If Amanda Neatrour becomes a member of Pittsburgh City Council, it's safe to say she'll be the best vocalist on the nine-member council.
But that's the furthest thing from her mind.
Neatrour, who is professionally trained in classical voice performance and opera, and holds two degrees from Howard University in those fields, announced her candidacy for Pittsburgh City Council's District 2 on Monday, Jan. 13.
And in announcing her candidacy, there was no singing—just a firm, authoritative voice Neatrour used as she proclaimed that she's the right person to help lead the West End into future prosperity.
Neatrour, 43, a Black woman who lives in Sheraden, told supporters at the Win Char Community Center that when there are issues in her community, such as drivers racing through neighborhood streets, vacant, blighted
properties, or the lack of activities for children in the community, she contacts the city. She attends meetings. She makes her voice heard. But most of the time, nothing gets done. Nothing changes.
"The path chose me," Neatrour said, as she announced her campaign to become an official public servant. "Last time I checked, and because of the positions I've had, I know about the racism in City Hall, I know about the gender-based discrimination in City Hall...I know why we pay some people one way, and why we pay other people differently...and that's not right."
Neatrour added: "I am here not because I want to take it on; I don't see that I have a choice. Because my grandma taught me, to whom much is given," and the audience finished, "much is required."
Neatrour is no stranger to the City-County Building or the Black communi-
AMANDA
Los Angeles’ historic Black community devastated by Eaton Canyon fires
by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
As flames tore through the picturesque foothills of Altadena and Pasadena on January 7, 2025, the Eaton Canyon fires left a historic Black community—rooted in the Civil Rights Movement— nearly wiped out. Among the hardest-hit areas in Los Angeles County, Altadena has seen its many Black-owned homes, churches, businesses, and landmarks reduced to ashes.
The unincorporated community in the San Gabriel Valley, home to 42,000 residents, has long stood as a beacon of Black homeownership and middle-class stability. With 18 percent of its population identifying as Black, Altadena also hosts a diverse community that includes Latino and Asian American residents. Tragically, the Eaton Fire alone destroyed over 1,000 structures, killed at least five residents in Altadena and displaced thousands.
“Obviously it’s been a tough couple of days, but our family is making it through,” Los Angeles Sentinel Publisher Danny Bakewell Jr. said in a text to NNPA. “Both my girlfriend and my son lost their homes and the devastation is unreal for so many families —a lot of Black folks.”
Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, a native of Altadena, lost his beloved childhood home on Loma Alta Drive to the blaze. His mother, Ruthie Hopkins, 81, and his son, Joshua, narrowly escaped thanks to the swift actions of Hopkins’ older brother, who evacuated them to safety.
Hopkins described the devastation in a GoFundMe post, writing, “This isn’t just a loss for our family; it’s a loss for a community that has thrived despite challenges.” Ruthie Hopkins, the former editor and co-owner of The Pasadena Journal, a Blackowned newspaper, has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. The newspaper is a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents the Black Press of America and is celebrating its 198th anniversary in March.
The fire also destroyed the family’s SUV, which was vital for Ruthie’s medical appointments. Now, she and Joshua are left with only the clothes they wore when escaping.
A Legacy Reduced to Ashes Altadena’s Black community flourished during the Civil
Rights Movement, growing from 4 percent of the population in 1960 to 27 percent by 1970, following the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. It became a haven for Black families seeking to escape discrimination elsewhere, offering homeownership opportunities unavailable in most parts of the country.
Before the fire, Altadena boasted a Black homeownership rate of 81.5 percent, nearly double the national average for African Americans. Families like Kenneth Snowden’s embodied this legacy. Snowden’s family purchased their first Altadena home in 1962, and nearly 20 years ago, Snowden bought his own home in the area. Both properties were destroyed in the fire.
“Your $40 million home is no different than my $2 million home,” Snowden told reporters. “Give us the ability to rebuild, restart our lives. If you can spend billions of dollars fighting a war, you can spend a billion dollars to help us get back where we were at.”
Shawn Brown, founder of Pasadena Rosebud Academy, lost her home and the public charter school she built to serve the community’s children. Brown is working to raise funds to rebuild the school while seeking temporary locations in local churches—though some churches, like Altadena Baptist Church, have also burned.
Only the bell tower remains at Altadena Baptist.
The Rev. George Van Alstine is helping church members navigate the challenges of insurance claims and federal aid. He fears the destruction will lead to gentrification, pushing out long-standing Black residents.
“We’re seeing families who may have to leave because rebuilding here will be too expensive,” he said. Brown urged her fellow Black homeowners to hold onto their properties despite developers’ offers. “Stand strong, rebuild, and continue the generational progress of African Americans,” she said. Widespread Loss and Displacement
The destruction in Altadena mirrors the broader devastation caused by the wildfires sweeping Los Angeles County. Across the region, more than 12,300 structures have been destroyed, and at least 24 lives have been lost. Economic losses are estimated between $250 billion and $275 billion, making this disaster one of the costliest in U.S. history.
Much of the media coverage has focused on celebrity mansions and wealthy neighborhoods, but Altadena’s plight highlights the profound impact on middle-class communities of color. Residents returned to find homes passed down through generations reduced to rubble.
Even the Mountain View Cemetery, where pioneering Black science fiction novelist Octavia E. Butler is buried, caught fire. Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower chillingly predicted wildfires caused by climate change, starting on February 1, 2025. Her legacy and connection to the community remain a stark reminder of the fragility of Altadena’s history. Mobilizing Support
The community and its allies have rallied to provide relief in response to the devastation. James Bryant, a partner at the Cochran Firm, organized a GoFundMe campaign with support from Ivie McNeil Wyatt Purcell and Diggs, the Prince Hall Masons, and community advocate Jasmyne Cannick. The campaign has raised nearly $100,000 to assist Black residents of Pasadena and Altadena.
“The loss of a home is about more than property. It’s the loss of memories, mementos, and generational pride,” Bryant said.
Another GoFundMe campaign created by Hopkins aims to help his mother and son rebuild their lives, covering temporary housing, medical supplies, clothing, and other necessities.
The Spill App has also compiled a comprehensive list of African American families and individuals affected by the fires, helping coordinate donations and relief efforts.
NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. has maintained close contact with NNPA-member newspapers and media companies in Southern California, including David Miller of Our Weekly, Kenneth Miller of Inglewood Today and Pluria Marshall of the Los Angeles Wave. Both Miller and Marshall confirmed their staff are safe but noted the community’s urgent need for support.
A Historic Challenge
The road to recovery remains daunting as the Eaton Fire continues to burn, with containment still at 0 percent. Fierce Santa Ana winds and dry conditions threaten to worsen the situation, while evacuation orders remain in effect for over 105,000 residents.
“This fire has changed our lives forever,” Hopkins wrote. “Your support means the world to us as we work to restore some sense of normalcy after this unimaginable loss.”
Chavis added: “The NNPA stands in solidarity with our member publishers in Los Angeles County and beyond. The devastating wildfires must be met with resolve, compassion and resiliency.”
Donations to Hopkins’ campaign can be made via GoFundMe. Supplies, including clothing, toiletries, and blankets, can be dropped off at Prince Hall, 9027 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA.
This Week In Black History A Courier Staple
• JANUARY 15
1908—Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black Greek letter sorority, is founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle of St. Louis, Mo. The sorority gradually branched out to other campuses and became one of the leading organizational vehicles for college-trained Black women to make their mark on American society.
1929—Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. , the man who was to become America’s greatest civil rights hero, was born on this day in 1929. Actually, his original given name was “Michael,” but it was later changed to Martin. He first rose to national prominence as the country’s premier civil rights leader when he successfully led the 1955-1956 Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott by Blacks angered by the arrest of Rosa Parks for her refusal to give up her seat on a city bus to a White man. In 1957, King was elected to head the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which became the leading organization of the civil rights era. Between 1957 and 1968, he traveled more than six million miles, gave more than 2,500 speeches, was arrested more than 20 times, and physically assaulted at least four times—all on behalf of civil rights for American Blacks. Perhaps his most famous speech was the “I Have A Dream” speech given before a crowd of 250,000 during the March on Washington Aug. 28, 1963. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and the nation now celebrates his birth as a national holiday on the third Monday of each January. But during his life, King also became the target of a massive FBI operation that some feel indirectly paved the way for his assassination in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968. During his “I Have A Dream” speech, King summarized the purpose of the march and the Civil Rights Movement: “But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we’ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.”
1961— One of the original super groups— The Supremes —signed with Black record company Motown on this day in 1961. The name was later changed to Diana Ross and the Supremes and the R&B singers rocketed to international fame.
• JANUARY 16
1901—Hiram R. Revels, the first African-American elected to the United States Senate , died on this day in Aberdeen, Miss. Revels, a politician, minister and educator was of Black and Cherokee descent.
1920—Zeta Phi Beta sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., by five socially conscious Black women. It became one of the nation’s leading Black sororities. It was founded as a sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
1950—Dancer-producer Debbie Allen is born on this day in Houston, Texas. She is perhaps best known for her work on the 1982 musical-drama television series “Fame,” where she portrayed dance teacher Lydia Grant, and served as the series’ principal choreographer. She is the younger sister of actress/director/ singer Phylicia Rashad.
• JANUARY 17
submissions
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The winner of the contest will be announced in February, and the sticker will be printed and given to voters in the upcoming Primary and General elections.
2025
1759—Paul Cuffee is born near Dartmouth, Mass. He was one of the most prominent Blacks of the 1700s. Born of a Black father and an Indian mother, Cuffee grew wealthy as a whaling captain, ship builder and merchant. He was an ardent fighter for Black rights and built the first integrated school in the state. But in his later years he became frustrated with the slow progress for Black freedom and began to support a program calling for free Blacks to return to Africa and build a nation of their own. He actually financed and helped a small group of Blacks establish a base in the West African nation of Sierra Leone in 1815. His program ended with his death in 1818.
1874—Armed and racist Whites violently seize control of the Texas state government, bringing an end to Reconstruction and to post-Civil War Black rights and gains in the state. Actually, when it became clear that President Andrew Johnson was a friend of the old South and had no intention of enforcing rights for Blacks, Texas-style armed revolts took place in several Southern states in which integrated gov -
ernments were violently and illegally driven from office.
1927—Multi-lingual singer, dancer and actress Eartha Kitt is born in a small plantation town called North, S.C. But when abandoned by her mother because her second husband did not want to raise a mixedrace child, she was raised by an aunt in New York City. Kitt became a star of stage and screen, including playing the role of Cat Woman in the Batman television series. The U.S. entertainment industry would not touch her for nearly 10 years after a 1968 White House luncheon during which she angered President Lyndon Johnson’s wife by criticizing the war in Vietnam. Kitt died in December 2008 at the age of 81.
1931—Stage and screen actor James Earl Jones is born on this day in Tate County, Miss. Ironically, you cannot tell from his deep baritone voice today that he had a stuttering problem as a child.
1942—Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is born on this day in Louisville, Ky.
• JANUARY 18
1856—Daniel Hale Williams is born in Hollidaysburg, Pa. He became a pioneering surgeon and is generally credited with performing the first open heart surgery. He was a strong advocate of the emerging antiseptic and sterilization procedures of his day. He believed that many patients died or became ill in the hospital because of a lack of cleanliness. Williams’ open heart surgery which occurred July 10, 1893 when he repaired a knife wound to the chest of James Cornish. The operation was a success and Cornish lived another 20 years.
• JANUARY 19
1918—The founder of Ebony and Jet magazines, John H. Johnson , is born on this day in Arkansas City, Ark. Shortly after the death of his father, Johnson’s mother moved the family to Chicago where Johnson attended high school during the day and read self-help books at night, laying the intellectual and motivational foundation for the eventual building of his publishing empire. Interestingly, among Johnson’s classmates at Chicago’s DuSable High School were Nate King Cole, Redd Foxx and future businessman, William Abernathy.
1944—Boxer Joe Frazier is born in Beauford, S.C. His fights with the legendary Muhammad Ali have become boxing classics. 1960—Basketball great Jacques Dominique Wilkins is born in Paris, France.
1971—The Congressional Black Caucus is first organized on this day in 1971.
• JANUARY 20
1900—Black North Carolina Congressman George H. White introduced legislation to make lynching any American a federal crime. But opponents allowed the bill to die in committee and it never came up for a vote. It is estimated that 105 Blacks were lynched that year.
1947—Josh Gibson , perhaps the most famous and outstanding athlete to play in the old Negro Baseball League, dies on this day in 1947. 1986—The first national holiday in honor of civil rights legend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated.
• JANUARY 21
1773—Poet Phyllis Wheatley, born in 1753, was freed on this day in 1773. Kidnapped in Africa and sold as a slave when she was only seven years old, Wheatley would become Black America’s first poet. She grew up in a prosperous Boston family that allowed her to learn to read. She not only mastered English but also excelled in Greek and Latin. Her first book of poetry received rave reviews in the United States and Europe.
1906—Pioneer Black aviator William Brown Chappell is born. 1941—Singer and political activist Richie Havens is born.
1942—Big Band leader Count Basie and his Orchestra recorded their famous “One O’clock Jump” for Okeh Records in New York City.
1950—R&B performer Billy Ocean is born.
1963—Former professional basketball great Hakeem Olajuwon is born in the West African nation of Nigeria.
1971—Twelve members of the Congressional Black Caucus boycotted President Richard Nixon’s State of the Union Address to protest his refusal to meet with them or address issues of concern to African Americans.
Amanda Neatrour running for City Council District 2
NEATROUR FROM A1
ty, especially on the West End. A 2019 New Pittsburgh Courier "Woman of Excellence," Neatrour was employed by the City of Pittsburgh from 2013-2017, in positions such as executive assistant to the chief diversity and inclusion officer, the (former mayor Bill) Peduto Administration, and served as diversity and inclusion coordinator in the human resources department.
From 2017 until 2021, Neatrour worked at Robert Morris University, eventually becoming the program director of the women's leadership and mentorship program, as well as director of the center for equity and professional development.
District 2, which encompasses the West End, Elliott, Banksville, Duquesne Heights and Mt. Washington, as well as Brunot Island and a portion of the North Side along the Ohio River, is seeing its longtime councilwoman, Theresa Kail-Smith, retire at the end of her term, which ends this year. Pittsburgh and City Council are used to Kail-Smith being a tough-minded individual who has no problem going her own way in thoughts and in votes. That means the District 2 representative, the next one, might want to have that same gravitas.
Married to Russell Neatrour and the mother to two children, Amanda Neatrour told the assembled crowd on Jan. 13 that she's been in "spaces and in rooms and at tables that other people who look like me, who have my experiences, don't ever get to be in, and with that comes a responsibility. It is ugly, and I am taking on a system and a machine that does not want to change."
Late last year, Neatrour was canvassing, knocking on doors on the other side of town to garner support for Democrats Bob Casey, Kamala Harris and Eugene DePasquale. One of those doors she knocked on was a Black elected official, whose name she kept to herself. He asked her, "Are you running?" She responded: "Well, I'm a mom, I'm a caregiver to my mother, I've got a business."
The elected official then said: "If you've got
AMANDA NEATROUR, a candidate for Pittsburgh City Council District 2, in blue, is surrounded by supporters at her kickoff campaign event, Jan. 13. (Photo by Chief Ikhana-Hal-Makina)
AMANDA NEATROUR
time to door knock for other people, you've got time to run for office."
The elected official added that "we need more young, Black people who are intelligent, who understand how it works, who have passion, who have energy. I expect to see your name on the ballot come May."
Neatrour obviously took those words to heart. It was the straw that broke the camel's back. It was time to officially make it happen.
If she wins the Democratic Primary on May 20, Neatrour would more than likely cruise to a November General Election victory. She said her first priority is to get permanent funding in the city budget for more youth development and programming. "If you're not supporting your youth, you're not supporting your community," she told supporters. "It's up to us to surround ourselves around them and give them what they need, and it shouldn't be dependent on just the goodwill of volunteers or whether
or not your councilperson cares."
Following Neatrour's 20-minute speech, supporters shook hands, hugged and conversed with whom they hope will be the next City Councilwoman for District 2. Neatrour, the Washington, D.C.-born, Baltimore-raised woman who is the reigning Miss Pennsylvania American, took questions from the audience as well. But Margaret Davis, Neatrour's neighbor in Sheraden, decided to make a statement instead.
"I've known Amanda for seven years," Davis, also a Black woman, said. "When she sets her mind to do something, she does it and she does it with passion. She is probably the most authentic person I know."
Davis, knowing all about Neatrour's vocal skills, added: "She has an amazing voice. She could be singing opera somewhere professionally, and this is what she chooses to do. She chooses to fight for us. She chooses to fight for our community."
“She chooses to fight for us. She chooses to fight for our community.” -
CardFest is a celebration of library cards and library resources designed especially for PPS students!
This card unlocks unlimited access to all of the Fine Free resources that the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has to offer!
• Books, magazines, movies and videogames
• eResources like digital eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines
• On demand tutoring, test prep, and homework help
• Vetted sources for reports, projects and assignments
Join the celebration! Because when students get excited about libraries and everything they can find there... they enter a world of unlimited learning.
FORMER PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCILMEMBER NATALIA RUDIAK PUTS A CITY OF PITTSBURGH LAPEL PIN ON CANDIDATE AMANDA NEATROUR.
PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE AMANDA NEATROUR SPEAKS WITH SUPPORTERS AT THE WIN CHAR COMMUNITY CENTER, JAN. 13. (PHOTOS BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA)
The Hon. Joseph K. Williams III
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the Hon. Joseph K. Williams III will receive the "Drum Major for Justice" award from the Allegheny County Bar Association's Homer S. Brown Division.
The ceremony will take place on Monday, Jan. 20, during the ACBA's 26th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast and Program.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, 271 Paulson Ave.
The Drum Major for Justice" award is presented to an individual who advances Dr. King's mission to "make justice, equality and opportunity a reality for all people," a release from ACBA said.
The Hon. Joseph K. Williams III retired in 2024 as a judge from the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. He served on the Court’s Criminal Division for nine years where he worked to eradicate caseload backlogs resulting in the County being awarded as the most efficient court in the Commonwealth. He then brought the same efficiency as a judge in the Orphans’ Court Division.
Prior to his judgeship, Judge Williams practiced law for 24 years, focusing on real estate development, international transactions, estates and trusts as well as criminal law. He has received numerous professional awards; was listed as one of the region’s top criminal defense attorneys in Pittsburgh Magazine, and was honored with the Spirit Award by the HSBD.
Judge Williams served
the Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board responsible for reviewing policies of the $80-million annual budget. Judge Williams’ efforts lead the reform of healthcare within the jail and more efficient adjudication. His work has resulted in a 20 percent
inmate population reduction, creating a $1.1 million monthly savings for the Allegheny County Jail budget during his term.
From 2001-04, he served as Secretary of the Allegheny County and City of Pittsburgh Sports and Exhibition Authority where
he drafted the definitive report on minority and women-owned business enterprise participation during the development of Heinz Field, PNC Park and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Williams’ work as a developer of historically
SUNSHINE
Notice is hereby given of the 2025 Pittsburgh Water Board Meetings. Meetings will begin at 10:00 AM EST and are made accessible using a hybrid format. Guests can attend in-person or attend virtually through the dedicated telephone conference line or Zoom link available on our website. Conference Call Number: 1-646-558-8656 Meeting/Webinar ID: 882-2660-3773 Website: pgh2o.com/board
significant properties ran parallel to his civic leadership and his law practice.
In 1991, he received the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Preservation Award for his restoration of the 1884 Queen Anne which housed his law offices.
A native of Manchester, Judge Williams earned a scholarship to attend Yale University for his junior and senior years of high school, then returned to Pittsburgh to earn an undergraduate degree in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University, and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pitt.
In 1985, he graduated from the Duquesne Kline School of Law. He is married to Darryl Ford Williams and had two sons, Eric and Joseph. The Allegheny County Bar Association will also present a "Legacy Award" to the POISE Foundation, led by Mark Lewis. For more than 40 years, the POISE Foundation has been making hundreds of grants to worthy organizations, providing thousands of scholarships to deserving Black students and acting as a philanthropic leader and resource in the Pittsburgh community.
19 Room: Highland 1 & 2 1200 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 For more information, visit: www.pgh2o.com/board
HON. JOSEPH K. WILLIAMS III
THE HON. JOSEPH K. WILLIAMS III
‘McKeesport HBCU VISION’ awards scholarships to college students
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Just like the Mighty Marching Panthers at Clark Atlanta University, alumna Denise Sinkler has stepped on the field with her new organization, “McKeesport HBCU VISION,” and everyone’s taking notice.
Born and rasied in McKeesport, Sinkler said the moment she stepped onto Clark Atlanta University’s campus, it “changed my life.”
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are not talked about enough in the Pittsburgh region, Sinkler told the New Pittsburgh Courier, so her new organization came onto the field; not with drums and dance moves, but with checks.
Five Black students, primarily McKeesport Area High School graduates, received book scholarships of $600 each in August 2024. They were: Kalea Armstrong (Morgan State University); Grace Walker (North Carolina A&T); Safiyah Allen-Crane (Clark Atlanta University); Raven Bivins (Jackson State University); and Miracle Kelly (Coppin State University).
And then on Dec. 28, 2024, Sinkler’s new organization gave out two more $600 book scholar-
ships, to Amyca Wilson (Central State University) and Nya O’Neal (Howard University).
Also at the event, Bivins won the McKeesport HBCU VISION award for community service and excellence in academics. The first Black nurse hired within the McKeesport Area School District, Joanne Rodgers, was also honored. She was hired by the school district in 1971.
Sinkler said that a Go Fund Me page she set up over the summer of 2024 netted $3,000 for the first five book scholarships. She was blown away by the community support.
“The second I stepped on campus, I was embraced, I was supported, I was able to see Black excellence on so many levels, and I just didn’t get that in Pittsburgh,”
Sinkler told the Courier, Jan. 13.
Sinkler will continue to award McKeesport-area high school graduates who want to further their education at an HBCU.
“Parents, find out more about HBCUS through any type of networking organization that you can here in Pittsburgh,” Sinkler said.
Sinkler added:
“HBCUs are worth the effort.”
ALINA BIVINS BROWN (MOTHER OF RAVEN BIVINS), NURSE JOANNE RODGERS, CHET THOMPSON, AND AWARDEE NYA O’NEAL.
AMYCA WILSON, RAVEN BIVINS, MIRACLE KELLY AND NYA O’NEAL, SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS THANKS TO NEW ORGANIZATION MCKEESPORT HBCU VISION, FOUNDED BY DENISE SINKLER, PICTURED AT BACK LEFT.
NYA O’NEAL, RIGHT, WITH HER MOTHER, REV. AISHA TATE.
RAVEN BIVINS, RIGHT, WITH DENISE SINKLER.
Martin Luther King Jr., union man
by Peter Cole Western Illinois University
If Martin Luther King Jr. still lived, he’d probably tell people to join unions.
King understood racial equality was inextricably linked to economics. He asked, “What good does it do to be able to eat at a lunch counter if you can’t buy a hamburger?”
Those disadvantages have persisted. Today, for instance, the wealth of the average White family is more than 20 times that of a Black one.
King’s solution was unionism.
Convergence of needs
In 1961, King spoke before the AFLCIO, the nation’s largest and most
“Negroes are almost entirely a working people. Our needs are identical with labor’s needs—decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
powerful labor organization, to explain why he felt unions were essential to civil rights progress.
“Negroes are almost entirely a working people,” he said. “Our needs are identical with labor’s needs—decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community.”
My new book, “Dockworker Power: Race and Activism in Durban and the San Francisco Bay Area,” chronicles King’s relationship with a labor union that was, perhaps, the most racially progressive in the country. That was Local 10 of the International Longshoremen’s and Warehousemen’s Union, or ILWU.
ILWU Local 10 represented workers who loaded and unloaded cargo from ships throughout San Francisco Bay’s waterfront. Its members’ commitment to racial equality may be as surprising as it is unknown.
In 1967, the year before his mur-
der, King visited ILWU Local 10 to see what interracial unionism looked like. King met with these unionists at their hall in a then-thriving, portside neighborhood—now a gentrified tourist area best known for Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39. While King knew about this union, ILWU history isn’t widely known off the waterfront.
Civil rights on the waterfront Dockworkers had suffered for de -
cades from a hiring system compared to a “slave auction.” Once hired, they routinely worked 24 to 36 hour shifts, experienced among the highest rates of injury and death of any job, and endured abusive bosses. And they did so for incredibly low wages.
In 1934, San Francisco longshoremen—who were non-union since employers had crushed their union in 1919—reorganized and led a coastwide “Big Strike.”
In the throes of the Great Depression, these increasingly militant and radicalized dockworkers walked off the job. After 83 days on strike, they won a huge victory: wage increases, a coast-wide contract and union-controlled hiring halls. Soon, these “wharf rats,” among the region’s poorest and most exploited workers, became “lords of the docks,” commanding the highest wages and best conditions of any blue-collar worker in the region.
At its inception, Local 10’s membership was 99 percent White. But Harry Bridges, the union’s charismatic leader, joined with fellow union radicals to commit to racial equality in its ranks. Originally from Australia, Bridges started working on the San Francisco waterfront in the early 1920s. It was during the Big Strike that he emerged as a leader.
Bridges coordinated during the strike with C.L. Dellums, the leading Black unionist in the Bay Area, and made sure the handful of Black dockworkers would not cross picket lines as replacement workers. Bridges promised they would get a fair deal in the new union. One of the union’s first moves after the strike was integrating work gangs that previously had been segregated.
Local 10 overcame pervasive discrimination
Cleophas Williams, a Black man originally from Arkansas, was among those who got into Local 10 in 1944. He belonged to a wave of African Americans who, due to the massive labor shortage caused by World War II, fled the racism and discriminatory laws of the Jim Crow South for better lives—and better jobs—outside of it. Hundreds of thousands of Blacks moved to the Bay Area, and tens of thousands found jobs in the booming shipbuilding industry.
Black workers in shipbuilding experienced pervasive discrimination. Employers shunted them off into less attractive jobs and paid them less. Similarly, the main shipbuilders’ union proved hostile to Black workers who, when allowed in, were placed in segregated locals. A few thousand Black men, including Williams, were hired as longshoremen during the war. He later recalled to historian Harvey Schwartz: “When I first came on the waterfront, many
SEE MLK A9
SPEAKING TO LOCAL 10—King speaks at Local 10 in San Francisco, September 1967.
(ILWU Archives, author provided)
Martin Luther King Jr., union
Black workers felt that Local 10 was a utopia.”
During the war, when White foremen and military officers hurled racist epithets at Black longshoremen, this union defended them. Black members received equal pay and were dispatched the same as all others.
For Williams, this union was a revelation. Literally the first White people he ever met who opposed White supremacy belonged to Local 10. These longshoremen were not simply anti-racists, they were communists and socialists.
Leftist unions like the ILWU embraced Black workers because, reflecting their ideology, they contended workers were stronger when united. They also knew that, countless times, employers had broken strikes and destroyed unions by playing workers of different ethnicities, genders, nationalities and races against each other. For instance, when 350,000 workers went out during the mammoth Steel Strike of 1919, employers brought in tens of thousands of African Americans to work as replace -
ally famous singer, actor and left-wing activist had several friends, fellow socialists, in Local
union member In 1967, King walked in Robeson’s footsteps when he was inducted
“I don’t feel like a stranger here in the midst of the ILWU. We have been strengthened and energized by the support you have given to our struggles. … We’ve learned from labor the meaning of power.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressing dockwokers
elected president of Local 10. By that year, roughly half of its members were African American.
King addressed these dockworkers, declaring, “I don’t feel like a stranger here in the midst of the ILWU. We have been strengthened and energized by the support you have given to our struggles. … We’ve learned from labor the meaning of power.”
Many years later, Williams discussed King’s speech with me: “He talked about the eco -
nomics of discrimination. … What he said is what Bridges had been saying all along,” about workers benefiting by attacking racism and forming interracial unions.
Eight months later, in Memphis to organize a union, King was assassinated.
The day after his death, longshoremen shut down the ports of San Francisco and Oakland, as they still do when one of their own dies on the job.
Nine ILWU members attended King’s funer-
tion under a Creative Commons license.)
ments.
Some Black dockworkers also were socialists. Paul Robeson, the glob -
into Local 10 as an honorary member, the same year Williams became the first Black person
10. Robeson was made an honorary ILWU member during WWII. Martin Luther King,
al in Atlanta, including Bridges and Williams, honoring the man who called unions “the first anti-poverty program.”
Peter Cole, Professor of History, Western Illinois University (This article is republished from The Conversa -
LINE—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the picket line at the Scripto plant in Atlanta, Ga., December, 1964. (AP)
Pittsburgh Public Schools’ bands are making a comeback 'One Band, One Sound' experience lit the flame
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parade in front of tens of thousands down Constitution Avenue.
And, as it turns out, that valiant act has lit a spark into marching bands throughout the city, and it has more parents thinking about marching band as an activity for their current or future high school students.
"It teaches you discipline," said Aisha Sharif-Lucas, the longtime band director for Pittsburgh Obama Academy, in East Liberty, about being in a band. Sharif-Lucas said marching band also teaches students collaboration, teamwork, musicianship and perseverance.
In a steady rain, the PPS students marched under the name, "One Band, One Sound," a collaborative effort between three bands that were combined —Obama, Brashear and Allderdice—to form the unified front that represented Pittsburgh and the school district.
Since that day, the band has performed at a number of events in Pittsburgh, including at HBCU events for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Pirates, and during a parade Downtown that brought light to children who are displaced.
The positive reaction that "One Band, One Sound" received from their performances has helped to breathe new life into the marching band programs at Westinghouse High School and Perry Traditional Academy. Sharif-Lucas told the New Pittsburgh Courier that Obama Academy and Perry teamed up to perform at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, since the "One Band, One Sound" performance in D.C. Melvin Hubbard El, a longtime community advocate and recently-re-
tired community liaison for Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, told the Courier that the National Memorial Day Parade committee contacted the city about having a band represent the city in the parade. El, who played in the Westinghouse marching band as a trumpeter between 1967-1969, contacted Sharif-Lucas about the possibility of combining some of the PPS bands. Sharif-Lucas, together with the band directors of Allderdice and Brashear, Brian Lee and Todd Bushyager, respectively, held about three practices together with all the students, and off they went to Washington, D.C. The City of Pittsburgh raised the funds for the students and chaperones to go, including hotel stay.
"It was hard to combine the different styles of marching bands and come out with a unified product," Sharif-Lucas told the Courier. "It was nice to have such a successful outcome presented to the world. It was on a world stage. We represented our district really well."
Sharif-Lucas recalled the days when PPS would have the All-City Marching Band competitions, or when combined bands were just referred to as the Pittsburgh All-City High Schools Marching Band. In fact, when the students went to D.C., the banner the students held had the "Pittsburgh AllCity High Schools Marching Band" plastered on it, along with the district logo. On the international television/Internet feed
when the band was showcased, the band played an uptempo version of "God Bless America."
Bands from Pittsburgh Public Schools have always played an important role in the city. In decades past, one couldn't go Downtown Pittsburgh and watch, say, the Labor Day Parade without seeing the bands from the likes of Schenley, Peabody and others. They were a driving force at football games, and the pride the band's musical power elicited was felt from the West End to the North Side, from the South Side to Homewood.
Those like Sharif-Lucas and El hope that PPS bands can get back to that level of the past, and they're both excited to see Westinghouse and Perry
making forward steps in their respective marching bands. Students in the district's bands are excited about where they'll play next, and most importantly, students are giving "marching band" as a whole, high marks. "Going to D.C. for these kids was a great experience," Sharif-Lucas said. "Because our bands are so small, they really didn't have an idea of what it's like to be in a real, functioning, large band comparable to the suburban schools. One Band, One Sound gave them that feeling that this is what a band is supposed to be."
“No man can serve TWO MASTERS: for either he will HATE the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will HOLD to the one, and DESPISE the other. YOU cannot serve GOD and MAMMON.”
- Matthew 6:24
REV. WALKER SAYS: MAMMON SIMPLY MEANS “Assets, cash, saving, investments, property and any and all possessions. The measure of what occupies our time, consumes our thoughts and have devotion to. I’ll wash my car but won’t attend WORSHIP SERVICE.
BANDS FROM A1
SOME OF THE “ONE BAND, ONE SOUND” MEMBERS. ALSO PICTURED ARE MELVIN HUBBARD EL (BLACK HAT, SUNGLASSES) AND OBAMA ACADEMY MARCHING BAND
DIRECTOR AISHA SHARIF-LUCAS (WEARING A ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC., SWEATER).
SHOWTIME—“ONE BAND, ONE SOUND” PERFORMS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Steelers decapitated in playoff loss to Baltimore, 28-14
Once again, dem-dere Steelers were forced to exit M&T Bank Stadium by the back alley exit after a dreadful 2024 wild card round spanking delivered by the B’more Ravens. The final score was 28-14, Jan. 11. The cause of the defeat cannot be attributed just to the offense, defense and special teams. This was a massacre, an inhumane destruction of a football team.
Let’s now sift through some of the postgame
rhetorical garbage that many of the "writers" left to fester in the kitchen overnight to smell up the house. There was an article posted on athlonsports. com: "George Pickens' Message After Postgame Controversy Turns Heads" was the headline. “With Pittsburgh's season over, the Steelers wide receiver was asked about his outlook on the team during the postgame press conference. While Pickens shared that he has 'seen signs of growth' from the offense, one exchange in particular made waves on social media. 'Does [the team's growth] make you optimistic going forward?' one reporter asked. 'Nah,' Pickens said in response."
The article rambled on: “Pickens' succinct message seemed to hint at his potential dissatisfaction with the Steelers. Such a stance would not be surprising given the Steelers star's off-field issues over
the years."
In my opinion, how can a one-word response, “nah,” be an indicator of trouble or issues that a young, talented receiver has endured over the past couple of years? These folks are USDA-certified imbeciles. Let’s begin with the offensive coaching strategy. Let’s hit rewind and review some of the past strategies and outcomes of the Pittsburgh Steelers' supposedly-highly-sought-after Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. This man has committed failure after failure after failure.
When the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans, 35-24, winning the AFC Championship on January 19, 2020, Arthur Smith was the offensive coordinator for a Titans team that featured running back Derrick Henry. During that AFC Championship loss, Henry had 19 carries for 69 yards. After that defeat, not many folks blamed Arthur Smith for his ineffective game plan. However, critics and a few pundits began to whisper that Derrick Henry may have lost a step or two. Fast forward to 2025. Derrick Henry appears to have regained a step or two because this is the same Derrick Henry that was ineffective when he was used as part of a failed strategy of a failed coach that mowed over the Steelers defense as if it were a brown water-starved lawn experiencing a drought.
Arthur Smith been unsuccessful as a two-time offensive coordinator and a one-time head coach. Noah Strackbein recently posted an article on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI. "Coaching Changes Coming For Steelers: Who’s
Gone?"
Strackbein wrote that:
"[Eddie] Faulker has done a great job developing runners in Pittsburgh since he arrived, and with Jaylen Warren's success as an undrafted free agent, he's got a proven track record. Still, Pittsburgh needs a dominant running game and will likely try to add a running back either through free agency or the NFL Draft to replace Najee Harris. With that new runner, they may look for a new position coach as well.”
Why should Eddie Faulkner be replaced? He can only coach and prepare the running backs to perform, he doesn’t call the plays. Just take a look at how he has developed undrafted free agent running back Jaylen Warren into a legitimate offensive threat, both running and receiving the football. Yet
Warren has been misused and barely acknowledged by Arthur Smith almost as if Warren had a confirmed case of leprosy or the bubonic plague. Instead, Smith chose the sloth-footed Najee Harris, the former #1 draft choice out of the University of Alabama. In the most recent playoff game, Najee Harris had 17 yards on 6 carries. That recent debacle/wild card game in Baltimore seemed to mirror the Titans versus Chiefs 2019 AFC Championship. Also, on more than one occasion, Jaylen Warren was denied playing time because Arthur Smith favored his "homeboy," a holdover from Smith’s failed tenure as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, running back/kick returner, Cordarelle Patterson. Was Jaylen Warren in Smith’s outhouse, doghouse or both? Were they even at
the same address?
As far as the Steelers defense was concerned, the "Big Nasty D" morphed into the "Big Patsy D." There were numerous occasions after the many three and outs by the Steelers offense that the D only had enough time to share the oxygen tanks for a few minutes before they were forced to “get back in there.”
Now this next scenario is cray cray. Ex-Dallas Cowboys head coach and current Fox Sports analyst Jimmy Johnson came up with this lunatic suggestion. He said, "Things are stale in Pittsburgh. Things are stale in Dallas. How about a coaching swap? Mike McCarthy is a Pittsburgh guy. Let him go to [the Steelers]. Let Mike Tomlin go to [the Cowboys]. Both franchises would be excited." First, it would take only 18 days,
not 18 years, for Mike Tomlin to be exiled to the "Platinum bathroom" (not the "golden throne room") of possibly the world’s greatest narcissist, (besides Donald Trump), Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. This would be the fastest and sneakiest way to finally exile Mike Tomlin from the NFL head coaching ranks for good.
“Both franchises would be excited.” Yeah right. The only ones that would be excited would be part of the “yinzer” fan base. The "yinzers" would instruct the Dallas fan base how to give credit to everyone else but Mike Tomlin for success in the Dallas market. However, there would be a guillotine sharpened and ready to go at the Alamo, to socially decapitate Mike Tomlin for any failures that the Cowboys would experience now or in the future.
Whose Steelers are these? Not my Steelers!
:10—They have to be your Steelers, because my Steelers...THE TEAM OF THE '70s DECADE AND WITHOUT QUESTION THE GREATEST FORCE THE NFL WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN...they didn’t back up, they put up; they didn’t question the rule, they set the
rule; they didn’t look for a way into the end zone, they paved a way, and lastly, they didn’t look to their coach (The Emperor Chuck Noll) for motivation, they brought the motivation with them!
:09—Of course I digress and I succumb to the memories, but at this
point what else can I do? And for those of you who lived it with me, you know that it still feels good. And here’s why! Four Super Bowls in 10 years! The first AFC team to win 10 division titles! Joe Greene recognized by many as THE GREATEST FOOTBALL PLAYER OF ALLTIME...no, not just on defense, but the greatest player! L.C. Greenwood— Dwight White—Ernie Holmes and Greene, voted greatest D-Line alltime—Andy Russell, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert... you already know! Terry Bradshaw, four Super Bowl rings and two MVPs! Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Bennie Cunningham, and Randy Grossman...you throw it, they catch it, period!
“Iron Mike” Webster, Larry Brown, John Kolb, Sam Davis, Gerry Mullins, and Ray Mansfield would still control the O-Line today... and they would be 75 years old!!! The G.O.A.T. Mel Blount, J. T. Thomas, Mike Wagner, “The Mis-
sile” aka Donnie Shell and Dwayne Woodruff, well, you try scoring on them... that’s what I thought! And last but certainly not least, the man who turned the Steelers into champions, the great Franco Harris, joined by the war veteran who never took no for an answer, Rocky Bleier, put all the icing on the cake! But that cake also included “Jefferson Street” Joe Gilliam, Roy Gerela, Frank Lewis and Glen Edwards, just to name a few!
:08—In his opening comments to his new team, Chuck Noll stated with a matter of fact...if you’re not good enough, you won’t be playing here next year!
:07—Mel “Super” Blount was so dominant the NFL had to change the defensive rules of the game.
:06—Say what you want about “Mean Joe Greene,”
but Dwight White will tell you that Ernie “Fats” Holmes was a tractor trailer in football spikes. :05—Terry Bradshaw not only had a rocket launcher for an arm, but showed up no matter what, and called his own plays. By the way, he was once quoted as saying, “If I had Joe Gilliam’s arm, there’s no telling how great I could have been!”
:04—Just in case you’re counting, the team of the decade placed 10 players in the Hall of Fame: Greene, Bradshaw, Blount, Ham, Harris, Swann, Lambert, Stallworth, Shell, and Webster. Speaking of which, the 1974 NFL Draft still remains the greatest ever, boasting of five H.O.F. players in one draft: Swann, Lambert, Stallworth, Webster, and Shell. :03—That team never needed discipline from the outside, it all came from within. Joe Greene, Mel Blount, Jack Lambert, Mike Webster, and Dwight White provided all the discipline needed. Discipline...aka, a closed door coming to a mutual understanding!!! :02—It cannot be overstated...and was best said by Joe Greene, “We never won before Franco and we didn’t win after Franco!” The owner of the greatest play in NFL history, The Immaculate Reception. :01—I hope you privileged fans enjoyed this walk down memory lane, and I know you feel better now than you did 10 minutes ago. And none of this would be special without the memory of the great Myron Cope and the presentation of the Terrible Towel, Yoi...Double Yoi ! :00—GAME OVER!
BALTIMORE’S LAMAR JACKSON WAS A PROBLEM FOR T.J. WATT AND THE STEELERS DEFENSE.
BALTIMORE’S DERRICK HENRY SCORES ON THE STEELERS, JAN. 11, AT M&T BANK STADIUM. (PHOTOS BY MARLON MARTIN)
The New Pittsburgh Courtier has learned that after a comprehensive national search, Professor and Vice Dean Jerry Dickinson has been named Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, effective Jan. 15. A Pittsburgh native, Dickinson has built a national, international and local reputation as a constitutional law scholar and civil rights lawyer. He has extensive litigation and transactional pro bono experience in civil rights and civil liberties.
Dickinson joined the Pitt Law faculty in 2017 and was appointed as vice dean in March 2023. His teaching and scholarship specialize in constitutional law, civil rights and civil liberties, judicial federalism, property, law and democracy, and race and the law. He has been published in the nation’s top law reviews and cited by U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 3rd and 6th Circuits, amicus briefs filed by members of Congress in federal courts, and in national and international news outlets.
Before joining the Pitt Law faculty, Dickinson practiced at Reed Smith LLP in Pittsburgh, where he founded and coordinated the Housing Rights Project, a pro bono initiative advocating for indigent tenants in eviction proceedings in Allegheny County. He also served as a law clerk for Theodore A. McKee, former chief judge of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.
Dickinson is also a former Fulbright scholar to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he studied comparative constitutional law and housing. There he worked as a human rights activist, representing squatters in eviction proceedings.
Dickinson holds a JD from Fordham University; a LLM from the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law in Johannesburg, South Africa; and an AB in political science and sociology from the College of the Holy Cross. “I deeply thank Mary Crossley for her exceptional service during her time as interim dean,” Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Joseph J. McCarthy said in an announcement. Crossley served as dean of the School of Law from 2005 to 2012 and agreed to serve once again in July 2023. “Her efforts on behalf of the school have been both highly effective and excellent.”
McCarthy also thanked the search committee—cochaired by Gene Anderson, Henry E. Haller Jr. Dean of the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration, and Carissa Slotterback, dean of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs—for their diligent efforts throughout the search process.
by Amaka Watson Houston Defender
Starting a new job is always exciting but can also be nerve-wracking. Whether stepping into a new office for the first time or joining a virtual team, the first few weeks can set the tone for your experience. You want to make a great impression, but that doesn’t mean you need to come in and change the world on day one. In fact, some of the best advice for a new job is knowing what not to do. Navigating the early days with caution, patience, and humility can go a long way in building a strong foundation for success. We all want to hit the ground running, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that could hinder your progress or relationships. The first few weeks are a time for observing, learning, and integrating into the company’s culture. Avoiding certain behaviors can establish credibility and build trust with your new team.
Here’s how to set yourself up for long-term success by avoiding these rookie mistakes.
Don’t Act Like You Know Everything It’s tempting to show off all your knowledge when starting a new job, especially if you’re eager to make an impact. But coming in hot
and acting like you know everything is a major turnoff for your new colleagues. Every company has its way of doing things, and even if you’ve done similar work before, there’s a lot to learn in your new role. Instead of immediately trying to impress everyone with your expertise, listen and absorb how things operate. Ask questions when unsure and be open to learning new approaches. Your willingness to listen and adapt will
Remember, your new team wants to help you succeed, but they can’t do that if you’re unwilling to learn.
Don’t Get Involved in Office Politics
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when starting a new job is diving into office gossip or politics too early. You’re still getting the lay of the land, and it’s important to stay neutral, at least in the beginning. Being involved in workplace drama can tarnish your rep-
We all want to hit the ground running, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that could hinder your progress or relationships. The first few weeks are a time for observing, learning, and integrating into the company’s culture.
speak volumes about your work ethic. It’s much better to be seen as someone who is teachable and humble rather than someone who thinks they know everything. Moreover, pretending to know everything can backfire if you make mistakes. It’s better to ask for clarification early on than to try to correct something after it’s gone wrong.
A good friend recently suggested I write an article on how to get back on track financially after the holidays. I responded, “Wow! That’s a great idea. I never thought of that.” Dumbfounded, my friend said, “All the financial writers are covering Christmas blues and holiday hangovers. I can’t believe you haven’t written about it.” As I began brainstorming how to help people bounce back financially after overspending during the holidays, I thought to myself, I help people get back on track and ahead financially every day—why would my advice be any different because it’s the holidays?
The Christmas Spending Trap
Every year, millions of people end up broke after Christmas. We all know Christmas falls on December 25 every year, yet many act as if it snuck up on them. Do people really believe time will stand still until they decide to plan for the holidays? Or do they rely on unrealistic hopes like winning the lottery, getting a surprised windfall, or some “Santa Claus” figure to save the day?
Being broke after Christmas is just a symptom of a larger issue. It’s a microcosm of things to come—unexpected expenses, emergencies, home maintenance, college costs, health care, and retirement. If you’re broke after Christmas, you’re likely going to be broke after retirement. I said what I said!
Holiday Spending by the Numbers
Let’s put holiday spending into perspective. According to the National Retail Federation (2024), the average household spends $875 during the holiday season. While that figure may vary depending on income levels, a significant portion of this spending is done on credit cards. A recent LendingTree survey (2023) found that 35 percent of Americans who use credit cards for holiday shopping still carry balances the following year. This means those holiday gifts are accruing interest long after the season has passed.
utation and make you seem untrustworthy or unprofessional.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
While you might be tempted to figure everything out independently, not asking questions early on is a mistake. Your new team understands that you’re in a learning phase and expect you to have questions. Trying to tough it out without asking for help can lead to unnecessary errors and delays, which could frustrate your colleagues.
Asking questions demonstrates that you’re engaged and committed to learning the right way to do things. It’s far better to clarify something upfront than to redo work later because of misunderstandings. Most importantly, asking questions helps build relationships with your coworkers—people appreciate when you seek their input and expertise.
Don’t worry about coming across as incompetent and needing clarification.
Instead, focus on building relationships based on respect and collaboration. You don’t have to align yourself with anyone’s “side” or get involved in pre-existing conflicts. Understanding the team dynamics before forming strong opinions about people or situations. Being diplomatic and staying above the fray will help you establish a positive image. People will see you as someone focused on work rather than who stirs drama or plays politics. In the long run, staying neutral will give you more room to navigate different personalities and team dynamics smoothly.
SEE MISTAKES B2
Bigger Expenses Are Coming
If $875 is enough to derail your finances, consider the much larger expenses that life will inevitably throw your way:
Emergencies
Let’s break it down: If you put $875 on a credit card with an average interest rate of 20 percent and only make the minimum payments, it could take over five years to pay off that balance— and you’d pay nearly $600 in interest. Is that new gadget or holiday feast worth it?
Is $875 such a large amount that you can’t save for it or pay cash? If you find yourself singing the Christmas blues over this amount, it’s a sign of deeper financial problems. And the truth is, much larger financial challenges lie ahead.
According to Bankrate’s 2024 survey, only 43 percent of Americans can cover a $1,000 emergency with savings. This means a car repair, medical bill, or other unexpected event could push more than half of Americans into debt. This is why financial experts recommend building an emergency fund with three to six months of living expenses. Start small—saving even $500 can help prevent financial disasters.
College Costs
The average annual cost of college tuition and fees is $10,940 for in-state public schools and $40,550 for private schools (College Board, 2024). These figures don’t even include room and board, books or other expenses. If you’re a parent, failing to plan for these costs could saddle your child—and yourself—with decades of student loan debt. Establishing a college savings fund, like a 529 Plan, can make a
significant difference.
Homeownership
Owning a home is often seen as a financial milestone, but it comes with hidden costs. Home maintenance alone can cost 1–4 percent of your home’s value annually (Zillow, 2024). On a $250,000 home, that’s $2,500–$10,000
JERRY DICKINSON
McDonald’s rolls back DEI practices
McDonald’s has joined a list of major companies that are rolling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments following the Supreme Court ending affirmative action in college admissions.
On Monday (January 6), McDonald’s announced that it was retiring specific goals for achieving diversity at senior leadership levels, per The Hill. The fast food chain is also ending a program that encourages suppliers to develop diversity training and increase diversity in leadership positions.
are from underrepresented groups, and it had reached gender pay equity at all levels.
The FAB 4O Under 40 Award celebrates local African American women and men who motivate and inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service. The selected honorees will join an exclusive society of professional women and men who have previously received this distinction.
1. The nominee must be a man or woman (Under 4O years of age) who resides in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
2. The nominee must be active in his or her career or profession. Career or profession is defined as paid employment in his or her field. Nominees must agree to have their photograph and biographical information published in the New Pittsburgh Courier
All nominees selected as a FAB 4O Under 40 will be featured in a 2025 edition of the New Pittsburgh Courier
3. Evaluations will be based on the quality of a nominee’s achievements rather than the quantity of information submitted.
4. Selections will be made by the New Pittsburgh Courier FAB 4O Under 4O Selection Committee based on the following criteria:
• Local African American executive or business owner
• Proven success in career/profession
• Positive role model
• Demonstrative community service Nomination deadline is Monday, February 10, 2025, by 4 p.m. To submit nominations, visit: www.newpittsburghcourier.com/fab40nominations
The move comes after McDonald’s announced in 2021 that executive bonuses would be tied to meeting DEI goals. The company had also launched an “Allyship through Accountability” policy, which aimed to fill 35 percent of U.S. leadership roles with underrepresented groups and 45 percent of leadership roles with women by 2025.
In a letter to its employees and franchises, McDonald’s executives noted that 30 percent of U.S. leaders
McDonald’s said it plans to continue reporting demographic data but will no longer engage in “external surveys.” The fastfood giant, which joins corporations like Walmart, John Deere, Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Ford that have rolled back its DEI policies, said the changes are due to a “shifting legal landscape.”
“McDonald’s position and our commitment to inclusion is steadfast. Since our
founding, we’ve prided ourselves on understanding that the foundation of our business is people,” the company said in a statement.
“We are proud of the work that we do at McDonald’s. We will continue to drive business results through all three legs of the McDonald’s stool, specifically with our people practices, by fueling economic impact and innovation through our robust supply chain and by building a franchisee pipeline that thrives in the communities we serve and fuels our growth.”
Avoid these rookie mistakes
It shows that you’re taking your new role seriously. Just be mindful of how and when you ask—try to find the right time and person to direct your questions to so you respect everyone’s time.
Don’t Overshare Personal Information
It’s natural to want to connect with your new colleagues on a personal level, but oversharing too soon can backfire. There’s a fine line between friendly conversation and revealing too much personal information early on. Remember, you’re still building professional relationships, and it’s best to keep things light and appropriate until you’ve gotten a feel for the office culture. Sharing too much too soon might make people uncomfortable or give the wrong
impression. Being friendly and approachable is important, but you don’t need to divulge your entire life story in the first week. Stick to more neutral topics, like hobbies or general interests, until you get to know people better. Keeping your personal life in check during those early weeks will also help you establish boundaries. This will allow you to create a professional image based on your work ethic and skills rather than having people judge you by personal anecdotes or opinions. Don’t Try to Change Everything Right Away You might see areas for improvement in your new company, but resist the urge to suggest major changes immediately. You’re still in the learning phase, and while fresh perspectives are
valuable, coming in with a long list of changes right off the bat can make you seem critical or disrespectful of the current systems in place. Before suggesting big changes, understand why things are done a certain way. Ask questions about processes and gather information. You’ll likely find that some methods exist for reasons that aren’t immediately obvious to newcomers.
Once you’ve spent some time in the role and developed a deeper understanding, your suggestions for improvement will be much more informed and appreciated. Change is important, but it’s most effective when introduced thoughtfully and with full knowledge.
Overspending: Living beyond your means and prioritizing wants over needs.
Undersaving: Failing to save for emergencies, retirement, or other goals. Poor Money Management: A lack of budgeting, tracking, and planning. No Financial Game Plan: Operating without clear goals or strategies. Addressing these issues requires both mindset shifts and practical action. Start by creating a budget, cutting unnecessary expenses, and automating savings for emergencies and long-term goals. Practical Steps to Avoid Holiday Debt Plan Ahead: Start saving for the holidays in January. Setting aside just $75 a month will give you $900 by December. Create a Holiday Bud-
get: Decide how much you’ll spend on gifts, food, and decorations, and stick to it. Use Cash or Debit Cards: Avoid using credit cards. If you pay the minimum payment, with interest you end up paying nearly two times the amount of the gift. Shop Smart: Take advantage of sales and discounts to stretch your dollars. Give Thoughtful, Not Expensive, Gifts: Homemade or personalized gifts often mean more than costly items. The Bigger Picture The holiday season often shines a spotlight on financial habits. It shows if you’ve been naughty or nice in regards to managing your money. If you find yourself in a cycle of overspending and undersaving, use this as a wake-
up call. Start small—build an emergency fund, save consistently, and educate yourself about personal finance. The habits you form today will determine your financial future. A New Year, A New You The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take control of your finances. If you need personalized help to create a financial plan, I’m here to serve. Be sure to follow me on Facebook where I share daily smart money moves. Also subscribe to my YouTube Channel where I produce videos delving into financial topics. Let’s make 2025 the year you break free from financial stress and build the life you deserve.
(Damon
MISTAKES FROM B1
DAMON CARR FROM B1
by Charlene Crowell
The year 2025 marks the nation’s 39th observance of a national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ironically, the still-beloved minister and martyr was only 39 years old age when an assassin’s bullet took his life on April 4, 1968. While many will rightly recall his valiant civil rights activism, his equally vigilant call for economic justice remains as urgent today as it was decades ago.
Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s fourth and final book was published in 1967 after a decade of activism that led to the enactment of federal laws on civil rights (1964), and voting rights (1965). Despite notable and significant victories, he wrote of the unfinished journey that America still faced and was morally-bound to pursue.
“There is nothing to prevent us from paying adequate wages to schoolteachers, social workers and other servants of the public to ensure that we have the best available personnel in these positions which are charged with the responsibility of guiding our future generations,” wrote Dr. King. “Let us be dissatisfied until America will no longer have high blood pressure of creeds and an anemia of deeds. Let us be dissatisfied until the tragic walls that separate the outer city of wealth and comfort from the inner city of poverty and despair shall be crushed by the battering rams of the fires of justice.”
Multiple and recent research reports highlight in precise terms many of the ways Black America remains economically shortchanged.
Across the country, local communities continue to struggle with the still-rising costs of housing and homelessness. In 2024, about 23 of every 10,000 people in the United States —experienced homelessness in an emergency shelter, safe haven, transitional housing program, or in unsheltered locations across the country, according to the most recent report by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). Further, although Blacks comprise just 12 percent of the nation’s population, and 21 percent of the country’s poor, we bear a disproportionate 32 percent of all people experiencing homelessness.
In times past, America’s homeless were frequently veterans. But in the past year, children under the age of 18 represented a 33 percent increase in homelessness, the single largest surge, while that of veterans dropped by eight percent, according to HUD.
“Sadly, we know exactly how we got here”, said Congresswoman Maxine Waters in reaction to the disturbing findings. “For decades, a lack of investment in affordable housing has forced countless families out of their homes and onto the streets. This is a crisis in every county and city across America, whether they be rural, urban, or suburban communities.”
For generations of Black Americans, higher education has long been viewed as a ladder away from poverty. But today, millions who dedicated time and energies in pursuit of higher education remain mired in unsustainable and long-term debt. Among Black college graduates, the detrimental effects of historic economic disparities are particularly severe for those who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“Paying from the Grave”: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Alumni and the Burden of Student Loan Debt, a 2022 report by the Center for Responsible Lending tracked nagging and extensive economic hardships borne from heavy student debt.
“Representing only 3 percent of the nation’s colleges and universities, HBCUs enroll 9 percent of all Black students and award 13 percent of all bachelor’s degrees earned by Black students,” states the report.
“HBCU graduates are more likely to use loans to pay for college and to borrow greater amounts than non-HBCU graduates,” the report continues. “Taking on a large debt at an early age impacts lifetime earnings and generational wealth by delaying or preventing the opportunity to buy a home, start a business, or invest in retirement, thereby widening the racial wealth gap.”
Unfortunately, Black America’s saga with student debt extends into the older years of many consumers, according to the New York Federal Reserve Bank. Its analysis of indebtedness by generation showed although borrowers ages 35 to 49 ($635 billion) and those ages 25 to 34 ($490 billion) held the highest debt in dollars, significant billion-dollar debt was still owed by borrowers ages 50 to 61 ($284.5 billion), and 62 and older ($116 billion).
This high level of debt that extends over multiple decades makes building wealth or some measure of financial stability that much harder for Black America. As this column recently reported, a report by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) detailed how owning a home—the nation’s most reliable building-block to wealth—shortchanges Black America yet again. In fact, the 400 wealthiest Americans control the same wealth as all 48 million Blacks. These and other contemporary economic challenges were prophetically championed by Dr. King.
“When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people the giant triplets of racism, economic exploitation and militarism are incapable of being conquered,” Dr. King foretold in a speech entitled, The Three Evils of Society. “A civilization can flounder as readily in the face of moral bankruptcy as it can through financial bankruptcy.”
In a few weeks, Congress must wrestle with both a recurring debt limit and budget priorities as authorization on each face a ticking time clock.
“Freedom is not won by a passive acceptance of suffering,” wrote Dr. King in his final book. “Freedom is won by a struggle against suffering. By this measure, Negroes have not yet paid the full price for freedom. And Whites have not yet faced the full cost of justice.” Amen, Dr. King.
The Essence of Class
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Just as we had seen during the campaign for election for President of the United States between Vice-President Honorable Kamala Harris and the convicted felon where there really was no competition between the 34-count convicted felon who got off punishment again by making a mockery of our so-called system of justice, we had already seen the difference between class and no class. Obviously, we saw the essence of class always shown by our Vice-President Hon. Kamala Harris. Trump’s behavior throughout the campaign was such an embarrassment that when he went to the microphone, we immediately had to hang our heads in shame about what he said or did. We’re still hanging our heads in shame for what a certain group of the American people did when they voted for him! Or did they? Our rules tell us we’re expected to accept the results of our elections, yet it’s hard to accept the Harris/Trump results, but we do it in disbelief because we had witnessed his sending a violent mob to the U.S. Capitol to interrupt the proceedings 4 years ago when his own Vice-President Mike Pence chose to do the right thing—not yielding to make Trump President when he had not won.
Because there is no evidence to the contrary, the Honorable Kamala Harris, did her job with class when she walked up to the podium and read the results she was given. She used
Dr.
no vulgarity, no hate, no name-calling, no lies. She was courteous when the Republicans applauded loudly before she could continue once she gave the Orange Man’s number of votes and they continued applauding before she read her own votes. She politely paused before continuing. She never called Trump or them filthy names. She never showed his minions any rude behavior—but did you see her courteously reach out her hand to shake the hand of Bruce Fischer, spouse of Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska? That showed another act of class by her, but not from him. She just walked away and continued the job she had come to the Capitol to do. I could only hope Senator Fischer had more class and made it a point to chastise her classless spouse when they got home.
January 6th will remain in our minds as we see Trump still threatening retribution for law-abiding citizens while offering to pardon perpetrators of the violence his associates reigned down on the people’s Capitol and law-abiding citizens.
Senators Marco Rubio, Mitch
McConnell and Lindsey Graham once said about the attacks on the Capitol, the police and the building itself, they were done with the criminals until Orange Man reigned them in and quickly showed them who the boss is, they closed their mouths never to tell the truth about the situation again.
On that awful day, Orange Man went out to speak to the perpetrators telling them, “Go home now. I love you” (or something like that.) The only bright spot on that fateful day was a welcomed, but totally unexpected day when former Vice-President, Mike Pence, refused to bow to the threats to hang him while the Orange Man kept urging them instead of quelling the violence.
Clearly, the threat didn’t end when the insurrectionists left the Capitol steps. Many of those who fueled Trump’s Big Lies have risen to positions of power as he returns to the White House. That’s scary! Please pray for our nation.
Let history show that Vice-President Harris has shown us the grace and dignity that caused Former President Jimmy Carter to be determined to live long enough after his dear wife left when he said, “I want to live long enough to vote for Kamala Harris.” I, too, am glad I was alive when our V.P. Harris showed the world what class is, as did President Jimmy Carter! (Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of the Dick Gregory Society.)
John. H. Sengstacke
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—It is official: 2024 was the hottest year on record. Temperatures not only surpassed 2023 as the previous hottest year, they leapt—for the first time—past the goal set in the Paris Climate Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Whether you turn on the TV to news of the most recent super storm or raging wildfire, or can see these disasters firsthand just by looking outside, the climate crisis is all around us. If there was ever a single worst time in history to undermine climate science and America’s climate leadership, it is right now. So it is an outrage that incoming President Donald Trump’s picks for key administration posts signal his intent to do just that. And the clear pro-fossil fuel, anti-science agenda extends beyond Trump’s picks for the positions most obviously related to climate policy. We know that nominations like fossil fuel industry shill Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and oil executive Christ Wright as head of the Department of Energy spell disaster for the lives and livelihoods, and health and wealth, of countless communities and working families. But those are not the only foxes in the henhouse.
Case in point: Russel Vought, Trump’s choice to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought is an architect of the notorious Project 2025—the authoritarian playbook for decimating democratic institutions and checks and balances to serve up an extreme far-right agenda. Vought authored a chapter on the Executive Office, outlining ways Trump could increase his power. As head of OMB, Vought would oversee the office tasked with overseeing “the implementation of the president’s vision across the Executive Branch.” It is an immensely powerful office with influence over a vast amount of the federal government. And Vought has climate policy squarely in his sights.
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—To those of us with a conscience, not ALL money is GOOD money. For example, the money made from selling dope would be considered BAD money for many of us. Obviously, there are those who see drugs money as GOOD money.
One’s conscience determines how one looks at the money.
Many of us have thought about how much money Primarily White Institutions, PWI, have made on the backs of Black athletes. Furthermore, we’ve seen time and time again how coaches would recruit our children and then abandon them for a better coaching job.
Fed up with the totality of colleges, on July 1, 2021, the NCAA introduced the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy. Oh, this wasn’t done in the name of fairness, lawsuits helped bring about this change.
In addition to NIL, players had the Transfer Portal which started on October 15, 2018. These two policy changes gave a sense of value to the Black athletes, which unapologetically is my focus here.
In 2024, Shedeur Sanders’ NIL deal was valued at $5.1 million. Heisman winner and teammate, Travis Hunter’s NIL deal was valued at $3.1 mil-
Vought has laid out his desire to attack civil servants who work to protect public health and address the climate crisis, saying, “When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains. We want their funding to be shut down so that the EPA can’t do all of the rules against our energy industry because they have no bandwidth financially to do so. We want to put them in trauma.”
In his Project 2025 chapter, Vought suggests efforts to address climate change are merely “social engineering” and promotes reshaping the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). Now, the sharp edge of this particular attack has become clear with reporting that Vought seeks to undermine the National Climate Assessment, which is produced by the USGCRP. The Assessment is the foundational report used by the federal government for policies addressing or related to climate change, the product of research by hundreds of scientists and a key to US climate leadership worldwide. Vought is calling for more White House control of the Assessment, and giving OMB a role in selecting the scientists who produce the report. Climate scientist and director of the Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media at the University of Pennsylvania Michael Mann told E&E News the goal of the incoming administration “is to undermine any policies aimed at accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.” Attacking the National Climate Assessment is a means to that end.
Americans’ health and economic wellbeing depend on not just continuing but speeding up our full transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, as well as addressing the climate crisis in other ways. Undermining the science that serves as the underpinning for all our efforts to tackle the climate crisis is nothing short of a crisis in its own right. This is Project 2025 in action.
On the campaign trail, Trump did all he could to distance himself from the people behind the abysmally unpopular Project 2025, saying he had “nothing to do with them” and had “no idea” who they were. Now, in addition to Vought, Trump plans to nominate Project 2025 contributors to powerful posts throughout his administration. Project 2025 also suggests dissolving the critically important National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), describing it as “one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry,” and “fully commercializing” the National Weather Service, which NOAA houses. These science agencies enable us to find effective approaches to curbing the climate disaster and warn people of dangerous weather events to come.
One week before Election Day, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs of California published a piece in Newsweek under the headline, “Project 2025 Is January 6’s Attempted Coup Dressed in a Nice Suit.” Project 2025 represents not only a coup against democracy and checks and balances, but against our government’s role in solving our nation’s problems and America’s leadership in solving the world’s – chief among them, the climate crisis. For the sake of a livable planet and all the communities that continue to be devastated by extreme climate-fueled weather events, the Senate should vote to reject the nominations of Russel Vought and any other contributor to Project 2025. (Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.)
lion.
Just when it looked like things were coming into balance between the NCAA, PWIs and Black athletes, the aforementioned decided they needed MORE money. The multibillion dollar TV deals, game tickets, parking, concessions, paraphernalia, etc. ain’t enough! The conscienceless NCAA and PWIs are positioning themselves for MORE.
How?
They are now upping their Pimpgame by courting private equity and venture capital investors. Simply put, these investors are gonna OWN a piece of these PWIs and make even MORE money!
Pick a school…University of Georgia, Alabama, UCLA, USC, name one, and private equity firms wanna own a piece of them. Yes, college football is following in the footsteps of the NFL, Major League Baseball & Major
League Soccer by allowing private equity firms to OWN a limited stake in their teams.
In case you ain’t considered this: Travis Hunter was the #1 high school football player in America, and on December 15, 2021, he signed with a HBCU, Jackson State University. Hunter became the first five star recruit evah to sign with a HBCU. I promise y’all this: private equity, NCAA and PWIs are gonna make sure that don’t happen again. Furthermore, look for them to ramp up their presence in our communities as they seek to recruit our children at the jr. high and high school levels.
I doubt very seriously these PWIs are teaching our athletes financial management, i.e., taxes owed on these NIL deals, let along Black History. I for one shall nevah be convinced these entities care about the education of our Black athletes. Because they don’t have a conscience in regards to our children, ALL this money is Good money and our children will become nothing more than commodities… again!
(Dr. Mack is former president of the
and
director of the
gineers.)
of
Every day should be MLK Day
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The Institute for Civility is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes civility in government, workplaces, and schools. Its definition of civility is “claiming and caring for one’s identity, needs, and beliefs without degrading someone else’s in the process.” It clearly defines the respect, politeness, tolerance, and courtesy we must have for one another.
As we enter a new year in 2025, we have already witnessed how our polarized society continues to find new ways to reject the tradition of civility. Following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, President Joe Biden announced immediately that all flags would be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds as well as all military posts, Naval stations, and Naval vessels. State flags would also be lowered. Under the U.S. flag code, private citizens and businesses are expected to follow the protocol of lowering to half-staff any U.S. flag displayed on a vertical pole. The order from President Biden, including the 30 days of mourning, is based on a proclamation issued by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954. The declaration is meant to be nonpartisan out of respect for the highest office in our government, regardless of the individual who occupies the office.
Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, will be a unique day where three men will be celebrated in different ways. Due to the mourning period for the late president, flags will still be at half-staff on Inauguration Day when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office. Jan. 20 is also the federal holiday recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In a social media post, Trump wrote that “because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half-mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out.” Trump, of course, was speaking for
David W. Marshall
himself and his MAGA supporters. As we have grown to understand, this type of response will be a regular occurrence during the Trump presidency; the disappointing remarks are degrading to Carter as a former president and his life’s humanitarian work. Trump’s words are hard to ignore and impossible to accept. His response is disrespectful and insulting to Carter, his family, and all Americans touched by Carter’s kindness and dignity. Trump is in the position to reset the moral tone of the nation when his energized and motivated supporters take his uncivil rhetoric and put it into uncivil action. Out of political allegiance to Trump, the Republican official overseeing Nassau County on New York’s Long Island refused to lower county flags in memory of the late president. Democratic county legislator Seth Koslow told CBS News New York that honoring a former president should transcend partisan politics, calling the decision an embarrassment to Nassau County. “Politics shouldn’t play into this right now. This should be about what’s right for a person who represented our country, who guided our country and then served our country when they were done as president, and it’s the right thing to do,” Koslow said. As people pushed back, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman eventually reversed his position by releasing a statement saying flags would be lowered at county-operated buildings while Carter lies in state through to his burial. That is only three days—from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9—without including the Jan. 20th Inauguration Day. Although the current proclamation is expected to remain in effect for its designated period, Trump will have the authority to adjust flag protocols upon taking office. As civility decreases, rudeness, arrogance, and disrespect will permanently take its place if we are not careful. Dr. Martin Luther King, like President Jimmy Carter, was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and was an agent of peace, equality, and racial reconciliation during a turbulent time in America’s history. We still need men and women to be similar advocates in 2025 and the future. They must push back and counter the agents of division and injustice who will be in various positions of power after Inauguration Day. While Jan. 20 will be a day of transition for political leadership, we cannot forget what Dr. King stood for and why it was important for every generation to learn and carry out his teachings. Therefore, every day needs to be a Martin Luther King Day of awareness, duty, and engagement.
Elected officials like Bruce Blakeman and their willingness to quickly dismiss normal civility for political purposes remind us why we must not forget Dr. King’s message and continue to carry it out. Every day should be MLK Day because business leaders from companies such as McDonald’s, Walmart, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson have succumbed to the backlash and retribution from conservative movements. Conservative efforts to discredit and end DEI efforts and programs are driven by the belief that only minorities benefit from those programs. Dr. King taught us that equality (racial, class, or gender) cannot be achieved without radical structural changes in our society. This is a daily fight that we are losing with setbacks in corporate America. According to research by the consulting firm McKinsey, White women hold nearly 19 percent of all C-suite positions, while racial and ethnic minority women only hold 4 percent. Overall, White women have benefited disproportionally from corporate DEI, and yet many of them continue to join the fight to end it.
(David
The Reconciled Body and is the author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.)
Confusing DEI with actual diversity
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was established in 1965 to eliminate job discrimination. Guaranteeing equal opportunity for historically discriminated-against groups became the nation’s top priority. The nation implemented affirmative action policies in the 1970s to rapidly diversify American workplaces. Affirmative action was used in the hiring process, but diversity training programs were required to ensure that American companies maximized the benefits of having a diverse workforce.
Dominique Hollis, who started a DEI consulting firm, explained that Ronald Reagan’s deregulation policies in the 1980s made it clear that corporations should address discrimination internally, and the federal push for diversity lost momentum. However, corporate America had already realized the importance of diversity by this point.
In the 1990s and 2000s, diversity specialists and consultants emerged to assist businesses in tailoring their diversity programs to meet their specific needs. Numerous studies, however, began to reveal that diversity training did not make individuals more tolerant, as many employees resented having to go through training unrelated to the job they were paid to do.
When Democrat Barack Obama became America’s first Black president in 2008, many people believed that the country had finally moved past its discriminatory past.
During the Obama administration, businesses began to question the true value of diversity training programs. As time passed, and American society became more diverse and integrated, it was inevitable that a generation would
J. Pharoah Doss Check It Out
emerge that was so accustomed to diverse settings that they did not require training to work well with people of different races, religions, and ethnicities.
Republican Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential victory was considered a setback to diversity advocates. This was because the media painted Trump as a White supremacist who would allow businesses to revert to discriminatory practices from the 1960s and 1970s. Even if the media’s inflated rhetoric had nothing to do with reality, diversity professionals felt compelled to respond to the perceived threat. Three letters suddenly replaced the term “diversity training” DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). Diversity training used to teach employees how to be sensitive to differences, but DEI surpassed these measures by promoting diversity in representation, providing equitable access to opportunities, and cultivating an inclusive environment in which everyone felt valued.
In 2020, a White Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd, an unarmed Black man. This sparked riots across the country, and 2020 became known as the “year of racial reckoning.” During this turbulent period, activist groups persuaded business leaders that America had returned to a state of inequal-
ity. Corporate America responded by launching new DEI programs. A LinkedIn analysis found that chief diversity and inclusion officers increased by 168.9 percent between 2019 and 2022. Following Trump’s reelection in 2024, numerous corporations eliminated their DEI initiatives. Activists feared these corporations were abandoning their commitment to diversity after Trump returned to office and vowed to boycott them. However, the activists confused a company’s DEI programs with its dedication to actual diversity, which are two different things.
A recent study helped to clarify the distinction.
Researchers from Rutgers’ Social Perception Lab and the Network Contagion Research Institute conducted a study to see whether the most brazen DEI training in the workplace increased empathy or hostility. The study concentrated on DEI training that included Robin DiAngelo’s radical whiteness theories, as described in her book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. The researchers discovered that these types of DEI initiatives primed employees to see discrimination where none existed. This would create more problems than it solved, so businesses are phasing out these types of DEI initiatives.
When activists call for a boycott of corporations that were eliminating DiAngelo-style DEI training because they incorrectly believe these companies are abandoning their commitment to diversity, they too are focusing on discrimination that does not exist. When DEI is mistaken for actual diversity, this error is bound to happen.
Trump is poised to launch an unprecedented attack on racial justice
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Every nation’s history includes unsettling truths that many would prefer to forget or deny. But true patriotism demands confronting the truths of our history—no matter how embarrassing or dishonorable—and undertaking the difficult work of learning from the lessons of our past in order to move forward. For the United States, that work requires reckoning with our shameful legacy of racial subjugation of Black people in this country—from slavery and Jim Crow to mass incarceration and police violence—as well as our long history of express discrimination against other people of color, women, and LGBTQ persons.
Without uninhibited discussion and examination of that legacy, we are ill-equipped as a nation to address its ongoing manifestations in present-day forms of discrimination and bias.” — National Urban League v. Trump
At the current rate of progress, it will take between 100 and 300 years for Black Americans to achieve parity with White Americans.
First annually and now biannually, the National Urban League publishes the Equality Index, a calculation of the social and economic status of African Americans relative to Whites. Rooted in the Three-Fifths Compromise of 1787, which counted enslaved African Americans as “threefifths” of a person, the Index would be 100 percent under full equality. Currently 75.7 percent, the Index has moved less than 3 percent in 20 years, indicating a 180 year wait to achieve parity.
That squares with the findings of a McKinsey study showing it will take between 110 and 320 years at for
“Black Americans to reach a level of economic prosperity and quality of life that’s on par with that of their White neighbors.”
President-elect Donald Trump and his allies are determined to make sure that it takes even longer.
At the end of his first term, Trump issued an executive order banning policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients. The National Urban League immediately filed a lawsuit; Trump lost reelection and President Biden overturned it immediately upon taking office. This time around, Trump isn’t waiting to start stamping out racial justice initiatives. He’s vowed to rescind President Biden’s Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity, issued on his first day in office.
Seizing on the widely-accepted myth that increasing diversity is synonymous with “anti-White discrimination,” the Trump administration plans to use civil rights laws to reinforce White privilege in every facet of society, public and private. Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary has promoted the racist fallacy that the long-overdue elevation of Black officers to senior leadership positions compromises military readiness.
In fact, Trump’s proposed cabinet includes only one Black member, a former NFL player whose only qualification to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development is his history of opposing affordable housing, protection for poor tenants, and aid for the homeless.
Trump will eliminate federal funding for any school that promotes racial equity or confronts the reality of racism in the nation’s history. He has even vowed to direct the Department of Justice to pursue federal “civil rights cases” against them.
He plans to resurrect the failed 1776 Commission, which historians reviled as a plot to “elevate ignorance about the past to a civic virtue.
Hoping to avoid attacks from the incoming administration and its most fanatical defenders. many private corporations are retreating from their commitment to DEI. The board of Costco, in contrast, recently rejected an anti-DEI shareholder proposal. While post-election surveys show that Trumps’ election was largely a misguided reaction to the cost of groceries, Trump and his allies have taken it as an endorsement of their every vicious and bigoted policies. Americans overwhelmingly support corporate diversity policies. President Biden’s administration — like most diverse institutions, was more innovative, adaptable, resilient, and able to solve problems more quickly because of its diversity. If the incoming administration doesn’t realize the benefits of DEI early on, the National Urban League and our civil rights allies are on hand to hold it to account.
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) celebrated a historic milestone with its largest membership ever, as 62 Black lawmakers were sworn in ahead of the 119th United States Congress. Among them were groundbreaking figures, including two Black women Senators and two Black U.S. House members from Alabama serving simultaneously for the first time.
Democrats Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware made history as the first two Black women to serve together in the U.S. Senate. Their elections were met with enthusiasm and optimism, signaling progress in representation.
“I am honored to serve the people of Maryland and am ready to get to work,” Alsobrooks shared, while Blunt Rochester expressed her excitement, saying, “Let’s get to work.” Both Senators took their oaths of office from Vice President Kamala Harris.
The CBC also celebrated the historic election of Shomari Figures, who joins incumbent Rep. Terri Sewell as Alabama’s two Black U.S. House members. Figures represent Alabama’s newly created 2nd Congressional District, which emerged following a landmark 2022 federal court ruling mandating a second “opportunity district” for Black voters. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld
the decision in 2023, paving the way for greater representation in the state.
Established in 1971 with just 13 members, the CBC has grown significantly and now includes seasoned leaders such as Rep. Alma Adams of North Carolina, serving her sixth term, and notable newcomers like Janelle Bynum, Oregon’s first Black member of Congress. The swearing-in ceremony, held at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., was attended by family members, supporters, and prominent figures, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, New York Attorney General Tish James, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
While the CBC remains nonpartisan, its Democratic members reaffirmed their dedication to advancing policies that protect the rights and opportunities of Black Americans. “We renew our pledge to fight racism where it exists, to weed out inequities in health care, the
criminal justice system, education, voter access, and so many other areas,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. Notably absent from the ceremony were the five Black Republican members of Congress—Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida, Wesley Hunt of Texas, John James of Michigan, and Burgess Owens of Utah. As supporters of President-elect Donald Trump, they have pledged allegiance to his future policies, diverging from the CBC’s priorities. Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland expressed concerns about potential abuses of power under the incoming administration, particularly within the Department of Justice. “Protecting the rule of law is what we’ve got to make sure happens now and going forward,” he said. Ivey also voiced optimism about future elections, declaring, “A setback is a setup for a comeback.”
Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, spoke fervently about the CBC’s advocacy despite the hostile political climate the upcoming administration has wrought. “If your plan is to administer solely to your MAGA base, we will lead the resistance,” he said. (Stacy M. Brown is NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent)
Commentary
Marc H. Morial
M. Brown
ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
JANUARY 15-21, 2025
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
CONDITIONS OF SALE
Effective with the August 3, 2020, Sheriff Sale of real estate and all such monthly public sales thereafter shall be conducted virtually through video conferencing technology or live streaming. ALL PARTICIPANTS OR BIDDERS MUST BE REGISTERED AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE SALE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE (VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON) AT THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SALES OF REAL ESTATE. REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S WEBSITE: SHERIFFALLEGHENYCOUNTY.COM
The Successful bidder will pay full amount of bid in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK OR CASHIERS CHECK at time of sale, otherwise the property will be resold at the next regular Sheriffs Sale; provided, that if the sale is made on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025 the bidder may pay ten percent of purchasing price but not less than 75.00 in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIERS CHECK THE DAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SALE, e.g. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:30AM AND 2:30PM IN THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. Failure to pay the 10% deposit will have you banned from future Sheriff Sales. And the balance in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIERS CHECK, on or before MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025, at 10:00 O’CLOCK A.M. The property will be resold at the next regular Sheriff’s Sale if the balance is not paid, and in such case all money’s paid in at the original sale shall be applied to any deficiency in the price of which property is resold, and provided further that if the successful bidder is the plaintiff in the execution the bidder shall pay full amount of bid ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH, OTHERWISE WRIT WILL BE RETURNED AND MARKED “REAL ESTATE UNSOLD” and all monies advanced by plaintiff will be applied as required by COMMON PLEAS COURT RULE 3129.2 (1) (a).
FORFEITED SALES WILL BE POSTED IN THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND LISTED ON THE SHERIFF OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY WEB SITE.
AMENDMENT OF THE CODE SECOND CLASS COUNTY NEW CHAPTER 475 THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 475, ENTITLED TAXATION IS HEREBY AMENDED THROUGH THE CREATION ARTICLE XII, ENTITLED, “SHERIFF SALES”, AND COMPRISED AS FOLLOWS: SUBSECTION 475-60: RECORDING OF DEEDS AND NOTIFICATION OF SHERIFFS SALES TO TAXING BODIES.
A. FOR ANY REAL PROPERTY OFFERED AT SHERIFFS SALE DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES AND PURCHASED BY A THIRD PARTY THROUGH SUCH SALE, THE SHERIFF SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FILING THE DEED AND, WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF FILING OF THE SHERIFFS DEED, PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE CONVEYANCE TO THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY OFFICE OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS. THE WRITTEN NOTICE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION SHALL INCLUDE THE DATE OF THE SALE, IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY SOLD BY BOTH ADDRESS AND LOT AND BLOCK NUMBER, AND THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INDIVIDUALS OR OTHER ENTITY THAT PURCHASED THE PROPERTY.
B. AT THE TIME OF THE SALE THE SHERIFF SHALL COLLECT ALL REQUISITE FILING COSTS, REALTY TRANSFER TAXES AND FEES, NECESSARY TO PROPERLY RECORD THE DEED. C. WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTICE FROM THE SHERIFF, THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY OFFICE OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS SHALL FORWARD COPIES OF SUCH NOTICE TO ALL TAXING BODIES LEVYING REAL ESTATE TAXES ON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE MUNICIPALITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT WHERE THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED. AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 14 OF ACT NO. 77 OF 1986, THE COST OF ALL DOCUMENTARY STAMPS FOR REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAXES (STATE, LOCAL, AND SCHOOL) WILL BE DEDUCTED BY THE SHERIFF FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE. Purchasers must pay the necessary recording fees. Pursuant to Rule 3136 P.R.C.P. NOTICE is hereby given that a schedule of distribution will be filed by the Sheriff not later than 30 days from date of sale and that distribution will be made in accordance with the schedule unless exceptions are filed thereto within 10 days thereafter. No further notice of the filing of the schedule of distribution will be given.
A Land Bank formed under 68 Pa. C.S.A. 2101 et seq. may exercise its right to bid pursuant to 68 Pa. C.S.A. 2117(d) (2) through Pa. C.S.A. 2117(d) (4) on certain properties listed for sale under the municipal claims and Tax Lien Law, 53 P.S. 7101 et seq. The Sheriff of Allegheny County will honor the terms of payment which the Land Bank has entered with any municipalities having a claim against the property. If the Land Bank tenders a bid under Pa. C.S.A. 2117(d)(3) or 2117(d)(4) the property will not be offered for sale to others and the Property will be considered sold to the Land Bank for the Upset Price as defined in P.S.7279 and no other bids will be accepted.
NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT ALL SHERIFFS DEEDS TENDERED TO PURCHASERS WILL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING:
NOTICE: The undersigned, as evidenced by the signature(s) to this notice and the acceptance and recording of this deed, (is/are) fully cognizant of the fact that the undersigned may not be obtaining the right of protection against subsidence, as to the property herein conveyed, resulting from coal mining operations and that the purchased property, herein conveyed, may be protected from damage due to mine subsidence by a private contract with the owners of the economic interest in the coal. This notice is inserted herein to comply with the Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act of 1966. as amended 1980. Oct. 10, P.L 874, No. 156 §1.
“This document may not sell, convey, transfer, include, or insure the title to the coal and right of support underneath the surface land described or referred to herein and the owner or owners of such coal may have the complete legal right to remove all of such coal, and in that connection damage may result to the surface of the land, any house, building or other structure on or in such land.”
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PLAINTIFF(S): EAST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT vs DEFENDANT(S): LANDIS PROPERTY INVESTMENTS, LLC ******************** CASE NO. GD-23-014694
DEBT $ 20,142.32
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 724-978-0333
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF WILMERDING: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 334 WOOD STREET, WILMERDING, PA 15148. DEED BOOK 16135, PAGE 256. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 546-G-162
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PLAINTIFF(S): MCKEESPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CITY OF MCKEESPORT vs DEFENDANT(S): LAWRENCE YEARWOOD AND JOHN OLOWU CASE NO. GD-23-000522 ************ DEBT $19,472.68 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642 ************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 724-978-0333
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, CITY OF MCKEESPORT:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 611 SHAW AVENUE, MCKEESPORT, PA 15132. DEED BOOK 18437, PAGE 576. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 307-K-133.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
3FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): DUQUESNE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT vs DEFENDANT(S): CHARLES CHAMBERS
CASE NO. GD-22-012521
************ DEBT $7,612.21
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642
**************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 724-978-0333 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, CITY OF DUQUESNE:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1019 KENNEDY AVENUE, DUQUESNE, PA 15110. DEED BOOK 12370, PAGE 282. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 305-L-270
4FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): CARL L. HANFORD AND DEBBIE L. HANFORD aka DEBBIE L. THOMPSON
********************
CASE NO. GD-23-012483
************ DEBT $289,489.50
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Gary W. Darr, Esquire McGrath McCall, P.C. **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): Four Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 444 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412-281-4333
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Jefferson Hills:
PARCEL #1: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COMMERCIAL BUILDING KNOWN AS 1501 STATE ROUTE 51, CLAIRTON, PA 15025, DEED BOOK VOLUME 13413, PAGE 486, BLOCK & LOT NO. 766-L-200.
PARCEL#2: BEING VACANT LAND KNOWN AS WRAY LARGE ROAD, CLAIRTON, PA 15025, DEED BOOK VOLUME 13413, PAGE 486, BLOCK & LOT NO. 766-L-259.
6FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): 4th Quarter Realty Group, Inc.
********************
CASE NO. MG-23-000702
DEBT $156,518.55
********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Ian Yorke, Esq.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden City, NY 11530
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, and 31st Ward of the City of Pittsburgh:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1126 MIFFLIN ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15207. DEED BOOK VOLUME 18035, PAGE 202. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER: 0185-D00314-0000-00.
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DEFENDANT(S): Richard C. Zupanc and Gloria P. Kennedy
********************
CASE NO. MG-22-000931
************ DEBT $776,116.40
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Ian Yorke, Esq.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden City, NY 11530
**************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (212) 471-5100
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, and Township of Marshall:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 102 GREENBRIAR DRIVE, WEXFORD, PA 15090, DEED BOOK VOLUME 12202, PAGE 530. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1822-F-000070000-00
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DEFENDANT(S): JOHNATHON JONES AND SALINA BOWSER ********************
CASE NO. MG-24-000619
************ DEBT $91,202.99
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHELSEA A. NIXON, ESQUIRE **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC 216 HADDON AVENUE, SUITE 201 WESTMONT, NJ 08108
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (856) 858-7080
SHORT DESCRIPTION: IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 889 JOAN DRIVE, NORTH VERSAILLES, PENNSYLVANIA 15137. DEED BOOK VOLUME 17367, PAGE 515. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0548-M-00115-0000-00.
4
6 3 8 2 0 9 5 4
Public Notice
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DEFENDANT(S): TRACY M. HILL, KEVIN R. HILL ******************** CASE NO. MG-24-000458
DEBT $45,732.81
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 **************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ******************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF ELIZABETH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 212 SHAFFER AVENUE, ELIZABETH, PA 15037. DEED BOOK 10520, PAGE 127. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1132-K-56.
10FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Peter Beccard ******************** CASE NO. MG-23-000372 DEBT $9,914.90
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): The Law Office of Gregory Javardian, LLC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 1310 Industrial Boulevard, 1st Floor, Suite 101, Southampton, PA 18966 **************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 215-942-9690 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 9th Ward, City of Pittsburgh: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING MUNICIPALLY KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 4210 MILGATE STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15224. DEED BOOK VOLUME 17611, PAGE 182. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER. 49-M-311.
14FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): Woodland Hills School District VS. DEFENDANT(S): Joseph Michael Senoski CASE NO.: GD 18-014660
DEBT: $16,503.04
********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
**************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Wilkins:
Having erected thereon a two-story frame house being known as 204 Churchill Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145. Deed Book Volume 10377, Page 274, Block & Lot No. 454-B-152.
15FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS.
DEFENDANT(S): Michael A. Persia ******************** CASE NO.: GD 23-007216
DEBT: $2,972.84
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 ********************************
16FEB25 PLAINTIFF(S): Woodland Hills School District VS. DEFENDANT(S): Need A Haul
Public Notice
525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Harri-
29FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): CoW1ty of Allegheny, City of Pittsburgh, and School District of Pittsburgh VS.
of
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 **************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of PittsburghWard 25.
Being thereon vacant residential land known as Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Deed Book Volume 5412, Page 31. Block& Lot No. 23-E-375.
30FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT(S): Dorea J. Dempe Hill & James Pounds CASE NO.: GD 17-005264 ************ DEBT: $5,895.01 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of North Fayette:
Having erected thereon a one-story frame house being known as 7998 Noblestown Road, McDonald, PA 15057. Deed Book Volume 15675, Page 202. Block & Lot No. 683-F-2.
32FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS.
DEFENDANT(S): Julian Thomas & Stephanie Thomas
CASE NO.: GD 23-006967
DEBT: $4,953.85 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of McKeesportWard 12:
Having erected thereon a one-story brick industrial building being known as 528 Eden Park Boulevard,McKeesport, PA 15132. Deed Book Volume 18589, Page 20. Block & Lot No. 464-S-191.
33FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): Township of Reserve VS.
DEFENDANT(S): Lori E. Jockel
CASE NO.: GD 24-001854 ************ DEBT: $3,168.16 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Reserve:
Having erected thereon a one-story frame house being known as 1709 Luty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Deed Book Volume 11046, Page 213. Block & Lot No. 47-H301.
34FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Scott Ross II and Brandi T. Daugherty ******************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000287 DEBT: $97,219.94 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Powers Kirn, LLC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): Eight Neshaminy Interplex, Suite 215, Trevose, PA 19053 **************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, First Ward of the Borough of Carnegie:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 18 Watson Street, Carnegie, Pennsylvania 15106. Deed Book Volume 16064, Page 487, Block and Lot Number 104-R-l 72.
35FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): David K. Walker and Sharon A. Walker ******************** CASE NO.: MG-17-001671
DEBT: $133,516.47
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stem & Eisenberg, PC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and the 27th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1156 Pemberton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Deed Book Volume 12378, Page 57, 2005-7645. Block and Lot Number 115-N-218.
SONNY BOY
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36FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Susan E. McCandless
CASE NO. MG-24-000127
************ DEBT: $84,993.40
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stem & Eisenberg, PC
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976
**************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and 29th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 111 Merritt Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15227. Deed Book Volume 12364. Block and Lot Number 0137-A0232.
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DEFENDANT(S): Jerry J. Jones and Kasey Amanda Jones
CASE NO. GD-24-009721
************ DEBT: $70,501.12 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Benjamin Hoen, Esquire
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 5990 West Creek Road, Suite 200, Independence, OH 44131
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 216-739-5100
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
ALL THE RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST AND CLAIM OF JERRY J. JONES AND KASEY
AMANDA JONES OF, IN AND TO ALL THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE: SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, CO1\1MONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 419 WEST CARTER DRIVE, NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137. DESCRIBED AT DEED BOOK 16362, PAGE 360, PARCEL NUMBER 0376-P00326-0000-00..
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PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny vs. DEFENDANT(S): Catherine A. King, With Notice to Heirs and Assigns
******************** CASE NO. GD 22-007532
************ DEBT: $2,866.84
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S):
525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
**************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
********************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of South Park: Having erected thereon a one story brick house, known as 977 Holly Lynne Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Deed Book Volume 14286, Page 363. Block & Lot No. 473-A80.
39FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): Hampton Township School District vs.
DEFENDANT(S): Virginia A. Hansel, With Notice to Heirs and Assigns
CASE NO. GD 23-006889
************ DEBT: $4,613.41
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Hampton:
Having erected thereon a one and a half story frame house being known as 4978 South Pioneer Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Deed Book Volume 4988, Page 117, Block & Lot No. 1212-E-245.
PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Dormont vs. DEFENDANT(S): Thomas W. Dickey, Executor of the Estate of Patricia J. Hoffman, Deceased
CASE NO. GD 24-000479
************ DEBT: $4,129.57
********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Dormont:
Having erected thereon a one-story brick house being known as 1100 Tennessee Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Deed Book Volume 8601, Page 539. Block & Lot No. 97-E-156.
41FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Miriam Page and Todd Lind, ******************** CASE NO. MG-24-000679
************ DEBT: $135,148.75
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire, ********************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Baldwin: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 4917 EAST WILLOCK ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15227. DBV 17572, PG 25, 8/L #246-J-34.
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DEFENDANT(S): JOHN DESABATO AND GIOIA MANGIS KNOWN HEIRS AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EDWARD P. DESABA TO, JR., ********************
CASE NO. MG-24-000390
************
DEBT: $18,681.35
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Michelle Pierro, Esq. (PA ID No. 317454)
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): Tucker Arensberg, P.C. 1500 One PPG Place Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 566-1212
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 30TH Ward - City of Pittsburgh: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS: 230 MCKINLEY STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15210. DEED BOOK VOLUME 5796, PAGE 709 Block / Lot# 33-K-149
43FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Michael Spargal
CASE NO. MG-24-000387
************ DEBT: $67,182.33
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): MDK Legal
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): P. 0. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 614-220-5611
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Liberty: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 2708 E Street, McKeesport, PA 15133. Document Number 2010-20872, Deed Book Volume 14342, Page 260. Block and Lot Number 0465-R-00309-0000-00.
44FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Edward Nathan Gray CASE NO. MG-24-000615
************ DEBT: $114,188.15 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): MDK Legal **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): P. 0. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 614-220-5611
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Wall: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 533 Ross Street, Wall, PA 15148. Document Number 202220655, Deed Book Volume 18960, Page 381. Block and Lot Number 0643-D-002700000-00.
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PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT(S): J. Elks, Inc. ******************** CASE NO. GD 19-015552
CASE NO. GD 24-007486
DEBT: $7,368.86 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412.594.3902
SHORT DESCRIPTION: IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, MUNICIPALITY OF MT. LEBANON: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 912 BOWER HILL ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15243, DEED BOOK VOLUME 7069, PAGE 343, AND DEED BOOK VOLUME 17790, PAGE 113, BLOCK AND LOT 142-J-202.
48FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Denise Williams CASE NO. MG-24-000715
ADAM BRENT KAUER AND JULIE PAIGE CALDWELL CASE NO. MG-24-000651 DEBT: $178,807.52
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHELSEA A. NIXON, ESQUIRE
DEFENDANT(S): Scottsdale REI LLC
54FEB25
CASE NO. GD-23-010279
DEBT: $242,958.01 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): PADGETT LAW GROUP **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 700 Darby Road, Suite 100 Havertown, PA 19083
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 850-422-2520 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:
ALL THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL
ESTATE SITUATED IN ROSS TOWNSHIP, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 74 UNION AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15202. DEED BOOK VOLUME DE 18714, PAGE 125, INSTRUMENT NUMBER 2021-42072. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 215-K-300.
55FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Curtis Barrett, individually and d/b/a CB Fixit and CB Fixit, Inc.,
CASE NO. AR-24-004277
************ DEBT: $44,312.39 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Alexander C. Herron, Esquire, **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 **************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Wilkinsburg: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2326 MCNARY BOULEVARD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK VOLUME 19579, PAGE 486, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 297-G-105.
56FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): SARAH WILLIAMS ******************** CASE NO. MG-23-000432 ************ DEBT: $498,333.42
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 **************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ******************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 17TH WARD CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNO”WN AND Nillv1BERED AS 1802 HARCUM WAY, PITTSBURGH, PA 15203. DEED BOOK 16978, PAGE 447. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 12-J-251.
57FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny vs.
DEFENDANT(S): Richard M. Hartin
CASE NO. GD. 24-001563 ************ DEBT: $3,322.01 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Village of Pennsbury:
Having erected thereon a two story brick condominium unit in Pennsbury Village known as 742 Carriage Circle, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Deed Book Volume 18306, Page 477. Block & Lot No. 150-S- 96-423.
58FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny vs.
DEFENDANT(S): Cynthia Lee Bartges
CASE NO. GD 17-008214 ************ DEBT: $1,939.09
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire **********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of North Versailles:
Having erected thereon a one story frame house being known as 204 Broadway Extension, North Versailles, PA 15137. Deed Book Volume 11080, Page 353. Block & Lot No. 458-M-259.
59FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny vs.
DEFENDANT(S): Daniel M. Guy and William Smith ********************
CASE NO. GD 05-024004 ************ DEBT: $20,633.69
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
**************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills:
Having erected thereon a two story commercial building being known as 11-19 Torrance St Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Deed Book Volume 17208, Page 322. Block & Lot No. l 73-M-303.
60FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Jean E. Holler
CASE NO. MG-24-000098
DEBT: $69,031.04
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Perry Russell, Esq.
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden City, NY 11530
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (212) 471-5100 ******************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, and 20TH Ward of the City of Pittsburgh:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3137 LANDIS STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15204. DEED BOOK VOLUME 9975, PAGE 8. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0042-L00181-0000-00.
62FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S) Penn Hills School District and Municipality of Penn Hills VS. DEFENDANT(S): Tonecia Parker
********************
CASE NO. GD 22-000733
************
DEBT: $8,514.94
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 237 EMROSE DRIVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK 16338, PAGE 26. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 369-K-243.
63FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S) RIVERVIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. DEFENDANT(S): MARILYN N. ANKER
********************
CASE NO. GD 22-007506 ************ DEBT: $13,300.45
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S):
424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
**************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Verona: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 544 VOGELS LANE, VERONA, PA 15147. DEED BOOK 15547, PAGE 183. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 364-R-317.
64FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S) Wilkinsburg School District and Wilkinsburg Borough VS. DEFENDANT(S): Gayle A Price and James E. Price
********************
CASE NO. GD 23-010568
************ DEBT: $56,958.84
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
**************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Wilkinsburg: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 556ARDMORE BOULEVARD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15221. DEED BOOK 12276, PAGE 496. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 233-L-112.
65FEB25
PLAINTIFF(S) South Allegheny School District VS. DEFENDANT(S): MTM DEVELOPMENT
CASE NO. GD 23-010955
************ DEBT: $8,754.83
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Glassport: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A TWO
FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 813 VERMONT AVE., GLASSPORT, PA 15045. DEED BOOK 18618, PAGE 458. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 558-G-89.
66FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): IMMANUEL E. MURIN
******************** CASE NO. MG-19-000614
************ DEBT: $62,642.33
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): LEON P. HALLER, ESQUIRE
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): PURCELL, KRUG AND HALLER 1719 NORTH FRONT STREET HARRISBURG, PA 17102
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 717-234-4178
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of North Versailles: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 123 THOMAS AVENUE, NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137. DEED BOOK VOLUME 14098, PAGE 488. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 547-K-326.
67FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Nelson Norris, Jr., and Vivian V. Norris F/K/A Vivian V. Nelson
******************** CASE NO. GD-24-000938
************ DEBT: $67,454.50
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stem & Eisenberg, PC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and Municipality of Penn Hills: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 9620 Emerson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Deed Book Volume 10202, Page 344, Block and Lot Number 0295-P-0246.
68FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): John Christofis
******************** CASE NO.MG-24-000452
DEBT: $134,523.30
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stem & Eisenberg, PC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and the 32nd Ward of the City of Pittsburgh: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 2291 Bernard St, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Deed Book Volume 5483, Page 365, Block and Lot Number 0096-S-0278.
69FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): LINDA MCEVOY
CASE NO.MG-16-000820
************ DEBT: $100,044.72
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jill M. Fein, Esquire/ Hill Wallack LLP
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 1000 Floral Vale Boulevard, Suite 300, Yardley, PA 19067
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 579-7700
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Elizabeth
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A TWO-STORY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 923 7TH A VE, ELIZABETH, PA 15037 DEED BOOK VOLUME 11680, PAGE 443. BLOCK & LOT NO. 1272-C-270.
70FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Jason A. Andrews CASE NO.MG-23-000273
DEBT: $1,141,258.71
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): J. Michael McCague, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): 408 Cedar Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412-803-3690
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Town of McCandless: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 9200 TANBARK DRIVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15237. DEED BOOK VOLUME 14936, PAGE 249, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 824-J-277.
71FEB25
DEFENDANT(S): Titus Lamar Morris, Member of Royal Realty by TLM LLC and Royal Realty By TLM, LLC c/o Titus Lamar Morris, Member ******************** CASE NO.MG-23-001114
************ DEBT: $206,047.34
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire
**********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S): Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 27TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2844 CALIFORNIA AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15212. DEED BOOK VOLUME 16568, PAGE 379. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 44-D-242.
NOTICE OF RESOLUTION –TOWNSHIP OF KILBUCK On January 6, 2025, the Board of Supervisors of Kilbuck Township resolved by Resolution to consider at a public meeting adoption of an amendment to the Township Zoning Ordinance, which will reduce the front yard setback requirement for signs related to commercial activity that are located on the same premises as such commercial activity, excluding freestanding pole signs, to allow said signs
NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE
WHEREAS, on February 07, 2008, a certain mortgage was executed by AARON L. SEATE, as mortgagor in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage Book M VL-35009 Page 164 Instrument # 2008-11912 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 1391 Laketon Road Pittsburgh, PA 15221, parcel number 0232L00126000000(“Property”); and WHEREAS, Record Owner AARON L. SEATE is deceased. By operation of law, title vested solely in ALMETTA SEAT.
ALMETTA SEATE died on 03/23/22 and Letters Testamentary were granted to Minette M. Seate on 06/01/22 by the Register of Wills of Allegheny County, File No.: 02-22-03580. ALMETTA SEATE is hereby released of liability pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1144. ;and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by AARON L. SEATE by virtue of deed dated 12/2/1963 and recorded 12/7/1963 in Book:4115 Page:288 ;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 12/13/2018 in Book M VL-50062 Page 184 Instrument # 2018-83882, 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 ALMETTA SEATE died on 03/23/2022 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 $63,469.52 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 02/05/2025; at 10:00 AM at 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 Borough of Wilkinsburg, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows:
BEGINNING at a point on the northerly side of Laketon Road, distant North 65 degrees 40 minutes East, 41.41 feet from the easterly line of property conveyed by Mary M. Herr to Frank H. Davis by deed dated August 23, 1927 and recorded in Deed Book Volume 2340, Page 218; thence from said point of beginning, North 65 degrees 40 minutes East, along the northerly side of Laketon Road, a distance of 41.41 feet to a point on the line of property conveyed by Belva D. Swope, widow, to Ernest J. Kight, et ux, by deed recorded in Deed Book Volume 3234, Page 363; thence North 39 degrees 20 minutes West, along said Kight line, a distance of 239.73 feet to a point; thence South 50 degrees 40 minutes West, a distance of 40 feet to a point; thence South 39 degrees 20 minutes East, a distance of 229.02 feet to the northerly side of Laketon Road aforesaid, the place of beginning.
The sale will be held 02/05/2025; at 10:00 AM at 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 $63,469.52 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 $63,469.52 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 February 16, 2011, a certain mortgage was executed by DOROTHY M. DAYTON, as mortgagor in favor of WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage Book M VL-39197, Page 298 or Document 2011-18213 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 1616 Concordia Street Pittsburgh, PA 15210, parcel number 60-G-219(“Property”); and WHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner DOROTHY M. DAYTON died on 02/03/20 intestate and is survived by no known heirs. ;and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by DOROTHY M. DAYTON by virtue of deed dated 6/27/1993 and recorded 6/28/1993 in Book:8994 Page:376 ;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 9/21/2018 in Book M VL-49771, Page 466 or Document 2018-64480, 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 DOROTHY M. DAYTON died on 02/03/2020 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 9/10/2024 is $90,351.90 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 02/05/2025; at 10:00 AM at 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. LRC702-490
All those certain lots or pieces of ground situate in the 29th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, being Lots Nos. 19, 20 and 21 in the Plan Book Volume 19, page 8. Having erected thereon a building.
60-G-219
The sale will be held 02/05/2025; at 10:00 AM at 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 $90,351.90 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 $90,351.90 as of 09/10/2024, 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 t he 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)
ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE
WHEREAS, on December 21, 2012, a certain mortgage was executed by ORASTIO SCOUMIS and MARTHA MARIE SCOUMIS, as mortgagor in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE FOR AMERICAN NEIGHBORHOOD MORTGAGE ACCEPTANCE CO LLC DBA ANNIE MAC HOME MORTAGE, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage Book M VL 41951 Page 330 Instrument # 2013-259 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 810 Jackman Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15202, parcel number 0159-H-00099-0000-00(“Property”); and WHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner MARTHA MARIE SCOUMIS died on 05/08/14. By operation of law title vests solely in ORASTIO SCOUMIS and MARTHA MARIE SCOUMIS is hereby released of liability pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1144. ORASTIO SCOUMIS died on 12/17/21 intestate and is survived by his heir(s)-at-law, Kathy Lansittel and Connie Scoumis Bulgarelli aka Constantina Bulgarelli ;and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by ORASTIO SCOUMIS & MARTHA MARIE SCOUMIS by virtue of deed dated 11/21/1977 and recorded 12/20/1977 in Book 5882 Page 204 and Instrument #93209 ;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 8/28/2018 in Book M VL 49686 Page 394 Instrument # 2018-59027, 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 ORASTIO SCOUMIS died on 12/17/2021 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 9/3/2024 is $143,885.09 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 2/5/2025 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 property in the Avalon Borough, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Parcel ID # 0159-H-00099, being more fully described in Deed dated November 21, 1977, and recorded December 20, 1977, in the land records of the County and State set forth above, in Deed Book 5882, page 204. BEING the same premises which Orastio Scoumis and Martha Marie Scoumis, his wife, by Deed dated November 21, 1977, and recorded December 20, 1977, in the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds Office, in Deed Book 5882, page 204, granted and conveyed unto Orastio Scoumis and Martha Marie Scoumis, his wife, in fee simple.
The sale will be held 2/5/2024 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 $143,885.09 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 $143,885.09 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)
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
BOROUGH OF BELLEVUE
The Town Council of the Borough of Bellevue will be voting on the adoption of the following Ordinance at its Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 28th, at 7:00 pm.
Ordinance No. 25-01, Providing for the Amendment of Ordinance 93-20, updating the Parking Fees.
Copies of the ordinance may be obtained by contacting the Borough of Bellevue Administrative Offices at 412/766.6164 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays. The meeting will be held in the 2nd floor Council Chambers at the Bellevue Borough Municipal Building, 537 Bayne Avenue, Bellevue, PA 15202
James E. Kelly Director of Administrative Services
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will hold a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Thursday, January 23, 2025 @ 10:30 a.m. EST. The hybrid meeting will be conducted via Zoom Conferencing and in-person on the Lower Level Conference Room of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. You must register to attend the in-person meeting. Registration for attending the meeting in-person and registration to provide public comment will both open on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 11 a.m. and posted to www.hacp.org
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP
BY: CHRISTOPHER A. DENARDO, PA I.D. NO. 78447
SAMANTHA GABLE, PA I.D. NO. 320695
STEVEN PALMER, PA I.D. NO. 334553
LESLIE J. RASE, PA I.D. NO. 58365
HEATHER RILOFF, PA I.D. NO. 309906
KEVIN T. TONCZYCZYN, PA I.D. NO. 332616
ELIZABETH L. WASSALL, PA I.D. NO. 77788
JOSEPH L. LOCASTRO, IV, PA I.D. NO. 314973
985 OLD EAGLE SCHOOL ROAD, SUITE 514 WAYNE, PA 19087
TELEPHONE: (610) 278-6800
E-MAIL: PAHELP@LOGS.COM
LLG FILE NO. 22-067624
Specialized Loan Servicing LLC
PLAINTIFF VS.
Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and all Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, title or Interest from or under Joseph Hardison, deceased; William Hardison, Sr., Known Heir of Joseph Hardison, deceased; and 907 East Street, LLC DEFENDANTS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CIVIL DIVISION ALLEGHENY COUNTY NO: MG-22-000677
To the Defendants, Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and all Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, title or Interest from or under Joseph Hardison, deceased: TAKE NOTICE THAT THE Plaintiff, Specialized Loan Servicing LLC has filed an amended action Mortgage Foreclosure, as captioned above.
NOTICE
IF YOU WISH TO DEFEND, YOU MUST ENTER A WRITTEN APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY ATTORNEY AND FILE YOUR DEFENSE OR OBJECTIONS WITH THE COUT. YOU ARE WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO THE CASE MAY PROCEED WITHOUT YOU AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE FOR THE RELIEF REQUESTED BY THE PLAINTIFF. YOU MAY LOSE MONEY OR PROPERTY OR OTHER RIGHTS IMPORTANT TO YOU. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Allegheny County Bar Association 400 Koppers Bldg. 436 7th Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219
PUBLIC NOTICE OPENING OF WAITING LISTS
Effective Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will be accepting pre-applications online ONLY for the following Project Based Voucher Site Based Communities:
• Century Building (1 bedroom units only) – 130 7th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Letsche School - (1, 2 and 3 bedroom units only) – 1530 Cliff St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
• Reed Roberts - (3 bedroom units only) – 1738 Reed St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Not all households will be eligible for the specific bedroom size units listed for each of the communities, as the age, gender, relationships and number of household members affect the number of bedrooms for which a household is eligible. Income and eligibility restrictions of the Housing Choice Voucher Program apply. Pre-applications for the above communities will be accepted online ONLY at www.hacp.org and can be submitted from any computer, laptop or smartphone with internet access. No pre-applications will be accepted before 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025, or after 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Printed pre-applications will not be available at any of the HACP properties or offices.
Effective Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. , the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will be accepting pre-applications online ONLY for the following Project Based Voucher Site Based Communities:
• Allegheny Union Baptist Association (1 and 2 bedroom units only) - 2700 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
*These units require the head of household, spouse or co-head of household to be at least 62 years of age.
• Milliones Manor Apartments (1 bedroom units only) – 2827 Bedford Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
*These units require the head of household, spouse or co-head of household to be at least 62 years of age.
• Emory Senior Housing (1 and 2 bedroom units only) – 324 N. Beatty St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
*These units require the head of household to be at least 55 years of age.
Not all households will be eligible for a 1 or 2 bedroom unit, as the age, gender, relationships and number of household members affect the number of bedrooms for which a household is eligible. Income and eligi bility restrictions of the Housing Choice Voucher Program apply.
Pre-applications for the above communities will be accepted online ONLY at www.hacp.org and can be submitted from any computer, laptop or smartphone with internet access. No pre-applications will be accepted before 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Printed pre-applications will not be available at any of the HACP properties or offices.
Position on the waiting list/s will be determined based upon date and time the completed pre-application/s is/are accepted by the on-line system.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations to submit a pre-application can contact the HACP’s Disability Compliance Office at 412-456-5282.
Additional information is available by contacting the HACP Occupancy Department at 412-456-5030 or by visiting our website at www.hacp.org.
This event is for Project Based Vouchers for the specific communities listed above ONLY and is completely separate from the HACP Housing Choice Voucher and Low Income Public Housing Programs.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
PUBLIC NOTICE
This notice will serve as the official announcement of the MEETINGS of the Board of Trustees of the CITY OF PITTSBURGH COMPREHENSIVE MUNICIPAL PENSION TRUST FUND BOARD to be in person in the Mayor’s Conference Room on the Fifth Floor, City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The meetings for the calendar year of 2025 are at the following times:
• Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 1p.m.
• Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 1p.m.
• Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 1p.m.
• Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 1p.m.
All meetings are open to the public. Robin Thompson Financial Analyst, Finance Department City of Pittsburgh Department of Finance 412-255-8988
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING CABLE FRANCHISE RENEWAL FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS
“Notice is hereby given that the Township of Wilkins will hold a public hearing regarding cable franchise renewal. The public hearing will take place on January 27, 2025 beginning at 6:45 PM, at the Township Building, located at 110 Peffer Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145-1192. Citizens are invited to testify. The purpose of the public hearing is to review the past performance of the cable operator, Verizon, and to identify the future cable-related community needs of the Township. Questions may be directed to Rebecca Vargo, Township Manager, at (412) 824-6650 x 10.”
Sincerely, TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS
Meetings
Notice is hereby given of the 2025 Edgewood Borough Council public meeting schedule. All meetings begin at
*Tuesday due to holiday Rob Zahorchak, Borough Manager
BOROUGH OF EDGEWOOD ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA RESOLUTION 2024-22
WHEREAS, the Council of the Borough of Edgewood recognizes the importance of scheduling all public meetings throughout the year beginning in January; and WHEREAS, the Council of the Borough of Edgewood acknowledges that all meetings are open to the Public in accordance with the Sunshine Law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following schedule is established:
Borough Council: First and Third Monday of every month; if the meeting day is a national holiday, the meeting will be held the following day.
Planning Commission: Upon demand.
Zoning Hearing Board: Upon demand.
Committee Council Meetings: Upon demand.
Civil Service Commission: Upon demand.
Unless specified otherwise, all meetings will convene at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 2 Race Street, Edgewood, PA. Meetings may also be held online if specified by committee or commission members.
The Borough will advertise all meetings and changes to the meetings, if legally required, in the New Pittsburgh Courier whenever possible and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette only when public notice requirements cannot otherwise be met due to publication deadlines. ADOPTED the 16th day of December, 2024 by the Council of the Borough of Edgewood.
ATTEST: Rob Zahorchak, Borough Manager Justin Petrolla, Council President
PUBLIC NOTICE This notice will serve as an official announcement of the MEETING of the Board of Trustees of the OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TRUST FUND BOARD to be held at 200 City-County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 and November 12, 2025 - 2 p.m.
This meeting is open to the public to attend.
Robin Thompson Financial Analyst, Finance Department City of Pittsburgh Department of Finance 412-255-895
Estate of KEITH ALLEN REVAK, deceased of North Belle Vernon, PA, No. 65-24-1264, Keith Revak, Adm., 211 Edgewood Avenue, Trafford, PA 15085 OR to Jennifer
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
NOTICE TO BIDDERS EMSWORTH BOROUGH ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Sealed Proposals will be received by Emsworth Borough at the Municipal Building, 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15202, until Thursday, February 6th, 2025 at 11:00 A.M., prevailing time, for the following project:
2025 CORRECTIVE ACTION REPAIRS CONTRACT
Base Bid
This project involves sanitary sewer rehabilitation work including, but not limited to, approximately over 6,000 linear feet of full length 8” to 12” CIPP lining; pre and post CCTV inspection; internal reinstatement of active service laterals; internal removal of protruding service laterals; heavy cleaning; Sanitary Manhole Frame and Lid Replacement; site restoration; resident, business and Borough notifications; bypass pumping; traffic control; site restoration; curtain grouting, excavation repairs, wye replacements, manhole adjustments and installations, and chimney seal installations as needed, and all appurtenances required by the Contract Documents, complete in place.
Additional Bid
This project involves sanitary sewer rehabilitation work including, but not limited to, CIPP Lining Mechanical End Seals, site restoration and all appurtenances required by the Contract Documents, complete in place. Proposals shall be delivered in a sealed envelope that is clearly marked on the outside with the wording “2025 EMSWORTH BOROUGH CORRECTIVE ACTION REPAIRS CONTRACT”. All proposals shall be marked to the attention of Cathy Jones, Borough Secretary, before 11:00 a.m. prevailing time, Thursday, February 6, 2025, delivered to 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15202 where the same will be publicly opened and read aloud.
Pennsylvania Prevailing wage rates will be required on this Contract.
Copies of Drawings, Specifications, Instructions to Bidders, General Conditions, Forms of Proposals and Agreements are on file and open to public inspection at the office of The Gateway Engin¬eers, Inc., 100 McMorris Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 where sets of said documents may be obtained upon payment of twenty-five ($ 25.00) dollars. No refunds or exchange will be made for the return of any documents. An additional ten ($10.00) dollar mailing fee will be charged for documents delivered by U.S. Mail. Electronic copies of the Contract Documents will be made available to Bidders at no charge upon request. Please send e-mail requests to the Gateway Engineers to the attention of Christa Klingensmith (cklingensmith@gatewayengineers.com) or Dennis Flynn (dflynn@gatewayengineers.com).
Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds, along with Public Liability and Property Damage Certificates of Insurance in the amounts specified, as well as Certificates of Workman’s Compensation must be filed with the executed Agreement.
Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided by the Borough. Proposals must be accompanied by a Certified Check or Bidder’s Bond from a Surety Company authorized to do business in Pennsylvania, made to the order of Emsworth Borough in an amount equal to ten (10%) percent of the total amount of the Proposal as a guarantee that, if the Proposal is accepted, the successful Bidder will enter into an Agreement within fifteen (15) days after Notice of the Award of the Contract.
The Borough expressly reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, or any part thereof, for any reason, and specifically reserves the right to waive any informality therein. Bidders are also advised that the Borough reserves the right to award to the lowest responsible, responsive, and qualified Bidder a contract for all or any portions of the work listed in the Proposal, and in awarding a contract for less than the work listed, or less than all portions of the work listed, the contract price will be determined from the total quantities for each item listed and the unit price for each item listed.
Proposals must be made to Emsworth Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and shall remain firm for a period of sixty (60) days. No Bidder may withdraw his Proposal during the sixty (60) day period without forfeiting his Bid guarantee.
BY: Cathy Jones Borough Secretary
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY d.b.a. PRT
Electronic Proposals will be received online at PRT’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).
Proposals/bid submittals will be due 2:00 AM on February 11, 2025 and will be read at 2:15 AM., the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) Bid Number Bid Name 1 B24-29 Copier Management Services
No bidder may withdraw a submitted Bid for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.
A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on the above solicitation at 10:00 AM on January 27, 2025 though your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Teams meeting information is available within the Bid Documents for this solicitation on rideprt.org and eBusiness.rideprt.org. Potential bidders may also email the contract specialist assigned to the solicitation. 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.
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, February 18, 2025, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pittsburgh Allderdice High School Install Steam Boilers Mechanical, Electrical, General, and Plumbing Primes
Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 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 BID NOTICE TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ST. CLAIR
Sealed and separate bids will be received by the Township of Upper St. Clair, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania until 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025 and the BIDS will be publicly opened and read thereafter in the Township Building at the same address for the following: 2025 ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROGRAM (Alternates include the Administration Building Parking Lots, Township Park Improvements and Baker Park Drive)
Please refer to https://www. twpusc.org/business/bid_information. php, for details regarding specifications and Bidding requirements.
/s/ Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager
ADVERTISEMENT
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Sealed proposals will be received by the Borough of Avalon of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania through the Quest Construction Data Network (QuestCDN) at www.questcdn.com until 11:00 AM and opened at 11:00 AM prevailing time via virtual conference on January 30, 2025 for:
CONTRACT NO. 25-PK1
AVALON COMMUNITY POOL LINER INSTALLATION
Scope of work generally consists of the removal of existing liner membrane system and installation of a 60 mil RenoSys® PVC Membrane Liner, or approved equal, at the existing Avalon Community Swimming Pool. Work also includes pool surface preparation, installation of 150 mil felt membrane, stainless steel skirt for membrane termination and all necessary appurtenances and restoration for said construction.
The project is being financed, in part, by the Commonwealth Finance Authority via a Local Share Account-Statewide Grant. Bidders to comply with applicable grant conditions. All bidders are required to buy the Bid Documents in PDF format for a non-refundable deposit of $125.00 from QuestCDN using project number 9466699. Contact their Customer Support regarding membership registration, downloading and working with digital project information at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com. Any technical questions regarding the bid documents are to be directed to LSSE. Pennsylvania prevailing wage rates apply. Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Borough. The bid must be accompanied by a bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid, made payable to the Borough to guarantee the bidder’s entrance into the contract if given the award. No bid bond shall be waived or returned because the Bidder has failed to or cannot comply with any requirements as set forth in the plans, specifications, or any applicable statutes of the State of Pennsylvania or any applicable municipal ordinances.
The Borough reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn for ninety (90) calendar days after the scheduled time for receipt of bids.
Attention is directed to the fact that procurement is subject to all requirements of the Pennsylvania “Steel Products Procurement Act, Act No. 1978-3”; and for Contract value exceeding $25,000, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act (Act of 1961 P.L. 987), and The Public Works Employment Verification Act (July 2012) apply.
The Borough shall (a) award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder therefore, or (b) reject all bids received within ninety (90) days of the date of bid opening; provided, however, that the Borough may, in its sole discretion, delay such award or rejection for up to one hundred twenty (120) days from the bid opening date until the Borough has received all required approvals from other governmental agencies. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Borough of Avalon Lorraine Makatura, Manager
INVITATION TO BID
Emailed bids for the Multiple Prime HVAC Work for the Thornburg Community Center Building (Historic School Building) at 545 Hamilton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 will be received digitally by the Architect, Martin Powell mpowell@tda-architects.com 412-877-2337 of The Design Alliance Architects, 620 Olympia Road, Pittsburgh, PA, until 1/29/25 at 4:00 pm. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time during a virtual meeting. Bidders will be invited to the meeting by subsequent email. Mailed paper copies of the bids must be received within 3 business days of the date the bids are submitted via email. Electronic copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Architects. Contact Richard Freeman rfreeman@tda-architects.com 412-2512657 or Martin Powell mpowell@tda-architects.com 412-877-2337 Paper copies are the bidder’s responsibility. Bids must be submitted on the forms provided and completed in strict accordance with the instructions provided. The Borough of Thornburg will enter separate contracts for each of the selected bids for General Construction, HVAC Construction, and Electrical Construction to comply with Pennsylvania construction protocols.
The Borough of Thornburg hereby authorizes The Design Alliance Architects to act on their behalf by opening bids. Bids will be considered by Borough Council at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Borough.
A bid bond by acceptable surety or a certified check made payable to the Borough for the project in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the maximum bid amount must be deposited by each bidder with his bid. Performance and Payment Bonds in the total contract amount will be required of the successful Bidder.
The Thornburg Community Center is exempt from state and local sales and use tax in Pennsylvania. This project is subject to the Provisions of the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act 442. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the Provisions of the Public Works Employment Verification Act (PWEVA) No bid or any part thereof shall be withdrawn by Bidder for a period of Sixty (60) Days after the Bid Opening
A pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday 1/22/25 at 10:00 AM at the Thornburg Community Center Library. Bidder attendance is mandatory.
Bid questions must be submitted to the Architect by 4:00 pm 1/23/25
Questions submitted after that date will be rejected.
The successful bidder shall be required to obtain Federal and State background checks and clearances for all employees and subcontractors who will, at any time, be on Borough property in connection with the execution of the Work. The required background checks and clearances shall include the following: Federal Criminal History Record, Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance. Each bidder must be prepared to submit evidence of his qualifications to perform the work, with the contractor’s qualifications statement to accompany the bid proposal.
Bidders should refer to federal and state statutes, rules and regulations dealing with the prevention of environmental pollution and the preservation of public and natural resources pursuant to PA Act No. 1972-247. The maximum contract time for this project is five (5) calendar months from the contract award date. Bidders are required to submit the projected contract time on the Bid Form.
The Borough of Thornburg reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, in whole or in part, as suits the best interest of the Borough. The Borough reserves the right to reject any and/or all Bids or parts of Bids and to waive technical defects in any Bid.
Vince Coppola, Council President Borough of Thornburg
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted
STUDENT ADVISOR
BIDWELL TRAINING CENTER
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR ANSWERING SERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE RFP #300-03-25
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Answering Services Authority Wide
The documents will be available no later than January 6, 2025 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on January 28, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 a.m. on January 28, 2025, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor - Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to:
Mr. Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement/ Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-2890
A
The City of Altoona is now accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officers. Information and applications are available online at www.altoonapa.gov and in the Human Resources Department of City Hall at 1301 12th Street, Suite 400, Altoona, PA. Applications and applicable supporting documentation must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by Noon on Friday, February 21, 2025.
The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Provides supportive services to an assigned number of student cohorts with the goals of enhancing student engagement, facilitating academic success, and helping students overcome personal barriers to achieving their educational and career aspirations. Bachelor’s in Psychology, Social Work or related field and two years’ experience in adult education or social services required. Demonstrated ability to communicate with a diverse population and MS Office skills required. Send Resume with cover letter and salary requirements to resumes@manchesterbidwell.org EOE
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted
ACCOUNTING MANAGER MANCHESTER BIDWELL CORPORATION
Manages a team of three accountants and an AP/AR Specialist. Leads finance operations including accounting and reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budgeting and cash management. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 5 years accounting experience required; experience in non-profit accounting strongly preferred.
Send Resume with cover letter and salary requirements to resumes@manchesterbidwell.org EOE
Falk School, a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, is seeking three full-time K-5 Educators and one Middle School Division Director for the next academic year
Please go to https://www.join.pitt.edu for detailed position announcements and to upload your materials for full consideration for these positions. The review of applications will begin in the Spring of 2025 and continue until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
ASSISTANT MANAGER BUS/ LRT SYSTEMS - ELECTRONICS
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking an Assistant Manager
Bus/LRT Systems – Electronics to assist the manager with planning and scheduling of all Bus/LRT Systems work as it pertains to electronic/ communications equipment for Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT). Provide technical oversight and assistance that supports the repair and maintenance of all PRT’s electronic/communication assets. Assist with overseeing administrative activities, outside contracts, capital project activities as related to Bus/LRT Systems department. Work as part of a team that is dedicated to the reliability of all systems that comprise of Bus/LRT Systems. May oversee Bus/LRT Systems-Electronics in the absence of the Manager.
Essential Functions:
· Assist in overseeing the daily maintenance and repair of all electronic/ communications equipment in use at PRT; responds to routine and emergency service and repairs request in a 24/7 environment.
· Directly supervises the department’s First Level Supervisors and has responsibility for all hourly personnel in the departments. Assists in scheduling after hours maintenance to allow for the most efficient use of manpower; assists in approving and tracking all overtime for the department. Provides technical assistance/ instructions as required, maintains employee records for supervisors, provides constructive feedback on performance to supervisors and initiates in enforcing PRT’s policies and procedures including the performance code.
Job requirements include:
· High school diploma or GED.
· Associates degree in electronic/ communication engineering technology; electrical/electronic/communication engineering or related field from an accredited school. Related work experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
· Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the maintenance and support of communications electronic equipment to component level troubleshooting and replacement
· Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience with verifiable leadership roles.
· General Radio Operators License or previous FCC equivalent.
· Valid PA Driver’s license.
· Good oral and written communication skills.
· Relevant computer systems knowledge.
· Must be available to respond to emergency service needs on a 24hour 7-day basis.
Preferred attributes:
· Bachelor’s degree in electronics/ electrical engineering technology.
· Recent experience in an organization that supports maintenance and repairs of electronic systems on a 24/7/365 basis. Additional supervisory experience in a comparable technical position.
· Experience in digital microwave, DSI carrier, Carrier Grade Ethernet, analog and digital telephony, Land Mobile Radio applications.
· Experience in use of advanced test equipment such as RF and Audio Spectrum Analyzers, RF Communications Systems Analyzers, copper-optical Time Domain Reflectometers.
· Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers, Remote Terminal Units, Distributed I/O Systems, and automation systems.
· Experience with voice/data networking and structured cabling systems.
· Experience in Information Technology fundamentals.
· Experience with fiber optic infrastructure installation, troubleshooting and maintenance.
· Competent in one or more high level programming languages: VB, VBA, C, C++, C#.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:
Joe Sekely Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527
– UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside seeks multiple Directors, Translational Sciences in Pittsburgh, PA to develop, manage, and direct UPMC Enterprises’ strategic investment portfolio and start-up incubator by leading the group’s efforts to evaluate the proposals for new investments and commercialize scientific discoveries in the fields of oncology, autoimmune diseases, and the central nervous systems into new life-science start-ups.
Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Business Administration, Finance, or related field plus two (2) years of Healthcare, Business Development, Project Management or related experience evaluating early-stage healthcare technologies for patentability, therapeutic value, and commercial potential; developing financial return models and performing quantitative and return analysis of companies’ potential commercial pipelines; leading and coordinating broad diligence efforts at the evaluation stage; developing timelines, budgets, and risk-mitigation strategies in order to ensure the success of healthcare technology initiatives; conducting primary and secondary research and landscape analysis to assess market needs, addressable market size, competition, and regulatory and reimbursement risks; monitoring post-investment companies in order to provide supply chain, legal, and clinical resources, as well as external resources, such as consultants and contract research organizations (CROs). Telecommuting permissible 2 days a week. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 2500001C in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Communications Specialist to work as part of the public communications team to strategize, develop, execute, and manage a variety of communication campaigns. Supports media relations by developing press announcements and gathering information to respond to media inquiries. Ensure effective, clear, and proactive communication regarding projects and announcements that impact riders and the communities we serve. Responsibilities including ensuring timely delivery of accurate information to the appropriate audience/ customer through various channels.
Essential Functions:
· Develop communications and marketing materials such as mailers, posters, rider alerts, brochures, newsletters, social media posts, media announcements, audio announcements and website content.
· Support media relations by developing press announcements, gathering information and responding to media inquiries.
· Identify communication needs. Develop, coordinate, implement and manage strategies and goals designed to inform and engage the community.
Job requirements include:
· Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English or a related field. Directly related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
· Minimum of 1 year experience working in media, media relations, communications, public relations, marketing, copyediting, or similar role.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills.
· Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, to support media relations and occasional public events.
· Ability to manage time and workload effectively, including planning, organizing, and prioritizing with attention to detail.
· Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Preferred attributes:
· On-Camera experience.
· Government agency experience.
· Transit agency experience.
· Working knowledge of Adobe products, including InDesign and Photoshop.
· 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, media or similar
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Amy Giammanco Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 AGiammanco@RidePRT.org EOE
MANAGER OF PURCHASING MATERIALS
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Manager of Purchasing Materials to oversee Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT)’s needs for materials and supplies by managing a team of Buyers and the flow of inventory through PRT’s supply chain. This includes supplier relationships, contract compliance, purchase order approvals and the coordination of work plans for Buyers.
Essential Functions:
· Oversees the daily sourcing of material for all storerooms and all parts rooms throughout the system.
· Develops and maintains proper inventory stocking levels so that minimum dollars are expended without understocking materials and compromising maintenance and operations.
· Oversees workflow for Buyers and Material Control
· Reviews and interprets information pertinent to inventory activity levels in pursuit of inventory optimization.
Job requirements include:
· Bachelor’s degree in business administration, purchasing administration, management or related field from an accredited college or university. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.
· Minimum five (5) years’ experience in inventory management or related field. No certifications or licenses required
· Minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience.
· Demonstrated project management experience,
· Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
· Great organizational skills
· Experience in monitoring and adhering to procedures and policies.
· Professional and effective communication skills with the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.
· Excellent customer service and problem resolution skills.
· Exemplary attention to detail.
· Ability to be flexible and adapt to change.
· Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft Office 365, including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint.
· Valid PA driver’s license.
Preferred attributes:
· Experience in inventory management applications/software.
· Experience in statistical process control.
· Certification of Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or certification in Purchasing Management (CPM or(CPPB)- Certified Public Procurement Buyer or (SCM) –Supply Chain Management.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:
Holly A. Jenkins Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 HJenkins@RidePRT.org EOE
JOB
MANAGER – FACILITIES SYSTEMS Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Manager – Facilities Systems to manages the activities and employees within the Facilities Systems Department for the Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the administrative activities, outside contracts, and capital project activities, related to building equipment, electrical systems, heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems, subway maintenance, the Monongahela Incline and support equipment. Investigates maintenance problems and initiates preventative and corrective actions. Oversees, develops, and administers standardized programs designed to comply with applicable organizational policies and procedures.
Essential Functions:
• Directs and supervises the Assistant Managers of the Facilities Systems Department.
• Manages all phases of facilities maintenance and repair which includes building equipment, electrical systems, transit stations, shelters, subway, HVAC systems, elevators/ escalators and the Monongahela incline.
• Manages all activities associated with the daily scheduling of preventive maintenance and repair activities at PRT locations, office buildings, and other PRT maintained areas.
• Maintains all assigned facilities at a high status of readiness and supplies immediate repair support under any emergency conditions.
Job requirements include:
• High school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or electronic engineering, civil engineering or business administration or related field from an accredited college or university. Directly related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in facilities with a basic understanding of plumbing, carpentry, mechanical systems, and electricity. No certifications or licenses required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows and Microsoft Word.
• Valid PA driver’s license.
• Professional and effective communication skills.
• Customer focused, well organized, and results oriented.
• A team player with a participative management style.
Preferred attributes:
• Project Management experience.
• Trade Certificate in a related field.
• Supervisory experience in a union environment.
Homewood Children's Village presents awards, promotes kids
BY J.L. MARTELLO)
THE HELEN S. FAISON ARTS ACADEMY
KEANNA JONES AND HER FAMILY WON A SHOPPING SPREE FROM HOMEWOOD CHILDREN’S VILLAGE!
ABOVE PHOTOS, NAELA SHUMANS AND MUHAMMAD SHUMANS WERE GIVEN
