10.9.24 NPC by Real Times Media

Courier’s Brian Cook Sr.

Pittsburgh’s Black women showing massive support for Kamala Harris

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

While there were about 300 people in the house inside the Philip Chosky Theater at Carnegie Mellon University glued to Vice President and Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris' every word on Sept. 25, one couldn't miss the presence of Pittsburgh's Black women throughout the crowd.

From former Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett, to Vibrant Pittsburgh president and CEO Sabrina Saunders Mosby, to Homeless Children's Education Fund CEO Ardana "AJ" Jefferson, to former Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Valerie McDonald-

Roberts, it's not a stretch to say that most Black women in Pittsburgh are in full support of Kamala Harris.

In unison, they applauded as Harris outlined her economic plan if she were to become the next president of these United States. In short, she plans to make the rich and wealthy in this country "pay their fair share" in taxes, in hopes of building up the country's middle class. She said her opponent, former president Donald Trump, wants to do the opposite. "Every day, millions of Americans are sitting around their own kitchen tables and facing their own financial pressures because, over the past sev-

eral decades, our economy has grown better and better for those at the very top and increasingly difficult for those trying to attain, build and hold on to a middle-class life," Harris told the people at the Sept. 25 event that was hosted by the Economic Club of Pittsburgh. "I want Americans and families to be able to not just

get by, but be able to get ahead. To be able to thrive. I don’t want you to have to worry about making your monthly rent if your car breaks down. I want you to be able to save up for your child’s education, to take a nice vacation from time to time. I want you to be able to buy Christmas presents for your loved ones without feeling anx-

ious when you’re looking at your bank statement. I want you to be able to build some wealth, not just for yourself, but also for your children and your grandchildren—intergenerational wealth." Harris said that under her plan, more than 100 million Americans would get a "middle-class tax break" that includes

$6,000 for new parents during the first year of their child's life, "to help families cover everything from car seats to cribs," she said. Harris also said she would cut the cost of child care and elder care, "and finally give all working people access to paid

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

One shot. One shot was all Charles "Teenie" Harris needed to take. He took more than 80,000 of them, over five decades, chronicling Black Pittsburgh like no one ever did, and ever will. On Friday, Sept. 27, Harris' legacy was further cemented—literally. A state historical marker was placed in front of Harris' home, 7604 Mulford Street, in Homewood. No one lives in the home today, but for years, Harris would develop there the thousands of photographs that now tell the story of Black Pittsburgh from the 1930s to the early 1980s. The lifestyle of African Americans in the heart of the Hill District—whether it was the jazz clubs, the protests for civil rights, the art of the Black family, the celebrities, the politicians, the kids playing in the street, the numerous Black clubs and organizations — Harris developed many of them right there

by Rob Taylor Jr.

TEENIE HARRIS’ grandchildren, Michele Cole and Lionel L. Harris Jr., stand in front of the new state historical marker for their grandfather, Friday, Sept. 27, in Homewood. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)

BLACK WOMEN LIKE VALERIE MCDONALD-ROBERTS AND CRYSTAL MCCORMICK WARE were in attendance for Kamala Harris’ speech at Carnegie Mellon University, Sept. 25. (Photo by Marlon Martin)

John Amos dies at 84 leaving a legacy of strength and authentic Black representation

by Ebony Curry Michigan Chronicle

John Amos, an enduring icon in Black television and film, passed away at 84. Best known for his roles as James Evans Sr. on Good Times and

Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, Amos leaves behind a legacy that shaped the cultural fabric of Black America. He died on August 21st in Los Angeles of natural causes, confirmed by his publicist, Belinda Foster.

Amos was a symbol of strength, dignity, and authenticity on screen. As James Evans Sr., he portrayed a hardworking Black father raising a family in a Chicago housing project. This depiction resonated deeply with viewers, offering a rare image of a two-parent Black family on television during the 1970s. Amos understood the importance of this representation and fought to keep it true to the Black experience. He challenged the show’s White writing staff when he felt the storylines did not align with the realities of Black life. His advocacy for authenticity eventually cost him his role after three seasons, but his influence on the show and its viewers had already made an indelible mark. Good Times was more than entertainment. It gave millions of Black families a relatable representation of their struggles and successes. As Amos often said, it was one of the closest depictions of Black family life

on television at the time. His push for integrity in the stories, even at the expense of his career, demonstrated his commitment to truth in representation. The show’s impact stretched far beyond the screen, with his character being name-checked in songs by artists such as Alicia Keys, Rick Ross, and the Wu-Tang Clan. The catchy ‘Good Times’ theme song emphasized both hardship and resilience. Amos’ role in Roots was another pivotal moment in his career. As Kunta Kinte, he brought to life a story of resilience, survival, and the deep history of Black people in America. The miniseries was a cultural event, bringing the horrors of slavery into millions of homes. Amos called the role life-changing, noting how it validated the struggles he had faced earlier in his career while contributing to a larger shift in how Black history was told on screen. His performance earned him one of the miniseries’ 37 Emmy nominations and solidified his place in television history. Amos was born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, to a father who worked as an auto mechanic. He graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in sociology and pursued a brief career in professional football before finding his calling in acting. Even before his television fame, Amos was no stranger to hard work. He was a social worker at the Vera Institute of Justice in New York, working with de-

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

• OCTOBER 9

1806—Benjamin Banneker dies in Ellicott Mills, Md., at age 74. Banneker was a brilliant mathematician with a great memory and is credited with completing the layout and design of Washington, D.C.

1823—Mary Ann Shad is born. She becomes publisher of Canada’s first anti-slavery newspaper—The Provincial Freeman. In fact, she is the first woman in the U.S. or Canada to edit and publish a newspaper.

1962— The east African nation of Uganda becomes independent from British rule.

1984—W. Wilson Goode makes history by becoming the first Black mayor of Philadelphia, Pa.

rier Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War.

1999— Basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain dies at age 63. The 7’1”, 280 pound great included among his records the scoring of 100 points in one game when the Philadelphia Warriors beat the New York Knicks 169 to 147 on March 2, 1962.

• OCTOBER 13

1902—Arna W. Bontemps (1902-1973) is born. He was a noted poet and librarian of Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. Bontemps frequently collaborated with another noted Black poet Langston Hughes.

fendants at the Brooklyn House of Detention. His journey into acting began after a coach encouraged him to pursue his interest in writing, leading to a successful career in front of the camera.

In addition to Good Times and Roots, Amos appeared in numerous films and television shows. His film credits include Let’s Do It Again alongside Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier, Coming to America with Eddie Murphy, and Uncut Gems with Adam Sandler. He also appeared in music videos and had a recurring role on The West Wing, further showcasing his range as an actor. In 2020, Amos was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact.

Amos’ family was as much a part of his story as his career. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, described his father as a man who lived a good life and loved his work.

“Many fans consider him their TV father,” Kelly said. “He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero.” Amos is survived by Kelly, a Grammy-nominated video music director, and his daughter Shannon, a former entertainment executive.

John Amos will be remembered not just for the roles he played but for the dignity he brought to each one. He was a pioneer in representing Black families on television, ensuring that our stories were told with care, truth, and integrity. His work lives on, continuing to inspire and educate new generations about the strength and resilience of the Black community. His legacy remains a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and representation.

2009— In a move which surprised just about everyone, President Barack Obama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Obama had been in office for less than 9 months at this time last year but the Nobel Committee in Oslo, Norway, said it was impressed by his “promise” of disarmament and diplomacy.

• OCTOBER 10

1778— What is believed to be the first formal school for Blacks— the Africa Free School —opens in New York City.

1899— Black inventor Isaac Johnson patents the bicycle frame.

1901—Frederick Douglass Patterson is born. He grows up to become President of Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. From there he would later launch an effort that leads to the 1944 founding of the United Negro College Fund.

1917— Famed Jazz pianist Theolonius Monk is born in Rocky Mount, N.C.

1935—George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” a Black spiritual opera, premiers on Broadway in New York City. It starred Todd Duncan from Howard University. The play becomes one of the most popular Black-themed shows ever to hit Broadway. The 1959 movie version stars Sidney Portier and Dorothy Dandridge.

• OCTOBER 11

1887—Alexander Miles patents a major safety improvement to the elevator. Miles did not invent the elevator. But he made it safer with an automatically closing door which prevented people from accidentally falling down elevator shafts.

1890— Black inventor Charles Orren Bailiff patents the shampoo headrest.

1939— The NAACP organizes the NAACP Education and Legal Defense Fun d, which goes on to win many important legal battles guaranteeing civil and educational rights for Blacks.

1991— Comedian and actor Redd Foxx dies at age 68. He was born John Elroy Sanford in St. Louis, Mo. An IRS raid on his Las Vegas home to collect back taxes is thought to have hastened his death.

• OCTOBER 12

1854—Lincoln University is founded in Pennsylvania.

1932—Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory is born in St Louis, Mo. Gregory is an American civil rights activist, social critic, writer, entrepreneur, conspiracy theorist and comedian.

1945— The lynching of Jesse James Payne takes place in Madison County, Fla. The lynching came to typify the lies that prompted many a lynching. Payne got into an argument with his White boss and threatened to expose some of his boss’ illegal dealings. But the boss then spread a rumor that Payne had molested his daughter and Payne was lynched.

1972— Nearly 50 Black and White sailors were injured in a race riot aboard the aircraft car -

1914—Garret Morgan , an African American inventor and community leader, invents and patents the gas mask. He is renowned for a heroic rescue in 1916 in which he and three others used the mask he’d developed to save workers trapped within a water intake tunnel, 50 feet beneath Lake Erie.

1919—Whites riot in Phillips County, Ark., leaving nearly 80 Blacks lynched.

1926—Jesse Leroy Brown is born. He became the first Black naval aviator.

1970— Communist and activist Angela Davis is arrested as a fugitive in New York City for her alleged role in a California courthouse shootout that left four dead. She is later found not guilty.

• OCTOBER 14

1902—William Allison Davis is born. He earns a PhD and becomes a leading educator and anthropologist. Among his lasting legacies were his well-documented challenges to the cultural bias of IQ tests which generally portrayed Blacks as less intelligent than Whites.

1916— Washington and Lee University of Virginia refuses to play Rutgers University of New Jersey because it has a Black player on its team. That player was Paul Robeson who withdrew from the game, but later became world famous as an actor, singer and advocate of Black and socialist causes.

1964—Martin Luther King Jr. becomes the youngest man ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He was 35 and had already become world famous for his leadership of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. 1999— Former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere dies at 77 of cancer. He had led his country to independence and called on American Blacks to come to Africa to help rebuild the “motherland.”

• OCTOBER 15

1859— White minister and mystic John Brown leads a violent uprising in Harper’s Ferry, Va., in a bid to spark a Black uprising against slavery. Dozens of Whites are killed, but the revolt is eventually put down. President Abraham Lincoln once referred to him as a “misguided fanatic,” but Brown actually had a fanatical hatred of slavery and wanted it ended at all costs.

1887—The U.S. Supreme Court declares the Civil Rights Act of 1885 unconstitutional. The decision was spurred by the end of Reconstruction and helped to usher in the Jim Crow period in the South whereby Black rights won during Reconstruction were taken away.

1991— Conservative Black judge Clarence Thomas is confirmed as the 106th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme. He remains on the court with a voting record, which continues to anger many Black leaders.

GOOD TIMES—Esther Rolle, right, and John Amos starred in the pathbreaking 1970s Black sitcom. (Moviepix via Getty Images/File)

Bethlehem Haven, part of Pittsburgh Mercy’s award-winning homeless services continuum of care, and ACTION-Housing on Wednesday, Oct. 2, broke ground on Uptown Flats, a new $22.8 million low-income affordable housing development in the 1400 block of Fifth Avenue in Uptown, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned.

Abatement is under way with demolition scheduled to begin in mid-October. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025. When completed in 2026, the new development located at Fifth Avenue and Stevenson Street will house up to 34 households whose residents are exiting homelessness, have accessibility needs, and are on the path to self-sufficiency.

Uptown Flats is the result of an innovative partnership between Bethlehem Haven, a nonprofit that serves individuals at risk of homelessness, and ACTION-Housing, Pittsburgh’s largest nonprofit affordable housing developer that specializes in quality, affordable supportive housing. Together, the two nonprofit community partners share over 100 years of combined experience providing housing and supportive services to vulnerable Pittsburgh and Allegheny County residents.

Uptown Flats will be a 36,000 square-foot, four-story building featuring low-income affordable housing and wrap-around supportive services provided on site by Bethlehem Haven for households at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). All units will have project-based vouchers through the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. Residents will not pay more than 30 percent of their income in rent. Utilities are included.

Four of the units will be designed for individuals with mobility accessibility needs. Two of the units will be designed for individuals with hearing and/or vision accessibility needs.

“When completed, Uptown Flats will create affordable permanent housing in Uptown and help Bethlehem Haven create a housing continuum that will allow vulnerable residents to find stability and success in life,” said Annette M. Fetchko, RN, MHA, executive director of Bethlehem Haven, in a statement to the Courier. “By integrating housing with health care and extensive supportive services, this project will improve lives by empowering residents on the path to self-sufficiency.”

To make way for the Uptown Flats development, Bethlehem Haven purchased four vacant, neighboring properties at 1400-1408 Fifth Avenue. “By reclaiming and removing blighted, dilapidated buildings and replacing them with new residential development with on-site wrap-around services, Uptown Flats will be a catalyst for hope and change as well as a vibrant partner and contributor to the Uptown EcoInnovation District,” Fetchko added.

“When Bethlehem Haven joined the Pittsburgh Mercy Family of Care in 2016, we made a promise to the community that we would be better together. We promised to use our 70 years of combined strengths and experience to expand our award-winning homeless services continuum to serve even more of the most vulnerable,” Tony Beltran, president and CEO of Pittsburgh Mercy, said in a statement to the Courier. “We know how important safe, affordable housing and

access to wrap-around supportive services are to a person’s health and well-being. Uptown Flats is another innovative example of how Pittsburgh Mercy and Bethlehem Haven are honoring our legacy, living our mission, and fulfilling our promise to the most vulnerable in the Uptown community and Allegheny County,” Beltran added.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the development team for Uptown Flats,” stated Lena Andrews, CEO of ACTION-Housing. “Given the increasing need for affordable and supportive housing in Pittsburgh, this is exactly the type of project we should be building to support residents in a holistic way."

Amenities on the first floor will include a community room for residents, an outdoor courtyard, and offices for Bethlehem Haven and Pittsburgh Mercy colleagues to provide supportive services to residents. Uptown Flats will also offer residents convenient access to Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit lines and new protected bike lanes along Fifth and Forbes avenues, secure bicycle parking, storage, and laundry.

The $22.8 million Uptown Flats development was made possible by an award of 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Major funders include the National Equity Fund, BNY, Trinity Health, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Economic Development, FHLBank Pittsburgh, McAuley Ministries Foundation, Irene C. Shea Charitable Foundation, and the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh.

Bethlehem Haven and ACTION-Housing are the developers of Uptown Flats. LGA Partners is the project architect. Mosites Construction is the general contractor. Fahringer, McCarty, and Grey is the civil engineer. Iams Consulting is the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineer. The project will seek Enterprise Green Communities Certification.

The planned development has received overwhelming community support from the City of Pittsburgh, Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh, the Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC), the Hill District Consensus Group (HDCG), the Hill District Collaborative (HDC), and neighboring Uptown non-

profit organizations, such as Duquesne University, Jubilee Kitchen, and UPMC Mercy.

Phase 1, which included the year-long, $4.2 million preservation and renovation of Bethlehem

Haven’s 1410 Fifth Avenue location, a permanent supportive housing program for 26 women and gender non-conforming individuals,

The Women of Excellence Award celebrates local African American women who motivate and inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service. The selected honorees will join an exclusive society of professional women who have previously received this distinction.

CRITERIA:

1. The nominee must a be a woman 40 years of age or older, who resides in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

2. The nominee must be active in her career or profession. Career or profession is defined as paid employment in her field. Nominees must agree to have their photograph and biographical information published in the New Pittsburgh Courier.

All nominees selected as a Women of Excellence will be featured in a 2024 edition of the New Pittsburgh Courier

3. Evaluations will be based on the quality of a nominee’s achievements rather than the quantity of information submitted.

4. Selections will be made by the New Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence Selection Committee based on the following criteria:

• Local African American executive or business owner

• Proven success in career/profession

• Positive role model

• Demonstrative community service

Rod Doss receives mayor's 'Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award'

dent and General Manager of the Courier. And following the death of his mentor, Sengstacke, in 1997, that same man was named Editor and Publisher of the Courier. That man is Rod Doss. So it seemed fitting that, for a man who has only missed one year of the entirety of the "New" Pittsburgh Courier's existence, the City of Pittsburgh would bestow on Doss the honor of being the first-ever recipient of the mayor's "Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award."

The ceremony was held at Mayor Ed Gainey's office, on the fifth floor of the City-County Building, Downtown, Oct. 3, 2024. "You created a voice when there was no voice. And you made sure that the other side of the city that felt mainly lonely throughout the years because they didn't get the proper news coverage, was able to receive some type of love and not feel lonely," Mayor Gainey said, looking directly at Doss. "The New Pittsburgh Courier was able to uplift the community that others couldn't uplift. And it also turned out legends. I mean, a whole lot of legends."

Sure, Doss has received other lifetime achievement awards for his work in leading the Courier, but the City of Pittsburgh honoring Doss has a special value. Not only has Pittsburgh not been the most welcoming city for African Americans in its history, but the city never had an African American mayor until January 2022, when Gainey took office, winning the November 2021 mayoral election. It was the Courier, under Doss' leadership, that would showcase Gainey as a hard-working state Representative in the 24th District. It was the Courier that would cover Gainey's annual Christmas events at the old Home -

wood Coliseum when no other publication would. It was the Courier, under Doss' leadership, that endorsed Gainey and pushed the Black community to vote for Gainey to become the city's first Black mayor. And it was the Courier, under Doss' leadership, that prominently featured Gainey's historic win on the front page of the newspaper just a few hours after his victory was secured, with the enormous headline on Nov. 4, 2021: "GAINEY WINS". About 10 additional people stepped to the podium and gave remarks about Doss during the hour-long ceremony. Doris Carson Williams, former president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, said that in 1998, the Chamber had 28 paid members. "Where would we be without the New Pittsburgh Courier and Rod Doss? We grew from 28 paid members to over 650 members," she said. "I believe a lot of it had to do with the coverage we received every week from the Courier on not only our events, but what our members were doing and the recognition that so many of them deserved."

"I want the community in general to understand that, we just don't have a Black newspaper, we have Rod Doss, and his influence around the country is notable," added Esther L. Bush, former president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.

Speakers noted how Doss, along with the Courier’s assistant to the publisher, Stephan Broadus, started the wildly successful Pittsburgh events that honor 50 African American women, 50 African American men, and 40 African Americans under age 40. The events are known as the "Women of Excellence," "Men of Excellence" and "Fab 40.” The events honor

Black Pittsburghers doing outstanding things in the community and region.

Speakers like former Courier City Editor Sonya Meadows discussed how Doss challenged the Black community in Pittsburgh to stop the violence by placing a monthly feature on the front page of the Courier that showed how many Black lives were being lost to gun violence.

Speakers discussed how Doss gave them opportunities to write or take photos for the publication, when no other publications would give them a chance.

When it was time for Doss to take the podium, he first thanked those in attendance, saying he was a "rich, rich man just because of the blessings you have bestowed upon me." Doss then thanked the mayor for bestowing him with the first "Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award," before discussing how much of a fight it was for Blacks in Pittsburgh to become "included" in a city that "had previously denied them."

Doss thanked former Courier greats like Sengstacke, Bill Nunn Jr., Hazel Garland, Jim Lewis, Carl Morris "and a list of others who freely gave me counsel and taught me about the Black Press and its mission." Doss thanked his current staff members and freelance writers for their valued contributions to the Courier of today.

"I can say I am blessed to be in the business that plays an important role in helping to shape history and lift the community to higher heights," Doss said. "Alongside the many professional talented and committed individuals I have had the pleasure of working with in covering Black history as it was then, so it is now, the Courier was there...and so was I. Mr. Mayor, thank you for this recognition."

To submit nominations, visit : www.newpittsburghcourier.com/WOEnominations2024

DOSS FROM A1

ROD DOSS, WITH PITTSBURGH MAYOR ED GAINEY, OCT. 3. (PHOTO BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

KAMALA HARRIS OFFERS A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP

$50K tax deduction for new business owners

$6K to young families in the first year of their child’s life

$25K in down payment assistance for first time home buyers

During his presidency, the Black unemployment rate was at an all time high

His Project 2025 agenda would roll back civil rights policies that offer opportunity for Black Americans

He uses race to divide us, scapegoating Black & Brown communities

She believes in what is possible. He’s more interested in defending himself than looking out for you. Let’s turn the page and move forward.

ROD DOSS, WITH SISTER, MARILYN HARVEY

ROD DOSS, ESTHER L. BUSH

ROD DOSS, TIM STEVENS

Teenie Harris gets state historical marker

in the basement at 7604 Mulford.

The two-story home was where Harris and his wife, Elsa, raised their five children, like Lionel Harris, who was part of the festivities on a Friday afternoon, Sept. 27, that was proclaimed "Teenie Harris Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.

"I'm 78 years old. I grew up in this house," Lionel Harris said in front of about 100 people who stood in front of the home. "I used to slide down the banister pole to get from the second floor to the first floor."

Lionel Harris recalled that when his father had to give up the studio space he had on Centre Avenue in the Hill, he brought the equipment into their home. "He had his enlarger, he had the items that would develop the film, and then he had a darkroom. All of that was in one line. I remember it so well because we used to show 16 millimeter films down here, sound films, and I used to charge...a few cents," Harris said to some laughter. "It was wonderful because we all grew up here as a family, and we had a very closeknit family."

Teenie Harris was born in 1908, and died in 1998. His work for the Courier spanned from 1936 to 1975, and you can't find a Black person in town from that era who didn't know Teenie

Harris. Thaddeus Mosley, famed sculptor from the Pittsburgh region, spoke at the event about how when Mosley joined the Courier in the '50s as a sportswriter, it was Harris who showed him the ins and outs of the Courier and Black Pittsburgh. But he also noted that the many books that have been published over the years that talk

about Pittsburgh's Black history, or Pittsburgh's history in general, are spread worldwide—and some of the photos used in those books are Teenie Harris' photos. Thus, Teenie Harris is an international figure.

"Images of people like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Lena Horne and John F. Kennedy and so forth," Mosley

said. "These pictures would have never been taken if it weren't for Teenie."

Harris' archive of photos is housed at the Carnegie Museum of Art. “If it weren’t for Teenie, (telling) a lot of our stories as African Americans would not have been possible,” said Charlene Foggie-Barnett, com -

eryone at the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission believes that Teenie Harris is of national significance."

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey marveled at the fact that Teenie Harris created so many memories that will last lifetimes from the basement of a home in Homewood, a neighborhood where

the more joyous, Mayor Gainey said. A few days before the celebration, leaders had learned that the home was going to be up for auction at a Sheriff's sale beginning Oct. 7 for just under $50,000. The mayor wasn't having any of that.

munity archivist for the Harris archive at the Carnegie Museum.

Andy Masich, president and CEO of the Heinz History Center, said that the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has "2,600 markers covering the state. Those markers have to have regional or statewide or national significance, and I'm here to tell you that ev -

"they don't talk about the superstars that came out of (it)," Mayor Gainey said. "I feel proud today. There's certain things that I thought would never happen in this city, and it couldn't (have happened) without the fathers that came before us and the mothers that came before us. And to be able to stand in front of his (Teenie's) house" made the day all

"We're gonna save this house," Mayor Gainey proclaimed, with elected officials to his side.

"We're gonna make this a momument to the history of Teenie Harris. And if the 'community wills,' to me it would be a blessing to call this, 'Teenie Harris Street.'"

HARRIS FROM A1

FAMILY, FRIENDS, SUPPORTERS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS IN FRONT OF THE NEW CHARLES “TEENIE” HARRIS HISTORICAL MARKER. (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF TEENIE HARRIS, INCLUDING SON, LIONEL HARRIS, FAR LEFT, AND FORMER CO-WORKER, THADDEUS MOSLEY, FAR RIGHT.

THE CITY PROCLAMATION—TEENIE HARRIS’ SON, LIONEL HARRIS, WITH MAYOR ED GAINEY.

Take Charge Of Your Health Today. Be Informed. Be Involved.

Black Maternal Health

Black maternal mortality is the higher rate at which Black women die during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after giving birth compared to women of other races. The disparity is a major public health issue that happens because of systemic racism and unequal access to (and quality of) healthcare. Education, income, housing, and

discrimination also play a part in the higher rate. This month’s Take Charge of Your Health Today centers on how Pittsburgh’s community organizations and academics—including the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh—are working together to lower it. We asked UL head Carlos Carter to share his insight

on Family Support Centers and their role in addressing this inequity.

Q: Thanks for joining us, Carlos. How is the Urban League working to support the health of mothers and their babies?

Carlos Carter: Family Support Centers, in conjunction with Allegheny County, offer the Hello

Baby program, which is open to all families in the county. Our Family Development Specialists help families take advantage of benefits like social interaction with other parents, recreational activities, educational programming, and essential items such as diapers and formula. That includes transportation if needed. Our staff also provides follow-up and ongoing support for the Hello Baby Family Check Up and Hello Baby Healthy Start program. We also act as a gateway to other Family

Support Center services, like food insecurities and workforce development.

Q: Are you seeing changes that give you and your staff hope?

Carlos Carter: Yes! We see families using these programs to get what they need to for a healthy start. The relationships we’re building with the community, as we lend our support to the centers, is encouraging. Our goal is to help families feel we’re not only fighting for them, but alongside them!

EMBRACE Center awarded $13 mil to improve Black birthing outcomes

By many standards, the U.S. has the worst record among developed countries in protecting the health of birthing people and their babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the year after birth.

According to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), out of every 100,000 live U.S. births, 50 Black women die from pregnancy-related causes. This is known as “maternal mortality” and it’s one of the highest rates for all racial and ethnic groups.

Black women also experience severe maternal complications at a rate that’s two times greater than White women.

The same disparity is true for Black babies who have a death rate that’s more than two times higher than White babies.

In Allegheny County, the rate of death for Black pregnant people was 91 deaths per 100,000 live births.

To change this inequity and uplift Black birthing people and their children, our region has a strong history of partnership between community and academic organizations. These groups work together in underserved and excluded neighborhoods to improve maternal health outcomes for Black families.

Recently, these local partners got a significant boost—a six-year, $13 mil-

lion grant from the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) IMPROVE Initiative, which funds projects to address maternal health. (IMPROVE stands for Implementing a Maternal health and PRegnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone.)

The grant was awarded to the University of Pittsburgh Schools of Public Health and Medicine’s new Equity in Maternal and Birthing outcomes and Reproductive HeAlth through Community Engagement Center of Excellence. Known as EMBRACE, the center is one of only a dozen maternal health research centers of excellence nationwide.

EMBRACE is an example of collaboration on a big scale between numerous community groups and academic departments. However, its goal is laser focused: To improve our region’s birthing conditions and outcomes by using its strong network of boots-on-theground, community-focused programs and partners already in place.

On the community side, EMBRACE includes Healthy Start Pittsburgh, Journey Lighter, the Allegheny County Health Dept., The Midwife Center, the BEST Allegheny Initiative, First Steps and Beyond, Allegheny Reproductive Health Center, the Black Women’s Policy Center, and Yogamotif.

On the Pitt side, EM-

BRACE is made up of faculty, staff, and students from the Schools of Public Health, Medicine, and Nursing; the School of Education’s Department of Health and Human Development; the Dietrich School of the Arts and Sciences; and the University Center for Social and Urban Research.

The NIH grant will help EMBRACE Center partners better support maternal reproductive health and justice among Black people in our region. Structural and social determinants of health play a role in ensuring health equity and justice including income, access to quality healthcare, and structural racism.

EMBRACE coprincipal investigator Dr. Dara D. Méndez is associate professor of epidemiology and associate director of the Center for Health Equity at Pitt’s School of Public Health. She leads EMBRACE along with Dr. Mehret Birru Talabi, assistant professor of medicine, Division of Rheumatology, and Dr. Hyagriv Simhan, professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences.

“Each component of the EMBRACE center is colead by community partners or a community clinician,” says Dr. Méndez. “The call that came from the NIH and each component of EMBRACE centers on the expertise of Black leadership and leaders of color—people

who’ve been excluded in the past and present,” she adds.

“This diverse group of community and academic experts share a vision to advance Black maternal and reproductive health equity and justice,” Dr. Méndez continues. “The NIH grant will help us do this by funding our research, training, practice, and policy efforts. This builds upon a long history of local expertise and knowledge in the community and academic settings.”

EMBRACE includes a community engagement component, training component and an intervention study. The Center’s first focus is to work with and champion community organizations and leaders to create and implement action plans that improve the physical

and mental health of Black birthing people.

Healthy Start Pittsburgh and CEO Ms. Jada Shirriel serve as the coprincipal investigator of the Community Component along with University of Pittsburgh faculty member Dr. Onome Oghifobibi and University of Illinois at Chicago faculty member Dr. Ashley Hill.

Dr. Méndez is proud of— and firm about—her belief that community-based organizations and leaders can transform and uplift academic research from start to finish. From determining what to study and how to do it, to communicating what researchers have learned, to putting the findings into action, the community’s lived experience and expertise is crucial. “It’s the best way to transform how we advance the health and wellness of Black communities,” she says. The second focus of EMBRACE is to create and offer training and development on the causes of Black birthing inequalities. This includes topics like anti-oppression and reproductive health and justice. Researchers, maternal healthcare providers and workers, and other individuals (whose work focuses on maternal and child health) will receive the training. The coprincipal investigators of the training component are Ms. Ngozi Tibbs, expert trainer in maternal

and reproductive health equity and justice owner of Journey Lighter and Pitt Public Health faculty member Dr. Cathy Haggerty. Finally, EMBRACE will work to further develop intervention research through a program called IMPLICIT. IMPLICIT is an existing model that provides care during pregnancy, as well as screening and support for birthing people after delivery during their infant’s well-child visits.

For EMBRACE, the team will refine and develop a community-informed model of fourth trimester care at several UPMC Family Medicine clinics. “The fourth trimester happens in the weeks following a birth,” says Dr. Méndez. “During that time, individuals are less likely to get the support and care they need and can experience poor physical and mental health outcomes.”

Coprincipal investigators of the fourth trimester care intervention are Drs. Stacy Bartlett and Cynthia Salter in Pitt Medicine and Public Health, respectively. Dr. Méndez continues, “The EMBRACE Center will allow us to create and implement interventions that will uplift Black maternal and infant health in our region and the health of the communities where Black families live, work, play, and age.”

Doula care helps pregnant women navigate a safe and empowering birth

In the U.S. where the maternal mortality rate is the highest of any developed country, interest in doula care is on the rise. A doula (pronounced DOO-lah) is a trained expert who gives emotional, physical, and informational support to mothers before a baby is born, during labor and delivery, and after the birth (postpartum). Unlike doctors or midwives, doulas focus on a mother’s well-being by offering personalized care and comfort. By walking with families thru the birthing process— and offering postpartum help—doulas make the transition to parenthood safer, smoother and more affirming. Indeed, according to the National Health

Law Program, doulas improve health outcomes and reduce racial disparities, including Black maternal mortality rates. Some doulas focus on specific areas, such as postpartum care, sibling support for older sisters and brothers, and bereavement support after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. Other doulas, like Kenisha Wilson, a community health worker (CHW) and certified doula at AHN, cover the full spectrum of pregnancy.

“Doulas tailor care to the specific pregnant person and family,” Kenisha explains. “Each person’s birth preferences are as unique as the individual. As doulas, what we hold true for everyone is an

emphasis on the birthing person’s well-being.”

Fundamentally, birth preferences (often called a birth plan) include how a woman envisions labor and delivery taking place. “Does the mother want low light, essential

oils, and affirmation while she’s laboring?” Kenisha explains. “Does she want to labor in a warm shower with music playing? When is the best time to get an epidural? Will gentle massage help her relax? Does she want me to coach her partner or attend to an older sibling who’s present? In the delivery room, I serve as the mom’s environment control.”

If the idea of having someone other than family in the delivery room doesn’t appeal to you, doulas offer other services.

“For example, during pregnancy, doulas can help women understand their bodies, including hormone changes,” says Kenisha. “They can suggest ideas for dealing with morning

sickness and fatigue.

“After delivery, doulas can help with breast feeding and newborn care, offer tips for sibling adjustment, schedule appointments, and provide light in-home housekeeping and meals that allow a new mom to rest,” she adds.

Doula care is covered by some health insurance, including Medicaid in Pennsylvania. In Kenisha’s case, doula care is offered by AHN as part of its pregnancy and newborn services. Other hospitals, including UPMC, offer similar resources. “Independent doulas are available as well, and some offer payment on a sliding scale based on income,” Kenisha notes. Scholar-

ships and grants may also cover costs.

Kenisha encourages pregnant women—especially women who live in underserved communities —to talk to a doula and learn more about the process. “Women can never have too many people advocating for their health and well-being,” she says, “especially during such a life-changing event.” For more information about finding a doula, talk with your healthcare provider or visit mastersofmaternity.com. State requirements for doula training/certification can be found on the Doula Law Project website.

Healthy Start battles inequities and transforms health outcomes for birthing people and their babies

In 1991, healthcare providers in the U.S. didn’t understand why certain areas of the country were experiencing more and more infant mortality and low birthweight babies. However, what they did know was these things were happening to minority women and low-income White women the most. To help figure out why —and stop the upswing— the United States Health

Resources and Services Administration founded a national program called Healthy Start, which included 15 national sites— including one in Allegheny County. Today, Healthy Start serves about 104 projects in 39 states, Washington, D.C, and Puerto Rico—and Healthy Start Pittsburgh has become a regional powerhouse for marginalized people.

The organization supports women, children, fathers, families, and neighborhoods thru community-based programming, systems coordination, advocacy, research, and training for Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. The goal is to make sure all families have access to affordable, quality care that improves maternal and child health outcomes

and quality of life—at no charge.

The Healthy Start Pittsburgh team is made up of experts in areas that support birthing people and their babies. These people include health counselors, lactation support specialists, Lamaze teachers, Doulas, nurses, mental health experts, researchers, and public health advocates and workers.

The team works with

residents, medical providers, social service agencies, businesses, and faith-based organizations, like churches, temples, and mosques. They focus on three areas.

The first area is to positively impact health behaviors and experiences of pregnant people who are at an increased risk for poor birth outcomes.

The second area centers on improving birth outcomes, such as reducing the

rate of premature and low birthweight births.

The third area spotlights working as a team to make improvements in how healthcare providers organize and deliver services— ideally in a transformative way. For more information about all that Healthy Start Pittsburgh offers to Black families, visit healthystartpittsburgh.org or call 1-412-247-4009.

CARLOS T. CARTER

DR. DARA D. MÉNDEZ (PHOTO BY EMMAI ALIQUIVA)

KENISHA WILSON

CENTRAL

Throughout October, the Courier will provide extensive coverage of the Presidential Election, along with information on local and state races.

And remember to vote on or before November 5. Your Vote Matters.

Pittsburgh’s Black women showing massive support for Kamala Harris

leave, which will help everyone caring for children, caring for aging parents, and that sandwich generation, which is caring for both.”

As other Black women in the audience like Pittsburgh Public Schools employee and Brashear High School girls basketball coach Ruthie Walker and New Pittsburgh Courier sales director Ashley Johnson looked on, Harris really got the crowd going when she announced she would help firsttime homebuyers with a $25,000 down payment assistance.

“Because the goal is clear: Let’s help more Americans afford to buy a home, which we know is a critical step in their ability to grow their wealth and intergenerational wealth,” Harris said.

And for those soon-to-be small business owners in the house, Harris made their day, too. Harris said that on average, it costs about $40,000 to start a new business, but the current tax deduction for start-ups is only $5,000.

“Well, in 2024, it is almost impossible to start a business on $5,000, which is why, as president, I will make the start-up deduction 10 times richer and we will raise it from $5,000 to $50,000... and provide low- and no-interest loans to small businesses that want to

expand, all of which will help achieve our ambitious, some would say — but that’s okay; let’s be ambitious — our ambitious goal of 25 million new small-business applications by the end of my first term. I know this is very achievable.”

In Pittsburgh, while not exactly America’s hub for Black small businesses, there are those like CobblerWorld, Hysyde Lounge, Showcase BBQ, Vickey’s Soul Grill and RnD Strategies among the roughly 250 Black businesses in the region. Harris’ plan would help not only current businesses, but Blacks in Pittsburgh who are ready to take that jump to entrepreneurship.

“Kamala represents so many of us. Her background comes from the working class, a single mother,” voiced Garrett, the former Wilkinsburg mayor and current president and CEO of Civically Inc. Garrett can relate to Harris, as Garrett was raised by a single mother, Beverly Garrett, in Akron, Ohio.

“My mom was a single mom, but she put her investment in my education because no one can ever take education from someone,” Garrett told the New Pittsburgh Courier exclusively. “The middle class is almost extinct. The gap between the rich and poor keeps getting wider and wider. (Harris’ plan means that) everyone actually has a fighting chance. She is going to bolster up the middle class.” Garrett, 38, said that seeing Harris on this stage, weeks from possibly becoming the first Black woman president in U.S. history, makes her “so proud, so awe-inspiring. And also, that she truly is

the best candidate for this role.”

Mosby, a graduate of Oakland Catholic High School, said that Harris spoke to the issues that she cared about most — Mosby’s ability to thrive, her ability to raise her family or build a business. “I think about my fam-

ily’s future, but also the people that I care about that are underrepresented and don’t always have access. That’s really important to me and I think (Harris’ message) was received really well,” Mosby told the Courier.

Denise Meyers attended the Harris event on Sept. 25 with her daughter, Dr. Shannon Watson. Meyers called the speech and event “wonderful. I could not be more blessed by it. I am thankful that we have a chance to see a woman like Kamala represent us and talk to us as Pittsbur-

ghers about the economy.” Dr. Watson, who works with Healthy Start Pittsburgh, said that “knowing there’s going to be tax credits for people giving birth” would be a game-changer in stimulating the economy. Dr. Watson also told the Courier that Harris’ plan for those wanting to start businesses was an excellent plan. “People who have dreams and want to come outside of just having a boss and want to be a boss,” Dr. Watson said. “I loved that.”

KAMALA FROM A1

KAMALA HARRIS WAVES TO THE CROWD AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, SEPT. 25, 2024. (PHOTOS BY MARLON MARTIN)

KAMALA HARRIS, IN PITTSBURGH, SEPT. 25, 2024.

ORLANA DARKINS-DREWERY

DR. SHANNON WATSON, DENISE MEYERS (PHOTOS BY MARLON MARTIN)

RICHARD TAYLOR, MARIMBA MILLIONES

KATHY FITZGERALD, SABRINA SAUNDERS MOSBY

MARITA GARRETT, MEGAN WINTERS

Rev. A. Marie Walker’s Weekly Inspiration

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

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:

Pittsburgh Courier

E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or email us: religion@newpittsburghcourier.com

“The Lord BLESS you and KEEP you. The Lord MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON you and BE GRACIOUS unto you. The Lord LIFT UP HIS COUNTENCE upon you and GIVE you PEACE.”

- Numbers 6:24-27

REV.

Second Baptist Church, Homestead, excited about upcoming pastoral installation

Second Baptist Church of Homestead invites you to the installation services for their new pastor, Rev. Laphon Flood-Francis. The theme for the installation is, “WE’RE ALL IN” (Ephesians 4:1-6) The installation service and celebration will be held Nov. 9-10, at the church. Saturday, Nov. 9 at noon will be the official installation service for Rev. Flood-Fran-

cis. Following the installation, there will be a banquet to celebrate this joyous occasion. The banquet will be held at Georgetown Center, 526 East Bruceton Road, Pittsburgh, 15236. On Sunday, Nov. 10, there will be morning worship service. If you are interested in attending the banquet, please visit www.secnbapt.com. If you have any issues accessing the website or require assistance purchasing your ticket, please call the church office at 412-461-8235. Deadline to purchase tickets is Oct. 18, 2024. If you are interested in hotel accommodations, please contact the Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh West, 401 West Waterfront Dr., at 412-462-7301. Rooms have been reserved under Second Baptist Church, Homestead. Please reference when making room reservations. Discount rates have been reserved under Second Baptist Church, Homestead. Discount rates are only available through Wednesday, Oct. 9.

there was Facebook... There was the Courier. And when social media fades away.... the Courier will still be here. Local churches, we invite you to email all of your upcoming events, anniversaries, great notes about church members, and special services/ceremonies to our new email address. And we’ll make all efforts to put it in the Courier... Always committed to our community.

Courier’s Brian Cook Sr. wins 2024 Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Award

In the field of local television and video production, the regional Emmys are like the Oscars, the Grammys, and probably a little higher than the MTV Video Music Awards... Each year, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, awards Emmys to those who have performed at the highest level in a particular video category. Brian Cook Sr., who has served as a freelance photographer/ videographer for the Courier since 2017, won a 2024 Emmy Award for his work on the WQED-TV special, “Equity On Ice: The Willie O’Ree Academy.” Cook served as the narrator for the special, along with a photographer and contributing producer. The special won for the category, “Diversity/Equity/Inclusion - Short Form.” Cook won alongside producer/photographer/editor David Forstate, writer/producer Beth Dolinar, editor Paul Ruggieri and executive producer David Solomon. Cook, the former longtime Pittsburgh Black Media Federation president who now serves as director of communications and marketing for Central Catholic High School and owner of Golden Sky Media, most recently covered for the Courier the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Sunday Night Football contest against the Dallas Cowboys, Oct. 6, as a photographer. He has produced short documentary-style pieces for the Courier’s in-person events on its Legacy Award winners such as the late Rev. Loran Mann, former KDKA-TV personality Lynne Hayes-Freeland, former Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Valerie McDonald-Roberts and the Manchester Craftmen’s Guild’s Bill Strickland.

- Rob Taylor Jr.

'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth'

Is the Steelers' offensive coordinator really making a difference?

The buzzards on the fence have been crowing about the Steelers offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, since he arrived in Pittsburgh on the "Midnight Train From (Atlanta) Georgia." He was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for three straight unproductive years. He exited with a threeyear won-loss record of 21-30 after coaching 51 games. After he was let go by the Dirty Birds, the Steelers reeled him in like he was a Georgia catfish hooked by a nice fat piece of dough ball. The reason he was hired by Pittsburgh may have been that no one was overly attentive to his abysmal head coaching record while employed by Atlanta, but were more focused on his success while he was employed as the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.

In 2019, Smith had Derrick Henry, a future NFL Hall-of-Famer, lined up in the Titans backfield. Henry rushed for 1,540 yards with a 5.1 yard-per-rush average and scored 16 touchdowns. In 2020, Derrick Henry increased those numbers. He rushed 378 times for 2,027 yards along with 17 TDs and 19 receptions. It’s no wonder that during Arthur Smith’s two-year tenure with the Titans, his offense posted such gaudy numbers. Anyone can call plays and instruct the

QB to hand or throw the ball to Derrick Henry for their offense to be successful, that strategy, ole chaps, would be considered a no-brainer. It can be a logical deduction that the two years of the "offensive success" of Arthur Smith, while he was employed as the OC of the Falcons, was based on the blood, sweat, and tears of Derrick Henry. I recently pointed out that Arthur Smith may have recently been bitten by a mosquito carrying the deadly "macho virus." Smith could afford to implement a predominantly run-first

strategy when he served as the offensive coordinator of the Titans; hell, he had a Heisman Trophy winner to depend on.

Although Henry and current Steelers running back Najee Harris both hail from the University of Alabama, that is where the similarity ends. At age 30, Derrick Henry continues to outrun defensive backs. However, Najee Harris, at age 26, is beginning to run into DBs in the backfield as opposed to oftentimes running away from them.

Arthur Smith’s stubbornness and indecisiveness may yet be the Steelers' downfall in 2024. Great coaches adapt pregame. If a team has to pass the ball 50 times to win, they will do so. Waiting until the fourth quarter to make adjustments to the game plan may not turn out so well…you diggg.

Everyone is hemming and hawing about the Steelers lacking a number two wide receiver. However, former NFL Head Coach Rex Ryan pulled a Howard Cosell “tell it like it is” moment on ESPN radio recently. Ryan said: "It’s great, that he (Arthur Smith) majors in the run game because Pittsburgh needed that. But this

guy’s passing attack? I mean, oh my god! What high school did we borrow this passing attack from? It’s awful. I don’t care what kind of receivers you have.”

It doesn’t take a neurologist or physicist to figure out that the lack

of success in the Steelers' passing attack is not because of the wide receivers that the team has. It is because of the ineffective and schematic game plan of the offensive coordinator.

I recently quoted the late great NFL Hall-of-

Famer Bill Nunn Jr. Mr. Nunn once said: “You can’t take a mule to the Kentucky Derby." In the case of Arthur Smith, you can’t expect an Arabian Stallion to plow a hundred acres. The horse might complete the task but would probably be put out to pasture shortly thereafter. After the 2022 season, why didn’t the Steelers aggressively pursue the KC Chiefs OC Eric Bienemy after he departed from Kansas City?

Bienemy was the offensive coordinator of a Super Bowl-winning team. He elicited positive production from both the passing and running games, yet the Steelers chose to bring in Arthur Smith. Why does it matter? Well, it matters because it appears that Arthur Smith may have become Matt Canada 2.0. If Matt Canada had QBs Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at his disposal as opposed to QB wannabes Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky, is it possible that Canada may have fared better than Arthur Smith? The offensive game plan of Arthur Smith is limited and unimaginative. He has many great athletes at his disposal. I would like to take this time to give Coach Smith a small piece of advice. Monsieur Smith, ya better take a look at yourself in the mirror but “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

SNOOP DOGG!

PAT FREIERMUTH EXTENDS FOR THE STEELERS TOUCHDOWN AGAINST THE COWBOYS, OCT. 6, 2024.

THE STEELERS’ GEORGE PICKENS...

OH NO...THE COWBOYS’ JALEN TOLBERT CATCHES THE GAME-WINNING TOUCHDOWN IN DALLAS’ 20-17 WIN OVER THE STEELERS, OCT. 6. (PHOTOS BY BRIAN COOK SR.)

Tips for investing for your financial future

The pros and cons of buying or leasing a vehicle

by Birmingham Times

Responding to work emails after hours contributes to burnout, hostility

by Myoung-Gi Chon Auburn University

The Conversation Image it’s Friday evening. You’re about to watch a new Netflix drama, trying to unwind after a long week. Suddenly, your phone pings with a work email marked “urgent.” Your heart sinks; your stress levels rise. Even if you choose not to respond immediately, the damage is done. Work has again encroached on your personal life. The intrusion of work into home life, helped along by smartphones and other technologies, might seem like a triumph of efficiency. But this constant connectivity comes at a cost to employees and employ-

ers alike, research suggests. As a professor of communications, I wanted to understand what happens when people feel compelled to dash off work emails after dinner and before breakfast. So a colleague and I conducted a study investigating the effects of after-hours work communication. We found a disturbing link between work-related communication outside of regular hours and increased employee burnout. Answering emails after hours was linked to worse productivity, employees badmouthing their employers and other negative behaviors.

The research, conducted through a survey of 315 fulltime U.S. employees across var-

ious industries, draws upon the “conservation of resources theory” to explain how after-hours communication depletes employees’ mental and emotional reserves.

The data is unequivocal: Engaging in work-related communication after regular business hours leads to emotional exhaustion, which in turn can spill over into counterproductive work behavior.

Why it matters

This scenario is increasingly common: More than half of American employees reported checking work-related messages at least once over the weekend, according to a 2013 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association. The

numbers have doubtless only risen since then.

Our findings show the consequences of this shift in the modern workplace. When the boundaries between home and work are eroded, it doesn’t just hurt people’s job and life satisfaction—it affects organizational performance, too.

We have seen firsthand the long-term impact of blurred lines between work and personal time through communication technology. In my opinion, this study is a critical wake-up call, highlighting the need for clear boundaries that protect employees’ personal time from becoming just another extension of their workday. What’s next

The blurring of work and life boundaries remains a major issue in organizational communication, and the impact of artificial intelligence has emerged as a significant research topic since ChatGPT was launched in November 2022. That’s why my team is currently exploring how AI influences skills and well-being within organizational communication. (The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

Myoung-Gi Chon, Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism, Auburn University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.)

Tips for investing for your financial future Buying or leasing

perspective and help you navigate the markets, stay disciplined and focus on your long-term financial strategy.

5. Remember to diversify. Everyone’s financial situation is different. Your investment strategy will depend on your personal goals, your investing timeline and your tolerance for risk. Investors should also remember the importance of diversification. You don’t want to have all of your eggs in one basket.

Diversification can help even out your portfolio’s returns during periods of volatility.

6. Stay invested. Once you have a plan in place, it’s important to stay focused on your long-term strategy and avoid impulse reactions. Markets go up and down, and while volatility can be painful, it’s a natural part of investing. Having a well-built, long-term strategy can help prepare you for market volatility. And remember, it’s about time in the market, not timing the market. The

amount of time you are invested in the market is one of the most important factors in growing your wealth.

Start investing in your future

Anyone can become an investor—you don’t need to be wealthy or have access to a large sum of money to get started. Simply deducting a small percentage from each paycheck into an investment account can help bring you closer to your goals. Ready to get started? Visit chase.com/personal/

investments or stop by your local Chase branch to speak with an advisor who can help you begin your investment journey.

(J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC.)

payments begin.

5. Con: You’ll have to pay for maintenance, inspections and other costs that may have been covered in a lease agreement. How to decide between buying or leasing a car

Some people might choose to lease because they don’t drive a lot, or because they like having the option to get a new car in a few years. Others might like the permanency of financing a car to purchase, especially if they find deals on an older

used car and can pay it off quickly. Whether leasing or buying a car, it’s always a good idea to do your research, set a budget, and improve your credit score (if necessary) to ensure you’re getting into a car you can afford. Assess both your short-term and long-term financial goals and be sure to understand the terms of your lease or loan so you aren’t surprised by unexpected costs. Then, the choice is yours—happy driving!

(For more information, tips, and tools visit chase. com/auto.)

Navigating the challenges after the loss of a spouse

Updating Legal Documents

After the loss of a spouse, it is vital to update legal documents to reflect your new circumstances. Ensuring your estate and wishes are clear helps prevent future legal challenges. Take time to update your will, trusts, and power of attorney documents. Also, update beneficiaries on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other assets. Ensuring that these documents reflect your current wishes can prevent complications for your heirs.

Jointly held assets, such as homes, vehicles, and bank accounts, may need to be re-titled in your name. This process helps ensure clear ownership and prevents legal issues in the future. Tax Implications

Filing taxes will change after the loss of a spouse, and understanding these changes is essential for financial planning.

After the death of a spouse, you will transition from filing taxes jointly to filing as an individual. This change may place you in a higher tax bracket, potentially increasing your tax

liabilities. Being aware of this can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises at tax time.

A tax professional can help guide you through your new filing status and ensure that you take advantage of any tax benefits available to surviving spouses. They can also help you develop strategies to minimize tax burdens, particularly in the first year after your spouse’s death.

Long-Term Financial

Planning

Losing a spouse can drastically alter your long-term financial plans, including retirement strategies and healthcare needs. With changes in income and expenses, it’s essential to revisit your long-term financial goals, particularly retirement plans. If your spouse had savings or pensions, incorporate these into your updated financial planning. Consider Healthcare Costs:

During this emotionally difficult time, professional guidance can provide much-needed clarity and support in managing your finances.

If your health insurance was tied to your spouse’s employer, you might need to explore options such as COBRA, Medicare, or individual plans. Ensure you maintain adequate healthcare coverage without overspending. Seek Professional Guidance

A financial advisor and tax professional can help you organize your finances, make sense of your new financial landscape, and offer advice on long-term planning. They can also assist in postponing major decisions until you are emotionally ready to make informed choices. Taking Control of Your Financial Future

The death of a spouse brings both emotional and financial challenges, but with careful planning and professional guidance, you can regain control of your financial future. By addressing changes in income, managing debts, updating legal documents, and seeking expert advice, you can protect your financial health while focusing on healing. Proactively tackling these challenges will help you navigate this difficult time with confidence and stability.

SCAMS FROM B1

Guest Editorial

Is America ready for a woman president?

Human perception is a very interesting phenomenon. Basically, a great many people make decisions and behave according to their perceptual biases, and not on logic. This is why the decisions made in the voting booth are crucial; our future lives can be drastically influenced by the perception people have that are coming from a very flawed social media environment riddled with falsehoods. It appears that people will believe anything that is presented as truth when they allow their biases free reign.

This peculiar situation is one of the main reasons that people can look at Vice President Kamala Harris and say completely idiotic and untrue things about her. The Republican candidate that will face her at the polls on November 5, 2024, former president Donald J. Trump, has a large swath of the macho contingent of the human male family seeming securely in his pocket; their disregard and disrespect of womanhood is apparent in the things said about her that they accept as true.

For one, Trump insists on accusing Vice President Harris of being unintelligent and insists that she is progressing because of DEI clout. That is a crazy assumption! It is stupid to hold the opinion that to hear her opponents say absolutely ridiculous things about a woman whose parents were accomplished academics and who has been so successful that she has been an attorney general of the huge state of California; a Senator and is currently serving as Vice President of the United States. It is frankly unsmart to believe that Kamala is unsmart!!!

One of the biggest ironies of this situation is that Donald Trump is not nearly as accomplished as Vice President Harris, but he has been given a pass to behave in an absurd manner. Examples of this? He is a convicted felon (34); has admitted to admiring autocrats; has tried to encourage the assassination of his former vice president who refused to toss the constitution so that he could reject the results of an election, and indirectly, was responsible for the deaths of at least 6 individuals who lost their lives during the January 6 2021? insurrection that he allegedly instigated.

Moreover, Trump has actually admitted to plans on becoming a dictator on day one if he is elected; has lied profusely almost every time he has opened his mouth and has demonstrated an affinity for hateful behaviors. He has bragged about grabbing women by their private parts and has been an overt bigot who attempted to get 5 youth executed for the attack on a Central Park jogger. It is said that he spent thousands of dollars toward this end and has not expressed remorse even though the actual culprit came forth and admitted guilt.

Actually, in order to highlight the ridiculous situation that Americans are finding themselves as a result of being hoodwinked and bamboozled by Trump we can compare his behavior with that of Vice President Kamala Harris. Kamala has not been accused of the kind of wrongdoing attributed to Donald Trump. She has an exemplary career in holding those who are enemies of the community accountable. Ironically, a lot of people, especially Black people, are upset with her because she has held criminals who have been bad actors in the community accountable for their behavior. Many actually express hatred toward her because of how well she did her job!

Kamala Harris has not demonstrated the hatred that is the hallmark of the Trump campaign, yet she has borne the brunt of an illogical opposition that is no doubt based on her gender! She has not promised to become a dictator; she has not tried to overthrow the government, and she has demonstrated an obvious intelligence in the face of her challenges. Even though this is the case, she is still treated like a pariah by too many people, especially a special contingent of Black people. The upcoming presidential election is going to be one of the most important in the history of this country since its inception. This county prides itself on embracing the concept of freedom, even though it had its origins benefitting from slavery. And the hypocrisy is amplified by the embrace of a convicted felon over an accomplished prosecutor!

If people in our country are not able to rise above gender bias to understand the competence of a tried and true successful person in Kamala Harris, our country threatens to end up in an autocratic gutter. Aluta Continua!

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—I have friends from all over the world. I ran a campaign for the U. S. Congress and used some of them in my campaign. I led my opponent by a high number of points during the last week of the campaign. I had great Labor support—even Teamsters, and for the life of me, I cannot understand why the National union has a hard time supporting VP Harris! I had a brilliant Jewish woman as my Issues Director and a law school friend as Campaign Manager who was born in Jordan (a friendly nation) and had not even been an activist Palestinian! Both were my friends.

We never made a negative statement about Israel. Yet, AIPAC chose my well-known racist Republican opponent. I’m a Democrat and most Democrats like the Congressional Black Caucus choose moderate to liberal issues and people to support, standing with Israel over 90 percent of the time, but don’t get fair campaign contributions like others their loyalty deserves. Most of them rarely or never criticize Netanyahu for so many bad acts!

With over 42,000 Palestinians— many innocent children, we rarely hear a word from too many about those who’ve practically been wiped off the face of the earth. When many leaders go to Israel, they don’t even touch the ground where this tragedy continues to occur. There’re so many tragic things happening in our country. I re-

With the Presidential Election coming up on Nov. 5, I wanted to address the topic of voting. I’m sure you’ve heard people say, “This is the most important election of our lives,” and “vote because your ancestors died for it.”

If that sounds familiar, it’s because this has been said almost every Presidential Election cycle, especially for Black people. In my opinion, this is a form of voter shaming, and it doesn’t work. While I agree that voting is important, and I acknowledge what our ancestors sacrificed for this, I’m not a fan of using this narrative to push people to vote. In the past, I’ve utilized similar tactics, but after study and self-reflection, I began to see how it’s connected to transactional voter engagement and White supremacy, particularly in its emphasis on quantity over quality and urgency. For instance, over time, I’ve seen voter engagement become “whitewashed.” This shows up with commercialized messaging, such as using a Black fist on flyers, groups that pop up only during election time, having celebrities push voting, and an excess of texts and calls. Additionally, voter engagement has focused more on quantity over quality, which is often rushed and responds to an urgent need to engage people. This causes movement burnout and creates a more transactional experience. Effective

(TriceEdneyWire.com)— “Targeting naturalized citizens is the latest move in the playbook for voter intimidation. The state of Alabama illegally took the right to vote away from eligible citizens and must be stopped. We can’t allow registered voters to bear the brunt of these dangerous lies that threaten our democracy.” —Celina Stewart, CEO, League of Women Voters of the United States

The law is clear.

According to the National Voter Registration Act of 1992, “A State shall complete, not later than 90 days prior to the date of a primary or general election for Federal office, any program the purpose of which is to systematically remove the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters.”

In defiance of the law, 84 days before Election Day, Alabama’s Secretary of State ordered county election officials to remove the names of people his office had identified as noncitizens. The tactic is not only a clear violation of federal law. It’s a racist ploy to disenfranchise naturalized citizens who have the legal right to vote while stoking the flame of anti-immigrant hatred.

It’s also part of Alabama’s long history of blocking non-White citizens from the polls, stretching back nearly a century and a half.

The U.S. Department of Justice last week sued Alabama for violating the NVRA, seeking the restoration of the affected citizens’ voting rights in time for Election Day, along with the

member when many of our Jewish friends came to our support as far back as the Civil Rights Movement, and I did have Jewish supporters for my campaign. They gave me hope that one day Jews and nonJews would work together for fairness for all people and not have to suffer for the sins of others. I pray for that time again.

We rightly regret the tragedy of what happened in Israel, but don’t the Palestinians who were not in Israel that day deserve at least the same kind of concern as we have for Israel? Shouldn’t people of Lebanon being dislocated because of Hezbollah, now have our concern? They had nothing to do with the tragedy in Israel? I don’t know about you, but as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “There comes a time when we must speak out.”

I’m in no way excusing Hamas, but it’s time for Netanyahu to realize enough is enough. It’s also time for AIPAC to stop punishing good people who just want peace and prosperity for all as they do with the courage to speak out. They must be told by good people to cool it, and try to work for peace instead

of spreading the war endangering people who’ve committed no crimes against Israel.

Cong. Rashida Tlaib said, “After displacing 2 million people in Gaza without facing any consequences, Israel’s government has now displaced over 1 million in Lebanon. The Israeli military is using the same tactics in Lebanon as in Palestine, leveling entire neighborhoods with “bunker buster” bombs, destroying roads and other civilian infrastructure like medical centers, killing doctors and rescue workers who had nothing to do with last October 7th.” Does continuing to kill innocent people and destroying all they’ve spent a lifetime building solve the problem? I think not. It’s time to speak out.

We’ve just witnessed the tragedy of Hurricane Helene in our own country. As much as we might want to continue sending massive amounts of money to help certain people in other areas, it’s time to turn our attention to the problems at home. Let’s take care of the 9 billion dollars we need, and a question VP Harris is addressing today— “Who will fight for me?” Yes, Rashida, we’re called to work toward a world built on equal rights, human dignity, and freedom from oppression for all. We can do that by voting November 5th for Kamala Harris who is best equipped and willing to answer the call.

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

community engagement is not rushed and should occur throughout the year, not just during election season. Another theme tied to this is maintaining White comfort by avoiding discussions about the various issues Black people face. There is a massive amount of money given towards voter engagement. However, other key issues that affect Black people receive low funding or attention, especially during election season. As someone who runs a Black-led nonprofit, I find myself constantly screaming that we face other pressing problems such as police violence, the murders of Black trans women, housing issues, and climate/environmental justice. These issues are often pushed to the side during election season. If we lean too much into this, we simply become pushers of a party’s agenda or puppets for them without even knowing it at times. Another principle of White supremacy that ties into this is the inclination towards either/or thinking.

More specifically, the belief that you can only support a candidate from one of the major parties. This mentality restricts access to other philosophies and ideas. Other candidates are running in November: Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Melina Abdullah as independent candidates, Dr. Jill Stein and Butch Ware with the Green Party, and Claudia De la Cruz and Karina Garcia with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. These are names you’ve likely not heard much about because they’re consistently left out of debates and intentionally kept out of the spotlight. Despite this, their campaigns amplify messages crucial to the conversation and deserve to be heard.

As I have previously mentioned, I’m not advising anyone to avoid voting or to support 45. I’m a former elected official who once won an election by just three votes, so I understand the importance of voting, especially in local elections. However, our ancestors want more for us than just voting. They want us to have a holistic approach to organizing—educating ourselves and others beyond voting, collectively organizing, resting when needed, and being about the business of our people in all spaces; truly representing and embodying what it means to live out our ancestors’ wildest dreams.

prohibition of future violations, mailings to educate eligible voters about the restoration of their rights, and adequate training of local officials and poll workers to address confusion and distrust among eligible voters accused of being noncitizens.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, Campaign Legal Center, and Fair Elections Center last month filed similar lawsuit on behalf of Alabamians who were unfairly targeted, the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, the Alabama NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Alabama. Alabama’s hostility to voting rights for non-White citizens was largely responsible for passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965. Alabama’s hostility to voting rights was responsible for gutting the Act’s preclearance provision in 2013. In the five decades in between, the preclearance provision stopped Alabama from imposing racially discriminatory voting restrictions more than 100 times.

Three days after the Supreme Court’s Shelby decision, Alabama announced plans to enforce the restrictive photo I.D. law at the heart of the case. After making driver’s licenses one of the few forms of I.D. required to vote, Alabama announced it

would shutter 31 driver’s license offices around the state. A series of additional laws and policies, including closing polling places in predominately Black counties and purging hundreds of thousands of people from voter rolls, have driven the White-nonWhite voter turnout gap from 6 percent in 2014 to 13 percent in 2020. In some counties, the Black-White voter registration gap has grown to double digits.

Election changes in Alabama have prompted at least 17 lawsuits since Shelby.

Alabama is where school children peacefully protesting segregation were pummeled with water hoses and savaged by police dogs. It’s where Gov. George Wallace declared in his inauguration speech, “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” and stood in a University of Alabama doorway to block Black students from registering. It’s where White supremacists murdered four little girls in the bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. It’s where the late John Lewis and other activists were beaten nearly to death as they marched from Selma to Montgomery.

The savage brutality America witnessed on the Edmund Pettis Bridge galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act in 1965. We can only hope Alabama’s ongoing hostility to voting rights galvanizes support for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.

One name Trump will never mention

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—It is unlikely that we will ever hear Donald Trump mention Heman Bekele by name during one of his campaign rallies. Knowing Trump’s character as a man, it would be hard to fathom seeing him properly reference Bekele in public or private conversations. Heman Bekele is an Ethiopian-born scientist who represents everything Trump and many of his supporters have stood against. Bekele’s story is one of inspiration, truth, and validation. It is a story of hope for the future, innovation of new ideas, and inclusion of “others.” Bekele is young, yet we can all learn from the example of his words and deeds. Bekele has been named Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year. As Time writes, “His accomplishment: inventing a soap that could one day treat and even prevent multiple forms of skin cancer. It may take years before such a product comes to market, but this summer Heman is already spending part of every weekday working in a lab with scientists at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, hoping to bring his dream to fruition.”

Reflecting on his invention, Bekele asked, “What is one universally impactful idea that transcends socioeconomic barriers?” He realized that soap, a product nearly everyone uses for hygiene, could hold the key. “I am deeply passionate about skin cancer research, Bekele told TIME. “The thought of my soap directly impacting someone’s life is truly remarkable and is the driving force behind my work.” Bekele envisions a future where his soap can be used in early-stage cancers and complement existing treatments in advanced stages. His goal is to make it affordable for everyone who needs it. He encourages others by saying, “Many believe that all ideas have been exhausted, but I disagree. There is an endless capacity for inno-

vation that can better our world. Keep inventing and striving to make a positive difference.”

Last year, at 14, he created a video explaining his idea and used it to enter the 3M Young Scientist’s Challenge, which encourages kids to think of unique ways to solve everyday problems. He ended up winning the $25,000 grand prize. It was from his parents that he learned about the dangers of cancer. Bekele said, “I have a really basic 5-year plan mapped out, including acquiring FDA certification, conducting human testing and making sure that this all works. But then by 2028, I hope to turn this passion project into a nonprofit organization where I can provide equitable and accessible skin cancer treatment to as many people as possible, because honestly at the end of the day, that is what this project is all about.”

Living in Fairfax, Virginia, Bekele’s family came to the U.S. from Ethiopia when he was four. In many ways, he is a typical 10th-grade student who plays the flute and trombone in his school’s marching band. Outside of school, he enjoys playing basketball, reading, and playing chess. Who would not want to see Heman Bekele or anyone like him succeed? Who would not want to see our youth develop innovative ideas to address the health and well-being of cancer patients?

Bekele’s positive accomplishments, along with his passion for skin cancer research, counter the stereotypes often being painted about immigrants of color. His work validates that America remains the land of opportunity for people of all backgrounds and nations. As Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year, Bekele’s work and compassion for others is the answer to the racist question once presented by then-President Donald Trump. According to an aide, when a bipartisan group of senators came together to discuss immigration from Africa, Trump asked why America would want immigrants from “all these shithole countries” and that the U.S. should have more people coming in from places like Norway. The answer: Heman Bekele.

Those of us who have grown tired and weary of the constant anti-immigrant sentiment against people of color can be proud to highlight the hard work and accomplishments of this young man from Africa. Trump’s statement will always bring anger and disgust, but Bekele puts a face and name on the truth regarding immigrants. It brings a sense of satisfaction. Not every young person will find a cure for cancer, but many immigrants of color will contribute to their local communities in other ways. They deserve our recognition as well. Time will tell what the outcome will be for Bekele’s innovative research. Each year, more than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer. Skin cancer is most prevalent among White patients. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is 20 times more common in White people than in Blacks. We know that if Bekele’s soap becomes FDA-certified and is available as a successful treatment for skin cancer, many Whites who share Trump’s thoughts and rhetoric about immigrants of color will be the first in line to obtain Bekele’s product.

(David W. Marshall,

Abortions, executions and crusaders against murder

Charlie Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA, a non-profit organization that promotes conservatism among high school and college students, recently debated a group of college students on whether abortion is murder.

Any legal dictionary will define murder as the unlawful and intentional act of causing death to a living being. Killing, on the other hand, can be legal or illegal depending on the circumstances, and it may or may not involve intent to cause death.

Kirk told the students that murder is the intentional taking of life that differs from killing, but he never clarified the distinction between killing and murder.

By failing to define killing, Kirk allowed the students to believe that it’s an unintentional act like manslaughter. Kirk cleverly eliminated the argument that an abortion can be defined as killing because the procedure is intentional.

Kirk wanted the students to believe that killing is unintentional while abortions are intentional, implying that terminating a fetus is murder. Kirk encouraged the students to come to the pro-life conclusion that abortion is murder, and if murder is always prohibited, abortion should always be outlawed, except in circumstances of rape, incest, or to preserve the mother’s life.

Kirk’s logic seems sound, but that doesn’t make it correct.

When Kirk defined murder, he simply took out the word “unlawful” and concentrated entirely on intent.

If a procedure for terminating a fetus is legal, the result cannot be considered murder. Killing can be intentional and legal, depending on the circumstances. An intentional situation, such as an abortion, kills the fetus but does not constitute murder.

Kirk understands the law, but he is morally opposed to abortion. Kirk wants the practice outlawed.

His only way around the law is to convince the public that abortions constitute murder and should be illegal.

Let’s go from abortion to capital punishment. Activists that want the death penalty abolished have condemned Missouri for murdering Marcellus Williams. In 1998, a jury found Williams, a Black man, guilty of murdering a White woman, which led to his recent execution.

Mike Parson, Missouri’s governor, denied William’s last request for clemency. In 2017, the former governor gave Williams a stay of execution and appointed a panel of retired judges to determine if he was innocent. Parson dissolved the panel and proceeded with the execution because it had not reached a result in more than half a decade.

Tricia Rojo Bushnell, an attorney for Williams, said, “Given everything we know about Marcellus Williams—including new revelations that the trial prosecutor removed at least one Black juror and opposition to this execution from the victim’s family and the sitting prosecuting attorney—the courts must step in to prevent this irreparable injustice.” Williams’ other counsel established that there was no DNA evidence linking him to the murder weapon. In 1998, a crime scene investigator testified that the murderer was wearing gloves. The removal of a Black juror implies that the trial was unfair, which does not support innocence. Williams’ conviction was based on testimony from his girlfriend, who found the murder

victim’s purse in Williams’ car, and the police found personal items belonging to the victim in the truck. An agreement was reached between Williams’ attorneys and the prosecutor’s office. Williams agreed to enter a new no-contest plea to first-degree murder in exchange for a life sentence without parole.

A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt, although it is treated as such for sentence purposes.

It’s worth noting that the prosecutor has publicly said that he opposes capital punishment because it unfairly affects the poor and minorities. The victim’s family accepted the compromise because they did not want to relive the horrific event and wanted closure. In a statement, the victim’s family stated, “Whether the death penalty is justified in this case is up for debate. His guilt is not.”

According to Governor Parson,

“Mr. Williams has exhausted due process and every judicial avenue, including over 15 hearings attempting to argue his innocence and overturn his conviction. No jury nor court, including at the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels, have ever found merit in Mr. Williams’ innocence claims. At the end of the day, his guilty verdict and sentence of capital punishment were upheld.”

Guilt doesn’t matter to the activists, who believe that “state murder” is not justice.

An execution, however, results in the death of a person as punishment for a capital crime. By definition, it’s not murder. These activists are morally opposed to the death penalty, but they believe the only way they can abolish it is by convincing the public that capital punishment is murder.

Kirk and the anti-capital punishment activists are crusaders on separate missions, but how moral can their mission be if they must manipulate the concept of murder to achieve their objective?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Looking historically at demographics, Black men in America have for centuries been singled out for the most vicious and dehumanizing attacks on their personhood and their manhood. Without delving too deeply into America’s dark past, one need only to read the Autobiography of Frederick Douglas to capture a glimpse of the atrocious acts perpetrated against Black men that began during slavery and continued unabated with the murders of George Floyd, Michael Brown, Eric Garner and others to understand that the institutional animosity, the stereotyping and the marginalizing is an everyday phenomenon that still defines the day-to-day existence of many Black men struggling to survive in America.

Donald Trump continues to perpetuate a “Guilty until proven innocent” mentality that too many in authority still perpetuate. His record of racist and derogatory behavior toward Black men is well-documented. To begin, he and his father discriminated against African Americans who wanted to rent Trump apartments in New York.

To add to this record of racial discrimination, Trump—without hard evidence—asserted that the “Central Park Five” (four young Black males and one Latino) were guilty of the brutal rape of a young White woman and asserted that they deserved the death penalty. Even after the accused were exonerated, Trump has

consistently refused to apologize. He doubled down on this false accusation during his recent debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

When Colin Kaepernick, an NFL free agent, encouraged other players to “Take a knee” in protest of unfair treatment within the NFL franchise, Trump’s answer to their grievance was to call the players “Sons of Bitches.”

Recently, Trump ranted that police officers should become even more aggressive, more abusive, when making arrests. Guess who would bear the brunt of this Jim Crow—era policing? You guessed it: Black males. Donald Trump is a politician who knows how to tamp down his racist rhetoric when he stands to gain from creating an illusion of civility but someone has wisely stated: “Lipstick on a pig is still a pig”.

Trump’s insulting remarks about Black men identifying with him because he now has a “mugshot” represents a new low for this incorrigible con man. And marketing gold sneakers is not identifying, it is exploiting. Benefitting from Black Republicans

organizing “Barbershop Meet-ups” and alluring Black men to MAGA rallies is nothing but cheap ploys designed to manipulate the uninformed. To be fair, Trump does not limit his selling of snake oil to receptive Black men only. His demagoguery has convinced millions of uneducated, poor White Americans that he is a populist advocating on their behalf. What a joke! The only voters who seem to enjoy Trump’s concern are those who he has called: “Rich as hell”. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have track records worthy of all American voters—including Black males. They are the real “Champions of the People”. Compare their economic agenda with Trump and Vance’s Project 2025 blueprint for more “Trickle-down economics”.

The stakes in the election are too high to allow showmanship to prevail. The more American voters—of all stripes—study the priorities of these candidates, it will become crystal clear that most White and Black voters share more in common than they might realize. The public record, if thoroughly studied, should cause the overwhelming majority of the electorate to stifle Trump’s pursuit of power and force him to face his day of reckoning.

(Michael A Grant, J.D., president emeritus of the National Bankers Association and former assistant professor of political science at Morgan State University, is a columnist with the Trice Edney News Wire.)

With the November 5 General Election just a few weeks away, it appears that some people are still trying to decide if they should even bother to vote. This message is for Black people, in particular, who are experiencing that particular indecisiveness. Let’s remember that other Black people before you, in too many cases, died that you might have the right to vote. Let’s remember that it took the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, guaranteeing and protecting our right to vote; that people were beaten and killed to stop us from voting; that in this century the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965; that since 2020, we have seen a number of states try to institute

Voter I.D. requirements when many of our older citizens who value the privilege of voting can not produce copies of birth certificates which often were not provided for them; let us not forget that ballot drop boxes have been removed in some states making it harder to return a ballot and that in some places the hours for voting at polling sites have been reduced to create and inconvenience voting times

for working people. Some of us might be homeless or unsheltered and say that because you don’t have a physical street address, you don’t want to vote and that your vote won’t count. Not so. Every vote counts and you can vote without a street address. Your right to vote is not attached to where you live. If you have not registered to vote, there is still a small window. Remember, although we can’t know who you vote for, we can know whether or not you bothered to vote. Make a decision and stay in the game. Your very existence depends on it.

(Dr. John E. Warren is Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper)

HEMAN BEKELE ON THE COVER OF TIME.

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JAHOTE C DORSEY JR under which (I am) (we are) a business at 1117 Kirkpatrick Avenue , Braddock ,PA [15104] That the (party) (parties) interested in said business enterprise is as follows: 1117 Kirkpatrick Avenue, Braddock Penn , 15104 Date: 10/2/2024

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NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Notice is hereby given to the following persons, their heirs, successors or assigns, and to all persons whatsoever, that the City of Pittsburgh, by John Miller, Assistant City Solicitor , 328 City County Building has petitioned the Court of Orders quieting title to the following tax acquired real estate, pursuant to Act No. 171, approved December 11, 1984.

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Concerning the Following Property: 2248 Lucina Avenue. Block & Lot 95-K-224. 32nd Ward, Pittsburgh. Blue 12. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010879 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Frank Moore, Betty Jane Moore, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Frank Moore and of Betty Jane Moore; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

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–GD-24-010892 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Joseph L. Pritchard Jr. Administrator of the Estate of Garnet B. Pritchard, Joseph L. Pritchard, Sr., Joe Pritchard, Estate of Garnet B. Pritchard, Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, Allegheny County Court Records Criminal Division, Phillips & Cohen Associates, Itd. on behalf of RBS Citizens N.A., its successors and assigns, Douglas J. Markosky Esq. Attorney for the Estate of Garnet Pritchard, Federal National Mtg. Assn., its successors and assigns, Advanced Mortgage Corp., its successors and assigns, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Joseph L. Pritchard Jr. Administrator of the Estate of Garnet B. Pritchard and of Joseph L. Pritchard, Sr. and of Joe Pritchard and of Douglas J. Markosky Esq. Attorney for the Estate of Garnet Pritchard; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 5404 Kincaid Street. Block & Lot 50-M-161-A. 11th Ward, Pittsburgh. Green 13. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

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–GD-24-010857 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Buddie Kimmings, Edward Moore, PWSA, Allegheny County Court Records Criminal Division, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Buddie Kimmings and of Edward Moore; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 2315 Centre Avenue. Block & Lot 10-L-20. 5th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lilac 2. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010861

CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Hazen Burton, PWSA, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Hazen Burton; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 0 Mount Vernon Street. Block & Lot 173-N-373. 13th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lilac 3. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010863 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Eddie L. Culbreth, Estelle Culbreth, PWSA, Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Eddie L. Culbreth and of Estelle Culbreth; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 5351 Kincaid Street. Block & Lot 50-M-42. 10th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lilac 4. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010865 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Gregory Stephen Fish and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Gregory Stephen Fish; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 605 Chester Avenue. Block & Lot 45-M-347. 26th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lilac 5. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010867 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs

TMS Properties Group, its successors and assigns, Citizens Bank, Tonya Stanford, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Tonya Stanford; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 753 Cherokee Street. Block & Lot 27-B-267. 5th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lilac 6. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010872 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Samuel Williams, Samuel W. Williams, Cleo D. Williams, Commonwealth of PA Dept. of Labor & Industry, Vanessa Ralewicz, Robert Ralewicz, Ryan Powell, Amica Mutual Insurance Co., its successors and assigns, Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, and the Unknowns Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Samuel Williams, and of Samuel W. Williams, and of Cleo D. Williams, and of Ryan Powell, and of Robert Ralewicz, and of Vanessa Ralewicz; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 0 Isoline Street. Block & Lot 71-M-12. 20th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lilac 7. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010874

CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs New Canaan Baptist Church, its successors and assigns, New Baptist Church, its successors and assigns; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 2431 Wylie Avenue. Block & Lot 10-G-33. 5th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lilac 8. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010876 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Mabro Company, its successors and assigns, Henry Coleman, Blanche E. Coleman, PWSA, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Henry Coleman and of Blanche E. Coleman; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 4918 Rosetta Street. Block & Lot 50-F-90. 10th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lilac 9. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010903

CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Joann K. Desimone, Barbara Gorges, Victor Lapaglia, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Joann K. Desimone and of Barbara Gorges and of Victor Lapaglia; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 4406 Chatsworth Street. Block & Lot 55-J-143. 15th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lime 9. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010880 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Joseph Meyers, PWSA, Anthony Brown, Argent Mortgage Co. LLC., its successors and assigns, Deutsche Bank National Trust, Richard M. Squire & Associates LLC., Citi Residential Lending, Inc., its successors and assigns, Commonwealth of PA Department of Labor & Industry, United States of America, Allegheny County Court Records - Criminal Division, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Joseph Meyers and of Anthony Brown; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 529 Marshall Avenue. Block & Lot 45-D-35. 26th Ward, Pittsburgh. Orange 12. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010882 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Anna Zolton and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Anna Zolton; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 3419 Bismark Street; 3417 Ridgeway Street. Block & Lot 26-K-58; 26-K-59. 6th Ward, Pittsburgh. Yellow 12 /13. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-010881 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Joseph M. Crugnale, PWSA, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Joseph M. Crugnale; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 510 Stratmore Avenue; 512 Stratmore Avenue; 514 Stratmore Avenue. Block & Lot 40-C-160; 40-C-161; 40-C-162. 28th Ward, Pittsburgh. Yellow 9 /10/ 11. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-14-013000 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Allegheny County Court Records Department-Criminal Division, Frank Anthony Caito, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Frank Anthony Caito; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 1044 Marena Street. Block & Lot 20-L-192. 20th Ward, Pittsburgh. Brown 1. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-24-007703 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Estate of Bernard Baskins, Maris D. Baskins, Conchitta Baskins aka Conchitta

Public Notice

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH PUBLIC NOTICE OF PROPOSED FY 2025 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM PAYMENT STANDARDS Pursuant to regulations 24 CFR 982.503, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) has completed its annual review and update of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Payment Standard Charts. The proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 HCV Payment Standard Charts are available for review and comment from Thursday, September 26, 2024, to Saturday, October 26, 2024 , on the HACP website: www.hacp.org. Written comments on the FY 2025 HCV Payment Standard Charts must be addressed to “Attention: FY 2025 HCV Payment Standard Charts” at the HACP Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Department, 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, and must be received by the close of business (5:00 pm) on Monday, October 28, 2024. Public hearings to receive public comments on the proposed FY 2025 HCV Payment Standard Charts will be held on Wednesday,

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE FY 2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE CDBG, HOME, ESG, AND HOPWA PROGRAMS

Notice is hereby given by the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA

that it will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., prevailing time. The location of the public hearing will be City Council Building, 414 Grant Street, 5th Floor, City Council Chambers, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The building is handicapped accessible through the Ross Street entrance. If special arrangements need to be made to accommodate persons with disabilities and/or persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), translation services, to be able to participate in the public hearing or comment on the FY 2024 Annual Action Plan, please email community.development@pittsburghpa.gov or via phone at (412) 255-2667 or the TDD number is 711, by Friday, October 18, 2024.

The purpose of this meeting is to gather information for the City’s Annual Action plan for FY 2024, with the City must submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the four federal grant programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). Residents are also invited to share comments on the housing, community and economic development, and fair housing needs in the City.

In order to obtain the views of residents, public agencies and other interested parties, the City of Pittsburgh has placed the 2025 draft Capital Budget online for comment at pittsburghpa.gov/omb/budgets-reports.

Information will be available for review for a period of at least 15 days. Written or verbal public comments will be received until 4:00 P.M. on Friday, October 25, 2024.

All interested persons, groups, and organizations are encouraged to attend this public hearing and will be given the opportunity to present oral or written testimony concerning the proposed plan and use of FY 2025 Federal funds. To provide comments, please email community.development@pittsburghpa.gov or via phone at (412) 255-2667. Written comments may be addressed to the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Community Development Division, attention Mr. Kelly L. Russell, Assistant Director/Labor Compliance Officer, 414 Grant Street, Room 501, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Mr. Kelly L. Russell Assistant Director/Labor Compliance Officer Community Development Division, OMB

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for Chilled Water Pump VFD’s as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the Sports & Exhibition Authority 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Lucas Kistler- E-mail: procurement@pgh-sea.com, Telephone: 412-325-6179. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at (724) 935-7055. Additional information on the project can also be found of Accu-Copy’s website at https://accu-copy.com/plan-room

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: David L Lawrence Convention Center Bid Package Name: Chilled Water Pump VFD’s

Bid Package Available: Friday, October 4, 2024

Approximate Value: $60,000

Time/Date/Location for Pre-Bid Meeting: 11:00 AM, Friday, October 11, 2024 David Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Time/Date/Location for Bid: 11:00 AM, Friday, October 25, 2024 David Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

LEGAL NOTICE

CONTRACT NO. 1811

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1811 – Furnish and Deliver Lime. Proposals will be received until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Thursday, October 31, 2024 at the office of the Authority and then shall be publicly opened and read via Microsoft Teams Meeting. Contact Kathleen P. Uniatowski for Invitation to Bid Opening Teams Meeting at Kathleen.Uniatowski@alcosan.org .

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Proposals or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the successful bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the Engineering office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Bid Security is required and shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of $1,000.00. Any questions regarding the Technical Specifications should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor, ALCOSAN, via email at benjamin.heilman@alcosan.org . Any questions regarding the Contract Bidding Documents should be directed to Kathleen P. Uniatowski, ALCOSAN, via email at contract.clerks@alcosan.org . The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

SANITARY AUTHORITY

Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted

Hitachi Rail STS USA, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Senior Telecoms Engineer. This position is for a roving employee who will work in unanticipated locations throughout the United States. The employee will have to relocate, but travel is not required from any particular location. The Senior Telecoms Engineer will design and commission telecommunication technologies to comply with the contractual requirements of time, quality, and cost. Apply at https://careers.hitachi.com

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR MULTIPLE INSURANCE LINES

RFP #700-26-24

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Multiple Insurance Lines

The documents will be available no later than October 7, 2024, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M. on October 29, 2024. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on October 29, 2024, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to:

Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor, Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2890 412-456-5007 Fax

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on October 17, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. Please see the meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 847 2606 0553 Passcode: 824006 +1 301 715 8592 US

(Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFPs documentation.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted CITY OF WASHINGTON FIRE FIGHTER GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma/GED

• A United States Citizen

• Must have a current, valid PA

Driver’s License

• Must obtain a CDL Class B within 1 (one) year of hire date

ADDITIONAL TESTING

INFORMATION:

• Civil Service Examinations, including Physical Agility

• Background Investigation • Medical, Drug & Psychological Evaluation

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Base Salary $51,152.69 (probation rate)

• Life, Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance

• Paid Holidays & Vacations

• Uniform Allowance

• Longevity Pay

PROMOTIONS:

• Engineer

• Captain

• Chief of Fire

APPLICATIONS:

• Obtained online at www.washingtonpa.us or at the Office of the City Clerk, 55 West Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301, 9:00 AM-4:30 PM. Mon-Fri.

• Applications must be returned to the Office of the City Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 25-2024

• Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable testing fee of $60.00 (Check or Cash) with application (payable to the City of Washington)

The City of Washington is an equal opportunity employe

BOROUGH OF WILKINSBURG

JOB POSTING/CLASSIFIED AD

The Borough of Wilkinsburg is accepting applications for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department. The hourly rate of pay is $21.20. Position description and Borough employment application are available at www.wilkinsburgpa.gov. Send application to Amanda Ford, Wilkinsburg Borough, 605 Ross Ave, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 or AFord@wilkinsburgpa.gov; applications also accepted at the Borough administrative offices during normal business hours. Application period closes at 4:00pm on November 16, 2024. Wilkinsburg residency is required EEO

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted

URBAN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL is seeking positions for Special Education Teacher Co-Teacher K-5 Teacher Please send all clearances and three references to jobs@urbanacademypgh.org

To place a

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