the American Historical Association. The new University Professors will be recognized at a future event.
by Chrissy Suttles Posted May 22, 2020 at 9:48 AM Beaver County Chamber of Commerce members partnered with Shell employees this week to donate care packages to local families and individuals in need. The first delivery of 32 care packages was completed Wednesday at the Connolly Park apartment complex in Patterson Heights. Care packages included vital COVID-19 safety items such as face masks, cleaning products, toilet paper, games, books and snacks. Shell also contributed gas cards to each package, and helped fund lunches to front-line workers at Heritage Valley Beaver Physical and Occupational Therapy department, Heritage Valley’s housekeeping department and the Women’s Center of Beaver County. Chamber members that contributed to package fundraising included Highmark Caring Place, Serv Pro of West Beaver County, Walmart, Aliquippa’s Giant Eagle, the Beaver County Association of Realtors, the Beaver Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Beverly and Philip Pietrandrea, Spanos Group of Raymond James and Design Inspirations. Shell as a company, through its Community Care Team and Social Investment Funds, also has donated to other key agencies around the county over the last several weeks, including the Beaver County YMCA, Meals on Wheels, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and local hospitals. “We’re so thankful to the Shell employees for initiating this work and making donations of both time, money and goods to the cause,” said Chamber president Helen Kissick. “Over $3,000 has been raised by them through a GoFundMe campaign with their personal contributions.” Both groups plan to make a second care package delivery next week. Anyone wishing to donate goods, gift cards or funds to the cause should contact the Chamber office at info@bcchamber.com or 724-775-3944, or leave your donation in the large blue box located at the front entrance to the Chamber’s office at 798 Turnpike St. in Beaver. “Helping our neighbors in need is the right thing to do and we are honored that we are able to help,” said Curtis Thomas, a spokesperson for Shell’s Polymers facility.
Bold Action Needed: Esther L. Bush, Ken Gormley, Mary Frances Cooper Regional leaders address population loss and Pittsburgh’s future (Part V)
July 22, 2020 At a time when the Pittsburgh region is continuing to lose population and has been seeing regional job losses the past few months, we asked a group of regional leaders to respond, in 200 words or less, to this question: What action do we need to take to create the kind of growth, vitality and dynamism that will stem our population loss and catalyze a strong future? Esther L. Bush—President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Too many of Pittsburgh’s African American residents face some of the nation’s most daunting conditions and consequences of those conditions. Just as the body cannot be well when parts are unhealthy, so Pittsburgh cannot thrive when nearly one-quarter of Pittsburgh residents are obstructed by poor health conditions, unsafe and inadequate housing, below standard educational opportunities, and the resulting low-income job options and high unemployment. By uniting with regional leaders and fellow Pittsburghers from all walks of life to ensure healthy environments, decent and affordable housing, and educational excellence for all, employers have it within their means to develop a flourishing source of competent potential employees committed to our region.
Ken Gormley—President, Duquesne University Metro areas like Pittsburgh that are sustaining reinvention and smart growth are those that invest in new workers and reward ventures connected to their region. Many of Pittsburgh’s strongest institutions have storied histories that define our place. What can we do to attract and retain the people in the professions and trades that will enrich Pittsburgh? What if foundations, economic development organizations and other civic structures made placebased investment our top priority, building our existing businesses or investing in new ones with a preference for those that make our location critical to their plan? For instance, urban green industry is revitalizing vacant spaces to create new opportunities in Hazelwood, Braddock and other former steel mill sites that once built our region. The Carrie Furnaces site in Rankin is cultivating investment in a film and entertainment village centered around this riverfront space amid Pittsburgh’s rich history and iconic location. As a practice, place-based impact investing already prioritizes the positive social and environmental stewardship so important to our region’s future. The best plans include all kinds of workers and residents, and they focus as much on sustainable communities as they do on a sustainable venture. If the anchors of our region prioritize place-based impact investing, we can stem population loss and reap the benefits of businesses that foster enduring vitality in Pittsburgh. Mary Frances Cooper—President and Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Good jobs, good schools, affordability and social infrastructure are elements that attract people to a place and encourage them to stay. Pittsburgh is making efforts in these areas. It is not likely, however, that we will grow our community simply by encouraging people from within this country to relocate to here. The world is full of people who seek opportunity and want to create a good life for themselves and their families, and they could do this here in Pittsburgh. We have an infrastructure in place that can support immigrants, including the public library, which, throughout our 125-year history, has always helped newcomers as they seek to make their way in their new home and work toward citizenship. Indeed, the founder of our library, Andrew Carnegie, was himself an immigrant. He came to Pittsburgh as a child from Scotland, worked hard and strove to give back to his new community. We need to strengthen and enhance this infrastructure and build up our capacity to incorporate people from various countries and cultures into our community in a way that enables them to be true to their authentic selves while contributing to the growth, vitality and dynamism that is our future.
Vaco Global The Leadership Cafe is Vaco's new webcast, organized by the Pittsburgh office. Hosted by co-authors Dr. Richard Citrin and Michael Couch of 'Strategy-Driven Leadership: The Playbook for Developing Your Next Generation of Leaders.’ This webcast is dedicated to having conversations with CEOs and Founders of local businesses. Discussing what tactics that take as a leader during difficult times and improve their profits.
This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page discusses food access and insecurity in relationship with minoritized communities in Pittsburgh. The current COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized that access to food is a basic human right, not a privilege. How can we guarantee that we as a collective are working to ensure that African American individuals and communities are not left hungry? As the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s leader, it is my duty to think deeply about equity and access to resources. As an individual, my values and lived experiences propel me to reflect on what the overview researcher, Dr. Audrey J. Murrell, says about community resiliency and capacity. Taking charge of one’s health, as indicated in this Courier page, can help to shape future avenues for ensuring food abundance and resilience. It starts now with partnership and capacity-building among city entities, universities, community organizations and individuals. The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh has always been deeply committed to ending hunger and providing access to food in the region. Our Hunger Relief Services offer emergency food and a pathway to guarantee that people who cannot receive WIC benefits can still feed and protect their babies. Healthy minds and bodies are critical. The City of Pittsburgh defines food insecurity as anytime folks do not know whether or not they have enough food to meet basic needs. Data from the City of Pittsburgh notes that 21.4% or 1 in 5 Pittsburghers are food insecure. This percentage is higher than the United States average of 12.3% and the Allegheny County average of 14%. We know that sometimes this means having to make difficult choices among buying food, paying rent, picking up a medical prescription, turning on the heat or other essential expenses. Those choices should not have to happen. In response to COVID-19, and because many people have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, the Urban League continues to show up for those who need support the most. When our fellow neighbors cannot pay their bills, we try to help. We help those who need assistance to pay rent and security deposits. Our Housing Department continues to be a source of assistance even during the COVID19 pandemic. What is really telling about food insecurity data are the neighborhoods where disparity most exists. A food access map on the City of Pittsburgh’s website ( https://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail/images/2325_FoodInsecurePercentage_(Multicolor).pdf) shows many of Pittsburgh’s predominantly African American neighborhoods, like the Hill District, Homewood and Larimer, range from 23-70% food insecure. In contrast, predominantly white neighborhoods, like Squirrel Hill, Greenfield and Shadyside, range from 0-22% food insecure. We know that historical and current oppressions like redlining have had grave effects on people’s health, wealth and wellness. These numbers also remind us why we have to continue to do the work that we do.
The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh will continue to fight for you. One way that you can fight for yourself is to complete the 2020 Census. When you complete the census, you help your community get its fair share of federal funds for vital programs. Please—if you haven’t done so already—complete the 2020 Census by visiting http://www.2020census.gov. Thank you, readers. On August 13th from noon to 1 p.m. Dr. Murrell and Chef Pierre Claudy, founder of the E.A.T. Initiative, Inc. and owner of Arnold’s Coffee & Tea LLC in Pittsburgh, will join readers like you in an online conversation about food insecurity and how to take action. To RSVP, head to https://bit.ly/2BGaz8o for the open to the public Lunch and Learn. The “Take Charge of Your Health” page next month will reflect on six months of COVID-19 effects in the Pittsburgh region, with particular insight into how difficult it is to disrupt systems, and what lessons we have learned from the pandemic to implement transformational change. Specifically, we will talk with researchers whose interests include categorizing how the infodemic is differentially impacting certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities. The World Health Organization defines the infodemic as the mass amounts of information about COVID-19 that makes it hard for folks to know which guidance and reports about the virus is accurate. Take Charge, and take care. Yours in the movement, Esther L. Bush, President and CEO Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s popular smash burger joint and brewery, Burgh’ers Brewing, has released its first two canned beers. The first can debuts the brewery’s version of Black is Beautiful, a nationwide collaboration brew designed to bring awareness to the daily injustices faced by people of color and to raise funds for police reform and legal defenses. Similar to the All Together beer collaboration at the beginning of the pandemic, all of the Black is Beautiful brews are based off of the same recipe, this one created by Weathered Souls Brewing Company in Texas. The recipe is for a moderately high-alcohol (10% ABV) imperial stout, but breweries are welcome to add their own twists. For its brew, Burgh’ers has added chocolate wheat, chocolate rye, and switched out some of the hops. Neil Glausier, co-owner and brewmaster at Burgh’ers says the brew carries a “robust hop profile with mellow herbal bitterness and floral notes.” Burnt toffee, rich cocoa, and mellow caramel flavors come though the “velvety ganache” beer.
The second brew — a tropical, pineapple-forward, 7.0% ABV, hazy IPA called Palette — was crafted for Fresh Fest Digi Fest in collaboration with local artist C.B. Perry. Perry and Burgh’ers named the brew Palette to “illuminate the value and variety of difference in individuals.” Weathered Souls asks that all proceeds of Black is Beautiful go to local foundations that support the collaboration’s cause. Burgh’ers — who is one of many local breweries participating in the Black is Beautiful effort — will donate its profits to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, an organization whose mission is to “enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity and power, and civil rights.” These releases also fall in line with the restaurant’s 10th anniversary. Burgh’ers has locations in both Lawrenceville and Zelienope, and the brewery has been open since 2017. “We can’t think of a better anniversary gift to ourselves than a canning line or a better way to launch canned beers than in conjunction with the ‘Black is Beautiful’ initiative,” said Glausier in a press release. Burgh’ers has plans to start canning its flagship beers next, and eventually hopes to expand to local distribution. Cans of Black is Beautiful and Palette are available for purchase at both locations while supplies last. Palette is on draft in Zelienople.
7:49 a.m. - Urban League sues over ballot signatures Pennsylvania voters who send in their ballots by mail are required to sign their name on the envelope - and if that signature doesn't match the signature on file, the ballot is discarded. The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh has joined a lawsuit that would force elections officials to notify voters if the two signatures don't match. Urban League President Esther Bush says the state should fix the problem before November. “You’re signature changes over time,” she said. “The volunteers that we all love and appreciate, they’re not handwriting experts. And even a handwriting expert needs two or three versions of the signature to confirm it. And all we’re saying is, ‘would you please contact the person and let them know so they’re vote can count?’” “And we’re asking the state of Pennsylvania just to make it mandatory for some method for the voter to confirm that that is their signature. That is not a significant ask in a democracy,” she said. That's Esther Bush, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh—speaking with WESA’S Lucy Perkins. Hear more from Bush on the topic today at 9 a.m. on The
"The Confluence" for Monday, Aug. 17, 2020
On today's program: The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh joins other organizations in a lawsuit against Pennsylvania over mail-in ballot procedures; the history and politics of the U.S. Postal Service; and a new episode of the PBS show “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” addresses the pandemic and how to talk about it with your kids. Urban League joins lawsuits over mail-in ballot procedure (00:00 — 4:43) Voters who send in their ballots by mail are required to sign their name on the envelope. This requirement is meant to increase security for voters. If that signature doesn't match one on file, the ballot is discarded. The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh is among those suing the state over the procedure. The group wants voters to be informed about this discrepancy and given a chance to correct any problems with their signature. 90.5 WESA’s Lucy Perkins spoke with Urban League President Esther Bush who says the state should fix the problem before November.
Over 100 years ago, on Aug. 18 in 1920, Congress ratified the 19th Amendment which said the right to vote "shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." The passage of the 19th amendment was the direct result of a century of grassroots activism and civil disobedience across the United States, and women in Pennsylvania played an integral role. When William Penn, a Quaker, was granted ownership of Pennsylvania in 1681 by King Charles II it was the only colony to guarantee religious freedom to all those who settled there. As Pennsylvania grew, the Quaker ideology of religious tolerance influenced many prominent colonial figures, like Lucretia Coffin Mott, who would go on to advocate for women's suffrage, abolition of slavery, and more. A Quaker from Philadelphia, Lucretia Coffin Mott, was an outspoken abolitionist and advocate for women’s suffrage in the early 19th century. Mott formed a close friendship with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, another prominent women's suffragist, and the pair directed the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848. Mott also authored Discourse on Women, which provided an analytical account of women's historical repression and became the first president of the American Equal Rights Association in 1866. Mott helped ensure Swarthmore College would be a co-educational institution and many suffragette leaders attended the college. In 1871, Carrie Burham attempted to vote and was arrested. She appealed her case to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Burham, a teacher and physician, focused her argument on the word "freeman," which, she argued, applied to her. The court denied her appeal. In the meantime, Burham was secretly taking courses at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She attempted to take the bar exam in 1873 and 1874, but was denied. Along with her rejection was a statement from the Dean claiming that "the time for him to resign would be when negroes and women were admitted." After formally applying to University of Pennsylvania After years of lobbying, she became the first female student admitted to the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1881 and she graduated in 1883. In 1876, suffragists were denied a location at the U.S. Centennial Exhibition which was held in Philadelphia. In response, the suffragists used a different method to get their message heard at the Exhibition. During the opening ceremonies, before a crowd of 150,000 at Independence Square, Susan B. Anthony snuck on to the platform read "A Declaration of Rights for Women," while suffragettes distributed it to members of the crowd.
Suffragettes faced personal consequences for their involvement with the Suffrage Movement and were often arrested while protesting on the streets. Despite the hostility and discrimination, women across the country, including Pennsylvania, continued to advocate and organize for the right to vote. The ratification of the 19th Amendment was a major milestone in the fight for equality in the United States history, but it failed to grant the right to vote to all women. Black women in the United States were still not allowed to vote. They would not receive access to the ballot until 25 years later, in 1965 following the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The Women's Suffrage Movement in the United States was closely tied to movements advocating for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for all members of the U.S. population. While honoring the legacy of the 19th Amendment, it is important to be aware of its shortcomings and what it failed to accomplish. The history of the United States, good and bad, continues to inform our present reality. Daisy Elizabeth Adams Lampkin hosted suffragette meetings in her home and held rallies on the streets of Pittsburgh to promote the suffragette cause and organize participation by African-American women. Lampkin served as the Chairwoman of the Allegheny County Negro Women's Republican League, vice-Chairwoman of the Negro Voters League of Pa. and vice-Chairwoman of the Colored Voters Division of the Republican National Convention. She also established the first Red Cross chapter for black women and organized local chapters of both the Urban League and NAACP in Pittsburgh. In our local area, women were also actively organizing to fight for their right to vote. In Williamsport, a group of women got together to form a suffrage club in Nov. of 1914 according to an article in the old newspaper. The committee was led by Miss Mary Elizabeth Crocker who "planned to to call a meeting of her committee and to enlarge its membership of sixteen to twenty-five or more," according to the article. Two years later, Williamsport Suffragettes marched in the streets of Williamsport during a WWI preparedness parade. Most Pa. suffragettes believed a statewide referendum was the only way to get access to the vote. After successfully lobbying the Pennsylvania legislature, the Pa. suffragists went on the road to campaign for their cause across the state. Chester County native, Katherine Wentworth Ruschenberger, commissioned a “Justice Bell,� which was cast as a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, promising the bell would not ring until women were allowed to vote. Pittsburgh resident, Jennie Bradley Roessing, drove the bell to campaign events in all 67 of the state’s counties. Unfortunately, the 1915 referendum was defeated. Congress approved the 19th Amendment in 1919, but before it could become law the amendment needed to be ratified by a minimum of 36 states. Pennsylvania ratified the 19th Amendment on June 24, 1919, over a year before it became law. Tennessee was the 36th state to ratify the amendment and it became law in Aug. 1920. The "Justice Bell" rang for the first time on Sept. 25, 1920 in Independence Square in Philadelphia. The ratification of the 19th Amendment was a major milestone in the fight for equality in the United States history, but it failed to grant the right to vote to all women. Black women in the United States were still not allowed to vote. They would not receive access to the ballot until 25 years later, in 1965 following the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The Women's Suffrage Movement in the United States was closely tied to movements advocating for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for all members of the U.S. population. While honoring the legacy of the 19th Amendment, it is important to be aware of its shortcomings and what it failed to accomplish. The history of the United States, good and bad, continues to inform our present reality.