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12th annual ‘Victorian Tea’ raises $76,000 for Sojourner House Page A8

Pittsburgh Courier NEW

www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 112 No. 40 Two Sections

thenewpittsburghcourier Published Weekly $1.00

OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

TIME TO ‘S.H.Y.N.E.’

Dr. Wayne Walters named interim superintendent

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

THE S.H.Y.N.E. AWARDS FOUNDATION presented its 12th annual “S.H.Y.N.E.” Awards on Aug. 8 at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty, celebrating positive achievements of young adults in the Pittsburgh region. Pictured are one of the honorees, a group entitled “Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens,” based in Pittsburgh. See more honorees on Pages A6-7.

In Pittsburgh, the city of bridges, the city’s school board unanimously voted to let Dr. Wayne Walters bridge the gap between permanent superintendents.

He’s now the interim superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools, as Dr. Anthony Hamlet, superintendent since July 2016, officially resigned on Oct. 1. Dr. Walters was an assistant superintendent of professional development and special programming and formely the principal of Pittsburgh Obama in East Liberty.

The board took the vote at 6:45 p.m. Sept. 29, during its legislative meeting. The vote was 9-0.

WALTERS “Dr. Walters is going to walk into a position that has a lot of help by some very talented people, people who know this district, who know education and I SEE WALTERS A3

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Xi Delta Chapter celebrates 50 years at Pitt

STEVEN EASON

Mother of Steven Eason pleads for leads in son’s death

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

There have been no arrests made as of Tuesday evening, Oct. 5, in the shooting detah of 15-yearold Steven Eason, the Central Catholic High School student who was shot and killed following a confrontation at the Haunted Hills Hayride in North Versailles three weeks ago.

Shantel Pizaro, Eason’s mother, pleaded for people to come forward with information leading to the arrest of her son’s killer, during a news conference in front of Allegheny County Police headquarters in Green Tree, Oct. 1.

There is a reluctance for some people to come forward with information, due to possible retribution, or the feeling that it wasn’t their child who was injured. But Pizaro said that the person who did the shooting shot into a crowd of people, where it could have been anyone’s son or daughter. Another person was shot in the incident, a Penn Hills High School student, but that person survived.

“We need this person off of the streets,” Pizaro said. “At some point, us as adults, we have to come forward to make a change.

SEE EASON A3

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A BIG DONATION—As part of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s 50th anniversary of its Xi Delta chapter at Pitt, the organization gave a $2,500 donation in gift cards to the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Pictured are Tijuani Phelps Jackson, left, who joined the chapter in 1973, and Janice Goldsborough, medical advocacy coordinator at the Women’s Center and Shelter. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Just like any loving son would do, Cheryl Sessoms Manning rode shotgun while her son drove 366 miles, from Roanoke, Va., to Pittsburgh.

After all, her presence at the Courtyard by Marriott at the Waterfront in Homestead was requested and heartfelt by all her fellow members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Xi Delta Chapter.

As about 50 members of the chapter congregated at the hotel that Saturday morning, Sept. 25, to present $2,500 in gift cards to the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater

Pittsburgh as part of the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration, Manning watched with excitement, as other chapter members secretly watched her in awe.

They knew that there would be no 50 years of Zetas at the University of Pittsburgh, if it weren’t for Manning and 12 others, known as the “Tantalizing 13,” who in 1971 decided that there would be a third Black sorority on Pitt’s then-super-White campus.

“When I got to campus, there were so very few of us Black folk on this campus in 1969,” Manning told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “So it was im-

portant for us to expand who we are and that we as Black people do great things, wonderful things, and (show) how much we can make a contribution to this campus life and to the community.”

In the beginning, Manning said, it was just a few of her friends who had the idea of creating a Zeta Phi Beta chapter on Pitt’s campus. That number ended up being 13: Manning (known then as Cheryl Sessoms); Diana Badger; Patricia Baker; Ella Carson; Jacqueline Claiborne; Victoria Gooch; Barbara Johnson; Eleanor Brown; Bonnie Lewis; Eva Gooble; Joan Poelnitz; Janet Johnson; and Mar-

jorie Overton.

It’s unclear how many of the original 13, the “Tantalizing 13,” are still alive today, but Manning told the Courier that “there’s only a few of us left.” Manning was the only member of the original 13 to attend the Sept. 25 event in Pittsburgh.

The official date that the charter became recognized was Dec. 3, 1971. Manning remembers heading to Washington, D.C., the headquarters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and filing a petition, then filling out the paperwork...“we were pledged and we created the chapter,” she told the SEE ZETA PHI BETA A5

METRO

A2 OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

After 13 years, Black and Missing Foundation still searching for thousands of missing people of color

DERRICA AND NATALIE WILSON founded the Black & Missing Foundation to raise awareness about people of color who have disappeared. (Allison Keyes/WAMU)

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

It’s been 13 years since Natalie Wilson and her sister-in-law Derrica Wilson founded the Black and Missing Foundation to help bring attention and closure to the ever-growing number of cases in minority communities.

The estimated number of missing persons is simultaneously incomplete and cringeworthy.

One count suggests that of the more than 600,000 individuals currently reported missing, more than 200,000 are individuals of color. Still, the Wilsons forge ahead.

She does so, even 13 years and some success stories later, emotionally.

“We’ve come a long way,” Wilson declared during a recent visit to the new, state-of-theart National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) television studios in Washington, D.C. During a conversation with NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Wilson punctuated the need for the Black and Missing Foundation with the story of Phoenix Colden, a

MISSING: BREYANA TANEE ALLEN young African American woman who went in 2011 missing near St. Louis, Missouri.

“I called every media outlet, and no one covered that story,” Wilson recalled. “Finally, an assignment editor got tired of me calling and asked me to send Colden’s profile.”

In her interview with Dr. Chavis, which will air on PBS-TV and PBSWorld as a special on

The Chavis Chronicles, Wilson reflected on how the news media and even law enforcement fail to highlight missing people of color – notably missing Black girls.

“I’m so grateful for the Black Press,” Wilson remarked.

“They have used their platform to showcase (these stories). Media coverage is important. It could speed up the recovery and add pressure on law enforcement to add resources to these cases, and that’s vital.”

Wilson proclaimed that laws are needed to protect children, particularly victims of sex trafficking. She said she had witnessed young boys and girls arrested after becoming sex trafficking victims.

“They need rehabilitation,” she exclaimed.

Wilson recalled a case in Virginia of a young Black woman who went missing.

“She was too old for an Amber Alert and too young for a Silver Alert,” Wilson stated.

Ashanti Billie, 19, was kidnapped while heading to work in 2017. Authorities recovered her body 11 days later in North Carolina.

Because she didn’t qualify for either an Amber or Silver alert – which notifies the public about missing children and senior citizens – family and authorities

MISSING: JAMAL BASIL ABDUL FARUQ lost precious time.

Virginia has now enacted The Ashanti Alert, which bridges the age gap.

THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER PUBLISHING COMPANY

Publication No.: USPS 381940 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412-481-8302 Fax: 412-481-1360

MISSING: DULCE MARIA ALAVEZ

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MISSING: YASMIN ACREE

“This needs to be on the national level because so many of our missing are slipping under the radar,” Wilson stated.

A married mother of four, Wilson said she’s paranoid. Not just for her children and grandchildren, but for young ones around the world.

“I’m very aware. I’m hyper-vigilant and paranoid,” Wilson noted.

“But I’m dedicated to making a change, and, as parents, we need to be that nosey parent and look at what our children are doing online.”

She pointed out that since the beginning of the pandemic, there’s been an uptick in sex trafficking, and children are more exposed to online predators than ever before.

“They are tapping into our children,” Wilson said.

“There was a young lady who went missing.

She was a gamer, and she was talking to a man online. So, when she went missing, her family was so surprised that she was talking to someone online.”

Wilson continued:“You’ve got to be nosey with your children. Have them sit in an open area so you can see what’s going on. Create a fictitious account and see if you can befriend your child online and share information to save their lives. Unfortunately, once they go missing, we don’t have any intelligence to help save them.”

For more information about the Black and Missing Foundation, visit http://www.bamfi.org.

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 6-12, 2021 A3

Dr. Wayne Walters named interim superintendent of PPS WALTERS FROM A1

hope they will work as a team to move us forward during this very critical period in our time,” said board member Sala Udin, during the meeting.

In July of 2017, when Dr. Walters was named to the assistant superintendent position, Dr. Hamlet remarked at the time: “Dr. Walters has extensive experience as a school leader and in leading professional development. As a certified trainer and facilitator,

leaders, teachers and central office staff.”

Dr. Walters was the principal of Pittsburgh Obama from its inception in 2009 until 2017. Prior to serving as principal of Pittsburgh Obama, Dr. Walters was principal of the Frick International Studies Academy 6-8 (2000-2008) and Assistant Principal of Northview Heights Elementary School (1999-2000).

Dr. Walters joined the District in 1991 as teacher at King Elementary

this challenge and opportunity.”

Dr. Walters’ contract is for one year, with a salary of $210,000. The board said it would begin a national search for a permanent superintendent in December. Dr. Walters didn’t specify if he wanted to be a candidate for the permanent superintendent position.

“We know that we’re in the midst of a pandemic, we know about our transportation issues,” Dr. Walters said during

“(Dr. Walters’) commitment to Pittsburgh Public Schools and Pittsburgh is unwavering. We know that he can immediately step into this important role when the district needs stabilization and healing, and we know that he is ready for this challenge and opportunity.”

- SYLVIA WILSON Dr. Walters has presented numerous workshops and professional development at the local, national and international level. In practice, experience, and throughout the selection process, he stood out as the best candidate to develop and implement professional development for school

School, according to the district’s website.

“His commitment to Pittsburgh Public Schools and Pittsburgh is unwavering,” remarked board president Sylvia Wilson.

“We know that he can immediately step into this important role when the district needs stabilization and healing, and we know that he is ready for

a virtual press conference after the board’s legislative meeting. “We have budgetary issues and actually, to be quite transparent, a public confidence crisis. Together, along with our board, leadership, parents in the community and our staff, we can address all of these to improve...the district.”

SYLVIA WILSON, PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD PRESIDENT Promising to hit the ground running, Dr. Walters said that the district must “foster a culture that elevates quality

teaching and accelerate learning for all students.”

He added: “This is my life and what I love doing best. I feel so much pas-

sion for helping to change people’s lives....children’s lives are on the line.”

Mother adamant that son’s killer is caught

SHANTEL PIZARO, MOTHER OF STEVEN EASON EASON FROM A1

Where are the adults leading these children down the right path? Someone has to do it. We need to teach our kids the right morals, teach them the right way to go.”

Pizaro said her son, whose funeral was held, Sept. 18, at Petra International Ministries in East Hills, was looking forward to prom, graduating from Central and attending college. Eason has a twin sister, and they both were looking forward to their 16th birthday.

“How can she have a birthday every year...she no longer has her twin brother by her side,” Pizaro said. “It’s hard, it’s just very hard.”

Police believe that Eason was coming to the aid of one of his friends who had gotten into an argument with another person at the Hayride on Sept. 11. That’s when the suspected shooter opened fire, hitting two people.

Police believe the suspected gunman is a Black male teenager, 15 to 17 years old, 5 foot 9, who at the time had short hair and was wearing dark

blue cargo shorts and carrying a black backpack.

Eason’s death was the 86th homicide in Allegheny County this year. There were 90 homicides through the first nine months of the year. Overall, 12 people under age 18 have been killed in Allegheny County as of Sept. 30, which many officials say is just unacceptable. There have been a number of community meetings with members conjuring up ways to stop the violence, but still, the violence continues.

“I can’t sleep. It’s hard to sleep and get any rest when my son is gone,” Pizaro said at the news conference. “It’s hard to be able to heal. I can’t even start my healing process when the person who did this to my son is still walking freely. No consequences.

Nothing. It’s a lot of confusion, hurt, it’s unbearable.

I can’t even put into words how I feel to live with my baby every day for 15 years, to see how much he’s accomplished, to know that I’ll never be able to see certain milestones.”

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METRO

OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Horace Lee Turner, transcendent Pittsburgh musician, turns 100!

HORACE LEE TURNER, who was part of the first Black band to play at Carnegie Music Hall in 1948, was the center of attention on Sept. 23 at Corner View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, on Frankstown Ave...and for good reason. It was his 100th birthday. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.)

(AS TOLD TO THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER...)

Horace Lee Turner was born on September the 23rd, 1921, in Mobile, Alabama, Lexington Avenue.

His family moved to Pittsburgh when he was about 6 or 7 years old.

They moved to the Hill District and he attended Miller School and Fifth

Avenue High School.

His father brought an old bent-up King trumpet home from American Reduction where he worked.

“Once I made a sound on it, I was hooked,” he said.

His teacher at Fifth Avenue encouraged him and showed him a bit. Then he studied with Cark G. McVicker Sr., a premier private teacher at Pittsburgh Musical Institute.

His first time playing in public was at the Kay Boys Club on Wylie Avenue in the Hill City Band.

He began to learn jazz riffs by copying a trumpet player in the neighborhood named Bradshaw.

Because Black musicians in Pittsburgh didn’t make much money, you had to have a day job or a side hustle. Horace was always an enterprising

HORACE LEE TURNER, with many of his fellow musicians and friends. man. He opened Turner’s Record Shop at 2160 Centre Avenue. It was a very successful business for about 10 years. He went to Gateway Tech where

he learned to repair radios and television sets. He accepted Bell Telephone phone bills as another way to get people to come into the shop.

In addition to the trumpet, Horace taught himself to play another eight instruments—drums, piano, bass, guitar, baritone, conga, harmonica, organ and he also sang very well. He also was a good showman who developed the act of playing the trumpet and piano at the same time. He became a successful bandleader which was an additional stream of income for him beyond his store.

He often was the preferred band to substitute for Walt Harper when Walt was double-booked because Horace knew how to please his audience, which was the secret to Harper’s success.

He taught his wife, Mary, to play the drums which was an added attraction to have a woman drummer. Mary immediately became the bandleader in the public’s eye. That lasted for 30 years. When he wasn’t leading his own band, he would occasionally play as a sideman in bands like Joe Westray’s when they were playing backup for national acts like Brooke Benton.

Horace was drafted into the Army and stationed at Camp shenango in Butler, Pa. The band was attached to Deshon Hospital and he served his entire four and

Horace Lee Turner’s love for music was infectious and he remains an inspiration to musicians young and old. a half years in Butler. The band used to broadcast over WWSW Radio every Monday and he met a lot of celebrities during that time. After his discharge he enrolled in Pittsburgh Musical Institute and got his degree.

He once auditioned for Ray Charles at the 471 Musicians club at Enterprise and Fransktown Ave., but decided not to ever go on the road base on the stories he heard from traveling musicians. Also he was playing

quite a bit in Pittsburgh anyway.

He first took his niece, Pola Roberts, to gigs and she soon graduated from conga drum toa full set of drums. She became quite proficient and Stanley Turrentine took her to New York where she stayed and made some recordings before retiring from jazz.

One of his treasured memories is being a member of the first Black band to play at Carnegie Music Hall in 1948 Horace was the musical director of Jazz at the Hill House in the ‘90s. Many celebrities like Stanley Turrentine and Johnny Lytle made a point to stop by on Sundays when they were in town to jam with the locals and visit with old friends. Along with Bill Blakey, Frank “Geronimo” Battle and Travis Klein, it ran for over 10 years. Once it was broadcast on a show called “Inbound” and it went all over the world on the Internet.

Horace’s love for music was infectious and he remains an inspiration to musicians young and old. The milestone of 100 productive years deserves applause and congratulations for another addition to his treasure chest of memories.

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Xi Delta Chapter celebrates 50 years at Pitt ZETA PHI BETA FROM A1

Courier.

A few years later, on April 7, 1973, Tijuani Phelps Jackson officially joined the Xi Delta Chapter while a student at Pitt. Since then, Jackson estimates 150-200 women have joined the Xi Delta Chapter, or as members call it, the “eXhilarating” Xi Delta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. It was Jackson who presented a box to Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh medical advocacy coordinator Janice Goldsborough with $2,500 worth of gift cards inside at the hotel.

“We’re always about service, that’s one of the tenets that we were founded on,” Jackson told the Courier.

“Scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood. We selected the Women’s Center and Shelter because with COVID, a lot of organizations aren’t getting the funding that they previously have received, so we wanted to do something for the women.”

Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh bills itself as more than an emergency shelter for adults experiencing domestic violence and their children. “We are a safe harbor that provides specialized care and support

THE ORIGINAL MEMBER WITH SOME OF THE NEWEST MEMBERS — Cheryl Sessoms Manning is an original member of the Xi Delta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., which became official on Dec. 3, 1971, at Pitt. She is pictured with Rayshell Brown, left, a spring 2019 initiate, and Christiana Dillard, a spring 2017 initiate. (Photos

by Rob Taylor Jr.) was thankful for the Zetas’ “thoughtfulness, and these gifts will go directly into the hands of the people who need them.”

As the noon hour approached, laughter and lightheartedness filled the Courtyard by Marriott hotel air, as the Xi Delta Chapter members went outside to take a large group photo. The most seasoned members were seated in the middle, while the newer members congregated around them. Women like Manning (‘71) and Jackson (‘73) were surrounded by those like Rayshell Brown and Christiana Dillard,

JACQUELINE WILSON, right, a Spring 1979 intitate of the Xi Delta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

for survivors who have experienced all types of intimate partner violence from physical to emotional” through support groups, legal advocacy, hotline services, and a children’s advocacy program, among other services.

Data from the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh showed that more than 1 in 3 women have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S., and more than three women are killed every day by a spouse in the U.S. Its data also showed that children who experience domestic violence are six times more likely to commit suicide, 74 times more likely to commit violent crimes against one another, and 50 times more likely to use drugs and alcohol.

“Sometimes you need to do something that just makes somebody’s life a little bit easier,” said a grateful Goldsborough to the Zetas in the audience. Goldsborough, the medical advocacy coordinator, said the gift cards would immediately go to the Women’s Center and Shelter’s clients.

“Whatever (gift cards) we give them, whether it’s Target, Giant Eagle... that’s money that is not coming out of their wallet,” Goldsborough said.

“They can pay their bills... just at a time when you need to keep your credit up so that you can keep your apartment.”

Following the presentation, Goldsborough told the Courier that the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh now serves men and those who identify as transgender.

She added that the Women’s Center and Shelter

THE “TANTALIZING 13,” the 13 charter members of the Xi Delta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

who pledged in spring 2019 and spring 2017, respectively. It’s women like Brown and Dillard who seek to push the Xi Delta Chapter forward another 50 years.

“It’s just a beautiful sight seeing all these la-

dies come together and to make this wonderful donation,” Manning told the Courier at the event.

“So rewarding and such a blessing for me to see what we created 50 years ago is still going on.”

“It’s just a beautiful sight seeing all these ladies come together and to make this wonderful donation. So rewarding and such a blessing for me to see what we created 50 years ago is still going on.”

- CHERYL SESSOMS MANNING

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METRO

OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

12th annual S.H.Y.N.E. Awards recognizes

THE S.H.Y.N.E. AWARDS, HELD IN AUGUST AT THE KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER IN EAST LIBERTY.

The Shyne Awards Foundation, a non-profit organization that recognizes the positive achievements of teens, hosted their signature event, “The Shyne Awards,” a premier national awards ceremony that celebrates the positive achievements of young adults between the ages of 13-19 on Sunday, Aug. 8 at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty.

Young adults, ages 13 through 19, were recognized for their achievements in: the arts, academics, community service, entrepreneurship, service in ministry, science, overcoming obstacles, leadership, STEM or youth group participation. The annual awards ceremony included guest appearances by local celebrities, entertainment acts and more.

“For more than a decade we have worked to change the narrative of teens in our region by shining a

light on their accomplishments,” said Orlana Darkins Drewery, Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Shyne Awards Foundation.

“This year, our light has extended outside the borders of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as we will recognize and celebrate young people from Ohio, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, in addition to our local Honorees.”

Since its founding in 2007, The Shyne Awards has received more than 600 nominations from individuals in the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas recognizing the positive actions of emerging young leaders. Nominations can be submitted by parents, coaches, educators, mentors, clergy, or peers. Nominations will reopen September 2021.

Over the years, The Shyne Awards team and community partners have worked diligently to meet

its mission of uplifting young adults, with remarkable results for hundreds of teens and their families.

“The strength of our organization is grounded in our ability to empower young adults to improve their lives and make positive differences in their communities. Together, we can give teens a platform that builds their confidence and encourages them to passionately pursue new opportunities for future success,” said Darkins Drewery.

Most recently, the foundation has advanced its service through engaging teenagers in year-round programming. “We are proud that The Shyne Awards Foundation has made a positive difference for our young people, and we are committed to expanding our work to impact even more of tomorrow’s future leaders,” said Darnell Drewery, Co-Founder,

The Shyne Awards Foundation.

2021 Shyne Awards Honorees: • Zion Joelle Ross, Pittsburgh, • Dalen Hill, Columbus, Ohio • Leah Morgan Ross, Upper Marlboro, Maryland • Reed Rankin, Pittsburgh • Faith Olivia-Lynn Crawford, Pittsburgh, • Esha Venkat, Ashburn, Pennsylvania • H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow, Pittsburgh • Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens, Pittsburgh • Taylor Simone Dotson, Pittsburgh 2021 Lifetime Achievement & Business Awards Honorees: • Dr. Audrey Murrell, Gwendolyn J. Elliott Lifetime Achievement Award • Nikki & Stanley Heckman, Bistro-To-Go About The Shyne Awards Foundation Founded in 2007, The Shyne Awards Foundation is a non-profit organization that creates public platforms to celebrate the achievements of youth between the ages of 13-19.

The student empowerment organi-

ZION JOELLE ROSS, A 2021 HONOREE FROM PITTSBURGH zation recognizes young adults who excel in academics, visual and performing arts, science, community service, young adult groups, service in ministry,entrepreneurship, and overcoming adversity.

The foundation is dedicated to uplifting young adults and providing a positive, empowering platform to help teens build confidence.

BISTRO-TO-GO, Pittsburgh, Illumination Award (Business Award).

DALEN HILL, A 2021 HONOREE FROM COLUMBUS, OH

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

RELIGION/METRO

outstanding, impactful teens

OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

A7

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 91 Crawford Street Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 11 AM effective October 3,2021 Rev. Thomas J. Burke- Pastor Rev. C. Matthew HawkinsParochial Vicar Rev. David H. TaylorSenior Parochial Vicar. www.sbtmparishpgh.com

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800

Worship in person or Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church Journey Worship..........8:45am Sancutary worship.......11:00 a.m.

Taize -Wednesdays.........7:00 p.m.

H.O.P.E. FOR TOMORROW, A PITTSBURGH-BASED YOUTH GROUP

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

DR. AUDREY MURRELL, a Pittsburgh resident, with the Gwendolyn J. Elliott Lifetime Achievement Award.

DR. CHRISTINE CRAWFORD accepted the award for Faith Crawford, an entrepreneur in Pittsburgh.

TAYLOR SIMONE DOTSON, left, a 2021 honoree, with 2019 honoree Genesis Gore.

ESHA VENKAT, from Ashburn, Va., a 2021 honoree.

For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We want to feature positive youth from our Pittsburgh church community. Please mail their bio and photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or email us: religion@newpittsburghcourier. com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar!

Send info to:

New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

- Proverbs 16:24 REV. WALKER SAYS: We know that our words are important tools, let’s choose to building others up with kindness.

(Rev. A. Marie Walker is servant pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Wilmerding.)

REED RANKIN, a 2021 honoree in community service, with 2019 honoree Marjani Howze Jetter.

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

METRO

A8 OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

‘Victorian Tea’ raises $76,000 for Sojourner House to help meet community needs The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that $76,000 was raised at the Sojourner House’s annual “Victorian Tea,” its signature event to raise funds and provide resources for women and their families who are recovering from addictions.

“People were very generous in their giving this year; and this funding will go a long way in helping us assist people in their journey to overcome addictions, strengthen their families, and become self-sufficient,” said De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House, in a statement to the Courier.

The 17th Annual Victorian Tea was held on Aug. 15 at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown. The Victorian Tea is an important awareness-building event and fundraiser that brings together individuals (mothers, daughters, fathers and sons) along with cor-

porate, community, and church-based friends. Attendees enjoyed a traditional tea, silent auction and raffle, while learning about the award-winning work of the East Liberty-based Sojourner House. Sojourner House is a six-month residential rehabilitation program for addicted mothers and their children.

This year’s tea featured inspiring stories of individuals who have benefited from Sojourner House.

The event was emceed by award-winning journalist Brian Cook Sr., and Beverly’s Birthdays Founder and Executive Director Megs Yunn served as the Honorary Chair.

The 17th Annual Victorian Tea was made possible by support from various organizations and corporations including, Presenting Sponsor: Lamar Advertising Company; Platinum Sponsor: UPMC and UPMC Health Plan; Gold Sponsors: High-

A VICTORIAN TEA ATTENDEE...

ATTENDEES OF THE 12TH ANNUAL VICTORIAN TEA mark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allegheny Health Network, PA Health & Wellness; Silver Sponsors: Alphabet City Development, K&L Gates, KeyBank, Morgan Lewis & Bockus; Supporting Sponsors: Achieva Family Trust, Calvary Episcopal Church, DBR & Co., HBK CPA’s and Consultants, JFS Wealth Advisors, Post Script Productions, Signature Financial Planning, Sisterson & Co. LLP, Tritek Networks, Wagner Agency; and Media Sponsor: Pittsburgh Magazine.

This year marks Sojourner House’s 30-year journey of helping mothers and their families recover from addictions.

Throughout those years, they have helped created

numerous success stories of addicted mothers who have learned to break the intergenerational cycles of poverty and chemical abuse, rebuild damaged relationships with their children, and rekindle hope.

Based in Pittsburgh, So-

journer House provides compassionate, faithbased residential recovery services to mothers and children. They help addicted mothers learn to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and chemical abuse while rebuilding damaged rela-

tionships with their children. Sojourner House believes women can shatter the chains of addiction and hopelessness when surrounded by what means most to them: their children.

DE’NETTA BENJAMIN, left, executive director of Sojourner House.

New Pittsburgh Courier

When the jab becomes the sucker punch

J. Pharoah Doss B4

BUSINESS

Classifieds

Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B5-6

OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

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B

Black businesses continue to face down the pandemic

by Gregory Smith Howard University News Service

(BlackPressUSA)— WASHINGTON, D.C.— Virginia Ali is owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl, an iconic restaurant she and her husband, Ben Ali, opened in 1958 in Washington D.C. Ben Ali died in 2009. He was 82.

The restaurant has since become such a landmark that a long list of celebrities have made a trek through its doors, including former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Serena Williams, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Durant, Steve Harvey, Kevin Hart, Mary J. Blige, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Anthony Bourdain.

The restaurant is woven into the fabric of the city’s Black community. It helped serve the tens of thousands of protesters who came to Washington during the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968 and the March on Washington in 1963.

Ben’s was one of the few restaurants open after curfew to provide food and shelter for those working to restore order after the Washington riots in 1968 following the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Still, Ali said that COVID-19 was the hardest obstacle that her business has ever faced, because this was the first time that her business had to close its doors for an extended amount of time. It normally stayed open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. and until 4 a.m. on the weekends, she said.

“We didn’t receive the (federal Paycheck Protection Program) loan the first go around,” Ali said.

“We had to cut back on staff, adjust our hours, and figure out a way to reach the community in a different and more effective way. This virus has been very frightening, but our community embraced and helped us.”

BEN’S CHILLI BOWL The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a loan issued by the federal government at the beginning of the pandemic to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll.

The first draw PPP loans could be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, rent, utilities, and worker protection costs related to pandemic.

Ali said she began to receive letters and donations from people throughout the community. The restaurant received enough funds

During the pandemic, Black businesses have faced challenges. Some were forced to close or nearly shut down, while others were fortunate to have an uptick in business. Black businesses were hit the hardest and had to adapt quickly to the mandatory shutdowns across the country while everyone was forced to stay at home. This article takes a look at how Black businesses across the country have managed to survive through creative strategies.

to deliver box lunches to Howard University Hospital and other first responders, she said. She credited her children, some who have other professions, for taking on full time roles in the restaurant to ensure the family doors stayed open.

Not every business was fortunate to receive the support from an entire community and other popular publications.

Oriel McKinney, owner of 1000 Degrees Pizza in Winter Garden, Florida, said that the pandemic was

very challenging, because she and her husband, Brian, had just purchased the location in August 2019.

McKinney’s business was forced to shut down due to the Florida governor’s executive order.

When she was cleared to re-open, only a handful of staff were able to work, she said. With no customers able to eat indoors because of health department restrictions, McKinney and her husband had to alter their service model. A key factor in their success was being a part of a Facebook curbside pickup group, McKinney said.

“Our marketing plan had to shift fast,” she said. “We had to adapt to curbside pickup and continue to grow our relationship with the community.”

McKinney said she made calls to other owners to give and receive advice on how to operate business during uncertain times. She said she joined forces with local Black businesses, such as Smile Ice Cream and Full Press Juicery, selling their products in her store. Their social media page has kept the community up to date with the latest news, products, and fundraisers, she said.

Her business was able to supply food to the National Basketball Association during the 2019-2020 playoffs and championship inside the quarantined facilities, “The Bubble,” at Walt Disney World, which helped business tremendously, she said.

“We were one of the few businesses allowed to deliver inside the bubble,” McKinney said. “It was a very thrilling experience.

But we still aren’t in the clear with the new Delta variant on the rise.”

McKinney said that they have adjusted their hours and made customers feel comfortable by providing curbside pick-up, takeout, and delivery.

Terry Jackson, owner of SEE PANDEMIC B2

Who stole my mama’s money??

“Help! There was $200 deducted from my account that I didn’t authorize. What should I do?” ~ Mom I was in the process of completing a mandatory training on Financial Exploitation of Elder and Vulnerable Adults when I received this phone call from my elderly mother informing me that her account had been hacked! How’s that for coincidence?

As I delved into her situation, I learned that she had a RushCard, named after Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons. The financial services offered by RushCard are similar to online banking. There are no local branches that you can walk into, sit down with someone, and get help. All communication is done by phone, website or mobile apps. My mother isn’t familiar with anything online, let alone online banking services. She’s never once typed the words Google into a search engine.

How she got set up on a RushCard is beyond me. My guess is that she was watching a late night commercial, and saw a familiar face in Russell Simmons. She assumed she was supporting a Black business—so she phoned in and signed up.

She’s had the account for a couple of years. Everything appeared to be going well, until it didn’t. My mom is like most of my clients; they call me after things go bad. Read the next sentence slowly!

It would be easier and less of a headache if people called me before signing on the dotted lines. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Here’s what happened. Someone, somehow, some way got a hold of her banking

details and linked it to some type of Google Pay services. They transacted nearly 30 separate Google transactions for either $2.99 or $4.99 for a grand total of approximately $200. A larger bank would have isolated this as an unusual spending pattern for my mother and flagged it.

They would have reached out to my mom to confirm these were legitimate charges.

Not RushCard! RushCard rushed to process these transactions. Now there’s $200 missing from her account. $200 may sound like an insignificant amount to many people reading this. It’s a huge amount for my mom who lives on a modest fixed income. More on RushCard back office services later in this article. Allow me to first address what you should do if you were a victim of someone hacking your account.

Bank locally: If you’re elderly and not familiar with modern technology, online banking isn’t for you! Technology is ever-changing. If you or a loved one aren’t on the cutting edge of technology, you’re better off keeping your banking basic.

Bank with a local bank or credit union that has a branch. Should you have questions, you can visit a local bank and get assistance. That’s a service you don’t get from online banking.

Stop the bleeding: Hackers are money vampires. Their goal is to suck you dry!

Since I couldn’t get anyone on the phone at RushCard and the automation system wasn’t cooperating—I advised my mom

to stop the bleeding: Withdraw all available funds from her account. Between the time I talked to her on the phone and the time she made it to the ATM, another $50 was withdrawn from her account that she didn’t authorize. Under normal circumstances, you can call and report fraudulent activity to your bank. They will initiate a plan and process to stop the bleeding of money on your behalf.

Report fraudulent activity ASAP: If fraudulent activity on your account isn’t reported timely, normally within one billing cycle, you run the risk of not being reimbursed for your loss. The theory is it’s possible for fraudulent activity to go undetected for weeks.

But it should be identified upon receipt of the next account statement.

Check activity on all other accounts: If hackers were able to compromise one of your accounts, it’s possible they can hijack other accounts of yours. Review activity on all other checking, saving, and credit card accounts that you own to ensure you’re not a victim in more ways than one.

Close out hacked account/request new account: This is normally an automatic process once you report fraudulent activity. Yes it will be inconvenient to go through the hassle of setting up direct deposits and auto payments with your new account. But it’s a bigger hassle to have someone stealing your money.

Trust NO ONE: Our elderly and vul-

nerable adults have a target on their backs. Stealing money from older and/ or disabled people is akin to taking candy from a baby. Hackers, schemers, and crooks know this! Limit the number of people who have access to your account.

Identity theft, fraudulent activities, and coercion is usually done by someone you know—caregiver, relative, friend, cable man, roofer, and/or anyone and everyone who has access to your home. Stay on guard. When it comes to money, people act funny!

Hacked funds will be put on hold: The fraudulent amount in question will be tied up for as long as 30-45 days. Money isn’t generally reimbursed until the bank confirms fraudulent activity. Be prepared to be without that money for a period of time.

In my mother’s case, I got involved to help her through this process. Working with her through this process, I’ve come to learn that RushCard back office services SUCKS! I’ve made several calls! I went online several times. The online service routes me to a number to call. The phone line which is an automated service routes me to go online. As I write this article, I’ve yet to talk to a live person. Here’s the kicker, for fraudulent disputes, you have to send a written letter to a PO Box! Who is writing and mailing letters in 2021!? RushCard, your back office services and practices are both terrible and antiquated!

(Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached at 412-216-1013 or visit his website at www.damonmoneycoach.com)

BUSINESS

B2 OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Black businesses continue to face down the pandemic PANDEMIC FROM B1

Texas First Roofing and Construction based in Dallas, said he learned from the 2008 recession and made sure that any businesses he owned would be essential. Jackson’s business, which employs about 20 workers, puts roofs on residential and commercial buildings and builds fences.

“We didn’t have to shut down completely, just had to cut back on our staff and expenses,” Jackson said.

“We used to do both interior and exterior projects but since the pandemic we have done primarily exterior projects to keep our staff and clients safe.”

Jackson said that knowing the company numbers and being well structured made his business thrive.

He was able to see accurate numbers which came in handy as he narrowed

dent and CEO of the Black Business Association of Memphis, said that many small Black businesses struggled to find consistent capital before the pandemic swept the nation.

Because they were underfunded, Strickland said, they began to operate in survival mode when government quarantines shutdown businesses and fear of infection caused customers to stay away.

H&R Block conducted a study that revealed more than half of Black-owned businesses experienced at least 50 percent decrease in revenue during the pandemic compared to 37 percent of White business owners.

A study by the University of California, Santa Clara found that 41 percent of Black-owned businesses across the country shut down between February and April in 2020

preneurs such as barbers, hair beauticians, and other small business owners, he said.

“We helped raise and distribute over one million dollars to local businesses who were greatly impacted,” he said.

Everett Burton, a nationally known Certified QuickBooks consultant who resides in Memphis, Tennessee, said that he held QuickBooks classes for businesses in different cities before turning everything virtual due to the pandemic.

The businesses that failed or struggled through the pandemic didn’t keep track of their books, their financial accounting, Burton said, and that’s why companies turned to him for help.

“Most businesses weren’t allowed to get loans, because they had no books,” he said.

“Businesses weren’t paying appropriately. You can’t pay people cash out the register. Then

ORIEL MCKINNEY, owner of 1000 Degrees Pizza in Winter Garden, Florida, said that the pandemic was very challenging, because she and her husband, Brian, had just purchased the location in August 2019. businesses who did receive the PPP loan couldn’t be forgiven because they had no proof of how they used the money.”

Businesses were able to qualify for loan forgiveness during the 8–24-week time period following the loan disbursement. But busi-

Cracking the credit code

nesses had to show proof of employee and compensation levels, loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses, and at least 60 percent of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs.

Burton said that the pandemic made people conduct

Build your family’s financial future

by Kent Caldwell-Meeks

How to raise your score

by Megan Kirk Michigan Chronicle

EVERETT BURTON, a nationally known certified QuickBooks consultant who resides in Memphis, Tennessee, said that he held QuickBooks classes for businesses in different cities before turning everything virtual due to the pandemic. down his expenses.

What truly helped business, he said was the huge storm that hit the state in February 2020 and left Texans stranded without electricity for weeks. At least 210 people died, and the storm caused an estimated $200 billion in damages.

Jackson’s business was thriving before the pandemic, but work created by the storm’s damage was a tremendous boost.

“We are still restoring residential and commercial properties today,” he said.

Ernest Strickland, presi-

compared to 17 percent of White businesses.

“A common problem that I saw in most Black businesses that failed was the lack of proper accounting and bookkeeping,” Strickland said. “Businesses weren’t able to apply for PPP loans because they didn’t take care of their books.”

In response to the problem, Strickland said his association partnered with the local government to provide a grant program to those businesses in need of assistance. The program targeted solo entre-

Establishing good credit can make or break adult decisions. Home buying, car shopping, credit card approval and other loans.

For many, credit is a foreign concept and maintaining financial stability through credit is hard to reach. The first step in credit management is knowing which tools to use to boost credit scores and strengthen buying power.

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion comprise the three major credit bureaus. Each operating under their own algorithms, these big three help to create buying power for consumers. Credit scores help businesses measure risk in extending a ling of credit. High scores can help consumers purchase items with low APR, annual percentage rate, and low scores can be the reason a credit application is denied.

“There’s two different rules of major scoring models; vantage, that’s your Credit Karma scores.

If you’re looking to get a mortgage or go to the Lexus dealership you want to be more attuned to your FICO score. Your FICO score give you your financing power, your home buying power, says Shameka J. Bishop, owner of RCA Credit Repair.

Known as the Bishop of Credit, the credit repair guru helps establish, restore and grow consumer credit. With more than five years of experience, this businesswoman has learned through experience. After filing for bankruptcy twice in life, the Bishop of Credit was able to turn her personal credit around and wants to help other do the same.

Despite belief, a high credit score does not ensure approval. Having multiple lines of credit helps bureaus determine payment history and, according to one credit expert, helps to build trust.

“The credit bureaus want you to have a mortgage, they want you to have a home loan. They want you to have personal loans, credit cards and student loans. They want you to have every tint because when you have those particular things on your credit, it shows trust.

Even if it’s credit debt; it’s some type of trust,” says Bishop.

In Michigan, guidelines for credit can allow a negative charge to linger on your credit report card for

years, ultimately damaging chances for additional lines of credit, the longer it stays. Moreover, a negative charge can affect your overall score for the long haul.

“In the state of Michigan, a negative can stay on your credit for up to seven years after the last payment. Bankruptcies can stay on for up to 10 years,” says Precious Jordan, CEO of Wonder Woman Credit Repair.

Serving more than 3,000 clients in five years of business, Precious Jordan founded Wonder Woman Credit repair, like many others, from personal experience with credit. After learning and restoring her own credit, she slowly began working for others. According to this expert, there are no tricks to credit, just consistency and smart decision-making skills.

“There is no trick to it besides paying monthly bills on time, eliminating hard inquiries and being responsible with your credit,” says Jordan.

Applying for additional lines of credit is what is considered a hard inquiry. Each time a creditor has to pull credit for approving or denying, credit scores take a hit. Soft inquiries include self-pulls to check credit debt. While these inquiries cannot by dropped to improve credit scores, other line items, such as charge offs, longtime debts and other payments can be eliminated to help boost scores.

“The hardest things to eliminate from a credit report are car notes. They are tough, but they can be removed if you don’t owe it,” says Jordan.

Credit cards pose a huge risk for both companies and consumers. High interest rates can cause a credit balance to skyrocket. Missed payments will also guarantee a swift drop in scoring.

“I’ve seen a person with perfect credit miss one payment and [it] drops their score 100 points. It’s that serious. People don’t know how to ay their credit cards. Paying your credit cards determines an immediate credit increase or a credit decrease,” says Bishop.

Paying bills on time and paying off outstanding balances can help boost credit scores. Staying consistent and watchful over credit will ensure a boost.

“Credit is like a baby; you have to love it, hold it, rock it and kiss it for it to grow,” says Bishop.

their business the correct way.

“The smart ones used the pandemic to become more educated,” he said. “I tell people that you have a business, but you’re not doing business. There’s a big difference.”

For New Pittsburgh Courier

(BlackPressUSA)—As we gather to celebrate family reunions, we are reminded of the importance of legacy, especially after being separated from loved ones due to the pandemic. We may also be reminded of how important it is to build a financial legacy for our family today and into the next generation.

As Midwest Division Senior Managing Director for Wealth & Investment Management at Wells Fargo Advisors, I have a personal and professional understanding of the challenges Black families face trying to build wealth. Due to systemic inequality, some people in our communities have disproportionately lower incomes, less financial acumen and limited homeownership opportunities.

In fact, a recent Wells Fargo/Gallup poll stated that about one in six Black and African American people reported that their current income equals their expenses. One in eight said that they are either drawing on their savings to make ends meet or falling into debt. This needs to change.

No matter your situation, you can create a wealth-building plan that helps you improve financial habits now and set clear goals for the future. Start with organizing your finances, finding ways to save and using that savings to grow your finances.

Here are some key ways to potentially build wealth: Real Property Assets Owning your personal residence and/or other real estate can be a great foundation for building wealth because it typically appreciates in value over time.

Retirement Plans If your workplace offers a 401(k) or other savings plan, these are effective savings tools that are usually deducted from your salary automatically and invested on a tax-deferred basis so that the saver can enjoy compounded earnings growth potential.

Entrepreneurship Starting a business of your own could also help you build financial stability for your family now, as well as create a legacy that generates wealth for the future.

Getting on the path to wealth-building can seem overwhelming but taking those first steps can make all the differ-

ence. Here is some advice on how to get started: 1. Start now. Don’t put it off. The sooner you start, the longer your wealth has time to grow.

2. Do your homework. Understand your financial situation. Seek out money management tools and resources. Research wealth-building opportunities.

3. Know your options. Take advantage of 401(k) plans, education funds and other saving opportunities offered within your workplace or union. You can also start a plan on your own.

4. Work with a trusted advisor. Find a professional you trust who can assess where you are now and help guide you on your path to financial growth.

So, as you reunite with family to celebrate your rich history, keep in mind the things you can do to help build wealth for their future. My firm and I are committed to helping families in our

KENT CALDWELL-MEEKS community thrive and establish a lasting financial legacy.

Learn more about building your legacy.

Brokerage products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors, a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and nonbank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.

Wealth and Investment Management offers financial products and services through bank and brokerage affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.

(Kent Caldwell-Meeks is the Executive Vice President and Midwest Division Senior Managing Director for Wealth & Investment Management at Wells Fargo Advisors.)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

B3

Haitian struggle at the border

Guest Editorial

Failed police reform bill is disappointing Bipartisan congressional talks on overhauling policing practices ended recently without an agreement.

The failure to reach an agreement is a deeply disappointing result of an effort that began after killings of Black people by officers sparked protests across the U.S. “It was clear that we were not making the progress that we needed to make,” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., told reporters last week. He said disagreements continued over Democrats’ efforts to make officers personally liable for abuses, raising professional standards and collecting national data on police agencies’ use of force.

Booker said he’d told South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, the lead Republican negotiator, of his decision Sept. 21.

Talks collapsed despite repeated visits to Washington by victims’ relatives and the continuation of police shootings of unarmed citizens.

Booker said, “I couldn’t get to a point where I can meet with families and tell them that we were going to address the specific issues that were putting your family member in harm’s way.”

Scott said he was “deeply disappointed” that Democrats had walked away from accords reached on several issues, including banning chokeholds, curbing the transfer of military equipment to police and increased funds for mental health programs.

“Crime will continue to increase while safety decreases, and more officers are going to walk away from the force because my negotiating partners walked away from the table,” Scott said in a statement.

He said Democrats rejected a deal “because they could not let go of their push to defund our law enforcement.”

There’s no evidence for Scott’s assertions.

The police reform bills under discussion were about police accountability, not defunding.

According to media reports, Booker called Scott to tell him that negotiations would be ending after Scott didn’t accept the final “bare minimum” offer Democrats had made.

The failed congressional effort followed high-profile police killings last year of Black people including George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky.

Those killings and protest demonstrations in several cities that followed called attention to police brutality and the disproportionately high number of Blacks who are victims of fatal encounters with law enforcement.

President Joe Biden called Floyd’s killing “a stain on the soul of America,” adding, “We will be remembered for how we responded to the call.”

So far there has been a grossly inadequate response by Congress to the call for police accountability. We must continue to push lawmakers to pass police reform legislation.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded 1910

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Recent reports from the U.S. border regarding the rejection of our Haitian brothers and sisters seeking refuge from disaster in their own country brought pangs of anger and regret. Thousands of Haitians thought the United States would be a safe haven. There is little doubt that many of them spent their last dollar to come to our nation—a nation where many of them had/have relatives who would have been glad to host them until they could get on their feet. Unfortunately, upon their arrival they found the professed compassion and humanity of the American people to be an empty promise. For them, the absolute rejection of the Donald Trump years was replayed by the actions of this new administration.

Most of us have heard the words “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free; the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the tempest tossed to me.

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Little did we know in our youth that these words would come to echo the meaning of those posted above water fountains and other areas of public accommodation—“For Whites Only!”

The historic duplicity in this treatment is reflected in the difference in the reception received by Cuban immigrants versus that received by Haitians.

Local Florida observers will verify this with personal observations of Cubans

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary being granted expedited paths to citizenship while Haitians are routinely interdicted on open waters (Gulf of Mexico) and forced to return home.

The images of Haitians being rounded-up and whipped like cattle at the Rio Grande by border control agents brought anguish and anger from those whose forebearers suffered the same brutalities under the enslavement system. That act was another clear reminder that the goal in the treatment of people of color, especially Blacks, is not law enforcement, but control. It was not border control, it was “let’s beat their Black behinds out of here.”

Government apologies rang hollow.

We, Black Americans, were more shocked by the Secretary of Homeland Security before the cameras forcefully stating those who were fortunate enough to make it to our borders would be sent back to Haiti. This decision seemed premature in the face of the fact that so many Haitian have rela-

tives and friends who would be willing to sponsor them.

Yes, the White House criticized the use of horses to “round up human beings, but, at this writing, people are still being denied a safe haven or an opportunity to present their case for remaining in the United States. They are still being returned to Haiti. The Secretary of HHS could do no better than to claim the measure was necessary because of COVID-19. Whatever happened to providing those upon arrival the vaccine many of us had been told it would be safe for all of us? Couldn’t our government have mandated vaccinations to people as they arrived on our shores?

The questions must be asked. Who, after watching countless videos of environmental conditions in Haiti, will condemn any other human being for desiring the improved living conditions found in the U.S? Who among us would not trade the average daily wage in Haiti of under $2 for a minimum wage job of $7.25 per hour in the U.S? Would any among us spare any effort to find a better quality of life or opportunity for our children? Yet, fully 50 percent of the U.S. media either implies or directly expresses disdain for the plight of Haitian refugees and characterizes them as an unwelcomed scourge.

America is capable of doing better to help struggling Haitians. Why aren’t we?

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is International President of The Dick Gregory Society.)

Law and order also means the police policing themselves (TriceEdneyWire.com)—I wish Cariol Horne was on the scene when Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on George Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes. If so, George Floyd may be alive today. There is a very high possibility that had Horne been there in 2020, an effort would have been made on her part to stop Chauvin. While Derek Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter, three other officers were charged with aiding and abetting. There are times it is necessary for the police to police themselves.

Former Buffalo, New York police officer Cariol Horne, who is Black, was in a very similar situation in 2006. She intervened to break up a confrontation involving a chokehold between Greg Kwiatkowski, a fellow White officer, and a Black suspect named Neal Mack.

“Neal Mack looked like he was about to die,” she stated in 2020. “So had I not stepped in, he possibly could have.

He was handcuffed and being choked.”

While Mack contends the officer saved his life, Cariol Horne was terminated when it was determined that her use of force was unjustified. She was fired from the Buffalo Police Department two months before being eligible to receive her full pension.

Waterloo, Iowa is a city of 67,000 residents and has a long history of tensions between the police and the city’s Black community. The Black community makes up 17percent of the city population. On June 1, 2020, Joel Fitzgerald became the first Black police chief in Waterloo. Soon after being sworn in as chief, the reform-minded Fitzgerald supported numerous changes. The

David W. Marshall

Commentary changes, which are meant to transform the department, includes the banning of chokeholds, outlawing racial profiling, requiring officers to intervene if they see excessive force, and investigating all complaints of misconduct. Along with the efforts to improve policing came the expected backlash. Current and former officers are not only opposing the reforms, but fighting the removal of the police insignia which resembles a Ku Klux Klan dragon.

Waterloo is no different than most other police departments. The clash between an entrenched Blue Culture versus the changes needed to hold officers accountable is a main reason many reform-minded officers are leaving. Blue Culture shows how the law enforcement community has a tendency to band together in face of scrutiny and calls for systemic change. Many officers have the integrity, character and ethics to fully serve the public according to their sworn oath. Cariol Horne reminds us of that fact. But the Blue Culture can be deadly. Derek Chauvin has proven that fact. When people claim to support the police, what type of officers are they supporting? When police reforms are implemented, thereby empowering the Cariol Horne- type officer we are more

likely to have Neal Mack-type suspects (lives saved). When those who promote the police status quo, thereby empowering the Derek Chauvin-type officer we are more likely to have the George Floyd-type suspects (lives taken).

Many of those who support the police status quo believe that incidents of police misconduct are just isolated and not part of a wider problem. Those who believe that misconception tend to overlook the fact that police departments nationwide have their share of officers of low character with no integrity.

Usually incidents of wrong doing by an individual officer is not isolated on their part. Greg Kwiatkowski, after his encounter with Cariol Horne, was later sentenced to four months in federal prison in 2018 for using “unlawful and unreasonable force” against four Black teenagers. In October of 2021, the mayor of Buffalo signed the Duty to Intervene law which requires police to step in if a fellow officer uses excessive force. This shows that the heart of police reform really comes down to good police officers protecting citizens from bad police officers.

During the same month in which the new law was signed, Horne filed a lawsuit to overturn her 2008 termination. A New York State judge ultimately ruled in her favor. Horne’s pension of approximately $800,000 was reinstated.

In an 11-page opinion, the judge quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, saying “the time is always right to do right”.

(David W. Marshall is founder of the faith based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book “God Bless Our Divided America”. He can be reached at www.davidwmarshallauthor.com)

Local governments can lead in public safety movement (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Negotiations on a federal police reform bill have collapsed because Congressional Republicans are willing to stand in the way of lifesaving changes to policing. It is time for state and local governments to take the lead in reimagining public safety. And it is time for all of us to support local leaders who are willing to show leadership and take risks to make it happen.

Change is not going to come from Congress, at least for now. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act earlier this year. It would have been a good first step. Like other good legislation, though, the bill was stopped by Republican obstruction in the Senate.

Democratic Sen. Cory Booker has spent months negotiating with Republican Sen. Tim Scott on a reform bill.

As recently as August, Scott said they were getting close to an agreement. But talks fell apart in September, and Scott dishonestly blamed Democrats for the failure to reach agreement, accusing them of wanting to “defund the police.”

Scott’s claim is shameful. New York Magazine recently noted that just last year Scott himself proposed that police departments lose some federal funding if they do not ban deadly practices like choke holds or no-knock warrants. But now he is telling the media that requiring police departments to meet such

Ben Jealous

Commentary federal standards in order to receive federal money is the same as “defunding the police.”

You can’t make this stuff up. Well, if you’re Sen. Scott, I guess you can. Even two major police groups rejected Scott’s claims, saying in a statement that “at no point did any legislative draft propose ‘defunding the police.’”

I don’t know what political calculations led to Sen. Scott’s change of heart or his dishonest spin. And I don’t really care. What I do care about is saving lives by making policing safer and more accountable.

Fortunately, there are local leaders who are willing to think creatively and work collaboratively to reimagine public safety.

In Ithaca, New York, Mayor Svante Myrick worked with Tompkins County Administrator Jason Molino on a plan designed to deliver accountability, transparency, and excellence in public safety. They came up with a plan that

would replace the current police department with a new department of public safety.

The new department would be civilian-led, and it would employ both armed officers and unarmed community solution workers trained to respond to situations that do not require an armed response. The proposal won unanimous approval from the Ithaca City Council, which created a task force to develop a plan for implementing it.

Ithaca’s plan is meeting resistance from some state Republican leaders.

They’re trying to convince the public that you can’t have accountability and safety. That’s a false tradeoff. Making policing more just and accountable will make communities safer for everyone.

I believe there is a critical mass of elected officials who are ready and willing to begin the process of transforming policing in this country from the bottom up. Last year, 100 young progressive candidates ran for office as part of a slate committed to ending police killings of unarmed civilians. There are mayors and city council members around the country looking at Ithaca’s plan and making their own.

Reimagining public safety has become a movement. Congress can’t stop us.

(Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way.)

B4 OCTOBER 6-12, 2021

Emmys 2021: The diversity and inclusion shuffle (NNPA)—If they love our rhythm and not our blues was an awards show, then the 2021 Emmys would fit the bill. To no surprise of media critics and audiences of color, the 2021 Emmys did what mainstream awards shows tend to do—trot out amazing Black talent and then fail to reward them.

Perhaps all of the talk about television being far ahead of film in terms of diverse programming went to the heads of the nominating committees and judges for the awards show? Maybe in the race to appear on trend, the academy publicly embraced diversity and inclusion while privately eschewing it?

Quite possibly the academy thought because they have awarded Regina King, Billy Porter, Viola Davis and RuPaul in recent years they were in the clear? Whatever they were thinking didn’t wash with many Black viewers and media critics at least according to social media.

Just how do you open an awards show hosted

by Cedric the Entertainer—I repeat Cedric the Entertainer—with a play on the late, great Biz Markie’s classic rap ditty, “Just a Friend?” and then not show a Black winner for two hours? How exactly do you have Cedric, Billie Porter, L.L. Cool J, Renee Goldsberry, MJ Rodriguez and Rita Wilson rocking the mic and moving the historically stiff crowd, and then fail to reward any performers of color during the live broadcast with a few exceptions?

See the 2021 Emmys, which trotted out so many presenters of color that it vaguely resembled the NAACP Image Awards, except there were no Black winners other than RuPaul, Micaela Coel and an overdue Governor’s award for the incomparable Debbie Allen.

Presenters of color included Kerry Washington, Angela Bassett, Taraji Henson, Billie Porter, Awkwafina, MJ Rodriguez, Mindy Kaling, Anthony Andersen, Misty Copeland, Ava DuVernay, Gayle King, LL Cool J, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tracee Ellis

Nsenga K. Burton

Commentary Ross, Yara Shahidi, Ken Jeong, Vanessa Lachey, Bowen Yang, Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs and Wilmer Valderamma.

There were enough Black presenters to Cha-Cha slide at the family reunion but very few winners in the bunch. This year’s list of Emmy winners looked more like a photo of the U.S. Congress instead of reflecting the outstanding diverse programing that covered small screens. To say Black talent, stories and executives were erased by the 2021 Emmys, would be an understatement. See HBO’s “Lovecraft Country.”

To be fair, television programming has gotten increasingly plentiful and quite frankly better in recent years and there are so many shows to consider between the traditional networks, cable and over-the-top companies (Netflix, Hulu, Apple+).

Deciding whose work deserves to be nominated and who deserves to win is a difficult process.

However, there is no need to pander to audiences of color by delegating your hosting, performance and presenting duties to racially diverse entertainers while putting forth a nearly all-White list of award winners. Further, it is becoming increasingly clear that the growing amount of television content featuring and produced by people of color is not enough to shift the culture of the television academy.

In a July 2021 Deadline interview about many topics including diversity, Frank Scherma, CEO of the Television Academy, stated, “And the more shows that are produced with diversity, the more shows that are written by people that are diverse, the more things that are done, the more are going to get nominated.” Well, that approach to diversity doesn’t seem to be serving diverse content creators and audiences well. Until the academy is ready to do something radically different, then the outcomes will remain the same.

RuPaul’s win made him the most awarded Black Emmy winner ever. Michaela Coel, whose performance as lead actress in the critically acclaimed HBO limited series, “I May Destroy You,” won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for the show, making Coel the first Black woman to win in that category.

Debbie Allen became the first Black woman to be presented with a Governor’s award, which is given for outstanding achievement in the arts and sciences. In her speech, Allen discussed the sexism she has faced down during her 40-year career as a dancer, actor, writer, producer and director in Hollywood and her hopes for girls and women globally and in the industry.

Although she did not win, MJ Rodriguez was the first Trans woman nominated in Emmy history for her terrific performance as Bianca Rodriguez Evangelista in FX’s “Pose.” Despite some wins, it is hard to overlook the erasure of the outstanding writing of Misha Green, the ensemble acting of “Lovecraft Country,” and a myriad of other shows, writers and producers of color literally taking television programming to higher heights.

Coel seemed to hit the nail on the head with her thoughtful speech which spoke to the tenor of the evening. “Visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success,” said Coel, who spoke directly to the viewing audience and I suspect fellow Black creatives listening in the room. “Do not be afraid to disappear—from it, from us—for a while, and see what comes to you in the silence.”

It is clear hyper visible Black creatives and performers are often overlooked and undervalued in mainstream award shows and this year’s Emmys was no exception. Perhaps, Black audiences and creatives will hear Coel’s quietly spoken and yet loud statement that if you haven’t already done so, it is time to embrace and create award spaces that celebrate our rhythm and our blues.

(Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. is NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor)

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When the jab becomes the sucker punch Steven Poole is a British journalist who has authored books on the abuse of language. His column—Steven Poole’s word of the week—is featured in The Guardian.

In February, one of Poole’s headlines asked: Why do we call vaccinations “jabs?”

Poole explained, since the 16th century the verb jab first described the pecking of birds, then it was used to describe any poking or thrusting action. Later the term was incorporated into boxing. A jab was a straight punch from the fighter’s non-dominant hand. The origin of the medical use of the term comes from a 1914 dictionary of criminal slang. A jab was a hypodermic injection amongst morphine and cocaine fiends.

Poole provides the public with lessons in etymology. Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings developed or changed throughout history.

Recently, a Miami Herald headline asked: Why did the CDC change its definition of “vaccine?” Apparently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention modified its definitions of the words “vaccine” and “vaccination” on its website.

The Miami Herald stated, before the change, the definition for ‘vaccination’ read, ‘the act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease.’ Now, the word immunity has been switched to protection.

Immunity and protection are synonyms, but the words do have different definitions, so the terms aren’t automatically interchangeable. The Oxford Dictionary defines protection as the action of protecting or the state of being protected, but immuni-

J. Pharoah Doss

Check It Out ty has two definitions. First, it means the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.

Second, it means protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or penalty.

Obviously, the first definition is medical and the second definition is legal.

The CDC also altered the term vaccine.

The CDC’s definition changed from “a product that stimulates a person’s immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease” to “a preparation that is used to stimulate the body’s immune response against diseases.”

Of course, skeptics and conspiracy theorists suggested that the CDC’s unannounced changes were an attempt to disguise the fact COVID-19 vaccines are not 100 percent effective at preventing coronavirus infections.

A spokesperson for the CDC denied any malfeasance, then gave an explanation followed by an endorsement. The spokesperson explained, the previous definition could have been interpreted to mean that vaccines were 100 percent effective, which has never been the case for any vaccine, so the current definition is more transparent,

then the spokesperson said, “It’s important to note that the modifications to the definition of ‘vaccine’ don’t change the fact that vaccines and vaccinations has prevented millions of illnesses and saved countless lives.”

In a tongue-and-cheek tweet, U.S. Representative Thomas Massie said, “The CDC has been busy at the Ministry of Truth.”

The Ministry of Truth is a reference to George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984.”

The main character was employed at the Ministry of Truth, and his job was to rewrite history and falsify records so they corresponded with the government’s current claims and agenda. The Ministry of Truth believed that people could not think without words, so they redefined words in the dictionary in order to make people think how the definition instructed them to think, rendering it impossible to think independently.

Orwell gave an example of this manipulation with the word free. After the Ministry of Truth redefined free, the word could only be used in a statement like “the field is free from weeds,” but the word could not be used in the sense of “politically free” or “intellectually free” because political and intellectual freedom no longer existed as concepts.

The CDC spokesperson claimed that “slight changes in wording” haven’t impacted the overall definition of vaccine, but a lot of people believe the definition has been corrupted in an Orwellian fashion, and they don’t want to get vaccinated because they don’t know whether they’re getting jabbed or sucker-punched.

Black Lives Matter and the color of your skin (NNPA)—There is a pervasive sickness in America, and it is called White supremacy, and systemic racism. These ideologies are invisible, and many Americans now believe that success has nothing to do with the color of an individual’s skin. Discrimination no longer exists, and everyone has the same opportunities.

It is very easy to get caught in this frame of mind, because you can look at the millions of people of color, who are a success in one generation. Instead of challenging and fighting racism, they put the blame on the person.

On many different levels people of color are advancing, and there is much to be proud of. There are now more children of color being born, than White children each year, and White people are concerned with their existence.

“White supremacy or White supremacism is the belief that White people are superior to those of other races and thus should dominate them. The belief favors the maintenance and defense of White power and privilege. White supremacy has roots in the now discredited doctrine of scientific racism, and was a key justification for colonialism,” states Wikipedia.

The Democrats would want Americans to think that in 2021, only Republicans are the only party that is racist, but racism is systemic and institutionalized. When White folks get together, there are always the Black jokes, and the jokes about how

Roger Caldwell

Commentary fast Black men can run.

Many would think that Black jokes are harmless, and they would never say them in front of their Black friends, but sometimes other words slip out. There is something fundamentally different about being born White, and more doors are opened, from the start.

Some call it “White privilege” and it is a benefit that is enjoyed by all White folks, and it does not matter if you are a Democrat or Republican. There is a cultural thread that runs through the society, and Whites take advantage of all these benefits. White privilege is an aspect of White power, and all White people have the ability to pull out their White power card.

History in America has demonstrated that White citizens will make war, and justifying horrific atrocities against Black people, including lynching. Even after slavery was abolished, there was still lynching, and many today believe police brutality is still connected to the history of lynching.

There were 3436 people lynched from 1889 to 1932, and the majority was Black people, according to publisher Ida Wells.

As Black Americans look to the past for answers, Ida Wells was always very vocal in her campaigns to stop lynching and racial violence against her community. When her newspaper was published, she risked being lynched, and her office was burned to the ground.

She was determined to make a change, and in 2021, Black Americans must agree on a Black Agenda to make significant change. When White supremacy and racism shows its ugly face, it is important that the community is prepared to fight.

In 16 states, White supremacy is fighting to disenfranchise Blacks and people of color. Everyone and it does not matter your color, should be fighting to uphold voting rights. All these organizations should take a page from Ida Wells, and become the loudest voice in the room. We must be more vocal, and racial justice and change must be a part of every conversation.

Intimidation never stopped Ida Wells from getting up in the morning, to do what is right, and it cannot stop us from winning in 2021. Our ancestors have shown us the way, and it is time to come together and start a Black, people of color movement for change.

The color of your skin makes you Black, and All Black Lives Matter, and we must change America, and next the world.

Melvin Van Peebles, creative genius (TriceEdneyWire.com)—One of the first Broadway plays I ever saw was Melvin Van Peeble’s Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death. A. Robert Phillips, who led the Black Talent Program at Boston College, arranged for a group of us undergraduates to attend the play, have dinner, and enjoy New York City. I was riveted by the powerful play, a series of vignettes performed by a talented ensemble, who combined laughter, irony, pathos, and more to present a slice of Black life.

Two things stayed with me after all these years. One is a scene where a woman is on a ledge or balcony, and people are urging her not to jump. Her reply, “I ain’t leaping; I’m just leanin’. This is the coolest place in town.” The play closed with something of a curse on White America.

“Put a curse on you. May all your kids be junkies, too.” And now, thanks to opioids, many of them are.

We lost a giant when we lost Van Peebles on September 21, a giant and a multitalented man who acted, directed, wrote, starred, produced, composed, and played music and more. He was a man who loved Black people and was determined to present us thru Black eyes, not White ones.

He also had an unusual sense of humor and was so deliberately provocative in his film Sweet Sweetback’s Badass Song that the New York Times described the movie as “an outrage.” But I remember seeing the film, rooting for Sweet Sweetback, on the run after he killed White police officers who were beating a Black man and standing, like the other audience members did, to applaud when the film was over.

Some credit Van Peebles with the Blax-

Julianne Malveaux

News Analysis ploitation genre, but he was so much more than that. Sweetback, to me, was about portraying a different power dynamic than one we were used to in 1971. In Sweetback, you saw a community sticking together, cheering their anti-hero who used everything he had, including his body and his sexual prowess, to elude the oppressor. In 1971, few Black folks were willing or able to give so-called law enforcement officers any pushback, especially on-screen (the Black Panther Party had been pushing back since its inception).

Sweetback was, if nothing else, a paradigm shift.

Before Sweetback, we saw docile, humble, polite Black men, like Sidney Poitier in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, or Lilies of the Valley. We saw exotic Black men like Harry Belafonte. And if we go back to Paul Robeson, we saw masterful, but nonthreatening, Black men. We never saw a man quite like Sweet Sweetback.

Thanks to Van Peebles, though, we began to see a series of them. None quite bold enough to kill a police officer, go on the run, and win, but self-assured enough to portray their truth. So there

was John (bad mother shut your mouth) Shaft, there was Sam Jackson in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained. Denzel Washington in Training Day. So many more. While all of these roles are complicated, and some overflow with stereotypes, they allowed the world to look at us differently as a people.

To be sure, there is way too much sexism in Black media. Much as I loved Sweet Sweetback, I cringed at his cavalier use of women and his disdain for us. Too frequently, that’s the case with male director/ producers, even Black ones. Even as we tackle issues of anti Blackness, we must also confront the sexism that we see in the Black community, especially in Black film.

And we must appreciate the director Ava DuVernay for the well-rounded and positive Black men in Queen Sugar. While these men are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, they are family and values-driven men, role models.

Van Peebles was a role model, too. The multitalented man spent time as an options trader and wrote a book about personal finance. He was a cable car operator in San Francisco and wrote about those experiences in a novel. He was prolific both in English and in French and published several books in France. Van Peebles made full use of his creative gift, and we are all so much better because he did.

Melvin Van Peebles left his footprint on Black cinema. He will be mourned and missed, and his legacy lives on!

(Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA.)

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PART TIME - GRUSKIN LEARNING CENTER - PROFESSIONAL TUTOR Penn State Greater Allegheny Gruskin Learning Center is seeking part-time professional tutor’s to tutor within the following areas: • Computer Science • IST • Upper level Mathematics • Statistics • Physics • Sciences Job Duties • To provide individual and small group tutoring sessions.

• As a member of the Gruskin Learning Center team, a Professional Tutor is expected to maintain ongoing communications with the Coordinator of the Gruskin Learning Center.

• To provide workshops related to your tutoring content area.

• To assist with maintaining the Gruskin Learning Center database.

• To provide workshops and create workshops that will assist students with being successful.

• To maintain accurate records of student tutoring sessions.

• To provide classroom visits to assigned courses each semester.

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications • A Bachelor’s degree is required and a Master’s degree is preferred in the appropriate discipline from an accredited institution.

• Prior tutoring or teaching experience is strongly preferred.

• A tutoring demonstration may be required as part of the on-campus interview.

• Will require someone who is able to be flexible with their scheduling.

• Employment with the University for this job will require successful completion of the Pennsylvania (PA) Publicly Available Clearances: PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and the FBI Criminal History Background Check.

Applications will be considered until the positions are filled.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Siobhan N. Brooks, M.S.Ed. Learning Center Coordinator/Academic Counselor Penn State Greater Allegheny Kelly Library 4000 University Drive McKeesport, PA 15132 Phone: (412) 675-9454 eMail: snb106psu.edu Apply online at https://apptrkr.com/2431034 CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

SENIOR AZURE DEVOPS ENGINEER Evoqua Water Technologies LLC’s Pittsburgh, PA, office seeks a Senior Azure DevOps Engineer, to lead Azure DevOps systems data integrations throughout application planning, development delivery and operations by applying the proper combination of DevOps technologies within multi-platform and hybrid environments. Apply at https://careers.evoqua.com, #24458.

CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE ALLEGHENY LAND TRUST Allegheny Land Trust is seeking a full-time Community Associate position who will assist various staff in multi-departmental functions to ensure a productive and effective working environment. The Associate will assist with national accreditation compliance, support staff with education event and program preparation and offer general support in our Community Conservation, Education, Land Stewardship and Land Protection departments.

Applicants should either possess a high school degree with 3-5 years of experience, an associate degree with 2-4 years of experience or a bachelor’s degree with 1-3 years of experience at a non-profit organization.

A relevant professional certification will also be considered. A reliable form of transportation (car, bus, bike) to get to our office (Sewickley) and to our conservation areas as needed. A valid PA driver’s license is necessary.

Visit our website at www.alleghenylandtrust.org/ who-we-are/job-opportunities/ to view the complete job description.

Salary range is $35,000 to $40,000.

Send a cover letter, updated resume and at least three references to Alyson Fearon at afearon@alleghenylandtrust.org.

Application materials must be received no later than Monday, November 1, 2021 at 5:00 PM. Allegheny Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, access and inclusion.

Allegheny Land Trust will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ALLEGHENY LAND TRUST Allegheny Land Trust is seeking a full-time Development Director position who will expand fundraising support for Allegheny Land Trust’s mission among current and prospective individual, business, foundation, and government funders by independently executing a wide range of development activities. The Development Director will be expected to play an active role in the creation of future institutional advancement strategies and to contribute collaboratively on broader organizational problem solving and strategic discussions.

Applicants should either possess a bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of professional experience in Business Development, Sales/Sales Management, Ma rk e ti n g , P u bl i c R el ati ons, Communications, Institutional Advancement, or Non-Profit Development.

An associate degree with 7-10 years of experience will also be considered. A reliable form of transportation (car, bus, bike) to get to our office (Sewickley) and to our conservation areas as needed.

A valid PA driver’s license is necessary.

Visit our website at www.alleghenylandtrust.org/ who-we-are/job-opportunities/ to view the complete job description.

Salary range is $50,000 to $55,000.

Send a cover letter, updated resume and at least three references to Tom Dougherty at tdougherty@alleghenylandtrust.org.

Application materials must be received no later than Monday, November 1, 2021 at 5:00 PM. Allegheny Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, access and inclusion. Allegheny Land Trust will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

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DIRECTOR OF TRANSIT SCHEDULING Port Authority is seeking a Director of Transit Scheduling to provide assistance and support to the Chief Development Officer by developing a five-year service plan, with a focus on system service planning and efficient scheduling.

Directs the evaluation of service efficiencies and activities related to service and ridership reporting.

Oversees the development of public timetables and operating schedules and adherence of the schedules to federal requirements, publicly reviewed Port Authority procedures, and to the ATU contract.

Essential Functions: •Directs activities related system service planning and schedule development for all transit modes.

Supervises the Manager-Transit Scheduling.

•Oversees development, implementation, and maintenance of computerized operating schedules for regular and special event transit service consistent with provisions of labor agreements. Oversees dissemination of operator pick materials and identifies operator manpower and peak vehicle requirements. Reviews, evaluates and makes schedule changes to ensure service and schedules are effective and efficient. Responsible for cost effective scheduling of service which includes ensuring the schedules are within budget.

•Supports integration of service related data into ITS systems.

Responsible for providing quarterly pick updates to all ITS systems to keep system and data accurate/ usable. Responsible for quarterly updates to all systems information (at-stop panels, station mapping, directional maps, etc.)

Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •BA/BS in Business Administration, Urban Planning, Transportation, Public Administration or directly related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

•Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in transit operations.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows and Microsoft Word and Excel.

•Professional and effective communication skills.

Preferred attributes: •Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Community Development or related field from an accredited school.

•ACIP Certified Urban Planning certification •Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory/ management experience.

•Experience with traffic engineering.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Robyn Taylor Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 RTaylor@portauthority.org EOE

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NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of DOROTHY E. PARR, deceased, Case No. 020905508: Notice is hereby given that on July 21, 2021, a Petition was filed by Kevin Jay Parr to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Dorothy E. Parr, deceased, in the real estate located at 644 Charles Way, Braddock, PA 15104 and determine that fee simple title is in Kevin Jay Parr. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 20 days of the date of this Notice, Kevin Jay Parr will seek an Order adjudging that the title of Dorothy E. Parr is vested in Petitioner.

Estate of JAMES E. ZANOS, Deceased of Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-07060, Nicole Conaway, Executor, or to Travis J. Dunn, Atty, 6 Clairton Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Estate of BRIAN L. MCALISTER, Deceased of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-06711 ,Jamie McAlister, Executor, or to Travis J. Dunn, Atty, 6 Clairton Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Estate of MARIAN N. MOONEY, Deceased of Franklin Park Borough, PA, Estate No. 4460 of 2020 ,Regena McKinney, Admrx., 473 Hooker Road, West Sunbury, PA 16061, or to Michael J. Witherel, Esq., Witherel & Associates, 966 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Estate of STANLEY R. CLARK, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-07101 ,Mary L. Clark, Administrator., 656 Oxford Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15243, or to Aubrey H. Glover, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of KAREN GERALDINE HARRIS A/K/A KAREN HARRIS, Deceased of 8013 Lawrence Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102, Estate No. 02-21-05776 , Executrix: Kelly L. Quinlan, 150 Brookhaven Road, Summerville, SC 29486, or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Weilling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Birmingham Towers, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Estate of CAROLYN JEAN SOERGEL A/K/A C. JEAN SOERGEL, Deceased of Franklin Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-07144 ,Randy E. Soergel, Executor, 2561 A. Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA 15090, or to Todd A. Fuller, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of MARY ANN MICHAELS A/K/A MARY MICHAELS A/K/A MARY A. MICHAELS, Deceased of 4754 Rolling Hills Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15102, Estate No. 02-21-06192 , Co-Executors: Mrs. Allison E. Parker, 14660 Rudolph Dadey Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277, Mr. Joseph B. Michaels, 1046 Ravine Street, Munhall, PA 15120, or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Weilling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Birmingham Towers, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

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NAME CHANGE In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: GD-21-5613, GD-21-5614, and GD-21-5616; In re: Petitions of Damber Ghatani and Mangali Biswa on behalf of minor children Sarmila Biswa for change of name to Sarmila Ghatani; Pratap Biswa for a name change to Pratap Ghatani; and Samuel Biswa for a name change to Samuel Ghatani. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petitions and fixed November 5, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., as the date and time and the Motions Room, City-County Bldg., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said names should not be changed as prayed for.

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LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT INVITATION FOR BID CONTRACT NO. ACHA-1654, TREE REMOVAL & TRIMMING SERVICES The Allegheny County Housing Authority is requesting Bids from qualified Contractors to provide Tree Removal & Trimming Services throughout ACHA jurisdiction.

Invitation for Bids and Contract Documents are on file and may be obtained at no charge from the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 301 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks, PA 15136, or by contacting Guy Phillips @ gphillips@achsng.com, 412-402-2435.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held in the Authority’s Boardroom on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Bid submittals are due no later than 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 301 Chartiers Ave., Mckees Rocks, PA 15136.

The Authority encourages responses from §3 business concerns, small firms, minority firms and firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. The Allegheny County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any and all submissions.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Frank Aggazio, Executive Director

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The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, and sealed bids for the following prime contract bid with the Authority: EXTERIOR DOOR REPLACEMENTS AT 7 SCATTERED SITES: CALIFORNIA MANOR, CALIFORNIA RIVERVIEW, CALIFORNIA TERRACE, CRUMRINE TOWER, FREDERICK TERRACE, HIGHLAND TERRACE, VALLEY VIEW TERRACE WCHA 2021-G4 CONTRACT; A/E PROJECT # 2351 A certified check or bank draft payable to the Washington County ousing Authority; a US Government Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids will be received no later than 9:00 AM EDT, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021 at the Washington County ousing Authority, Crumrine ower Rev. E. Davis Community uilding, ranklin Street, Washington, PA at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by the ousing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days prior to the contract award.

A Non-Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held at 10:00 AM EDT, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021 Beginning Onsite At Valley View Terrace, 518 Dawson Street, Canonsburg, Pa 15317; Then To Crumrine Tower, 100 South Franklin Street, Washington, Pa 15301; Then To Frederick Terrace, 747 Crawford Road, Fredericktown, Pa 15333; Then To California Terrace, 1263 Zulu Street, California, Pa 15419; Then To California Riverview Apartments, 399 First Street, California, Pa 15419; Then To California Manor, 243 Second Street, California, Pa 15419; Then To Highland Terrace, 110 Gallatin Drive, Donora, Pa 15033. lans s ecifications and contract documents ma e e amined at these locations: Bid Documents are being distributed, with twenty-four hour prior notice of pick-up, by F. L. Haus Company, Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA , by phone (412) 231-7700 or fax (412) 231-7709. All prime bidders are REQUIRED to buy the full set of plans and specifications. Contact . . aus Company for cost of plans and specifications. ree examination of said documents is available at the office of Canzian/Johnston & Associates and enns l ania uilders c an e Submit all required documents in a sealed envelope clearly marked terior oor Re lacements t cattered ites ro ect he work to be performed under this contract is a ection ro ect under Provisions of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, and must, to the greatest extent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the pro ect be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, Washington County residents.

Particular attention is directed to requirements of ecuti e rder 11625 and 12138, as well as Section 3 requirements, as set forth in the Specifications. he Authority reserves the right to re ect any or all bids for any reason s whatsoever and to waive informalities in the bidding process as the WCHA deems absolutely appropriate.

STEPHEN K. HALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, and sealed bids for the following prime contract bid with the Authority: WATER METER PIT REPAIRS & EMERGENCY GENERATOR FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT PROJECT: BASSETTOWN MANOR, 39 NORTH MAIN STREET, WASHINGTON, PA 15301 R ro ect A certified check or bank draft payable to the Washington County ousing Authority; a US Government Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids will be received no later than 1:00 PM EDT, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021 at the Washington County ousing Authority, Crumrine ower Rev. E. Davis Community uilding, ranklin Street, Washington, PA at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by the ousing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days prior to the contract award.

A Non-Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held at 1:00 PM EDT, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021 Onsite At assettown anor, orth ain Street, Washington, Pa . lans s ecifications and contract documents ma e e amined at these locations: Bid Documents are being distributed, with twenty-four hour prior notice of pick-up, by F. L. Haus Company, Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA , by phone (412) 231-7700 or fax (412) 231-7709. All prime bidders are REQUIRED to buy the full set of plans and specifications. Contact . . aus Company for cost of plans and specifications. ree examination of said documents is available at the office of Canzian/Johnston & Associates LLC and enns l ania uilders c an e Submit all required documents in a sealed envelope clearly marked ater eter it Re airs mer enc enerator uel an he work to be performed under this contract is a ection ro ect under Provisions of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, and must, to the greatest extent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the pro ect be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, Washington County residents.

Particular attention is directed to requirements of ecuti e rder 11625 and 12138, as well as Section 3 requirements, as set forth in the Specifications. he Authority reserves the right to re ect any or all bids for any reason s whatsoever and to waive informalities in the bidding process as the WCHA deems absolutely appropriate.

STEPHEN K. HALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, and sealed bids for the following prime contract bid with the Authority: FIRE ALARM REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS AT 2 SITES: BASSETTOWN MANOR & CALIFORNIA RIVERVIEW APARTMENTS WCHA 2021-G9 CONTRACT A/E PROJECTS # 2180 AT BASSETTOWN; # 2130 AT RIVERVIEW A certified check or bank draft payable to the Washington County ousing Authority; a US Government Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids will be received no later than 11:00 AM EDT, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021 at the Washington County ousing Authority, Crumrine ower Rev. E. Davis Community uilding, ranklin Street, Washington, PA at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by the ousing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days prior to the contract award.

A Non-Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held at 10:00 AM EDT, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021 Starting Onsite At California Riverview Apartments, irst Street, California, Pa hen o assettown anor, orth ain Street, Washington, Pa . lans s ecifications and contract documents ma e e amined at these locations: Bid Documents are being distributed, with twenty-four hour prior notice of pick-up, by F. L. Haus Company, Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA , by phone (412) 231-770 or fax (412) 231-7709. All prime bidders are REQUIRED to buy the full set of plans and specifications. Contact . . aus Company for cost of plans and specifications. ree examination of said documents is available at the office of Canzian/Johnston & Associates LLC and enns l ania uilders c an e Submit all required documents in a sealed envelope clearly marked ire larm Re airs nd lterations t ites ro ect he work to be performed under this contract is a ection ro ect under Provisions of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, and must, to the greatest extent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the pro ect be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, Washington County residents.

Particular attention is directed to requirements of ecuti e rder 11625 and 12138, as well as Section 3 requirements, as set forth in the Specifications. he Authority reserves the right to re ect any or all bids for any reason s whatsoever and to waive informalities in the bidding process as the WCHA deems absolutely appropriate.

STEPHEN K. HALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SONNY BOY

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).

Proposals bid submittals will be due 11:00 a.m. on October 15, 2021 and will be read at 11:15 a.m., the same day, at Port Authority s einz location (Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for Tele-Conference dial-in information for the Bid Opening), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) Bid Number B210971A B210972 B210973A B210974A B210976A B210977A

1 2 3 4 5 6

Bid Name Bus HVAC Return Filters Extended Glass for Operator's Barriers Brake Drums - Coach EGR Coolers - Cummins Engines Cohesity NAS & Smart Files Janitorial Supplies - Cleaning Products

Paper Proposal - Documents are available for the following item at ort ut orit s ain fices i t 1

enue Bid Number B210975A

ird loor

itts ur

enns l ania Bid Name Unleaded Gasoline

o bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre- id Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 a.m. on September 30, 2021. Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for ele-Conference dial-in information. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port ut orit it in fi e usiness da s o t e sc eduled id o enin hese contracts may be sub ect to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the nited States Department of ransportation. he Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. ontractor is res onsi le or e enses related to acquirin a er ormance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless ot er ise s ecified osts or deli er ond and insurance s all be included in bidder’s proposal pricing.

Port Authority of Allegheny County 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. e oard o ort ut orit reser es t e ri t to re ect an or all ids

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