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Central Baptist Church providing daily walk-in COVID vaccine appointments Church location: 2200 Wylie Ave., Hill District; Open to all adults

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

SHARON MOORE, of the Hill District, gets her first Moderna COVID-19 vaccine dose at Central Baptist Church, Tuesday, April 13. The church, at 2200 Wylie Ave. in the Hill District, is accepting all adults on a walk-in basis to get the vaccine, weekdays from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)

Central Baptist Church in the Hill District’s mission statement reads: “A church with a vision, A people with a prayer, Worshiping God with a praise.”

And as we speak, the church is literally saving lives.

African American residents are leading the charge in getting the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine inside the hallowed walls of Central Baptist Church, on Wylie Avenue, “centrally” located for all to find.

It was announced earlier this week that the church would be open six days a week for walk-in appointments to get vaccinated for adults of any age.

“We were really excited about being chosen,” Karen Eady-Lockett, the Central Baptist Church administrator, told the New Pittsburgh Courier on Tuesday, April 13. “We’re glad to be a part of being able to be the catalyst for people to come and get their shots.”

Eady-Lockett and Deacon Ernest Darby had been in talks with the Allegheny County Health Department since February about making the church a “point of dispensary” for the COVID vaccine, a vaccine that very few African Americans were receiving, relative to Whites in the county.

“They liked our location, the target audience was SEE CENTRAL BAPTIST A3

FORGOTTEN NO MORE

Black women-led organizations banning together to fight maternal mortality

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Sha-Asia Washington, 26 years old, from Brooklyn, New York.

Yolanda Kadima, 35 years old, from suburban Atlanta.

Both were Black women, seemingly healthy who, in July 2020, died after hav-

nant with her first child two years ago, “for reasons that I didn’t necessarily understand at the time,” she told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, April 11. “I could have easily died. We (Black women) die three times more than White women while giving birth so I was very fortunate...I

April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week ing an emergency C-section (Cesarean delivery).

Aleta Heard, a Black woman, now 30 years old, from Pittsburgh, a graduate of Woodland Hills High School and Slippery Rock and Duquesne universities, says she’s “fortunate” to be alive today.

She, too, had an emergency C-section while preg-

decided to research it more and understand the discrepancies.”

Maternal mortality rates for Black women are staggering, but it’s an issue that doesn’t get a lot of attention. That’s why April 11-17 has been designated as “Black Maternal Health Week” in the U.S., now in its fourth year. It was

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SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF “MASTERS OF MATERNITY”—From left: Misha Edwards, Aleta Heard, Dionna Rojas, Devon Taliaferro.

(Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.) started by the organization “Black Mamas Matter Alliance” to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health, amplify community-driven

policy, research and care solutions, provide a national platform for Blackled entities and its efforts on maternal health, and enhance community orga-

nizing on Black maternal health.

Heard took that part about “community organizing” to heart, and established “Masters of Ma-

ternity” (MOM) in March 2020, to try to unify as many Black women-led organizations in Pittsburgh SEE MATERNAL A6

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‘Day of Celebration’ for Wallace Sapp, first Black farmer in Manchester

WALLACE SAPP, right, shown here in a photo posted by the online blog “Yinzercation.” He died in late March.

WALLACE SAPP loved the students at Manchester Elementary School, and they loved him back.

His wife, Lisa Freeman, told KDKA-TV (2) he would mentor 270 kids there each year.

He and his wife had created a garden in Manchester in 2011, to work with the students there who faced food insecurity.

“That garden was meant to be an outdoor learning space for our kids that didn’t know that fresh vegetables came from the ground, that eggs came from chickens,” said Freeman, to KDKA-TV. “To give them an opportunity to nurture and care about something other than themselves.”

They were in the process of building a larger garden behind Manchester Elementary, at 1426 Juniata St., but in late March, Sapp died from cancer. He was 70.

Still, on April 3, Sapp’s legacy lived on, as people, including kids, came out to create more magic at this new garden, a “day of celebration,” as it was dubbed. Sapp is believed to be the first Black farmer in the Manchester area.

Among those who came out to support were Pa. Lt. Governor John Fetterman, and his wife, Gisele. They were fond of the work Sapp and his wife were doing in Manchester. Last year, Gov. Tom Wolf awarded Sapp and Freeman a “COVID-19 Fresh Food Financing Initiative” grant of $13,784 to continue their good work in the Manchester community.

“He had a million-dollar smile,” said Freeman of Sapp, on KDKA-TV. “I could see his smile just as bright, and he would be so happy.”

LISA FREEMAN, right, directs others at the new garden being constructed on Juniata Street, Manchester. (Photo by Diane Neely)

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LISA FREEMAN, center, wife of Wallace Sapp, at a “Day of Celebration” at the new garden being built next to Manchester Elementary School. (Photo by Diane Neely)

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Central Baptist Church providing daily walk-in COVID vaccine appointments

MICHAEL STANTON, of the Hill District, gets his first Moderna COVID-19 vaccine dose on Tuesday, April 13, at Central Baptist Church. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.)

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the African American community, and also because of our parking lot, they thought it would be a great site,” Eady-Lockett said, referring to the county Health Department.

“The clinic (at Central Baptist) will be used to underscore the county Health Department’s role in addressing gaps in vaccine distribution,” read a release from the county, dated March 19.

Three days later, March 22, individuals began entering the church to receive the vaccine. Students from Duquesne University’s health science, nursing and pharmacy schools are administering the Moderna vaccine doses at Central Baptist.

During the Courier’s visit to Central Baptist, 2200 Wylie Ave., Hill District resident Sharon Moore was seen receiving her first vaccine dose. A member of the church had told her about the walk-in appointments, and Moore was “more” than glad to take the short ride to the church.

“We need all the help we can get (to get the vaccine) on the Hill, and plus, we have to get the vaccine to our senior citizens,” Moore told the Courier.

Jewel Mosley, a Central Baptist Church member tasked with greeting and signing-in those who walked into the church, said that nearly 50 people had registered in the first hour or so of its doors opening at 1 p.m. on April 13. Mosley said she’s ready for however many people show up in the weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings ahead, as Pittsburgh Steelers greats Franco Harris and Mel Blount have publicly urged the Black community to come to Central Bap-

tist and get their vaccine shots. The Steelers legends were joined in the effort

by Black Political Empowerment Project Chairman and CEO Tim Stevens, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO Esther L. Bush, and Central Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Victor J. Grigsby.

Michelle Fielder, a Wilkins Township resident who’s originally from Lincoln-Larimer, thanked her cousin for telling her about the easy vaccine ac-

pose of Life Home Health Care Agency, has the first COVID vaccine dose, and will return in about 3-4 weeks for her second dose.

The same goes for Michael Stanton, a Hill District resident, who got his first COVID vaccine dose on the sunny afternoon of April 13, his wife accompanying him to the church.

“It’s perfect,” he told the Courier. “You just walk right up, get your shot, and be right on out.”

Of course, everyone who receives a shot must sit in

JEWEL MOSLEY, left, with Central Baptist Church, and Mildred Epps, of the Hill District. cess at Central Baptist.

Fielder said she had been trying for weeks to get an appointment online and through the telephone, but nothing worked. Now, Fielder, the owner of Pur-

a waiting area for 15 minutes for observation purposes, but Stanton’s point remains the same—for African Americans and others in Pittsburgh, there’s no excuse not to get the

MICHELLE FIELDER, shown here making her appointment for her second Moderna COVID-19 vaccine dose. She received the first dose a few moments prior on Tuesday, April 13, at Central Baptist Church.

easily available vaccine at Central Baptist. It’s available each day except Sundays at Central Baptist Church in the Hill District, a church that is credible and trusted.

“It’s better to get it just to see, and don’t be scared of what they’re giving you,” Stanton told the Courier, “because you know if you get the COVID, you really got a problem.”

KAREN EADY-LOCKETT, Central Baptist Church administrator.

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Black women-led organizations banning MATERNAL FROM A1

who are committed to encouraging better Black maternal health.

The COVID pandemic forced Heard’s new organization to pause any in-person activities for an entire year, but on Sunday, April 11, Heard decided it was time to invite the partner organizations out to the North Shore near PNC Park for a meet-and-greet and photoshoot.

“The goal of the event is to bring our resources together and let everybody know that we stand together to solve these issues,” Heard, who is eight months pregnant, told the Courier. “We all have a common goal—we just don’t want to die, and we want to be able to have a desired birth.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2018,

KENISHA WILSON, left, public relations specialist for “Masters of Maternity,” with Ashley Blakeman and Latrice Phoenix, who is with the organization Melanin Mommies PGH. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.) the Black maternal mortality rate was 37.1 (per 100,000 live births). The White maternal mortality rate was 14.7. And Black babies are twice as likely to die before their first birthday than White

local “Brown Mamas” organization at the April 11 event. Rojas said decades ago, “you just did what your mother did” when it came to childbirth. But with “this generation and what’s going on right now with the social justice issues, it’s very important for moms to be informed.

We’re the backbones for our community...and I believe that what mom and dad does impacts our larger communities.”

A doula is defined as a “trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.”

A midwife performs the same functions as a doula, but some midwives are medically trained to perform gynecological exams and deliver babies.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf acknowledged “Black Maternal Health Week” in an address from Harrisburg on April 12, lauding organizations like New Voices for Reproductive Justice (Pittsburgh) and

MISHA EDWARDS, right, of the Cleveland-based organization Boxmomee, speaks with Devon Taliaferro from The Midwife Center in the Strip District. babies, according to the CDC. About 700 women die each year in the U.S. due to pregnancy or delivery complications, the CDC reported. The leading causes of maternal death are heart conditions and stroke, while the CDC also pointed to hemorrhage, hyperintensive disorders of pregnancy, and infection/sepsis as other causes.

But it’s African American women that are being disproportionately affected in maternal mortality.

And even if a Black woman and her child are able to live after the mother’s childbirth, Black women continue to report not knowing all the resources that could have been available to them, such as a doula or midwife.

“I wish it (support services) was around when I was giving birth to my children, and I’m probably one of the older ones here today,” said Dionna Rojas, who, along with Brandi Lee, was representing the

Healthy Start Inc. (Pittsburgh) for their tireless work over the years. They are “doing important and innovative work to ensure the health and well-being of Black families in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Wolf said.

Why are Black women disproportionately affected by maternal mortality?

Oftentimes, Black women are faced with “social inequities” that White women generally don’t face—a lack of access to healthy food choices in many Black communities, chronic health conditions, financial barriers and a tendency to be more uninsured than others outside of pregnancy, which causes prenatal care to begin later and to lose insurance coverage in the postpartum period, according to a 2017 National Public Radio report. The NPR report also said that “the hospitals where (African American mothers) give birth are often the products of historical segregaSEE MATERNAL A7

ALETA HEARD, founder of “Masters of Maternity.”

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together to fight maternal mortality

ALETA HEARD, founder of “Masters of Maternity,” with her near-2-year-old daughter, Rylie. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.()

rities, with all the money in the world, still couldn’t tion, lower in quality than escape the fact that for so those where White moth- many Black women in the nation, “maternal mortaliers deliver.”

Then, there’s just every- ty” is a serious topic.

In 2018, Beyonce deday life. More researchers MATERNAL FROM A6

livered her twins, Rumi and Sir, by emergency C-section after being bedridden for a month due to “preeclampsia,” The Washington Post reported. “‘My health and my

BRANDI LEE AND DIONNA ROJAS, representing Brown Mamas, a local organization. are finding out that the stress and discrimination that Black women face on a constant basis can contribute to problems during childbirth.

“It’s chronic stress that just happens all the time— there is never a period where there’s rest from it. It’s everywhere; it’s in the air; it’s just affecting everything,” said Fleda Mask Jackson, an Atlanta researcher who focuses on birth outcomes for middle-class Black women, in the NPR report.

“When you interview these doctors and lawyers and business executives, when you interview African American college graduates, it’s not like their lives have been a walk in the park,” said Michael Lu, a longtime disparities researcher and former head of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, the main federal agency funding programs for mothers and infants, in the NPR report. “It’s the experience of having to work harder than anybody else just to get equal pay and equal respect. It’s being followed around when you’re shopping at a nice store, or being stopped by the police when you’re driving in a nice neighborhood.”

Sprinkled amongst the Internet are stories of some of the many other Black women who’ve recently died during childbirth, along with the stories of those who flirted with death—like some household names, Beyonce, and Serena Williams. The two uber-celeb-

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR REHAB UNIT INSPECTOR RFP #250-12-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Rehab Unit Inspector The documents will be available no later than April 12, 2021 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 AM on May 4, 2021. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on May 4, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. 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 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on April 26, 2021 at 9:00 AM. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 974 8293 1649 Passcode: 640983 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’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.

babies’ health were in danger, so I had an emergency C-section...we spent many weeks in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). I was in survival mode and did not grasp it all until months later. Today I have a connection to any parent who has been through such an experience,’” recalled the R&B megastar.

Also that year, Williams, one of the greatest tennis champions of all-time, suffered a pulmonary embolism, meaning that blood clots had blocked one or more of the arteries in her

lungs, The Post reported.

She eventually “ripped” her C-section wound after delivering her daughter, Olympia, in that manner, and that’s when doctors discovered a large hematoma (swelling of clotted blood) in her abdomen.

Williams bluntly said afterwards that she could have died.

Some of the organizations that have partnered with Heard’s “Masters of Mortality” organization in Pittsburgh include: The Midwife Center; Brown Mamas; Healthy Start Inc.; Vibrant Pittsburgh;

Jeremiah’s House; Angel’s Place; NurturePA; Melanin Mommies PGH; The MAYA Organization; and Boxmomee, which was founded by Heard’s friend from Slippery Rock University, Misha Edwards.

Edwards is a Cleveland, Ohio, resident, who came down to Pittsburgh for the April 11 get-together.

“Our Black moms, we need a lot more support, we need a lot more resources,” Edwards told the Courier. “We are often forgotten.”

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Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH

RELIGION

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NABHI CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES CELEBRATES THE EASTER SEASON

91 Crawford Street Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.sbtmparishpgh.com

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 Worship Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church Journey Worship...........8:45 a.m.

Sanctuary Worship...........11 a.m.

Taize -Wednesdays.........7 p.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue www.quaker.org/pghpamm/

MALAKHI COBB AND NEKHI COBB, from Lincoln-Lemington, get a picture with the Easter bunnies! It was all during an event at Nabhi Christian Ministries in Lincoln-Lemington, April 3, celebrating the Easter Holiday. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

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

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

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The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

THE BENJAMIN FAMILY, from East Liberty, with the Easter bunnies.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God (God-breathed) NKJ and is profitable for doctrine (teaching), reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 REV. WALKER SAYS: Want to hear from God and live a life that is profitable to teach and instruct us? Read the Bible, which is the Word of God. Then be not hearers of the word but doers.

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

DEWAYNA JEMISON HENRY, right, and husband, Atal Henry, with their 4-week-old son, Atal Henry Jr.

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This Week In Black History A Courier Staple APRIL 14

1865—President Abraham Lincoln is shot and critically wounded at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.,

by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln would linger for several hours, but died at 7:22 a.m. the following day, April 15.

A debate still rages among historians as to how broad-based the conspiracy was to assassinate Lincoln. Regardless, it is clear that Booth was a racist who supported slavery and the South during the Civil War. Originally, he was part of a plot to kidnap Lincoln and hold him in exchange for captured Confederate soldiers. But on April 9, 1865, Confederate troops under Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox.

Later that day, Lincoln gave a speech suggesting that the ex-slaves be given the right to vote. The speech infuriated Booth and thus the plot to kidnap Lincoln was converted into a plot to assassinate him. Booth escaped capture for 12 days. But on April 26, 1865, he was cornered by federal forces and shot and killed during a gun battle. Four of his fellow conspirators, including one woman, were tried and hanged. The assassination of Lincoln changed the course of history for Blacks. While Lincoln was not as great a supporter of Black rights as he has often been portrayed, he was a much greater supporter than the man who replaced him in office—Vice President Andrew Johnson. Johnson actually sympathized with the Southern slave-owning aristocracy and opposed most civil and virtually all voting rights for Blacks. The proBlack legislation of the Reconstruction period was normally passed over his objection or veto. Nevertheless, Johnson is one of the primary reasons the Reconstruction period only lasted 12 years. He helped lay the foundation for the Jim Crow period beginning around 1880 during which time Black political and civil rights were systematically taken away. This probably would not have happened if Lincoln had not been assassinated.

APRIL 15

1899—Asa Phillip Randolph, organizer of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was born in Crescent City, Fla. Randolph brought the power of unionism to Black America. He also used his position as the nation’s number one Black union leader to become one of the major civil rights leaders of his era. More than anyone else, it was Randolph who organized the historic March on Washington during which Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech.

Ironically, as a young man Randolph left Florida and moved to New York to become an actor. Instead, he became involved with the Socialist Party and helped develop a magazine known as The Messenger. The editorial slant of the magazine describes Randolph as “midway between the cautious elitism of the NAACP and the utopian populism of Marcus Garvey.” Randolph died May 16, 1979.

1922—Harold Washington, the first Black and 42nd mayor of Chicago, is born in Chicago.

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1862—President Abraham Lincoln signs a bill ending slavery in Washington, D.C. Approximately nine months later he would issue the Emancipation Proclamation which had a highly emotional and symbolic impact but actually freed very few slaves when it was first pronounced.

The Proclamation targeted slaves in the South. But at the time, Lincoln had virtually no control over the rebellious slave-owning Southern states.

1929—The now little known, but one of the grandest voices in African-American history is born on this day in Leesburg, Ga.—Roy Hamilton. Hamilton’s baritone voice made him a hit during the 1950s. His most memorable songs were “Unchained Melody” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

1947—Basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is born Lewis Alcindor in New York City. His more than seven-foot frame would make him a dominant player in professional basketball.

2010—The National Center for Health Statistics releases a report showing that a whopping 72.3 percent of Black babies are born to unmarried women. The same report revealed that Hispanic women had the highest birthrate in the nation (98.6 births per 1,000 women) followed by Asian American women

(71.4); Black women (71.2) and White women (59.6).

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1872—Activist and fiery journalist William Monroe Trotter is born on this day in Boston, Mass. A close friend of W.E.B. Du Bois, Trotter was one of the most militant Black leaders of the late 1800s and early 1900s. He helped found the Niagara Movement, which led to the establishment of the NAACP but then refused to join, claiming the group was too moderate and elitist. He was also a leading opponent of the accommodating policies of Booker T. Washington. Trotter’s primary vehicle of expression was his newspaper—the Boston Guardian.

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1818—Military leader Andrew Jackson (later president) leads the defeat of a force of Indians and Blacks at the Battle of Suwanee, bringing an end to the First Seminole War. The Seminoles had been the target of a government military campaign because they possessed lands, which Whites in Florida greatly desired, and because they had provided safe haven for escaped slaves. Indeed, Blacks such as John Horse would become major Seminole leaders. It would take at least two more major military campaigns before the Seminoles and their Black allies lost possession of those lands.

1977—Alex Haley, author of “Roots,” is awarded the Pulitzer Prize.

APRIL 19

1910—The National Urban League is formed in New York City.

It was born out of a merger of the National League for the Protection of Colored Women, National League on Urban Conditions among Negroes and remnants of the Niagara Movement which had earlier help found the NAACP. Among the leading organizers were Ruth Standish Baldwin and George Edmund Haynes. The organization was founded in part to be more focused on economic issues affecting Blacks than the NAACP. Today, it is generally considered the nation’s second most powerful civil rights organization after the NAACP. 1971—Walter Fauntroy becomes the first elected Congressional representative from the predominantly Black District of Columbia since Reconstruction. However, Fauntroy did not have voting rights. Indeed, down to this day, the Congressional Representative from Washington, D.C., is still not allowed to vote on major legislation. This bar was once common among capital cities. But today, America stands virtually alone among major nations in barring the residents of its capitol city from having a voting representative in its national legislature. Critics argue that the bar continues because the city is majority African-American.

1978—Max Robinson becomes the first African-American anchor of a major network television news program when he begins co-anchoring ABC nightly news from Chicago. The Richmond, Va., native died of AIDS in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 20, 1988.

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1871—The Third Enforcement Act is enacted. The Act was designed to give the president greater powers to suppress the actions of terrorist organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan, as they attempted to stop Blacks from voting. In some instances, the racist groups used armed force to drive out integrated governments in several Southern cities. Under the Act, the president could declare such activities “rebellion against the government” and employ federal troops to restore order.

1899—Jazz great Edward “Duke” Ellington is born in Washington, D.C. Ellington was perhaps the greatest of the Jazz pioneers, popularizing Jazz with his performances, composing and his role as a bandleader.

Ellington died in 1974.

1909—Jazz great Lionel Hampton is born in Louisville, Ky. Hampton was another of the great band leaders of the Jazz era. He was also known for his skills on the vibraphone. He died in 2002.

1971—The United States Supreme Court rules unanimously that the busing of students from schools of predominantly one race to schools populated most by students of another race was a constitutionally accepted method for integrating the nation’s public schools.

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TERRI AVANT, of Braddock, and Jerome Anderson, of Pitcairn, received the COVID-19 vaccine during a one-day event held at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, Saturday, April 10. The event was sponsored by the Pa. State NAACP.

As of April 9, 2021, in Allegheny County, according to the Pa. Dept. of Health Vaccine Data Website...

Number of those who identified as White who have been fully vaccinated

Number of those who identified as African American who have been fully vaccinated

188,769

13,371

Number of those who identified as White who have been partially vaccinated

Number of those who identified as African American who have been partially vaccinated

160,825

16,862

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Eight tips to launch a rewarding career in the construction industry (BPT)—Do you enjoy working with your hands?

Do you love solving complex problems? Do you enjoy working in the outdoors? Do you enjoy the satisfaction of seeing something you’ve built?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may want to consider a career in construction.

Many young people don’t realize that there is more than one path to success.

In other words, attending a four-year college isn’t the only way to start a rewarding career.

There’s another path.

And believe it or not, you can actually get paid while you learn the skills you need to build a career that will last you a lifetime. An apprenticeship with a construction trade union allows young people who are at least 18 years old, and who have earned their high school diploma, to learn how to become an electrician, a pipefitter, a plumber, an ironworker and much more. In fact, according to the Construction Career Foundation, a nonprofit based in Minnesota that helps young people connect with registered construction apprenticeships, there are more than 30 careers in construction

that you can pursue.

“A registered apprenticeship with a construction trade union takes from three to five years to complete,” said Sarah Lechowich, senior director for the Construction Careers Foundation. “It involves working at a construction site, where you’re trained by a journeyman, and classroom training.”

With an apprenticeship, there’s little if any costs, which means at the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll have a skill that you can use for a lifetime—without incurring tens of thousands of dollars in college debt.

To start your career in construction, follow these eight tips shared by the Construction Careers Foundation: 1. Pick a trade—Which trade best fits your personality and skill set? Visit ConstructionCareers.org, which offers details about more than 30 construction careers. The website offers descriptions about each trade, videos of real construction workers and details about pay and benefits.

2. Make sure you’re qualified—To be accepted into a construction trades union apprenticeship, you

need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma or a GED equivalent, and for some apprenticeships, successfully pass an aptitude test administered by the trade union to which you’re applying. By the way, construction isn’t just for men —more and more women are starting construction careers every day.

3.

Still in high school?—If you’re still in high school, load up on math and communications courses—today’s construction workers need to know math and they need to know how to communicate clearly—because you work on a team in the real world. Take any courses that your high school offers in construction to start getting hands-on ex-

perience.

4. Talk to your parents— Many, if not most, parents urge their kids to go to college. If you have a feeling that college isn’t right for you, talk to your parents and tell them you’d like to try an apprenticeship in construction.

Point them to ConstructionCareers.org, which has a ton of information about why a registered construction trades apprenticeship is the best answer for you.

5. Talk to a construction worker—To better understand the rewards of a career in the construction trades, ask family and friends to connect you with construction workers so you can ask them questions about their careers.

If you find it difficult to find a construction worker, check out these videos on the Construction Career Pathways channel on YouTube, which features short interviews with more than 20 construction workers.

6. Make the call—Some construction trade unions offer informational meetings for those who want to apply for an apprenticeship. Others will invite you in for an interview. After you’ve identified a construction trade that you’d like to pursue, contact the

local construction trade union to get more information about their apprenticeship program.

7. Start the application process—Just like college, you need to apply for an apprenticeship.

Some trades allow you to apply year-round; others have specific periods when you can apply. The Construction Trades app, available for download on Apple and Google Play stores, is a great source to learn about apprenticeship deadlines.

8. Get fit—Being an apprentice is hard work. It’s not an office job where you sit in a cubicle all day long.

It involves getting to the job site, often at times like 7 a.m., and it will involve lifting tools and materials, and being on your feet throughout the day. Now is the time to start getting in shape and working on your strength and stamina.

“With a registered construction trades apprenticeship,” said Lechowich, “you’ll learn skills that you can use for the rest of your life. You’ll also be trained to build things to the highest standards, and you’ll learn the value and importance of safety. All while getting paid to learn.”

Tax prep tips you need now from financial pros (NewsUSA)—Tax time is just around the corner, and although many people still face various degrees of financial upheaval in the wake of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the IRS now says that taxes are due a bit later this year—on May 17, 2021. If you haven’t started organizing your tax materials, the time is now.

“CFP® professionals are uniquely qualified to guide you through these uncertain times,” according to the website of CFP Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professional standards in personal financial planning.

A CFP® professional can provide financial advice and support as you organize and prepare

your finances for tax filing.

Here are pro tips for tax planning as April approaches: • Stash some cash.

Look at your cash flow,

and make sure you have enough on hand that you can use to pay your taxes.

If necessary, move some cash from one account to the account from which you will be paying your

tax bill. Otherwise, you risk creating a tax debt that could extend for months.

• Review retirement accounts. Check with a CERTIFIED FINANI-

CAL PLANNER™ professional if you aren’t sure of the funding limits of any individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or Roth IRAs. Maximize contributions to these accounts each year to reduce your tax burden in the short term and optimize your retirement funds in the long term.

• Consider quarterly payments. Making quarterly payments on your estimated income tax can take some of the sting out of a big tax payment in April. Quarterly payments can be especially helpful for freelancers or contract workers whose incomes may be inconsistent. Ask your financial professional whether quarterly payments would be beneficial for you.

• Check your IRS Form 1099. Mistakes can be made, so be sure to review the details on the schedules attached to your 1099 forms. Check whether interest on municipal bonds is tax-free.

Make sure qualified dividends and other preferentially taxed income is correctly reported, and make sure basis information is correct for capital gains. If you see errors on your 1099, report them as soon as possible.

Additionally, you can review updates to tax laws on the IRS website and on the appropriate website for your own state income tax boards.

Visit letsmakeaplan. org for more financial planning advice and tips for a smooth tax season.

The Evolution of Self!

I recently shared a meme on Facebook.

It read, “Forgive your younger self. Believe in your current self. Create your future self.” The meme hit a nerve. To date, it’s gotten more reactions, comments, and shares than anything I’ve ever posted on social media. This confirmed for me that regardless of age, life in and of itself is an evolutionary process. We’re forever making mistakes, learning, and growing. Those of us who are not consistently making mistakes, learning, and growing will render themselves obsolete, archaic, valueless, or worse—dead! As the saying goes, old ways will not open new doors.

Muhammad Ali said, “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of their life.” In other words, the man who views the world the same hasn’t experienced growth and development.

The process of birth gives us a glimpse of how we as a people consistently evolve.

The word “labor” in and of itself has double meaning. It implies pain, suffering, and hard work. When we’re born, we come into this world butt naked and ignorant. We can’t walk, talk, eat or care for ourselves.

Through time and development, we eventually learn to be independent in the activities of daily living including walking, grooming, dressing, toileting and eating.

But in each case, we make mistakes before we get it right. We crawl, then we stand and stumble before we eventually walk.

What does this have to do with personal finance? Personal finance is more per-

sonal than it is finance. Money is amoral.

It’s neither good nor bad. It doesn’t love nor hate. It doesn’t care who has it or who doesn’t have it. Money takes on the behavior and personality of its beholder. In order to grow and evolve financially—from an income perspective—you have to grow and evolve in knowledge, talent and/or skill. We enter armed forces, trade school, and college to develop skills, knowledge and know-how that will increase our earning potential. Some of us go straight into the workforce. The more we learn and can do for our respective job, the more we can potentially earn.

Growing in personal income is great.

No one wants to work forever. We dream about the day we can finally hang up our working shoes. Many of us would rather retire sooner than later. We work primarily because of a need to fulfill our needs, wants and responsibilities. As the saying goes, it’s not about how much you earn, it’s about how much of your earnings you’re able to keep, save, and invest. Being able to save and invest money is the cornerstone of wealth-building. Wealth-building is a process. First you become financially free (no debt). Then you become financially independent (passive income replaces earned income).

When you start with nothing; No handouts, no inheritance, no special favors, no wealthy role model, no knowledge of personal finance, there’s yet another growth, development and learning curve you have to undergo in order to grow into the person you need to become to develop wealth and, more importantly, maintain wealth. Your wealth position doesn’t grow and continue to grow unless you grow and continue to grow as a person. You have to learn to be hard-working, studious, patient, intentional, proactive, considerate, persevering, disciplined, selfish and selfless. You have to learn to sacrifice, deny yourself, say no to others, do for self, do without, and delay gratification. You have to learn that you can have everything your heart desires, you just can’t have it all right now. You have to learn how to set goals and prioritize your goals.

You have to learn to rid yourself of doubt, fear, worry, and procrastination. You have to understand that you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you work for. You have to be willing to eat right and exercise to promote a healthy lifestyle. What’s the point of becoming a better you, a wealthier you, yet destroying your health in the process? You have to accept the fact that there are obstacles and distractions along

the path to you becoming a better you.

But you will continue to march forward.

You cannot get mastery over your life or your money until you get mastery over yourself. In order to gain mastery of yourself, you must: Forgive your younger self: We all make mistakes. We will all continue to make mistakes. We cannot wallow in regret and use it as an excuse to give up and quit. We have to learn and grow from our negative experiences and try never to make the same mistake twice. Wisdom is developed through trial and error.

Believe in yourself: If you don’t believe in yourself, NOBODY will! Believing is one thing you have to prove to yourself that you have what it takes in order for your goals and dreams to materialize. You have to both believe in yourself and put in the work. For a belief without actions is just a wish.

Create your future self: You can be very specific in regards to how you see your future self. I’ll sum it up by saying this, most of us aspire to be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. Go and become your future self.

In closing, I salute you with some old military recruiting slogans from when I was young and considering entering the armed forces: Aim high! Be all that you can be! The world is looking for a few good men and women!

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

New Pittsburgh Courier

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APRIL14-20, 2021

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

COMPASS AMERICORPS MEMBERS NEEDED FOR 2020-21 SERVICE YEAR Compass AmeriCorps members provide full-time social services support and English language instruction to newly resettled immigrants in Allegheny County. Benefits include a living allowance, healthcare benefits, and an educational award for college. Learn new skills, meet new people, and receive professional and personal development opportunities.

The service year runs from September to July, and members serve 1700 hours over 11 months.

For details and how to apply, visit www.compassamericorps.org.

CITY OF WASHINGTON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Building Code Official / Building Inspector Parks and Recreation Administrator Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant Benefit Package Included Employment Applications and Job Descriptions may be obtained online at: www.washingtonpa.us Applications must be returned to: City of Washington City Hall 55 W. Maiden Street Washington PA 15301 Or Emailed to: Washington.Cityclerk@gmail.com Last Day to Submit Applications: Monday, May 3, 2021 The City of Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer Michelle R. Sperl City Clerk CITY OF WASHINGTON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES – MARCH 25, 2021 FULL TIME PERMANENT POSITIONS Steel Center, a student focused public school that delivers high quality Career & Technical Education is seeking candidates for the following positions: Teacher: Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Services, full-time permanent: Rehabilitation Healthcare Professional to instruct high school students. Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in the Physical Therapy or Athletic Training/Sports Medicine fields; minimum education/training credentials: PTA with ATC’s and PT’s encouraged to apply. Teaching experience at any level helpful but not required.

Excellent communication, technology, and social skills are a must. Range of starting annual salary $47,256 to $52,785 plus e cellent benefits package.

Teacher: Veterinary Assistant, full-time permanent: Veterinarian Technician Professional to instruct high school students. Must be a current Pennsylvania licensed Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) with a minimum of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA accredited institution.

Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience veterinary medicine, veterinary technology or related field. Teaching e perience at any level helpful but not required.

Excellent communication, technology, and social skills are a must. Range of starting annual salary $47,256 to $52,785 plus e cellent benefits package.

These positions are for the 20212022 school year; the full-time assignment begins in mid-August 2021. The selected candidates will be expected to commit to some e ible part-time onboarding activities beginning in May or June 2021. The review of candidates will begin April 12, 2021; Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Interested individuals can apply on Indeed.com or by contacting Mrs. Elaine Frombach efrombach@steelcentertech.com 412-469-3200 ext. 2564. Criminal background clearances are required for all positions. To learn more about Steel Center visit www.steelcentertech.com EOE. BOOKKEEPER POSITION Attack Theatre seeks a Bookkeeper. $20 - $30/hour, part-time, approx.

8 hrs/wk, (flexible schedule).

Responsibilities: AR/AP, payroll, monitor budgets, prepare reports, maintain chart of accounts, coordinate year-end closeout procedures, assist with annual audit/990 prep, conduct all business using GAAP. Must have 1-2 years of bookkeeping or equivalent education/intern experience. Knowledge of QB or similar. More info: www.attacktheatre.com/employment.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

SONNY BOY

BOROUGH OF WILKINSBURG JOB POSTING/CLASSIFIED ADS FINANCE DIRECTOR GENERAL ACCOUNTANT – Wilkinsburg Borough (EOE) is accepting applications for the position of General Accountant.

Requirements and applications for the position can be found at the Borough web site, www.wilkinsburgpa.gov or by stopping in the Borough Offices at 05 Ross Ave. Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 during business hours. Deadline for applications is 04/23/2021.

FACILITIES ASSISTANT & DIRECT SERVICE ADVOCATE II POSITIONS Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) is a comprehensive domestic violence program. WC&S is hiring a Facilities Assistant to perform janitorial, cleaning, and light maintenance duties. WC&S is also hiring a Direct Service Advocate II – Overnight to provide direct service advocacy, safety planning, emotional support, psychoeducation, case management, and information & referrals to Shelter & Hotline clients during overnight shifts. WC&S offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package. Go to wcscanhelp.org for full job postings.

Send a resume and cover letter to careers@wcspittsburgh.org by April 21, 2021.

COMPUTER/IT Argo AI, LLC seeks Senior Software Engineers to work in Pittsburgh, PA as part of the Calibration & Sensor Integrity team to design and develop software algorithms to support autonomous vehicle systems. Degree & commensurate exp. req’d. Apply online at https://www.argo.ai/join-us/#j3018369 SCIENTIFIC DATA DIRECTOR POSITION The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Scientific Data Director This position will oversee the data analytics and informatics group, supervise and develop staff; sustain local, state, and federal health and safety stakeholder partnerships; lead the development of highly visible research products, manuscripts, and reports; and lead program evaluation at PERU. Apply at https://join.pitt.edu. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, qual Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity.

EEO, including disability/vets.

DIRECTOR, DATA ENGINEERING American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.’s Pittsburgh, PA, office seeks a Director, Data Engineering to lead and foster growth of a high performing team of data experts and advancing our techniques and toolset to continuously improve performance, e ibility and integrity of our data assets. Send CV with cover letter, references, and salary requirements to: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., Attn: Sarah Lauterbach, Re: Director, Data Engineering, 77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

PRODUCT MANAGER, CORE EXPERIENCE/APPLICATION SOFTWARE DESIGNER Duolingo, Inc. has multiple openings for Product Manager, Core Experience/Application Software Designer in Pittsburgh, PA. Duties include: Drive product features through their entire creative cycle: ideation, specification, development, release, analysis, & iteration; Define efficiency effectiveness metrics for products while working w/internal & external stakeholders to ensure that product functionality meets/ e ceeds efficiency effectiveness standards; Oversee installation & configuration of new systems write functional specifications for engineering team to implement based on user needs & industry standards; Identify opportunities for new product/feature ideas that will accelerate/enhance user experience; Validate user data & develop hypotheses surrounding user behavior based on user research; Develop & manage the communication strategy that is aligned w/priorities & supports innovation goals; Administer A/B test experiments for product changes; Monitor key metrics for unexpected effects on usage patterns & anomalies; Develop prototypes based on user qualitative & quantitative research.

Reqs.: Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Applied Science or related field. Must have 1 year of experience in user research, research assessment, user-centered design principles, prototyping solutions, A/B testing & driving product features through their entire creative cycle. Must have knowledge of following: (1) Python; (2) R; (3) SQL; (4) Figma; (5) Sketch; (6) Azure DevOps; (7) UserTesting.com; (8) Interactive information system design; & (9) Linear & logistic regression. Email resume to jobs@duolingo.com with Job No. ProdMgrCoreExp2021 & title “Manager, Core Experience/Application Software Designer” in subject line.

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

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PRODUCT DESIGNER, ENGAGEMENT Duolingo, Inc. has multiple openings for Product Designer, Engagement in Pittsburgh, PA. Duties include: Collaborate on projects & features with a focus on user engagement as part of a multi-disciplinary team w/engineers, UX researchers, product managers, & data scientists; Design & engineer intuitive, usable, & engaging interaction & visual design solutions that employ high-quality design practices, utili e quantitative qualitative findings, follow e isting I systems; Create low to high fidelity screens concepts, patterns, & prototypes to effectively communicate interaction & design ideas that incorporate the long-term strategy & short-term tactics for products; Define user models user interfaces for engagement; Continuously improve design processes, knowledge sharing, & tools to measurably enhance productivity & product quality. Reqs.: Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or foreign equivalent or Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in related field.

Must have 2 years of experience in designing & building products & prototypes for mobile & web by iterating on design with experimentation demonstrating an ability to define strong hypotheses that incorporates data into the design process. Must have knowledge of following: (1) Javascript; (2) Adobe Illustrator; (3) Photoshop; (4) After Effects; (5) Sketch; (6) Figma; & (7) Abstract.

Email resume to jobs@duolingo.com with Job No. ProdDesEng2021 & title “Product Designer, Engagement” in subject line.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST PORT AUTHORITY is seeking a Telecommunications Specialist to process incoming telephone and radio calls, dispatching the appropriate police, fire, and emergency medical services units, as needed. To monitor activities throughout Port Authority subway stations ensuring the safety of employees, property and the general public.

Essential Functions: •Observe monitors throughout the subway stations ensuring that no unusual or threatening acts are taking place against Port Authority employees, property, and the general public.

•Process incoming calls from the public via emergency and non-emergency telephone lines.

•Make response decisions regarding police, fire, and emergency medical services, dispatching appropriate agency.

•Follow proper procedures and techniques in communicating with transit/local police, emergency medical services, and fire departments.

•Answer the emergency patron phones located in the subway, as required.

Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •Minimum of one (1) year experience within the emergency response/ security services field.

•Professional and effective communication skills.

•Obtain and maintain CLEAN (Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network) certification within 90 working days.

•Must be willing to successfully complete the course required for APCO Certification (basic telecommunications training) and other courses, as assigned by supervisor.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

•Must be able to work extended shifts, as needed.

•This is a Safety-Sensitive position subject to all testing provisions under the Drug and Alcohol Policy, including random drug and alcohol testing.

The person selected for this position may be required to be tested prior to being awarded the job.

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION SUBSTITUTE TEACHER for the 2021-2022 school year Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM April 21, 2021 EOE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Port Authority is seeking an Account Executive to sell advertising for the benefit of Port Authority.

Essential Functions: •Sells transit advertising to Pittsburgh based agencies and businesses in order to meet quarterly sales goals as established by the Port Authority.

•Cultivates, maintains, and grows new accounts.

•Represents Port Authority in partnering opportunities regarding non-revenue or trade accounts.

Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •Minimum of two (2) years out-ofhome sales experience.

•Highly self motivated with a proven track record of success. Must possess a strong work ethic.

•Must be able to balance multiple tasks and be a team player.

•Must be able to travel to and from customer businesses via public transportation or automobile.

•Professional and effective communication skills.

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

•Valid PA driver’s license.

Preferred attributes: •BA degree in Marketing or directly related field from an accredited school.

•Knowledge of Port Authority services.

•Previous sales training.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Amy Giammanco Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 AGiammanco@portauthority.org EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION SPECIALIST: Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM, April 19, 2021 EOE

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Amy Giammanco Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 AGiammanco@portauthority.org EOE MEDICAL ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR MANCHESTER BIDWELL CORPORATION Instructs adult students of the Medical Assistant Training Program in sub ect areas specific to Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Electronic Health Record Systems, Medical Software Applications, Pharmacology and Clinical Procedures & Laboratory Techniques in accordance with department of education licensing regulations, accreditation standards, industry regulations and job market demands. AS in related field with at least three years’ e perience in said field required. BS preferred. Prior experience teaching, or training adults preferred. Must be proficient in preparing and presenting instruction in all the following subject areas: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Electronic Health Record Systems, Medical Software Applications, Coding (HCPCS, ICD-10, CPT-4 and Revenue), and Medical Claims Processing, and MS Office applications Send Resume with cover letter and salary requirements to hr@manchesterbidwell.org EOE

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To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking MULTIPLE SPECIAL EDUCATION SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS for the 2021-2022 school year.

Complete job descriptions and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM April 23, 2021 EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking the following positions for the 2021-2022 school year HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY/CHEMISTRY TEACHER ANTICIPATED-HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR ANTICIPATED-ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM April 22, 2021 EOE LECTURER POSITION The University of Pittsburgh seeks a Lecturer, Urban Studies Program for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences in Pittsburgh, PA. This is a non-tenure position teaching six courses per year (three each semester). The Urban Studies Program is an inter-disciplinary undergraduate degree-granting program that prides itself on training its majors in appropriate qualitative and quantitative research skills and writing skills. Apply online at: Join.Pitt.Edu, #21001584, by submitting a cover letter of application indicating courses and quarters being applied for and teaching experience relevant to course topic, a CV, a statement of teaching philosophy, diversity statement, and teaching evaluations. In addition, please submit 3 letters of reference by email to cmg134@pitt.edu.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, qual Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity.

EEO, including disability/vets.

TENURE-STREAM ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITION The Department of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh seeks a tenure-stream Assistant Professor of Political Science to conduct research and teach graduate and undergraduate courses in Political Science (Introduction to African Politics; Comparative Politics Capstone; Introduction to Computational Social Science; Identity Politics). Applicants should send cover letter, CV, statement of research and teaching interests, two or three writing samples, teaching evaluations (if available), a brief description of how your research, teaching or service demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a minimum of three letters of reference to Wynn Maloney, Departmental Coordinator for the Department of Political Science at wynn2@pitt.edu.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, qual Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity.

EEO, including disability/vets.

To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Legal Notices

Bids/Proposals

state of JUNE C. STEWART, Deceased of Mt. ebanon Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-01939, David B. Stewart, ecutor, 111 Mt. ebanon Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 1522 or to Heidi A. Kaib, ecutor, 2309 Romine Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 1522 or to Robin L. Rarie, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue Bridgeville, PA 15017 state of JEAN L. NOLL A/K/A JEAN S. NOLL Deceased of pper St. Clair, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-01923, Mark S. oll, 520 Sheldon Road, Valencia, PA 1 059 or to P C Bank, .A., 300 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue Bridgeville, PA 15017 state of LATTA BRIAN P., Deceased of est View, Estate No. 01983 of 2021, Raymond . atta, 39 1 indgap Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15204, Admin, or to Michael J. Saldamarco, Esq; STE. 100, 908 Perry Hwy. Pittsburgh, PA 15229 state of PHOEBE R. BUCHANAN, Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, Estate No. 02363 of 2021, Tiffany S. Buchanan, Administratri , 134 The Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire Atty. 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

ARTICLE OF INCORPORATION Business Corporation

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a corporation is to be or has been incorporated under the Business Corporation Law of 1988, approved December 21, 1988, P.L. 1444, No. 177, effective October 1, 1989, as amended.

THE NAME OF THE PROPOSED CORPORATION IS SUNDAE BLESSINGS INC. And has been delivered to the Secretary of State for filing.

The initial registered office of the corporation is located at: 740 McKeesport Rd., Allegheny County, li abeth, PA 15037

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR FIRE HOSE INSPECTIONS AUTHORITY WIDE IFB #300-16-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Fire Hose Inspections Authority Wide IFB #300-16-21 The documents will be available no later than April 5, 2021 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 AM on April 27, 2021. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 AM on April 27, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412- 43-2 32 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on April 19, 2021 at 10:00AM. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 957 9292 9814 Passcode: 399756 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’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.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT RFP #350-20-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Security Camera System Maintenance and Support The documents will be available no later than April 12, 2021 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 AM on May 4, 2021. 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 May 4, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. 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 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on April 26, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 972 2665 3416 Passcode: 335732 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’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.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS PA 28-8-2 HEMPFIELD TOWERS HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP – WESTMORELAND COUNTY INVITATION FOR BIDS MODERNIZATION PROJECT – PHASE VI (8TH – 9TH FLOORS) GENERAL CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT – PA 28-8-2- 2021.1 GC ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT – PA 28-8-2- 2021.2 EC PLUMBING CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT – PA 28-8-2- 2021.3 PC Westmoreland County Housing Authority is requesting Construction bids for the referenced pro ect through sealed bids which will be received by the Westmoreland County Housing Authority, until May 11, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. (eastern standard time). Bids shall be deposited at the Administrative Office of the estmoreland County Housing Authority, 1 7 South reengate Road, reensburg PA 15 01. Bids received will then be opened at 154 South reengate Road.

A Pre-Bid Meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2021 at 9:30 A.M.(eastern standard time). Attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended.

All attendees shall wear a mask and have their temperatures checked. lectronic Bid Documents are available for downloading at www.wchaonline.com. Bidders are required to register online at the www.wchaonline.com to view bid documents.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

Westmoreland County Housing Authority, Michael L. Washowich, Executive Director

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.

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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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

ALLEGHENY REGIONAL ASSET DISTRICT The Board will hold a special meeting on April 20, 2021 at 2:30 PM to consider a finance request from the Carnegie ibrary of Pittsburgh. The session will be held virtually via the Zoom platform. Meeting information including open access to the special session and public participation procedures are posted at radworkshere.org or by calling 412-227-1900.

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NOTICE OF PROPOSED RATE CHANGES To Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority Customers: The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has filed a request with the Pennsylvania Public tility Commission (PUC) on April 13, 2021 to increase your water and wastewater conveyance rates and establish a new stormwater fee. This notice describes our request, the PUC’s role, and the actions you can take.

PWSA has requested an overall rate request totaling $32.2 million or 17.2% that will be phased in over two years. If the Authority’s entire request is approved as filed, the total bill for water, wastewater conveyance, and stormwater service for a typical Residential customer using 3,000 gallons per month and charged the base rate for stormwater services would increase from $79.34 to $87.19 per month or by 9.89% in 2022 and increase from $87.19 to $91.05 or by 4.42% in 2023.

The proposed stormwater fee is included in the totals above and is based on the amount of impervious surface on a property. The average amount of impervious surface on a property is appro imately 1,650 square feet. This is equal to one equivalent residential unit (ERU) of impervious surface, which is accepted as the industry standard for determining a stormwater fee. If approved, the stormwater fee will be applied to all residential and non-residential properties.

For a typical Residential customer using 3,000 gallons per month with a 5/8-inch meter and generating stormwater from one ERU, the total bill would increase from $79.34 to $87.19 per month or by 9.89% in 2022, and from $87.19 to $91.05 per month or by 4.43% in 2023.

For a typical Residential customer enrolled in PWSA’s Bill Discount Program using 3,000 gallons per month with a 5/8-inch meter and a reduced stormwater fee, the total bill would increase from $41.77 to $45.34 per month or by 8.54% in 2022, and from $45.34 to $47.90 per month or by 5.64% in 2023.

For a typical Commercial customer using 13,000 gallons per month with a 1-inch meter and generating stormwater runoff from 8 ERU’s, the total bill would increase from $294.27 to $351.21 per month or by 19.35% in 2022, and from $351.21 to $376.31 per month or by 7.15% in 2023.

For an Industrial customer using 680,000 gallons per month with a 4-inch meter and generating stormwater runoff from 30 ERU’s, the total bill would increase from $12,267.35 to $13,079.05 per month or by 6.62% in 2022, and from $13,079.05 to $13,758.83 per month or by 5.20% in 2023.

For a Health and Education customer using 50,000 gallons per month with a 2-inch meter and generating stormwater runoff from 32 ERU’s, the total bill would increase from $1,276.07 to $1,459.07 per month or by 14.34% in 2022, and from $1,459.07 to $1,514.67 per month or by 3.81% in 2023.

To find out your customer class or how the requested increase may affect your water and wastewater conveyance bill, contact PWSA at 412-255-2423 or visit www.pgh2o.com/ourwaterfuture for more information. The rates requested by the Authority may be found in the Tariff Water – PA. P.U.C. No.1 Supp. No. 7, Tariff Wastewater – PA. P.U.C. No.1 Supp. No. 6, and Tariff Stormwater – PA. P.U.C. No. 1. ou may also e amine the material filed with the PUC, which e plains the requested increase and the reasons for it. A copy of these documents is kept at PWSA’s office. pon request, the Authority will send you the Statement of Reasons for these Tariffs, e plaining why the rate increase has been requested.

PUC Role The state agency which now approves rates for PWSA is the PUC. The PUC will e amine the requested rate increase and can prevent e isting rates from changing until it investigates and or holds hearings on the request. The Authority must prove that the requested rates are reasonable. After e amining the evidence, the PUC may grant all, some, or none of the request or may reduce e isting rates.

The PUC may change the amount of the rate increase or decrease requested by the utility for each customer class. As a result, the rate charged to you may be different than the rate requested by the utility as shown above.

Actions You Can Take There are three ways to support or challenge PWSA’s request to change its rates: 1. ou can be a witness at a public input hearing. Public input hearings are held if the PUC opens an investigation of the utility’s rate increase request and if there is a large number of customers interested in the case. At these hearings, you have the opportunity to present your views in person to the PUC udge hearing the case and to the PWSA representatives. All testimony given ‘‘under oath’’ becomes part of the official rate case record. These hearings are held in the service area of the utility.

2. ou can send the PUC a letter telling why you support or ob ect to the requested rate increase. At times there is information in these letters that makes the PUC aware of successes or problems with the utility’s service or management. This information can be helpful when the PUC investigates the rate request.

3. ou can file a formal complaint. If you want a hearing before a udge, you must file a formal complaint. By filing a formal complaint, you assure yourself the opportunity to take part in hearings about the rate increase request. All complaints should be filed with the PUC before June 12, 2021. If no formal complaints are filed, the Commission may grant all, some, or none of the request without holding a hearing before a udge. Send your letter or request for a formal complaint form to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Post Office Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 1 105-3265.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA) will receive sealed bids for the pro ect identified below. The contract for this work will be with the SEA. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the SEA, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Ryan Buries- -mail: rburies@pittsburghcc.com, Telephone: 412-325-6167. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at (724) 935-7055. Additional information on the pro ect can also be found on Accu-Copy’s website at https://accu-copy.com/plan-room This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: Bid Package Name: Bid Package Available: Approximate Value:

David L Lawrence Convention Center Exhibit Hall Fire Protection System Component Replacement April 8, 2021 $525,000

Time/Date/Location for Pre-Bid Meeting: [ ZOOM ] 10:00am, Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Time/Date/Location for Bid: [ ZOOM ] 2:00 PM, Wed., April 28, 2021 DLLCC 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222 ZOOM info provided via Addendum G1 - OFFICE TOWER DESIGN-ASSIST CURTAIN WALL BID P.J. Dick, in association with Mascaro and Massaro, for the ower Hill Development: G1 - Office Tower will be bidding the Design-Assist Curtain Wall” package. Issuance on April, 23 2021, Bids DUE May 21, 2021, and award early June 2021. All documents will be provided upon request via a document sharing site. mail G1OfficeTower@pjdick.com to request the Bid Invitation or go to www.lowerhillredevelopment. com/construction-bidding.html

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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR FIRE ALARM SENSITIVITY AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING TESTING IFB #300-18-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Fire Alarm Sensitivity and Emergency Lighting Testing IFB #300-18-21 The documents will be available no later than April 5, 2021 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 AM on April 27, 2021.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on April 27, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412- 43-2 32 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on April 19, 2021 at 11:00AM. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 933 9725 4035 Passcode: 344213 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’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.

NOTICE The City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget-Community Development (OMB-CD) announces the launch of this year’s 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) sub-recipient grant programs.

There are two CDBG funding opportunities for 2021: 1)Neighborhood Economic Development (NED) grants (formerly “ACCBO” grants) The online application for this program will available from Monday, April 5, 2021 to Friday, May 14, 2021 2)Public Service grants (formerly “ULO” grants) The online application for this program will available from Friday, April 9, 2021 to Friday, May 28, 2021.

Applications for the programs are available at the following website: https://pittsburghpa.gov/omb/ grant-opportunities.

In addition, OMB-CD will host two virtual information sessions for each of the grant opportunities: Neighborhood Economic Development grant information session will be: Friday, April 16, 2020 1:00 – 3:00 PM The Public Service grant information session will be: Friday, April 23, 2021 1:00 – 3:00 PM For additional information on the two virtual information sessions, in addition to upcoming application Q A sessions, please go to https://pittsburghpa.gov/omb/ grant-opportunities.

For more information, please contact community.development@ pittsburghpa.gov.

Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Bids/Proposals

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DOCUMENT 00030 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA April 9, 2021 The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00PM and FROM 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, May 5, 2021, and a representative of the Department of Public orks will open and read the Bids in the Conference Room 1, County Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, one half hour later, 11:30 o’clock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SOUTH PARK GREEN PARKING SOLUTION South Park Township COUNTY PROJECT No. ZCSP-GP02 As a prospective bidder please note the following general Pro ect information regarding Pre Bid Information, Bidding Requirements, and Contract Conditions.

See the Pro ect Manual for detailed information, responsibilities, and instructions.

PRE BID INFORMATION: Purchase and or view the Pro ect Manual and Drawings at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. The non-refundable charge for the Proposal and a disk containing the Specifications and Drawings is $107.00 including sales tax. The Contract Manager will accept only check or money order to the “COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY” in that amount and WILL NOT ACCEPT CASH OR EXTEND CREDIT. Prospective bidders may request to have bid documents mailed. An additional fee of $16.05 including tax, for handling costs for each requested proposal must be paid in advance. The fee must be received at the Office of the Contract Manager prior to the mailing of any documents.

Interested bidders planning to purchase bid documents or attend the public bid opening are advised to follow Self-Monitoring and Social Distancing guidelines when entering the Allegheny County Courthouse or County Office Building. Interested bidders should also be aware that when entering either the Allegheny County Courthouse or County Office Building, a face mask meeting the guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, must be worn at all times.

Submit Proposal on the supplied form in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and Specifications; include the following documents with the Bid Form, ALONG WITH ONE COMPLETE PHOTOCOPIED SET OF THE 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 ork Capacity •Statement of Joint Venture Participation •MBE And WBE oals Attainment Certification (ONLY NECESSARY IF YOU CANNOT MEET THE SPECIFIED MBE AND WBE GOALS.) •MBE/WBE Subcontractor and Supplier Commitment and Solicitation Sheets ork Sheet Required Amount Performed By Contractor (Non-Federal Projects) 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 re ect any and all bids or waive any informality 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 abor and Industry, the prevailing minimum wage predetermination requirements as set forth in the Attachments apply to this Pro ect.

The anticipated Notice-to-Proceed is June 14, 2021. Based on consecutive calendar days from and including the otice-to-Proceed date, the Contactor shall observe a 180-day Milestone for the parking lot to be substantially complete, operational and open to the public. The overall contract completion date shall be April 15, 2022 to accommodate planting seasons.

The County of Allegheny 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 in response to this advertisement and the County will not discriminate against minority and women business enterprises on the grounds of race, se , 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 and women business enterprises [MBE/WBE] procedures set forth in the pro ect manual contract documents.

For contracting questions contact the Contracts Division, at 412-350-5924.

For technical questions contact Mike Burdelsky, P.E., Assistant Deputy Director, at 412-350-5914.

Chelsa Wagner Controller County of Allegheny BRIDGE INSPECTION ACCESS EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION OF TRAFFIC SERVICES GAI Consultants, Inc. has been retained by the Allegheny County Department of Public Works to perform a rehabilitation inspection of a five span bridge in Allegheny County. The inspection is anticipated to begin in either May or June 2021 and will continue for four (4) days. GAI will require the services of a qualified Contractor to provide access equipment, safety equipment, maintenance and protection of traffic (MPT), and other bridge inspection-related equipment and services. GAI will receive sealed Bids from qualified Contr ac t or s unt il 11 :0 0 a .m .

Prevailing Time on Monday, April 26, 2021, at 3 5 ast aterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120-5005.

Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Complete bid packages may be obtained from GAI as requested by email. Questions should be directed to Benjamin Allis, PE, by email at B.Allis@gaiconsultants.com.

The Contractor must provide evidence of his qualifications by referencing three separate bridge inspection contracts of similar size with multiple bridges and complexity that he provided access equipment and MPT services within the last ten years. The Contractor must be able to provide nder Bridge Inspection vehicle, safety equipment, and other equipment in good working order, along with properly trained and competent equipment operators. The contractor must provide MPT in strict accordance with PennDOT Publication 213. Multiple equipment setups on the same bridge may be required at the same time along with weekend inspection work. Bids will be opened at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 26, 2021.

Following approval by Allegheny County, PennDOT, and GAI, the contract will be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. GAI Consultants, Inc. reserves the right to re ect any or all bids not in conformance with the bid requirements.

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield ntrance obby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on April 27, 2021, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Sterrett 6-8 Replace PA Sound System Electrical Prime Pro ect Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Pro ect Manual Documents is non-refundable.

Pro ect details and dates are described in each pro ect manual.

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DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania PROJECT NUMBER 21TG02 (GENERAL TRADES) FOUNDATIONS & SLAB-ON-GRADE BID PACKAGE at PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ELECTRONIC BIDS & BID OPENING PROCEDURE: Electronic Bids will be received by the Allegheny County Airport Authority until 1:00 P.M. prevailing local time, MAY 12, 2021.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the ACAA is modifying its typical bid opening process; the formal bid opening procedure will be conducted virtually – any/ all firms submitting a Bid to the ACAA will be given special access to view the opening event. Once bidding is closed, any all firms submitting a bid will be issued an Invitation (via email) to access the formal bid opening event via a live webcast. Bidders will also be notified of the results via an email within (24) hours of the Bid Opening event.

ACCESS TO BID PACAKGE DOCUMENTS: ALL BIDDERS shall be required to provide a completed formal Bid Document Request application in order to purchase bidding documents for any/all of the above listed Pro ect umbers. o bidding documents will be issued prior to the Authority’s Construction Manager having a copy of a fully completed Request Application.

Bid Document Request Applications can be obtained by sending a Request to the following email address: TMPBids@ ypittsburgh.com On the Subject Line, include the following: “Bid Documents Request – 21TG02 (Foundations & Slab-on-Grade)”.

Although documents will not be available until April 13, 2021, applications may be submitted prior to this date.

Once a bidder’s request has been received, provided it is complete, and provided the requesting party is not barred from bidding the work, the CM will provide access for the bidder to access and download the bid documents through Building Connected, a web-based bid management platform.

A PREBID CONFERENCE – Wednesday, April 21, 2021 – 1:00 PM (Bidders are strongly encouraged to review the plans prior to the meeting.)

The meeting will be a Microsoft Teams Meeting. To join the meeting the following number can be called (877) 286-5733 - United States (Toll-Free) – Conference ID 816 058 550#. Please email TMPBids@ ypittsburgh.com to receive the link to join by computer.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, ACAA will not permit any Bidders to tour the site. In lieu thereof, the Construction Management Team (CM) will conduct a Virtual Prebid Meeting. In addition to addressing administration issues, a video tour of the work areas will be provided. Specific details on how interested Bidders can view this broadcast will be provided as part of the Bid Documents via Building Connected. ote that no questions can be asked during this Prebid Meeting. Any/all questions must be issued to the CM as an “RFI”.

There will be no site visits – photographs of the site will be included in the contract documents or issued via addendum.

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFIs) Any all questions related to this pro ect must be made in writing to the CM. RFIs are to be sent to the CM via the Building Connected website.

BID SUBMISSION Proposals must be made on the Authority’s forms and in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and the “Instructions to Bidders”’.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, ACAA will not be accepting any hard copy bids for this Pro ect. Accordingly, Electronic Bids are the only form that the ACAA will accept. hile the Instructions to Bidders will provide more details, for an lectronic Bid to be accepted it must be sent through Building Connected and it must be received by no later than the established Bid Date and Time deadline.

OTHER ISSUES Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as determined by the General Wage Determinations issued under the Davis-Bacon and related Acts must be paid on these pro ects.

This pro ect has DB participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania nified Certification Program) (PAUCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DB firms can be found on the PAUCP web site: https://paucp.dbesystem.com/ The Airport Authority reserves the right to re ect any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of one-hundred-twenty [120] 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 under ACAA Corporate – Business Opportunities or www.pittransformed.com – Opportunities – Business Opportunities.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFBs) FOR NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER HEATING AND A/C RELATED IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AMP-09 HACP CONTRACT NO. 600-19-21 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive sealed bids for the Northview Heights Public Safety Center Heating and A/C Related Improvements Project, AMP-09 The construction work is estimated to begin in July of 2021.

Bid Documents will be available on or about Monday, April 12, 2021 and may be obtained from the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s webpage, www.hacp.org.

Bidders may register on the website and download the bid documents free of charge. lectronic versions of the Bid Documents, including bid forms, pro ect manual, and drawings can be picked up in person, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement A Virtual Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday April 28, 2021 at 10:15am virtually at the following link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us j/98291081513?pwd=SUtWb2RWbGw2SkRGSU8rVktUWWFLUT09 Meeting ID: 982 9108 1513 Passcode: 141599 One tap mobile +13126266799,,98291081513#,,,,* 141599# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,98291081513#,,,,* 141599# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 982 9108 1513 Passcode: 141599 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahVOogCrR An In-Person Pre-Bid Site Visit will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.: Northview Heights Officer Calvin M. Hall Public Safety Center, 441 Mount Pleasant Road, Pittsburgh PA 15214 Bidders shall come prepared to review all aspects of the construction site necessary to prepare a bid.

Bids will be received at: HACP Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Attn: Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement until 10:00 a.m. May 25, 2021 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH reserves the right to waive any informality in, or re ect any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable qual mployment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, se ual preference, handicap or national origin.

HACP has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFP documentation.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement at (412) 456-5116 Opt 1.

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.

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OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

APRIL 14-20, 2021

B5

Knock at the door

Guest Editorial

Help for families for COVID-19 related funeral expenses COVID-19 has killed more than 545,000 Americans, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The pandemic has caused immense grief for so many American families.

In addition to losing a loved one, many families have had to bear the financial burden of funeral and burial expenses.

Although nothing can change what happened, financial help is on the way.

FEMA said it hopes to “help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic.”

If you have a loved one who died from COVID-19, funeral assistance could be available to you from the government.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Wednesday that it will reimburse families for funeral expenses of loved ones who died last year from COVID-19.

The agency said, beginning in April, it would pay up to $9,000 in expenses for individual funerals and that Americans who lost multiple family members can apply for up to $35,000.

FEMA has set aside $2 billion to reimburse “individuals and households” for funeral expenses between Jan. 20 and Dec. 31, 2020.

The money was allocated in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.

The agency said it is establishing a hotline and full-scale call center for individuals in the coming weeks, but encouraged Americans looking to apply to gather documents like death certificates, receipts and expense documents and documentation of funds from other sources.

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions: The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020.

There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

How to apply In April, FEMA will begin accepting applications. If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include: An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses occurred.

Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. FEMA won’t duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, or financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies or other sources.

The agency usually provides funding for funeral expenses related to natural disasters, but the more than 500,000 American lives lost to the pandemic greatly outnumber the death toll in other disasters.

For more information about the program, visit https://www.fema.gov/.

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—There’s no doubt that there are faults and flaws in the American system of democracy.

When I taught, my students learned that American Democracy was established under the principle of one manone vote/majority rules. Indigenous people, Black people, women, and other groups weren’t allowed to vote. Whichever White man got the most votes “ran the show.” There were, and always have been, schemes to unfairly shift the balance of political power. My students also learned that our political model was established under a two-party system where compromise was ostensibly sought to achieve consensus.

Today, rather than seeking compromise, legislating is tantamount to combat. Data tells us that nationally the Republican Party stands in the minority, yet rather than adhering to founding principles, they use every available tactic to ensure the “rule of the minority.”

Recently, the Republican legislature sent a bill to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp which he signed enacting voting restrictions aimed at communities of color. Objective observers view this new law as a “revenge law” for Democratic success in the 2020 general elections designed to prevent future election successes of non-Republican candidates.

Analysts attempt to justify the Georgia law by comparing it to laws of more progressive states. This is a false narrative. The history of discriminatory voting practices in southern states, in general, and Georgia, specifically, is proof. My friend Dick Gregory often said, “Just because it’s legal doesn’t

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary make it right.”

Commonly, objection to the new law is that it was enacted in response to “Trump’s Big Lie” of a stolen election.

The length of the 98-page law prevents a complete review, but research

by Georgia Public Broadcasting reporter Stephen Fowler condensed the law and I will attempt to condense it further. The new law provides for: A food and drink restriction The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported an average wait time for an African American Georgia voter was 51 minutes in unfavorable contrast to the average wait time of 7 minutes for a White voter. Criminalizing the distribution of food and beverages to waiting voters has an obvious and irrefutable disparate impact upon African American voters.

Increased state power over counties The new law removes the Georgia secretary of state as the chair of the state elections board and allows the state legislature to appoint a “nonpartisan” chair of the board. Accordingly, this board is empowered to determine whether county elections have been

properly executed and, if not, the legislature could use administrative remedy to correct them. This supports the likelihood that a recurrence of Trump’s baseless claims about the 2020 election could be successful. This provision concerns officials and activists in large Democratic-run counties like Atlanta’s Fulton County.

Guaranteed—limited—drop boxes The new law also limits ballot drop boxes in each county, their hours of availability, and location. Fulton County would go from 38 drop boxes to eight in the future. The law states that drop boxes need to be located at elections offices or inside early voting locations.

Additionally, the law alters or gives options for procedures to early and absentee voting. I encourage readers to familiarize and understand the new law and what it means to our communities. We already know that Texas and Arizona are considering similar legislation.

Brian Kemp is a self-serving politician who will discriminate to maintain his power. True to his discriminatory self-interests, the signing was done behind closed doors with six white cronies observing. When Georgia State representative Park Cannon knocked on Kemp’s door to bear witness to this modern jelly bean jar, she did it for US! We must likewise be willing to open the doors of racism and expose its ugly face to all. Keep on knocking Park!

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women.)

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would set smart national standards for police behavior (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Even as Derek Chauvin is on trial for the murder of George Floyd, police 10 miles away fatally shot an African American man, Duante Wright, after pulling him over for an alleged traffic violation. That triggered protests that led to confrontations with police, despite Wright’s family pleading for non-violence.

The Washington Post reports that 985 people have been shot and killed by police in the past year, with Blacks more than two times as likely to be shot and killed than Whites. Fundamental reform is long overdue. Now the House of Representatives has passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act for the second time.

The act, drawn up by Rep. Karen Bass and Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Jerry Hudson, has been endorsed by leading civil rights and criminal justice groups, pushed by the Congressional Black Caucus, and hailed by George Floyd’s family and attorneys. The act would set national standards for police behavior. It bans the use of chokeholds of various sorts, like that used to kill George Floyd. It bans no-knock warrants that led to the shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville. It restricts the transfer of military weaponry to police forces. Federal assistance would be conditioned on local police forces requiring the use of body and car cameras, as well as anti-discrimination policies and training. It restricts the qualified immunity doctrine that shields police from civil liability.

President Joe Biden has called on the Senate to pass the measure and

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary promised to sign it into law. These commonsense reforms should have bipartisan support, but sadly the bill received only one vote from Republicans when it passed the House in February.

The reforms are far from complete.

The Movement for Black Lives, the collection of 150 civil rights groups that helped organize the unprecedented protest movement across the country after George Floyd’s death, praises the creation of federal standards, a ban on chokeholds and restriction of the immunity doctrine but says that the bill goes “nowhere near far enough.”

It calls for investments upfront in communities and people, addressing mass incarceration and systemic racism, and making police accountable to communities. The leaders worry that passage of the George Floyd Act would exhaust reform efforts, not simply be the first step toward reform. Surely the M4BL is right: sensible police reforms are necessary but not sufficient.

Renewed investment in communities and greater community control over the police are essential. The plague of mass incarceration must be ended.

The George Floyd Act, however, need

not be in conflict with broader reforms.

Conservative Democrats fret that the M4BL slogan—Defund the police— alienates voters. Certainly, most African Americans want protection from crime and violence. They don’t want to get rid of the police, they want to turn them from a threat to an ally. Many police officers agree that we’ve loaded police with too many responsibilities—from dealing with domestic disputes to handling the mentally unstable—because social services have been starved in poor communities. Police reforms will never work unless accompanied by and embedded in rebuilding and empowering communities.

The movement that mobilized after the horrific killing of George Floyd has begun to spark reforms across the country. I urge the civil rights and criminal justice community to unite to push the Senate to pass the George Floyd Act as a first step, to be accompanied by state and local efforts to transform police and federal resources to invest in communities and create new lines of accountability. The vibrant movement for justice that the M4BL has helped to trigger will not stop there.

The unprecedented outpouring of support must continue to mobilize, to demand accountability, to protest police violence, and to keep the pressure on for broader reform. The movement can’t let the perfect be enemy of the good, nor allow partial reforms to slake the need for more action, more experimentation, and greater community control.

COVID-19 testing and Black America (NNPA)—The COVID-19 pandemic across America and throughout the world is still a serious danger to public health for all communities, but especially for African American and other people of color communities. African Americans are still disproportionately negatively impacted by this deadly virus.

This is why more COVID-19 testing for Black America is so important in 2021: African Americans comprise 13 percent of the U.S. population, but more than half of all COVID-19 cases, and nearly 60 percent of all COVID-related deaths in the U.S., were in cities with large Black populations. Now that federal-government approved vaccines are available, it does not mean that COVID-19 testing is no longer needed.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is very concerned about the current state of health disparities and inequities that are realities for the majority of African Americans.

Facts, data, and truth about the pandemic are vital to our future.

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, a majority of Black Americans (61 percent) now say they plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine (or that they’ve already received one), compared to only 42 percent in November, 2020. As trust increases, we need to also increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in our communities to

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis

Commentary create better health outcomes.

The Black Press and the Black Church are two fundamental trusted institutions in our communities. We are pleased to learn about a new emerging partnership with Black church leaders which is creating greater access to much-needed COVID-19 testing in our communities. A partnership between Quest Diagnostics, Choose Healthy Life and the United Way of New York City is bringing COVID-19 testing and education to Black communities in cities across the U.S., and they are working with trusted voices in Black churches to increase participation.

The pandemic has also made it even clearer that Black Americans need access to additional resources to take control of their health. In Chicago for example, Black residents make up 30 percent of the population but account for 70 percent of COVID-related deaths, and the majority of Black COVID-19 patients who have died in Chicago also had underlying health conditions, like

respiratory problems, hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black Americans, and Black people experience risk factors that contribute to heart disease like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol more often and earlier in life compared to White people. Thus, overall healthcare testing is needed throughout Black America.

Getting tested for important health issues—and understanding the results— empowers people to make informed and sometimes critical healthcare decisions.

In fact, 70 percent of medical decisions are based on results from diagnostic tests. Because there aren’t always obvious symptoms of a health issue, testing is one of the most effective ways to identify health concerns that may need to be addressed.

Quest Diagnostics is committed to creating partnerships with others to increase access in Black and other underserved communities. It’s time for the entire healthcare system to step up with similar commitments—with access to treatment and preventative care—to help Black communities move past this pandemic on an even ground with White America. Access, testing, and equity are keys to achieving and maintaining good health for all.

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What about those Derek Chauvin, manslaughter, and mayhem who didn’t get a J. Pharoah Doss COVID-19 Check It Out vaccine (yet)?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The harsh reality of COVID-19 is that everyone is not going to take the vaccine.

Don’t get me wrong, this is not an encouragement for anyone to not get the vaccine. I’m just looking at the reality of what we are facing as we fight our way out of this pandemic.

While we should continue do everything we can to support the total success of the current COVID-19 vaccine campaign, if we don’t fully embrace the sobering truth of the both the vaccine hesitancy and the anti-vaxxers, we playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette.

Always remember, that the strategy for beating this thing centers on something known as herd immunity. I’m sure you’ve heard that word by now. That is when the entire population is protected from the virus because enough of the general population has either been vaccinated or previously infected by the virus and developed natural antibodies. Needless to say, with a virus as deadly as COVID-19, we certainly don’t want to sit and watch enough folks get infected and hope enough of them don’t die to contribute to our herd immunity goal. That means we have to rely on the success of the vaccine campaign.

Now, back to the start of this column. We know (as

Glenn Ellis

Commentary much as we would rather not admit it) everyone is not going to get a vaccine! A Harvard study of registered voters found that 41 percent of them said that they would not take the vaccine. That’s a long way from herd immunity. We need somewhere around 80 percent of every man, woman, and child in America getting vaccinated. The startling reality in these numbers is that Pew Research found that of those who don’t currently plan to get a vaccine, the main reasons are concerns about side effects (72 percent); belief the vaccines were developed and tested too quickly (67 percent); and just want to know more about how well they work (61 percent). The figures for frontline healthcare workers who are planning to get the vaccine are as high as 35 percent. All because they are scared; simply don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Sadly, like many other things in our nation, health literacy for has always been a very low priority in the United States healthcare system.

Like I’ve been saying for years, “Information is the best medicine!” I’m not sure any of us knows how much money has been spent on the research, development, manufacturing, and distribution, and administration of these vaccines.

Likewise, no one can count how little has been spent to make sure the almost 350 million people in the United States can actually follow the science?

If we aren’t willing to address this dilemma in the allocation of our resources, and the accompanying priorities in addressing a public health crisis, who are we? Certainly, this is not what the wealthiest country on the planet, with the most expensive healthcare system, with the greatest advancements in research and technology is like, is it? Is this who we are?

Unless my math is off (which is possible), 30 percent of the people in the United States is a little over 100 million folks who are going to “spoil the herd immunity pie”. As reported in STAT, by Iain MacLeod, “To vaccinate 75 percent of the U.S. population, approximately 248 million people—that’s nearly 500 million doses—are needed. And it means we need to be vaccinating nearly 2 million people a day so all of them are immune by the fall of 2021. As I write this, we’re vaccinating only about 1 million people a day.

At that pace, Reuters estimates it would take until April 2022 for 75 percent of Americans to receive at least their first vaccine dose”.

It’s almost embarrassing that the first concerted, national effort to scratch the surface of public health education, was a dismal $50 million ad campaign.

That pales in comparison to the more than $12 billion Operation Warp Speed program allocated to vaccine makers: before the end of the summer! Heaven only knows what the price tag is now. This should encourage all of us, as stakeholders in this pandemic, to be prepared for a significant population-divide to emerge in 2021; those who have gotten the vaccine and those who don’t.

Now comes the big issue: Should the people who choose not to get vaccinated have restrictions imposed on them? Should they bear full responsibility for the role that a basic lack of information played in the decision to not take the vaccine? Will I be able to ride the bus or the subway if I am still deciding on whether to get a vaccine? Most importantly, who decides these things?

The United States is the only country in the developed world whose healthcare system is tied to the free market. That being said, it would be naïve to think that the bottom line in this massive engagement of the entire healthcare system wouldn’t be driven by the economic and political decisions. It plays out in how individual states are able to arbitrarily implement and/or relax restrictions, in response to their respective economic and political pressures.

We have to decide who we want to be, and if everyone matters.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one!

Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible! The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. I do not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a replacement form of treatment for physical, mental or medical problems by your doctor either directly or indirectly.

(Glenn Ellis, MPH is a Visiting Scholar at The National Bioethics Center at Tuskegee University and a Harvard Medical School Bioethics Fellow. For more good health information visit: www.glennellis.com.)

Right now, the Derek Chauvin trial is still in progress.

Chauvin is the White Minneapolis police officer that was captured on video with his “knee on the neck” of a handcuffed Black man—George Floyd —for over nine minutes.

Floyd died while pinned to the ground and his death was the catalyst for the 2020 multi-state riots.

The state of Minnesota charged Chauvin with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

According to Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines, the maximum recommendation for either murder charge is 15 years, but if Chauvin is found guilty of manslaughter, the most he would face is 57 months in prison.

To secure a conviction it’s imperative to understand how the prosecution needs to meet their burden of proof. For second-degree murder, the prosecutors must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused caused the death of the victim—without intent to effect death—while intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm upon the victim.

For third-degree murder, the prosecutors must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused caused the death of the victim—without intent —by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to the victim, while demonstrating a depraved mind without regard for life. For manslaughter, the prosecutors must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the accused caused the death of the victim by culpable negligence, whereby the accused created an unreasonable risk and consciously took chances that result-

ed in the death of the victim.

The historical record shows White police officers are rarely punished for “murdering Black men.” After Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, was shot and killed by a White police officer in 2014, riots erupted in Ferguson, Missouri, and when the grand jury decided not to indict the White police officer, violence broke out nationwide.

The damage of the 2020 multi-state riots after George Floyd’s death has been declared the worst in U.S. history. Every official in every American city is contemplating a single question: Will history repeat if Chauvin is acquitted?

Recently, a prominent Black Lives Matter activist confirmed the worstcase scenario by posting a video warning of riots if Chauvin was not convicted of the maximum sentence.

But the question no one has asked is: What if Chauvin is convicted of the lesser charge—manslaughter (only 57 months, if that)—will rioting still take place?

The BLM activist warned of riots if Chauvin was not convicted of second-degree murder, but there are others that are convinced the current charges against Chauvin were too

lenient to begin with. A prominent Black criminal defense attorney, who can be followed at AvengingTheAncestors.com, said, “Chauvin already won because the prosecutor inexplicably failed to charge first-degree murder.” The defense attorney called the second-degree murder charge against Chauvin insufficient and the manslaughter charge legally laughable.

The defense attorney went further and said, “If you think this is a case of just one White cop murdering just one innocent Black person, you’re delusional. It’s much more than that. It’s systemic racism throughout America’s police departments and throughout America itself.” This comment echoes Al Sharpton’s when Sharpton stated, “Derek Chauvin is in the courtroom, but America is on trial.”

Sharpton’s claim is that Chauvin represents a system that has enslaved, maimed, and lynched Black people from 1619 to the present.

According to that logic, there is no difference between Derek Chauvin and Byron De La Beckwith, the Klansman that assassinated Medgar Evers.

If Sharpton’s sentiment is strongly held by reactionary seekers of “social justice,” those that justify rioting “as the language of the unheard,” and those that believe in “avenging the ancestors,” then a manslaughter conviction will be a meager slap on the wrist for all of America’s crimes.

The first thing the protesters will shout is: Manslaughter is not enough!

Then history will repeat, except these rioters won’t be expressing righteous indignation, these rioters will be trying to slice America’s wrist.

Black and blue African Americans have a very long, very complicated history with law enforcement. The same is true of other racial and ethnic groups, especially the people who inhabited this land long before it became “America.” Still, no group is associated more with police repression than are Black folks. (One need not be a psychiatrist to know what images come first to most people’s mind when they think about police brutality.)

According to historian Gary Potter, Boston created America’s first full-time, publicly funded police force in 1838.

Businessmen wanted to protect—at taxpayers’ expense—the goods that flowed in and out of that famous harbor. But that’s only part of the story.

The fraught relationship between Blacks and the police is due in large part to the fact that the history of law enforcement is inextricably tied to slavery.

Modern police departments have their origin in groups of (primarily) White men who were hired to capture enslaved Black people who had the audacity to try to gain their freedom. In short, the police “force” started because White people wanted to protect their investments. In the North those investments were products. In the South they were people.

Of course, to be fair, laws and customs that protected human trafficking were not limited to the South. For example, the U.S. Congress passed fugitive slave laws in 1793 and 1850. Further, several northern colonies created laws to forcibly control enslaved Black bodies. Even after slavery was abolished, the Constitution allowed for exceptions as part of the criminal “justice” system.

Given this context—and the brutality

Larry Smith

Commentary that has continued to today—it may surprise some to learn that the vast majority of African Americans are not anti-police. Indeed, I cannot emphasize forcefully enough that being anti-brutality is not the same as being anti-police.

African Americans call the police more than any other racial group.

While some might argue that this is true solely due to the realities of crime, the fact remains that this would not be the case if we genuinely had a congenital aversion to law enforcement.

We recognize that blue lives are often wrapped in Black skin. Police officers are our fathers and mothers. They are our sisters and brothers. They are our cousins and friends. We pray for their safety.

We cheer their promotions. We help track down those who harm us (though we could be better at doing so). We support their charities. And we mourn their deaths.

On the rare occasions in which I have encountered Black folks who actively wish police officers harm, there is always a story. A personal one. A painful one.

They and/or their family members have been targeted—unjustly in some cases.

And even when extra scrutiny from law enforcement has been merited, the tactics that have been employed have often been overly aggressive.

Police officers have power that even the president of the United States doesn’t have. With few exceptions, the president has to get permission to take the life of an American citizen; police officers don’t.

Most officers have the moral character and personal restraint to avoid abusing this incredible power. Too many do not.

White Americans need to understand that our concerns about the police are not parochial. (Even if they were, we would be justified given America’s history.) The fact is that the things that best serve the interests of Black Americans are—and always have been—those that best serve the interests of all Americans.

That includes police reform.

I’ve thought about all of this as I have experienced the trial of the former police officer who murdered George Floyd.

Much of the witness testimony has been heart-rending. Men who I have not met —but know very well—are openly crying as they express regret at not having “done more.” Watching Floyd’s murder over and over again exacts a heavy price.

But not doing so would cost even more.

Recently, my son asked me why I named him “Justin.” I told him that I did so because the root of his name is “justice.” (Besides, his mother mercilessly vetoed my attempt to name him after me.) As I endure this trial, I keep seeing my face in place of George Floyd’s. Then, unbearably, I see my son’s. Justice demands accountability. Justice demands a guilty verdict. Justice demands sending a message to America that Black lives, even those of drug-addicted and imperfect people, matter.

(Larry Smith is a community leader. Contact him at larry@leaf-llc.com.)

Biden’s promise to diversify the courts (TriceEdneyWire.com)—People who care about equal justice under the law should be very happy about President Joe Biden’s first set of judicial nominees. I am especially excited about the three outstanding Black women that President Biden nominated to the circuit courts—the appeals court level just below the U.S. Supreme Court. You will soon be hearing more about all these highly credentialed and accomplished women: Ketanji Brown Jackson, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, and Tiffany Cunningham.

Biden is fulfilling his promise to bring professional diversity to courts that are dominated by former prosecutors and corporate lawyers. Ketanji Brown Jackson and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi both have experience as public defenders.

Jackson is now a federal district judge who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2013.

Biden has pledged to nominate the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court.

These nominees are a good sign that he intends to keep that promise, too. It is shameful that the Seventh Circuit, which has jurisdiction over diverse cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis, currently has only White judges. The confirmation of Jackson-Akiwumi will change that. The confirmation of Tiffany Cunningham will make her the first Black judge ever to serve on the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.

These brilliant women will also bring other perspectives that are sorely lacking

Ben Jealous

Commentary on the courts. Judge Jackson was vice chair and commissioner on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, where she advocated for ending the brutally unjust and anti-Black discrepancy between sentences for crack cocaine and powder cocaine. As a public defender, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi represented more than 400 people who could not afford a lawyer.

Tiffany Cunningham has been nominated to the specialized federal circuit, which needs judges familiar with science and technology issues. Cunningham not only has a law degree from Harvard, but a degree in chemical engineering from MIT. She has been repeatedly named to legal publications’ lists of the country’s best lawyers. She is impressive.

This is history in the making, not just for these judges but for all the people who will be influenced by their decisions. Legendary civil rights advocate Mary Frances Berry recently wrote, “When the American people voted in November, we chose a new Congress and administration that we believed would deliver change. That means passing legislation that actually helps everyday

people, not just the rich and powerful.

It also means having the right people in key positions to bring that ‘real people’ focus to policymaking and to upholding the law.”

As Berry pointed out, the success of these trailblazing women will also create new opportunities for the women and girls who follow them. Former President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees were overwhelmingly White—around four percent of his judges are Black — and mostly picked for their loyalty to a right-wing judicial ideology that sacrifices individual rights and the common good to states’ rights and the power of corporations. Trump appointed no Black women to the circuit courts. Confirming Biden’s judicial nominees will begin the process of repairing the damage done to our courts during the Trump administration and restoring faith in our courts.

Unfortunately, we have seen that being extremely well qualified does not prevent women of color from being unfairly attacked. Right-wing groups have spent millions of dollars to smear women of color nominated to Biden’s cabinet and to high-level positions at the U.S. Justice Department. People For the American Way has launched the Her Fight Our Fight campaign to support the women of color who are ready to help lead the way to a more just, more inclusive, multiethnic and multiracial democratic society.

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

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Award Sponsors

ROD DOSS

Patron Sponsors

Once again, the New Pittsburgh Courier is pleased to present an array of outstanding individuals—the “Men of Excellence,” Class of 2021. They join the distinguished list of previous honorees that have left an indelible mark of achievement, service and sacrifice on the fabric of our community. They are resplendent in deed, unselfish in commitment and courageous in purpose. Their individual accomplishments have lifted this city and its people to new heights. These are the men we honor, acknowledging the distinctive contributions made by African American men; each of whom has made an impact on Pittsburgh and the region during the past year, furthering our city’s greatness and pride in our community.

As always, it would not have been possible to compile this list of talented men without the help of the Courier readers, which submitted the names of those who met the criteria. The extensive list of submissions stands as a testament to the broad array of gifted personalities who work and serve in our community.

These extraordinary “Men of Excellence” now appear in the pages of this special tribute publication, each a shining example of how hard work, integrity and determination lead to success. We trust their achievements will inspire others to pursue excellence in their chosen fields of endeavor.

We thank our sponsors and advertisers for their support in making this special publication and awards presentation possible. This special edition stands as a record of accomplishment and a landmark of achievement for those in our community. We encourage you to share it with others.

Congratulations to the “Men of Excellence,” Class of 2021.

During this pandemic, we invite you to watch the 2021 Virtual Awards Celebration of the “Men of Excellence” Run of Show on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 6 p.m.

Details to follow.

Class of 2021 Honorees LEGACY HONOREE Bishop Loran E. Mann HONOREES Byron T. Allen Michael Barnes Stanley Bell Roy Blankenship Jr. Thomas Burley Johnnie Burton Stephan Davis Derrick Davis Roger W. Davis, Ed.D. Luther J. Dupree Jr. Kelton Edmonds, Ph.D. Vincent D. Elliott George Fleming Allan Francette Robert B. Fulton Eric Gibson Damon Givner Clyburn Halley Chris Howard Brent Jernigan Elijha David King Tayon Mitchell Alton Mitchell Kelly E. Morrissey Justin Nwokeji Shabaka Perkins Anthony W. Pipkin Michael Potter Jace Ransom Charles J. Reeves Christopher W. Robinson Ronald B. Saunders Leland Scales Ryan S. Scott William Simmons, M.D. Terry Smith George C. Spencer Sr. Mark Stuckey Daniel Taylor Shawn Thomas Chester D. Thompson, DSc. Curtis Upsher Jr. Robert D. Walker Thomas Washington Jr. Rev. John C. Welch, Ph.D. Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr. Brandon White Marlin Woods, CPC Dante Works

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BISHOP LORAN E. MANN LEGACY HONOREE Bishop of Vermont Jurisdiction, Church of God in Christ Senior Pastor, Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ The ministry of Bishop Loran E. Mann spans more than 40 years and is synonymous with spiritual, inspirational and visionary leadership.

Called to preach the Gospel while a junior in high school, Bishop Mann appeared to be destined for a unique future. His extraordinary gifting is most evident in his ministry.

Bishop Mann attended the University of Pittsburgh and holds an honorary doctorate from Waynesburg University, just south of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Mann began his pastoral ministry in 1969 with the founding of Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ. The membership of this new congregation was comprised of 19 people who were won to Christ in a tent revival. Since then, Pen-

tecostal Temple, blessed with record growth, has become a congregation of several hundred families, with new converts being added consistently. In January 1991, Pentecostal Temple dedicated a newly constructed $1.2 million sanctuary. The second phase of this vision is the construction of a Community Outreach Complex, which will house the church’s educational, recreational and social ministries.

A respected former broadcast journalist, Dr. Mann received n u m e r o u s awards over his 21-year career as news anchor/ reporter for WPXITV (Channel 11). Dr. Mann’s radio

programs, “Daily Bread” and “Sunday With Christ” are acclaimed among the most popular in the Pittsburgh area.

In 1992, Bishop Mann led Pentecostal Temple into ownership in the broadcasting industry with the acquisition of WGBN-AM (1150), which is the first station in the Pittsburgh market to offer Gospel music programming 24 hours per day. Since embarking upon this endeavor, WGBN has exceeded all expectations and any competition, to become one of the most popular radio stations in the Pittsburgh area. This distinction was achieved in record time. In 2006, another of Bishop Mann’s dreams was realized when he became a founding member of the “Rejoice Musical Soulfood Network,” which offers Gospel music programming by satellite to 52 subscribing stations across the country. WGBN is the network’s flagship station.

Bishop Mann is actively involved in the global ministry of the Church of God in Christ. In April 2000, he was appointed Commissioner of Television for the denomination by Presiding Bishop G. E. Patterson. He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the General Assembly, the legislative branch of the Church. He formerly served as First Administrative Assistant in t h e

First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church-Western Pennsylvania.

Bishop Mann’s contributions are too numerous to list. He lends his gifts, skill and knowledge to many agencies and churches of various denominations.

In March 2005, Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell appointed Dr. Mann as a member of the Pennsylvania Public Television Network. This commission has oversight and establishes policy for all public television stations in Pennsylvania.

Bishop Mann began global ministry in 2005 when he established the Worldwide Gospel Network to provide religious programming via Internet 24/7.

In April 2010, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake appointed Dr. Mann as Press Secretary to the Office of the Presiding Bishop. Bishop Mann is the familiar host of “Interlude,” the nightly Internet broadcast of the Annual Holy Convocation as well as the Official Day Service carried worldwide on the WORD Television Network.

Dr. Mann was elevated to the Episcopacy and appointed Bishop of the state of Vermont on June 2, 2011.

He was consecrated to that Holy and Sacred office on November 7, 2011, during the 104th International Holy Convocation of the Church of God in Christ in St. Louis. Bishop Mann’s Episcopal classmates chose him as Vice President of the Class of 2011, one of the largest classes of bishops in the history of the Church of God in Christ. Bishop Mann serves as Chairman of Jubilee Broadcasting Corporation, which operates Radio Station KSTL radio (690 AM) in St. Louis.

Bishop Mann and his wife, Barbara, are the parents of two children, Tiana and Loran II. Tiana, a graduate of Ohio University and the University of Maryland School of Law, is an attorney in Washington, D.C. Loran II is an anointed minister and musician who plays a vital role in Pentecostal Temple.

The New Pittsburgh Courier is beyond proud to recognize Bishop Loran Mann as our “Men of Excellence” Class of 2021 Legacy Honoree.

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Class of 2019 Honorees LEGACY HONOREE WILLIAM E. STRICKLAND JR. HONOREES AARON ALDRICH KEVIN ALTON ANTHONY ANDERSON WAHAD ANSARI BRANDON BAKER EDDIE BELL ISAIAH CRESENT BEY PASTOR NEVILLE A. BROOKS REV. DR. DARRYL T. CANADY ANTHONY CARLISLE, PHD BISHOP DONALD O. CLAY JR. HARVEY COLE JR. PARRISH DAVENPORT AUSTIN A. DAVIS CHARLES DESHAZER, MD DONALD GRAY III CHARLES GREER SR. AKIL “ESOON” GRIFFIN DEAVON HAMMONDS BARNETT HARRIS SR. REV. DR. JAMES H. HARRIS SR. NELSON E. HARRISON, PHD LEN HAWKINS CAIN HAYES DENNIS HENDERSON LEONARD HOLT ERIC HOWZE REV. JAMES E. HUNT ANTHONY JEFFERSON REV. TORREY O. JOHNSON WAYNE JONES ROBERT M. JONES JR. SHANNON LAWHORN JEFF MALLORY GORDON MANKER BROTHER MARLON MARTIN JOHNNIE MIOTT WILLIAM MITCHELL SR. BRANDON PHILLIPS DARELLE A. PORTER ORONDE SHARIF JEROME TAYLOR, PHD BERNARD TAYLOR JR., EDD ADAM C. WALKER DARRELL L. WARDEN MARK WEIR ERIC L. WELLS ANTHONY WILLIAMS DOUGLAS WILLIAMS SR. RYAN D. WOOTEN

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

TECHNOLOGY BYRON T. ALLEN

Project Manager, Highmark Byron T. Allen is a Pittsburgh native, raised in the Homewood community. He was formally educated at St. Paul’s Cathedral grade school and Central Catholic High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. He is also a certified Scrum Master for agile technology project management.

Mr. Allen’s professional experiences include: Highmark Project Manager—Technological Liaison for the Medicare Advantage Risk Score Accuracy Program; Senior Information Technology Risk Analyst, Vice President at BNY Mellon (Digital Workplace Technology Division), Technology Risk Analyst, Foreign & Domestic Tax Accountant, and Derivative Instrument Trade Analyst.

Mr. Allen’s community and professional affiliations include Executive Board member for Shepherd Wellness Community Non-Profit; 1st Executive Vice President of the University of Pittsburgh’s African

American Alumni Council; AAAC Pittsburgh Chapter President; and former Chair of BNY Mellon Pittsburgh’s Campus Diversity & Inclusion Business Resource Groups. He currently chairs the AAAC alumni mentoring collaboration between Pitt’s R.I.S.E. students and Black alumni.

Mr. Allen believes that we are in a time of critical change, especially for African Americans. At no other point in American history have African Americans been in a position to decide their futures so willingly and with relative ease. Technology is at an all-time high, ushering in access to digital education and communications streams that can level the playing field regardless of physical, personal or social differences.

Mr. Allen’s focus is to leverage technologies and the collective insight of community leaders, to create lasting programs that will benefit our community.

ENTREPRENEUR MICHAEL BARNES Owner Roux Orleans Catering

Michael Barnes is a New Orleans native who moved to Pittsburgh’s East End in 2014 with his family. While he worked in restaurants throughout his life, “Chef Mike” realized that he could add his own flavor to the ‘Burgh through his food. He created Roux Orleans in 2017 to bring Southern Creole flavors up North. Chef Mike has worked in several kitchens, including his grandmother’s over the past 20 years, perfecting knife skills and flavor profiles from some of the best chefs in Louisiana. With Roux

Orleans, Chef Mike is able to bring some of his homegrown passion to a new city while focusing on developing the communities around him through job creation.

Mr. Barnes feels as though bringing the Southern Creole flavors to the Steel City can only enhance the various food and flavor the city has to offer.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

JOURNEYMAN

COMMUNITY SERVICE

STANLEY BELL

ROY BLANKENSHIP JR.

Local 154 Boilermakers Stanley Bell was born and raised in the Beltzoover neighborhood. He is husband to Sonita Bell and father to Timothy Bell. He is the son of Jacqueline Marie Bell and Stanley Cornelius Bell. He is a devout journeyman number of Pittsburgh’s Local 154 Boilermakers, where he is recognized as a hard worker and exceptional welder.

Mr. Bell has successfully navigated through the ranks of the Boilermakers, earning numerous certifications and titles along the way. Since Mr. Bell’s 2006 membership, he has traveled across the country, building and maintaining power plants while serving as Boilermaker stewart and foreman. In 2017, Mr. Bell became the first African American to serve as Superintendent and General Foreman on a Heat Recovery Steam Generator , also known as an HRSG boiler project. The HRSG was recognized on the front page of USA Today as the first HRSG to be built on land then transported by barge on the Hudson River in the U.S. But his proudest accomplishments

APRIL 14-20, 2021

other than being a husband, father and boilermaker are serving as past outreach worker coordinator and gang mediator for nonprofit organization One Vision One Life. Today, Mr. Bell serves at The Lord’s Church of Pittsburgh in the Boys To Men program as community mentor and prayer warrior.

Community Outreach Manager, Hilltop Alliance Founder, Blankenship Estate Enterprises Roy Blankenship Jr. is a resident of the Knoxville neighborhood, and the husband and father of 15. He is employed at the community development non-profit Hilltop Alliance as the Community Outreach Manager. He is also employed by the Black Political Empowerment Project as the Community Organizer and Founder of Blankenship Estate Enterprises, an administrative community outreach consulting LLC, working in the fields of community development, construction, real estate and marketing. In his personal efforts to provide community equity, education and growth, he is a board member of Knoxville Community Council, a member of Mad Dads and the Vice President of Zone 3’s Public Safety Council. He is the new Appointed Commissioner on the City of Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission.

Mr. Blankenship is a graduate of the mayor’s 2017 Civic Leadership Academy, and also one of the chief architects of the U.N.I.F.I.E.D movement, which stands for the Urban Neighborhood Initiative for Integrity, Education, and Development. This movement is to help rebuild the deterioration and hopelessness of ur-

ban communities, because the realization is that community is composed of every entity living and working within an area.

So, if an issue arises with a resident/citizen, it is relevant for all community-based entities to participate in the solution. No person should be failed when so many hands can be extended.

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Class of 2017 Honorees LEGACY HONOREE LOUIS ‘HOP’ KENDRICK HONOREES JOEL ACIE VERNARD ALEXANDER JOHN AYERS BARATA BEY HAROLD L. BLYE KENYON R. BONNER FRED BROWN QUINTIN B. BULLOCK, DDS BRIAN BURLEY KEVIN CARTER LLOYD CHEATOM BRANDON D. CONEY CHRISTOPHER EDMONDS FREDDIE FIELDS REV. DR. WILLIAM R. GLAZE DONTA GREEN PHILIP GREENE JR. ROBERT (JON) HAIRSTON ANTHONY HAMLET, EDD LEONARD HAMMONDS II RAHMON HART, EDD JERRY HARVEY RICHARD L. HATCHER II CARLTON HEYWOOD TODD J. HOLLIS, ESQ. JEROME JACKSON ROBERT JAMES DONNIE KYTE GABRIEL MEDLEY RICKY MOODY DAVID L. MOTLEY VICTOR MUSGROVE DAVID I. ODOM EMIOLA JAY ORIOLA KYLE PERDUE ROBERT J. POWELL DWAYNE RANKIN RICHARD A. STEWART JR. JAMES E. TAYLOR, PHD JOSH TAYLOR TERRELL THOMAS DARRYL T. WILEY PHILLIP K. WOODS, EDD JAMAL WOODSON AYODEJI YOUNG

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

COMMUNITY SERVICE THOMAS BURLEY

Community Leader Retired, Westinghouse Electric Power Systems Tom Burley attended Pittsburgh Public Schools and graduated from Westinghouse High School in January 1958.

He advanced his education by attending Westinghouse Technical School of Engineering, and received his degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduated in June 1963; attended University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and graduated in 1974 with a master’s degree in Public Administration. He sat for and earned his Professional Engineer license in Pennsylvania in 1972 and is a registered professional engineer in the state.

Mr. Burley grew up in the Homewood community with his parents, his three brothers (Sonny, Jack and Bob), and his first cousins, Ken and Rick DeHonney.

He retired from corporate America after six years with Battelle Northwest Laboratories in Washington state and 38 years with Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the commercial nuclear power field, primarily as Domestic and International Projects Manager and as a Business Development and Marketing Manager. In those roles he was responsible for fulfilling contracts for hundreds of millions of dollars in

backlog nuclear fuel business with electric utilities in the United States, Asia, Eastern and Western Europe and South America. He traveled extensively in carrying out his responsibilities.

He authored or co-authored 13 open literature articles and papers on high temperature, high-stress performance of radioactive materials while in-reactor.

He also co-owned and managed a local upscale Jazz club and restaurant, Crawford Grill at Station Square, for a number of years.

Since retiring, Mr. Burley has enjoyed life, and found time to serve in leadership positions in a number of community-based and social organizations such as the Centre Avenue and Thelma Lovette YMCAs, FROGS Club, Auberlee Youth Home, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and Name of the Game Golf Foundation, which, for a number of years, awarded monetary scholarships and presented golf clubs to graduating high school seniors who were college-bound.

Mr. Burley has always been about the business of being a positive role model and helping our young men by mentoring them and showing them how “success comes to those who never stop

striving.”

Mr. Burley lives in Penn Hills with his wife of 60 years, Margaret, and is devoted to his daughters, Janis Burley-Wilson and Lori Yvonne Burley, and his four grandchildren, Margaux, Liza and Thomas Wilson and Maya Burley.

ENTREPRENEUR JOHNNIE BURTON

Owner BFF Arbor & Lawn

Johnnie Ray Burton was born in Pittsburgh, attended Pittsburgh Public Schools before moving to the suburbs with his family. While living in Wall, Pa., Mr. Burton was exposed to new activities like dirt bike riding, four-wheeling, and hiking. As a teenager, Mr. Burton became a volunteer junior firefighter and worked for the Wilmerding Borough maintenance department. He graduated in 2003 from East Allegheny High School, and went on to attend Community College of Allegheny County.

In 2007, Mr. Burton began working for Iron Mike’s Tree Service. As an apprentice, he immersed himself in every aspect of the tree industry. Later, he was hired by Nelson Tree Service where he was quickly promoted to Crew Foreman. While at Nelson, Mr. Burton became involved in the IBEW Local 1919 Tree Trimmer’s Union and became a Union Steward.

He was also the Youth Li-

aison for IBEW. While working at Nelson, he launched his own landscaping business, BFF Arbor & Lawn. In less than two years, he added tree services.

Currently, Mr. Burton has eight employees and he is a certified arborist for the International Society of Arboriculture. He is also certified in the application of herbicides.

He operates his business safe and efficiently, due to the continuous on-site training he provides to his crew. Since establishing his business in 2015, Mr. Burton has successfully multiplied his revenue and forged a path of his own in the tree industry.

Mr. Burton has been instrumental in assisting young men who are re-entering society after serving time in prison. One of Mr. Burton’s goals as an entrepreneur and union member is to establish an apprenticeship program to train new arborists. Mr. Burton is striving to introduce his industry to our urban communities, for those who could be interested in the trade. Mr. Burton donates to organizations throughout the Pittsburgh area, including police departments, youth sports programs and charities.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

APRIL 14-20, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

EXECUTIVE COACHING

DERRICK DAVIS

STEPHAN DAVIS

Founder & CEO H.L.R. Entertainment, LLC Derrick “Philly Dee” Davis is the Founder/CEO of H.L.R. (Honesty, Loyalty & Respect) Entertainment & Big League University, a digital media platform/agency for “prime-time players.” He also serves as the Director of Business Development with Lee Davis & Associates Consulting in Pittsburgh, and is a former team member of TEAMMASHN A&R. “Philly Dee” has been responsible for bringing some of the biggest names in the music industry to the region. The years that he’s dedicated to providing entertainment afforded him the opportunity to work with many different celebrities in many different capacities.

His honest way of conducting business and loyalty to his clients earned their respect. It was those relationships & experience that birthed his brand, H.L.R. ENT, LLC. Philly Dee is making a name for himself using a different approach - THE TEAMMASHN A&R MODEL. In an

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President & Executive Coach Davis & Associates era where rapping, producing and DJing are the new hustles, as a Host/ Promoter/Agent, Philly Dee was hosting and promoting shows for major artists like Cleveland’s Hometown Hero, “Machine Gun Kelly,” while also working his way to the top. A. He started hosting local artists’ shows within the Rochester, Pa., and Midland, Pa., areas.

Rocking shows at Armando’s and keeping the crowd entertained throughout the artists’ performances can be a challenge, but Philly Dee found a way to keep the crowd entertained and coming back for more.

After larger paydays and energized crowds, “Philly” moved from the smalltown crowds to larger city partygoers.

One month later, Philly Dee & Rap Head booked popular rapper “Philadelphia Freeway” and Philly Dee was perfectly positioned to welcome the opportunity to host the show.

Philly Dee had officially “arrived.” He was able to lock down the town of Chester, Va., and surrounding areas as the new “host with the most” on the block.

Philly Dee’s vision and mission under Big League University provides him the opportunity to work with “high level” operating individuals in the sports, music and entertainment industries to help them broadcast their stories and build their platforms. It produces positive change and inspiration by providing coaching, mentoring, life skills and sports training methods to others such as youth, community-based coaches, mentors, athletes, educators and other professionals.

Philly Dee’s ultimate goal is not just to be in a league of his own, but also to use his experience, skills and relationships to create a “Big League” for others to be a part of and thrive. It’s his way of paying it forward and encouraging others to do the same.

Stephan Davis is the President and Executive Coach of Davis & Associates. Davis & Associates is a results-focused executive coaching, human resources and board development services business. Mr. Davis has provided executive coaching, human resources, organizational and board development technical assistance since 2004. This includes serving businesses, not-for-profit organizations and churches.

With more than 35 years of experience, Mr. Davis has held key executive positions with two Fortune 500 companies.

They include Dominion Resources (formally known as Consolidated Natural Gas) and Equitable Resources.

He has served as the Senior Vice President &

Chief Administrative Officer for The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh for 14 years. Currently, he is active serving his church. He leads the human resources department and aspects of the business and ministry operations of Bible Center Church, located in Homewood.

Through the years, he has worked with clients in the energy, technology, housing, economic development, education, not-for-profit and faithbased sectors. These experiences give him exceptional insights to best practices for capacity-building and organizational development.

Mr. Davis has had the good fortune of serving as an Executive Coach and human resources service provider with The Program To Aid Citizens Enterprise (PACE) since the coaching program’s inception. He has coached multiple African American executives and professionals of Black-led organizations through his affiliation with PACE. Mr. Davis has performed multiple capacity-building and human resources projects for PACE and others regionally and nationally.

Other things to note about Mr. Davis is that he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia State College. He has served on multiple boards over the years and is currently active as Chair of the Governance Committee for Amachi Pittsburgh.

He has three grown children and five grandchildren. He enjoys listening to gospel, smooth jazz, traveling, fishing and golfing in his spare time.

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Class of 2014 Honorees LEGACY HONOREES HONORABLE JUSTIN M. JOHNSON HONORABLE LIVINGSTONE JOHNSON HONOREES EMMAI ALAQUIVA CASTER D. BINION CECIL E. BRAZOS III REGINALD E. BROWN, F.A.H.M. COUNCILMAN REV. RICKY V. BURGESS BISHOP OTIS L. CARSWELL WINFORD R. CRAIG PARADISE GRAY ELWIN GREEN JEFFREY GRUBBS PAUL TERRANCE HARPER, PHD EUGENE E. HARRIS GEORGE HOWARD MELVIN HUBBARD EL LANCE HYDE BILLY JACKSON CHARLES CHERNOR JALLOH KEVIN L. JENKINS REV. THOMAS E. JOHNSON JR. REV. CORNELL D. JONES DARRYL E. JONES R. BLAINE JONES II ESQ. ABASS B. KAMARA BRANDIN KNIGHT BOB MCCALL EVERETT M. MCELVEEN NATE MITCHELL RICHARD L. MORRIS JOSIFANI MUNYIKA MOYO BS, MS K. CHASE PATTERSON DR. CHENITS PETTIGREW JR. CLYDE WILSON PICKETT CURTISS E. PORTER, PHD RICHARD G. PORTIS JAMES REID GREGORY T. ROGERS, JD CHARLES A. SAUNDERS PASTOR MICHAEL H. SMITH, M.A.R., CPC ERIC C. STRONG J. T. THOMAS PAGE THOMAS FRANK C. WALKER II WAYNE N. WALTERS HOMER L. WALTON ESQ. JESSE WASHINGTON HONORABLE RALPH P. WATSON DERRICK WILSON REGINALD B. YOUNG

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

EDUCATION ROGER W. DAVIS, Ed.D.

President Community College of Beaver County The CCBC Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Roger W. Davis as the College’s ninth president and first African American president on Feb. 26, 2019. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Davis served as CCBC’s Executive Vice President and Provost.

He has successfully fostered a strategic plan that transformed the college’s culture of assessment, retention, and diversity, and strengthened its core values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Students First, and Excellence (RAISE). His drive towards excellence led to the college’s recognition as one of the 2020 Great Colleges to Work For and The Beaver County Times’ Best of the Valley consecutively. In addition, as a champion for student success and retention, he partnered with faculty and staff to establish the first CCBC Honors program and grow the distinctive High School Academies.

Dr. Davis created an engaged and diverse CCBC Foundation Board where, since May 2018, they have raised over $8 million in grants and gifts, including the President Roger W. Davis Excellence Fund and built the $5 million Shell Center for Process Technology Education.

A resident of Rochester, he is an active com-

munity member throughout the region. Dr. Davis serves on boards for Beaver County March of Dimes, Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, Beaver County Educational Trust, and United Way of Beaver County. He is currently the board chair for The Franklin Center of Beaver County. Noted as a dynamic speaker, Dr. Davis is often called upon to speak at regional and national conferences, and local events.

His first book, “The 30 Most Powerful Words in the English Language,” was released Jan. 1, 2021.

President Davis earned a doctoral degree in Urban Educational Leadership from Morgan State University; a Master of Science degree in Adult Education with Honors from Coppin State College; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

COMMUNITY SERVICE LUTHER J. DUPREE JR.

Service Coordinator, Pittsburgh Mercy Producer/Host, Steel City Sports World

A Peabody High School graduate, Luther J. Dupree Jr., has dedicated his personal and professional life towards uplifting his community, especially the youth. Upon his graduation from Howard University, he founded Steel City Sports World (SCSW), a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the lives of young people from underserved communities in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas through sports and the media. Through SCSW, he has awarded hundreds of trophies and awards during his live television show, which celebrates youth achievements. He developed free flag football and basketball leagues to provide at-risk youth with positive activities. Mr. Dupree

is a member of MAD DADS and has been an Amachi Pittsburgh mentor for several years. He is the President of the Board at Pittsburgh Community Television and has the longest running, live sports show on PCTV-21. As a Service Coordinator with Pittsburgh Mercy, he supports adults and families struggling with mental health issues. He received the Consumer Choice Award at Mercy Behavioral and was featured in the agency’s promotional campaign. He serves as a Lay Minister at Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church, where he is one of the teachers for the youth classes.

A devout family man, Luther is husband to Simone and father to Jacoby, Nia and Destiny.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

EDUCATION KELTON EDMONDS, Ph.D. Professor California Univ. of Pennsylvania

Dr. Kelton Edmonds currently resides in the Pittsburgh area with his wife, Tonya, and daughters, Kyah and Kalise. He received his B.A. and M.A. in history from North Carolina A&T (1997, 1999), then earned his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri (2005), specializing in African American History. His main research focuses on Black Student Activism and his most recent

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

APRIL 14-20, 2021

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HBCU ADVOCATE

publications address, “Unraveling the Charlottesville Confederate Statue Protests,” “Commemorating the Sit-in Movement,” “1932 vs. 2020 Presidential President, Western PA Elections” and “Voter Suppression.”

Dr. Edmonds moved to the Pittsburgh Council of HBCU Alumni area in 2005, and has taught at California University of PA for 16 years.

Vincent D. Elliott, from Pittsburgh’s He has been one of the most decorated faculty members at CalU, earning the Homewood neighborhood, went to FPDC Merit Award for Service (2009), Westinghouse High School where the Presidential Gala Award for Out- he played trombone in the Westingstanding Service and Service Learning (2012), the Dr. Caryl Sheffield Award for Mentoring and Diversity Leadership (2019) and the CB Wilson Distinguished Faculty Award (2021). He was also awarded “Faculty of the Year” by CalU Women United (2017) and BSU (2013).

Dr. Edmonds also developed an African American Studies Minor at CalU, re-established Black History Month as a major campus institution, created the widely popular Annual Hip-Hop Conference, and arranged visitation tours of CalU for Pittsburgh-area high school students. For eight years, Dr. Edmonds served as Director of CalU’s Frederick Douglass Diversity Institute, and he is a founding member of the Edna B. McKenzie branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, where he also served as Vice President and President (2014-2017).

VINCENT D. ELLIOTT

house High Stepping Marching Band.

After graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged, he enrolled in Alabama State University where he majored in Business Marketing. After graduation he held a position as an Alabama State Lobbyist, Licensed Real Estate Broker and a Night Club owner (Vintage Soul Lounge) located in Shorter, Alabama.

He came home in 2012 and discovered that area schools weren’t promoting historically Black Colleges and Universities as a post-secondary educational opportunity. So with a few other HBCU alums he founded the Western PA Council of HBCU Alumni. Since then the organization holds annual HBCU College Fairs with several trips to Central State University, Wilberforce University and Morgan State University. He’s responsible for hosting 65 of our area students to the Circle City Classic held in Indianapolis, where the Jackson State University football team played Kentucky State University.

Our area students had the opportunity to experience the HBCU culture.

Since 2016 the Western PA Council of HBCU Alumni had assisted 586 students to enroll in our nation’s HBCUs.

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Class of 2012 Honorees LEGACY HONOREE AARON A. WALTON HONOREES LOUIS T. ALEXANDER LARRY D. ANDERSON SR. DAVID J. ATKINS KEVIN BOLDING TYYRONE BROOKS ARCHIE L. BROWN COACH WILLIAM BROWN TONY BYERS PHD WILLIAM M. CARTER JR. JONAS CHANEY CHARLES COOK FREDERICK B. CRAWFORD WAVERLY DUCK ERVIN DYER ERIC EWELL BISHOP JOSEPH L. GARLINGTON SR. PHD JUAN GARRETT PASTOR GREGORY GREENE STEVEN GRIFFIN STANLEY HOLBROOK CDR. ERIC HOLMES RODNEY K. HOPSON PHD ELLIOT HOWSIE, ESQ. CALVIN L. JACKSON JR. BRANDON R. JENNINGS VINCENT O. JOHNSON CHIEF CHARLES R. JONES JR. FREDRICK O. KENDRICK PHD JOHN R. LAYMON JR. REV. DR. LAMAR D. LEE JR. BRACE S. LOWE FREDERICK A MASSEY JR. DARREN MCCORMICK JESSE JAMES MCLEAN JR. LINWOOD MITCHELL LARRY C. PICKETT CHARLES M. POWELL SR. JULIUS LEE REDD FREDERICK REDMOND LARRY S. SMEDLEY HARVEY JAMES SMITH JR. KERRY A STITH WILL THOMPKINS DR. ROBERT L. THOMPSON DR. MORRIS E. TURNER EUSTACE UKU CHRISTOPHAS WALKER RICARDO J. WILLIAMS DAVID A. YOUNG

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

HUMAN SERVICES GEORGE FLEMING

Program Supervisor and Outreach Specialist, Fathers Involved Now Program Allegheny Family Network George J. Fleming is a native of Pittsburgh. He is a graduate of Clarion University with a Bachelor of Science, and has worked in the Human Services field for the past 30 years. At an early age, Mr. Fleming realized that he had compassion for the plight of all people and a desire to serve them. His background in the Human

Services field includes several decades of executive administration and oversight for alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment, residential group homes, mental health services, reunification services, homeless shelters, mentorship and prevention services.

In 2016, Mr. Fleming founded the nonprofit 501c3 organization The Father’s Touch. This organization was birthed over the years from his passion for working with men and families. Over his extensive career, Mr. Fleming noticed an undervalued and missing link in families and the community at-large; men and fathers. The Father’s Touch is designed to provide education, training, coaching, opportunities and cultural and recreational activities to help men reach their maximum potential as fathers, husbands and leaders in their homes and community.

Mr. Fleming established CG Consulting and Training, LLC, to provide workshops, trainings and consulting to individuals, groups, leaders, churches and corporations.

Mr. Fleming teaches with compassion and passion the Intimate Partners Violence Training as a consultant and group facilitator for Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater

Pittsburgh Men’s Program. He served as a consultant to Homewood Children’s Village to utilize the mapping process to identify gaps in systems through research and logic models to guide and direct the process. Mr. Fleming is a contracted provider for various agencies for: Father Engagement; Trauma Informed Care; The Effects of Trauma on the African American Community; Chemical Dependency/Recovery; Leadership Development; and other subject matters.

Mr. Fleming is currently the Program Supervisor & Outreach Specialist for Allegheny Family Network’s Fathers Involved Now program, a family-run organization which helps support and partner with families rearing children who have emotional and mental health needs to improve their quality of life. This work is directly related to developing collaborative relationships with community organizations and service providers that provide services to men, their families and their children. Mr. Fleming’s passion allows him to see opportunities to address gaps in services and the stigmas men face at various levels of care. One of his life’s goals is to help as many men possible, to live purposeful lives.

ENTREPRENEUR ALLAN FRANCETTE

Owner Big Al’s Unisex Hair Salon Allan Francette is a loving husband, father and respected businessman. His entrepreneurial spirit started at a young age in his native country, the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. The sixth in line of a family of eight children, he had to learn to be self-sufficient early in life.

At 14 years old he was asked by his older brother to fix his hair after a bad experience at a neighborhood hair salon.

It was at that moment he realized that he had a natural skill to cut hair and developed a small clientele that he cut for free.

After being given an ultimatum by his mother to charge his clients at least $2 (33 cents in U.S. dollars) per cut or face the plug being pulled, he made the easy decision to do so and thus begin his barber career.

After finishing high school, he attended John Donaldson Technical Institute in Port Of Spain Trinidad for Electrical Electronic Engineering, and then attended the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Training College where he became a professional firefighter, serving for five years there.

In 1997, Mr. Francette relocated his family to Pittsburgh where he attended Pittsburgh Beauty Academy for barbering. Immediately after graduation, he sought employment in the Swissvale community.

Then the opportunity arose in 2001 to purchase the business where he was working, which is now Big Al’s Unisex Hair Salon. Big Al’s is currently the longest-running Black-owned business in that community.

Throughout Mr. Francette’s barber career, he has literally

serviced thousands of patrons, hired numerous barbers, apprentices and provided paid positions to the youth to assist around the barber shop.

Mr. Francette has also partnered with the Phase 4 and Learn to Earn programs where he was able to get youth jobs and paid training in the shop.

Mr. Francette is a current member of Greater Valley Community Services in Braddock and has presided over his personal program, which provided barber training and financial literacy to kids in his place of business. In 2015, he, along with his wife, Kimberly, acquired their life insurance licenses. He is also resident to The Francette Insurance Group in Swissvale, a company founded by his wife, Kimberly.

Mr. Francette has devoted his time, experiences and finances to helping make a better community. His vision and mission are to lift as he climbs, to empower the community and those who aspire to reach their true greatness.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

ENTREPRENEUR

CAREER COACH

ROBERT B. FULTON

ERIC GIBSON

Owner Fulton Home Building & Remodeling Robert B. Fulton was born and raised in Pittsburgh and graduated from Peabody High school where he excelled in basketball, football, and track.

After graduating he attended Clarion University and went on to graduate from CCAC with an A.S. in Building Construction, B.A. in Business from

Point Park University, and a M.A. in Employment & Labor Relations from Indiana University of Pa. Mr. Fulton began his professional career with the Port Authority of Allegheny County, where he rose from a laborer to an Assistant Business Agent with Port Authority’s Local 85 union. He was instrumental in collective bargaining agreements and creating work policies and procedures but is most proud of being one of the lead negotiators to establish a Maintenance Apprenticeship Program for current and future employees of Port Authority.

He is currently employed as an Equal Opportunity Specialist with the Department of General Services, Bureau of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

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Senior Executive Career Coach Nazareth Prep and Small Business Opportunities where he is responsible for supporting small diverse and veteran-owned businesses across Pennsylvania.

Mr. Fulton has been a small business owner for over 20 years (Fulton Home Building and remodeling) where he has hired youth from the community.

Mr. Fulton spends his free time volunteering with the Wilkinsburg Family Support Center, Habitat for Humanity and he enters charitable 5 and 10K races to support local fund drives. He has been married for over 35 years, has three children and two grandchildren, one who plays football for Central Catholic High School and a 1-year-old who loves to dance.

“Selfless is the one who shows kindness when no one is watching.”

This is the essence of Eric Gibson.

The son of a charismatic minister and a compassionate nurse who instilled in him to help and love those who do not necessarily like you.

More than 30 years ago, Mr. Gibson found his calling to be an inspirational motivator working with hundreds of youth coming from unfortunate backgrounds of neglect and abuse at Holy Family Institute in Emsworth as a youth counselor. Mr. Gibson had the ability to make the children feel safe, wanted, and cared for, feeling there is a place in life for them. Mr. Gibson quickly rose up the ranks of Holy Family Institute, becoming a Residential Program Supervisor, which capitalized on his talents even more, giving him the platform to

train, counsel, and motivate other counselors to be impactful.

Mr. Gibson eventually transitioned to a new position as the Senior Executive Career Coach at a newly formed private innovative independent Catholic High School, Nazareth Prep, a college career-focused school which utilizes a robust internship program for students to gain real-world experience.

Away from school, Mr. Gibson is well known as someone who will always help. He officiated several eulogies of people who didn’t have a home church or minister. He has coached community sports teams.

Mr. Gibson is a 1988 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in communications. He is married to the lovely Sonya Gibson with two sons, Eric junior, “E.J,” Xzavier, and a daughter, Charese. Mr. Gibson resides in Ambridge.

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Class of 2011 Honorees LEGACY HONOREE ERIC W. SPRINGER ESQ. HONOREES KENNY BLAKE MEL BLOUNT SCOTT L. BROWN MARIO C. BROWNE KIRK M. BRUCE CARLOS T. CARTER FRANK G. CHESTER GREGORY JAMES COLLIER SR. JAMAAL CRAIG CHARLES T. CURRY PHD LEE DAVIS FREDERICK DOUGLAS SR. BARON ‘B.B.’ FLENORY JOHN L. FORD SR. AARON GIBSON KEVIN GIBSON, MD REV. GLENN G. GRAYSON SR. EDWARD J. GREENE L. C. GREENWOOD UHURU HOTEP ED.D. ROGER HUMPHRIES KENNETH L. HUSTON CHRIS IVEY STEFFAN R. JOHNSON THEODORE W. JOHNSON HERBERT V.R.P. JONES PHD JOSEPH J. KENNEDY IV ANDREW M. LEE ALBERT MERRITT TY MILLER KENNETH J. NESBIT SAIHOU OMAR NJIE PAULO NZAMBI GRADY ROBERTS JR. PHD ANTHONY G. ROBINS PHD ROBERT ‘ROCK’ ROBINSON HON. WILLIAM RUSSELL ROBINSON HOWARD A. RUSSELL JR. PASTOR TIM SMITH MARK CLAYTON SOUTHERS RICHARD W. TAYLOR ESQ. JOE WILLIAM TROTTER JR. DWAN B. WALKER KEVIN WATSON GEORGE A. WEBB SR. CHARLES WHITE JOHN WILSON III RICHARD WITHERSPOON JASIRI X IN MEMORIAM JOHN ADAMS DAVE EPPERSON ARMON GILLIAM EL GRAY NATE SMITH

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

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ENTREPRENEUR DAMON GIVNER Owner R&R Trucking, LLC

Damon Givner is the owner of R&R Trucking, LLC, established in 2006.

Always having had a passion for trucks Mr. Givner learned how to drive at the age of 10. His dream was to become a truck driver. Over the years, Mr. Givner has worked tirelessly to overcome the odds and obstacles he faced growing up and to build a champion brand for his company while leaving a footprint in the community.

Becoming a minority certified company allowed Mr. Givner the capacity to reach back and provide opportunities for other owner/operators. His success comes from his love of trucks, his ability to build meaningful rela-

tionships and deliver quality work for large construction companies in and surrounding the Pittsburgh area. Mr. Givner has spent countless hours mentoring, training, and advising other small business owners and has set the standards for best practices in the trucking industry. In addition to trucking, he has furthered his business ventures to include real estate investing.

Besides being a successful businessman, Mr. Givner is a loving father of two daughters, a husband and enjoys riding his Harley motorcycle and traveling.

LAW ENTREPRENEUR CLYBURN HALLEY

Police Chief Pittsburgh Technical College Clyburn Halley is an accomplished and dedicated law enforcement official, and former police chief, with more than 25 years of experience, 15 of which have been at the management level. He is a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and currently serves as Police Chief at Pittsburgh Technical College.

Mr. Halley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from St. Leo University in Atlanta, and a Master of Public Admin-

istration from Georgia Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. His educational accomplishments and advance training include completion of a certification program at the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command Class-288; the FBI Executive Leadership Development Seminar (GA LEEDS); and the Georgia Police Chief Associa-

tion’s Chief Executive Training Class (Session 11-40). Mr. Halley successfully completed the Atlanta (HIDTA) High Intensity Drug Trafficking (Tactical Media Relations). He has also accumulated 2,710 hours in the Georgia Peace Officer Training program. He holds both a Georgia Peace Officer Executive Certificate and a Georgia Peace Officer Managerial Certificate.

Mr. Halley is a proud member of the International Chiefs of Police Association, and has been or is currently affiliated with the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, Volunteers in Police Service, the National Sheriff’s Association, the International Chiefs of Police Association,

EDUCATION

the Georgia Police Chief Association, the Ryan Cameron Foundation, and Senior Connections, Inc. Mr. Halley is humbled to have been recognized for his service to the community. He is a former nominee for Chief of the Year, Outstanding Nonprofit Board Leader, the Community Champion Award, Outstanding Chief of the Year, and the Motorola Award for Excellence.

He was also a nominee for the DeKalb County Public Safety Champion Award.

Additionally, Mr. Halley is the proud recipient of the U.S. Navy Conduct Award, the Sea Service Deployment Award, and the Battle E Award.

and he was awarded a Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan.

Dr. Howard was previously president of President Hamden Sydney-ColRobert Morris University lege in Virginia, a vice president at the UniDr. Chris Howard is the versity of Oklahoma, eighth president of Rob- and also had a successert Morris University. ful corporate career with He is a graduate of the GE and Bristol-Myers United States Air Force Squibb.

Academy and earned a Dr. Howard is also a doctorate from the Uni- former member of the versity of Oxford as a College Football Playoff Rhodes Scholar. He also Selection Committee. earned an MBA with disSince becoming presitinction from Harvard dent in 2016, Dr. Howard Business School. has made RMU a preDr. Howard’s military ferred strategic partner career included service for corporations and oras a helicopter pilot and ganizations in the Pittsan intelligence officer, burgh region and beyond.

CHRIS HOWARD

Recently, the university opened the UPMC Events Center, which is the new home of the Colonials’ NCAA Division I basketball and volleyball teams and hosts concerts and other events. RMU is on the U.S. News and World Report list of Best National Universities, and is in the midst of a record-setting fundraising campaign.

Dr. Howard is married to Barbara Noble Howard from Johannesburg, South Africa. The Howards have two adult sons, Cohen (graduate of The University of the South) and Joshua (graduate of Middlebury College).

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Class of 2010 Honorees LEGACY HONOREES WENDELL G. FREELAND ESQ. ROBERT L. PITTS ROBERT R. LAVELLE Posthumously) HONOREES CURTIS AIKEN KEVIN AMOS JAMES J. BARNES ESQ. JOHN BETTIS III T. RASHAD BYRDSONG KEVIN W. CAMERON ANDREW CHEESEBORO JOHN J. CLARK RYAN CLARK ROBIN COLE CLARENCE F. CURRY ERIC DICKERSON THOMAS W. DOUGLAS DARNELL DREWERY DR. STEVEN EVANS CARLO ANTON FONTENOT EDWARD GAINEY LOUIS M. GOMEZ HAROLD HAYES TERRANCE HAYES NEDDIE C. HOLLIS MSW, LCSW SHELDON L. INGRAM REED D. KIMBROUGH ELIE KIHONIA ROBERT KINDRED R. DANIEL LAVELLE REV. DR. LORAN E. MANN ALEX MATTHEWS DWIGHT MAYO A. FULTON MEACHEM JR. MAX F. MILLER THOMAS A. MOTLEY TONY NORMAN LEON D. PAMPHILE PHD DARREN K. PARR ESQ. ALAN D. PERRY JAMES L. RICE VICTOR A. ROQUE WILLIAM T. SIMMON ESQ. WINSTON M. SIMMONDS TERRY M. SMITH LYNN SWANN JOHN TATE FRANK L. TORBERT JR. JOHN M. WALLACE JR. PHD LOUIS E. WALLER III ROB WILSON

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

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EDUCATION BRENT JERNIGAN

Assistant Head of Schools The Neighborhood Academy Brent Jernigan is a Pittsburgh native who spent his childhood and teenage youth growing up in the East End. After high school, he attended Edinboro University where he earned his B.S. in Education and M.A. in Educational Leadership & Supervision. After college, Mr. Jernigan spent the first three years as an educator teaching in the Baltimore County School District before returning back to Pittsburgh.

Upon his return, he accepted a position at The Neighborhood Academy (TNA). TNA is an independent college preparatory school serving grades 6-12 located in the Garfield/ Stanton Heights section of Pittsburgh. The school serves as a dedicated mission of breaking the cycle of generational poverty and boasts a 100 percent college acceptance rate amongst its 18 graduating classes.

During his 16 years of service at TNA, he has held multiple positions, serving as a pre-algebra instructor, Dean of Academics, Head of Academic Honor Council, Middle School Head, which led to his current role as Assistant Head of School. Mr. Jernigan’s commitment and passion toward serving youth throughout Allegheny County extend beyond the campus of The Neighborhood Academy. He’s served as a Title I consultant for neglected and delinquent teens residing in placement settings for 13 years, head coach of the Rise High Elite national team for four years, and currently serves on the board of directors for St. Edmund’s Academy. Mr. Jernigan resides in Verona with his lovely wife, Alisha, and sons, Brent Jr. and Bryson.

ENTREPRENEUR ELIJHA DAVID KING Owner & Director Oakland Fashion Optical

Elijha David King is the owner and director of Oakland Fashion Optical, an independent retail optical store, which he opened in September 1984. Approaching his 37th year in business, his office is in an iconic building on South Craig Street near Carnegie Mellon University.

Mr. King grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, where he attended Youngstown State University. He is a graduate of Optician’s Institute. He is board-certified with the American Board of Opticianry and is listed as a fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry.

Mr. King believes in accurately providing his patients with the best possible vision while delivering a wide range of products and services. Most eyeglass lens products are processed at his in-house laboratory. A large selection of eye-

glass products gives every patient the opportunity to feel good about wearing eyeglasses. Eye examinations and contact lens fittings are also available by appointment. His expertise in his field is renowned around the country. Actually, some of his most loyal clients are from different parts of the world.

He has a passion for designing eyeglasses and works directly with a London factory to produce custom handmade eyeglass designs for patients who are interested in experiencing unique perfect fitting bespoke eyewear. There is also an Oakland Fashion Optical brand frame collection, which is their most popular medium priced eyeglass frame collection.

The father of three sons and grandfather of nine, Mr. King’s hobbies include, travel, flying drones, and hiking.

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Class of 2009 Honorees RICHARD ADAMS DAVID ALLEN ROBERT ALLEN JR. TODD ALLEN DAVID ANDERSON ERIC ANDERSON JEFFREY ANDERSON TONY ATWATER RANDALL BACON JOSEPH BAwILEY SR. PASTOR JASON BARR JR. WILLIAM BATES ROBERT BOULWARE RANDOLPH BROCKINGTON RUSSELL BYNUM FLOYD CEPHAS RODERICK CRAIGHEAD REX CRAWLEY DR. REV. WILLIAM CURTIS EVAN FRAZIER RICHARD GARLAND WILLIAM GENERETT JR. SEAN GIBSON CHARLES GLADNEY LAURENCE GLASCO REV. MARCUS HARVEY WILLIAM HAWTHORNE DAVID HOPKINS DAVIE HUDDLESTON RONALD HUNT MICHAEL JASPER JAMES JOHNSON JR. RODNEY JONES ERIC KELLY (Posthumous) MARK LEWIS MARC LITTLE WILLIAM NEAL SR. EDMUND NELSON RONALD PORTER REP. JOSEPH PRESTON JR. MILTON RAIFORD RAMON RUSTIN CHARLES SANDERS LUTHER SEWELL HOWARD SLAUGHTER JR. WALTER SMITH JR. DEE THOMPSON IRVIN WILLIAMS OSCAR WORTHY JUDGE JOSEPH WILLIAMS III

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

INSURANCE TAYON MITCHELL

President & CEO Engrade Financial Group

Tayon Mitchell is passionate about inspiring, coaching and leading others towards excellence in various arenas of life. Inspired to create a legacy for his family, he learned from the “school of hard knocks” and demonstrated his ambition and self-determination by earning his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cal-

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ifornia University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, he took the initiative to be the change he envisions, by leveraging his education and gaining extensive experiences with years of working in the sales and financial industries for several respected companies before setting out to establish his own business.

Mr. Mitchell is the President & CEO of Engarde Financial Group, one of the few Black-owned insurance brokers in Western Pennsylvania. With lasting change as a core philosophy, he established his own company in 2014 specializing in providing financial literacy and advice for his clients and their families in financial planning through education and empowerment.

His passion to enable families to obtain the financial future they want and deserve positioned him to be one of very few to create a financial literacy program. He has presented his “SAVE 4 SUCCESS” program in several forums that gives his clients a hands-on, step-by-step experience. The many testimonials he receives directly, or through social media, about the life-changing elements of this program are proof-points of his vision coming to life.

Mr. Mitchell earned a spot as a financial columnist for The Soul Pitt magazine and has also been featured on several primary networks (ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS) and

other news affiliates across the country.

He has also appeared on the Brian Tracy Show in San Diego.

As a man of God, his love for Christ and commitment towards discipleship are at the core of his leadership. He answered the call in 2013 and became a licensed minister at Clark Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of James D. Burwell, Pastor. He is actively involved in several ministries including evangelism, Men’s ministry, Sunday School teaching, and community outreach efforts: Financial & Health Wellness Seminars; BackTo-School Youth events; Black History Month programs; Annual Thanksgiving Dinner & Clothing Drive; Puppet ministry; and more.

He knows the importance of community and being a team player evident with his impressive football career spanning from Little League, to college, to a semi-professional league. Currently, he is actively involved as a coach and mentor for the nationally ranked Pittsburgh NFL Flag Football League, based in Penn Hills.

Most importantly, he recognizes his responsibility to lead his own home, and has been a devoted husband of 15 years (wife, Jessica Mitchell) and father to his three children (daughter, Jordan, 12, and sons, Tayon Jr., 9, and Jayce, 3.

RELIGION ALTON MITCHELL

Minister of Worship & Arts Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church Minister Alton M. Mitchell is a native of Wilson, North Carolina, where he was raised and educated. He’s a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In 2012, Minister Alton answered the call to Pittsburgh, to serve at the great Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Minister Alton has been in music ministry for over 36 years. By the age of 4, he was playing bass guitar in the family gospel group, the Mitchell Family. In high school, Minister Alton began to play brass instruments, as well as the piano and briefly played tuba in the marching band at UNC. Minister Alton now plays 14 instruments and is the Minister of Worship & Arts at the Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Minister Alton’s motto is: “Striving for the Spirit of Excellence,” as he seeks to educate singers, musicians and choirs

on the importance of music and worship. He also teaches music theory and vocal/instrumental performance to students and adults of all ages and conducts music/choral workshops for various churches throughout the Southeast. Minister Alton’s choirs have worked or sung with national recording artists such as: Byron Cage, Maurette Brown Clark, Dorothy Norwood, Luther Barnes, Marvin Sapp and Shirley Caesar. In 2004, his North Carolina Choir was a featured performer for the Congressional Black Caucus Weekend Gospel Extravaganza in Wa s h i n g ton, D.C. In 2010, the N.C. Arts Council and the N . C .

Department of Cul-

tural Resources named Minister Alton to the Eastern North Carolina African American Music Trail. This honor was bestowed on influential pioneers in African American Gospel Music in North Carolina.

In 2018, Minister Alton became a licensed minister of the Gospel as he preached his initial sermon in his hometown of Wilson, N.C. In 2016 Minister Alton began working with the Yamaha Wellness Institute and in 2020, his work with Yamaha culminated in publishing the Gospel Music Medical

Study which sought to use the healing influences of Gospel music on patients with high risk factors for strokes and heart attacks. The study is now published worldwide and is the only study of its kind.

Minister Alton and the Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Choir performed with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera in 2016 to put on the play entitled “AIDA.” In 2018, they were called upon by the Jewish community to provide music and comfort after the horrific Tree of Life Synagogue shooting during their service of remembrance, at Soldiers and Sailors Auditorium. In 2020, Minister Alton and the choir also led the music effort for the South Asian Community at Signal Hill in the wake of the George Floyd protests.

Minister Alton is married to Monica Lynch Mitchell of Spring Hope, N.C. They have one son, Alexander Michael.

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

LAW ENFORCEMENT

COMMUNITY SERVICE

KELLY E. MORRISSEY

JUSTIN NWOKEJI

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Major Gifts Officer University of Pittsburgh

Law Enforcement Federal and State of Pennsylvania Kelly E. Morrissey has been a member of the Pennsylvania State Constable’s office for many years, serving as judicial and courtroom security. He currently serves as a Deputy Sheriff of Allegheny County Reserve Motorcycle Division. During the period of 2015 to current, he served as a Pinkerton Agent as well as a federal protective service officer. Mr. Morrissey also served on several boards

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over the last 20 years. He served as a member of The Pittsburgh CERT Team, member of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, member of the Pittsburgh Emergency Police, member of the CCA, member of the CMA, member of the Blue Knights International Motorcycle Association, member and participant of the Counter Terrorism program, member of FEMA and PEMA. Mr. Morrissey also served as a former board member of Wow Global, board member of Pace Pittsburgh, and member of the Prince Hall Masonic Temple.

Mr. Morrissey has achieved many personal and professional accomplishments including successful completion of being a restaurant owner, to name a few.

Mr. Morrissey, complete with his strong Antiguan roots, said his successes go back to hard work, growing up in Antigua, and his grandmother who was his inspiration and motivation, instilling in him values, morals and good work ethics.

A flair for development, entrepreneurship and community service has allowed Justin Nwokeji to serve the Pittsburgh region for over 10 years. Mr. Nwokeji, who attended California University of Pennsylvania on a full scholarship from the Pennsylvania Board of Governors, holds a bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master of Administration in Regional Planning. Mr. Nwokeji currently serves on CalU’s council of trustees and the Western Integration Governance and Leadership Working Group.

In 2006 he founded SAVVY, LLC, an interactive web design and marketing company for professionals that has grown to host events such as First Fridays at the August Wilson Center and has helped to bring national recording artists to the region.

2018, he co-founded ARJ Dynamic Solutions, a consulting company focused on bridging relationships via consultation between Nigeria and the U.S.

Mr. Nwokeji works full-time as a major gifts officer for the University of Pittsburgh, raising six-figure gifts to support schools across campus. Mr. Nwokeji’ s volunteer efforts include volunteer work as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., where he serves as the webmaster and has participated in turkey drives, toy giveaways, college tours and youth mentorship.

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Class of 2008 Honorees ROBERT O. AGBEDE TY ALEXANDER DR. CHRISTOPHER ALLEN MALIK BANKSTON NEAL A. BARCLAY SAMUEL W. BLACK MARK A. BRENTLEY SR. OLIVER W. BYRD F. DAVID COLEMAN TERRY COLLIER DR. LARRY E. DAVIS RILEY DAVIS JAMES C. DIGGS DWAYNE DOLPHIN EDMUND D. EFFORT, DDS CHIEF NATHAN HARPER FRANCO HARRIS LEON HAYNES III ROBERT HILL DR. ALEXANDER JOHNSON TIMOTHY H. JOHNSON CLYDE B. JONES III ROBERT D. JONES REV. DR. HAROLD T. LEWIS JERRY LOPES GLENN MAHONE, ESQ. ERIC K. MANN GEORGE L. MILES JR. CHRISTOPHER T. MOORE THADDEUS MOSLEY ALEXANDER NICHOLS JR. SYLVESTER PACE THEODORE ROBERTS JR. VINCE SIMS CHAUNCEY W. SMITH GREGORY R. SPENCER KENNETH SPRUILL SAMUEL J. STEPHENSON TIM STEVENS ANDREW STOCKEY WILLIAM STRICKLAND MIKE TOMLIN SALA UDIN JW WALLACE AARON A. WALTON DeWITT WALTON ALONZO W. WEBB JR. DWIGHT WHITE (POSTHUMOUSLY) JOHN M. WILDS JUDGE DWAYNE D. WOODRUFF

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

COMMUNITY SERVICE SHABAKA PERKINS

Co-Founder & Director Sankofa Village for the Arts A native of Pittsburgh and “born again” African, Moses “Shabaka” Perkins has been studying and teaching West African rhythms for the past 20 years. Mr. Perkins’ drums of choice are the Jembe and Dununs. His dedication and genuine love of Africa and its people keep him motivated to continue studying and teaching. The Jembe has taken Mr. Perkins to Africa on four occasions where he studied drumming in Senegal and Guinea and drum-making in Ghana under several masters. Mr. Per-

kins has also taught classes in Jamaica and worked with the Legacy Arts Project in Haiti for culture exchange.

Locally, through the years, Mr. Perkins has performed in venues such as the Three Rivers Arts and Umoja African Arts Festivals, Kelly-Strayhorn Theater and WDGA Benefit Festival. His accomplishments are many but he is most proud of the young men, women and children of Sankofa Village for the Arts, which he is director and co-founder along with Abdul Glover and Darrell Bald-

EDUCATION ANTHONY W. PIPKIN

Assistant Principal at Pittsburgh Morrow Pittsburgh Public Schools Anthony W. Pipkin is an experienced educator with over 27 years of service to Pittsburgh Public Schools. He is currently the Assistant Principal at Pittsburgh Morrow, located on the North Side, where he supports a diverse student and staff population. Having served in numerous positions within the school district ranging from social studies teacher, sci-

ENTREPRENEUR MIKE POTTER

Founder and CEO, Black Brew Culture Co-founder, Blacktoberfest In 2005, Black Brew Culture founder and CEO Mike Potter’s growing interest in craft beer led him to a sampling event at East End Brewing Company while bicycling around his native Pittsburgh.

There he met owner Scott Smith and received a crash course in craft brewing. Over time, as he ventured around the area to tap rooms and

bottle shops for domestic and imported brews and began homebrewing, he noticed the absence of Black faces within the White-male-dominated craft brew scene.

In 2017, Mr. Potter helped organize the first annual Harlem Brew Festival with Harlem Brewery owner Celeste Beatty. Through the event, he established a new friend

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win. Sankofa provides a safe and affordable outlet to empower and educate our youth in the community in the martial arts, drumming and dance. Mr. Perkins says that teaching our rich African culture to his students through drumming and dance has made it easy to teach his students how we are not only connected to just African history, but world history.

Mr. Perkins tells his students to always be a student. Every day is a lesson to be learned and to always practice SANKOFA, which is to never move forward without knowing where you come from.

Mr. Perkins is also a full-time grandfather who is constantly in motion with his grandchildren and loving every minute of it.

Mr. Perkins’ favorite quotes: “If the youth are not embraced

by the Village they will burn it down to feel its warmth.”

“I will always remember never to forget to always remember never to forget.”

“Never look down on someone unless it’s to lift them up.”

“I’m not African because I was born in Africa. I’m African because Africa was born in me.”

ence teacher, athletic coach, community service coordinator, instructional teacher leader, Assistant Principal and Principal at a variety of schools, he remains committed to his native Pittsburgh community.

His educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Penn State University, a master’s in Instructional Technology from Duquesne University, and Elementary Principal Certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to his dedication to education, he is a proud father and grandfather that instills and models strong ideals of dedication,

hard work, perseverance and commitment. He traditionally has passed on words of wisdom shared from his uncle, “Anything in this world worth having, is worth working for,” to his children, grandchildren and students.

His spiritual guidance comes from his longtime membership at Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he has been active in the choir and usher board. Additionally, he is a proud member of Jericho Lodge #20, Free and Accepted Masons of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

and mentor and met industry veteran Chris Harris of Black Frog Brewery and Kofi Meroe and Amado Carsky, the owners of Sankofa Beer Company.

The experience inspired Mr. Potter to create Black Brew Culture and change the narrative of the craft brew industry to one with a greater minority presence on the drinking side of the bar and in production.

In 2018, Black Brew Culture presented Fresh Fest, the nation’s first Black beer festival, a critically acclaimed endeavor that helped begin the national conversation of inclusion and equity in the industry of beer.

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

SOCIAL SERVICE JACE RANSOM

Out of School Time Manager, Office of Community Services Allegheny County DHS Jace Ransom received his elementary teaching credentials and a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Thiel College. While in college, he was introduced to the City of Pittsburgh and the love for youth and community work through Cross-Trainers, a program created by a faithbased nonprofit called the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation.

Mr. Ransom would go on to work full-time for the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation for 13 years, where he became the director of Cross-Trainers, initiated new community engagement models and worked in many neighborhoods with community members in developing programming geared

toward the health and well-being of youth.

In 2006, Mr. Ransom transitioned from the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation into an elementary teacher position in the Penn Hills School District. He taught for 10 years in the fifth grade with several years as a Kindergarten teacher and a year as an educational support teacher at the high school.

Mr. Ransom was hired in 2016 by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth and Families as a Community Outreach Specialist.

He used his knowledge of supporting communities and his teaching experience to be a catalyst for integration, coordination,

COMMUNITY SERVICE CHRISTOPHER W. ROBINSON

Associate Professor Community College of Allegheny County Dr. Christopher Wayne Robinson, a licensed social worker, educator, therapist, social justice, and Historically Black College and University (HBCU) advocate, currently serves as Associate Professor of Social Work and Drug & Alcohol at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) South

Campus and Braddock Hills Center. For over 20 years, Professor Robinson has been committed to the profession of social work.

Dr. Robinson is a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from historically Black Jackson State University.

Before joining CCAC in 2010, Dr. Robinson served as a diversity trainer and facilitator at the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion where he planned, designed, and led diversity curricula that focused on critical topics related to eliminating racism and empowering women. He also served as an outpatient supervisor at Gateway Rehabilitation Center and as director of the 21st Century Community

and partnership with various provider agencies, local governments, schools and grassroots organizations. While in this role, Mr. Ransom co-created an experiential strengthbased training called the Community Experience.

In 2019, Mr. Ransom transitioned within the Allegheny County Department of Human Services to the Office of Community Services as the Out of School Time Manager where he oversees a group of contracted partner agencies who facilitate after school programming throughout the county.

Learning Center program, an out-of-school time educational partnership between Heritage Community Initiatives and Propel Schools. Dr. Robinson earned a master’s degree in Social Work in Community Organization and Social Administration with a graduate certificate in Human Services Management from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. He earned a doctorate in education with a concentration in Higher Education Administration and Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Professor Robinson is co-founder of the Western Pa. Council of HBCU Alumni and the Greater Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. He has passionately dedicated his career to strengthening equitable educational opportunities for diverse students of color in K-12 and in higher education.

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TRANSPORTATION CHARLES J. REEVES

Deputy Chief Operations Officer Port Authority of Allegheny County Charles Reeves, the Deputy Chief Operations Officer for the Port Authority of Allegheny County, was born in Pittsburgh. As a military dependent he spent the first 18 years of his life travelling from state to state and internationally. After graduating from high school on a military base in Japan, Mr. Reeves joined the U.S. Air Force. Serving during Operation Desert Storm on an air refueling station, Mr. Reeves received an honorable discharge from the service and returned to Pittsburgh where he married, raised two children, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership

from Point Park University.

Mr. Reeves’ passion for public transportation has been with him since before he could even walk. Some of his earliest childhood memories involve riding the bus with his grandmother from the West End to the Warner Theater, Downtown, or watching his grandfather on his mother’s side operating his City View bus route. As a third-generation transit employee, following in both his grandfather’s and father’s steps before him, he takes great pride in the good work that the agency is engaged in every day.

Recently elected as the President of the

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local chapter of the national organization COMTO (Community of Minority Transportation Officials), Mr. Reeves not only works to provide transportation services to the residents of Allegheny County, but also from within COMTO will work to engage willing partners to engage the youth of the region in searching out challenging careers in the many fields that transportation can offer.

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

COMMUNITY SERVICE RONALD B. SAUNDERS

President Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch, ASALH Ronald B. Saunders is the president of the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

ASALH is the world’s oldest learned society devoted to the research, education and study of culture of people of African descent. ASALH was founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the recognized “father” of Black History.

Mr. Saunders is a chartered member of the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch of ASALH. Mr. Saunders is now serving his second term as president of the McKenzie Branch.

In 2016, Mr. Saunders coordinated a McKenzie Branch program titled: “African American Trailblazers in Pittsburgh History,” which was commended and recognized at the 2017 ASALH Annual Conference held in Cincinnati.

Mr. Saunders is a poet, writer, lecturer, mentor, volunteer, coach, and longtime civil and human rights activist.

Mr. Saunders’ courage and selfless acts have impacted countless individuals for whom he has advocated and championed both local and national causes for equality. As a civil servant and as a coordinator with the Mister African American Program, he has taught disadvantaged youth to appreciate themselves, their history and to understand their rich legacies, to strive for excellence, to seek alternative ways to resolve disputes and to develop skills necessary to function successfully in society.

As a co-founder of the National Black Political Caucus (NBPC), Mr. Saunders lobbied relentlessly for the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, advocated for By-District Elections of council members in the City of Pittsburgh and played a key role in the naming of the first Black police chief in Pittsburgh. The NBPC worked with Pennsylvania Gov. Richard Thornburg in a comprehensive effort to lure the General Motors Saturn

Plant to the state of Pennsylvania.

In 1987, Mr. Saunders was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award from Nate Smith’s Operation Dig, Inc. for outstanding work in community service.

In 2017, he was a Pittsburgh Circle of Courage Award recipient for exemplary work in government and community.

Mr. Saunders is an active member of the Corporate, Equity & Inclusion Roundtable (CEIR). Mr. Saunders is a member of St. Paul Cathedral Race & Reconciliation Dialogue Group, the Thelma Lovette Legacy History Committee, the African American Advisory Council to the Senator John Heinz History Center and a member of the Pittsburgh NAACP. Mr. Saunders is presently spearheading an effort to establish an Advisory Council to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in Penn Hills.

COMMUNITY SERVICE LELAND SCALES

Nonprofit Partner Field Manager 412 Food Rescue Leland Scales, a Pittsburgh-area native, has a variety of experiences with over 15 years in the hospitality industry as a chef, nearly eight years of community organizing/community activism, and five years of food advocacy work in the nonprofit sector.

Mr. Scales earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida where he interned with a local nonprofit, Base Camp, that worked with local restaurants to donate food for the families of children fighting cancer at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer’s Hospital for Children.

Mr. Scales began his work in the community in 2013 when he launched the Swissvale Community Action Committee as a Facebook group in response to increased negativity in Swissvale.

At the time, the only rule of the group was: “You can discuss any problem you want, but make sure you follow up your complaint with a positive, action-based solution.”

While earning his Master of Science degree in Food Studies at Chatham University, Mr.

Scales decided to put his research into action in Swissvale. In 2014, he created the Swissvale Community Garden to both beautify the neighborhood and provide access to free, healthy fresh produce to his neighbors. The garden is now managed and operated by community volunteers, who grow various flowers, herbs and vegetables. Produce is donated to local food pantries and seedlings are sold at the Swissvale farmer’s market. An “edible garden tour” in Swissvale raised money to support the community garden and attracted hundreds of visitors to the borough.

Mr. Scales is actively involved with several food ministries at Union Baptist Church in Swissvale as well as Reach Up Pittsburgh, and works for 412 Food Rescue as the Nonprofit Partner Field Manager.

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

EDUCATION RYAN S. SCOTT

Executive Director, Social Justice Institutes Carlow University Ryan S. Scott is the Executive Director of the Social Justice Institutes at Carlow University. The Social Justice Institutes exemplify Carlow University’s strong commitment to social justice, ethical, forward-thinking and responsible leadership and service to the community.

Mr. Scott is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, with an area of concentration of Higher Education Management.

His dissertation will be focused on culturally responsive pre-college programs and the connection to college matriculation for students of color.

Mr. Scott is a 2016

graduate of the National Urban League and Duke Corporation’s Emerging Leaders Program and also Pittsburgh Magazine’s “40 Under 40.” He now serves as a United States Ambassador with One Young World and participated in global summits in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dublin, Ireland, Bangkok, Thailand and Bogota, Colombia.

Mr. Scott serves on the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Playwrights and the Door Campaign, which is a program designed to enhance students in the STEM fields. In 2015, Mr. Scott was selected by the City of Pittsburgh as one of the ground-layers paving the way for leaders in the region.

In service to his community, Mr. Scott is on the Youth Outcomes Advisory Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh.

A native of the Pittsburgh area, Mr. Scott is no stranger to the culture of the city and familiar with the needs of the community. He is passionate about members in the community’s pursuit for economic self-reliance, education, and civil rights.

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HEALTHCARE/EDUCATION WILLIAM SIMMONS, M.D.

Associate Professor, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Past President, Gateway Medical Society Coming from rural South Carolina, Dr. William Simmons’ path was filled with firsts. He was the first in his family to go to college, medical school, and study abroad. His insistence on education for his family motivated him to pave the road for his daughter and nine of the children of his brothers and sisters to follow behind him with a college education. He continued paving the road for others, achieving his B.A. at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. He was the only African American male in the third-ever graduating class of Mayo Clinic Medical School. He was the first Black Chief Resident in Pediatrics at Georgetown University Hospital and went on to

do a second residency in Anesthesiology at George Washington University and two fellowships in Pediatric Anesthesia and Pediatric Critical Care at the University of Pittsburgh, then invited on staff.

Dr. Simmons became board-certified in Anesthesiology at a time when there were less than 300 board-certified African Americans in Anesthesiology and received additional training certificates in Medical Leadership from the University of Rochester, Simon School of Business and Executive Faculty Development from Morehouse University.

Dr. Simmons is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology with a duel ac-

ademic appointment at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He serves as a member of the Physician Inclusion Council and is teacher and coordinator for third-year medical student education in Anesthesiology at Shadyside Hospital. He is the Diversity Officer in the Department of Anesthesiology, and is former President and Chairman of the Board of the Gateway Medical Society (GMS), Inc., a component society of the National Medical Association, the oldest African American Medical Association in the United States.

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

SOCIAL SERVICE TERRY SMITH

Founder, President & CEO, M-PowerHouse of Greater Pittsburgh Founder, Wisdom, Work & Wealth, LLC Terry Smith is the Founder, President and CEO of M-PowerHouse of Greater Pittsburgh, a non-profit organization that addresses the socio-educational and health factors that become barriers to STEAM academic success for youth.

M-PowerHouse uses an “Edutainment” program model to inspire and engage students to consider STEM-based careers.

M-PowerHouse recently launched the first Drone FAA 107 certification program in Pittsburgh Public Schools for African American, African descent, and Hispanic youth grades K-12.

Mr. Smith seeks to inspire youth K-12 by using STEAM as a primary interventive educational tool.

Mr. Smith’s early career background was a medical specialist and

paratrooper in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division, and his past work serving as the first African American Chief Anesthesia Technician in Pittsburgh.

He is also actively engaged in the community and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council Governing Committee, the UPMC Center for Engagement and Inclusion Junior Healthcare Explorers Advisory Board, Community College of Allegheny County School of Social Work Advisory Board, Chatham University’s Eden Hall Campus K-12 Advisory Board, UPMC Community Health Partnership Council Member, Remake Learning Pittsburgh STEM Ecosystem Outreach Committee, board member of Allelo, a Carnegie Mellon University business startup,

TECHNOLOGY MARK STUCKEY

Chief Technology Officer Pittsburgh Public Schools Mark Stuckey is the chief technology officer at Pittsburgh Public Schools. Mr. Stuckey and his team had the major undertaking of ensuring all PPS students and teachers had the necessary laptops and Internet access for a successful re-

mote learning experience as the schools remained closed due to the pandemic for the past year.

Mr. Stuckey formed his IT interest at a young age. Initially having the dream of becoming an engineer, Mr. Stuckey changed career goals after realizing that he’d have to have a stronger affinity for mathematics.

Mr. Stuckey developed his interest in Information Technology after a youth employment program afforded him a position at West Penn Hospital’s help desk. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in IT and a BMA with a concentration in Information Technology from Point Park

and past advisory board member of M&F Bank.

Mr. Smith is the founder of Wisdom Work & Wealth, LLC, a community bridge consultant group that has access to a myriad of professionals and speakers to address any clients needs.

Mr. Smith is also the brainchild and co-founder of Horse A Round Table Discussions, an edutainment and ecosystem forum that brings together a variety of African American, and those of African descent, professionals to address educational, social, and a variety of factors that impact underrepresented communities, and seek to turn disparity to parity.

University.

Prior to joining PPS, Mark served an 11-year tenure at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, starting as a tier 1 tech support advisor to tier 2, 3, and then support director.

Additionally, Mr. Stuckey and his brothers enjoy rehabbing buildings for their property investment company, owning rental property throughout the city. His family also owns and runs Kidsville Learning Center in the Friendship/Bloomfield area.

For eight years, Mark has coached flag football for the Shadyside Boys and Girls Club and now for the Pittsburgh Flag Football League.

At the age of 40, Mr. Stuckey has established himself as a leader and mentor. However, he finds the most joy with his wife, Tiffany, and raising their two sons, Mark and David.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GEORGE C. SPENCER SR.

President, Greater Pittsburgh Area MAD DADS Chapter George C. Spencer Sr. is an accomplished professional with over 30 years as a union representative with strong analytical skills, proven leadership and effective training and negotiating skills. Mr. Spencer graduated from Braddock Area High School in 1973 and furthered his education at Edinboro State College and Community College of Allegheny County.

Mr. Spencer completed the U.S. Army Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Primary Leadership Course and achieved the rank of Specialist 5th Class while serving in the 5th Infantry Division. He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service from 1981 to 2018. During this period Spencer was certified by the U.S. Postal Service

Management Academy to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor/ Investigator. In addition, he served several terms as an officer in the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees (NAPFE) and is currently that

COMMUNITY SERVICE DANIEL TAYLOR

Executive Vice President African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA At an age when most young people are thinking about a career, Daniel Taylor had already embarked upon his choice; a financial career as a bank officer.

While attending Elston

Senior High School in Michigan City, Ind., Mr. Taylor lettered in basketball, football and baseball, in addition to being the Senior Class Vice President. Upon graduation, Mr. Taylor enrolled at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and obtained a secondary teaching certificate.

Mr. Taylor returned to banking in Michigan City for four years before accepting the position of Vice President of Marketing with Ford Motor Credit Company in Dearborn, Mich., working directly with Edsel

union’s National Editor.

Mr. Spencer is an Elder at Covenant Church of Pittsburgh and National President of Men Against Destruction-Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder, otherwise known as MAD DADS. Mr. Spencer has been President of the Greater Pittsburgh Area MAD DADS Chapter since its inception in 2006. MAD DADS is a nationally affiliated Christian organization comprised of members who are single-minded in their resolve to save communities from the mouth of the madness that is drugs, crimes and violence.

Mr. Spencer recently married Deborah L. Perry Spencer on October 9, 2020, and was married to the late Vanessa D. Spencer to which Shamra, Dr. George Jr. and Maurice Spencer were born.

Ford. He moved to Ford Motor Company Sales Division in several positions including, including Regional Sales Manager in Pittsburgh. The move to Pittsburgh came with the responsibility of five states which included 263 dealers resulting in vehicle sales of over 350,000 and regional profit of over $250 million.

Eventually, Mr. Taylor was appointed Senior Vice President/Regional Manager of PNC Bank, responsible for 15 branches and 150 employees. He retired from PNC after a successful 17-year career.

Mr. Taylor came out of retirement after only four months to join African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA as Executive Vice President.

Lastly, did you know?

Mr. Taylor is a former Division 1 Men’s Basketball official.

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FINANCE SHAWN THOMAS

Entrepreneur Lending Director Bridgeway Capital

Shawn Thomas has established himself as a passionate community leader. His path to a community leader began 20 years ago when he entered the banking industry. He managed many branch banks in Pittsburgh including National City

MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

Bank and PNC Bank. As a banker at National City, he helped develop staff and position his branch as a leader for growth in lending, deposits and investments. During his tenure at PNC, he served as Bank Manager/Vice President. While in the banking industry, he worked with various businesses and clients in consumer and business banking, helping them to deliver customer solutions.

He joined Bridgeway Capital in 2013 as a Small Business Loan officer. He was promoted to Entrepreneur Lending Director in 2016.

As such, he leads a team of loan officers that cover the 15 counties in Southwestern Pa. He and his team help the community grow and prosper by lending to small businesses in low-to-moderate communities, assisting them with real estate needs and job creation. He and his team assist both startups or established businesses looking to grow.

Additionally, Mr. Thomas sits on several nonprofit boards in Western Pennsylvania including Primary Health Center and Sister Thea Bowman.

Mr. Thomas received his degree in Business Administration and Business Management from La Roche University.

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EDUCATION CHESTER D. THOMPSON, DSc.

Associate Dean, School of Business, Arts, Science and Technology Community College of Beaver County

Dr. Chester (Chet) Thompson is a successful, highly motivated academic, business, and civic-minded professional. He was awarded the MPA from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

(GSPIA)-University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Thompson was a sales executive with Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Oracle, and Verizon, marketing, selling, and promoting many pharmaceutical and technology products to hospitals and physicians and other critical stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.

He received the doctorate of science degree (D. Sc.) in Information Systems and Communications from Robert Morris University-Information Systems and Communications; his dissertation focused on healthcare consumers’ lived and shared perception of their electronic medical records.

He is a devoted hus-

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band, father, and cat lover. He is a Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society and Life Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Thompson is a Board of Trustee, Pennsylvania Cyber Charter Schools, member of the University of Pittsburgh African American Alumni Council, Vice-Chair of the Franklin Center of Beaver County, and committee member, Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Thompson is an active voice in the Rochester borough community. He is an avid runner, swimmer, cyclist, and carpenter.

Dr. Thompson is Associate Dean, School of Business, Arts, Science, and Technology (BAST), and Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), and Director, the Black Male Leadership Development Institute (BMLDI).

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

COMMUNITY SERVICE CURTIS UPSHER JR. Retired Community Care Behavioral Health Organization

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ENTREPRENEUR Curtis Upsher Jr., M.S., was most recently the Director of Community Relations for Community Care Behavioral Health Organization in Pittsburgh. He worked for UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and at UPMC Community Care for over 27 years until his retirement in February 2020.

He was responsible for developing, planning, coordinating and implementing member and family outreach, education, training, advisory input, and consultation efforts for over 50 Community Care County Healthchoices contracts in Pennsylvania.

He is an experienced public speaker, trainer and consultant who addresses several clinical topics, including assessment, treatment interventions in regard to chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, personality disorders, community violence, and health disparities. Other areas of interest are cultural and gender diversity, cultural trauma, and clinical and social issues relevant to African Americans and other ethnic and cultural minorities.

ROBERT D. WALKER

President & Co-Founder Exurbia Home Healthcare, LLC Robert D. Walker is the President & Co-Founder of Exurbia Home Healthcare, LLC, a state-licensed business that provides nonmedical healthcare in the home.

Mr. Walker was born and raised in Mon View Heights where he attended and graduated West Mifflin Area High School. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as an Airborne Combat Medic. At the end of his service he attended Community College of Allegheny County and earned a degree in Business Management.

Prior to opening Exurbia Home Healthcare, Mr. Walker was the CEO of RanRoi Inc., which operated a restaurant and bars in the Mon Valley.

Over the years, Mr. Walker has participated in many charitable events; Toys for Tots being one of them. He, along with Exurbia Home HealthCare CEO Randy Ford, helped distribute food through the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. He and his family have also donated toys and gifts in the holiday season for

SOCIAL SERVICE THOMAS WASHINGTON JR. Community School Site Manager Homewood Children’s Village

Thomas Washington Jr. is a native of Pittsburgh, and is very compassionate and eager in helping families, youth and communities. Mr. Washington is a professional with over 11 years of experience in managing, educating and empowering the social services sector.

He currently serves as a Community School Site Manager at Homewood Children’s Village.

Mr. Washington works passionately with students and families within the Pittsburgh Public Schools district. He enthusiastically engages and bridges new partnerships within the schools, particularly with community programs such as Google, Alcosan, and the University of Pittsburgh, all of which have greatly impacted his students and families in Homewood.

Earlier in his career he served as a Family Support Specialist and Fatherhood Coordinator for The Kingsley Association, where he developed and implemented programming to meet the needs of youth, fathers, and individuals within the surrounding communities. Mr. Washington is the

those less fortunate. Mr. Walker and his family have also made monetary contributions to Gwen’s Girls.

Mr. Walker will continue to help in his local community, as he is in the developmental stage of creating a charity that will provide scholarships to young people living in Mon View Heights and the Homeville area of West Mifflin that will attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities. founder of the Dads on Point program to reach fathers in all walks of life to reduce recidivism. He would later create the program Dad’s Talk. Dad’s Talk consisted of an in-person and virtual platform, where fathers received instructional training for fathering techniques and mental health education.

Mr. Washington serves as the Chairman for The Father’s Collaborative Council of Western Pennsylvania (FCCWPA). The FCCWPA works to support the ongoing growth and stability of fatherhood programs in the Southwestern region of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Washington is a graduate from Point Park University, earning a Master of Business Administration and his Bachelor of Science in Business.

He is a devoted proud father of two young men, Keimon and Kaden Washington.

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

RELIGION REV. JOHN C. WELCH, Ph.D. Medical Ethicist and Community Engagement Consultant Rev. Dr. John C. Welch is a native of Pittsburgh where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University and began a productive 22-year career in information technology, working for a number of corporations in the city, including IBM, Grubb & Ellis and Deloitte and Touche.

Dr. Welch received a Master of Divinity de-

gree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Duquesne University in Healthcare Ethics. His service includes 27 years of ministry experience.

For 13 years, Dr. Welch was Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Service & Community Engagement at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Dr. Welch has been involved in community organizing and social

HUMAN RESOURCES BRANDON WHITE

Vice President & Senior Recruiter BNY Mellon Brandon White has been in Talent Acquisition for the last 12 years.

He started in a staffing agency for three years before moving into corporate recruiting within the financial sector.

Over this time period, he has utilized various ways to be a consultant, educating, mentoring and motivating clients and candidates, uncovering and identifying needs.

Mr. White has created a variety of platforms to educate and enhance the candidate experience internally and externally within organizations his career has spanned.

Partnering with many community organizations, some of his training programs have been utilized by Goodwill Industries, CareerLinks,

action since 2004, leading actions of civil disobedience locally and nationally in support of low-wage workers, immigration reform campaigns for the undocumented, funding for public transportation and fairness and equity in public education. He is an adjunct professor of Business Ethics at the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business, and the University of Pittsburgh’s Consortium Ethics Program.

Dr. Welch received several recognitions including the Human Rights Award from Church Woman United Inc., the NAACP Pittsburgh Chapter Pastor of the Year, and the YWCA Racial Justice Award.

In 2017 Dr. Welch was a Democratic candidate for Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Welch is married to Rev. Dr. B. De Neice Welch and together they have four children and three grandchildren.

PTI (Pittsburgh Technology Institute), and the Urban League.

Making an impact professionally and personally are some of the things that drive him to continue his career in this space. Mr. White’s passion and joy is to see someone come in, learn, and grow, not looking at a position, but identifying a career.

Mr. White has a very infectious personality who is constantly looking at the positive in all situations, seeing opportunities to learn and grow on a professional and personal level. Whether he is sharing a presentation in a community setting, individually teaching resume writing, mentoring on career and personal experiences, or just being a support partner, you can count on having an engaging experience when connecting with him.

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PUBLIC SERVICE REP. JAKE WHEATLEY JR.

Representative of the 19th Legislative District Pennsylvania Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr., D-Allegheny, a recognized United States Marine combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm who received the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, is a proud resident of Pittsburgh. Rep. Wheatley holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State

University, where he graduated with honors.

He went on to receive a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

He was first elected in 2002 to represent the 19th Legislative District, which includes historic neighborhoods such as the Hill District, North Side, South Side, Allentown, Hazelwood, Downtown, the Bluff, Knoxville,

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Beltzhoover, Manchester, Arlington, Arlington Heights, and West, South and North Oakland.

From his very first day of service, Rep. Wheatley has championed the cause of access and inclusion for all of Pennsylvanians. He has been a stalwart in the House Democratic Caucus in pushing for economic development, mass transit, and true education funding and academic advancements for all children, as well as providing leadership on covering every Pennsylvanian with quality, affordable and error-free healthcare.

Rep. Wheatley is committed to being a vehicle for citizens of the 19th District and throughout the commonwealth for positive change in the quality of their communities and their lives. He has always believed that he works for those who have sent him to Harrisburg and has used the late Speaker K. Leroy Irvis’ statement, “Through us, they speak” as a guiding principle in his daily work.

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE 2021

ENTREPRENEUR MARLIN WOODS, CPC Executive Chairman BenefitsPLUS

Marlin Woods, CPC, is Executive Chairman of BenefitsPLUS, an advisory board of professional healthcare and benefits decision-makers assembled to discover health and welfare benefits innovations, products, and services for procurement opportunities. Mr. Woods is the author of the book, “Courting the Employ(H) er: A Business-To-Business Romance.” His book debuted as a #1 Bestseller in the Insurance class of Amazon in 2015.

Mr. Woods has over 20 years of sales leadership experience and is a national public speaker on sales behavior and motivational messaging.

Mr. Woods also coaches polished public speaking techniques to sales professionals and mentees across the country.

He occupies seats on several local and national boards, including the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, and is Chair of the Board’s Executive Leadership Committee.

He is President of the Advisory Board of the National Workplace Benefits Association. Mr Woods was appointed Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the Rivers Club, a historic private athletic and executive club in Downtown Pittsburgh, and recently has been added to the new Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute Advisory Board as well as the Imani Christian Academy Board of

Directors. Mr. Woods is founder of the “Empower Me” Summit, an annual speaker series of African Americans leaders of the Pittsburgh region to share a platform for divided silos to collaborate, educate, and inspire an expansion of community support.

Mr. Woods’ greatest achievement is his family. Married to Jessica Brooks-Woods, they have four beautiful children together and live in Mr. Woods’ childhood neighborhood of East Liberty.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE DANTE WORKS

Owner The House of Veterans, LLC Dante Works is a man after God’s own heart.

Mr. Works earned his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice at the finest HBCU, Virginia State University. He currently serves as the Youth Pastor at Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, where the Lord has called him to mentor, lead and assist the youth in becoming Bold World-Changers.

In 2017, after serving 13 years as an Allegheny County Adult Parole/ Probation Officer, Mr. Works left his career for his calling. Through his obedience to Christ and his passion to help those who are less fortunate, he founded the House of Veterans, LLC, which is made up of three homes, located in Homewood, that offer safe, supportive and sober living, to homeless Veterans.

In addition to the House of Veterans, Mr. Works established Project B.R.A.V.E, which is a non-profit that provides Benefits & Resources for At-risk Veterans Everywhere.

As a resident of Homewood, Mr. Works serves as the Vice President

of the Save Race Street Committee, he is a recipient of the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 under 40 Award, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, MAD DADS, and CCOP Men’s Ministry.