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TOMLIN’S CONTRACT EXTENDED Will be Steelers head coach until at least 2024 Page A2

Pittsburgh Courier NEW

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APRIL 21-27, 2021

GUILTY ON ALL THREE CHARGES

The 12 jurors didn’t even need 12 hours for all to agree that Derek Chauvin committed murder. A three-week trial in Minneapolis in the death of George Floyd resulted in victory, vindication for all across the country who witnessed Chauvin’s knee on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes on that fateful May 25, 2020, evening. Judge Peter Cahill, with the nation watching, read the verdicts just after 5 p.m. Eastern time, submitted moments prior by the jury. Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. As the verdicts were read, Chauvin’s emotions were subtle, hidden by the blue mask. Moments later, he was placed in handcuffs and whisked off to prison.

- by Rob Taylor Jr., Courier Staff Writer

Homicides surging in Pittsburgh; urgent call for violence to stop

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

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REVEREND MICHAEL A DAY, pastor of Legacy International Worship Center on the North Side, speaks during an April 19 press conference asking for everyone to come together to stop the recent spike of homicides that have been occurring in Pittsburgh. Among those watching is 1-year-old Nhoa, being held by Tiffany Simpson.

(Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)

“Sunny and 65,” the perfect spring day in Pittsburgh on Monday, April 19.

Reverend Michael A. Day, pastor of Legacy International Worship Center on the North Side, wished he was speaking before all the local media “to talk about an amazing program or project that’s happening on the North Side,” to rival the excellent weather conditions.

Instead, he and other community leaders and city officials were on the North Side to tackle a serious problem that’s causing nothing but heartache, heartbreak, and fear—an eye-popping surge in gun

violence and homicides.

“I’m not only a community leader, not only a pastor, but I am a relative to the two who were lost last week,” Rev. Day said, referring to Tyjuan Malachi and Kenneth Hairston, two 18-year-olds who were his younger cousins. Malachi was killed in Northview Heights; Hairston was killed in Sheraden.

Four additional homicides have occurred within city limits since April 3, and Pittsburgh Police said that as of April 19, there have been 20 homicides this year, an 80 percent increase from the same period last year. The nearly 50 non-fatal shootings so far SEE HOMICIDES A4

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METRO/SPORTS

APRIL 21-27, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

THE COURIER’S 2021 NFL DRAFT PREVIEW

NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 29 — Steelers have 24th overall pick, eight total picks

When it comes to drafting NFL players, you just never know how they’ll turn out The 2021 NFL Draft is fast approaching on April 29, and what do you know?

The information that we currently have about players eligible to be drafted this year will be just as meaningless the day after the draft as it is now. Why? Well, because no matter how grandiose the design of a house, it is not relevant until you enter the bedroom, turn down the lights and pull back the cover after a hard day’s night.

The player selection process is a largely inaccurate event at best and a complete gamble and shot in the dark at the very worst.

Having a great architect to design a great house for you is a moot point if you don’t have the craftsmen to complete the construction of the home. Great plans are always outweighed by great execution and followed up by coaching and

management. The only thing that is predictable is that the process itself will always remain unpredictable.

Remember quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell, Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow?

What about Steve Emtman, a defensive lineman that was the 1992 first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts? Well, you’re better than me because Mr. Emtman didn’t even enter my radar screen until I started writing this column. Hey, don’t forget quarterback Tim Couch, the No. 1 pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1999. Although he led the team to the playoffs in 2002, after numerous injuries he looked more like a high-priced “China doll” and it became the general

consensus from fans and foes alike that the beleaguered and often-injured signal-caller should have remained a “couch potato”

Walt Patulski in 1972 and linebacker Tom Cousineau in 1979. In between those horrible picks for the Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers

Inside Conditions

Aubrey Bruce instead of attempting to play the rough-and-tumble game that the big boys in the NFL play.

The Buffalo Bills’ drafting incompetency was really jinxed and put on full display during the 1970s, drafting defensive end

had four players from their 1974 draft class turn out to have busts residing in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

More often than not, many first-round draft choices have been visualized and projected to be

savers and even saviors not just for a franchise to succeed, but often just for a team to merely survive.

A few players presently, as well many unfortunate players from past seasons, have been adorned with saviors garb while simultaneously being decked out sporting a crown of thorns—not marching towards the end zone but running towards the cross of failure waiting to receive its next sacrificial lamb.

It takes a village to raise a child, just like it takes a vast and consistent team and management support system to elevate a player with great talent to position his team to be at the very least, competitive. Almost every team in the NFL has lucrative periods of player

acquisitions and dry and unproductive periods as well. As I previously mentioned, the success of any player depends on several factors. From coaching, ownership and, believe it or not, even the fan base and demographic can play a significant part in the success or failure of a franchise.

Everyone has to buy in.

Doubt is like venom from a poisonous snake that can ruin the psyche and the spirit of a young and impressionable athlete, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and more than eager to perform at a high level to succeed for his team and his city. This tidbit is for fans and prognosticators alike...What a draft choice looks like on paper will always be exceeded by his or her performance when competing.

Pittsburgh Steelers…The Last Hurrah! :10—Let’s start the end… at the beginning. Where it all starts. The snap of the ball! Maurkice Pouncey, the first Steelers center to not go in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a thousand years is gone. So, the first order of business is to replace him. J.C. Hassenauer, who had a little more than 300 snaps is likely the man. But…But…But it could be B.J. Finney that gets the party started. :09—Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler and Zach Banner are all free agents so it still remains to be seen who the new “O” line will be. But you can count on a second- or third-round ready-to-play offensive lineman to be drafted. The good news is David DeCastro will return at the All-

Pro guard spot. And we can now count on Chukwuma Okorafor to step up and step in. :08—Unfortunately, Eric “can’t catch the easy passes” Ebron will be your tight end. Let’s just hope he can shut up long enough to play. :07—Your outstanding wide receiver corps will be outstanding for sure now that JuJu Smith-Schuster is inked in. Along with future star Diontae Johnson…I know, I know, but they got him some super-glue gloves! :06—For those of you that somehow thought Big Ben was not coming back after that disastrous endof-season last year, don’t underestimate the heart of champions. If at all

possible, champions don’t go out like that. Yes, he’s ready, yes, he’s willing and yes, he’s able. And will you

with Benny Snell Sr., but he’ll do as the back-up.

Now that you do-gooders ran James Conner out of

Overtime

Bill Neal please stop worrying about the money...it’s not your money…whatever Ben makes doesn’t take the bread off your table! :05—Right now your running back is Benny Snell Jr….to never be confused

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town (he’s now with Arizona), it’s a wait-and-see running game via the draft or free agency. :04—Not a lot of hard work needed on the defensive side of the ball. The Steeler way continues to

be pure. Stephon Tuitt at left defensive end, Tyson Alualu at nose tackle, Cam Heyward at right defensive end, the should-have-beendefensive-MVP, T.J. Watt, at OLB, Vince Williams at ILB (yep, he re-signed… that was the plan from the gate), future Pro-Bowler Devin Bush back the other inside linebacker spot, Alex Highsmith at SLB, Joe Hayden at cornerback, Terrell Edmunds at strong safety, superstar Minkah Fitzpatrick at free safety and Cameron Sutton at the other corner. Collectively this Black and Gold old-school, hard-hitting crew will re-establish their No. 1 defensive ranking and carry the Steelers to the playoffs next year. :03—Your special teams guys…as if you really care.

Chris Boswell at place kicker, Jordan Berry at punter, Diontae Johnson at punt returner, Anthony McFarland is your kickoff returner. A more-than-adequate combo with room to step up a notch or two. :02—Now that Matt Canada is your offense coordinator, you can stop blaming everything on the horrible play calling (Lord, please let that be the truth!!!) :01—And last, but not least, the highly underrated but very, very successful Mike Tomlin returns to lead Ben and the boys towards the Lombardi. And yes, that is a real possibility. And the Steelers just gave him a three-year extension. So take that, Tomlin haters! :00—GAME OVER.

‘We have signed Coach Tomlin to a three-year contract extension.’

The Pittsburgh Steelers, on its Twitter account, only said one sentence, the one bolded above. But since that tweet was posted at 9:01 a.m. on Tuesday, April 20, it’s certainly stirred the pot. For Mike Tomlin’s supporters, he deserved the extension.

For his critics, this upcoming year should be his last. Or maybe he shouldn’t be the coach at all, his critics contend. Either way, Tomlin, who’s coached the Steelers since 2007, will be manning the Pittsburgh sidelines until at least the conclusion of the 2024 season, as he already has one year left (2021) on his current deal.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

APRIL 21-27, 2021 A3

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METRO

APRIL 21-27, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Homicides surging in Pittsburgh; urgent call for violence to stop

REVEREND CORNELL JONES, Pittsburgh’s Group Violence Intervention coordinator, speaks during an April 19 press conference held outside Project Destiny, Inc., on California Avenue on the North Side. (Photos by Courier photographer Rob Taylor Jr.)

HOMICIDES FROM A1

this year is a 90 percent increase from the same period last year.

The New Pittsburgh Courier regularly tracks homicide totals within Pittsburgh and Allegh-

eny County, and found that there were 30 homicides in the first three months of 2021 in the county; 10 more than the first three months of 2020.

Particularly alarming

to everyone are the teens being shot and killed.

18-year-old Ahmir Tuli, who had graduated from North Hills High School, was killed outside of his mother’s restaurant, Preeti’s Pitt, in the Strip

District, on Feb. 22.

15-year-old Donangelo Castaphney, who was a sophomore at Allderdice High School, was killed in Lincoln-Lemington on April 13. On Saturday evening, April 17, two teens, names unknown as of press deadline, were shot in Marshall-Shadeland; one of the teens died.

“Every time one of these children dies, our legacy goes,” said Tiffany Simpson, with the organization Conscious Women in Control of the Community. “That’s a doctor, a lawyer, a politician...”

In recent days, a man was found shot inside Lady Di’s Lounge on the East Hills/Homewood border, a person was shot in Garfield, a shooting victim was found in the Hill District, and three people were shot following a birthday party in Knoxville; one of the men died.

There have been press conferences in prior months and years to call for an end to the violence, much of which affects the county’s African American communities. But on this day, there was a larger-than-normal crowd that filled the parking lot of Project Destiny, Inc., at 2200 California Ave., North Side, where founder and executive director Rev. Brenda Gregg has provided a safe place for youth and families for years. Reverend Gregg spoke at the podium, as did Rev. Cornell Jones, coordinator of the city’s Group Violence Intervention program. Shatara Murphy, the city’s Public Safety Assistant Director for Community Affairs, and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto also addressed the media in a collective call for “love, not hate.”

In clear view just off to the side of the podi-

um were representatives from numerous “bootson-the-ground” community organizations working daily to combat the violence —Center for Victims of Violence and Crime, The Reach Initiative, Operation Better Block, South Pittsburgh Peacemakers, Pittsburgh Outreach, The Neighborhood Resilience Program, MAD DADS, Pittsburgh Housing Authority, and individuals working with residents in Northview Heights, like Simpson.

“Know what your child is doing,” Simpson said at the press conference, directed at parents across the city, and particularly in her Northview Heights community. “Understand that you are the parent.

The streets is going to be its own parent. I understand we have to work to survive, however, know what your child is doing.”

SEE HOMICIDES A5

MAXINE SIMPSON, among those at the press conference on the North Side, April 19, urging a stop to the violence in Pittsburgh. There have been 20 homicides recorded in the city already this year.

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

APRIL 21-27, 2021

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HOMICIDES FROM A4

Simpson, 47, who graduated from Cheyney University, said she is active in Northview Heights because she wanted to show younger people that “you can go and get an education, and then come back and give to your community.”

She told the media she’s come to realize that the youth don’t have recreational centers in Northview, “the schools have been closed,” and the youth aren’t being given an opportunity to learn things like the stock market, or Bitcoin. Bitcoin is a type of cryptocurrency which can be used to make online purchases, as well as being bought in bulk as an investment, hoping its value will grow.

These types of new learning opportunities, Simpson said, will give youth the freedom to “have something else to do, other than hate.”

Simpson’s comments were part of the speakers’ collective declaration— the violence that’s plaguing the primarily-African American communities can only be solved by the entire community; parents, mentors, youth coaches, faith-based organizations, community organizations, nonprofit organizations, police, educational institutions and corporate entities.

Mayor Peduto was adamant about Pittsburgh’s corporations getting involved.

“I’m calling on our corporate leaders to understand that if you want to take a gun out of a young kid’s hands, give him a job in the summer,” the mayor said, to applause from community leaders.

“Give him the opportunity to see what it’s like to work at a bank or at a hospital. Invest back into the neighborhoods, and into the leaders that are actually out there doing the work. We are not going to solve this by just putting more police officers on the streets. This is solved by giving people opportunities; opportunities that they do not have right now.”

In general, Pittsburgh averages 50-60 homicides per year, with another 50 or so occurring in municipalities outside of Pittsburgh but within Allegheny County. The city lauded the efforts of its police force and community organizations when the homicide count dropped to 37 in 2019, but in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic took hold, the homicides increased that year to

TIFFANY SIMPSON, who is actively engaged with Northview Heights residents, wants to see more educational opportunities and recreational centers for the youth. (Photos

by Courier photographer Rob Taylor Jr.) 51. Pittsburgh is on a current rate to have 66 homicides in 2021, which would be the highest number since 71 homicides were recorded in 2014. Is the increase this year also due, in part, to the pandemic? Or something else? Reverend Day, in his tell-it-like-itis approach, wasn’t about to blame the homicide increase solely on COVID. “We are in a pandemic within a pandemic,” Rev. Day said. “Coronavirus is just an extension of the trauma that our community has been in for years, for generations.”

Reverend Day said he’s appreciative of the countless programs, scholarships and athletic outlets that have benefited Black youths over the decades.

But through it all, the violence continues. Reverend Day believes the best way to truly make a dent in the acts of violence is to provide youth with a “leadership” mindset.

“I know a lot of awesome athletes in prison. I know a lot of college graduates that went to prison for fraud because they were so smart,” Rev. Day said.

“Leadership changes perspectives and mindsets.

If we could build leadership in these young kids’ minds, they will then have the confidence to know they are a leader.

When they are taught to be a leader, their decision-making changes.”

Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert, who was

present at the April 19 press conference, said in a statement earlier in the day that “the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will not allow this senseless loss of life to continue. Our officers will work directly with the community to get to the root cause of these crimes and stop them from occurring.”

More officers will be seen patrolling the areas seeing the most violent criminal activity. Other officers will be walking neighborhood streets in an attempt to forge better relationships with the city’s residents. Reverend Jones, the city’s Group Violence Intervention coordinator, said his team will continue its mission —attempting to stop violent incidents before they happen with strategic, targeted intervention. However, Rev. Jones, just like the other speakers, said that it’s going to take “the village to save the village.”

Reverend Jones added: “It goes from sitting on the sideline to now getting in the game. Find your role...I’m tired of burying babies, burying geniuses. The blood is on our hands if we don’t do what we’ve been called to do.”

REVEREND BRENDA GREGG, founder and executive director of Project Destiny, Inc., where the April 19 press conference was held. Project Destiny’s address is 2200 California Ave.

“Every time one of these children dies, our legacy goes. That’s a doctor, a lawyer, a politician...”

TIFFANY SIMPSON

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APRIL 21-27, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Statement of Rep. Ed Gainey, candidate, Mayor of Pittsburgh, following the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd: “JUSTICE WAS ACHIEVED TODAY (APRIL 20) in the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the 2020 death of George Floyd. Chauvin’s knee on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds while Floyd could be heard crying out, ‘I can’t breathe,’ and calling for his mother, was a painful reminder of the injustices that have been inflicted on communities of col-

or in our country at the hands of police for generations. This historic decision is a measure of justice for the Floyd family, the Black community, and our whole country, that is long overdue. But there are still too many deadly incidents involving police, and still much work to do. In Pittsburgh, we want a city where we can all move through our communities without fearing for our lives or loved ones. To hon-

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.

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.

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.

or the memories of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Breonna Taylor, Antwon Rose, Johnny Gammage and all of the victims of police violence, we have to continue to fight not only to hold officers accountable for their actions, but to create a more just system where no person is senselessly killed at the hands of police.”

Statement of Jerry Dickinson, candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District, following the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd: “I AM PLEASED TO HEAR that the jury has decided to convict Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. However, this conviction must not be misplaced for the broad systematic change desperately needed in our country to protect Black and Brown communities from police brutality. We must dismantle institutionalized racism.

Today, racial disparities pervade every aspect of law enforcement activity by police in Pittsburgh and across the country. In 2020, 3,883 Black men were arrested at least once in Pittsburgh, while only 1,746 White men, who greatly outnumber Black men, were arrested. I have personally felt the physical and emotional pain of police brutality. Until we enact bold action to reform law enforcement, there is much more work to be done.

We need to end federal laws that permit the federal government to send military surplus to local law enforcement agencies. We need to provide the Department of Justice with the resources and latitude to effectively go after unconstitutional police practices.

Congress must abolish qualified immunity. And we need to create democratically-elected and community-controlled public oversight entities.

We need a representative in Congress who will step up to the plate and lead the fight on these critical reforms.”

No other media outlet in PIttsburgh covers OUR community ....Like the New Pittsburgh Courier.

RELIGION/METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

APRIL 21-27, 2021

Amanda Finigan named Head of Upper School at The Ellis School

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

As early as age 6, Amanda Finigan knew she wanted to be a teacher.

And a few years ago, she realized that she could further lead students, as a leader of an entire school.

On July 1, Finigan, the Brooklyn, New York, native, will become Head of Upper School at The Ellis School, the all-girls, college-preparatory school in Shadyside. She will lead the students in grades 9-12.

“Amanda stood out in a large, national pool of highly qualified candidates, and received rave reviews from the students, faculty, staff, and parents who spent time with her while she visited Ellis in February,” said Head of School Macon Finley, in a statement obtained by the New Pittsburgh Courier.

“Amanda’s strengths add to an already outstanding leadership team at Ellis. For these reasons and many more, I couldn’t be more energized about our future as a school.”

Finigan currently serves as Dean of Student Life at the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn. During her 11 years at Berkeley Carroll, Finigan has taught mathematics (Algebra I through Calculus), served as a grade-level dean, been the faculty advisor to the school’s “Girls to Women” group, and was instrumental in the school’s diversity and inclusion initiatives,

according to a release from The Ellis School.

Finigan earned her B.A. in Economics from St. Francis College, where she was a Presidential Scholar, and her M.S.T. in Secondary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from Pace University.

Finigan is in familiar territory at Berkeley Carroll, which is a stone’s throw from the historic African American Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant (more commonly known as BedStuy), where she grew up.

As Pittsburgh will soon be her new home, Finigan told the Courier she will continue to “teach girls to find their voice by providing opportunities for them to speak and present and to challenge what they’re learning. All of this is done with consistent love and support.”

“In my conversations with Amanda, she described herself as someone who is deeply committed to making school the best possible experience for students and their families,” Finley added in a statement. “Both her accomplishments and her references tell the story of her long and successful track record of stepping up to solve problems and launch new initiatives in order to accomplish that goal.”

Finigan told the Courier she’s looking forward to forging new relationships with each member of Ellis’ Upper School. Both Ellis and Finigan’s current

school, Berkeley Carroll, have a student population demographic that’s 38 percent students of color. Finigan said it was important that Ellis is as committed to diversity and inclusion as her.

“I believe that it’s not only important that we have the correct words written in our mission statement, but we must also truly see and hear every person in the school community,” Finigan told the Courier. “I have worked with my colleagues to add more voices within the curriculum, resulting with changing the narrative as to what is considered academic work. I also believe that it’s important to continue such conversations outside of the classroom, and so I have worked on other programming with students and colleagues to bring stories of joy and celebration of Black and other marginalized people into the school.”

Finigan said in a statement that she felt as though Ellis was a “warm community that truly values and prioritizes its mission,” after visiting the school prior to her hiring. “As an alumna of an all-girls school, I know firsthand how powerful such an education is as it’s where I learned to be a leader and where I found my voice...I am excited and look forward to continuing to support the girls of Ellis as they become changemakers.”

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 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.

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“Amanda stood out in a large, national pool of highly qualified candidates, and received rave reviews from the students, faculty, staff, and parents who spent time with her while she visited Ellis in February. Amanda’s strengths add to an already outstanding leadership team at Ellis. For these reasons and many more, I couldn’t be more energized about our future as a school.”

MACON FINLEY Head of School, The Ellis School

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Oprah reacts to Chauvin guilty verdict “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

- Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

“Relieved—and emotional in ways I didn’t expect. I cried tears of joy as each verdict was read. I’m grateful to the witnesses and their testimonies. Grateful to Darnella Frazier. Grateful to every Juror for seeing and acknowledging what the world saw on that tape. Thank you God for real!”

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REV. WALKER SAYS: I’m going to answer the above Scripture with this Scripture. 1Peter 5:6-7 NIV — “Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Pray about everything by tossing these worries to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, He can handle them.

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

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APRIL 21-27, 2021

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Increasing Black homeownership

by Kristy Fercho For New Pittsburgh Courier

Over this past year, home has never been more important. Safe, affordable housing has long been one of the most common aspirations for all Americans, and the principal way most families build wealth in this country. Yet obtaining this goal remains more difficult for people of color.

The racial homeownership gap is as large today as it was during the days of segregation, with the White homeownership rate roughly 30 points higher than Black households. New Urban Institute analysis shows that the gap may continue to grow absent intentional action. This has lasting implications: when one generation misses the wealth-building opportunities of homeownership, successive generations feel the impact as well.

For me, this is personal.

As a Black woman and the Head of Wells Fargo Home Lending, I am passionate about growing Black homeownership and

providing access for those shut out of the American dream.

I’m proud to have a leadership role at Wells Fargo as we take action to increase Black homeownership. We’re doing this by incorporating low-down payment financing options and closing cost credits available through offerings like our new Dream.

KRISTY FERCHO Plan. Home. programs; diverse, in-market sales teams ready to provide access and support; collaboration with non-profits that understand local markets and more. These efforts are part of our $60 billion commitment to growing Black homeownership. Wells Fargo is also investing $50 million in Minority Depository Institutions to empower di-

verse communities.

Housing stakeholders must work together to close this gap, bringing unity to this urgent moment, and I have seen firsthand the great work underway not just by lenders, but also advocates, and policymakers. In addition to my role at Wells Fargo, I’m also the chairelect of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) board of directors and the leader of the affordable homeownership working group for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s Project REACh, which promotes financial inclusion through greater access to credit and capital.

For the MBA, one of our goals is to drastically increase affordable homeownership in the next two years by working with member companies and policymakers to take action now. As the Biden administration takes shape, our mission is to drive consideration of policy actions focused on housing, such as first-time homebuyer credits and FHA reforms.

Project REACh convenes

stakeholders from government, financial institutions, nonprofits and more to tackle the structural barriers that have contributed to the racial homeownership gap. Removing these barriers to financial inclusion will help millions of people, previously left out of the system, gain access to more opportunities for themselves and their families.

Even as we work together to address barriers to homeownership, there

are steps potential homebuyers can take to ensure they are best positioned to reach their goals.

• Build your savings: trim unnecessary expenses and reduce any outstanding debts.

• Find a qualified lender: compare different lenders and their loan offerings to find the right fit.

• Do your homework: learn about your property value and equity, mortgage payments, ?first-time homebuyer programs and

down payment assistance.

• Know your borrowing power: get pre-qualified or pre-approval to find homes that fit your budget.

We all have a role to play, and while none of us can break down these barriers alone, if we are united in our pursuit, we can make a huge impact together.

For Wells Fargo’s homeownership resources, visit: myfirsthome.wf.com

(Kristy Fercho is Executive Vice President and Head of Wells Fargo Home Lending.)

Beware of these financial myths about retirement

by Krista Wignall For New Pittsburgh Courier

Many people look forward to retirement and all the enjoyment it can bring after having worked so hard for decades. But from a distance, whether a few years or many years away from retirement, it’s not easy to clearly see what retirement will look like.

It’s a bit misty, because, after all, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future, and how much money someone will need during retirement and have on hand is subject to numerous variables. But in the process of looking ahead, some people miscalculate, in part because they are not fully informed, says Dariusz Godlewski (financialwealthalliance.com),

a licensed investment advisor representative and the president of Financial Wealth Alliance.

“Some of the things people assume to be true about money matters in retirement actually are not, and some financial points they think they grasp instead require a deeper dive,” Godlewski says. “Misconceptions and myths can develop, and those can be harmful to one’s retirement and their enjoyment of it.”

Godlewski points to three key areas where myths and misconceptions can cost you in retirement: • Taxes. Godlewski says that one of the biggest misconceptions people have is that they will pay less in taxes in retirement, but for many, that’s not true. “For one thing, they won’t have

many deductions anymore,” he says. “If they were itemizing, a lot of those deductions go away. Most of the money Americans have is in tax-deferred accounts such as IRAs and 401(k) s, and they’re going to pay taxes on those distributions. Therefore, they need to strategize to lower their tax bill in future.”

One strategy, Godlewski says, is doing partial Roth conversions on their IRAs and 401(k)s. “Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth on both the contributions and the earnings that accrue over the years, and the other big benefit in retirement is you won’t pay taxes when you take the money out,” he says. “When current tax rates are relatively low, it’s a good window of opportunity to partially convert to

a Roth.”

Godlewski says tax diversification also is important – having a portion in taxable accounts, another amount in tax-free accounts, and some in tax-deferred accounts.

• Asset diversification. Proper diversification across non-correlated asset classes is the key to protecting one from too much volatility in the markets, Godlewski says. A non-correlated asset is an asset whose value isn’t tied to larger fluctuations in the traditional markets. “Many people think they are very diversified because they have different stocks and mutual funds, but that is not being diversified,” he says. “Stocks and mutual funds are just one asset class. Non-correlated assets

such as real estate, commodities, and municipal bonds can help you diversify.”

• Annuities. “They all sound similar but they all work differently,” Godlewski says. “Some have high fees, some have low fees.

Some are safe, some have risk. Annuities can get complicated and it’s wise to have a fiduciary explain the differences.

“Annuities supplement other retirement income, such as Social Security and pensions. Fixed annuities make sense for people who don’t want much risk. An insurance company guarantees a specific payment by a certain date, and in the interim period the insurer invests in safe vehicles such as highly-rated corporate bonds and U.S.

Treasury securities. In a variable annuity, more risk is involved as investors aim for bigger profits. The insurer invests in a portfolio of mutual funds, which are chosen by the buyer.”

“Misconceptions about some financial elements of retirement can lead you down the wrong path and bring stress at a time you’re supposed to be relaxing,” Godlewski says. “Gain the knowledge you need to bring clarity to your plan and the enjoyment you deserve.”

(Dariusz Godlewski (financialwealthalliance.com) is the president of Financial Wealth Alliance and a licensed investment adviser representative with Brookstone Capital Management. He holds a life insurance license and has passed the Series 65 securities exam.)

Money talking: ‘Save me today, I’ll save you tomorrow!’

Most people are struggling financially.

What’s sad, many of those who are struggling financially either don’t know they’re struggling or don’t care. Seventy-eight percent of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck.

Yet only 55 percent are worried about their finances. I guess the remaining 23 percent who are not worried about their finances are in denial.

Truth of the matter is, money doesn’t come with instructions. Many of us graduate from high school and college with advanced degrees having never been taught how to create a budget, balance a checkbook, or the importance of saving for short- and longterm financial goals. Sure, there are some banking representatives who do workshops at various high schools and colleges. Their angle is to teach us the importance of having a high credit score so that we can borrow money. Who benefits from that teaching?

The bank!

When I was a kid, I used to eat a ton of candy. One of my favorite treats was a candy called, “Now and Later.” Now and Later’s slogan when I was coming up was, “Eat some now, save some for later.” I didn’t know it then, but that’s the cornerstone of sound money management advice if we simply replaced the word “Eat” with “Spend.” “Spend some now, save some for later!” You may have heard it this way, “Pay Yourself First.”

Pay yourself first simply means before you spend money, you should save money for future needs and wants. Warren Buffet, the wealthiest financial guru on the planet said it best, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving. Making saving a priority may be “The American Dream” but it’s not “The American Way.” The personal saving rate is 7.9 percent in America compared to 11 percent in the

1960s. Approximately 40 percent of Americans would struggle to come up with $400 for an unexpected, emergency-related expense such as car and home repairs or long-distance travel to a sick loved one. When Yahoo Finance asked participants how much money they had saved for retirement, 45 percent of the respondents said they had no money saved for retirement. Another 19 percent said, they will retire with less than $10,000 saved for retirement. Do the math, that’s 64 percent of Americans who plan on retiring dead broke. Another 20 percent said that they will retire with anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. Not dead broke—but looking at the numbers on the high side. $100,000 will do you fine if you plan on retiring from life shortly after you plan on retiring from work. If you spend $20,000 of the $100,000 nest egg per year, it’s gone in five years. Golden years are not looking so GOLDEN! I was recently the keynote speaker for Parent You in my hometown, Youngstown.

My presentation was titled, “Get A Grip On Your Money.” The emphasis on my talk was the importance of creating a budget and sticking to it. One of the things I discussed was ideas on how to create wiggle room in the budget. There has to be a gap (wiggle room) between your income and your expenses. If there’s no wiggle room, you will struggle paycheck to paycheck, month to month, year to year. If you don’t have wiggle room in your budget you will not be able to save for emergencies and future goals.

You’re literally one missed paycheck away from falling into a deeper financial hole or worse—declaring bankruptcy.

As I was being interviewed about my presentation, the host asked me three questions.

Question 1: “What’s the biggest mistake most people make when it comes to their money?” I responded, “Not having a budget is the biggest mistake most people make.

Money is the greatest magician. It can disappear right before our eyes without you ever knowing. If you don’t have a budget, you’re going to wonder where your money went.”

Question 2: “If you could tell people what’s the most important thing people can do with their money right now, is it making a budget or something else?” I responded, “Making a budget is key, but if you want to build your money muscles so to speak, SAVING money is the most important thing you can do with money right now. This is money talking to you. If you save me today, I’ll save you tomorrow. The cornerstone of having a sound financial life is saving money!”

Question 3: “When people hear people talking about investing and saving, they think to themselves, ‘I’m just happy to be able to pay my bills every month.’ What would you say to people who say that?” I responded, “We need to fix that way of thinking. That’s not living, that’s merely existing.

You don’t want to be in an environment where you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck for the rest of your life. That’s a stressful

place to be in. First step to fixing that is creating wiggle room in your budget.”

I was recently on a call with a client who wanted me to talk her off the ledge. She recently paid her car off in full. That officially made her completely debt-free. She said she’s never had a brand new car. Now she wants one. She sacrificed and paid the price to become debt-free. She has more disposable income than she’s ever had before. I asked her to tell me her top three financial goals. She said become a homeowner, help her daughter finish college, and become a billionaire. I responded, “To have a goal to become a billionaire implies that you’re already a millionaire. Are you?” She started laughing and said No. Think about this, purchasing a car isn’t even one of your top three financial goals.

Let me ask you a question, does purchasing this car and taking on the car payment help you purchase your new home, put your child through college or become a millionaire? She said no. You have a nice reliable car that’s paid for. You currently have nothing saved for your down payment on your home. You want to prevent your daughter from running up massive student loan debt.

Where do you think the money that you’re thinking about paying on a car note can be best used? She replied, putting it in my savings account for my house and daughter’s college.

That’s right, if you save money today, your money will save you headaches, stress, and massive debt tomorrow. More importantly, saving money will help you stabilize your life and help you achieve your financial goals.

(Damon Carr, Money Coach, can be reached at 412216-1013 or visit his website at www.damonmoneycoach.com)

BUSINESS

B2 APRIL 21-27, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Wells Fargo expands commitment to Black-owned banks

by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—Wells Fargo & Company announced equity investments in five African American Minority Depository Institutions, or MDIs, as part of a 2020 pledge to invest up to $50 million in Blackowned banks.

The banking giant said it is also offering access to a dedicated relationship team that can work with each MDI on financial, technological, and product development strategies to help each institution strengthen and grow.

“Wells Fargo is really committed to helping foster a more inclusive world, quite frankly, and we want to make sure that we are reaching into the economically disadvantaged communities as well as serving all of our customers and constituents across the footprint of the enterprise,” Georgette “Gigi” Dixon, head of External Relations for Wells Fargo, told NNPA Newswire.

“This past year has been a terrible year for all of us, and it makes it extra-special that we can provide this investment at this time,” Dixon, the 27-year banking veteran, stated.

“I’ve never seen this type of approach to ensuring the legacy like MDIs and, more specifically, Black-owned banks to be preserved and promoted nationally the way Wells Fargo is taking with this position,” she continued.

Dixon added that Wells Fargo began working on the initiative one year before the pandemic and before the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

“We started meeting with each one of the MDIs, and we partnered with the National Bank-

WELLS FARGO ANNOUNCED that its financial commitments are in the form of critical equity capital, which is foundational to the MDIs’ ability to expand lending and deposit-taking capacity in their communities. ing Association,” Dixon revealed.

“We had these meetings with the banks and said, ‘let’s walk through your strategic plan and the things you need to stabilize and or grow the institution so that you are better able to serve your constituents.’ When all these banks are thriving and, in a position, to grow, that helps everybody.”

With that, Wells Fargo decided to provide what Dixon called an injection of equity that gave the MDIs opportunities to maintain their positions as majority owners.

Wells Fargo then created

a relationship management team that focused on understanding what the MDIs needed.

Throughout the process, Wells Fargo remained engaged by providing resources from various factions of the banking organization.

“We reached across all our lines of business and said, ‘we have these great MDIs who are sustaining, stabilizing, growing, and expanding, and we want to make ourselves available through subject matter expertise,’” Dixon recalled. “I’m so excited about this.”

Wells Fargo’s latest an-

nouncement includes investments in Carver State Bank in Savannah, Georgia; Citizens Trust Bank in Atlanta; First Independence Bank in Detroit; Liberty Bank in New Orleans; and Unity National Bank in Houston.

The investments follow Wells Fargo’s Feb. 8 announcement regarding its investments in six African American MDIs and take its total investment to 11 MDIs overall.

Additionally, Wells Fargo plans to make its nationwide ATM network available for customers of the 11 MDIs to use without incurring fees.

The company announced that its financial commitments are in the form of critical equity capital, which is foundational to the MDIs’ ability to expand lending and deposit-taking capacity in their communities.

“The thing that impressed us the most is that these are solid institutions,” Dixon voiced.

“They all unequivocally, across-the-board, have a huge mission to provide financial help to their community and customers. These communities are disproportionately not in the banking system and are not necessarily

taking full advantage of the wide range of financial products and services available.

“These MDIs are trusted, and that’s important for all to realize that, when you have trust and credibility, you are going to be able to reach communities that others cannot. Their mission is focused, and it’s all about the financial health in the community and about expanding access to financial products and services.”

(Stacy Brown is NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent.)

Target to spend over $2B with Black-owned companies by 2025

by Sherri Kolade Michigan Chronicle

Target announced recently to spend over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025, Black Enterprise

reported.

Target made the pledge to add more products to its shelves from over 500 Black-owned businesses and work with more Black retail companies to enhance retail operations

and shopping experiences, according to the article. Target will also introduce new opportunities to assist its Black-owned resources in growth for their businesses.

Those resources entail a new team geared to giving vendors support to help propel Black-owned companies optimize their brands in mass retail as part of a new program created by Target called Forward Founders.

“We have a rich history of working with diverse businesses, but there’s more we can do to spark change across the retail industry, support the Black community and ensure Black guests feel welcomed and represented when they shop at Target,” Christina Hennington, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Target said in a release.

“The bold actions we’re announcing today reflect Target’s ongoing commitment to advance racial equity for the Black community. They also represent significant economic opportunity for hundreds of new Black-owned companies, who we look forward to doing business with for years to come.”

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

APRIL 21-27, 2021

B3

My Daddy

Guest Editorial

Virginia gets it right on voting rights law Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam recently signed a sweeping voting rights measure that other states should follow.

Northam, a Democrat, approved the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, a critical move to protect the right to vote for Black and Latino voters and others even as Republican-controlled state legislatures nationwide move to enact legislation to restrict voting access.

While other states are threatening voting rights, Virginia took a major step to protect the right to vote.

Virginia’s adoption of this bill will make it the first state in the South to enact a state voting rights act.

The act will help protect and expand access to the ballot box, which is necessary nearly eight years after the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the most powerful part of the landmark federal Voting Rights Act. In June 2013, the Supreme Court voted to end the requirement in the Voting Rights Act that states with a history of discrimination in voting, mainly in the South and including Virginia, get federal approval before changing the way they hold elections.

The new Virginia legislation would require local election officials to get public comment or pre-approval from the attorney general for voting changes, and it empowers voters and the attorney general to sue in cases of voter suppression.

It also requires local election officials to provide voting materials in foreign languages under certain conditions.

The legislation advanced over the objection of Republicans and local government associations that warned it could strain localities and lead to costly litigation.

The legislation is strongly supported by civil rights advocates.

Marcia Johnson-Blanco, co-director of the Voting Rights Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, praised the bill in a statement.

“The Voting Rights Act of Virginia shows just how far a state with roots from the darkest days of racism in this country can come, and will be a model for the entire nation,” Johnson-Blanco said.

Leah Aden, deputy director of litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), said: “As we confront the worst attacks on voting rights in decades, Virginia’s decision to approve comprehensive legislation to protect the right to vote is one we applaud. The Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder has unleashed a wave of voter suppression in the United States. For example, earlier this week LDF and other civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit against Georgia’s sweeping law that is designed to create barriers to voting for Black voters and other voters of color. Even as some states such as Georgia force through discriminatory voting laws, creating barriers to the ballot that disproportionately affect voters of color, Virginia sets an example for the important role that states can play in bolstering existing federal protections for the right to vote. Virginia’s legacy of voter suppression cannot be ignored, and its Voting Rights Act is an important step toward reconciling that history.”

Virginia joins California, Washington and Oregon in enacting a state voting rights act, and sets an important precedent for other states to follow.

We urge other elected state officials nationwide to follow Virginia’s example and pass legislation that protects voters and ensures our democracy.

On the federal level, we urge the Senate to pass the For the People Act, which recently passed the House.

The act is a comprehensive federal overhaul of election law that could effectively override many changes being enacted in Georgia and considered elsewhere.

The legislation is meant to counter the more than 250 bills that have been introduced in 43 states that would change how Americans vote, according to a tally by the Brennan Center for Justice, which backs expanded voting access. Some measures would limit mail voting, cut hours at polling places and impose restrictions that amount to an assault on voting rights.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“My Daddy!” are two words which, arguably, identify the second most important person in the life of a child. Sometimes he is the most important. For many, “Daddy” is the first word spoken and, from all of my discussions on the matter, brings great joy to the person called by that name. From all visuals we have seen, George Floyd took great delight and pleasure in Fatherhood.

Candidate Joe Biden met George Floyd’s family and his, then, sixyear-old daughter, Gianna, on June 8, 2020, one day before his burial. Biden was impressed with the conversation he had with Gianna and touched by the love she expressed for her father. We know that to be true because Candidate Biden told us so. I can only imagine that the loving way that she spoke of her father touched him to the core at a common point of understanding. Biden is a father and has heard the word “Daddy,” or “Dad,” or “Father” uttered from the mouth of a child—his child—expressing all of the love, trust, faith, concern, and pride that child could muster.

When Gianna said to Candidate Biden with the pure faith of a child, “My Daddy’s going to change the world,” she knew it and she meant it. Candidate Biden knew it, too. True to the utterances of an innocent child, George Floyd, or at least the manner of his death and the rightful attention given to it, is changing the world before our

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary eyes. We who consume the details of the Chauvin Trial, if we are genuinely receptive to the truth, will learn many lessons from it.

For many, we are learning long overdue lessons on the subject of human physiology. Our high school biology/health teachers would be proud! Most of us are just grateful that others have acquired the professional expertise to refute the ridiculous supposition that George Floyd was, in some absurd way, responsible for his own death.

We have learned that principled compassion still exists. Those by-standers who gathered in unity to offer direct protestation against an obvious act of cruelty and brutality demonstrated, by word and deed, that there is no ‘correctness’ in silent suffering or ignoring injustice.

We have learned a lesson of character and accountability. Police Chief Medaria Arradondo, and those in the administration he leads, have made the determination that honesty and justice mean far more than a nebulous “Blue Wall of Silence.” By

refusing to support the misdeeds of a former officer, they set a new national standard for managing police misconduct. We can only pray that others see the strength in his decision and model their conduct accordingly.

The lesson that continues in its crystal clarity is that there are those among us whose human callousness and disregard for the lives of people of color reaches demonic proportion. We must realize that many ‘out there’ support Chauvin and see George Floyd as human rubbish who was correctly discarded. We cannot accept this type of thinking or allow it to manifest in the conduct of Chauvin ‘wannabes.’ OUR LIVES DO MATTER!!!

The trial of Derek Chauvin is not over. The jury has not rendered a verdict. Much of the world anxiously awaits the outcome. Both sides of the case must be completed, and the jury must then decide who, in fact, is responsible for the death of George Floyd. Essentially, they must decide if the allegation of passing a counterfeit $20 note is sufficiently criminal to deserve the death penalty immediately administered without benefit of judge or jury.

We are a little more than two months away from Father’s Day. I take pride in confirming for Gianna that her Daddy HAS changed the world!

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

It’s worse than we ever thought (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Among the first evidence presented by prosecutors in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in his killing of George Floyd is that it was not just 8 minutes and 46 seconds as originally thought, but rather, it was 9 minutes and 29 seconds that Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck.

People in the courtroom and those keeping up with the trial by media would later learn that it was even worse than the 9 minutes and 29 seconds. Moreover, they learned that Chauvin’s knee not only remained on George Floyd’s neck for as long as there was breath in his body; but —according to a pulmonary expert, Chauvin’s knee continued to press into Floyd’s neck for three minutes after Floyd was already dead.

These travesties of justice remain unspeakable to those who cringe or cry every time they hear the suffering of George Floyd as he pled for his life. And as bad as that was, the blows of injustice to the Black community, its parents and children continue to get worse.

In yet another tragic death, Minneapolis has been on nightly curfew as protestors continue to cry out for justice. On Sunday, April 11, only 10 miles away from the location of the Derek Chauvin trial, yet another Minneapolis police officer took out her revolver and shot an unarmed 20-year-old Black man. The death of Daunte Wright was characterized by the then police chief as an accident.

Despite the resignation of the now former Officer Kim Potter, who said she meant to shoot her taser at

Hazel Trice Edney

Commentary Wright and the resignations of the police chief and city manager, there is no consolation to Americans— Black or White—who have experienced these non-stop back-to-back travesties against Black people.

So far, indications are that there is seemingly no end in sight for the assaults on the Black community.

Even the senseless Windsor, Va. traffic stop of U. S. Army Lt. Caron Nazario a Black and Hispanic man stopped and pepper sprayed by a rogue cop shouting misguided orders has baffled the nation. There is no solace that the cop, Joe Gutierrez, who then lied in his report about the details of the incident, was fired. It is no solace because these travesties of justice happen every day out of the sight of cameras where some of the stories are never even revealed much less believed.

On March 3, 1991, when Rodney King was viciously beaten by Los Angeles police officers, much of America was awakened by the video repeatedly shown on daily news. But across America, Black-owned newspapers have long recorded the trauma of violence against Black people, continuing from the unspeakable cruelties of American slavery. Begin-

ning with Freedom’s Journal in 1827 to journalist Ida B. Wells’ 1895 Red Record documentation of American lynching to Black American newspapers’ Double V campaign during World War II to JET magazine’s 1955 photo of the tortured Emmett Till, regardless of how bad it got, the continued documentation of these evils well into the 21st Century now proves that it is yet worse than we ever thought.

But there must be an end to this centuries-long nightmare. The blood of those who have recently become household names are crying out, underscoring the indescribable horrors heaped upon them and therefore upon Black people: Trayvon Martin, Stephon Clark, Freddie Gray, Eric Garner, Amadou Diallo, Philando Castile, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, George Floyd—and thousands of others.

And yet, we the people march and protest because we still believe. We still believe that our America, a nation built upon our backs and by the suffering of our ancestors, will someday respect us. We still believe that America, with a Declaration of Independence that promises equality of “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness”, will someday do right by us. And, even as we acknowledge that it is indeed worse than we ever thought, we still believe that the collective voices and unified courage of Black, White and others together will give rise to answered prayers that will finally end this modern-day civil war.

Many Chicago young Black people urgently need help from The Big Six (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The Big Six-—Oprah Winfrey, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Michael Jordan, Barack Obama, and Michelle Obama—have several things in common. All have an international reputation in their various arenas; all have been very successful financially; all have books written by or about them heralding their accomplishments; all have thousands of people who regard them as role models or leaders; all reportedly have financially or otherwise supported different causes of interest to many Black folks in this country.

Another thing they have in common is a close connection with the city of Chicago. They must be well aware that Chicago has a continuously high rate of low income Black males killing other low income Black males. Such activities have been going on for years at an alarming rate. If they were killing, not big time White executives, but White homeless males, they would be

A. Peter Bailey

Commentary stopped. If they were killing members of the Black middle or upper income classes at the same rate they kill each other, they would be stopped. If the city didn’t stop them, members of those classes would surely find a way to stop them. The harsh reality is that most Whites and unfortunately, too many Black folks, don’t really care about low income Black males killing each other.

I am assuming that the Big Six are not in that latter category. That’s why it is puzzling, despite their close connections to Chicago, that they haven’t joined together to do something about

the horrific situation. By now, it is reasonable to assume that they can host a conference of highly knowledgeable experts from the mental health, education, economics, spiritual, cultural, and political arenas to develop concrete ways to convince young Black folks of the harm they are doing to themselves and their people.

Collectively, they have the financial resources needed to build and staff a cultural and educational center where the young people could be taught the skills they need, physically and psychologically, to promote and protect the vital interests of themselves, their families, and their people. It has been said that there are three kinds of people in the world—those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what is happening. Ms. Winfrey, Rev. Jackson, Minister Farrakhan, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Obama, and Miss Obama, working together, are some of the people who can make things happen.

Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor, New Pittsburgh Courier, 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com

B4

FORUM

APRIL 21-27, 2021

The forgotten Jackie Robinson The Hutchinson Productions The Forgotten Jackie Robinson commemorates the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s breaking the color line in baseball. Watch The Special onhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD5xczjHjuk&t=5s April 18 is the seventy fifth anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s smash of the color line in baseball. The annual ritual is that Major League Baseball honors Robinson at the start of the season. In the past, players, coaches, and umpires have worn Robinson’s old Number 42 for one game as tribute. The gesture and the player’s compliance are genuine and heartfelt.

They recognize that Robinson’s entrance into MLB was a tipping moment for race relations in America. The irony is that Robinson then, and in the years after he left baseball didn’t, see the game and America quite the way MLB officials nostalgically remember it and him.

When Robinson nervously stood at second base in his first game in the majors he later said that he was “uneasy” and far less hopeful that his feat would change American attitudes toward Blacks. Twenty-five years after that historic day in 1947 Robinson’s unease became bitter doubts. In his autobiography, I Never had it Made he unapologetically declared: “I cannot stand and sing the anthem. I cannot salute the flag. I know that I am a Black man in a White world. I never had it made.” This is the other story Robinson repeatedly told in his autobiography, letters, and columns in the New York Post and the Amsterdam News.

In 1949 Black singer/activist Paul Robeson made an ill-timed, and much distorted statement that Blacks were sympathetic to the Soviet Union. Robinson was pressured to testify before the witch-hunting House Un- American Activities Committee to refute Robeson. Robinson did not want to be used as a Black pawn to attack Robeson.

In his testimony he opposed Communism, criticized the Committee for its “partisan politics” and fiercely attacked racial discrimination: “We’re not going to stop fighting race discrimination in this country until we’ve got it licked.” Years later he did not regret his testimony but he told why he “would reject such

Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Commentary an invitation” today: “In those days I had much more faith in the ultimate justice of the American White man than I have today.”

For more than a decade Robinson gave speeches, helped raise funds, and made generous contributions to the NAACP and the SCLC. But in 1967, he resigned from the NAACP’s board of directors accusing it of being “insensitive to the trends of our times, unresponsive to the needs and aims of the Black masses—especially the young—and more and more they seem to reflect a refined, sophisticated, ‘Yassuh-Mr. Charlie’ point of view.” His criticism foreshadowed the identical charges made by dissidents that would nearly wreck the NAACP almost two decades later.

Many Blacks called Robinson an “Uncle Tom and “sell-out” for supporting the Republican presidential bid of Richard Nixon over Democratic candidate John F. Kennedy in 1960.

Robinson did not receive any money or political favors for supporting Nixon. His sole litmus test was how strongly a candidate supported civil rights: “I was not beholden to any political party. I was Black first.”

But the Nixon of 1960 wasn’t the Nixon of 1968 who inflamed law-and- order sentiment, and pandered to racist White Southerners. As Eisenhower’s vice president, Nixon vigorously fought for the civil rights bills of 1957 and 1960 and for stronger action against racially-motivated violence. The Kennedy of 1960 wasn’t the Kennedy of 1963 who took forceful civil rights action. As a senator, he voted to water down a section of the Civil Rights bills of 1957, and actively courted racist Southern Democrats. Robinson promised that if his candidate betrayed him on civil rights, “I’ll be right back to give him hell.” He did. He denounced the political mean-spiritedness of Nixon and the Republicans. “Every chance I got I said plainly what I thought of the right-wing Republicans and the harm they were doing.”

Like many then, Robinson at first regarded Malcolm X as an anti-Semitic, race-bailing demagogue and criticized his approach to racial problems. But in time he came to respect and admire Malcolm: “Many of the statements he made about the problems faced by our people and the immorality of the White power structure were the naked truth.”

He staked his career and reputation on making Black economic empowerment a reality. He believed; “There were two keys to the advancement of Blacks in America—the ballot and the buck. If we organized our political and economic strength, we would have a much easier fight on our hands.”

Robinson got the break of the century when he was chosen to crack the color bar in baseball. He was courted by politicians, showered with persona] honors, and attained a measure of financial success. Yet at the end of his life, he realized that many Blacks had continued to lose ground: “I can’t believe that I have it made while so many of my Black brothers and sisters are hungry, inadequately housed, insufficiently clothed, denied their dignity, live in slums or barely exist on welfare.” Robinson until the end insisted, he never had it made. He’d likely say the same today. That’s the Robinson baseball won’t remember, but we should.

(Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

American policing: The data During the trial of Derek Chauvin, the White Minneapolis police officer charged with murdering a Black man named George Floyd, another police shooting took place right outside of Minneapolis in Brooklyn Center.

This time a White female officer shot and killed a 20-year-old Black man who attempted to flee the scene after he was pulled over. The problem was the officer pulled her firearm, but thought she drew her taser.

She thought wrong.

Since her wrong thought resulted in the death of a person, she was charged with manslaughter and should be convicted.

But that’s for a jury to decide in a court of law.

Unfortunately, in the court of public opinion, where American policing is on trial, there is no jury, there’s only judges. Here are two rash judgments made after the Brooklyn Center police shooting.

1). Brooklyn Center’s mayor said, “I don’t believe that officers need to necessarily have weapons every time they’re making a traffic stop.”

2). MSNBC contributor Jason Johnson said, “We need to abolish American policing as it currently exists. It doesn’t work … Do you know the average homicides that are actually solved by police departments? Only about 35 percent.” Then he stated, an unarmed Black person is five times more likely to get shot by the police than a White

J. Pharoah Doss

Check It Out person.

Now, if the former president of the United States would have recited the same statistics, MSNBC would have put the following fact-check on the screen.

1). According to recent statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the national clearance rate for murder was 61.6 percent and for aggravated assault, 53.3 percent.

2). The Washington Post has annually tracked all incidents of fatal force use by police since 2015. The annual tracker states: Although half of the people shot and killed by police are White, Black Americans are shot at a disproportional rate. Black Americans account for 13 percent of the U.S. population, but are killed by the police twice the rate of White Americans.

Obviously, Johnson felt the need to exaggerate some of the figures in order to advocate for abolishing the police.

All of this hysteria is a natural reaction to how often White police officers are shown shooting Black people on the national news, but the frequency of na-

tional news coverage is not a reflection of reality.

Here’s the latest data available from the “Contacts Between Police and The Public” report conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. The recent report was the twelfth in a series that began in 1996 and is calculated every three years.

Among persons age 16 and older: 1). About 61.5 million residents had at least one contact with police.

2). Whites (26 percent) were more likely than Blacks (21 percent), Hispanics (19 percent), or persons of other races (20 percent) to experience police contact.

3). There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of Whites (12 percent) and Blacks (11 percent) who experienced police-initiated contact.

Also, according to CNN, 48 police officers were shot and killed on the job in 2020, compared to 51 in 2019.

Thirty officers were killed by a handgun, 13 were killed by a rifle, and one was killed with his own weapon. (The type of weapon in the other four is unknown.) However, in 2020 there were 18 unarmed Blacks killed by the police and in 2019 there were only 12.

A quote attributed to Mark Twain goes, “There are lies, damn lies, and statistics.”

Today, Twain might have said, “There are statistics, the news and their damn narratives.”

Black business leaders are energizing corporate America on voting rights (TriceEdneyWire.com)—In the long arc of the nation’s history of racially-motivated voter suppression, 2021 will stand as a clear and distinct moment that changed everything that came after.

Whether it will symbolize the demise of such suppression—or its shameful entrenchment—remains to be seen.

Certainly, racially-motivated voter suppression is nothing new. The right of Black men to vote wasn’t even constitutionally-protected for the first 94 years of the nation’s existence, and the terrorist regime of Jim Crow blocked most Black citizens in the South from voting for the next 95 years.

But the surge of restrictive voting laws that began after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act with its 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder became a tsunami in the backlash to the historic Black voter turnout in 2020.

The long-overdue moment for corporate America to take a stand is upon us. And it has been brought about by its most influential Black members.

Led by Kenneth Chenault, the former CEO of American Express; Kenneth Frazier, CEO of Merck & Co.; former Xerox Holdings Corp. CEO Ursula Burns, and William M. Lewis Jr., chairman of investment banking at Lazard, hundreds of corporate executives signed an open letter opposing voting limits that ran as a two-page advertisement in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and other publications Wednesday.

The powerful—and deeply patriotic— statement reads, very simply: A government of the people, by the people.

A beautifully American ideal, but a reality denied to many for much of this nation’s history.

Marc Morial

Commentary As Americans, we know that in our democracy, we should not expect to agree on everything. However, regardless of our political affiliations, we believe the very foundation of our electoral process rests upon the ability of each of us to cast our ballots for the candidates of our choice.

For American democracy to work for any of us, we must ensure the right to vote for all of us.

We all should feel a responsibility to defend the right to vote and to oppose any discriminatory legislation or measures that restrict or prevent any eligible voter from having an equal and fair opportunity to cast a ballot.

Voting is the lifeblood of democracy and we call upon all Americans to join us in taking a nonpartisan stand for this most basic and fundamental right of all Americans.

The CEOs and other top executives of 300 companies, along with law firms, nonprofit leaders, academics and celebrities, signed their names to the letter.

“These are not political issues,” Kenneth Frazier told the New York Times “These are the issues that we were taught in civics.”

The statement does not address specific states’ election legislation. Since the election, state legislators in 47 have introduced a shocking 361 voter suppression bills. The total represents an increase of 108, or 43 percent, just in the last month. As appalling as the proposals to restrict voting are, even

more alarming are the proposals to that seek to disregard the results of elections entirely. A bill pending in Arizona would allow the state legislature to overturn the results of a presidential election, even after the count is formally certified by the governor and secretary of state—and even after Congress counts the state’s electors.

Kenneth Chenault, Kenneth Frazier, Ursula Burns and William M. Lewis Jr.—all trailblazers in their industries —are longtime advocates for corporate social responsibility and civic engagement. In a prelude to Wednesday’s statement, they organized a full-page advertisement in the New York Times on March 31, headlined “Memo to Corporate America: The Fierce Urgency is Now,” that was signed by 72 Black executives.

“We think now that corporate America, Black Americans for sure, but anyone who has values in their corporation that talk about diversity, equity and inclusion, any company that has a values statement about valuing their employees has to stand with our statement,” Ursula Burns told CBS News.

“Because their employees—Black, White, Hispanic, women—literally are going to be affected by this type of suppression.”

Kenneth Chenault told CNN, “What we’re calling on corporations to do is not just say they believe strongly in the right to vote. It’s to publicly and directly oppose any discriminatory legislation and all measures designed to limit any individual’s ability to vote.”

In a historic act of solidarity, hundreds of corporations did just that.

Whether states will heed their call isn’t clear. But it will be remembered as a moment when standing on the sidelines was—at long last—no longer an option.

MLB pulls All-Star Game from Atlanta

by Stacy M. Brown (NNPA)—Elections and the actions of lawmakers do have consequences.

And because of a new voter suppression bill signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp, Major League Baseball has announced it would move its potentially lucrative 2021 All-Star game from Atlanta.

“Just as elections have consequences, so do the actions of those who are elected,” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms wrote on Twitter.

“Unfortunately, the removal of the @ MLB All-Star game from GA is likely the 1st of many dominoes to fall until the unnecessary barriers put in place to restrict access to the ballot box are removed,” the mayor stated.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred decided on Friday, April 2, after Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Tony Clark and some prominent players and managers expressed doubts about attending the game.

Last month, Kemp signed Republican-led legislation that disenfranchises voters of color.

As reported recently at BlackPressUSA. com, moving the game from Atlanta could cost the city and local counties as much as $200 million in revenue.

The host Atlanta Braves were expected to operate their stadium at total capacity for the game.

Events surrounding the mid-summer classic would have meant a windfall for the local economy.

“Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views,” Manfred said.

“I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft.”

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) expressed hope that MLB would reconsider moving the game because of the economic impact it could have, mainly because the pandemic has crippled most businesses.

“Businesses and organizations have great power in their voices and ability to push for change. I respect the decision of the players to speak out against this unjust law,” Sen. Warnock stated.

“It is not the people of Georgia or the workers of Georgia who crafted this law.

It is politicians seeking to retain power at the expense of Georgians’ voices. And today’s decision by MLB is the unfortunate consequence of these politicians’ actions.”

Sen. Warnock continued: “It is my hope that businesses, athletes, and entertainers can protest this law not by leaving Georgia but by coming here and fighting voter suppression head-on, and hand-in-hand with the community.

Additionally, the urgency to pass federal voter protection laws grows every day, and I will continue to be a leader in that fight.”

As first noted by CNBC, Georgia’s new law adds guidelines around mail-in ballots, voter registration and provides state officials more authority around how elections are operated.

“Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box,” Manfred said.

“In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States.

“We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.”

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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.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Administrative Assistant needed for a busy rental office located within an apartment complex in the Northside of Pittsburgh. Candidates must have working knowledge of Excel and Word. Duties include answering phones, creating correspondence, sorting mail, assisting the property manager with documents for annual lease renewals and initial leasing. Additional clerical duties as assigned by the Property Manager.

The successful candidate must possess excellent communication and customer service skills. Competitive salary and benefits: paid vacation, 401(k) and health insurance. This is an entry level position.

Please submit resume to dallen@ahrco.com or fax to 412-687-9725 EEO

DATA ANALYTICS ARCHITECT III MSA Worldwide, LLC (Cranberry Twp., PA) to serve as a member of the IT Analytics Team & utilize anlics by lvrgng data vslztn, machine lrng, AI & multiple data storage tchnlgs to unlock insights & transform data into compelling & actionable stories. Spec job duties incl.: bldng data ows data models in SAP Business Warehouse; bldng queries using the BEx Query Designer; bldng reports & dshbrds in Microsoft Power BI; bldng data engnrng workloads w/ Azure Databricks & Azure Data Factory; bldng & dplng machine lrng models using R & Azure Machine Lrng; cnsltng w/bus. units to underst. analytics needs; dsgng, dvlpng, & dlvrng analytics using SAP BW & Microsoft Azure; crtng visually stunning reports & dashboards in Power BI. Master’s degree in IS, Comp. Science or a related discipline or Bachelor’s degree in one of the same discipline + 5 years of prior progressively resp. work exp. in the position offered or related. Certificate in SAP Certified App – Modeling & Data Mngmnt w/SAP BW 7.4. Must know (through academic training or work exp.) dvlpnt of HANA (high performance analytic appliance) migration activities & finali ing roadmaps for a successful mgrtn. All applications and resumes must be submitted to careers@msasafety.com. Refer to Data Analytics Architect.

PUBLIC WORKS LABORER Forest Hills Borough seeks applicants for the Public Works Laborer position. This full-time position is labor intensive, requiring heavy lifting and walking. The ideal candidate must have a proven work driving history. Specific requirements in job description, available at the borough website at https://foresthillspa.org/ employment-information/.

Employment offered contingent upon completion of successful background check, physical & drug test.

Applicants must submit a letter of interest, complete borough employment application (available online at above link) & 3 references.

Resume is optional. Apply to: Public Works Laborer, 4400 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.

Applications accepted until May 6, 2021 or until position is filled.

Forest Hills is an equal opportunity employer MANCHESTER BIDWELL CORPORATION MCG JAZZ JAZZ PATRON SERVICES & MARKETING SPECIALIST SUMMARY: Responsible for customer relations, ticketing, social media, events marketing, website maintenance, reconciling sales. Ensures high degree of customer service, relations, communications in all patron related activities. BS in Arts Management or Business with focus on arts or entertainment. 2-3 years bo office experience, highly effective interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities, knowledge of ticketing software, proficiency in MS Office Suite applications, ability to create, analyze and interpret financial reports required. perience in web design, Photoshop, and social media design. Audio, video and/ or concert production experience a plus. Able to work extended and/ or irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Interested Persons are required to submit their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to hr@manchesterbidwell.org EOE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN Detail-oriented individual to perform general maintenance.

Performs preventive maintenance and other responsibilities as assigned for busy, multifamily apartment communities.

Competency in routine plumbing, electrical, carpentry and HVAC evaluation and repairs. A Valid PA driver’s license is required.

Benefits include: 401(k) plan, paid vacations, and health benefits.

Please reply, along with references to: amahone@ahrco.com or fax to (412) 687-9725 EEO

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FOOD SERVICES EMPLOYEE Permanent, part-time positions available in the Fox Chapel Area School District. Pay rate is $10.51 per hour. Must have/obtain current PA Child Abuse History, PA Criminal Record Check, and PA Dept. of Education FBI Background Check.

Apply through our online application system using the following link: ht tps: // w w w.applitrack .com / fcasd/onlineapp/ If you have any questions, please contact Julie Geary, Food Services Manager, at 412-967-2502.

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 JUNIOR SCHEDULER Port Authority is seeking a Junior Scheduler to assist the Manager of Scheduling and Transit Schedulers by proposing schedule updates that support the team’s goals of efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. Supports the Scheduling team in responding to customer and community concerns, producing timetables, and producing other public materials to support changes to schedules and routes.

Essential Functions: •Reviews, evaluates, and develops potential schedule changes to ensure service and schedules are effective, equitable and efficient.

Uses computer software (GIRO – Hastus) to develop these changes.

•Assists with the management of route concept, design, and change/ implementation to include bus stop placement, scheduled time-points, and any other necessary information using computer software.

•Assists with the design, production and distribution of public timetables and other customer information materials related to service.

Job requirements include: •BA/BS Degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Urban Planning or directly related field from an accredited school.

Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

•One year or more of experience in Transit Scheduling, Planning, Transit Operations, Data Analysis, or a related field •Demonstrated ability in the use of data to develop simple analyses, charts, and tables.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of MicrosoftWindows, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

•Ability to read and understand Port Authority schedules, transit maps, and related materials.

•Excellent organizational skills.

•Professional and effective communication and writing skills.

•Valid PA Drivers License.

Preferred attributes: •Knowledge of Port Authority service areas and routes.

•Experience in computerized GIRO-Hastus Scheduling System or similar scheduling systems.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Deborah Slocum Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 DSlocum@portauthority.org EOE

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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.

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 existing UX/UI 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.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SARAH HEINZ HOUSE, Full-Time; Exempt Bachelors Degree with 7yrs experience OR 10yrs relevant experience without Bachelors required.

CFRE & advanced degree in the field preferred. Must have proven track record of raising funds from diverse sources, including Major Gifts from individuals, foundations, government and corporations.

To see full job description & apply, please visit: https://www.indeed.com/job/ director-developmentSarah Heinz House is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

JOINT APPRENTICESHIP COMMITTEE LOCAL UNION NO. 5, I.B.E.W. AND WESTERN PA CHAPTER, N.E.C.A. 5 HOT METAL STREET, SUITE 100 PITTSBURGH, PA 15203-2356 WWW.IBEWLOCAL5JATC.ORG APPRENTICESHIP opportunities for those who meet the requirements are hereby announced by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the I.B.E.W. Local Union #5 and the Western PA Chapter of N.E.C.A. Applications will be distributed at the: Electrical Training Center - 5 Hot Metal Street, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15203-2356 (South Side) May 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th - from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM May 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd - from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE GIVEN IN THE PITTSBURGH OFFICE ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE PICKED UP IN PERSON BY THE APPLICANT AND COMPLETED AT THAT TIME. APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: A.Applicants shall be in good health, of average intelligence, conscientious and interested in learning the trade.

B.Must be 18 years old, as of June 30, 2021.

C.Must be a high school graduate or hold a GED. D.Must have completed one year of high school algebra or one post high school algebra course.

E.Applicant must be willing to take any tests given by or for the Committee.

F.When an apprenticeship is offered, one must submit to a physical and substance testing and a test for color blindness.

These tests will be administered by a doctor selected and paid for by the Committee.

G.Must be a resident of one of the following counties in Pennsylvania for at least one year prior to application: Allegheny; Armstrong; Bedford; Blair; Butler; Cambria; Cameron; Centre; Clarion; Clearfield; lk; Fayette; Fulton; Greene; Huntingdon; Indiana; Jefferson; McKean; Somerset; Venango; Washington and Westmoreland.

H.A non-refundable check or money order for $25.00 (Twenty-five Dollars) will be required with the returned application.

Cost of all testing and examinations to be paid by the Committee. We will not accept cash payments; check or money orders only.

I.All applicants must have a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License for the entire time they are in the apprenticeship program.

J.The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices during their apprenticeship shall be without discrimination due to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or non-job related disabilities. The sponsor shall take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in the apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 or the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 30 and the Equal Employment Opportunity Regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOU: 1.Copy of your High School Transcript Official or nofficial (not the diploma) or your GED with scores (not a copy of the certificate) and High School transcript for years attended.

2.Your Driver’s License.

3.A (non-refundable) check or money order only for $25.00 made payable to Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. We will not accept cash payments; check or money orders only.

SURGEON University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Surgeon to work in Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County). Examine patients and make diagnoses to determine the need for surgery; review a patient’s medical history and plan the best procedure for treatment, and evaluate and advise the patient on the risks involved with having surgery; perform surgical procedures to prevent or correct injury, disease, deformities, and patient function, and prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatment and procedures; evaluate, advise, and treat patients with abdominal and gastrointestinal cancer, and those needing acute surgical care; perform open, laparoscopic, and robotic assisted surgical procedures for general surgery and gastrointestinal cancer; participate in multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer clinic, tumor board, and research conferences. Must have a M.D. or equivalent; completion of residency in General Surgery; completion of fellowship in Surgical Oncology; Board Certified in eneral Surgery; Board Certified or Board ligible in Surgical Oncology. Must have a valid PA medical license or eligibility for licensure. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 210001SY in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

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ENDOCRINOLOGIST University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks an Endocrinologist to work in Allegheny County. Provide specialized clinical care to patients with diseases, disorders, and conditions of the endocrine system, including metabolism and diabetes. Examine patients, order diagnostic tests, interpret the results, order appropriate interventions, therapies, medications, and other treatment modalities, and establish preventative health practices for patients. Must have a Medical degree or equivalent; completion of residency in Internal Medicine; and completion of fellowship in Endocrinology. Must have a valid PA medical license or eligibility for licensure. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 210001RE in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices Estate of LATTA BRIAN P., Deceased of West View, Estate No. 01983 of 2021, Raymond G. Latta, Admin, 3961 Windgap Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15204, or to Michael J. Saldamarco, Esq; STE. 100, 908 Perry Hwy. Pittsburgh, PA 15229 Estate of PATRICK JAMES DESMOND, Deceased of Upper St. Clair, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-02627, Michele Desmond, Administrator c.t.a., 2394 Cramden Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of MARGARET ANN SCHLOSS A/K/A MARGARET A. SCHLOSS, Deceased of Bethel Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-02631, Erin M. Marsteller, Executor, 2104 Edwards Street Bethel Park, PA 15102 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of JEAN L. NOLL A/K/A JEAN S. NOLL Deceased of Upper St. Clair, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-01923, Mark S. Noll, 520 Sheldon Road, Valencia, PA 16059 or to PNC Bank, N.A., 300 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of PHOEBE R. BUCHANAN, Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, Estate No. 02363 of 2021, Tiffany S. Buchanan, Administratrix, 134 The Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire Atty. 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 a.m. on May 18, 2021 and will be read at 11:15 a.m., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for Tele-Conference dial-in information for the Bid Opening), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) 1 2 3 4

Bid Number B210423A B210425A B210426 B210427

Bid Name Coach Replacement Parts - Brake System Pantograph Carbon Collector Strips - LRV Uninterruptable Power Supply Enclosure Panel LRV Propulsion Inverter Module (Icon-M) Overhaul

No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 a.m. on May 4, 2021. Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for Tele-Conference dial-in information. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the a ove ids will not e entertained y the Port A thority within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

These contracts may be sub ect to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.

Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered nless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery ond and ins rance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing.

Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Meetings

Bids/Proposals

APRIL HACP BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONTHLY MEETING Due to the COVID-19 protective guidelines set forth by federal, state, and local governments, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting for April on April 22, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. on a remote basis. The meeting will be held remotely, with public access to be provided online. HACP will provide a direct link to a livestream of the meeting, and instruction on how to make a public comment.

Details will be made available on http://www.hacp.org, in advance of the meeting.

LEGAL NOTICE OPENING OF WAITING LISTS Effective at the start of the business day Monday, May 10, 2021, the Allegheny County Housing Authority will be opening the waiting list for the following Low-Income Public Housing Sites: • Andrew Carnegie Apartments (1 Bedrooms)-514 Lydia Drive, Carnegie, PA 15106 • Dumplin Hall (1 Bedrooms)-502 Hay Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 • Groveton Village (1, 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms)- 511 Groveton Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108 • Homestead B (1 Bedrooms)- 481 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120 • Negley Gardens (1, 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms)- 804 Creek Street Apt D, Tarentum, PA 15084 • Ohioview Towers (1 Bedrooms)250 Jefferson Drive, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 • Pleasant Ridge (1 & 2 Bedrooms)251 Jefferson Drive, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 • Sharpsburg Housing (1, 2 & 3 Bedrooms)- 300 Sisca Street, Sharpsburg, PA 15215 • Twin Oaks Scattered Sites (1 Bedrooms)- Sanlin Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108 All applicants interested in applying for all Low Income Public Housing Sites can apply at: www.achsng.com (WebApp) or at the Allegheny County Housing A thority Central Office (address listed below) CLOSING OF WAITING LISTS Effective at the start of the business day Friday, May 7, 2021, the Allegheny County Housing Authority will be closing the waiting list for the following Low-Income Public Housing Sites: • Prospect Terrace (1, 2, 3, & 4 Bedrooms)- 29 Prospect Drive, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112 • Sheldon Park (1 & 3 Bedrooms)2008 Broadview Blvd. Natrona Heights, PA 15065 No applications for these waiting lists will be accepted after the closing date. Notice will be given in thispublication when the Authority determines to re-open the Waiting Lists for these sites.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

INVITATION FOR BIDS Sealed bids for the Slippery Rock Township Pavilion and Restroom Project located in Slippery Rock Township, Butler County will be received in the office of Benjamin Holland, BUTLER COUNTY CONTROLLER, FLOOR 5, COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 124 WEST DIAMOND STREET, whose mailing address is P.O. BOX 1208, BUTLER, PA 16003, on or before 2:00pm, May 18, 2021. All Bids must be plainly marked Bid – Slippery Rock Township Pavilion and Restroom Project on the outside of the envelope.

Bids will be opened on May 19, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Commissioners Public meeting in the Planning Commission Conference Room, Butler County Government Center Annex, 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA. Plans, specifications and bid documents are available at EADS Group, 15392 Route 322, Clarion, PA 16214 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm upon payment of a non-refundable fee of $75.00 for each set of bid documents or $25.00 for the electronic format.

Shipping is an additional $15.00.

Contact EADS Group with questions at 814-764-5050 or to have the documents mailed to you.

Each proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder’s bond, or certified check or cashier’s check, in favor of the County of Butler, in the amount of not less than ten percent. The County of Butler reserves the right to waive any informality in and to accept or reject any and all bids or any part of any bid. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days.

Prevailing wages established under the Davis-Bacon Act will apply to this contract. The contract documents contain requirements addressing prevailing labor wage rates, labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goal for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at Slippery Rock Township Building 155 Branchton Road, Slippery Rock, PA on May 4, 2021 at 11:30 AM. BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie Osche, Chairman Kim Geyer Kevin Boozel Attest: Lori Altman Director of Human Resources/ Chief Clerk

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Frank Aggazio, Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority 301 Chartiers Avenue McKees Rocks, PA 15136 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 Project 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 Project Manual Documents is non-refundable.

Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

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LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT PUBLICATION DATE: April 16, 2021 1.The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh (“Authority”) shall accept sealed bids for the performance of the work described below (the “Work”) at its office at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222, until 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, May 14, 2021.

2.DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The Pro ect entails the fire sprinkler system replacement on Levels Eight and Nine of the Wood Allies Parking Garage.

3.The Instructions to Bidders, including the Form of Bid, Form of Agreement, General Conditions, Plans and Specifications, and Zoom meeting information will be made available after 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday, April 16, 2021, via email request to the Authority’s Project Management Department at tsowinski@pittsburghparking.com.

4.A Mandatory pre-bid conference will be held virtually via Zoom at 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, April 23, 2021. The purpose of the pre-bid conference is to provide additional detail regarding the Work.

The information provided at the pre-bid conference will be essential in preparing a bid to perform the Work. Persons or entities that intend to submit bids to perform the Work are required to join into the pre-bid conference via Zoom with at least one representative who will understand the information presented at the pre-bid conference in a manner that allows such information to be incorporated in the preparation of the bid to perform the Work. It is expected that the representative who attends the pre-bid conference will be experienced in construction matters and employed by the bidder in a supervisory capacity. Virtual Zoom Pre-bid attendance is mandatory, and each attendee must sign in via online form.

5.Sealed bids must be dropped off to the Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, no later than 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021 bids received prior to the deadline will be publicly opened and read 2:00 p.m. local time on Friday, May 14, 2021 virtually via Zoom meeting.

6.Each bid submitted must be accompanied by a bid guaranty of ten percent (10%) of the proposed bid in the form of a bid bond, certified cashier’s or treasurer’s check payable to the Authority.

7.The Authority reserves the right to in its sole discretion, (i) change, at any time prior to the bid deadline at 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, May 14, 2021 the Contract Documents; (ii) waive any defect, irregularities, or informality in any or all submitted bids; and (iii) reject any or all submitted bids.

INVITATION FOR BIDS Sealed bids for the Marion Township Waterline Replacement Project located in Marion Township, Butler County will be received in the office of Benjamin Holland, BUTLER COUNTY CONTROLLER, FLOOR 5, COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 124 WEST DIAMOND STREET, whose mailing address is P.O. BOX 1208, BUTLER, PA 16003, on or before 2:00pm, May 18, 2021. All Bids must be plainly marked Bid –Marion Township Waterline Replacement Project on the outside of the envelope.

Bids will be opened thereafter, on May 19, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Commissioners Public Meeting located in the Planning Commission Conference Room, in the Butler County Government Center Annex, 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA. Plans, specifications and bid documents are available at EADS Group, 15392 Route 322, Clarion, PA 16214 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm upon payment of a non-refundable fee of $53.00 for each set of bid documents or $25.00 for the electronic format. Shipping is an additional $15.00. Contact EADS Group with questions at 814-764-5050 or to have the documents mailed to you.

Each proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder’s bond, or certified check or cashier’s check, in favor of the County of Butler, in the amount of not less than ten percent. The County of Butler reserves the right to waive any informality in and to accept or reject any and all bids or any part of any bid. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days.

Prevailing wages established under the Davis-Bacon Act will apply to this contract. The contract documents contain requirements addressing prevailing labor wage rates, labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goal for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at the site which is at the end of Clay Street, Boyers, PA on May 4, 2021 at 10:00 AM.

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. Electronic versions of the Bid Documents, including bid forms, project 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.: orthview ei hts 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 reject 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 Equal Employment 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, sexual 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.

David G. Onorato Executive Director NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is currently in the process of changing its 2022 Agency Plan (annual and 5-year plans) in conjunction with the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act. Changes to the Agency Plan, once approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will guide the ACHA in serving the needs of low-income and very low-income families during the 5-year period beginning October 1, 2021.

The proposed changes to the Agency Plan and all supporting documents will be available for review and inspection by the public at the principal office of the ACHA located at 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.

A public hearing has been scheduled to present the changed Agency Plan and to allow public participation: DATE: Friday, June 18, 2021 (virtual meetings login/call-in information will be publicized on the ACHA’s website at www.achsng.com) TIME: 10:15 a.m.

PLACE: Allegheny County Housing A thority – Central Office 0 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Prior to the public hearings, general public comments can be directed in writing to:

Frank Aggazio, Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority 301 Chartiers Avenue McKees Rocks, PA 15136

BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie Osche, Chairman Kim Geyer Kevin Boozel Attest: Lori Altman Director of Human Resources/ Chief Clerk 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 May 11, 2021, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Service & Maintenance Contracts at Various Schools, Facilities, Facilities & Properties: Extraordinary Mechanical Maintenance and Repairs Mechanical Prime Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on Monday, April 19, 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 Project Manual Documents is non-refundable.

Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

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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.