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WESTINGHOUSE CONTINUES ITS DOMINANCE Bulldogs take home another City League football title by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Westinghouse High School star running back Ty Abram, following his team’s convincing City League championship victory over USO (University Prep), with microphones and camera phones rolling, said the “F” word. Family. “We’re not just a team, we’re a family,” Abram, proudly wearing No. 24 in Westinghouse blue, said on the field after his team’s 42-14 win at Cupples Stadium, Oct. 28. “Families stick together. We have our rough patches, like in the first half, you can say that was a rough patch, but in the second half we got it together as a family. We brought it in and got the win.” The undefeated Westinghouse Bulldogs, who were favored in the game over the USO Wildcats, saw USO take the game’s first drive for a touchdown. USO missed the two-point conversion, making the score, 6-0, and the first time Westinghouse was behind in the City League all season.
Westinghouse was able to score a touchdown and two-point conversion before the first half ended, and the score was 8-6 heading into halftime. “Our guys never tanked,” Westinghouse head coach Donta Green said. “We went into halftime, made some adjustments, figured it out, we came back out and we started firing on all cylinders. So I think just the resilience of the team and especially with the team being so young, it was really good to see.” Westinghouse came out in the second half and re-affirmed their stronghold as a high school football powerhouse in Western Pennsylvania. Quarterback Khalil Green rushed for three touchdowns, to go with one he scored in the opening half. Westinghouse’s Jordan Reid took the opening second half kick to the house, 89 yards to be exact. And Abram just wore down the USO defense, rushing for 117 yards. He was named City League championship player of the game. SEE WESTINGHOUSE A8
WESTINGHOUSE PLAYERS SUCH AS LLOYD PENN CELEBRATE THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE CITY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP. (PHOTO BY BEN TENUTA)
Historic church deal results in apartment plans for Lower Hill Bethel AME Church says 128-unit complex coming to its former site Eric Jankiewicz PublicSource
Pittsburgh’s oldest Black church in October revealed plans for an apartment building on its historic site, with hopes to revitalize a once-thriving congregation through housing and social activism. In April, the Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to give 1.5 acres of Lower Hill District land along Crawford and Colwell streets to the Bethel AME Church. The neighborhood was home to the church from the early 1800s until the 1950s, when it was taken using eminent domain and demolished to make room for the Civic Arena. The church is currently located in the Middle Hill
District on Webster Avenue. Bethel AME Pastor Dale Snyder told PublicSource that the congregation settled on plans to keep the church at its current location and instead build a 128-unit apartment complex with the intention of finding a daycare provider for the ground level. “We want this place to be a citadel of hope again to give people the tools needed to go forward,” Snyder said. “I have congregants who can’t afford to come back [to the Hill District] and this will let them come home. They want to come home.” Church leaders and the Penguins initially reached a tentative deal in SepSEE BETHEL A4
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THE REV. DALE SNYDER, left, pastor of Bethel AME Church, talks with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey at the Restorative Justice Rededication Ceremony on April 14, at the former location of the legendary Lower Hill District church. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/PublicSource)
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This Week In Black History
A Courier Staple • NOVEMBER 1
New COVID-19 variant HV.1 emerges as dominant strain in the U.S. by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, a new variant has emerged, garnering attention from health officials across the United States. Known as HV.1, the latest variant has shown a significant surge in cases, raising questions about its potential impact on public health. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HV.1 was first identified in mid-summer, but it wasn’t until September that cases began to spike, making it the cause of nearly 20
percent of all COVID-19 cases in the country. Infectious disease experts, including Dr. Amesh A. Adalja and Dr. Thomas Russo, told the health and wellness website Prevention.com that they have classified HV.1 as an Omicron XBB variant, descending from the EG.5 variant. They said the lineage highlights its genetic connection to the original Omicron strain. According to Prevention.com, one of the concerning features of HV.1 is its spike protein, which has undergone notable changes from the EG.5 variant. While the full implications of
these alterations are not yet fully understood, the rapid increase in cases—from 0.5 percent in mid-July to nearly 20 percent in mid-October—suggests a high level of transmissibility. Despite the rise in cases, experts remain cautiously optimistic. Dr. Adalja emphasized that new variants of SARSCoV-2 are expected, and most may not pose a significant threat. Dr. William Schaffner told Prevention.com that, so far, HV.1 doesn’t appear to cause more severe illness than other circulating variants. Symptoms associated with HV.1 largely mirror those of previous strains, including fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. However, it tends to manifest as a more common coldlike illness, with symptoms like congestion and a runny nose being prominent. Regarding prevention, the updated COVID-19 vaccine based on the XBB.1.5 variant is expected to protect individuals from HV.1. The new variant is considered a “grandchild” of XBB.1.5, and experts anticipate the vaccine will effectively mitigate severe cases. While HV.1 is rising, health officials urge the public to maintain standard precautions. This includes vaccination, proper hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with visibly unwell individuals. For added protection, N95 or Kn95 face masks are recommended. “COVID is still with us. If you develop symptoms, test yourself ASAP and contact your doctor if you’re positive. You may be a candidate for an antiviral medication,” Dr. Russo underscored. New COVID-19 variant HV.1 emerges as dominant strain in the U.S.
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1604—William Shakespeare’s great play “Othello” was first performed at Whitehall Palace in London. It is the earliest known European play with a Black lead character. 1866—America’s first Civil Rights Act is passed over the veto of President Andrew Johnson. In part, it was Johnson’s opposition to such pro-Black legislation that led a group called the “Radical Republicans” to seek his impeachment. Johnson had become president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and adopted a wide-range of anti-Black policies. 1910—Scholar and political activist W.E.B. DuBois published the first issue of the NAACP’s monthly magazine “Crisis.” DuBois would later break with the NAACP charging that its approach to ending discrimination against Black was too “gradualist.” 1945—The first issue of Ebony Magazine was published in Chicago by founder John H. Johnson. Johnson died in September 2005. The magazine and its sister publication, Jet, are now facing financial difficulties and may be purchased by a group of non-Blacks. 1991—Clarence Thomas takes his seat on the United States Supreme Court after a prolonged controversy over his alleged sexual harassment of former co-worker Anita Hill. Thomas would go on to disappoint much of Black America by rendering votes on major issues, which many leading African-American felt were anti-Black. 1999—Chicago Bears running back great Walter Payton dies of cancer at the age of 45. His power and grace on the football field led to his nickname “Sweetness.”
• NOVEMBER 2
1889—The last great African king is crowned. Menelik II became “Negusa Nagast” (King of Kings) of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). At that time Abyssinia included not only present day Ethiopia but parts of Kenya, Somalia and the Sudan. European colonialism would weaken and reduce the size of the kingdom. Menelik could trace his heritage back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba of the Christian Bible. 1903—Maggie L. Walker opens the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Va. Walker was one of the most accomplished business women in Black American history having founded a bank, a newspaper, other businesses and a political party known as the Lily Black. Constant refrain in her speeches was “Let us put our money together…and reap the benefits.” 1983—Conservative Republican President Ronald Reagan signs the law that designates the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Shortly after the signing he angers some Blacks when in response to a reporter’s question he suggests that King may have been a communist.
• NOVEMBER 3
1868—John W. Menard is elected to the U.S. Congress and was among the first group of Blacks to take a seat in that body during the Reconstruction period, which followed the Civil War. He defeated a White candidate in Louisiana’s 2nd District. 1992—Carol Moseley Braun, D-Ill., becomes the first Black woman elected to the United States Senate. 1992—James Clyburn becomes the first Black person elected to U.S. Congress from South Carolina since Reconstruction. He is now one of the most power people in Congress.
• NOVEMBER 4
1872—P.B.S. Pinchback was elected to the United States Congress from Louisiana. He was one of the most colorful Blacks who took seats in Congress after the Civil War. His full name was Pinckey Benton Stewart Pinchback. 1872—Blacks actually take political power in Louisiana. C.C. Antoine is elected lieutenant governor; P.G. Deslonde become secretary of state; and W.B. Brown becomes superintendent of public education. Virtually all Black political gains would be taken away as Reconstruction gave way to the Jim Crow period.
1982—Scholar and educator Rayford Logan dies. He was one of Black America’s most prominent educators and historians, and the author of numerous books. He was also the longtime chairman of Howard University’s history department. 1999—Daisy Bates dies at 84. Her efforts and leadership helped integrate public school education in America. Bates was prominent in aiding the “Little Rock a group of Black students that integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Ark.
• NOVEMBER 5
1867—The first Reconstruction Constitutional Convention takes place in Montgomery, Ala. In attendance were 90 Whites and 18 Blacks. Reconstruction would bring forth a period of tremendous political and educational advancement for ex-slaves after the Civil War. But Reconstruction was significantly undermined by the Hayes-Tilden of 1877 and the beginning of the anti-Black Jim Crow period. 1956—The Nat King Cole Show—the first Black hosted network television variety show—debuts. The show began with just 15 minutes and later expanded to half-an-hour but was pulled in 1957 for lack of advertiser support. N.Y.’s Shirley 1968—Brooklyn, Chisholm becomes the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. She would later make an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. 1974—Walter Washington becomes the first elected mayor of Washington, D.C., as the predominantly Black city gains limited voting rights. Washington had declined an earlier appointment to be the city’s commissioner because the proposal did not give him control of several city agencies including the police department.
• NOVEMBER 6
1858—Samuel E. Cornish dies. Along with John Russwurm, he established the first black-owned and operated newspaper in America—“Freedom’s Journal.” The newspaper’s famous motto was “We wish to plead our cause.” 1860—Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th president of the United States. His opposition to the expansion of slavery prompted slave-owning states to succeed from the union which brought about the Civil War. Lincoln’s opposition to slavery was more pragmatic than moral signified by his famous phrase—“A nation cannot exist half-slave and half-free.” 1900—James Weldon Johnson composes “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing.” The song becomes the “Black National Anthem.” In 1920, Johnson becomes the first Black head of the NAACP.
• NOVEMBER 7
1837—Elijah P. Lovejoy, one of the White heroes of Black history, is killed by a pro-slavery mob while defending his anti-slavery newspaper in Alton, Ohio. 1841—The “Slave Revolt On The Creole” occurred when 125 Black slaves overpowered the crew of the slave ship Creole and sailed it to the Bahamas where they were granted freedom and political asylum. 1876—The disputed presidential election that changed the course of Black history occurs. The dispute led to the Hayes-Tilden Compromise. In order to be declared president, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes reached an agreement with southern Democrats, which had the effect of ending much of Reconstruction and the protection of Black rights. The Jim Crow era began with “Black codes” and other measures, which severely limited Black rights. Many of these rights were not restored until the 1960s. 1934—The first Black Democrat is elected to the United States Congress. His name was Arthur L. Mitchell. Up until this point in history, most Blacks were Republicans because of the roles of Abraham Lincoln and a group known as the “Radical Republicans” in ending slavery. Mitchell defeated Oscar DePriest for the congressional seat from Chicago. 1967—Riots spread throughout the nation. A Senate committee issues a report revealing that there were 75 major Black riots in cities across the nation. This compared with just 21 the previous year. 1989—L. Douglas Wilder is elected the first Black governor of Virginia since Reconstruction. Virginia was actually governed by a Black man for a brief period during Reconstruction.
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A PREVIEW OF THE NEW APARTMENT COMPLEX THAT BETHEL AME PLANS TO BUILD IN TWO TO THREE YEARS.
Historic church deal results in apartment plans for Lower Hill Bethel AME Church says 128-unit complex coming to its former site BETHEL FROM A1
tember 2022 to return part of the Lower Hill to Bethel AME. Penguins President Kevin Acklin said then that the deal was the result of negotiations over two years. Snyder said construction is expected to start in the next two to three years, depending on how long it takes to get through the approval process. “I know how to bring people from diverse backgrounds together,” Snyder said. “I’m a social justice person that can make the economy and capitalism work for the poor.”
Church plan comes amid construction boom The Urban Redevelopment Authority [URA] demolished the church in 1957. Since then, Bethel AME’s congregation has sought justice. Under the deal recently reached with the Penguins, the church will build an apartment complex in a section of the Hill District that is undergoing extensive development by the Penguins’ development partner, the Buccini/ Pollin Group. The Penguins deferred requests for comment to Snyder and the church’s community. Snyder said that the church’s relationship with the Penguins “is great, working
in lockstep with them.” Snyder said that the church plans to stay in its current location and undergo renovations using $100,000 that the Penguins donated. The Crawford-Colwell site plan includes have an educational component, with day care and after-school programs. The apartment units would be reserved for people making between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area’s median income. Plans also call for 97 to 100 parking spots on the ground floor. African American-owned firm Moody Nolan, out of Columbus, Ohio, is serving as the architect on the project. To fund the project, the
REV. DR. DALE B. SNYDER SR., speaks at the rededication ceremony for Bethel AME Church where he is a pastor on Friday, April 14, at the former location of the legendary Lower Hill District church. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/PublicSource) church is applying for two low income housing tax credits. Snyder hopes to receive more funding from other groups including foundations. “We want to offer amenities in the building that tax credits can’t afford,” Snyder said. “We don’t want people living here to go to apartment buildings around and see they have better amenities than us. We’re putting together a case study and going to foundations to ask them to help subsidize so that this doesn’t look like a project, but a shining example of what restorative justice looks like. This is how we can solve some of the entrenched systemic racism in our major corridors.” Snyder said the congregation initially envisioned a building with
332 units but scaled the project back due to space limitations. “We were trying to target those who were pushed out of the Hill and couldn’t afford to move back,” Snyder said. “We want to turn our building into an incubator to solve low-to-moderate income challenges. We want to raise the wealth of our residents.” The church’s plans come amid Hill development projects and funding opportunities for the area’s residents. The URA is currently processing homeowner repair applications in the neighborhood. A First National Bank-anchored tower in the Lower Hill is nearing completion while plans for a Live Nation music venue have been finalized and approved.
“This is an area where there will be a plethora of job opportunities,” Snyder said. “We’re hoping FNB and Live Nation will set aside some jobs for our residents.” These developments, largely aimed at Pittsburgh’s Black residents, come after a 2022 housing needs assessment program revealed the city continues to lose its non-white population and has lost 3,000 households making less than 30 percent of the area median income “We’re putting our sweat in this to reinvest into our people,” Snyder said. “That’s the mission of Bethel: We’ve always been there to help our people overcome impediments.”
“A time to KILL, and a time to HEAL, a time to BREAK DOWN, and a time to BUILD UP. A time to WEEP, and a time to LAUGH; a time to MOURN, and a time to DANCE.” - Ecclesiastes 3:3-4 REV. WALKER SAYS: Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE shall direct your paths. To know what to do in time, follow what God is directing you to do.
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'Black Therapy 101' promotes continuous care of one's mental health Free and open to the public, Nov. 2, in East Liberty by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Day by day, month by month, the stigma of African Americans not caring about or not understanding the concept of “mental health” is fading. East Liberty native Sydney Davis, 29, has taken a sledgehammer to that stigma, unveiling a “Black Therapy 101” free panel discussion, to be held at 38A Gallery, 5929 Penn Ave., East Liberty, on Thursday, Nov. 2. It runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Davis told the New Pittsburgh Courier she’s made it her life’s purpose “to develop empowering art and mental health events for people” in her community. She said she’s embarked on her own therapy journey. “Back in my school days, I had a knack for getting into all sorts of trouble, so I found myself quite familiar with the counselor’s office,” Davis told the Courier exclusively, Oct. 31. “I was the voicetress and funny student who somehow always ended up in the counselor’s or principal’s office. Those counselors, they were like my safe haven, my refuge. I honestly felt like I got along with them more than the students most times. Looking back, I realize my humor and acting out were my ways of coping with things happening at home and the stress of school. It was probably anxiety or depression, but back in the ‘90s and early 2000s, those weren’t topics we openly discussed.” Davis went to a professional therapist in high school, and as an adult, “I’ve had my share of therapy, but it’s been a bit of an on-and-off relationship,” she said. “I’ve had therapists who didn’t look like me or understand the unique challenges I faced as a Black woman, which made it difficult to connect with them who weren’t Black.” The COVID pandemic didn’t make things any better. Davis said she had to go through a breakup, job
SYDNEY DAVIS, HOST OF “BLACK THERAPY 101,” THURSDAY, NOV. 2, AT 38A GALLERY IN EAST LIBERTY. (PHOTO BY ART LIKE US)
DR. DARLA TIMBO hunting and the struggles of being a full-time artist in the past few years. But in the long run, therapy
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helped Davis learn a lot of coping tools and life skills. “I was getting better, while I saw my friends still drowning in their struggles,” she said, which pushed her to start Artist Talk Mental Health and Therapy 101. “Artist Talk” is celebrating
two years in operation this month, November 2023. She’s collaborated with the organization Steel Smiling and The Future is Black for the Nov. 2 event. The event will explore a range of topics including the benefits of therapy, different therapeutic resources and insights
into the therapeutic process. Davis said attendees will also learn information on how to access BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) therapists. “Finding a Black therapist in the city can be incredibly challenging, to the extent that some people be-
lieve they don’t even exist,” Davis told the Courier. “My therapist even referred to himself as a unicorn at one point, given how rare it is to find a therapist who looks like you. So, featuring other Black artists and members of the community alongside BIPOC therapists is incredibly important.” The panelists for the event will include people familiar to the Courier. Dr. Darla Timbo, PsyD., LPC, is a member of the Courier’s “Fab 40” Class of 2022. She’s a professional psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and owner of Atlas Counseling Services in East Liberty. She also serves as faculty at PennWest University, California Campus. She has over 15 years of experience in the field of psychology and counseling, including leadership experience and research. Within Atlas Counseling Services, Dr. Timbo primarily serves underrepresented groups of people, primarily including
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Black women, and individuals recently released from incarceration. Other panelists include Mauri Tate, LCSW, who has worked as a school social worker and therapist for several years and will be launching Bridging the Gap Services, LLC, in 2024 to provide mental health services to underserved communities; Dr. Rueben Brock, a trained musician, photographer, filmmaker, professor of psychology, author and motivational speaker; and Sonya Dugal, a Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Board Certified Transgender Care Therapist. Dugal provides gender-affirming care to gender expansive, non-binary and trans individuals.
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Being a great place to work has its rewards. And awards. Because of our investments in industry-leading programs and resources, and our commitment to helping teammates achieve their personal and professional goals, we were awarded the Grand Stevie Award for Organization of the Year. I’m proud of this recognition, really proud of our dedicated employees, but most especially proud to be part of this community we all serve. Trevia Chatman President, Bank of America Memphis
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WESTINGHOUSE CONTINUES ITS DOMINANCE Bulldogs take home another City League football title
WESTINGHOUSE, THE 2023 CITY LEAGUE CHAMPS...(PHOTOS BY BEN TENUTA) WESTINGHOUSE FROM A1
University Prep had its prime moments thanks to Daniel Cain, who caught a 38-yard touchdown pass on the first drive of the game, then ran back a kick for a 93-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. At the end of the day, though, it was just too much Westinghouse. The school was playing in its sixth straight City League championship game, and won its second straight, after defeating Allderdice in 2022. Last year, the team made it all the SEE WESTINGHOUSE A9
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way to the PIAA 2A state championship game, losing to Southern Columbia, 37-22. The Bulldogs hope to do more damage in the state playoffs later this fall. But that’s in the future. For now, it was all about hoisting the City League championship trophy in front of its fans on the South Side, Oct. 28. Members of Pittsburgh Public Schools’ administration presented the trophy to the team, along with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, himself a Pittsburgh Public Schools graduate (Peabody High School). “The number one thing from Day 1, January 10th, was developing the right mindset,” Green said. “We believe that between January and June is when the mindset is created and the foundation is created, and our guys bought in. We averaged about 42 guys every day through those months and now we’re getting to see the fruits of that labor.” Westinghouse not only has the best football team in the City League, but the most dedicated fans. It’s the second year in a
WESTINGHOUSE RUNNING BACK TY ABRAM, WITH MAYOR ED GAINEY. (PHOTOS BY BEN TENUTA) row that the Courier spotted a large contingent of Westinghouse fans standing throughout much of the game, with distinct cheers for their Bulldogs. But Green made sure to show love to all the teams and fans in the City League. “I’m a City guy, and I will always have pride in our city, and I’m just so thankful for all of the coaches in the City, all the things they have to sacrifice to get to Friday, Thursday, Saturday. Shoutout to every City League team. At the end of the day, we’re all one, and I’m just so proud to be a part of it.”
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Gainey and Zappala trade barbs again, as Election Day nears by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
When pigs fly is when we’ll see Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Allegheny County District Attorney playing a game of table tennis together. Zappala, who is running as a Republican to keep his job as District Attorney against Democratic nominee Matt Dugan, said on KDKA Radio in late October that he would consider suing the City of Pittsburgh to take control of the city’s police department if more measures aren’t done to enforce the law in Downtown Pittsburgh. It’s far from the first jab the DA has taken at Mayor Gainey. But like in previous jabs, it’s Mayor Gainey that has come with his own right hook. Downtown Pittsburgh, to be clear, has been a point of contention for everyone. Businesses are exiting, apartment buildings are going up for sale, and there is a general sense that some Downtown workers don’t want to return to fiveday-a-week office jobs because they may not feel safe in Downtown. A 17-year-old was stabbed near Liberty Avenue just before 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26. Two people have died
DISTRICT ATTORNEY STEPHEN ZAPPALA via shootings Downtown this year (2023). There have also been reports of assaults, shoplifting, drug dealing and vandalism. However, the mayor is aware of what’s happening Downtown, and has increased the number of officers on the Downtown beat. These days, you can find officers in police clothes monitoring areas like Liberty Avenue and Wood Street, Wood and Fifth, Market Square, and Smithfield Street. There have been more drug-related arrests, oftentimes from the officers in street clothes. On Monday, Oct. 30,
Mayor Gainey responded to Zappala: “Since the day I was sworn in as mayor of the great City of Pittsburgh, I have made clear that my number one priority is making this the safest city in America. Our public health-based approach to public safety combined with our efforts to improve community police relations has resulted in real tangible results. “So far we have seen a reduction in homicides year over year. I’ve been clear to our officers, that if someone is causing harm in our city—be it those using guns to settle arguments or drug
MAYOR ED GAINEY dealers preying on our most vulnerable residents, we want those individuals held accountable for their actions. “It is clear that Mr. Zappala is unable to stand on his 20-year career, and instead wishes to mislead and use fear to win an election. We have reviewed the case law, and if Mr. Zappala has a case or a statute that he can cite to prove he has the authority to seize control of our Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, I’d love to see it. “I can, however, say that time and time again our courts have stated that being homeless in and of itself is not a crime. He
may wish to use his authority to punish those who have the least, but my administration believes in caring for their safety and working with our partners to provide credible offers of housing, security, and a path toward a safer tomorrow. “We will continue our work to make our city the safest in America, and we believe in our mission of having zero gun deaths in Pittsburgh. In order to have the lasting peace that Pittsburgh deserves, we need real partners at the table who are ready to work together to make that a reality and not point fingers.”
Delta flight attendant works with all-Black flight crew by Black Information Network A Delta flight attendant captured the “amazing” moment when she worked with an all-Black flight crew for the first time. Felicia Kaye said she was preparing to fly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Kansas City earlier in October when the momentous occasion occurred. Kaye recalled the moment she reported to her gate and realized she was experiencing something she hadn’t seen before. She shared a photo on Facebook of the all-Black flight crew. “We’ve had an African American crew, but we just hadn’t all experienced having the pilots as well and having the entire crew be African Ameri-
can,” Kaye wrote on social media. “It made me feel amazing. It made all of us feel amazing, and we felt that we wanted to capture that.” The flight attendant, who’s worked for Delta for five years, noted that she’s worked with a diverse crew before, but not one where both the first officer and captain were Black. Though this isn’t the first time an all-Black crew has operated a Delta flight, Kaye said she’s excited to see it happening more often. “The company is so progressive. Delta is so diverse, and it just really, really made me feel Delta proud,” she said.
DELTA FLIGHT ATTENDANT FELICIA KAYE captured a special moment when she worked for the first time with an all Black crew on Oct. 12. Kaye shared the photo to Facebook where it went viral, amassing more than 193,000 reactions.
SPORTS
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WPYAA Cheer Bowl 2023!
THE ANNUAL CHEER BOWL WAS HELD, OCT. 22, AT THE STO-ROX GYM. PICTURED ABOVE ARE THE HOMEWOOD CHEERLEADERS...THEY WON FIRST PLACE IN THE “OVERALL” COMPETITION. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)
NORTH SIDE CHEERLEADERS WON THIRD IN OVERALL
SECOND PLACE ARE THE CLARITON GIRLS IN OVERALL
FIRST PLACE FOR THE YOUNGER GIRLS IS PENN HILLS CHEERLEADERS OVERALL
THE HILL DISTRICT REBELS
THE PENN HILLS CHEERLEADERS
THE WINNERS OF THE CHEER “BATTLE” PART ARE THE LINCOLN CHEERLEADERS
FOR MORE PHOTOS, SEE PAGE B7
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Is proportionality in war absurd? J. Pharoah Doss Page B4
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PROPERTY IS POWER! Housing Discrimination: How does it affect you? Although the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (prohibiting the discrimination of the sale, rent and financing of housing based on gender, national origin, race and religion) sought to eradicate housing inequality and segregation, which was the norm of the 20th Century and in many ways still is today. Although the act of 1968 was designed to erase discrimination, the actions of the federal government and numerous financial institutions played a “critical role” in the creation and endurance of racist housing policies (Forbes Article, A Look At Housing Inequality In The U.S., Dima Williams.) As recently as August 2020 many of you may have heard about the bi-racial couple in Florida whose home appraisal increased by 40 percent when they removed all evidence of Black people living in the home, such as family photos and books from Black authors. Prior to removing many sentimental artifacts and ethnic artwork, the couple’s home was given a much lower appraisal compared to other homes in their neighborhood, with fewer bedrooms, fewer bathrooms, significantly lower square footage and half the land, according to Abena Horton (Florida mother, wife and lawyer whose home was appraised at 40 percent less than her neighborhood.) When selling a home in most Black communities it is common knowledge to remove the pictures and any remnants that a Black
ANTHONY O. KELLUM
family owns the home, but to have to do that in an appraisal as well? One would think the banks conducting the appraisals would be above reproach. Horton states, “Racism silently but conspicuously steals wealth.” Asking herself, “Why did I let myself forget that I live in America as a Black person and that I need to take some extra steps to get a fair result?” she said. As the owner of the Property Is Power brand, it has been my life mission to put a stop to the likes of the discrimination described above. With this in mind, I ask, “what are some of the steps, we can do today to stop the oppression that systematic racism has bestowed on our community for decades?” Well… one thing we can do is to identify and call out housing discrimination when it occurs. This is something everyone is capable of doing and can be accomplished by: Paired Testing: In a paired test, two people are assigned fictitious identities and qualifications. They are comparable in every way—except for the characteristic being tested, such as race or ethnicity. When almost-identical home-seekers receive unequal treatment from landlords and real estate agents, paired SEE HOUSING B2
How to avoid credit card late fees Credit card companies rake in billions each year collecting late fees. Change is coming, but here’s what you need to know in the meantime. A man in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., with a $35 balance on his credit card said he was socked with a $41 late fee each of the three months he was unable to pay his bills because he was hospitalized. A woman in Union City, California, was hit with a $30 charge after paying her credit card bill a day late after an unexpected death in her family, while a man in Mishawaka, Indiana, was charged a $33 late fee because the payment he made on a Friday wasn’t credited till the next Monday, making it a day late. Those people, all of whom shared their stories with Consumer Reports, were among the 1 in 5 adult Americans—an estimated 52 million people—who paid a credit card late fee in the last 12 months, according to a September 2023 Consumer Reports nationally representative survey of 2,089 adults. The frequency with which late fees are charged and the financial burden they create has made them a focus of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB points out that these fees provide a giant source of revenue for credit card companies— in 2020, they raked in $12 billion this way. And while it may be reasonable to charge a customer a penalty for the costs incurred when a payment is late, the agency said, the size of the fee—which averages $30 for the first offense and $41 for subsequent ones— has gotten out of proportion and has little purpose but to pad profits. The CFPB recently proposed a rule that will still allow credit card companies to charge late fees, just ones it said were more in line with the true costs. The rule would slash late fees to no more than $8 (or, at the credit card company’s discretion, to 25 percent of the minimum balance due), and ban companies from increasing fees by the rate of inflation, as they have been doing. In the survey, 82 percent of Americans said they supported lowering the maximum late fee. The final rule is expected by the end of the year and to take effect 60 days after that. The proposed rule would also require credit card companies to send consumers a reminder a few days before a pay-
ment is due—something 84 percent of Americans in the survey said they support—and provide a 15-day grace period for late payments before a fee is charged. In the survey, 68 percent of Americans said they thought a grace period was more fair than the current system. Rohit Chopra, the director of the
The frequency with which late fees are charged and the financial burden they create has made them a focus of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB points out that these fees provide a giant source of revenue for credit card companies—in 2020, they raked in $12 billion this way. CFPB, said in recent remarks that the fee structure in effect now is “a reflection of the asymmetry of power that punishes and penalizes consumers when they make mistakes, while credit card companies were often allowed to fine-print themselves out of trouble. This isn’t a sign of fair competition.” “These fees can take a serious toll on families’ pocketbooks,” said Chuck Bell, program manager for Consumer Reports who advocates on financial issues. “As more Americans face difficult decisions between paying a credit card bill or paying for groceries, gas, or housing, lowering late fees to a fair amount will go a long way to help people balance their household budget.” Fee creep Today’s rules around late fees weren’t what Congress intended when it passed the Credit Card Accountabil-
ity Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009—known as the CARD Act—itself intended to curb industry abuses. Before the CARD Act, a Supreme Court case nullified state limits on late fees at national banks, causing fees to soar to an average of $35 (about $50 in today’s dollars). But after the CARD Act was passed and fees dropped, the Federal Reserve, which was responsible for implementing it, allowed credit card companies to exploit loopholes and tie fee increases to the rate of inflation. As a result, fees crept back up. While some small banks and credit unions charge late fees of $25 or less, and a small but growing number of companies charge none at all or have special programs that offer payment flexibility, almost all of the major credit card issuers charge the maximum amount the law currently allows, the CFPB said. When the rule was proposed, the American Bankers Association, the Consumer Bankers Association, and the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions—all industry groups—said it was based on incorrect assumptions about credit card late fees. They called the rule flawed policy that would harm all cardholders whether they pay on time, pay late or carry a balance because it would make credit cards cost more and be harder to obtain. How high fees harm consumers No one likes being hit with a fee, especially these days when everything has become so expensive. But credit card late fees are problematic, not just because they cost so much. For example: • People with a low income pay proportionately bigger fees. There are two reasons for this. First, people with lower incomes tend to have smaller credit card balances, the CFPB said. A flat $30 or $41 late fee due on a small amount of money owed means fees cost much more percentage-wise than they would on a larger debt. Second, low-income earners pay almost twice as much in actual fees as high-income earners. When charged a late fee, people who make $150,000 a year paid an average of $15, while those earning $32,000 paid twice that SEE LATE FEES B2
‘Save me today, I’ll save you tomorrow’ Most people are struggling financially. What’s sad, many of those who are struggling financially either don’t know they’re struggling or don’t care. 78 percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Yet only 55 percent are worried about their finances. I guess the remaining 23 percent who are not worried about their finances are in denial. Truth of the matter is money doesn’t come with instructions. Many of us graduate from high school and college with advanced degrees having never been taught how to create a budget, balance a checkbook, or the importance of saving for short and long-term financial goals. Sure, there are some banking representatives who do workshops at various high schools and colleges. Their angle is to teach us the importance of having a high credit score so that we can borrow money. Who benefits from that teaching? The bank! When I was a kid, I used to eat a ton of candy. One of my favorite treats was a candy called “Now and Later.” The Now and Later slogan when I was coming up was, “Eat some now, save some for later.” I didn’t know it then, but that’s the cornerstone of sound money management advice if we simply replaced the word “eat” with “spend.” “Spend some now, save some for later!” You may have heard it this way, “Pay Yourself First.” Pay yourself first simply means before you spend money, you should save mon-
ey for future needs and wants. Warren Buffet, the wealthiest financial guru on the planet said it best, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving. Making saving a priority may be “The American Dream” but it’s not “The American Way.” The personal saving rate is 7.9 percent in America compared to 11 percent in the 1960s. Approximately 40 percent of Americans would struggle to come up with $400 for an unexpected, emergency related expense such as car and home repairs or long-distance travel to a sick loved one. When Yahoo! Finance asked participants how much money they had saved for retirement, 45 percent of the respondents said they had no money saved for retirement. Another 19 percent said, they will retire with less than $10,000 saved for retirement. Do the math, that’s 64 percent of Americans who plan on retiring dead broke. Another 20 percent said that they will retire with anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. Not dead broke— but looking at the numbers on the high side. $100,000 will do you fine if you plan on retiring from life shortly after you plan on retiring from work. If you spend $20,000 of the $100,000 nest egg
per year, it’s gone in five years. Golden years are not looking so GOLDEN! I was recently the keynote speaker for “Parent You” in my hometown, Youngstown. My presentation was titled, “Get A Grip On Your Money.” The emphasis on my talk was the importance of creating a budget and sticking to it. One of the things I discussed was ideas on how to create wiggle room in the budget. There has to be a gap (wiggle room) between your income and your expenses. If there’s no wiggle room, you will struggle paycheck to paycheck, month to month, year to year. If you don’t have wiggle room in your budget, you will not be able to save for emergencies and future goals. You’re literally one missed paycheck away from falling into a deeper financial hole or worse—declaring bankruptcy. As I was being interviewed about my presentation, the host asked me three questions. Question 1: “What’s the biggest mistake most people make when it comes to their money.” I responded, “Not having a budget is the biggest mistake most people make. Money is the greatest magician. It can disappear right before our eyes without you ever knowing. If you
don’t have a budget, you’re going to wonder where your money went.” Question 2: “If you could tell people what’s the most important thing people can do with their money right now, is it making a budget or something else?” I responded, “Making a budget is key, but if you want to build your money muscles sort to speak, SAVING money is the most important thing you can do with money right now. This is money talking to you. ‘If you save me today, I’ll save you tomorrow.’ The cornerstone of having a sound financial life is saving money!” Question 3: “When people hear people talking about investing and saving, they think to themselves, ‘I’m just happy to be able to pay my bills every month.’ What would you say to people who say that?” I responded, “We need to fix that way of thinking. That’s not living, that’s merely existing. You don’t want to be in an environment where you’re living paycheck to paycheck for the rest of your life. That’s a stressful place to be in. First step to fixing that is creating wiggle room in your budget.” I was recently on a call with a client who wanted me to talk her off the ledge. She recently paid her car off in full. That officially made her completely debt-free. She said she’s never had a brand new car. Now she wants one. She sacrificed and paid the price to become debt-free. She SEE DAMON CARR B2
BUSINESS
B2 NOVEMBER 1-7, 2023
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Avoid credit card late fees LATE FEES FROM B1
amount, around $32, according to a CFPB analysis. One possible reason? “It could be that banks waive late fees more often for their well-to-do clients in an effort to keep them happy,” said Bill Hardekopf, CEO of BillSaver.com, a free service to help negotiate a lower rate for your bills. Another: Lower-income clients may not be so willing to ask a bank to remove or reduce their late fees. • People in majority Black neighborhoods pay more in late fees. The CFPB’s analysis also found that in ZIP codes where 90 percent of people were Black, the burden of late fees is felt hardest. Per account, Black people were charged on average more than $25 in late fees, while in places where the Black population was nearly zero, people paid less than $20 in late fees. “The burden of high late fees appears to fall heavily on communities of color, and people living paycheck to paycheck, who have less income and assets,” Bell said. “These sharp, back-end penalties for paying late in effect make credit a lot more expensive for these customers.” • Late fees may be charged even if the payment is just an hour late. The CFPB said most banks accept payments for that day up until 5 p.m. But Consumer Reports received stories from people who said they didn’t know which time zone the 5 p.m. deadline referred to, or who were just an hour or so late and still charged a substantial late fee. For example, a woman in Eureka, Calif., another in Milo, Maine, and a man in Summerlin, Nev., all say they were hit with late fees of $41, $32, and $35, respectively, after paying their bill at 6 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. Another consumer in Montgomery, N.Y., told us he was hit with a late fee of $29 because the bank’s cutoff was 8 p.m. EST and not midnight, as is the case with his other accounts. Other consumers said they wound up paying late fees because their payments weren’t credited over the weekend. “Requiring credit card companies to provide a 15-day grace period for payments would minimize the pain of scheduling conflicts, whether it’s over a weekend or holiday, or because of time zone confusion,” Bell said. • Many people must prioritize paying rent and utilities or other debt. In the CR survey, we asked respondents who faced a late fee in the past year the reason or reasons it happened. Many (19 percent) said it was because they needed to pay other essentials first, such as rent or utilities. Others said they had an emergency that resulted in their inability to pay (17 percent), or they prioritized paying other debt (14 percent). Nine percent said they simply didn’t have the money. “I’ve been charged credit card late fees several times, and every time it’s not because I haven’t wanted to pay on time, but because I simply didn’t have the funds, hence needing credit cards to pay for basic needs like food and medical care,” Desiree Golis, from Anacortes, Wash., told CR. “Late fees are essentially a penalty for the poor, as of course the wealthy can set automatic payments and pay on time without fear of overdrafting.” Six ways to avoid a credit card late fee 1. Sign up for monthly bill reminders via text or email. Don’t rely on paper bills sent via snail mail, or your memory, to
remind you to pay a bill, Hardekopf said. In the survey, the most common reason people said they were late with a payment was that they thought they’d already paid the bill (27 percent). For 12 percent, one of the problems was that they didn’t know when the payment was due. (Set up alerts by going online to your account, Hardekopf said, or by calling the credit card company’s customer service number.) 2. Skip the mail and make payments digitally—or over the phone. In the CR survey question that asked about why a payment was late, 11 percent of Americans who were charged a late fee in the past year said it was due to the mail taking longer than expected. Other people who shared their stories with CR said using their bank’s check-issuing feature, where the bank cuts and mails a paper check, took longer to be delivered than they expected. Online payments made before 5 p.m., on the other hand, usually post the same day. To be sure, using a website to make a payment can fail, too, so if your online payment doesn’t go through, the next step is to call the 800 number on the back of your card to make a one-time phone payment. 3. Set up auto pay at least for the minimum amount (or however much you can reasonably afford) each month. Although you always want to pay off as much credit card debt as you can reasonably afford, Hardekopf said, you can keep yourself out of hot water by ensuring that you meet the monthly minimum payment with autopay. Then, if you have the funds to make additional payments, do so from your online account, app, or by phone. 4. In case of emergency, ask for a pause in payments. If you’ve experienced something significant—a death in the family, a hospitalized child, or a job loss, for example—and your payment is due, call the credit card company before the due date to ask for a pause in your payment, Hardekopf said. If it agrees, it will not only waive the late fee but also remove the burden of your having to make a payment for that month. While there’s no hard and fast rule that a credit card company must show grace in your time of need, Hardekopf said, some will, and “it’s worth calling to ask.” 5. Get alerts from your credit card company when payments are posted. Nine percent of people in the survey who had a late fee in the past year said they were charged because the online payment didn’t go through. One way to avoid this hassle is to set up an alert so that you’re notified of your credit card activity, including each purchase you make and when your monthly payment goes through. 6. Switch to a card with no late fees. If you don’t want to wait for the CFPB rule to take effect or deal with late fees at all, the agency notes in its report that some credit cards don’t charge them: Citi Simplicity, the Petal 2 Cash Back card, and the Apple card. Discover also offers a card that will automatically waive the first late fee. Good to know: Did you get hit with a late fee anyway? Contact your credit card company to ask if it will remove the charge, Hardekopf said. It will usually do this if it’s a one-time mistake.
The Pa. Lottery benefits older Pennsylvanians, but how? The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery to direct all proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Established by law in 1971, ticket sales began in 1972 and since then the Lottery has contributed more than $35.1 billion to fund property tax and rent rebates, transportation, care services, prescription assistance and local services including senior centers and meals. The Pennsylvania Lottery operates as a bureau within the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. LOCAL SERVICES, SENIOR CENTERS AND MEALS Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging, or AAAs, cover all 67 counties and serve as the local representatives for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Several senior centers across the state are overseen by the AAAs. They help coordinate services at a local level that help seniors stay well. Services include: In 2021–22 alone, funds contributed to the AAAs helped provide 9 million meals served at senior centers and delivered to homes. That’s 24,600 meals per day! FREE AND REDUCED-FARE TRANSPORTATION Did you know that anyone age 65 or older can ride for free on fixed-route public transportation in Pennsylvania? Commuter rail trips are just one dollar each. Additionally, PA residents 65 and over also qualify for reduced ride-share services. More than 20.6 million free transit rides and 2 million shared rides were provided to seniors in 2021– 22 thanks to PA Lottery funds. CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PENNSYLVANIANS The PA Lottery helps keep seniors healthy and safe by funding care services including long-term living services at home, in a care facility or in the community for qualifying older residents. More than $348 million went toward care services for over 27,000 residents in 2021–22. LOW-COST PRESCRIPTION SERVICES As health care costs continue to rise, the
PA Lottery helps qualified older Pennsylvanians 65 and over catch a break. Those who qualify can gain access to lower-cost prescription medications through programs such as PACE and PACENET. In 2021–22, older Pennsylvanians who were enrolled in these programs received over 4 million prescriptions, and Lottery funding helped fill nearly 11,000 prescriptions, every day. PROPERTY TAX AND RENT REBATES In 2021–22, this program, which is funded by the PA Lottery and slots revenue, helped provide an average refund of $480 to eligible Pennsylvanians 65 and older; widows and widowers 50 and older; and people with disabilities 18 years of age and older. In 2021–22, rebates were provided to over 444,119 households and an average of $584,234 was refunded, every day. HOW TO ACCESS THESE GREAT BENEFITS If you feel that you or someone you know may qualify for some of the programs the PA Lottery helps fund for older Pennsylvanians, there are many ways to get more information. For Local Services, Senior Centers & Meals, visit www.aging.pa.gov or call the Department of Aging at 717-783-1550. For Free & Reduced-Fare Transportation, contact your local Area Agency on Aging, visit www.PennDOT.gov and review the Travel in PA section, or call the Department of Transportation at 717783-8025. For Care Services, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call the LongTerm Care Helpline, toll-free, at 1-800753-8827. For Low-Cost Prescription Assistance, visit www.aging.pa.gov, ask your pharmacist, or call toll-free at 1-800-225-7223. For Property Tax & Rent Rebates, visit www.revenue.pa.gov or call toll-free at 1-888-222-9190. For all other general information about benefits that are funded by the PA Lottery, visit www.palottery.state.pa.us/Benefits-Info.
PROPERTY IS POWER! Housing Discrimination HOUSING FROM B1
testing essentially catches discrimination in the act. In order to overcome the ongoing assault of housing discrimination and the tradition of land use regulations and zoning policies, a multi-tiered approach is needed this includes the below: • The vigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination protections and proactive testing to uncover otherwise undetected forms of differential treatment, including on social media and other online platforms.
• Public education and outreach to residents about housing rights and opportunities and what to do if they suspect or witness unfair treatment in any venue. • Incentives to encourage affordable housing development and neighborhood reinvestment and to reach and serve historically underserved communities. When combined, these efforts can help grow and sustain inclusivity and high-opportunity communities that give residents access to good schools, jobs, transportation, wealth building and
other important services (Urban Wire: Housing and Finance.) As we continue to evolve and as attitudes toward residential diversity continue to intensify policymakers and fair housing practitioners will continue to need reliable evidence other than what is on the forms, various incidences, and targets of discrimination but also on other factors that may contribute to segregation and disparities in neighborhoods, such as information gaps, local regulatory policies, stereotypes, and fear(Urban Wire: Housing and Finance.)
In some aspects, since our culture is becoming more sophisticated with the continued methods to reach corners of the housing market, both online and offline, it has become increasingly more difficult to uncovering discriminatory practices, which may otherwise go undetected, making it evident that continued paired-testing studies are necessary to level the buying field.
‘Save me today, I’ll save you tomorrow ’ DAMON CARR FROM B1
has more disposable income than she’s ever had before. I asked her to tell me her top three financial goals. She said become a homeowner, help her daughter finish college, and become a billionaire. I responded, “To have a goal to become a billionaire implies that you’re already a millionaire. Are you?” She started laughing and said, “No.” “Think about this,” I said to her. “Purchasing a car isn’t even one of your top three financial goals. Let me ask you a question, does purchasing this car and taking on the car payment help you purchase
your new home, put your child through college or become a millionaire?” She said no. “You have a nice, reliable car that’s paid for. You currently have nothing saved for your down payment on your home. You want to prevent your daughter from running up massive student loan debt. Where do you think the money that you’re thinking about paying on a car note can be best used?” She replied, “Putting it in my savings account for my house and daughter’s college.” That’s right, if you save money today, your money will save you headaches, stress, and massive debt tomorrow. More impor-
tantly, saving money will help you stabilize your life and help you achieve your financial goals.
(Damon Carr, Money Coach, can be reached at 412-216-1013 or visit his website at www.damonmoneycoach.com)
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
The Courier’s General Election Endorsements Come Tuesday, Nov. 7, voters like you in Allegheny County will be choosing the next Allegheny County Chief Executive. You’ve seen the TV ads, you’ve (maybe) watched the local TV debates between the two candidates, Sara Innamorato and Joe Rockey. And now, you’re reading this, your trusted African American media source, the New Pittsburgh Courier, to see what we say about the candidates. We’ll be honest with you. We think both candidates are viable. Let’s start with Rockey, who is running on the Republican ticket, but is more so on the moderate, centrist side. He is a retired PNC executive who speaks with the utmost confidence, a man who seems ready on Day 1 to perform the duties as Chief Executive. In the Courier editorial board’s conversation with Rockey, we found him to truly desire the job. He said he understood the many issues that are affecting African Americans in the county, such as affordable housing, a juvenile detention center that reduces recidivism, and a desire to increase the number of African Americans employed at the county level. Rockey believes there should be a juvenile detention center, such as Shuman, in Allegheny County. He is opposed to a county-wide property tax reassessment, saying it would end up taking more money out of residents’ pockets. He is in support of more police officers, up to a 10 percent increase, to address criminal issues happening in Pittsburgh and around the county. And overall, his numbers have risen some in the polls, we believe, because of his “executive demeanor,” with some labeling Rockey as the candidate that most aligns with outgoing executive Rich Fitzgerald, at least in the “executive demeanor” department. And he has support from another person with that “executive demeanor,” Jim Roddey, who was the county’s first Chief Executive. He won a narrow race on the Republican ticket in 1999. There is a chance that Joe Rockey could turn out to be the Chief Executive that provides the most economic prosperity for African Americans. He could turn out to produce more affordable housing and have African Americans in all types of high-level positions with Allegheny County. However...what we do know right now is that his opponent, Innamorato, already has the support of a number of notable African Americans. Innamorato has been endorsed by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Congresswoman Summer Lee, two prominent Black political figures. She has the endorsement of Pa. Governor Josh Shapiro. She has the endorsement of another political figure who is well-known in African American circles, Senator John Fetterman, the former Braddock mayor. We believe that Innamorato has been in enough trenches within Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to be more relatable to the African American community. When we spoke with Innamorato, she pointed out that the county’s MWDBE (Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) program can be enhanced, and she wants to make sure the county’s MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Advisory Committee has its full allotment of members. She seemed very passionate about making sure that all young people, particularly the Black juveniles who are disproportionately represented in Shuman Center, receive real help and are not just looked at as a number. Innamorato is in favor of a countywide property tax reassessment and is in favor of raising the minimum wage for Allegheny County workers. She has built alliances with most of the labor unions in the area. She has already prevailed in a May Primary Election in which she won over challengers like John Weinstein and Michael Lamb, so it’s obvious she has support. And the Courier endorsed her in that Primary Election from May. The Courier believes both candidates would serve Allegheny County well. However, due to her already-established alliances, especially with African American notables whom the Courier has supported from Day 1, in addition to her ability, in our opinion, to be more relatable to the African American community in Allegheny County now and in the long term, we believe Sara Innamorato is the best choice to be the next Allegheny County Chief Executive. The Courier also supports the re-election of DeWitt Walton for Member of Allegheny County Council District 10, and endorses Matt Dugan for Allegheny County District Attorney.
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World Conference of Mayors goes to Canada (Trice Edney News Wire)—The World Conference of Mayors, led by Mayor Johnny Ford of Tuskegee, Alabama visited with the Honorable Allister Coward who is a member of the Board of Directors of The World Conference of Mayors. Allister Coward is also the Executive Director and leader of the National Policy Alliance Canada held the first Underground Railroad bus tour in Canada. Participants attended from many places around the world. Mayor Ford played a major role from the United States, along with others. This historic event the first National Policy Alliance Canada US Underground Railroad bus tour to the North Buxton Museum in Buxton, Ontario saw Honorable Mayor Johnny Ford warmly greeted by the Honorable Mayor Darrin Canniff of the Chatham Kent County of Ontario. In our own studies here in the United States, we remember the significance of Harriet Tubman and others leaving their enslavement in the United States and going to Canada—a nation that welcomed our brothers and sisters to Canada where many of them became active and productive citizens of that country. They went from enslavement to freedom by crossing the border between the U.S. and Canada. As Mayor Ford who is from Tuskegee, Alabama, and an expert on the work of Dr. Booker T. Washington, said “In the spirit of Dr. Booker T. Washington, there they cast down their buckets and made Canada their home.” Further, Mayor Ford said, “In Canada, we not only feel at home in Canada, but we also found other
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary family here.” The FutureBizNow Conference is a leading event that explores the convergence of technology and business. With a focus on innovation and growth, the conference gathered thought leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and visionaries to inspire and drive progress in the digital age. A highlight of the event in Milton, Ontario, Canada was a historic event. A highlight of the historic event was the fact that Mayor Ford participated and was accompanied by a notable VIP delegation that included Former Mayor Darryl Johnson of Mound Bayou, Mississippi who made headlines when he unveiled the Emmett Till Movie Exhibition in the recently opened Mound Bayou, Mississippi African American Museum commemorating a pivotal chapter in the civil rights movement. Joining them was Rev. Dr. Al Sampson of Chicago, Illinois, who holds the unique distinction of being the only living person ordained by the Honorable Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Additionally, Mayor Johnny Ford and the VIP Delegates were warmly received by the Honorable Mayor Darrin Canniff, Mayor of Chatham Kent County, and by the Prince family, who are 7th generation custodians
and curators of the North Buxton Museum in Buxton. This historic visit marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between the National Policy Alliance-Canada and the World Conference of Mayors (WCM), underscoring their commitment to fostering international connections and the exchange of innovative ideas. This gathering promised to foster ongoing meaningful connections, celebrate heritage, and drive discussions on the intersection of technology and community development. The FutureBizNow Conference 2023 together with “NPA Canada was more than just an event; it shaped up to be a historic moment where visionary leaders, innovators, and communities converged to explore the future while honoring the past. With a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers and a dynamic hybrid format, the conference sought visionaries to unlock the boundless potential of the digital era. Allister Coward is Executive Director of the National Policy Alliance-Canada and Managing Director of Allviziers Business Group. .www.npacanada.org. He is also on the Board of Directors of the World Conference of Mayors. See www.worldconferenceofmayors. com and the Historic Black Towns and Settlements under the leadership of the Honorable Johnny Ford who brings together people from all across the world who are doing great things themselves to bring people together for good. (Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society and President Emerita of the National Congress of Black Women.)
Cutting corners in the medical field is unacceptable (TriceEdneyWire.com)—In state legislatures across the country the “right to repair” movement is gaining momentum. Thirty-three states and Puerto Rico considered right to repair legislation during the 2023 legislative session. And while this might be a good idea for some products, policymakers should oppose any attempts to weaken regulated safety requirements for repairing life-saving and life-enhancing medical devices. Patient safety is too great a risk. In theory, expanding repair options might seem like a good idea. It is the democratization of product repair. And certainly, there are many industries in which this is the right path forward. In fact, advocates for this movement notched a symbolic win in California after tech giant Apple unexpectedly supported a bill that would require electronics companies to provide more access to the parts and instructions to fix their products. What the right to repair movement ignores though is that not all product classes are created equal. And a one-size-fits-all solution is not a real solution, especially when it comes to regulated products like medical devices. Medical devices are an important part of the healthcare services industry. Every single person has been helped by a medical device —whether it’s an EKG machine, a defibrillator, dialysis pump, x-ray
Al Wynn
Commentary machine, or any of the other more than 24,000 devices that medical professionals use every day. Now imagine if that device didn’t work. It is this risk that should give policymakers considering these right to repair laws pause. Given the influence medical devices have on public welfare, do we really want to introduce more risk? Risk that could impact functionality? During my time in the House of Representatives, I served on the Subcommittee on Health whose jurisdiction included oversight over the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency in charge of the effective regulation of these devices to guarantee their quality and safety. I know firsthand the diversity and sophisticated nature of these products. By granting broad, open access by repair shops unregulated by the FDA, we could be undermining device integrity maintained by the whole regulatory system. Essentially, if a smartphone or tablet malfunctions from a bad repair job, there’s sure to be some headaches, but you’ll survive. On
the other hand, if a sophisticated medical device experiences the same type of error because a hospital chose unregulated repair options, it can be a matter of life or death. It is also important to consider possible unintended consequences this type of policy might have on underserved and racial minority communities, which are most often among the truly disadvantaged. One report from researchers with UCLA, Johns Hopkins and Harvard shows that hospitals with a large share of African American patients have significant funding disparities and receive lower payments for care from programs like Medicare. Unfortunately, these facilities are the ones that will most likely use the unregulated repair option to fit necessary maintenance into tight budgets. Therefore, we could be unintentionally putting our community on the front lines of the increased risk a broad right to repair policy would enable. Cutting corners in the medical field should never be an option. A 2016 study by the National Library of Medicine found that cutting corners was a “common practice” that contributes to adverse outcomes. That’s simply unacceptable. (Albert R. Wynn is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Maryland’s 4th Congressional District. While in the House, he served as a member of the Subcommittee on Health.)
Americans overwhelmingly support corporate diversity initiatives (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.”—Verna Myers, Vice President of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix In the unfolding aftermath of the Supreme Court’s pivotal decision on affirmative action, our country stands at a crossroads. It’s a juncture where the corporate world has the power, and I’d argue, the responsibility, to reshape our understanding of diversity and inclusion in the modern age. And while the roadmap may not be as clear-cut as before, the destination remains unequivocal: an America where every individual, regardless of their background, has an equal shot at success. For decades, affirmative action has been a tool employed to address historic and systemic inequities. However, with the Supreme Court’s new stance, corporations must be more intentional and innovative about fostering diversity. First and foremost, it’s essential for corporations to understand that diversity is more than a moral or ethical obligation – it’s a business imperative. Second, national polling done by U.S. Harris Poll revealed that 81 percent of Americans overwhelmingly support corporate diversity initiatives.
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal At the National Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Leadership Development Conference in New York, the Black Economic Alliance Foundation presented their research to our affiliate CEOs and staff, detailing how companies can best navigate corporate diversity after the Supreme Court’s decision. Their presentation suggested what we’ve known all along—that corporate diversity is beneficial to the overall culture, profitability, talent recruitment and retention efforts of an organization. However, there are instances where corporations have seen the fallout behind implementing DEI initiatives due to emboldened objectors against the change. For example, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) filed a lawsuit against Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based venture capital firm run by two Black women, alleging that the fund was
engaging in racial discrimination by running a grant program exclusively for early-stage companies owned by Black women. Earlier this year, America First Legal filed complaints against Kellogg’s, Nordstrom, and Activision Blizzard alleging that their diversity and inclusion policies constitute racial discrimination. Now is the time for corporations to meet the moment and they must do so tactfully and innovatively in order to make permanent and effective policy changes. Affirmative action was birthed from a historical necessity—to redress centuries of systemic discrimination and level the playing field. But now, as the legal landscape shifts, it is up to businesses to champion the values at the core of this initiative. The Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action has unquestionably reshaped the landscape of diversity initiatives in the corporate realm. But as businesses grapple with these changes, the essence of what diversity stands for must not be lost. Instead of viewing the decision as a constraint, businesses should see it as an opportunity to authentically and innovatively set their best foot forward.
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A divided house cannot stand (TriceEdneyWire.com)—After three weeks of chaos, the Republicans got their man. In a party-line vote, Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana was finally elected speaker of the House, with Johnson receiving the votes of all 220 Republicans who cast a ballot while all 209 Democrats present voted for Hakeem Jeffries. During his first speech as the 56th speaker of the House, Johnson vowed to “rebuild and restore” the trust of the American people, which he acknowledged had been damaged by the turmoil of recent weeks. “We want our allies around the world to know that this body of lawmakers is reporting again to our duty stations. Let the enemies of freedom around the world hear us loud and clear: The People’s House is back in business.” As the American people listen to Johnson and all factions making up the House Republican caucus, it is obvious that the internal enemies to America’s freedom and democracy are a greater threat than those from around the world. As the House members report back to duty, it is not simply a House divided between Democrats and Republicans, but Republicans versus Republicans. The negotiations and compromises by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy resulted in a bipartisan temporary funding bill, which ultimately passed with more Democratic than Republican votes. One small act of leadership and bipartisanship triggered a motion to remove McCarthy. Hard-right Republicans turned on McCarthy just as they had turned on Paul Ryan and John Boehner. Former Speaker Boehner was previously threatened with a motion to vacate but escaped the removal process. Johnson was the party’s fourth nominee to replace the ousted McCarthy. The previous nominees, House Majority Whip Tom
David W. Marshall
Commentary Emmer, Rep. Jim Jordan, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, failed to unite a dysfunctional Republican caucus. The Republicans went as far as to blame the Democrats for failing to throw McCarthy a lifeline to save his job. While the predictions of a Republican red wave never materialized in the 2022 midterm election, the GOP still flipped the House, resulting in a small majority. Despite becoming the majority party in control, Republicans continue to show they remain the “party of no.” Seeing how the extreme factions of the party have taken control, few agents of unity remain within the GOP. Therefore, is it realistic to believe that the new House speaker will have the ability to “restore and rebuild” trust after the American people witnessed how a bitterly divided GOP caucus used bullying tactics and death threats against their members over speaker votes? If there is no respect for their fellow GOP members when they disagree with each other, how can any responsible person lead this group while working in a bipartisan fashion with the Democrats when the circumstance of the nation calls for it? With either their support or opposition to the advancement of critical legislation, the individual who holds the House speaker’s position has tremendous power that can impact the lives of every American. Therefore, any American who stands for democracy and against authoritarianism cannot trust Johnson, who, like Jordan, supported Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential elections. While some will passionately vote for the protection of the Second Amendment, the same degree of passion needs to be given to the Fourteenth Amendment. A key element of the Fourteenth Amendment grants citizenship to all persons “born or naturalized in the United States,” including formerly enslaved people, and provides all citizens with “equal protection under the laws,” extending the provisions of the Bill of Rights to the states. The amendment authorized the government to punish states that abridged citizens’ right to vote by proportionally reducing their representation in Congress. It banned those who “engaged in insurrection” against the United States from holding any civil, military, or elected office without the approval of two-thirds of the House and Senate. Donald Trump and his allies consistently promoted the idea of massive voter fraud and irregularities in big cities and counties with large populations of people of color. It is the votes of minority voters that Trump, Jordan, and Johnson sought to invalidate in cities such as Detroit, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia. Therefore, we cannot overlook the Fourteenth Amendment concerning the new speaker. Johnson had argued Biden’s win was bogus, and he appeared to pressure 125 House Republicans to join him in filing a brief to the Supreme Court supporting a Texas lawsuit to overturn Biden’s win in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. He told them Donald Trump was watching. To end this chaos, the Democrats must flip the House back to the Democrats and make Hakeem Jeffries the House speaker.
(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faithbased organization TRB: The Reconciled Body and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America. He can be reached at www.davidwmarshallauthor. com)
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Is proportionality in war absurd? The latest update out of the Middle East, as of this writing, stated that Israeli forces have intensified their bombardment of the Gaza Strip as the war with Hamas rages on. This is now the deadliest conflict in Gaza for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry claims at least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed and 15,270 have been wounded. Since the Oct. 7 surprise attack by Hamas, in which 222 individuals, including foreigners, were taken captive in Gaza, more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed. Israeli critics declared the assault on Gaza a “disproportionate response” to Hamas’s attack. These critics assess “disproportion” by the number of dead bodies. Palestine has four times as many as Israel. For these critics, that disproportion constitutes a war crime. Israeli supporters believe it is a grave error to draw a moral equivalence between Hamas, a terrorist group, and Israel’s Defense Force, which is tasked with defending a sovereign nation. Hamas entered Israel, slaughtered Israeli people, and then fled to Gaza, where Palestinian civilians were used as human shields. Any unintended consequences of an Israeli military response are the result of Hamas’s exploitation of human shields. As a result, Hamas, not Israel, is to blame for the disproportion of dead bodies. Douglass Murray, a British political commentator, was asked about the situation between Gaza and Israel. The interviewer claimed that many Western nations were asking for Israel to have a “proportional response” and then asked Murray if this was something Israel should think about. Murray said no. He always thought the whole idea of proportionality in conflict was absurd. Only in the case of Israel do Western democracies and the United Nations obsess over it. Western democracies do not argue this is entirely a proportional response when they have had to fight wars in the past because proportionality is an abstract concept. What is proportionate in a conflict? Murray inquired. In this conflict, he said, proportionate means that Israel’s response to Hamas’s
J. Pharoah Doss
Check It Out cold-blooded massacre of more than a thousand Israelis should be to send Israeli forces to rape exactly the same number of women as Hamas raped and decapitate exactly the same number of babies as Hamas decapitated. It’s obscene to even think in such terms, but that’s what proportionality would mean. Murray is correct. It’s horrible to think of proportionality in the way he portrayed it, but Western democracies don’t consider a proportional response as matching evil deed for evil deed; they see proportionality as a key concept in international law. However, during Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah in 2006, Dr. Amichai Cohen, senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, observed, “Proportionality has become a common term, widely used by human rights organizations, politicians, soldiers, and laypeople. But its precise legal meaning is little understood. Non-governmental organizations allege that a certain attack was disproportionate because civilians were killed; military officers retort that the action was proportional because the enemy fired first. From a legal standpoint, both claims are inaccurate and based on irrelevant conceptions of proportionality.” The legal concept of proportionality states that the military target should be defined in the narrowest way possible. The attacking power should consider whether there is a way to achieve the military objective with little or no damage to the civilian population. Then, after a course of action is decided, the attacking power must take measures to limit the harm their action will cause civilians. In theory, that’s good, but Cohen points out the difficulty in practice. The concept of proportionality assumes
the feasibility of rational choices in battlefield situations and that the attacking power has an option. In the current situation Israel finds itself in, proportionality presumes the enemy doesn’t camouflage themselves among the civilian population. Under these circumstances, the attacking power cannot make an informed assessment of the harm to the civilian population vis-à-vis the gains from a specific military goal. The problem with proportionality, according to Cohen, is that it places an unrealistic burden on the attacker to make a cost-benefit analysis in the mist of battle. That’s why Murray referred to proportionality as absurd. Pundits from previous generations thought attempts to construct standards for something as lawless as war were lessons in absurdity, but a lesson in absurdity might help us better evaluate the need for proportionality. Albert Camus, a writer who took part in the underground resistance against the Nazis in occupied France, is best known for his absurdist philosophy. Camus held that the universe was irrational and that there was no intrinsic meaning to existence. Absurdity arises from humans’ natural desire to find meaning in life. Unfortunately, the universe is indifferent to human desire and provides no answer. Camus contended that the only way to deal with absurdity was to embrace it. Through their actions, humans can create their own meaning. Let’s apply that to war. War is illogical, and violence has no meaning. Absurdity arises because humans are moral beings who instinctively discern between what is right and wrong. Regrettably, war is fundamentally amoral and lawless. Those who fight war must confront it with their moral sense and devise guidelines for what is allowed and banned during combat. Murray is right; proportionality is absurd; nonetheless, it is the attempt to create codes of conduct to limit the horrors of war that distinguishes civilization from barbarism.
Paid family and medical leave would help millions of workers, families and employers (NNPA NEWSWIRE)—In a country where most people must work to make ends meet, work isn’t working for most families. The impossible, exhausting cycle of careers and caregiving doesn’t allow for real work-life balance. Workers and their families are tired, and we’re paying the price for living in a country that doesn’t have a care infrastructure to support them. We are struggling to hang onto our jobs while caring for our families. Fortunately, there is an opportunity to change that this week. Today, the Senate Finance Committee will hold its first-ever hearing on paid family and medical leave. The United States is the only member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that does not require workplaces to provide paid family and medical leave as a benefit of employment. When nearly all developed countries have acknowledged the importance of paid family and medical leave, the silence of the United States is ominous. Nearly half of U.S. families live on the edge of financial ruin, according to the Corporation for Enterprise Development. This financial precariousness forces people to make the impossible choice between caring for sick or elderly family members and financial disaster. The AARP found that there are 53 million caregivers in this country; that doesn’t include parents caring for children, grandparents caring for children, or young adults and children caring for an adult. Many of these caregivers are also working. Households of color are more likely to be multigenerational, with children and elders who depend on breadwinners. Women of color are disproportionately affected by the absence of paid family and medical leave. Black women, in particular, are more likely to partic-
Josephine Kalipeni
Commentary ipate in the workforce and serve as the primary breadwinners for their families, meaning we often face the difficult task of juggling both caregiving and work. Without paid family and medical leave, our entire families are vulnerable to circumstances that are often unpredictable. Paid family and medical leave would allow workplaces to retain talent, provide financial leverage for people to participate in the economy, and keep families afloat during times of crisis. But it is also scarce—especially for people in lower-paid and hourly positions. Implementing paid family and medical leave at the national level not only benefits families, but it also has the potential to improve businesses and communities. Companies are likely to see reduced turnover and more job satisfaction and productivity from their employees. A financially secure family is better equipped to contribute to the local community and will have more money to spend—boosting local economies. Crucially, paid family and medical leave also strengthens public health. When caregivers can take time off work without paying devastating financial consequences, our sick family members can more easily remain in their homes while they’re both contagious and convalescing. In a decade that will likely forever be associated with a global pandemic, the physical health of our communities has
never been more important. Family Values @ Work and our state Network partners have been building this movement for more than 20 years and winning paid family and medical leave and paid sick and safe days state-by-state while building the political pressure necessary to win a federal bill. This hearing is a significant milestone in our work, and motivation to continue organizing, advocating, and winning policies that support families. It is because of the dedication and leadership of our Network that we’re here today. Paid family and medical leave makes sense for families, businesses, and communities. It’s a win-win solution for everyone. To secure a brighter, more equitable future for working families, Congress should act now. The Senate Finance Committee’s next step is to pass the FAMILY Act out of committee immediately. The House should follow the lead of their colleagues and they don’t have to wait. The FAMILY Act has already been introduced in both chambers and meets Family Values @ Work’s definition of equitable policy. The FAMILY Act would provide workers with up to 12 weeks of paid time off for the birth or adoption of a new child and for personal medical needs, or the care of a seriously ill family member, and now includes safe leave for sexual or domestic violence. Workers will receive wage replacement on a tiered scale, and it ensures that workers will have a job to return to after taking time to care. No family should be forced to choose between a paycheck and their loved ones—especially not when practical policy decisions are ready to be enacted to help them.
(Josephine Kalipeni (@malawian81) is an economic justice advocate and executive director of Family Values @ Work.)
America’s clear and present danger Once again, a word of warning to this great nation and its even greater people. Israel was attacked when its enemies perceived that the nation’s internal conflicts presented a divided people distracted from guarding its own interest. America’s more than 20 days without leadership in The House of Representatives has clearly presented to the world a nation in such disarray that it can’t even pass a resolution or budget to aid one of its closest allies, let alone conduct its own internal governmental affairs. It appears that some members of Congress, the media and retired military, as well as persons who formerly served in government, understand that our adversaries like Iran, Russia, China, North Korea, and others see us as a weakened global entity. Let us not forget that our borders, which appear to be wide open because of a Congress that can and will not act, provide an open invitation for Hamas and others to launch attacks here on our shores much like what happened in Israel. And let us not forget those among us who are just
John E. Warren
Commentary as willing as foreign terrorists to kill as many, if not more, than we see in the rising death toll from senseless mass shootings among us here. It is a sad day for America when those we have chosen to lead this great nation are so busy fighting amongst themselves that they not only lose sight of the business of this nation but also their sworn duty to “protect and defend” it. Perhaps it’s time to make some changes in how our government operates since the two party system is more tradition than law. Perhaps we can learn from how Israel set aside its internal differences, in essence formed a joint government with its opposition, and focused on the threat to the nation as a whole. If only the Democrats can get 212
votes when none of the Republicans seeking the Speakership can come close, it might be time for a Democratic Speaker in a Republican-controlled House. It might be time to share some Committee Chairmanships, but allow the Republicans to maintain Chairmanship of the House, Ways and Means Committee which must clear all items coming to the floor, unless brought by a Discharge Petition which requires 218 votes to go directly to the floor for a vote. A few radical members of Congress and a former President who clearly cares about no interest other than his own, must not be allowed to destroy a nation, and the people of a nation as great as the United States of America. We must always remember that just as the Soviet Union collapsed, the same could happen here. Again, we are reminded of the words of Thomas Jefferson: “Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Freedom.” Will we pay that price through ignorance?
(Dr. John E. Warren is Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper)
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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. GD –2023-011305 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Willie Martin Jr.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 12th Ward, Pittsburgh. 134 Carver St. 10. Lot 23.62 x 67.77 Carver bet Ashley & Larimer Ave. Block & Lot 124-N-145. All roads public and private affecting promises and the rights of others therein. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. GD –2023-011308 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Ernest Lee Shannon, Jr.; Lavon Michelle Shannon; C.P. & D Unlimited, Inc.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 18th Ward, Pittsburgh. 983 Industry St. Boyd & Allen Plan Pt 169. Lot 25 x 147.5 Industry St nr Arlington Av. Block & Lot 14-G-287. Rights or claims by parties in possession or under the term of any unrecorded lease of agreement(s) of sale. Easements, or claims of easements, not shown by the Public Records. Subject to all matters shown on the Plan as recorded in the Recorder’s Office of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in Plan Book Volume 3, Pages 122 and 123. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.
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GD –2023-011312 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Freddie Everett; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 25th Ward, Pittsburgh. 629 Chautauqua Street. Lot 17.43 x average 140.12 Chautauqua Street. Block & Lot 45-S-145. Right of way set forth in deed from Beatrice C. Draper and William R. Draper, Jr. to Freddie Everett, dated August 20, 1979 and recorded in Deed Book Volume 6162, page 403. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. GD –2023-011313 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Benjamin B. Simms; Francine C. Simms; Penn Pioneer Enterprises LLC; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 10th Ward, Pittsburgh. 5155 Hillcrest Street. S W Brown Plan 22. Lot 21 x 100 Hillcrest Street. 2 Story Frame House-5155. Frame Garage. Block & Lot 50-G-236. All roads, public or private, affecting the premises. All matters shown on Susanna W. Brown’s 2nd Plan of Lots recorded in Plan Book Volume 11, page 75. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. GD –2023-011319 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Richard D. Beatty; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 20TH Ward, Pittsburgh. 540 Herschel Street. Hampton Plan 23-24. Lot 50 x 100 Herschel between Weaver and Lindsay. Block & Lot 19-G-56. Subject to all matters shown on the Plan as recorded in the Department of Real Estate Office of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in Plan Book Volume 1, Part 2, Page 126. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. GD –2023-011323 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Roslyn M. Williams; Trinity Financial Services, LLC; Allegheny County Court Records – Criminal Division; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 18TH Ward, Pittsburgh. 437 Chalfont Street. 570. Lot 25 x 102.5 Chalfont Street corner Curtin. 2 Story Frame House and Store-437. Cement Block Garage. Block & Lot 14-J-276. Rights and claims of parties in possession of the land not shown by the public record. All roads, public or private, affecting the premises. All matters that may appear in the McLain & Maples 1st Plan of Beltzhoover, as recorded in the Recorder’s Office of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in Plan Book Volume 5 page 298. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. GD –2023-011326 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Louis Dickerson; William King; Harvey Chandler; Toney Chandler; Madalyn Turner Dickerson; Veterans Affair USA; GLS Capital Inc.; Allegheny County Court Records – Criminal Division; PW & SA; US Attorney General; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 13TH Ward, Pittsburgh. 7161 Mt Vernon Street. Homewood Driving Park Plan 1060. Lot 25 x 93 Mt Vernon Street corner Homewood Avenue. Block & Lot 174-B-173. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. GD –2023-011331 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Brereton Avenue Baptist Church; St. Paul Baptist Church; William Aed; Caulis Negris, LLC; National Tax Funding L.P.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 6th Ward, Pittsburgh. 0 Bethoven Street. 29 BLK 25 Lot 25X100 Beethoven bet Finland & Bigelow Blvd. Block & Lot 26-F-202. All roads, public or private, affecting the premises. All matters shown on the Executors Plan No. 2 of a part of the Estate of Mrs. E.F. Denny recorded in Plan Book Volume 7, page 13. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. GD –2023-011942 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Corey Brown; Caulis Negris, LLC; their heirs, successors, assigns, and respondents. 10th Ward, Pittsburgh. N. Winebiddle Street. Urling Bihlman and Cordier Plan Part 25. Block & Lot 50-K-231. All roads public and private affecting promises and the rights of others therein. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. GD –2023-011945 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Mary A. Wagner; Albert T. Wagner; Michael Wagner a/k/a Michael S. Wagner; Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 20th Ward, Pittsburgh. 332 Violet Way Lot 20 x 60 Violet Wy. Bet. Mill & Ward Line 2 Sty. Fra. Hse. #332; Lot 19.3 x 50 Violet Wy. Bet. Mill & Ward Line Block & Lot 6-A-8. Subject to rights of way or utility easements which may affect the subject premises. Any unrecorded rights-of-way or easements. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. WHEREUPON the Court granted a rule on the aforesaid persons, and all persons, whatsoever, to appear and show cause within thirty days from this notice why the title of the CITY OF PITTSBURGH to the aforesaid real estate should not be adjudicated and decreed valid and indefeasible as against all mortgages, ground-rents, rights, title, interest in or claims against the aforesaid real estate, and to further show cause why the sale of the said real estate should not be made free and clear of all the aforesaid claims whatsoever. JOHN MILLER ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITOR CITY OF PITTSBURGH
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1790 OHIO RIVER TUNNEL SUBSTATION TRANSFORMER – PRE - PURCHASE Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1790 OHIO RIVER SUBSTATION TRANSFORMER - PRE PURCHASE shall be received at the Engineering Department office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Wednesday, December 6, 2023 and then shall be publicly opened and read. A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at ALCOSAN in person or via Microsoft Teams in the auditorium of the O&M Building, located at 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233 on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., Prevailing Time. The purpose of the Pre-Bid Meeting is to provide all potential Bidders an opportunity to discuss with ALCOSAN all aspects of the Procurement Contract Documents. Any changes, additions, and/or deletions resulting from the Pre-Bid Meeting will be addressed in addenda to the Procurement Contract Documents. Proper identification will be required at the plant security entrance gate to access the site. If interested in attending the Pre-Bid Meeting either in person or via Microsoft Teams, contact Kathleen P. Uniatowski via email at Kathleen.Uniatowski@alcosan.org to ensure clearance at security gate entrance upon arrival or to receive an link to join the meeting on Microsoft Teams. Procurement Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the Engineering office of the Authority. Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Bid Price. Procurement Contract Documents must be obtained directly from ALCOSAN to qualify as an eligible bidder. Any questions regarding the Technical Specifications should be directed to John Sidoti, Arcadis U.S., Inc., via email at John.Sidoti@arcadis.com. Any questions regarding the Procurement Contract 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 Kimberly Kennedy, P.E. Director of Engineering and Construction NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive proposals for Economic Impact Calculator as identified below. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The Request for Proposals may be obtained after the date identified below from Theresa King, Project Coordinator, email: tking@pgh-sea.com, Telephone: 412-325-3009. This Advertisement applies to the following RFP: Project: RFP Available: Pre-Proposal Meeting:
Economic Impact Calculator Monday, October 30, 2023 Monday, November 6, 2023 at 2:00 PM (non-mandatory) https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/83349906587?pwd=MjExU1p paGtWb0l0MU9mWEVOSmVjQT09
Time/Date/Location for Proposals:
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM Submit via email at tking@pgh-sea.com
INVITATION TO BID The HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER will receive sealed bids, in duplicate, until 9:30 AM (local time) on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at the office of the Housing Authority of the County of Beaver, James F. Tress Administration Building, 300 State Ave (Vanport), Beaver, Pennsylvania. All bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:00 A.M for the Emergency Generator Replacement at A.C. Edgecombe Apartments at Francis Farmer Apartments, Community Room, 274 Friendship Circle, Beaver, PA 15009. A fifteen percent (15 %) bid bond is required for this project. Proposed forms of contract documents, including Plans and Specifications may be obtained at the Housing Authority of the County of Beaver Central Office, James F. Tress Administration Building, 300 State Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009 by first mailing $100.00 in the form of a check made payable to the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER for each set of documents so obtained. An additional $10.00 is required if you want it mailed. DEPOSITS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. Plans and specifications will be available on Thursday, November 2, 2023. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY and Section 3 Compliance are required. A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at A.C. Edgecombe Apartments, 1150 Bechtel Street, Monaca, PA 1506
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NOVEMBER 1-7, 2023
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA OCTOBER 30, 2023 Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA., will receive separate and closed Bids until 11:30 A.M. prevailing local time, Wednesday December 6, 2023 through the proprietary platform of the third party vendor Bonfire eProcurement Solution, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Proposals in the Conference Room 505A, County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA., 15219, at 11:30 A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 2024 CAPITAL ROADS RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM COUNTY PROJECT NO: 7A00-2401 VARIOUS ROADWAYS VARIOUS MUNICIPALITIES As a prospective bidder please note the following general Project information regarding Pre-Bid Information, Bidding Requirements, and Contract Conditions. See the Project Manual and Drawings for detailed information, responsibilities, and instructions. PRE-BID INFORMATION: View the Proposal, Specifications and Drawings on Bonfire eProcurement’s website https://alleghenycountydpw.bonfirehub.com/projects/110833/details. The Proposal, Specifications and Drawings may also be viewed at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. Please adhere to all COVID-19 safety procedures. BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: The County requires pre-qualification of bidders, including subcontractors, as specified in Section 102.01 of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Publication No.408, 2020 Edition, Change No. 7, Effective October 6, 2023, on this project. Submit bid on the supplied Bid Forms in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and General and Supplementary Conditions; include the following documents with the Bid Form, PROPOSAL: • Bid Security - certified check or surety company bond on County’s form to the order of/or running to the County of Allegheny in the amount of five (5%) percent of the Bid as evidence that you, the Bidder, will accept and carry out the conditions of the Contract in case of award. The County will accept only bonds written by Surety Companies acceptable on Federal Bonds per the current Federal Register Circular 570. Federal Register Circular 570 is available for inspection in the Contract Office, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. • Bidder Certification of Pre-Qualification, Classification and Work Capacity. • List of Subcontractors • Statement of Joint Venture Participation • MBE and WBE Goals Attainment Certification - (ONLY NECESSARY IF YOU CAN NOT MEET THE SPECIFIED MBE AND WBE GOALS) • Work Sheet Required Amount Performed by Contractor (Non-Federal Project) • MBE/WBE Subcontractor and Supplier Solicitation Sheet • MBE/WBE Subcontractor and Supplier Commitment Sheet THE COUNTY WILL REJECT BIDS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE THE EXECUTED DOCUMENTS SPECIFIED ABOVE WITH THE BID FORM. You may not withdraw your bid for a period of Sixty (60) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The County Manager reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding. CONTRACT CONDITIONS: In accordance with the provisions of the “Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act” of August 15, 1961, P.L. 987, as Department of Labor and Industry, the prevailing minimum wage predetermination requirements as set forth in the Attachments apply to this Project. For technical questions, contact Jean Statler, Project Manager, at 412350-5927. For contract related questions, contact the Contracts Division, at 412-350-7646. Project completion is to occur by October 31, 2024. The County of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises / women business enterprises [MBE/WBE] will be afforded the full opportunity to submit bids on the grounds of race, sex, color or national origin in consideration for an award. It is a condition of the bidding process/contract that all responsive bidders/ contractors shall follow the minority business enterprises/women’s business enterprises [MBE/WBE] procedures set forth in the project manual/contract documents. COREY O’CONNOR CONTROLLER COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY
DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA The Allegheny County Airport Authority will be receiving scanned PDF proposals through Submittable, and a submission link will be sent to each registered plan holder. Submissions are to be submitted via Submittable by 1:00 p.m. prevailing local time on December 6, 2023, and bids will be opened by the Airport Authority and results will be emailed by end of business day of bid opening for the following project: ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PROJECT NUMBER 75E1-23 (ELECTRICAL) A1 UPS INSTALLATION AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A pre-bid conference will be held at 2:30 p.m., on November 8, 2023, in Conference Room A at Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, Pittsburgh, PA 15231. Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, must be paid on these projects. Proposals must be made on the Authority’s form and in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and the “Instructions to Bidders”’. The non-refundable charge of $150.00 for the Bid Documents and the Plans, and Specifications through the bidding platform Submittable at https://acaacapitalprograms.submittable.com. Please note that Submittable does not support Internet Explorer 11. Submittable recommends the following browsers: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari. This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PA UCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PA UCP web site: https://paucp.dbesystem.com/ The Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty [60] days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents visit www.flypittsburgh.com – ACAA Corporate – Business Opportunities or call 412-472-3677 or 412-472-3645. ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
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SONNY BOY LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR CAMERA INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE RFP#350-34-23 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):
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Camera Installation and Maintenance RFP#350-34-23 The documents will be available no later than October 30, 2023, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 AM on November 16, 2023. 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 10:00 AM on November 16, 2023, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh PA 15219. Proposals may be 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 the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 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.
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Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held on November 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM via Zoom. Please see meeting information below: Meeting ID: 879 1060 9996 Passcode: 249964 Dial in by phone: +1-309-205-3325 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s 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. 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.
TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Township of Wilkins will accept sealed bids until 3:30 P.M., November 17, 2023 for the following services: 1. Garbage /Refuse Collection, Removal & Disposal 2. Recyclable Materials Collection, Removal & Recycling Bids will be opened at 3:30 PM on November 17, 2023 at the Municipal Building, 110 Peffer Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145. All bids must include a bid bond, certified check or cashier check in the amount as specified in the bid specifications. All bids must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope for each service bid and must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope: “GARBAGE/RECYCLING BID.” Copies of the specifications and related forms may be obtained at the Manager’s Office, Township of Wilkins, 110 Peffer Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 during normal working hours, or via email: rvargo@wilkinstownship.com The Township reserves the right to reject any and all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informality. Each bid shall remain firm for a period of 90 days.
America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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SPORTS
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NOVEMBER 1-7, 2023 B7
ECONOMIC INSECURITY Should there be a penalty flag thrown for devaluing the NFL’s Black athletes?
How many times have questionable “personal foul” and “roughing the passer” penalty flags been thrown to “protect the quarterback at all costs” culture in professional football alive and well? During the Steelers’ 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oct. 29, there were two roughing-the-passer incidents that occurred. Two obvious fouls were committed, one by each team. One of the violations that was called was supposedly committed by Steelers safety Keanu Neal against Jags QB Trevor Lawrence. The violation that was not flagged and was totally ignored by the officials, almost as if it was invisible, was the tackle by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Adam Gotsis on Steelers QB Kenny Pickett that knocked Pickett out of the game just before halftime. Sometimes, I often think; are players who ply their trade for certain teams or coaches more valuable than others? There are also times that
an offensive lineman, a running back, a tight end, or a wide receiver has been given a pass for committing a holding penalty, simply because that player committed the foul because they were protecting “their quarterback.” Just a few weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers were playing the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. During a play in the “red zone,” Browns “allworld” running back Nick Chubb was injured when he received a nasty, but legal, hit below the waist that caused him to be carted off the field. That hit has resulted in Chubb being absent from the Browns lineup in the immediate and foreseeable future. Is there a lack of or even an equitable valuation system in place for the well-being of the remainder of the skill position players of color that compete in the NFL and professional football world? When a quarterback throws an errant pass, the wide receiver is expected to stretch out or go up and snag
the ball to complete the play. Oftentimes, when a wide receiver chooses not to jeopardize his career or possibly his life by going up or lay-
ing out to complete a catch, many of the talking heads have accused the player of cowardice that is defined by that player hearing “imaginary footsteps” anticipating a missile-like hit that was incoming. However, when a QB bails out of the pocket when the opposing defense blankets the wide receivers, this “pocket abandonment” is lauded as, “extending the play.” The current value of running backs in the NFL is topped by a player who is not a player of color. San
Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is the highest-paid running back in the NFL. He currently makes $16 million a season. That is an exorbitant amount, by any standard. The superficial reason for McCaffrey’s inflated value (according to the talking heads) is that McCaffrey is also an excellent blocker as well as a great receiver out of the backfield. Remember ex-Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeVeon Bell? According to espn.com, “Bell finished his rookie season (2013) with 244 carries, 860 rushing yards, and eight rushing touchdowns to go along with 45 receptions for 399 yards. He started the last 13 games of the season.” That was his rookie season! Bell could run, block, pass protect with the best of them. After his contract renewal efforts with the Steelers were unsuccessful, Bell sat out the entire 2018 season. According to sportingnews. com: “In 2019, he signed a four-year, $52.5 million con-
tract with the New York Jets with $35 million guaranteed. That was after declining the franchise tag with the Steelers, with one deal worth $14.5 million.” There was a consensus among the media that LeVeon Bell was a great player, but his contract demands were simply too high because his performance expiration date was near, simply because of the years that he had played and the short life expectancy of running backs. If offensive coordinators included more passes to running backs, the backs would catch more balls, it is as simple as that. There seems to be a conscious effort to lower the value of athletes of color in the NFL, regardless of the position that they play. There is also a simultaneous and constant effort to increase the value of White athletes who are praised and glorified in whatever position they play, whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself. Since there are not many blazing and warp-speed
White athletes competing in the NFL on the offensive side of the ball, the position of tight end has become the new NFL go-to position. This is a position that is ideally suited for athletes who may be “intellectually compatible” with the “complex offensive” systems of the new NFL generation of “young head coaching geniuses” being groomed by most of the power ownership group within. All this valuable chatter represents just another barrier that many athletes of color must overcome. There is a new economic foul. It is called, “roughing the bank account.” There is no one around with the power to make that call. The agents and NFL owners wear the “tiger stripes,” always officiating from their Wall Street boardrooms ensuring that many athletes of color will continue to experience generational, “economic insecurity.”
What is up with this Steelers team? Bill Neal reports from Applebee’s... :10—Sooo...Here we go Pittsburgh Steeler fans, and for the first time ever in my proud, New Pittsburgh Courier history, it’s coming to you live from new turf, Applebee’s in Monroeville. And here’s where you can connect your BLACK and GOLD dots. Applebee’s is owned by former Steeler, four-time Super Bowl champion tight end Larry Brown. (And still, some of you people don’t think I know what I’m doing...Ha!) :09—On to the game. Part of my new location to report from was thinking a new spot, new energy, all may result in a new FIRST QUARTER START? You guessed it. Not even close. As a matter of fact, this opening quarter against the Jacksonville Jags might be the worst first quarter start in football history! :08—That being said, as we stumble into the second quarter with no offense
what-so-ever, allow me to salvage this sports column with some old school good news. The Steelers inducted their 2023 Hall of Honor Class and this was a touchdown on all counts. Defensive End Aaron Smith... greatly underrated; Offensive Lineman Gerry “Moon” Mullins...the holder of four rings; Center Ray Mansfield...one of the last remaining legends; and of course, last and certainly not least, James Harrison, aka the meanest man in football during his time! :07—This just in, it’s the middle of the second quarter and your Steelers have awakened. Two turnovers and a field goal to speak of. You take what you can when you can! Other than that, not much is new so far. Offense is still predictable, the “O” line CAN’T OPEN A BAG OF CHIPS let alone a hole in the line, Diontae Johnson still dropping balls
while George Pickens is not being targeted. The highest paid defense in football CAN’T STOP AT A RED LIGHT, let alone stop a running back, and of course the continued senseless penalties. (I am sorry, have I been too hard?!) :06—Halftime here at “The B” and the team has reverted back to pre-Rams status. Thus putting to rest the short, misguided rumor that the O.C. (Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada) has seen the light. No, Little Johnny, he/they are still in the dark! :05—Stop...hold on...wait just a minute!!! This might be a good time for me to get on the fence and predict that the Steelers will win this game no matter how bad they play...that being said with 3:05 to play...we will win this game...or not! :04—BTW, if you think that what the Steelers did to a Rams team that was
minus three of their key players will carry over from week to week, you are sadly mistaken. The problems that they’ve had, they still have. Poor offensive play calling. No use of the tight end, the O-line is still a joke, and no desire to establish and maintain a running
game. :03—And for the love of you know who...Why are you not throwing the ball to Pickens, regardless of coverage? Well, as you know by now, even though Pickens did get a touchdown, the Steelers lost to the Jaguars, 20-10, on Oct. 29. Geez!
:02—Notre Dame 58 – Pitt 7...enough said! :01—With the coming of Veterans Day on November 11, please be reminded of the 49th Annual Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Public Service Awards, recognizing and honoring those who protect and serve. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the American Legion in Plum. Special guests include former Steeler fourtime Super Bowl champion Randy Grossman, Senator Jay Costa, Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese, Pittsburgh City Police Chief Larry Scirotto and soon-to-be City Councilman Khari Mosley. The event is co-sponsored by the Plum American Legion, UPMC, D.A. Stephen Zappala, Attorney Vince Lackner and the Soul Food Connection. For information call the Achieving Greatness office at 412-628-4856. :00—DOUBLE OVERTIME: BREAKING NEWS
– I JUST PAID RICK MURPHY THE $5 HE STOLE FROM ME WITH A LAST-MINUTE BET AGAINST THE STEELERS...WHEN, BY THE WAY, WE WERE ALREADY DOWN! IF YOU SEE HIM, DON’T HURT HIM, BUT KEEP YOUR EYES ON HIM. HE’S FROM BALTIMORE AND WEARS A RAVENS SHIRT UNDERNEATH THE STEELERS SHIRT!!! GAME OVER.
WPYAA Cheer Bowl 2023! (continued from Page A11)
PENN HILLS CHEERLEADERS CELEBRATING THEIR WIN...(PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)
THE HILL REBELS PERFORMING
THE CLAIRTON GIRLS PERFORMING
THE HOMEWOOD CHEERLEADERS WON FIRST PLACE...
THE NORTH SIDE CHEERLEADERS PERFORMING...
B8 NOVEMBER 1-7, 2023
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
2023 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE HONOREES Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square 300 W. Station Square Dr Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Friday, December 8, 2023 @ 6 PM
Ticket info: $100 for individual tickets/ $1200 for VIP Table To purchase tickets, visit www.newpittsburghcourier.com/woe2023 or call Allison Palm at 412-481-8302 ext. 134
Legacy Honoree Hon. Cynthia A. Baldwin Retired Justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Stephanie Moye Fashion Designer S. Moye Fashions
Romodore Abdullah, MSW Executive Director, Crestas Terrace Revitalization Project Therapist, Gateway Rehabilitation Center
Dr. Daren A. Ellerbee Director, Educational Outreach Center University of Pittsburgh, Office of the Provost
Kenya Alford Community Engagement Coordinator, Trade Institute of Pittsburgh Parent/Team Coordinator, Westinghouse Football Team
Brandi Fisher Founder & CEO Alliance for Police Accountability
Sharise Nance Owner, Hand in Hand Counseling Services, LLC Co-Founder, Vitamin C Healing, LLC
Esther M. Franklin Chief Executive Officer ALROWS, LLC
Lingaire Njie Director of Operations Catapult Greater Pittsburgh
Michelle Gainey First Lady, City of Pittsburgh Co-Founder, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Project
Jacquelyn Omotalade Climate Investments National Director Dream.Org
Stacie Allen Director Soul Food Murder Mystery Show Tanya J. Ashby School Social Worker at Martin Luther King PreK-8 Pittsburgh Public Schools Jeneen Asque-Wilson CEO, Abundant Life Community & Home Supports Program Manager of Community Engagement, DHS/OBH/ Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Services Denise H. Baker, MSN, CRNP Director of Operations and Quality Manager Primary Care Health Services Gloria J. Besley President, Regency Crest Realty, Inc. Owner, Gloria J. Besley, LPA Accounting & Tax Services Angela Blanton Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Carnegie Mellon University Sherene Brantley Associate Athletic Director Duquesne University Qiana Buckner Associate Director of Programming, Alliance for Police Accountability Founder & CEO, Lady “Q” Network & A Diamond in the Rough Productions Tracy Lynn Calhoun District Mathematics Academic Coach Pittsburgh Public Schools Dr. Melody Carter-Frye Workforce Development Manager Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority Imogene L. Cathey, Esq. Vice President and General Counsel Seton Hill University Valarie Dallis Coleman Program Director, Naomi’s Place Transitional Housing Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator, The Salvation Army Tracey Conti, MD Chair, Department of Family Medicine University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine/UPMC Leontyne T. Daffin, MSN, RN President, Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action Faculty, UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing Tamika Darwin Program Manager Auberle-Ward Home
L’Tesha J. Gamble-Pettis Manager of PA Treatment Family Foster Care & Foster Parent Recruitment and Licensing Cayuga Centers Sheila Glover Supervisor, Meter Shops and Testing Duquesne Light Company Tanika S. Harris Director of Communications & Community Relations Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh Dr. Virginia R. Hill Chief Academic Officer Environmental Charter School Tiffany T. Huff-Strothers CEO & Founder, When She Thrives Executive Development & Storytelling Coach, The Tiffany Huff Experience Robin Marshall Kelly Vice President of Research, Quality & Compliance Wesley Family Services Tracee Kirkland-Rivers Chief Clinical Officer & Director of Nursing East Liberty Family Health Care Center Sandra K. Lewis Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Delta Service and Education Foundation Nicole Logan Chief Financial Officer Keller Williams Realty, Pittsburgh North Kenya Sheppard Matthews Program Manager Google Natasha N. Mitchell-Jones CEO, 1st Prestige Home Care Agency Founder & Owner, Prestigious Notary Boutique Dr. Shallegra Moye Associate Director, Office of Child Development, University of Pittsburgh Founder & Executive Director, Brilliantly Blessed Community Health & Wellness
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Pamela Johnson Powell Executive Assistant II UPMC Pastor Ella Rawlings Pastor, Covenant Church Chaplain, National Church Residency Kendra Janelle Ross, PhD Head of Social Impact Duolingo Tenecia M. Ross Director of Human Resources Mt. Lebanon School District Jacqueline Smith Executive Director Greater Valley Community Services, Inc. Dr. Jessica Merritt Spradley President The Care Based Leadership Collaborative Dr. Margaret J. Starkes Principal, Pittsburgh Miller PreK-5, An African-Centered Academy Pittsburgh Public Schools Lechelle M. Stringa Business Development and Compliance Specialist Parkview Community Federal Credit Union Marisol Wandiga Valentin Executive Director McAuley Ministries Foundation Cynthia VanHolten-Dixon Senior Vice President, Product Management BNY Mellon Dr. Diamonte Walker Chief Executive Officer Pittsburgh Scholar House Ericka D. Wingfield Reintegration Specialist Allegheny County Juvenile Probation Fantasy Zellars Founder/CEO Bounce Marketing & Events