1.1.25 NPC

Pittsburgh

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

On CBS' "FBI: International," the scripts are perfectly laid out for the actors. The actors learn those scripts, and then the magic happens; the actors perform their roles perfectly, and then in post-production, the television show is prepared for its airing on national television.

But Carter Redwood came clean, admitted to a group of supporters in Downtown Pittsburgh that his latest foray has no pre-determined script. He doesn't have all his "T's" crossed and his "I's" dotted on this latest endeavor, and in the past, that would have stopped him from doing something.

Not this time.

"I'm at a place where I'm allowing myself to take a step," Redwood, the famous actor who plays special agent Andre Raines on the show, which airs on CBS (KDKA-TV 2) on Tuesday nights. "(Author) Zig Ziglar said, 'you don't have to be great to start, you have to start to be great.'"

And with that, Redwood, the Pittsburgh native, the 2010 Pittsburgh CAPA

graduate, the Carnegie Mellon University graduate, officially launched his "Carter Redwood Foundation" where it all started —Pittsburgh. "It's an idea that has been swirling around in my mind for a really long time," Redwood said at the Dec. 22, 2024, launch at Cafe Momentum Pittsburgh, on Forbes Avenue. "And to be honest, I didn't quite know what I wanted to do or how I wanted to do it...the answers will come as we continue to move forward."

In a 2021 New Pittsburgh Courier report on Redwood by reporter Renee P. Aldrich, Redwood's acting chops "were established at the early age of 10 when he was approached by Mark Southers, founder and artistic director of the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, to play the role of Southers’ son in 'When the Water Runs Clear,' a play written by Southers himself. This was the beginning and place where Redwood said he 'got bit by the acting bug.'" Redwood, with former teachers and principals

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Before Mike Tomlin became head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he cut his teeth as a wide receivers coach at VMI (Virginia Military Institute) and Arkansas State; a defensive backs coach at Arkansas State and the University of Cincinnati; then to the NFL as a defensive backs coach with Tampa Bay and defensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings.

To get to the top, you’ve got to have that drive, determination, that “stick with it,” and most importantly, be an expert at your craft.

It’s exactly what Pittsburgh-area native Brennan Marion is doing. Marion, who grew up for a time in Homewood and attended schools like Reizenstein, Westinghouse, Penn Hills, Steel Valley and ultimately graduated

from Greensburg-Salem High School, in Westmoreland County, has just been named head football coach of Sacramento State, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned. Sacramento State is part of the California State University system, with 31,000 students. Sacramento State plays in Division I FCS, in the Big Sky Conference. It’s Marion’s first head coaching job in college, after being head coach of high school teams in California and Waynesboro, Pa. Since then, he has cut his teeth in the college ranks, starting as an offensive quality control assistant for Arizona State in 2015, running backs coach for Oklahoma Baptist in 2016, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Howard University in 2017-18, offensive coordinator and

TYLER PERRY stands with members of the cast and crew of his latest film, “The Six Triple Eight,” starring Oprah

and others.

‘Six Triple Eight’ debuts on Netflix

by Ariyana Griffin

AFRO Staff Writer

“The Six Triple Eight,” a film directed by Tyler Perry debuted on Netflix Dec. 20 after weeks of private screenings and talk back sessions. The film highlights the heroism and groundbreaking work done by the U.S. Army’s 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II.

The true story is based on the country’s first and predominantly all-Black female unit deployed overseas during World War II from 1945 to 1946. The Battalion, stationed in Europe, was responsible for sorting and routing 17 million pieces of backlogged mail that had not been delivered to soldiers under the command of Major Charity Adams. Tasked with only six months to complete the job, the women completed it in only 90 days under their motto “no mail, low morale.”

The story was told by AFRO news reporters, who were on the ground at the time in Europe during World War II. The AFRO’s current publisher and CEO, Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy is also the niece of 688th member Vashi Murphy Matthews.

Despite the challenging conditions they faced, the 6888th Battalion persevered in their mission.

The National Park Service notes, “the buildings lacked sufficient lighting and they were inadequately heated. The windows were covered to prevent them from becoming a target during nighttime raids.”

Dante R. Brizill, an author and educator based in Delaware, wrote a series titled “Greatness Under Fire” where he highlights the history that Black Americans have contributed to World War II.  “Black Women In WWII,” the final book, highlights Black women—including the ladies of the 6888th.

“The role of African Americans in World War II has kind of been limited just to talking about the Tuskegee Airmen,” said Brizill. “We haven’t really scratched the surface of the contributions that African American men and women made in that war, and particularly the women who faced racial and gender discrimination, but they still did all they could to serve their country at home and abroad.”

He said it’s important for platforms like Netflix to highlight the 6888th’s contributions to a wide audience so  more people can learn about the untold story of brave women, such as the leader of the 6888th, Lt. Col. Charity E. Adams-Earley.

“The 688th story is kind of like an underdog story, these women who were underestimated, who had a very important job to do in a limited amount of time to do it,” said Brizill

“They were led by a fearless leader, who had impeccable credentials academically—the highest ranking Black female officer in the war. Her story just by itself is inspirational—they had such a monumental task to do in such a short amount of time, and did it in record time,” Brizill told the AFRO. “I just think that’s something that people needed to know, due to the inspirational nature of it and the significance of the work that they did.”

The film went to select theatres on Dec. 6, prompting screenings, including one held by retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Elizabeth Helms Frazier.

During her service, Frazier remembered being interested in the Army’s 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion after seeing a black and white photo of Major Adams inspecting the troops. Instantly drawn to the story and history, she began to be more involved, eventually becoming a part of the

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

• JANUARY 1

East Coast 6888th monument team.

In 2018, a monument dedicated to the women and Major Charity Adams, placed at the Buffalo Soldier Monument Park at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

The monument stands as a testament to their bravery, resilience and dedication.

She expressed that a highlight of working and meeting women who served with the Six Triple Eight was surprising Corporal Lena Derriecott Bell with meeting Ebony Obsidian, who plays her in the film, for her 100th birthday in 2023.  Bell died in January of this year.

“Ebony has embodied King’s spirit,” said Frazier.

“There are two living members; Major Fannie Griffin McLendon—she’s a 104. The youngest of the group is Ms. Anna Mae Robertson—she’s 100.  I wanted to do it for them.”

She expressed the importance of their work and mail even during her service, as it was a top way to hear and connect to family when soldiers were away from home.

“Having been in the service way before social media started happening, I can tell you how important it was to get the letters, the cards and the boxes,” said Frazier. “Mail could make a bad day a good day at least a little while. I often say that mail was the third most important thing to a service member. The first was getting paid, the second was food and shelter and the third was mail.”

Frazier encourages everyone to watch the film and even host watch parties with family and friends, either in theaters or at home, now that the film is available on Netflix on Dec. 20.

“This movie has truly told this amazing story of these women whose mission was mail because, in the end, it lets the generations know that the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion also guaranteed their freedom,” said Frazier. “I hope that everyone will enjoy the movie.”

This story originally appeared in the Afro.

1804—Jean Jacques Dessalines proclaims the independence of Haiti from France . The island nation, after the United States, becomes the second independent republic in the Western Hemisphere. The chief slogan of his independence speech was “Live free or die.” The Haitian war of independence had actually begun in August of 1791. The leader and greatest hero of that war was a former slave who worked as a carriage driver— Toussaint L’Ouverture . As a general, L’Ouverture was comparable to, and in some respects superior to, America’s George Washington and France’s Napoleon Bonaparte. However, under the ruse of discussing peace, L’Ouverture was tricked into traveling to France where he died in prison in April of 1803. The Haitians nevertheless prevailed over the French under the leadership of Dessalines and he was able to declare independence on this day in 1804.

1854— Lincoln University becomes one of the first institutions of higher learning for Blacks in America when it is incorporated as Ashmun Institute in Oxford, Pa., on this day in 1854.

1863—The Emancipation Proclamation becomes law. Like many of the pro-Black measures taken by President Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation, while welcomed by Blacks, reflected many contradictions. First of all, it only freed slaves in the South—an area of the country over which Lincoln at the time had no effective control. Further, it did not free slaves in the Border States. And even in the South, it exempted from nominal freedom slaves in 13 parishes in Louisiana, including New Orleans; 48 counties in West Virginia; and seven counties in Virginia, including Norfolk.

1997—Kofi Annan of Ghana becomes the first Black Secretary General of the United Nations.

1997— The notorious Robbens Island off the coast of South Africa, the prison that held legendary Black freedom fighter Nelson Mandela for 27 years, was converted into a museum.

• JANUARY 2

1831—William Lloyd Garrison (18051879), one of the great White heroes of Black history, begins publishing the anti-slavery newspaper, The Liberator, in Boston. Garrison was a fiery and strong-willed abolitionist who believed in the “immediate and complete” end of slavery. Thus, he ran afoul of not only the pro-slavery crowd but also those anti-slavery activists who favored a gradualist approach to the problem. He was so militant that he was imprisoned for libel because of his criticism of a merchant involved in the slave trade and at one point the state of Georgia offered a $5,000 reward for his arrest and conviction. According to Garrison, when it came to fighting slavery he was opposed to “timidity, injustice and absurdity.” His oft-repeated slogan as editor of The Liberator was, “I am in earnest; I will not equivocate; I will not retreat a single inch; and I will be heard.”

1837— The first National Negro Catholic Congress is held in Washington, D.C. 1898—Brilliant scholar Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander is born. She was the first Black woman to receive a doctorate in economics in America. She accomplished that feat in 1921 at the University of Pennsylvania at the age of 23. Later she earned a law degree and in 1927 became the first Black woman admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. She came from a distinguished family of educated and accomplished Blacks. She died in 1989. 1915— One of America’s most prominent historians, John Hope Franklin , is born. Perhaps his best known work on Black history is “From Slavery to Freedom.”

1954—Oprah Winfrey , talk show queen and Black America’s first recognized billionaire, is born in Kosciusko, Miss. (There is some debate. Winfrey may have been the second Black billionaire after Black Entertainment Television founder Bob Johnson.) Winfrey retired from the “Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011 and started her own network named OWN.

• JANUARY 3

1621— The first Black child is born in America. He was named William Tucker and he was born on a plantation in Jamestown, Va. His parents were Anthony and Isabella, who were among the first group of Black indentured servants (later slaves) brought to the American colonies in 1619. Indentured servants could work off so-called contracts and become free. But after 1619, all Africans brought to America were classified as slaves and only Whites were treated as indentured servants. (There is some dispute over the year of William Tucker’s birth. But it appears he was born in 1621 and Baptized in 1624.)

1966— One of the most tragic and senseless events of the Civil Rights Movement occurs. Sammy Younge Jr is shot and killed in Tuskegee, Ala., by White service station attendant Marvin Segrest for using the “Whites Only” restroom at the service station where Segrest worked. Younge was a 21-yearold Tuskegee Institute student and civil rights activist.

• JANUARY 4

1777—Prince Hall , founder of the first Black Masonic lodge in America, petitions the Massachusetts legislature for funds to allow free Blacks to return to Africa. The petition was rejected and Hall went on to become a major leader in Boston’s Black community, as well as develop a nationwide influence by helping develop Black Masonic temples around the country.

1901—C.L.R. James is born on the West Indian island-nation of Trinidad. James is one of those not well known figures who greatly influenced radical Black intellectual thought from the 1930s to the 1970s. He was a Marxist who traveled the world advocating socialism and influencing developments in the Caribbean, the United States and England. James died in 1989. 1920—The legendary National Negro Baseball League is organized in Kansas City, Kan., by the “father of Black baseball,” Rube Foster. It is not widely known that under the 6’4” Foster’s leadership, not only did more than 4,000 Blacks get a chance to play professional baseball during the days when they were not allowed to play in the White-controlled major leagues but the Negro Baseball League became one of the largest Blackowned businesses in America. The teams represented Black communities and had major followings. They had names like the Pittsburgh Crawfords, the New York Black Yankees, the Birmingham Black Barons, the Chicago American Giants and the Atlanta Black Crackers. One of the unfortunate side effects of integration was the destruction of many Black businesses. Thus, when the White leagues broke the color barrier and hired Jackie Robinson in 1947, the Negro Baseball League gradually began to decline. Most of the teams were gone by 1960.

• JANUARY 5

1911—Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is formed at Indiana University. It goes on to become one of the nation’s leading Black Greek-letter organizations.

1931—World famous choreographer Alvin Ailey is born in Rogers, Texas. During his life Ailey created more than 70 ballets. He died in 1989.

1943—Agricultural scientist George Washington Carver dies. Carver was renowned for his ability to develop new uses from everyday products. Indeed, he developed more than 300 products from the peanut and the sweet potato. He spent his professional career at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and was nicknamed the “Wizard of Tuskegee.” Carver is credited with helping to revolutionize American agriculture.

• JANUARY 6

1820— The first organized return of a group of U.S. Blacks to Africa takes place. Records indicate that between 85 and 90 free Blacks boarded a ship in New York Harbor on this day for return to the “Motherland.” Ironically, the ship was named the “Mayflower to Liberia.” However, the Blacks actually went to British controlled Sierra Leone and, along with former British slaves. helped to found that nation.

1968—Movie director and screenwriter John Singleton is born in Los Angeles, Calif. Singleton is perhaps best known for his directing of the controversial movie “Boyz N The Hood.” For the film, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director, becoming the first African American and youngest person to have ever been nominated for the award.

1993—Famed Jazz musician John Birks “Dizzy” Gilespie dies. He was an outstanding trumpeter and band director who also helped to create Bebop Jazz.

2003—Mamie Till Mobley dies at 81. She was the mother of Emmet Till, whose lynching at age 14 became one of the events which gave life and angry energy to the early years of the Civil Rights Movement. Till was tortured and killed for allegedly whistling at a White woman while on a trip to Mississippi. Amazingly the men who killed Till were found not guilty by an all-White jury, but the two would later brag to Look magazine that they had actually murdered Till.

• JANUARY 7

From 4th Century AD— Ethiopian Christmas —known as Ganna—is celebrated on Jan. 7. Ethiopian Christianity was much closer to the Christian Coptic Church of Egypt and as a result never incorporated many of the dictates of the early Roman Catholic Church. Thus, a plausible argument can be made that Ethiopian Christianity is more pure (or less corrupted) than that which emerged from the early Christian Church in Europe. Regardless, the best scientific speculation is that Jesus was born neither on Dec. 25 nor Jan. 7. The most probable month of his birth is April. 1891—Zora Neale Hurston is born in Eatonville, Fla. She became one of the central figures in that great African American cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. She excelled as a writer, folklorist and anthropologist. 1955—Marian Anderson debuts on this day at the New York Metropolitan Opera House as Alrica in Verdi’s operate “Mask Ball.” She was the first African American to perform such an opera at a major opera house.

Winfrey, Kerry Washington

CBS actor Carter Redwood launches his foundation Downtown, presents scholarships

in attendance, along with other dignitaries like Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters, told the story of how when he was at CAPA, he originally didn't want to go to college. He wanted to go straight to New York City and begin auditioning for roles.

"My mom (Tawnya Redwood) said to me, 'Would you let a doctor operate on you who didn't have any training?' I said, 'No.' She said, 'Well, why don't you treat your craft the same way?'" Redwood ended up attending Carnegie Mellon

University, and "what was really special was, my mom really exhausted all efforts into looking into scholarship opportunities for me so my time at CMU would be a little bit smoother," he said. In all, Redwood exited Carnegie Mellon University with pretty much no debt. "In this industry, it's extremely difficult to make a living, and she knew there may be some challenges post-graduation to pay back student loans while trying to survive in a very unforgiving industry," Redwood said. "Literally, you're met with rejection every day."

Today, Redwood is seen by millions each week on

"FBI: International." But he is no stranger to rejection, telling the Courier's Aldrich in 2021 that “people see your successes, but what they don’t see is the times you are not selected. Being told ‘no’ over and over again can be crushing in this industry. If I was not championed by my family and my community, I’m sure the rejections would have done me in.”

Before he appeared weekly on CBS, Redwood was in the HBO sports drama series "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty," had a

starring role in the miniseries "The Long Road Home," a recurring role in "5th Ward," and guest appearances on CBS' "Blue Bloods," "The Good Wife" and "Madam Secretary." Redwood, as part of his remarks, thanked his parents (Tawyna and Carl Redwood), his teachers, principals and all the family and friends who have supported him over the years. He thanked the "community village" that helped raise him in Pittsburgh. He said there was nowhere else he would have wanted to launch his foundation than with

the people that knew and loved him first.

Redwood then announced the first two recipients of the Carter Redwood Foundation Scholarship; Mycah Harris and Kiara Schon, who each received $1,000 to help further their education in the arts.

"My vision and hope for this foundation is to be able to impact people all over the world, and give back to people all over the world," Redwood said. "It is my hope that the Carter Redwood Foundation

can be that blessing to students who are on similar journeys...not just the arts. With this Carter Redwood Foundation Scholarship, it gives you a little bit of aid and it adds to you going on to pursue your future endeavors in the arts or otherwise."

quarterbacks coach for William & Mary (2019), wide receivers coach for Hawaii (2020) and Pitt (2021), passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for Texas (2022) and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for UNLV the past two seasons. Marion, who is the son of Courier circulation consultant Jeff Marion, was featured in a New Pittsburgh Courier article in 2019 titled, “Brennan Marion overcame homelessness and severe injuries to become a highly-respected college coach.” In the article, Marion discussed sleeping outside on the California streets at times, sleeping on public buses, and if him and his

other junior college football players were lucky, they would stay at motels. Those days are long gone, even though he’ll never forget those days. Today, he is the leader of young men. Not the assistant. Not the passing game coordinator. The head coach. “I’m thrilled to announce Brennan Marion as our next head football coach,” Sacramento State Director of Athletics Mark Orr said in a statement obtained by the Courier, Dec. 20, 2024. “Coach Marion is the perfect fit for our football program, our department, our university, and our community. His demonstrated success in recruiting promising student-athletes and maxi-

mizing their talents will help us return our football program to winning conference championships. I’m confident Coach Marion possesses the dynamic ability to cultivate impactful relationships with internal and external constituents surrounding Hornet football. He will lead the student-athletes in our program to reach and surpass their aspirations of achievement both on and off the field.”

All the great football coaches have climbed that proverbial ladder. Urban Meyer, who won national championships with Florida and Ohio State, got his first head coaching job at Bowling Green State University (Ohio) in 2001. He then coached at Utah be-

fore getting the big Florida job in late 2004. Pitt Panthers current head coach Pat Narduzzi spent years as a position or assistant coach at places like Miami (Ohio), Rhode Island, Cincinnati and Michigan State before he got his first head coaching job as the leader at Pitt. Tony Dungy, the first Black head coach to win a Super Bowl (XLI, 41, Feb. 4, 2007 with Indianapolis), spent 15 years as a position or assistant coach before getting his first head coaching job in the NFL in 1996 with Tampa Bay. In addition to his leadership abilities, Sacramento State was particularly impressed with Marion’s “Go-Go” offense, a high-oc-

tane offense that produces points. Orr, the athletics director, called Marion one of the best offensive coordinators in the country, and the perfect person to raise the Sacramento State football team into a new stratosphere. And if anyone knows college football and offense, it’s Marion. After graduating from Greensburg-Salem High School and a few years in the junior college football ranks, he became an explosive wide receiver at the University of Tulsa. He had a promising NFL career, and was signed by the Miami Dolphins in 2009, but a series of serious knee injuries proved to be too costly. Now, at age 37, Brennan Marion is ready to take

his career, and the careers of others, to new heights.

“I’m truly honored by the heartfelt welcome from President Luke Wood and Director of Athletics Mark Orr to be the program’s next head football coach,” Marion said in a statement obtained by the Courier. “Sacramento State is fully invested in becoming a nationally known football program, and I’ve always relished the opportunity to build and create. My family and I can’t wait to serve the student-athletes of this program and the Sacramento community. As a university, we’re going to write history and work tirelessly to build something that the community will be proud of for generations to come.”

MARION FROM A1

MAISHA HOWZE, CARTER REDWOOD, MERECEDES J. WILLIAMS (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

CARTER REDWOOD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

MYCAH HARRIS AND KIARA SCHON.

DENISE TURNER, CARTER REDWOOD

CARTER REDWOOD, AT THE LAUNCH OF THE CARTER REDWOOD FOUNDATION.

Legacy Arts Project's 16th Annual Fundraising Gala

The New Pittsburgh Courier was there as the Legacy Arts Project held its 16th Annual Keepers of the Flame Awards and Fundraising Gala: Heart to Heart. It occurred at the Jay Verno Studios, on Jane Street, South Side, Dec. 7, 2024.

Erin Perry, executive director of the Legacy Arts Project, said that "this event is more than just a gathering—it’s a testament to our shared commitment to preserving our rich cultural heritage and empowering future generations. Your support plays a crucial role in bringing our vision to life. By attending,

donating, or spreading the word, you help us sustain programs that nurture creativity, foster unity, and honor the legacies that shape our community. Together, we can ensure that culturally enriching, intergenerational programming continues to thrive.”

The African Black Tie Event not only honored those who have "illuminated our cultural path, but also aims to fundraise for the Legacy Arts Project’s ongoing programs that support creativity, unity, and education," Perry said.

HONOREE GLADYS NESBIT WITH HER FAMILY CLOSING

DANCE TRIBUTE BY THE KONTARA MORPHIS

SPOKEN WORD

LAKEISHA WOLF

HONOREE AJANI ZANAYA

HONOREE GERALDINE BENTON

HONOREE DR. AISHA WHITE

HONOREE K’AIJHA GOMEZ

HONOREE MONAE LOWRY

Community Empowerment Association’s Kwanzaa Celebration

THE LEGACY ARTS PROJECT, DANCING AND SHOWING EVERYONE HOW TO DANCE, DEC. 28, 2024, AT THE COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ASSOCIATION IN HOMEWOOD.

THE BALAFON WEST AFRICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

THE ZYHIER FAMILY CAME OUT TO CELEBRATE KWANZAA

CEA CEO RASHAD BYRDSONG DOING THE UNITY CIRCLE

Happy 105th Birthday, Carrie B. Branch!

Friday, Dec. 27, 2024,

was a humongous day for Carrie B. Branch, her family and friends. It wasn’t just any birthday. It was Carrie B. Branch’s 105th birthday celebration, held at the Southwestern Veterans Center on Highland Drive. Carrie B. Branch was born in Sylvania, Ga., on Dec. 27, 1919, to Jim and Anna Brown. She was their first daughter and joined brothers Willie, George, and Henry. She was a big sister and mother figure to her four younger siblings. Their family was blessed with nine children total.

The family tells the New Pittsburgh Courier that Ms. Branch gave birth to her first and only child, Earlene, in 1939. Shortly after, they joined other family members in Homestead.

The family tells the Courier that Ms. Branch loves children and was a nanny, babysitter and mentor to many. She worked at PPG Industries for 36 years. Her church, Greater Em-

manuel Apostolic Church, in Braddock, was a second home to Ms. Branch, and she devoted many hours of service over the years ministering to anyone in need.

And you better move out the way when Ms. Branch is in the kitchen, because the family said that Ms. Branch is a fantastic cook.

“Whether she is frying chicken, or baking cookies, or pound cakes for the holidays, she finds great joy in feeding people’s spirits and bellies,” the family told the Courier.

Ms. Branch later married Edward Branch, an Army veteran and former steelworker. They remained happily married until Edward Branch’s death in 2015 at 103 years old.

Ms. Branch has two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandsons, one great-great-granddaughter and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews who adore her, as they celebrated with Ms. Branch on her 105th milestone.

Rev. A. Marie Walker’s Weekly Inspiration

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025

“And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad (Sodom and Gomorrah), that He said, Escape for thy life; LOOK NOT BEHIND THEE, neither stay you in all the plain; ESCAPE TO THE MOUNTAIN, LEST YOU BE CONSUED. But his (LOT’S WIFE) LOOK BACK from behind him, and SHE BECAME A PILLAR OF SALT.”

- Genesis 19:17 & 26

REV. WALKER SAYS: As we come into this New Year 2025, LOOK AHEAD. FORGETTING: past of disappointments, forgive others, push past our own shortcomings and mistakes. DON’T LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD!! Do you want a little SALT on that?

CARRIE B. BRANCH, WITH FAMILY, AT HER 105TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, DEC. 27, 2024.

CARRIE B. BRANCH

INCORRECT CHOICES

Bienemy, not Arthur Smith, would have been a better OC for the Steelers

The 2024 NFL postseason “will be coming ‘round the mountain when he comes,” and trust me he will not be riding six white horses when he arrives. However, if the Steelers will take a sneak peek in their rear view mirror, they will see six humongous Clydesdales gaining on them poised to stomp on their chances of playoff success.

The 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers had multiple opportunities to control their fate, but the characteristics of stubbornness,

predictability, and obstinance that permeated the offensive and defensive strategies of their coaching staff may have all but ended any chances they might have had to succeed.

Until recently, Pittsburgh was comfortably riding in “luxury sleeper cars” on the playoff train. However, based on their performance during the past few weeks, they may have been pushed back to the caboose, being forced to eat brown-

That was a totally perplexing decision because although the numbers may not have shown it, that move appeared to make a bad situation worse regarding stabilizing the offense of the Steelers. However, with all of the

the current OC of the Steelers, Arthur Smith was terminated as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. On January 30, 2024, the Steelers’ management hastily handed the keys of their already struggling offense to Smith.

bagged meals instead of a hot breakfast featuring cheese omelets with bacon and pancakes on the side, along with a good strong cup of Joe. During the latter part of the 2023 season, the Steelers fired the much-maligned offensive coordinator Matt Canada and replaced him with a two-headed dragon OC approach. They installed running backs coach Eddie Faulkner as the offensive coordinator and former QB coach Mike Sullivan as the play-caller.

rigmarole and confusion continuing to swirl around the locker room and on the field, the Pittsburgh offense in 2023 still managed to end up ranked No. 7 in the NFL. In 2023 and 2024, the Steelers had an opportunity to vigorously pursue the former offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, Eric Bienemy, to be the primary offensive shot-caller for the Steelers. He won two Super Bowls from 2018 to 2022 before they parted ways. Around January 1, 2024,

The Steelers bypassed Eric Bienemy to hastily hire Arthur Smith. Why? It couldn’t be because of Smith’s stellar won-loss record or personal performance resume. Arthur Smith currently has a 3-4 record in the playoffs. Bienemy coached in 14 playoff games with the Chiefs winning Super Bowls LIV and LVII. In 1990, he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. He also played in Super Bowl XXIX. However, Arthur Smith never played a down of

football in the NFL and as an offensive coordinator never advanced his team, the Tennessee Titans, past an AFC title game.

Eric Bienemy is a better offensive coach because he is sensitive and more attuned to the nuances that it takes to help create successful players and offensive schematics based on how those players are utilized. Arthur Smith may have played in college, but that is a different animal. Eric Bienemy and others like him have developed better football instincts and strategies than many coaches who are part of the NFL coaching rankand-file because he has experienced the pain and glory of being an NFL player.

As far as the defense is concerned, why did the Steeles allow Brian Flores to walk? Look at what he is doing with the Minnesota Vikings defense. Was it because Flores had filed a suit alleging unfair hiring practices?

CNN posted an article online on February 1, 2022, titled: “Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores sues NFL and 3 NFL teams alleging racial discrimination.” The article stated the following. “Brian Flores, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the NFL, the New York Giants, the Denver Broncos, and the Miami Dolphins organizations alleging racial discrimination. Flores,

ex-NFL head coaching fraternity.

The AP posted an article on February 19, 2022. The article stated: “Brian Flores is back in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach to serve as a senior defensive assistant. The hiring comes less than three weeks after Flores, who is Black, sued the NFL and three teams over alleged racist hiring practices following his dismissal by Miami. Flores led the Dolphins to consecutive winning seasons before he was fired in January. Though he has returned to coaching in the league, Flores will not abandon the lawsuit.”

who is Black, says in his lawsuit that the Giants interviewed him for their vacant head coaching job under disingenuous circumstances, as Flores had found out three days before his interview that the Giants had already decided to hire Brian Daboll. Flores says he learned this after receiving a congratulatory text message from New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick that was sent in error.”

That was weird. Why would a team interview a candidate for a job position when the position was already filled? Was there a smokescreen in the mix? Brian Daboll, the head coach that the Giants hired in January of 2022, may already be in jeopardy of joining the

Based on the recent failures of the Steelers on both sides of the ball, please consider these stats. Arthur Smith was hired as the OC of the Steelers, and had a threeyear stint as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons with a 21-30 wonloss record. Brian Flores had a 24-25 won-loss record after a three-year stint with the Dolphins and could only scrounge up a gig as a “defensive assistant” from February 2022 to just before the 2024 season began. That’s when he landed the job as the DC of the Minnesota Vikings this season. Did the Vikings get the better deal? You be the judge.

THE STEELERS’ RUSSELL WILSON GOES FOR A TOUCHDOWN AGAINST THE CHIEFS ON CHRISTMAS DAY 2024 IN PITTSBURGH. (PHOTOS BY MARLON MARTIN)

ISIAH PACHECO RUNS UP THE MIDDLE AGAINST THE STEELERS...

YEP...RUSS DID MAKE IT IN THE END ZONE FOR A PITTSBURGH TOUCHDOWN..(PHOTO BY MARLON MARTIN)

by Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Richard Dean Parsons, a distinguished leader in corporate America renowned for his roles at Time Warner and Citigroup, died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was 76. Parsons, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015, had scaled back his professional commitments in recent years due to complications from the disease. Lazard, the financial services firm where Parsons was a longtime board member, confirmed his death.

the boards of Lazard and Estée Lauder earlier this month for health reasons, ending a 25-year tenure with the latter company.

David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, described Parsons as a “great mentor and friend” and credited him as “one of the greatest problem solvers this industry has ever seen.”

Born on April 4, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, Parsons exhibited academic excellence from a young age, beginning college at just 16. He earned his law degree from Albany Law School in 1971. His career began as a lawyer and counselor to then-New York Governor

Ronald Lauder, chairman emeritus of Estée Lauder, called Parsons “a colossus in the worlds of business, media, culture, and philanthropy.” Parsons resigned from

by JPMorgan Chase

Eleven months ago, many people set financial goals for the New Year.

Maybe you planned to buy a new home, finance a new vehicle or start a new business. Whether you made New Year’s resolutions, pasted images on a vision board or crunched numbers on an official balance sheet, you had every intention of achieving those goals in 2024.

Nelson Rockefeller and later included a role in the White House during the Ford administration. Parsons transitioned

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to look back on what worked—or where you may have gone wrong financially. Those lessons learned can help you set new goals and better manage your finances in 2025.

Jared Evans, Community Manager at Chase’s Stony Island Communi-

ty Center branch, offers six dos and don’ts about financial planning and management that can

ant goals like a car, a home or your retirement. If you don’t know what you’re spending, there’s a good

Give yourself grace if you fell short of your financial goals this year.

help you achieve a fresh start in 2025 and get closer to reaching your goals.  1) DO create a budget One common financial mistake is not having a budget at all. Remaining in the dark about your spending can limit your ability to save for import-

chance you may be spending too much.

2) DON’T leave your budget up to chance Using guesswork when trying to allocate your monthly budget can lead to overestimating or underestimating how much to allot toward each bud-

geting category. This may set you up for failure. Taking a month to assess and identify your spending patterns may help to establish a baseline as you’re setting your budget.

3) DO track your spending

Get to know your spending by creating a monthly budget tracker. You can then review your spending and track it in a monthly budget worksheet.  Over time, you can adjust which budgeting categories to cut back spending on. Expenses can fluctuate month to month, so be prepared to shift gears whenever necessary.   4) DON’T put wants and needs in the same category

Why financial New Year’s resolutions fail

(NewsUSA)—As the new year approaches, many people will be setting financial resolutions with hopes of improving their financial health—whether it’s saving more, paying down debt, or investing wisely. However, despite the best of intensions, new research by financial services firm Edward Jones reveals that a variety of factors often prevent these resolutions from sticking. According to the research, more than half of Amer-

icans (56 percent) who made a financial resolution in 2024 abandoned it because of price increases caused by inflation. While those surveyed expressed optimism about keeping their financial resolutions in 2025, more than half (55 percent) said inflation was their main challenge to financial accountability in 2024, and nearly the same (56 percent) expressed concern that inflation could derail their financial goals in 2025.

A new year is upon us. Practically everyone on Planet Earth will be making a New Year’s resolution. The ultimate goals we strive for every year can be grouped into four categories: Better Health, More Wealth, Quality Relationships and More Efficient Use of Time. Better Health: Lose weight, exercise more, get proper rest, eat healthier and curtail smoking and drinking. More Wealth: Get out of debt, increase income, save more, invest more, and purchase a home or purchase investment property.

Quality Relationships: Find a love mate, strengthen marriage, spend more time with family and friends, enjoy and appreciate life, and enhance one’s relationship with God.

More Efficient Use of Time: Get organized, be more productive, work less and have more fun.

It’s easy to see that if we attain these goals, we’ll have a higher quality of life. Who doesn’t want a higher quality of life? Yet, we make these goals on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) and by the time Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) rolls around, 90 percent of us stop doing the things that are necessary for us to achieve our goals. Does this imply that most of us would rather be fat, sick, broke, lonely, tired, confused and/or overworked? If the saying is true that “actions speak louder than words,” we need to take a hard look at what we want to achieve

“Sticking to your financial resolutions can be incredibly challenging, especially when inflation puts added pressure on everyday expenses,” says Bryan Piccirillo, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. “In a climate where costs are rising faster than wages, it’s more important than ever to set realistic financial goals, even when the odds seem stacked against you.”

Across generations surveyed (from Gen Zers to Baby Boomers), Americans

said they are confident (81 percent) in their ability to keep their financial resolutions next year and  they say they will prioritize building up emergency savings and paying down debt in 2025. Although saving for retirement is less of a priority, 21 percent of Gen Xers said they expect to plan for it during the coming year, according to the survey. Additionally, approximately one-third of survey respondents (33 percent)

said they planned to spend the same amount on investments in 2025 as in 2024, while 22 percent said they plan to increase investment spending.

A financial advisor can help develop strategies to turn your financial resolutions into realities, by building a plan to help reduce debt through consolidation, tools for building an emergency fund, and boosting contributions to retirement accounts.

In the Edward Jones sur-

vey, approximately half of respondents (50 percent) believe that working with a financial advisor would help them stay on track. No matter how you are balancing your budget, a financial advisor can help you weather periods of inflation without sacrificing your short-term and longterm goals. For more information and to find a financial advisor near you, visit: www.edwardjones.com.

versus what we’re doing to achieve it. In order to achieve any worthwhile goal, our behavior, attitude and actions have to be congruent with our goal. If not, your goal will amount to nothing more than wishful thinking. You’ll continue to live life wondering why you’ve always struggled with weight, money, poor time management and maintaining sincere relationships. You’ll continue to wonder why your life is a cluttered mess. Regardless of what your goal is, the steps necessary to achieve your goal are relatively the same. Although my focus is primarily on financial goals, you can substitute the financial goal with whatever your goal is and achieve the same outcome—SUCCESS!

our family, keep the utilities on, become debt-free, save for a rainy day, own a home—free and clear of a mortgage, become wealthy before we retire. We want to work towards achieving these goals while at the same time we want to HAVE A LIFE!

I help people realize their financial goals! When preparing financial plans, I use goals as the motivation to stimulate action. With every goal there are sacrifices to be made and obstacles to overcome. I try to convey the message to my clients, readers, and to myself that we’re paying the price of sacrifice now because we want to feed and clothe

Achieving any worthwhile goal isn’t easy. Nor is it easy to struggle from paycheck to paycheck, buried deeply in debt, not knowing how you’re going to make ends meet with no money in the bank. We have to choose our struggle. If I’m going to struggle, I want to struggle as I experience incremental progress. Struggling with no progress is “compounded struggle” that leads to stress, depression and a prolonged experience of dealing with things that’s holding us back.

Below I’ll share steps that will help you achieve your goals in the New Year: Decide exactly what you want: What is it that you’re trying to achieve financially? Save more? Earn more? Get out of debt? Establish an emergency fund? Buy a house? Prioritize your goals: When you’re working to achieve more than one goal,

it’s best to prioritize your goals and decide on which goal you’ll focus on first, second, third, etc. It’s easier, more efficient and more practical to focus all of your energy and resources on one goal at a time. After you’ve accomplished one goal, you’ll focus all of your energy and resources on the next goal.

Set specific measurable goals: Don’t just set a goal to save money or get out of debt. Set a goal to save $5,000 for emergencies in the next 10 months. Don’t just set a goal to get out of debt. Set a goal to pay off all credit card debt within the next year. Break goals down into smaller parts: It’s helpful and more believable when you break your goals into smaller parts. If you’re striving to save $5,000 toward your emergency fund, it may sound more feasible to you if you set a goal to save $312.50 per month for the next 16 months. Imagine life as if you achieved the goal: Consistently create mental pictures of how life will be once you’ve achieved your goal. What will be different? How will it make you feel? Will you be more at peace or have less worry once your goal is achieved? This will help you to stay motivated and encourage you to hold firm to your goals.

Monitor progress: Each day, each

Corporations face backlash for ending DEI initiatives while using Black celebs for advertising

A.R. Shaw

Atlanta Daily World

(ATLANTA DAILY

WORLD)—Corporations that have decided to end DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives are facing a backlash from civil rights organizations and the public.  Following the re-election of Donald Trump and push from right-wing organizations and media pundits, major corporations such as Walmart, Harley-Davidson, John Deere and Tractor Supply announced the rollback of DEI practices.

In the case of Walmart, the nation’s largest employer, several holiday ads have appeared with prominent Black celebrity figures. Actors Nia Long and Larenz Tate get cozy for the holidays in a Walmart ad that brings nostalgia to

by Josh Grant

For New Pittsburgh Courier

When your child turns 18 years old, they legally become an adult.  This is an important time to consider their financial future—especially if they need additional care into adulthood. Here are 5 things that may help you prepare for this milestone:

1. Health and Welfare Decision-making  When your child legally becomes an adult, you can no longer make certain decisions for them about their health and welfare.  However, you can stay involved through:

A Representative Payee: Social Security will determine who best serves as a Representative Payee for your child’s benefits. To learn more about the Representative Payee program, read our webpage at  www.ssa.gov/ payee/index.htm

fans of their 1997 romantic film “Love Jones.”

In another Walmart ad, Busta Rhymes raps about Walmart’s holiday deals as he dances through the store which resembles a nightclub with holiday decor.

Both ads touch on specific themes that are prevalent to Black culture such as hip-hop and Black cinema. However, some viewers are pushing back against the recent ads and claiming that it’s pandering to Black consumers as it rolls back initiatives that would increase diversity efforts within the company.

“Walmart rolled back their DEI policies but they’re still marketing to us, interesting. Shout out to the Black employees at their ad agency who created this though,” Melissa Kimble wrote on X, for-

Guardianship: This requires court involvement.  It may be necessary if your child can’t execute a power of attorney.  Please consult an attorney for assistance.

2. Changes in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Eligibility SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. If your child receives SSI, when they turn 18 we will review their eligibility for continued SSI payments based on the disability rules for adults.  For more information, please review the publication,  What You Need To Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 at  www.ssa.gov/ pubs/EN-05-11005.pdf Please be sure to review this with your child.  We also encourage you to

check out Social Security’s Youth Resources page at www.ssa.gov/youth

3. Education Transitions

If your child attends public school, they have a few options to continue their education, such as pursuing:

A diploma: They may pursue further education in college or trade programs with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). More information on the IEP is available at  www.ssa.gov/pubs/ EN-64-118.pdf

A certificate: They may have the opportunity to continue in a transitional program in their high school even  after  they complete their senior year.  Most are permitted to remain until they turn 22.

Employment: Local Vocational Rehabilitation Services can assist with employment options

during pre-graduation IEP meetings.

4. Support for Living Arrangements

Once your child turns 18, they may choose or qualify for different living arrangements depending on the services they already receive.  If your child receives therapy services at school, how will they receive them once they leave?  They could receive them through a Medicaid waiver or private insurance.

Qualification for respite services may also look different.  Respite services allow family caregivers time to step away from their duties.  It is essential you understand all the benefits and options available to your child after they complete high school before deciding on living arrangements and services.

5. Financial Protections

merly Twitter.

Boyce Watkins wrote, “Walmart just dropped all their DEI programs, but still wants to receive Black money. This is how it works. They don’t invest in you, but want you as their dominant consumer.”

What’s Da Bizness posted, “Walmart doesn’t prioritize DEI, but they care about $1.7 trillion spending power of Black people. Their relationship with the Black community is purely transactional which is why they cut DEI initiatives but featured Larenz Tate and Nia Long.”

Walmart has yet to respond to the backlash of the recent commercials as it relates to their new DEI stance.  Mark Morial of the National Urban League took Walmart to task prior to

Special Needs Trust: Update estate planning documents  before  your child turns 18.  Otherwise, inheritance may terminate your child’s governmental benefits.

ABLE Account: You can deposit funds into this account up to a certain limit each year; however, there are limits on what its funding covers. More information on ABLE accounts is available at  www.ssa.gov/payee/ able_accounts.htm

Children receiving benefits on a parent’s record may continue to receive those benefits until age 19 if they’re a full-time elementary or secondary school student.  People who have a qualifying disability that began before age 22 may also be eligible to receive child’s benefits at any age.  For more information, please review the publication,  Benefits for Children at  www.ssa.

the release of the ad spots.

“They went from worst to first class when it comes to diversity,” Morial said in a CBS Mornings. “The idea that they would throw all of that away without any careful consultation with their partners, without any real serious evaluation of the success of these programs, is what dismays me.” Nia Long, Larenz Tate, Busta Rhymes and the ad agency that created the commercials were advantageous in producing memorable ads that highlight the best of Black culture. But the timing of the ads as it relates to Walmart’s recent DEI stance will continue to cause an uproar to some who view it as pandering for Black consumers while ignoring the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

gov/pubs/EN-05-10085. pdf

As your child turns 18, consider these issues while you navigate their financial future.  For more information, please contact the Special Needs Alliance at www.specialneedsalliance.org/contact-us or visit the Social Security website at  www. ssa.gov (Josh Grant is Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh, PA)

(Our posting of this article does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any non-Social Security organization, author, or webpages.)

A common error beginner budgeters can make is mistaking “wants” for “needs.” Needs are essential items like utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, and groceries. These are things you need to live. Wants, on the other hand, are non-essential expenses like dining out or entertainment. It may still

be possible to find room in your budget to accommodate a few luxuries, but being honest with yourself about what’s truly necessary may help you avoid this budgeting mishap.  5) DO keep it simple

The idea of listing every single expenditure for a month might seem daunting, but you don’t have to go that far. It can be helpful to create a budget

that works for you, which includes making it manageable enough to take on in the first place. If you’re just starting out, create just a handful of budgeting categories to help keep things simple.  6) DON’T skip the emergency fund Life is unpredictable and having an emergency fund to pay for unplanned expenses may help you

The bottom line

during that time. Without it, you may have to dip into long-term savings or use a credit card if the unexpected arises. Creating an emergency fund doesn’t have to be intimidating. When you’re making your budget, include a monthly line item for emergency fund contributions. This can help build up your reserves over time. Many bank accounts even let you automate these emergency fund deposits.

week and each month should bring you closer toward your goals. Financial goals are easily measurable. One of two things should be happening: You should see the balances on your debts going down or the balances on your savings and investments going up. If you’re not experiencing progress, you need to ask yourself, are your actions consistent with your goals? If at first you don’t succeed, try a different method: Persistence is a noble characteristic only when you persist with an adjustment to weed out the things that are holding you back from reaching your goal. Create a new lifestyle: The same behavior, attitude and actions that were necessary to achieve your goals, will be the same behavior, attitude and necessary to “maintain” your goals. Far too many people fall off course once they’ve achieved their goals. They end up back where they started. With persistence you’ll achieve your goal. With consistency, you’ll keep it. In closing, I’ll leave you with two quotes: “Virtually any goal can be accomplished, but the desire for the goal is not nearly as important as what you are willing to ‘give up’ to achieve the goal.”—Earl Nightingale “Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes off of the goal.”—Zig Ziglar. (Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached @ 412-2161013 or visit his website @ www.damonmoneycoach.com)

Give yourself grace if you fell short of your financial goals this year. As you prepare for 2025, remember that budgeting can be a powerful tool to help you build better financial habits.

Start tracking your spending now to set up your budget for next year and be aware of common budgeting mistakes. It’s never too early—or too late—to get back on the

road to financial freedom.   (For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates

Richard Parsons

to the private sector as managing partner at Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler and later served as chief operating officer of Dime Bancorp. In 1995, he became president of Time Warner, overseeing its entertainment and corporate operations. He ascended to CEO in 2002, where he worked to strengthen the company’s financial position and reshape its portfolio. Most recognized Parson as one of America’s top executives. Parsons played a critical role during challenging periods at both Time Warner and Citigroup. He became Citigroup chairman in 2009 amid significant losses and public scrutiny of its practices. Under his leadership, the company returned to profitability and restored stability, retiring from the role in 2012. In 2014, Parsons stepped in as interim CEO of the Los Ange-

les Clippers during a contentious moment for the team until its sale to Steve Ballmer. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver described him as a “brilliant and transformational leader.” Beyond his corporate contributions, Parsons’ passion for jazz led him to co-own a Harlem jazz club and take on leadership roles at the Apollo Theater and the Jazz Foundation of America. He also served on the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture boards, the Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History. Parsons’ commitment to education and philanthropy was evident through his support of Howard University, where he was a trustee emeritus and co-chairmanship of New York City’s Commission on Economic Opportunity. He is survived by his wife, Laura, and their family.

DAMON CARR FROM B1

PARSONS FROM B1

Guest Editorial

Female Presidential Executives— The World, 14, America, 0

By reelecting Donald J. Trump over Kamala Harris on Nov. 5, America again showed the nation and world that she needs to be more mature to elect a competent and highly qualified woman as president.

Namibia, a southern African country with a population of 3 million, recently elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president.

In a few months, when President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah is sworn into office on March 21, she will become the 14th current female head of state. In addition to Namibia, the following countries have female leaders: Barbados, Denmark, Marshall Islands, Tanzania, Samoa, Honduras, Italy, Peru, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Latvia, Switzerland, Thailand, and Mexico.

Ten of these 14 presidents are their country’s first female executives.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known as “NNN,” is Africa’s fourth woman elected president. Former Presidents Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson and Joyce Bandi led Liberia and Malawi, respectively.

Overall, 60 United Nations member states (31 percent) have had a woman serve as  head of state. The first was Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon, in 1960. Two other countries—India in 1966 and Israel in 1960—also witnessed their first women leaders in that decade.

Great Britain has elected three female prime ministers, including the 1979 election Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady.” Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, often called former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Mier “the best man in government.”

So why can’t the U.S. catch up?

In a recent Politico article titled “Harris Was Pushed Off a Glass Cliff—Repeatedly,” the authors state, “Clinton’s lead over Trump among women voters was 13 points in 2016. Eight years later, Harris’ lead over Trump was eight points.”

“In other words,” the authors continue, “Harris lost support among women voters who had previously voted for a women candidate. These voters must be making their minds up on issues other than gender.”

Then in America, another issue comes to mind: racism.

While sexism and not racism seemed to prevent Clinton from victory over Trump in 2016, both forms of discrimination were critical in Harris’ campaign and the outcome of the 2024 election.

“The fact that we have to work twice as hard to get Americans to listen to an accomplished Black woman instead of a mediocre White man is White supremacy,” Keith Boykin wrote in the article “5 Big Lies About Why Donald Trump Won,” as part of his Word in Black column “Black Vote, Black Power.” “The fact that people excused Trump’s 3 million job losses during his administration, but penalized Harris for not being perfect is White supremacy. And the fact that we’re even susceptible to Trump’s misinformation is a result of hundreds of years of racist White supremacist programming that has taught us to believe White men and discredit Black voices.”

Will America ever follow Africa and a host of other nations and elect a female Commander-In-Chief?

Or will we continue to choose male incompetence over female competence?

The world is 14; America is 0!

Founded 1910

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher

Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher

There’s something about being ‘other’!

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—There is something in this country about not being a White male gets you blamed for being a racist if you complain about them! I know before I write, I will be accused of being a racist because that is the way racists roll!  They have the power. They are antagonistic toward people like me because they don’t know the meaning of racism. I am a woman of African descent, and like me, anyone who is not my color, nor my gender, it seems to be okay to treat us as different, not worthy of equal protection of laws enjoyed by everybody else. If you are a woman, to them, you are not worthy of several basic human rights and racist/ sexist males think they are superior. If you are a woman, many treat you as having little or no value. No matter how hard you work, many Whites, male or female, think they are superior!

Some days you get sick and tired of being sick and tired of the racist behavior, and don’t even mention the sexist behavior! You are constantly having to prove you’re fit to do just about anything you choose to do.  As Donald Trump continues to show us the kind of President he has chosen to be, we shouldn’t expect to be considered for top jobs in his administration or be treated with equality. For example, just go back to the campaign for President, and you will hear Trump call

Vice-President Kamala Harris who ran circles of intelligence around him, names unfitting what you would expect of one running for President. Take a look at J.D. Vance and how he made up the story about Black people eating cats and dogs in a community that had invited the Haitians to be in the community, and we never heard him retract it when the truth came to light. Move over to Trump’s selection of Pete Hegseth who Trump has chosen to admittedly discriminate against women in the military, and further has promised to end Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Academy. That takes care of women and people of African descent—maybe even all people who are not White or who they can’t control.

What is it that Trump, Vance, Hegseth and such people are afraid of?  Most of us have never heard of the people Trump has chosen for high level positions.  Maybe somebody reading this article can tell the rest of us something about them. To begin with, everyone might know the name Charles

Kushner—father of Trump’s sonin-law.  He will be representing our nation in France; Mark Burnett will be our Envoy to the United Kingdom. He plans to have a Law and Order person in the Justice Department!

Kevin Cabrera has been nominated for Ambassador to Panama. He might have a tough time in Panama since Trump is interested in taking over the Panama Canal! I don’t know if the people will believe he’s there for a good purpose knowing what his mission is!

Brian Burch has been nominated to represent us with the Holy See who perhaps will send a message by him to all of the Ambassadors what it means to be an Ambassador representing the United States.            Since some of the chosen ones, including their boss, Donald, have already shown themselves to be non-law abiding, let us pray they know about the Bible where Galatians 5:22-23 tells them the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness. goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That best represents what their job should be and against such things there is no law!  No matter what Donald tells them to do, if they follow those words, they should do a great job! We’ll be pulling for them, cheering them on!

(Dr.

Palm technology and microchipped hands could become an obsession

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—New Age Palm technology and microchipped hands are the growing wave of the future but so are aged old Biblical prophecies of “The Mark of the Beast.” Burgundy Waller, recently known as “the Chip Girl’’ in her Tik Tok videos, has recently created a social media stir of three million followers by demonstrating how a microchip about the size of a gain of rice implanted in her hand serves as a key to unlocking doors, closets, and storage areas in her Las Vegas mansion. While chipped hands might sound new, between 50,000 to 100,000 people globally are using implanted microchipped as credit cards, or to store their medical and health information, gain access to gyms, use public transportation, says the Journal of Hand Surgery.  Furthermore in 1998, a British Scientist, Kevin Warwick( Captain Cyborg)  made headlines using a hand implanted micro-chip to operate doors, lights, and heaters around his office at the University of Reading. For consumers looking for  a non-surgical way to free themselves of the hardship of  reaching  in their wallets for plastic or tapping their phones on scanners,  Amazon is also rolling out a plan which allows  customers to simply hover their palms over an Amazon One device to pay their bills.  On May 24, 2024,  Amazon and its company -owned Whole Foods, introduced palm technology that can be used for payments in over  500 stores.

Amazon uses consumers’ palms and their underlying vein structure to create a palm signature, which is produced  with the help of generative AI and verified by Amazon One scanners for  things like retail purchases and age verification. Amazon One scanners, once limited to Amazon stores, can now also be found in  third-party locations including stadiums, airports, and fitness centers. The new app lets users sign up for Amazon One through their phones instead of having to visit a physical location to take photos of their palms for enrollment.

Along with the excitement over the new hand developments, however, are the aged-old prophesies about a controversial “Mark of the Beast.”

The Mark of the Beast refers to Biblical references that during the last days of history a mysterious  autocratic and diabolical Anti-Christ leader would rise to rule over an evil empire where Christians who do not bare his mark on their hands would perish because they would be denied life sustaining goods such as food or medicines. Although mostly ignored by mainstream news, social media are roaring aloud that in the future the hands of Christians whether chipped or scanned could  play a role somewhat like the Star of David was used by the Nazis to identify Jews for death during the Holocaust. The specific reference of the Mark is found in Revelation 13:16-17:  ‘He caused all, both

small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the  666 number of his name.”

The story of  the Mark and its role in today’s technology was featured in my    recently published book entitled the Rise and the Fall of the Techno-Messiah: Artificial Intelligence and the End Times. This writer described how some respected theologians give credence to the Mark of the Beast prophesy  as part of their eschatological doctrines dealing with the Second Coming of Christ in the Last Days of history.

Consider the warning of J.F. Walvoord the late president of the Dallas Theological Seminary:  “There is no doubt that with today’s  technology a world leader in total control, could keep a continually updated census of all persons and know precisely which people had pledged their allegiance to him and who has not. It is highly likely that chip  implants, scan technology, and biometrics will be used as tools to enforce restrictions on buying and selling without  the Mark.”

Too often when the End Times and the Mark are discussed it is usually contained in only conservative White institutions.

Black churches and seminaries, however, also  teach and preach the  End Times prophesies  resulting in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.   The recent pandemics, the possibility of nuclear wars, cataclysmic weather events, such as the frequency of hurricanes and flooding  all fit in this apocalypse scenario. In fact, this writer, an African American woman is among those who  have taught on the End Times, including the Mark of the Beast at Calvary Bible institute in Washington D.C. Although it is surprising to some, there are 1,845 prophetic references to the Second Coming of Jesus, a factor of eight to one  over references of His First Coming.  In Fact, Scriptures show Jesus speaking of  His return 21 times. The Mark of the Beast and the spirituality around it have also made its way into political circles. Mark Cole, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, once introduced a proposal to prevent corporations from forcing employees to submit to implants.  He also said his  concerns were also based on  the Book of Revelation which deals with the Mark of the Beast.  Referring to the microchips, he argued,” they just  might be that mark.”     Aside from the spiritual considerations, today, since the  FDA

(Food and Drug Administration) approved an implantable chip last year, the chips are gaining respectability and will one day  be as commonplace as using Sirius to order dinner. The most popular microchips use radio-frequency identification technology which for decades were used for tracking animals.  It works like a barcode label to identify vehicles, animals, and luggage tags.  This technology can be  used to monitor patient health,  locate missing people, track people under house arrest, and trace valuable items.  As  people become  more comfortable with internal devices such as pacemakers, birth control rods and nerve stimulators implanted in their bodies, the fear factor is diminishing.

In fact, microchipped hands could easily become an obsession, especially among those who see tattoos as fashion statements.

On the plus side, the happily chipped person could glide through customs and waiting lines with a flip of the hand, have instant medical and education information in hand and, abolish the need  to carry keys, remember passwords or even carry a wallet.

Microchips could speed the screening of passengers for air travel,  subways could use  them to collect fares. Bars could use microchips to “card” underage drinkers without concerns about fake IDs. An implanted microchip could also be used to ward off voter fraud or increase it by denying those without the chip the right to vote.

While the future for chipped  or scanned hands seems dazzling, there are other considerations, such as how long it would take for criminal enterprises to learn how to gain access to personal information by hacking off chipped hands of victims or hacking into their programs which continues to beguile users.

The peer reviewed Journal of Hand Surgery also recently warned that current implantation is typically not performed in a medical environment. “Implantation of these devices in humans can result in complications, such as infection and tendon attrition, and the relevant safety implications have not been extensively studied.”   It looks like speed,  convenience of micro-chips and palm technology, along with more safety guardrails could one day overrule fears of invasion of privacy and health concerns.  As for the speculation of Bible believers about the eventual rise of an evil empire and the Mark of the Beast this is also a story that will be continued.

(Dr.  Barbara Reynolds is a  journalist, who was a writer on the editorial board of USA TODAY for 13 years and is the author of eight books, including the memoirs of Coretta Scott King and her latest book, The Rise and Fall of the Techno-Messiah: Artificial Technology and the End Times.)

Barbara Reynolds Commentary

E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society!)

Will the next HUD Secretary fight for the unhoused?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—In 2000, Republican George W. Bush ran for president as a “compassionate conservative.” Bush defended his approach: “Government cannot solve every problem, but it can encourage people and communities to help themselves and to help one another. Often, the truest kind of compassion is to help citizens build lives of their own.” Bush’s idea of compassionate conservativism was a way to return responsibility and accountability to individuals and, in doing so, free them from a life of poverty. The political slogan may have sounded good at the time, but Bush’s branding annoyed many of his fellow Republicans who found the catchphrase insulting. The phrase was “an attack and criticism on conservatives,” former Vice President Dan Quayle told the New York Times. “Conservatives are compassionate and that is my criticism.”

But when it came time for Bush to put action and policy behind the campaign rhetoric, he exposed himself as a “tax cut for the wealthy” Republican. When preparing the first budget under the Bush administration, Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley provided $6 billion per year in tax credits to encourage charitable giving to organizations fighting poverty since it was one of the president’s campaign promises. During the budget negotiations, Grassley was told by the president’s legislative team to “get rid of” the charity tax credits because the money was needed for another political priority: the $100 billion cut in estate taxes. With the rise of the Tea Party movement, Bush’s façade of compassionate conservativism was erased for good as a domestic agenda within the Republican Party.

Bush was on the right track by identifying compassion as a major key in addressing society’s problems. Unfortunately, he and many others in his party were not true advocates for the disenfranchised. A person is not compassionate in rejecting a rise in the minimum wage when it is needed for a person to survive. A person is not compassionate when embracing the phrase “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” while ignoring

David W. Marshall

the structural barriers, cultural insensitivity, and victim blaming often encountered.

Every major city in America has some degree of homelessness impacting its local communities. According to HUD’s 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR), more than 650,000 people in America lack permanent shelters. Before Reaganomics took effect, our nation never experienced homelessness as a national crisis. During President Ronald Reagan’s first term in office, critics such as Don Mitchell noted homelessness as a visible problem in the U.S. As a professor of human geography, Mitchell extensively wrote about homelessness and examined its structural causes. According to Mitchell, the increased cuts to spending on housing and social services under the Reagan administration were a contributing factor to the homeless population nearly doubling in just three years, from 1984 to 1987. This is an unknown part of the Reagan legacy. In the closing weeks of his presidency, Reagan told news commentator David Brinkley that the homeless “make it their own choice for staying out there,” noting his belief that there “are shelters in virtually every city, and shelters here, and those people still prefer out there on the grates or the lawn to going into one of those shelters.” This false narrative that homelessness is about personal choices was developed during the Reagan era, and it continues today. The narrative became a deliberate attempt to misdirect public attention away from the human consequences of cuts to HUD’s affordable housing budget, which were used to cover tax cuts for the wealthy. Individual responsibility and accountability go both ways. The main source of the problem behind today’s affordable housing crisis is the individuals responsible for creating enough investment in low-to-moderate income housing who fail to do so.

During the 1980s, there was a shift in housing policies that saw a decrease in new public housing construction and increased dependence on housing solutions such as Section 8 vouchers. Thirty-plus years after this housing policy shift, a record-high 653,104 people were homeless on a single night in January 2023. The Supreme Court didn’t help the housing crisis with its Johnson v. Grant Pass decision. The court announced that people experiencing homelessness can now be arrested and fined for sleeping outside. Johnson v. Grants Pass is a court case filed in 2018 that determined it cruel and unusual punishment to arrest or ticket people for sleeping outside. The case started in Grants Pass, Oregon, when the city began issuing tickets to people sleeping in public, even when there were not enough safe, accessible shelter beds. How does criminalizing homelessness address the permanent solution needed for this national crisis? And where is the conservative compassion? Homelessness is too complex an issue with balancing interests such as the need to provide access to mental health treatment, substance abuse recovery programs, and job training. In a city like Grants Pass, Oregon, with no public shelter, where do the unhoused go if it is now a crime to sleep in public? At a time when we are faced with a nationwide affordable housing crisis and a growing insensitivity to the unhoused, we have an incoming administration that subscribes to the Reagan school of thought by not seeing housing as a basic human right of every American.

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Scott Turner to serve as the secretary of HUD. As a lawmaker in the Texas House of Representatives, Turner opposed a bill to expand affordable rental housing. He voted against the funding for a public-private partnership to support people experiencing homelessness. Turner, an associate Baptist pastor and former NFL player, was the first Black person nominated as a member of Donald Trump’s cabinet. Despite being a pastor, Turner’s voting record does not prove that the nominated HUD secretary will be a compassionate voice and advocate for the unhoused.

(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.)

Biden’s lame duck death penalty one-upmanship

Lame duck: an elected official continuing to hold political office during the period between the election and the inauguration of a successor One-upmanship: a situation in which someone does something in order to prove they are better than someone else

***

In the early 1990s, Democratic Senator Joe Biden called Republican President George H. W. Bush “soft on crime” because the death penalty was rarely carried out at the federal level during Bush’s administration. Biden joked that the crime bill he envisioned did “everything but hang people for jaywalking.”

The 1994 crime bill, drafted by Biden and signed by Democratic President Clinton, expanded the federal death penalty to make 60 crimes eligible for capital punishment, including espionage, treason, and large-scale drug trafficking. Most capital punishment supporters believe that the death penalty should only be used for first-degree murder, making Biden’s death penalty proposal for offenses other than premeditated murder excessive even for staunch proponents of capital punishment.

In the mid-1990s, 80 percent of Americans supported capital punishment for murderers, but when Biden campaigned for president in 2020, only 55 percent of Americans supported the death penalty—a historic low. Because Biden is a politician whose convictions coincide with public opinion, he made a campaign promise to introduce legislation to abolish the death penalty at the federal level and encourage states to follow suit.

Biden eventually defeated Republican incumbent Donald Trump and became the 46th president of the United States. Between Biden’s election and his inauguration, the Trump administration executed five people. Overall, the Trump administration executed 13 death row inmates. The BBC described Trump as “the most prolific execution president” in over a century.

However, the five people executed during Trump’s lame duck months sparked outrage since Trump disregarded a 130-year precedent of halting executions during the presidential transition period.

J. Pharoah Doss Check

It Out

Anti-death penalty groups said these rushed executions had nothing to do with justice. Trump was politically motivated to carry out the executions before President-elect Biden abolished the federal death penalty, making Trump’s lame duck decision to execute reckless and cruel.

Following Trump’s final lame duck execution, the director of the ACLU’s Capital Punishment Project stated, “President-elect Joe Biden promised to abolish the federal death penalty. He must keep that commitment.”

Politico stated that on Biden’s first day as president, he signed over a dozen executive orders to erase Trump’s legacy and advance his own agenda. Unfortunately, poor performance, unfavorable outcomes, and broken promises characterized the remainder of Biden’s presidency.

The Associated Press reported in 2023 that President Biden had failed to keep his promise to abolish the federal death penalty. Biden’s Justice Department declared a moratorium on federal executions in 2021, but opponents of capital punishment expected more than a temporary halt that could be easily reversed by a pro-death penalty president. The more optimistic anti-death penalty advocates thought that Biden would abolish the federal death penalty during his second term. Their hopes were shattered when Biden dropped out of the race for president, leaving his vice president, Kamala Harris, as the automatic Democratic nominee to face Trump for the presidency. Trump defeated Harris, becoming the first Republican to win the popular vote in twenty years. Biden transitioned from the elder statesman elected to erase Trump’s legacy to the reelection dropout who was responsible for Trump’s return to the White House. It turned out that American voters preferred Trump’s government to Biden’s, and the only legacy that will be erased is

Biden’s unless Biden redeemed himself during his lame duck period.

The Associated Press reported shortly before Christmas that President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their sentences to life imprisonment just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump, an outspoken supporter of expanding capital punishment, took office. The decision spared the lives of those convicted of the murder of police and military officers, those involved in deadly bank robberies, and the killing of guards or prisoners in federal facilities.

Rep. Ayanna Pressly, D-Mass., who believes the death penalty is “racist, flawed, and fundamentally unjust and has no place in our society,” complimented Biden. Her words were: “The President’s decision to commute the death sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row is a historic and groundbreaking act of compassion that will save lives, address the deep racial disparities in our criminal legal system, and send a powerful message about redemption, decency, and humanity.”

Biden’s commuted death sentences were not about redemption. They were about remembrance. Biden knows that history will not be kind to his presidency, and he wants the record to show that he was more merciful than Trump.

Biden believes he one-upped Trump concerning capital punishment, but he actually didn’t.

Bill Barr, Trump’s attorney general, released his book One Damn Thing After Another in 2022. The book explained that the Justice Department had a responsibility to uphold the existing law by carrying out the death sentences and that the decision to accelerate the executions during the presidential transition period was Barr’s, not Trump’s. When history looks back on Biden’s lame duck tenure, it will not recall that he was more merciful than the prior attorney general. It will recall that Heather Turner’s mother was murdered during a bank robbery by one of the death row inmates Biden spared, and Turner called the commutation of the killer’s sentence a “gross abuse of power” and lamented that “at no point did the president consider the victims.”

Gas is dirty. LNG proponents don’t just ignore the facts, they ignore the human toll.

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Not long after her adopted twins came to live with her in Freeport, Texas, Melanie Oldham saw their health start to decline. Both children were diagnosed with severe asthma.

As Oldham sent the twins to school—every day with their inhalers—she realized a lot of the kids in her part of Brazoria County had bad asthma. She also began to see that other serious chronic illnesses were rampant in her community.

“It’s shocking the number of people in their 50s that already have severe COPD, all the skin problems we know are caused by different types of emissions, premature heart attacks, spikes in certain types of cancers—including one form of childhood leukemia—and the number of children with asthma is staggering.”

Those emissions she is referring to are from the oil, gas, and petrochemical plants peppering the landscape of her part of the Gulf Coast.

Increasingly, the source of that pollution is the growing number of liquefied methane gas (commonly referred to as LNG) facilities in the region. Freeport LNG, in Oldham’s town, is the third largest LNG export terminal by capacity in the country. The largest is Sabine Pass LNG, just a few hours along the coast from Freeport. That facility sits just over the Louisiana border from Port Arthur, TX—which is also home to Port Arthur LNG, currently under construction. Port Arthur, like Freeport, is a textbook environmental sacrifice zone. John Beard, a Port Arthur community leader, says the entire region is a “sacrifice coast.” Texas Monthly once labeled this part of the state the “Cancer Belt.” Beard speaks of members of his community like Etta Hebert, a two-time cancer survivor whose daughter also has cancer and whose husband Roy just passed away from a long battle with cancer on November 30. And Beard’s own family has been impacted by the intense pollution in the area. His oldest son had to have a kidney transplant—despite no family history of kidney disease —and his daughter had a brain tumor removed.  This is what the extractive fossil fuel industry does to human bodies and communities. It is the re-

al-life human toll of our continued reliance on fuels like methane gas. And it is a toll that will get significantly steeper if the US expands LNG exports and the infrastructure to support a continued LNG boom.

Despite decades of branding and rebranding efforts by the industry, the fact remains: methane gas is simply yet another dirty, dangerous fossil fuel polluting our communities.  LNG takes the deadly threats methane gas poses to the extreme, not just by increasing the amount of gas fracked, but by adding dangerous and pollution-heavy steps to the process. From fracking to pipeline transmission to the compression and liquefaction of the gas and the shipping of the LNG overseas, virtually every stage of the lifecycle leaks methane (which captures 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide), is powered by the burning of other dirty fossil fuels like oil, and carries the risk of catastrophic ruptures and explosions.

Yet fossil fuel interests and their allies in government continue to promote the fallacy of methane gas as a “bridge” fuel. Former presidential climate envoy John Kerry rightfully points to a “massive movement in the fossil fuel industry” to sanitize fracked gas’s image and brand it as part of our clean energy future. And the push to further build out LNG exports not only threatens the pace and success of the necessary clean energy transition already underway, it threatens to drive up energy costs for American households. The Department of Energy released an updated analysis just this month confirming that unfettered LNG exports would drive up domestic energy prices – and clearly showing that approving new or expanded gas exports is bad for the American people.

Part of the fossil fuel industry’s “massive movement” is an effort to use former politicians to sway

core constituencies. One industry front group, Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future, sends out politicians like former Ohio Congressman and presidential candidate Tim Ryan to tout the virtues of methane gas at events and on news shows without disclosing that they’re on the gas industry’s payroll.

According to the organization’s IRS 990 tax form, Natural Allies seems to have compensated Tim Ryan to the tune of $246,943 in 2023 alone. The same 990 shows Natural Allies also spent $290,723 on public relations services from a firm where former Senator Mary Landrieu (one of their other key voices) works.

Natural Allies also pays Black leaders to deceive Black audiences about how methane gas power is needed to keep their home energy costs down. Former Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and former Florida Congressman Kendrick Meek work in tandem to peddle that fossil fuel industry lie at events and in the Black press.

Meanwhile, as former Mayor Nutter and former Rep. Meek make the case that more methane gas will help Black, brown, and low-income communities, what about the communities of color and low-income communities bearing the brunt of the deadly pollution from this toxic industry? What about a place like Port Arthur, a majority Black and Latino city where nearly 30 percent of its people live below the poverty line?

To that, Port Arthur’s John Beard says:

“By bringing more gas into play, you say that you’re helping me?

When my town has some of the worst air quality in the country?

When we’re already suffering from twice the state and national average for cancer, and high rates of heart, lung, kidney disease? When there’s already rampant air, land, and water pollution in my community? And that’s ‘helping me?’ My God, then I hate to see what you’re going to do if you want to hurt me!”

(Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania .)

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

2 ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

WHEREAS, on July 23, 2010, a certain mortgage was executed by ALTON ROWE, as mortgagor in favor of METLIFE HOME LOANS, A DIVISION OF METLIFE BANK, N.A. as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage Book M VL-38346 Page 386 Instrument # 2010-62240 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 2803 Wylie Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219, parcel number 0010-H-00217-0002-00(“Property”); and WHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner ALTON ROWE died on 09/06/22 intestate and is survived by no known heirs. ;and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by ALTON ROWE by virtue of deed dated 1/22/1979 and recorded 1/30/1979 in Book:6062 Page:730 Instrument#:5764 ;and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“Secretary”), pursuant to an assignment recorded on 3/27/2017 in Book M VL- 47695 Page 136 Instrument # 2017-21311, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as ALTON ROWE died on 09/06/2022 and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of 9/3/2024 is $55,040.51 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on 06/28/2012 in Misc. BK:DE VL:14933 Page:17, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that on 01/08/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 all real property and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises will be sold at public action to the highest bidder: File No. BNY702-5729

All that certain lot or parcel of ground situate in the Fifth (5th) Ward of the City of Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania being Lot No. 2 in the Wylie-Hollace Urban Plan of Lots recorded in the Recorder’s Office of Allegheny County in Plan Book Volume 103, Pages 19 and 20 bounded and described as follows:

Beginning on the northerly line of Wylie Avenue (60 feet wide) at a point North 60 degrees 56 minutes 55 seconds East, 28.95 feet from the easterly line of Morgan Street (50 feet wide); thence northwardly along the line dividing Lot Nos. 1 and 2 in said Plan North 29 degrees 03 minutes 05 seconds West a distance of 118.95 feet to a point; thence eastwardly along the line of property now or formerly Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh North 64 degrees 19 minutes 55 seconds East a distance of 41.41 feet to a point; thence southwardly along the line dividing Lot Nos. 2 and 3A in said Plan South 29 degrees 03 minutes 05 seconds East a distance of 116.51 feet to a point on the northerly line of Wylie Avenue; thence westwardly along said northerly line South 60 degrees 56 minutes 55 seconds West a distance of 41.34 feet to a point of intersection with the line dividing Lots Nos. 1 and 2 in said Plan at the place of Beginning.

Together with and Subject to a 3 and 6 foot easement for the owners, heirs, assigns, and tenants of 2801 Wylie Avenue for purpose of ingress, egress, regress and maintenance as shown in the Wylie-Hollace Urban Plan of lots recorded in Deed Book Volume 103, Pages 19 and 20. Being Block 10 H, parts of Lots 211 and 212 as designated in the Deed Registry Office of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Having erected thereon a 3 story brick and frame apartment building with a 2 story, metal addition located at 2803-05 Wylie Avenue.

Under and subject to easements, restrictions, rights of way, covenants in deed book volume 6062 page 730.

Parcel # 10-H-217-2

0010-H-00217-0002-00

The sale will be held 01/08/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $55,040.51 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $55,040.51 as of 09/03/2024, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary’s bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.

The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.

If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder’s deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.

KML LAW GROUP, P.C. Foreclosure Commissioners (215-825-6305)

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

WHEREAS, on January 22, 2008, a certain mortgage was executed by MARGARET L. STEVENSON, as mortgagor in favor of FINANCIAL FREEDOM SENIOR FUNDING CORPORATION, A SUBDIVISON OF INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage Book M V 34960 Page 477Instrument # 2008-8021 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 7321 Schley Street Pittsburgh, PA 15235, parcel number 0230-E-00326-0000-00(“Property”); and WHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner MARGARET L. STEVENSON died on 04/26/21 intestate and is survived by no known heirs ;and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by MARGARET L. STEVENSON by virtue of deed dated and recorded 9/23/2004 in Instrument #: 200433151 ;and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“Secretary”), pursuant to an assignment recorded on 2/5/2021 in Book M VL 53651 Page 435 Instrument # 2021-13688, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as MARGARET L. STEVENSON died on 04/26/2021 and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of 9/6/2024 is $86,082.44 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on 06/28/2012 in Misc. BK: DE, VL: 14933, PG: 17, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that on 01/08/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 all real property and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises will be sold at public action to the highest bidder:

ALL that certain lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of Penn Hills, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being Lot No. 8 in the Plan of Modern Acres recorded in Plan Book Volume 32 page 48 bounded and described as follows, to-wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the Northerly side of Schley Street, said point being distant 191.82 feet from Eastern line of George A. Nuesslein Plan (Plan Book Volume 29 Page 133); thence along the Northerly side of Schley Street, Eastwardly 25 feet to a point; said point being the dividing line between Lots Nos. 8 and 9 in said plan; thence Northwardly along the last mentioned dividing line a distance on 101.22 feet to Cherry Alley; thence along Cherry Alley, westwardly a distance of 25 feet to the dividing line of Lots Nos. 7 and 8, and thence Southwardly along last mentioned dividing line a distance of 101.22 feet to the Northerly side of Schley Street aforesaid at the place of beginning.

HAVING erected thereon a two-story brick and shingle dwelling known as 7321 Schley STREET, Penn Hills, Pennsylvania 15235.

BEING designated as Block and Lot No. 230-E-326.

BEING the same property which Michael Eugene Stevenson by deed dated the 14th day of September 2004 and recorded in the Recorder’s Office of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in Deed Book Volume 12201 page 461 granted and conveyed to Margaret L. Stevenson, mortgagor herein The sale will be held 01/08/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $86,082.44 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $86,082.44 as of 09/06/2024, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary’s bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. I f the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.

If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder’s deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of

or right of possession based upon a right of

or

ALLLEGHENY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT (ACCD) is seeking a full-time experienced, Shared Financial Director for the Environmental Finance Collaborative comprised of ACCD, Tree Pittsburgh and UpstreamPGH. The Finance Director, housed at ACCD, will report directly to the Executive Directors of the 3 member organizations. This position involves a high degree of collaboration with finance teams, offering guidance on financial strategies, aligning fiscal plans with organizational goals, and ensuring the execution of best practices across financial management, reporting, and regulatory compliance. Send a cover letter and resume to resumes@accdpa.org.

Estate of MARTHA A. ESPER, Deceased of 977 Diane Drive, North Versailles 15137, Estate No. 02-24-07245, Christina Palermo, Executrix, 347 Overbrook Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 or to William C. Price, Jr. Price & Associates, P.C., 2005 Noble Street, PIttsburgh, PA 15218

Estate of RITA P. DIROLL, Deceased of 152 Homestead Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, Estate No. 02-24-07834, Rita C. Hunter, Co-Executrices, 2723 South Drive, Clearwater, FL 33759, Claudia T. Killcrece, 1201 Pocono Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 or to William C. Price, Jr. Price & Associates, P.C., 2005 Noble Street, PIttsburgh, PA 15218 LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

The Estate of ROBERTS, GLORIA NOVEDA, AKA GLORIA N. ROBERTS, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No.022405654 of 2024 Lavonne Tomlin, Adminstratrix, c/o Daniel L. Haller, Esq., Neighborhood Legal Servive, 928 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

The Estate of SABLE, SARAH V, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No.07818 of 2024. Jack D. Sable, 116 Pineview RD, Baden, PA 15005 and Jeffrey B. Sable, 307 Overbrook RD, Valencia, PA 16059 and Jay C. Sable, 240 Dogwood CR, W Columbia, SC 29170, Co-Exec, or to MICHAEL J. SALDAMARCO, ESQ. STE. 100, 908 PERRY HWY., PITTSBURGH, PA 15229

The Estate of JAMES J. SKINDZIER, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 04366 of 2023 Melvin Skindzier Extr., 3001 Pioneer Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226 Or To Mary Elizabeth Fischman, Esq. 6000 Brooktree Road, Ste. 301 Wexford,

Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

WHEREAS, on May 11, 2012, a certain mortgage was executed by DANIEL WASNICK AND AMINA WASNICK, as mortgagor in favor of DOLLAR BANK F.S.B as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage Book M VL 40940 Page 233 Instrument # 2012-50893 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 343 Jefferson Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235, parcel number 0450-C-00032-0000-00(“Property”); and WHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner DANIEL WASNICK died on 09/17/97. By operation of law title vests solely in AMINA J. WASNICK A/K/A AMINA WASNICK and DANIEL WASNICK is hereby released of liability pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1144. AMINA J. WASNICK A/K/A AMINA WASNICK died on 04/04/22 intestate and is survived by her heir(s)-at-law, Daniel Wasnick Jr. ;and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by DANIEL WASNICK by virtue of deed dated and recorded 7/10/1961 in BK:3944 PG:328 Instrument #:35524 ;and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“Secretary”), pursuant to an assignment recorded on 8/15/2017 in Book M VL 48260 Page 529 Instrument # 2017-58250, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as AMINA J. WASNICK A/K/A AMINA WASNICK died on 04/04/2022 and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of 9/3/2024 is $179,583.31 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on 06/28/2012 in Misc. BK:DE VL:14933 PG:17, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that on 01/08/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 all real property and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises will be sold at public action to the highest bidder: ALL that certain lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of PENN HILLS, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows, to-wit:

BEGINNING at a point in the center line of Jefferson Road at line of property as conveyed by Fred W. Schiffer, et ux., to Dean Smucker McClelland, et ux., by deed dated September 8, 1952 and recorded in Deed Book Volume 3240, page 161; thence from said point of beginning along the property as conveyed to said McClelland, North 42 degrees 19 minutes 30 seconds East a distance of 145.24 feet to a point; thence still along the said McClelland property and along property now or formerly of F. W. Schiffer, South 50 degrees 56 minutes 30 seconds East a distance of 139.73 feet to a point; thence by a line North 39 degrees 03 minutes 30 seconds West a distance of 185.12 feet to a point in the center line of a 40 foot road; thence Northwestwardly along the center line of the said 40 foot road by the arc of a circle deflecting to the right having a radius of 110 feet, a distance of 63.07 feet to a point; thence still along the center line of said 40 foot road, North 21 degrees 08 minutes 30 seconds West a distance of 29.81 feet to a point; thence by a line South 68 degrees 51 minutes 30 seconds West a distance of 360 feet to a point in the center line of Jefferson Road aforesaid; thence along said center line South 21 degrees 08 minutes 30 seconds East a distance of 94.60 feet to an angle in said center line; thence still along said center line South 50 degrees 56 minutes 30 seconds East a distance of 35.30 feet to the line of property of Dean Smucker McClelland, et ux., first aforesaid at the place of beginning.

HAVING erected thereon a one and one-half story frame house with built-in garage known as 343 Jefferson Road, Penn Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

SUBJECT to coal and mining rights and all rights and privileges incident to mining of coal heretofore, conveyed or reserved as shown by instruments of record.

BEING the same premises granted and conveyed to Amina J. Wasnick by Deed from Pittsburgh National Bank, Guardian of the Estate of Margaret T. Hawkins, an incompetent and Charles E. Hawkins, husband, dated 05/23/1961 and recorded 07/10/1961 in Allegheny County, State of PA in 3944/328.

0450-C-00032-0000-00

The sale will be held 01/08/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $179,583.31 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $179,583.31 as of 09/03/2024, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary’s bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.

If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder’s deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.

KML LAW GROUP, P.C. Foreclosure Commissioners (215-825-6305)

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

WHEREAS, on August 25, 2008, a certain mortgage was executed by JANICE LESLIE, as mortgagor in favor of PNC MORTGAGE, LLC as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage Book M VL 35868 Page 205 Instrument # 2008-84542 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 506 Dehaven Court Glenshaw, PA 15116, parcel number 0520-M-00500-0506-00(“Property”); and WHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner JANICE LESLIE died on 08/05/22 intestate and is survived by no known heirs. ;and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by JANICE LESLIE by virtue of deed dated 7/23/2008 and recorded 9/15/2008 in BK-DE, VL-13733, PG-353 ;and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“Secretary”), pursuant to an assignment recorded on 7/12/2022 in BK-M; VL-56561, Page 19, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as JANICE LESLIE died on 08/05/2022 and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of 9/3/2024 is $157,283.27 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on 06/28/2012 in Misc. BK:DE, VL:14933,PG:17, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that on 01/08/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 all real property and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises will be sold at public action to the highest bidder:

ALL THAT CERTAIN UNIT, designated as UNIT NO. 506 in the DeHaven Court at Elfinwild Condominiums situate on DeHaven Court Drive in the Township of Shaler, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as designated in the DeHaven Court at Elfinwild Condominiums Amended Declaration (Number 1) dated February 1, 1993, as recorded on February 25, 1993, in the office for the Recorder of Deeds in and for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in Deed Book Volume 8913, page 395, and in the Plats and Plans dated February 1, 1993, recorded on February 25, 1993, as Exhibit E to the said Amended Declaration (Number 1) and of record in Plan Book Volume 179, page 143-152 in the same office.

The said February 1, 1993 Amended Declaration (Number 1) is a restatement and amendment of the Declaration of DeHaven Court at Elfinwild Condominiums dated November 20, 1992, and recorded on December 4, 1992, in the office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in Deed Book Volume 8863, page 154 and of the Plats and Plan dated November, 1992, and recorded on December 4, 1992, as Exhibit E to the said Declaration, in Plan Book Volume 178, pages 156-167 in the same office.

TOGETHER WITH all right, title and interest appurtenant to Unit No. 506, being an undivided two and twenty-seven hundredths percent (2.27%) interest in and to the Common Elements as set forth in Article II Section 1 and 2 of the said Declaration and Amended Declaration (Number 1) and on Exhibit D and Exhibit E attached to and made an integral part of the said Declaration and amended Declaration (Number 1); TOGETHER WITH the right to use and enjoy Limited Common Elements as described in the said Declaration and Amended Declaration (Number 1) and in the said plats and plans dated November, 1992 and in the said plats and plans dated February 1, 1993.

Pursuant to Article II Section 2, Article VI Section 1 and Exhibit D of the said Declaration and Amended Declaration (Number 1) the said percentage interest may be reallocated, resulting in a decrease of the percentage interest.

Improvements thereon known as: 506 DeHaven Ct, Glenshaw, PA 15116

Tax ID: 0520-M-500-506

The sale will be held 01/08/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $157,283.27 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale.

The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $157,283.27 as of 09/03/2024, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale. When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary’s bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day ex-

tension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder’s deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein. KML LAW GROUP, P.C. (215-825-6305)

The Town Council of the Borough of Bellevue will hold meetings on the following dates and times in 2025. All meetings will be held at the Bellevue Municipal Building, 2nd Floor Council Chambers, 537 Bayne Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202.

Committee Meetings, starting at 6:00 pm: January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 6, September 2, October 7, November 5.

Pre-Council Meetings, starting at 7:00 pm: January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 12, December 2.

Council Meetings, starting at 7:00 pm: January 28, February 25, March 25, April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, August 26, September 23, October 28, November 25, December 16.

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on January 21, 2025, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for:

Pittsburgh Public Schools –Various Locations Door Entry Systems Replacement Electrical Prime

Pittsburgh Brashear High School and Carrick High School Gym and Pool Lighting Replacement Electrical Prime

Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on Friday December 20, 2024, at Modern Reproductions (412488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for:

Pittsburgh Carmalt PreK-8 Ground Floor Piping Modifications Mechanical Primes Pittsburgh Various Locations Replace Pool Filtration System Plumbing and Electrical Primes Pittsburgh Brashear High School Chiller Plant Renovations Mechanical, Electrical, and Abatement Primes

Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on Monday, December 09, 2024, at Modern Reproductions (412488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

INVITATION FOR BIDS Sanitary Sewer Lining Project: Baldwin Township accepting sealed bids until Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 12 PM at the Twp. Mgr.’s Office, 10 Community Park Dr., Pgh., Pa. 15234. Bid Opening on February 4, 2025 at the Board’s 7 p.m. public meeting. 10% Bid Bond required. Successful bidder must post 100% Performance, Labor & Material Payment Bonds. Obtain Complete Bid Instructions & Specifications, at Twp. Office or from Charla Pfeil, Twp. Manager, 412-341-9597 or charla.pfeil@baldwintownship.com. Thomas P. McDermott, Solicitor

CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

SONNY BOY

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY D.B.A. PRT

Electronic Proposals will be received online at PRT’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).

Bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on January 8, 2025, and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)

1 B24-12-102

No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00 AM on December 18, 2024, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room

Meeting ID: 217 633 647 597 Passcode: yq7YZ9QG

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 106 589 57#

Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the PRT within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

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

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFBS) FOR ARCH ST DUPLEX RENOVATION IFB #600-40-24 REBID

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY

OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH

(“HACP”) will receive sealed bids for the Arch Street Duplex Renovation AMP-39

The construction work is estimated to begin N/A

Bid Documents will be available on or about Monday, December 23, 2024, and may be obtained HACP’s webpage, www.hacp.org.

Bidders may register on the website and download the bid documents free of charge.

A Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit will be held in-person on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. 1204/1206 Arch St Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Bidders shall come prepared to review all aspects of the construction site necessary to prepare a bid.

Bids will be received at: HACP Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Attn: Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement/ Contracting Officer until 10:00 a.m. January 21, 2025.

HACP will also accept online submissions for this Invitation for Bid, respondents wishing to submit online please access the instructions provided in the project manual or on HACP’s website to submit the bid digitally. In addition to the electronic submittal above, HACP will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 a.m. until the closing time of 10:00 am on January 21, 2025, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. All bids must be received at the above address no later than January 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., regardless of the selected delivery mechanism. HACP reserves the right to waive any informality in or reject any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of HACP. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin. HACP has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFP documentation. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES

CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement at (412) 456-5890

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.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFBS) FOR BEDFORD TEMPORARY OFFICE SPACE (TRAILERS)

INFRASTRUCTURE CONNECTION, AMP-02

HACP IFB NO. 600-37-24 REBID

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive sealed bids for the Bedford Temporary Office Space (Trailers) Infrastructure Connection Project, AMP-02

The construction work is estimated to begin in February of 2025.

Bid Documents will be available on or about Monday, December 23, 2024 and may be obtained from the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s webpage, www.hacp.org.

Bidders may register on the website and download the bid documents free of charge. Electronic versions of the Bid Documents, including bid forms, project manual, and drawings can be picked up in person (appointment is necessary), Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at:

Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6 Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement

A Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.: Chauncey Drive Parking Lot, Bedford Dwelling Community, 2467 Chauncey Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

A site visit will be conducted thereafter.

Bidders shall come prepared to review all aspects of the construction site necessary to prepare a bid.

Bids will be received at: HACP One Stop Shop 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Attn; Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement until 11:00 a.m. January 21, 2025, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH reserves the right to waive any informality in or reject any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin. HACP has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFP documentation. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement at (412) 643-289

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE

OF