4.9.25 NPC

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

The New Pittsburgh Courier's

"Fab 40 Under 40" awards celebration is Friday, May 9, at the Sheraton Hotel Station Square, and if you haven't purchased your ticket yet, now is the time to do so.

Where else will there be a celebration of 40 African Americans in Pittsburgh under the age of 40 who are forging ahead with their professional lives, even as President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and the President's Cabinet try to throw Diversity, Equity and Inclusion into the incinerator?

Colleges are caving into Trump. Stores like Target are caving into Trump. But on May 9, you'll be one of the people in attendance that gets the chance to cheer on this heralded group of African Americans who are soaring their way to the top, no matter what.

Speaking of those who are soaring to the top, Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor, Austin Davis, is the Trailblazer Award honoree for this year's Fab 40 celebration. Davis won't turn 36 until October of this

year; still, the man has served as second-in-charge in Pennsylvania since January 2023, and before that, he served as Pa. state representative in the 35th District, which includes

his hometown, McKeesport, and other parts of the Mon Valley. For a hometown success like Lt. Gov. Davis, the Fab 40 event is something you'll want to be there for, to give Lt. Gov.

Davis his "flowers."

From the North Side, to the West End, to Wilkinsburg, the Fab 40 honorees come from all over the region, and family, friends, supporters

and co-workers are sure to cheer their cherished honoree throughout the event. The Courier caught up with a few of the honorees on April 7 and April 8, like Ashley Cabiness and Kashif Henderson. Cabiness is the program manager for the ACTES program in the Hilltop neighborhoods on the South Side, such as Beltzhoover, Arlington, Knoxville and Mt. Oliver. ACTES stands for Achieving Change through Transitional Employment Services. Cabiness, who spent her teenage years living in the former St. Clair Village public housing development, spends her days reducing gun violence in the Hilltop area. Her program targets young adults. "The biggest thing I want them to understand is, it can be possible for you to choose to go the other direction as long as you know what your barriers are," Cabiness told the Courier, April 7. She said once a person knows what their hindrances are, "you're able to tackle them and make sure you're doing what you need to do to change

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Courier Staff Writer

While some people pass the time scrolling endlessly on social media, and others spend their time gossiping about other people's lives, some of Pittsburgh's Black women are busy improving themselves.

Ieshia Nicole Hearn, a product of Manchester and a member of the New Pittsburgh Cou-

Page A10. (Photo by Marlon Martin)

Off’ protest

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

• APRIL 9

1865—Black regiments led an assault on and eventually captured a key Southern fort helping bring the Civil War to an end. The nine regiments led by Gen. John Hawkins smashed through Confederate defenses at Forth Blakely, Ala. The 68th Division of USCT (United States Colored Troops) had some of the highest casualties of the Civil War.

by Lauren Victoria Burke

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at the base of the Washington Monument to push back on President Trump and his Administration. In less than 75 days in office Trump has created economic uncertainty and laid off thousands of federal employees. The day started with a large group of mostly White demonstrators holding hands and encircling the National Museum of African American History and Culture with “Hands Off!” signs and other anti-Trump banners and slogans.

Though there weren’t many Black people in the large crowd there were several Black leaders speaking on the main stage. They included Rev. Dr. William Barber, the former President of the North Carolina NAACP who is currently the President of Repairers of the Breach, and several civic and labor leaders.

Among the labor leaders were Everett Kelley, the national President of the American Federation of Government Employees. The group represents over 800,000 federal government workers. Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE have targeted civil servants as outlined in the Heritage Foundation

document Project 2025.

“We’re not here today just as federal employees, we are here today as the defenders of democracy. We are here to protect our freedom and the American way of life,” Kelley said to the cheering crowd.

“Today our nation is at a crossroads,” Kelley yelled into the microphone standing on a small stage in front of a diverse group of labor and civil rights leaders.

National Education Association President Becky Pringle also spoke.

“The right to learn is the most fundamental. The freedom to learn has been brought by bitter sacrifice,” Pringle started quoting W.E.B. DuBois.

“We’re all here to say hands off our public schools. The NEA has called out Donald Trump and Elon Musk and WWE czar you can’t make this stuff up Linda McMahon—their brazen attempts to undermine public education in America,” Pringle told the large crowd.

Trump announced that he was moving to close the Department of Education with what is widely believed to be an illegal executive order on March 20.

A diverse group of issues was represented at the rally. In addition to labor leaders, there were elected leaders, feminist leaders, conservationists and LGBT leaders as well. The rallies are taking place in all 50

states and in several places around the world.

Several speakers highlighted the number of veterans they say have been impacted by Trump’s policies and mass firings of federal workers.

“Thirty percent of the federal workforce are veterans. Never forget this fact: Thirty percent of the federal workforce are veterans,” Randy Irwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees, told the crowd of thousands standing at the base of the Washington Monument.

There were several signs featuring U.S. Senator Cory Booker in the crowd. There were also a few shoutouts for the New Jersey Senator from the stage. On April 2, Booker broke the longtime record of segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond. Booker spoke on the Senate floor for 25 hours and 4 minutes.

Activists from Indivisible and other protest orgs who put together today’s events are planning more anti-Trump demonstrations. Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the owner of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show Comms Class on YouTube @ LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@ gmail.com and on twitter at @ LVBurke.

Harris, Obama and Booker step up as resistance against Trump takes shape

by Stacy M. Brown

BlackPressUSA.com Senior

National Correspondent

Is the resistance finally taking form?

As Kendrick Lamar asked during his powerful Super Bowl performance, “Are we really about to do it?” That question now echoes in the political arena as former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris have entered the public fray, joining voices like New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett in confronting President Donald Trump and his administration’s sweeping changes head-on. After months of relative silence following her defeat to Trump last November, Harris returned to the spotlight Thursday during a rare appearance at the Leading Women De-

fined conference at a seaside resort in Dana Point, California. According to The Los Angeles Times, she didn’t mention Trump by name but spoke forcefully about the anxiety many Americans are experiencing under his new administration.

“There is a sense of fear that is taking hold in our country, and I understand it,” Harris said. “These are the things that we are witnessing each day in these last few months in our country, and it understandably creates a great sense of fear. Because, you know, there were many things that we knew would happen, many things.” “I’m not here to say, ‘I told you so,’” she continued. “I swore I wasn’t going to say that.” The appearance marked a shift in tone for Harris, who has been weighing a potential run for governor of California in 2026 or waiting until 2028 for another shot at the presidency. Still, she clarified that her political silence hasn’t equated to surrender. “We can’t go out there and do battle if we don’t take care of ourselves and each other,” Harris told the crowd. “I’ll see you out there. I’m not going anywhere.” Obama, meanwhile, broke his silence during an appearance at Hamilton College in New York, offering one of his sharpest public critiques yet of Trump’s second administration. He condemned Trump’s attempts to reshape the federal government, stifle dissent, and punish those who oppose his policies.

“So, this is the first time I’ve been speaking publicly for a while,” Obama said. “I’ve been watching for a little bit.” “Imagine if I had done any of this,” Obama added. “It’s unimaginable that the same parties that are silent now would have tolerated behavior like that from me or a whole bunch of my predecessors.” While calling Trump’s proposed tariffs bad for America, Obama said his larger concern lies with what he described as the White House’s alarming overreach.

“I’m more deeply concerned with a federal government that threatens universities if they don’t give up students who are exercising their right to free speech,” he said. “The idea

1898—Paul Bustill Robeson is born in Princeton, N.J. Robeson would go on to become the greatest combination of entertainer and social activist in American history. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University while simultaneously being one of the school’s greatest football stars. After graduation he turned to entertainment—acting and singing on stage and in early movies. However, he was also an outspoken critic of American racism and imperialism while being a strong proponent of socialism. This made him the target of a government disruption and destruction campaign. The campaign did not truly produce results until the anti-communist hysteria of the 1950s. Concert halls were closed to Robeson, the media began to attack him unrelentingly, established Black leaders began to shun him and the government took his passport so he could not perform and earn money abroad. Nevertheless, he remained a symbol that would later inspire activist entertainers such as Ossie Davis and Harry Belafonte. Robeson died in Philadelphia Jan. 23, 1976.

1939—Operatic star Marian Anderson performs for an estimated 65,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after the Daughters of the American Revolution make a racist decision denying her the right to perform at Constitution Hall.

• APRIL 10

1943—Tennis great Arthur Ashe is born in Richmond, Va. Ashe’s spectacular abilities on the tennis court enabled him to become the first Black member of the American Davis Cup team; the first Black to win the U.S. Open and the first Black to win the men’s single’s title at Wimbledon in England. Unfortunately, Ashe would die of AIDS after receiving a contaminated blood transfusion.

Nazi Germany.

• APRIL 13

1873—The Colfax Massacre takes place in Grant Parish, La. Still smarting from the loss of the Civil War and enraged by the political powers being given Blacks during Reconstruction, a White paramilitary terrorist group known as the White League set out to restore White rule in Louisiana. The spark was a disputed election and a confrontation near the Colfax courthouse between a 60-member sparsely armed Black militia and nearly 300 heavily armed members of the White League. The Blacks took refuge in the courthouse and a gun battle rages for hours leaving three Whites dead. Then the Whites convinced an elderly Black man to sneak into the courthouse and set it afire. As the Blacks escaped the flames, they were either shot or arrested. But even those arrested were later killed. Before the day was over, somewhere between 60 and 100 Blacks were massacred. 1946—R&B great Al Green is born in Forest City, Ark. Many considered Green the greatest male R&B singer of the 1970s. Among his greatest hits were “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love with You” and “Let’s Stay Together.”

• APRIL 14

that a White House can say to law firms, if you represent parties that we don’t like, we’re going to pull all our business or bar you from representing people effectively. That kind of behavior is contrary to the basic compact we have as Americans.” Obama, who campaigned for Harris during the final stretch of the 2024 election, had warned that a second Trump term would endanger the nation’s democratic norms. “Just because [Trump] acts goofy,” Obama said at the time, “doesn’t mean his presidency wouldn’t be dangerous.”

With Trump’s second term underway, the voices of resistance are growing louder. Sen. Cory Booker added fuel to the movement by making history on the Senate floor. He delivered a 25-hour, 5-minute filibuster that broke the record previously held by segregationist Sen. Strom Thurmond. Thurmond’s 1957 filibuster—lasting 24 hours and 18 minutes—was aimed at blocking the Civil Rights Act. Booker used his record-breaking speech to denounce what he called a deliberate dismantling of government at the hands of Trump, Elon Musk, and Congressional Republicans. “It always seemed wrong,” Booker said, referring to the Senate room still named after Thurmond. “It seemed wrong to me when I got here in 2013. It still seems wrong today.”

The New Jersey senator, a descendant of both enslaved people and slave owners, framed his marathon speech as a moral plea, reading letters from Americans affected by deep cuts and policy threats to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP. “This is a moral moment,” Booker declared. “It’s not left or right; it’s right or wrong.” With Booker’s record-setting stand, Harris’s reemergence, and Obama’s warning shots, what once felt like fragmented frustration among Democrats may now be coalescing into something more deliberate: a resistance that is finally, visibly, on the move. “I’ll see you out there,” Harris said. “I’m not going anywhere.”

• APRIL 11

1948—On this day Jackie Robinson signed a contract that would officially make him the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Robinson became a symbol of pride for Blacks as well as a star player. However, the admitting of Blacks into Major League Baseball helped bring about the demise of the old Negro Baseball League whose teams had become major economic institutions in cities throughout the nation.

1967—The voters of Harlem, N.Y., defy Congress and re-elect the outspoken and often flamboyant Adam Clayton Powell Jr. His opponents in Congress had recently expelled him. The decision of the Harlem voters was rendered legally sound when the United States Supreme Court later ruled that the congressional expulsion was unconstitutional. Powell was returned to Congress, but without his seniority. He died April 4, 1972 in Miami, Fla.

• APRIL 12

1787—Famous Black clergymen Richard Allen and Absalom Jordan organized the Free Africa Society which is believed to be the first Black self-help organization or mutual aid society in America. The two, especially Allen, attempted to better life for Blacks through the organization of separate Black controlled institutions. Allen is also the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

1861—The Confederates attack Fort Sumter in the Charleston, S.C., harbor setting off the Civil War. Thinking the recent election of Abraham Lincoln would lead to the ending of slavery, the Southerners struck first in a bid to form a separate, White-controlled, slave-owning nation.

1940—Contemporary jazz composer and musician Herbie Hancock is born in Chicago, Ill.

1975—Josephine Baker dies. She was born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Mo., in 1906. Baker left the United States for France in 1925 seeking a career as a dancer. She achieved fame throughout Europe, becoming a versatile and sensational performer with her often revealing dances. During World War II she even aided the French resistance in its battle against occupation by the forces of

1865—President Abraham Lincoln is shot and critically wounded at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln would linger for several hours, but died at 7:22 a.m. the following day, April 15. A debate still rages among historians as to how broad based the conspiracy was to assassinate Lincoln. Regardless, it is clear that Booth was a racist who supported slavery and the South during the Civil War. Originally, he was part of a plot to kidnap Lincoln and hold him in exchange for captured Confederate soldiers. But on April 9, 1865, Confederate troops under Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. Later that day, Lincoln gave a speech suggesting that the ex-slaves be given the right to vote. The speech infuriated Booth and thus the plot to kidnap Lincoln was converted into a plot to assassinate him. Booth escaped capture for 12 days. But on April 26, 1865 he was cornered by federal forces and shot and killed during a gun battle. Four of his fellow conspirators, including one woman, were tried and hanged. The assassination of Lincoln changed the course of history for Blacks. While Lincoln was not as great a supporter of Black rights as he has often been portrayed, he was a much greater supporter than the man who replaced him in office—Vice President Andrew Johnson. Johnson actually sympathized with the Southern slave-owning aristocracy and opposed most civil and virtually all voting rights for Blacks. The pro-Black legislation of the Reconstruction period was normally passed over his objection or veto. Nevertheless, Johnson is one of the primary reasons the Reconstruction period only lasted 12 years. He helped lay the foundation for the Jim Crow period beginning around 1880 during which time Black political and civil rights were systematically taken away. This probably would not have happened if Lincoln had not been assassinated.

• APRIL 15

1899—Asa Phillip Randolph, organizer of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was born in Crescent City, Fla. Randolph brought the power of unionism to Black America. He also used his position as the nation’s No. 1 Black union leader to become one of the major civil rights leaders of his era. More than anyone else, it was Randolph who organized the historic March on Washington during which Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. Ironically, as a young man Randolph left Florida and moved to New York to become an actor. Instead, he became involved with the Socialist Party and helped develop a magazine known as The Messenger. The editorial slant of the magazine describes Randolph as “midway between the cautious elitism of the NAACP and the utopian populism of Marcus Garvey.” Randolph died May 16, 1979. 1922—Harold Washington, the first Black and 42nd mayor of Chicago, is born in Chicago.

GETTING YOUR HEART CHECKED COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE. TRUST THE EXPERTS AT UPMC.

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CCAC unveils the 'Dr. Ralph Proctor

The New Pittsburgh Courier was there as CCAC hosted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and tribute to unveil the “Dr. Ralph Proctor African American Heritage Classroom” in honor of the late Dr. Ralph Proctor Jr., an educator, author, civil rights activist and nationally recognized expert on African American history, culture and art. The unveiling occurred, Feb. 26, at the CCAC Homewood location.

Hop into Easter with brunch & dinner favorites. surround yourself with celebration

FOREVER HONORING DR. RALPH PROCTOR—THE UNVEILING OF THE “DR. RALPH PROCTOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE CLASSROOM.” (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

PART OF THE DR. PROCTOR HERITAGE CLASSROOM...

SHAWN PROCTOR

Bringing Black women together

'Ieshia Inspires' events succeeding in real unity

rier's Fab 40 Under 40 "Class of 2022," and her team are making preparations for the third "Ieshia Inspires" event, to be held at a yet-to-be-determined date in June.

But no matter what date it is, one thing's for sure —Black women will leave from the event with more knowledge and more connections.

About 30 Black women showed up, invite only, to Hearn's second event, called, "An Ieshia Inspires Production Sip N’ Style: Hats Off To You,” Feb. 7, at Emerald City, the second-floor space inside the Black-owned The Pitt Building, Downtown Pittsburgh. That's where Black women heard from others like Robyn Greer, who's had a beauty and stylist career in Pittsburgh for some 40 years. They heard from Veniecia Robinson, who dared not to let her growing up in public housing in Northview Heights stop her from becoming a huge success. She's spent time as a Chief Financial Officer, family therapist, and a mentor to other Black women in the city.

"How do you balance being a wife, a mom, a partner, a sister, an entrepreneur at the same time while also showing up being stylish, being yourself and showing all

of your personality?" was the main theme of the event, Hearn told the Courier. "How do you do all of those things and maintain

the success you want to have?"

As the Trump Administration tries to eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the U.S., including pressuring private companies to do the same, Black women coming together to learn from each other and inspire each other is needed, maybe more now than ever.

Hearn told the Courier she wants these events to occur at least quarterly, and has formed a Board of Directors to more formalize the organization. The members are, in addition to Hearn: Reesha Jackson, Monique Smith, Shaquala Swinton-Betts and Brandon J. Clay. "My main goal is to create an exclusive, empowering space where fashion and networking collide," Hearn told the Courier. "I want to connect professional women and entrepreneurs through curated experiences that foster confidence, collaboration and community."

IESHIA FROM A1

VENIECIA RS ROBINSON WAS A PANELIST DURING THE EVENT...

IESHIA NICOLE HEARN, JUNE SEALE

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

Eating, Shopping and Health

Carlos T. Carter, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Urban League, provides insight into this month’s Courier health topic on the Hill District and Homewood PHRESH Study.

Q: Carlos, as you know, PHRESH stands for “Pittsburgh Hill/Homewood Research on Eating, Shopping, and Health. Based on your experience, how important it is to get information into our communities about nutrition, health, and wellbeing?

Carlos: For many communities, access to accu-

rate and relevant health information is limited —especially in underrepresented neighborhoods. That leads to gaps in knowledge about what it means to eat healthy, be physically active, and manage overall mental and physical health. Providing information that’s tailored to the needs of specific communities— whether it’s about healthier food options, local health resources, or sustainable ways to improve wellbeing—empowers people to make informed decisions that affect them

now and as they age. Initiatives like the PHRESH Study help bridge the knowledge gaps. PHRESH brings health-related research directly to people who need it most. The study raises awareness and encourages people to make choices that can improve their health outcomes. By connecting community members with relevant, trustworthy information, PHRESH fosters a sense of agency and autonomy. It also builds trust between researchers, health profession-

als, and residents, which leads to more collaborative efforts in tackling public health challenges.

Q: So true! The PHRESH study also emphasizes healthy aging, including the important role nutrition plays in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease prevention. How does the Urban League complement this approach?

Carlos: We offer several programs to support community members and their families at all stages of life. These include initiatives aimed at promoting healthy aging, as well as financial literacy and access to resources for economic self-reliance.

For example, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh helps people navigate social services, including tips on Medicaid & CHIP renewals.

Our Urban Seniors Jobs Programs, for people age 55 and older, is a workforce development program focused on helping this group achieve economic self-reliance through paid, on-the-job training.

But we don’t stop there. The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh also connects people with other community health resources that approach

aging holistically. Additionally, our Family Support Centers provide a wide variety of assistance. Our center in Northview Heights features a program called Healthy Baby, Healthy You. Our Duquesne family support centers include exercise and health activities and general mental health counseling that’s open to people of all ages. Finally, when people schedule medical and dental services, our East Hills Center offers transportation to and from those appointments.

The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s goal is to help our community members overcome barriers and establish healthy habits now, so, as they age, they can continue to practice these habits and reap the benefits.  In the Hill District

and in Homewood, citizens and scientists take a PHRESH approach to better health

In 2010, a University of Pittsburgh and RAND research project called PHRESH (short for Pittsburgh Hill/Homewood Research on Eating, Shopping, and Health) began a study. They wanted to learn how the upcoming opening of a new grocery store in the Hill District—the first in over 30 years—might affect Hill District and Homewood residents’ shopping habits and diet.

To better understand these issues, University of Pittsburgh’s Dr. Tamara Dubowitz, Professor and Chair of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health and former RAND senior policy researcher, and her team chose the two neighborhoods. The Hill District and Homewood were similar in income and population, which would make it easier to study things like diet, weight, and shopping habits, as well as how people felt about their neighborhood after a grocery store opened in one of them.

Tamara and her team selected 900 Hill District and 400 Homewood households. They opened a field office in the Hill District and hired and trained local data collectors (DCs). DCs were trusted people from the community who began knocking on household doors and encouraging people to join the study. Regularly, DCs gathered information through in-person surveys, spending time in people’s homes asking questions, listening to responses and concerns, and sharing in participants’ lives. This first PHRESH study was created in response to U.S. obesity rates. According to recent statistics, in most states the rate is 40 percent for Black adults compared with 35 percent for White adults. Obesity is linked to higher rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancers, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.

“Food deserts” in underserved communities con-

tribute to the higher obesity rate. Food deserts happen when there’s no easy access to affordable, nutritious food like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Food deserts are another result of structural racism, including red-lining.

After gathering data before and after the store opened, researchers learned that Hill District residents shopped at the new grocery store. They felt better about their neighborhood since the grocery store opened. However, some residents still shopped at other grocery stores farther away where prices were cheaper. There were health

improvements among Hill District residents, but no clear link between shopping at the new grocery store and healthier eating habits.

During that year, other infrastructure changes were happening in the Hill District. A new company brought in training, jobs, and business support. New green spaces were added along with better housing and community centers. While all this positive activity made it harder to determine the single impact of a new grocery store, it offered new opportunities to study other things.

Today, PHRESH has grown to include six separate stud-

ies (so far). Each study looks at how neighborhood investments and improvements in infrastructure—which includes parks, businesses (like grocery stores), housing, schools, libraries, community centers, and more—impact people’s health outcomes.

Many of the studies include community events that invite residents to learn more about specific health conditions.

The latest study is called THINK PHRESH. It focuses on how neighborhood changes throughout a person’s lifetime affect how they age, especially their memory and thinking skills.

THINK PHRESH includes

412 Food Rescue closes the

community events that raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help people learn about Alzheimer’s disease  and dementia, especially how important it is for caregivers to take care of their own mental health.

Like the first PHRESH study, the newer studies depend on members of the community to answer questions and offer ideas and concerns about infrastructure changes and how those changes affect their physical and mental health.

For example, do housing improvements impact sleep apnea?  Do safe green spaces change people’s physical

activity? What’s the relationship between health conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity) and mental health conditions (like anxiety and depression)?  Does wet weather and flooding affect people’s well-being at home in terms of moisture levels, air quality, and sicknesses from viruses and bacteria?

La’Vette Wagner-Battle, who has a master’s degree from Chatham University, has been leading the PHRESH field office in the Hill District since startup. A lifelong Hill District resident, La’Vette is loved and respected by researchers, collaborators, and participants alike. She loves her neighborhood, her neighbors, and her job equally. “People in the neighborhood—who can be skeptical about healthcare—ask me if they can join the study,” she says laughingly. “They want to participate because PHRESH gives them a voice in the health of their community and with that voice comes a sense of pride in their neighborhood.”

Dr. Andrea Rosso agrees. Andrea is Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Pitt, the leader of the department’s Brain, Environment, Aging, and Mobility (BEAM) lab, and a PHRESH investigator. She notes, “If people feel like they—and their community—matter, there’s hope.”

After 15 years and six studies what have PHRESH researchers, collaborators, participants, and residents learned so far? Is there one thing that stands out as a kind of tipping point for better health outcomes in underserved communities?

“There’s no magic answer,” says Dr. Dubowitz. “Instead, the research clearly shows that health outcomes improve when infrastructure investment is based directly on input from the people who live in the community.”

gap between food waste and food access — with tech, teamwork and tenacity

Nearly 40 percent of food in the U.S. is wasted—yet 1 in 5 Pittsburghers still faces barriers to accessing it. That gap between food and accessibility is common in underserved communities where many people struggle to find and afford fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. When food fills up a landfill, it doesn’t just go to waste. It emits harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. That’s why rescuing surplus food is one of the most effective ways to fight both hunger and climate change. Poor nutrition can lead to poor physical health, including high blood pressure, di-

abetes, and heart problems. These conditions can also affect people’s mental health in the form of anxiety and depression. Founded in 2015, 412 Food Rescue disrupts the traditional charitable food model by redirecting perfectly good surplus food to community nonprofits already doing the work. The organization’s mighty team of volunteers picks up surplus food from places like grocery stores and restaurants—then delivers it straight to other nonprofits that serve people facing hunger. To do this efficiently, 412 Food Rescue developed the Food Rescue Hero app to

help mobilize volunteers and meet the challenge of rescuing so much surplus food. The app, developed by their team in 2016, is now licensed by 24 other food recovery organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Since its founding, 412 Food Rescue has taken a collaborative, community-based approach that includes 24 partner organizations in over 25 cities across North America. Together, the team has saved over 190 million pounds of food. By using technology—and encouraging people to get involved—412 Food Rescue is helping to build stronger, healthier communities and

create a fairer food system. Their creative methods ensure good food doesn’t go to waste. It also illustrates how people working together can solve big problems like hunger. For more information —including how to donate and volunteer—visit 412foodrescue.org. The website also features a bright green “I Need Food” button to help people find local food resources.

CARLOS T. CARTER

ROSSO (PHOTO CREDIT: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH)

Living with Stiff Person Syndrome:

How Dr. Tracy Scott turned pain into purpose

by Tacuma Roeback Chicago Defender

Dr. Tracy Scott, a Black man from Chicago’s West Side, is one in a million. That’s not hyperbole. He shares a rare autoimmune disorder with global pop icon Celine Dion— Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)—a condition that affects roughly one in a million people.

SPS is marked by painful spasms and severe muscle stiffness. But Dr. Scott is quick to point out the distinction.

“My experience with these spasms,” he says, “is that it’s as if someone takes a vice grip and places it on your leg, and they start turning that grip, and they don’t let go, and they don’t stop.”

“It continues to twist and contort your body until your bones actually break. That’s the difference.”

A Rare Diagnosis with a Familiar Fight

Though SPS is rare, Dr. Scott’s story is not. It mirrors the quiet battles of people living with chronic conditions—cancer, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia. That’s why he wrote “Doctor to Patient: Living with Stiff Person Syndrome.”

The book is a personal testament, but it’s also a guide. It’s about how one can find meaning despite pain, how one’s “why” can eclipse the symptoms.

A West Side Childhood Shapes a Calling

That purpose took root decades ago when Dr. Scott grew up in East Garfield Park during the 1960s and ’70s. At the corner of Jackson and California, he saw what many kids saw—poverty, crime, the slow decay of disinvestment. But places like Marillac House

and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys Club gave him something else. “I was exposed to a lot and grew up kind of fast, so to speak,” he said. “But there was always a burning question that I had. I wanted to have a better understanding as to what was producing the behavior I witnessed… not only understand it, but also how I could be of assistance.”

How This Field of Study Showed the Way Psychology became his path forward.

“Psychology, for me, provided that branch of trying to make sense out of something that certainly, for a young person, made no sense,” he said.

“It’s not that psychology has or had all of the answers… but living in a West Side community filled with activism and activists and mentors and programs… they were a catalyst for me.” He earned his doctor-

ate in clinical psychology from Adler University and completed post-doctoral work at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital. He built a career rooted

in healing—speaking, teaching, counseling—on everything from stress and domestic violence to illness and grief. When the Body

Turns Against You Then, in the early 2000s, his own health began to shift. It started with spasms. Not just painful—but de-

bilitating. Much worse than charley horses. He saw doctor after doctor, and each time, the results were the same: “pristine” bloodwork with no real answers. Medications dulled the pain but didn’t stop the episodes.

“In addition to the lack of efficacy of the medications, they were also producing unwanted side effects,” he said.

The Long Road to a Diagnosis In 2015, a change in insurance gave him new doctors—and a new chance at answers. But the interventions made things worse. Finally, one day, a pain specialist asked him a question he hadn’t heard before:

“Have you heard of a disease called Stiff Person Syndrome?” He hadn’t. But when he returned to his car and looked it up, the truth unraveled like a long-forgotten knot.

“When I saw the onset of the spasms, the presentation of the spasms, the severity… I said, ‘Oh my God. Oh my God. That’s exactly what it is.’” There is no cure. His doctor told him, bluntly, “I’m not sure what I can do for you. You failed everything.”

“I was faced with a situation of not having any answers and not really having anywhere to turn,” Dr. Scott recalled.

‘What Can I Do Now?’

But he still had the question: What can I do now?

He turned inward and leaned into the spiritual. A whole-food, plantbased diet. Meditation. Movement. Laughter. Gardening. Time with his men’s group. He found relief, not just in the body, but in the mind and spirit.

“I try to provide support, education and resources to communities around the world that are faced with genocide and other traumatic situations,” Dr. Scott said.

“I try to, every day, find someone or some opportunity to help someone or some organization or some group that’s in need.”

Living Deliberately, With Purpose

He lives that mission now from his home in Southwest Florida, where his life is one of careful, deliberate preparation. A wrong stretch, the wrong sound, or even putting on shoes could set off a flare. His family knows not to startle him. He carries an emergency kit and a note explaining his condition. He knows the location of every nearby ER.

A Message to Others Living with the Condition

He’s always ready. But Dr. Scott doesn’t let SPS define him.

“Pain is real, but don’t let it define you,” he said.

“Don’t let it be decisive in how you live your life.” His message to others is simple but hardearned: your life still has meaning.

“The importance of focusing on purpose over the symptoms, the importance of spending more time in not allowing the trauma of what you’re experiencing being greater than your agency, that your life has meaning,” Dr. Scott said.

“I would say that my purpose is about understanding and finding ways in which I can transform human life.”

Follow Dr. Tracy Scott on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about his journey, his advocacy, and his book, “Doctor to Patient: Living with Stiff Person Syndrome.”

DR. TRACY SCOTT (PHOTO PROVIDED)

CELINE DION, performing in London on July 5, 2019. Since her diagnosis, she has rescheduled her tour dates. Brian Rasic/WireImage via Getty Images

The legend of John Preston ‘Pete’ Hill

Chicago Defender said Hill 'helped put Negro baseball on the map'

(Editor's note: This column goes out to Ron Hill, the great-nephew of John Preston "Pete Hill." Ron Hill is a former great athlete and football player at Westinghouse High School, and Pittsburgh City League Hall of Famer. He's also a longtime community and entertainment leader.")

True enough, it’s spring again. Birds are flying, flowers are blooming, yada, yada, yada...but rather than ruining your early spring and summer “get up and go,” talking about the Pittsburgh Pirates, I am going to treat you to the last part of my Black history tribute partnered with the upcoming baseball season minus your Pittsburgh Pirates. There’ll be plenty of time for that.

This is a tribute and celebration for John Preston “Pete” Hill. A former Negro League Baseball player and manager for the Negro Leagues. Hill was born on October 12, 1882 in Buena, Culpeper County, Virginia, to Ruben Hill and Elizabeth Seals, both likely previously enslaved.

Banned from the Whites-only Major

Leagues, Hill became a star outfielder for Negro League teams the Philadelphia Giants and the Chicago American Giants.

A stint in the 1910-11 Cuban League earned him a batting championship with a .365 average. As a power hitter, Hill hit 28 home runs in 1919, at the same time Babe Ruth hit 29 (but in more games). Hill retired from pro ball in 1925 at age 43 and lived his life out in Buffalo, New York. Hill died in 1951 and is buried in Alsop, Illinois.

The original “Pistol Pete” was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. He was the first African American to have his portrait displayed in the Culpeper County Circuit Court.

The following detailed information is compliments of and provided by historian Ms. Zann Nelson: “In July of 2006, a man named Joseph Preston 'Pete' Hill, born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1880, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. Among numerous accolades, Pete was called, 'one of the greatest linedrive hitters of his era.' Despite an extraordinary career, spanning a quarter of a century playing ball in the Negro Leagues as an outfielder, Pete’s induction lacked fanfare and the expected 'hometown hero'

press." There are a lot of halls of fame, but none as prestigious as Cooperstown. Having one’s bronzed image and accompanying stats selected for inclusion alongside other baseball greats is truly the accomplishment of a lifetime, the Pulitzer Prize of baseball. As with many players, the selection was made long after Pete’s death in 1951, nonetheless, there was a distinct absence of fans. More importantly, there was not a single chest pounding, proudas-punch family member present. His induction ceremony was witnessed only by strangers present to share the glory of some other inductee. The few diehard aficionados who recognized his achievements, despite knowing little of his personal life, were more than a little puzzled and began to ask questions. Their research was extremely thorough and led to a remarkable discovery: the man inducted in 2006, indeed was “Pete” Hill, but his real name was John, not Joseph, his birthdate was not 1880 and he was not born in Pittsburgh.

Brad Horn Sr., director, communications and education, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, commented, “As a historical institution, providing the most accurate information is paramount to our responsibility as an education center.” States and local communities lust after the claim to a world-class baseball player. Virginia officially claims only four of the 289 baseball Hall of Famers, hailing from Remington, Culpeper, Richmond and Norfolk. By the summer of 2009, exhaustive research suggested that Pete Hill would become Virginia’s fifth baseball Hall-of-Famer and Culpeper County just might be able to claim a second member of the hallowed hall.

The question: Was “Pete” Hill born in Culpeper County, Virginia?

The challenge: If so, can it be proven?

Zann Nelson accepted the challenge and the ensuing four to six months were filled with days of Internet and court records searches, field surveys, and extensive discussions with baseball historians, local residents and family members. The quest for the story of baseball great, “Pete” Hill and his Rapidan, Virginia, roots continues, but it is no cakewalk. "There may be no one who wants to find after I am dead and gone, but just on the slim chance that someone might, I am going to write down the important facts and record it in my will," Nelson said. "I will be certain to include the accurate spelling of my name and all possible variations, the names and birthdates of my children, the same data for my parents and siblings, where I lived and when and where

I at least request to be buried."

After learning that two of Pete’s aunts listed their birthplace as Orange on their marriage records, Nelson could hardly get to the Orange County Courthouse fast enough. All the missing links would be connected once she reviewed the records. Finally, the mysteries of Pete’s birthdate, birthplace and mother’s family would be solved.

"I parked the car, arrived on the third floor, headed to the back room and buried myself with anticipatory glee in the birth, death and marriage records," Nelson said. "Oh, my gosh, nothing! I could not believe it; there were no Seals, Seales, or any oth-

er comparable spelling. In all my dismay, there was still a glimmer that I had missed something."

Nelson eventually came across the birth of two girls of the same age as two of Pete's aunts, listed as colored and whose parents were identified by the same given names as Pete’s grandparents. But the surname was way off.

Despite her skepticism, Nelson wrote down the info and left.

Later that evening, feeling pretty bummed out, "I decided to run the name through the Internet search file. I haven’t mentioned the name before now because it is so farfetched. The name was Seigles, German and nothing like Seal, but I plugged

it in any way along with the location of Orange County."

And that's when Nelson hit the jackpot. "There they were in the 1880 Census, the whole darn family, Pete’s mother’s family that is. The same information steered me to find them in the 1870 Census living at the same location. The living descendants now have additional ancestors —Pete’s mother’s siblings, ages, occupations and the possibility of locating their 1870-80 residence. But, on which side of the Rapidan River was Pete born? The fact is yet to be confirmed. I have a theory, but it must wait for more sleuthing and another column.”

RONALD HILL, GREAT NEPHEW OF PETE HILL, CHATS WITH NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF

MUSEUM FORMER PRESIDENT JEFF IDELSON DURING A PLAQUE REDEDICATION

CNN'S ABBY PHILLIP WITH THE AKAs

Reverend A. Marie Walker’s Weekly Inspiration

PALM SUNDAY

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

“And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut branches from trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitude that went before, and that followed, cried saying, HOSANNA TO THE Son of David; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; HOSANNA in the highest.”

- Matthew 21:8-9

REV. WALKER SAYS: Question to US, have we cried out, HOSANNA, in Hebrew meaning “Lord Please Save US.” That is what Jesus came to do. Have we accepted Jesus as our sacrifice for our SIN? This priceless gift, eternal life of Salvation, which COST JESUS EVERYTHING.

COURIER

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Website: achurchforallpeople.org

Sunday Worship Service: 11 a.m.

319 N. 2nd St. Apollo, Pa., 15613 724-596-4032

CARMEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Wednesday Bible Study: 7p.m.

Sunday Worship Service: 11 a.m.

90 Port Perry Rd. North Versailles, Pa., 15148 412-823-2841

Thursday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Tuesday eve. prayer line 313-209-8800, passcode 05277 ROCK HOUSE OF PRAISE WITHOUT WALLS MINISTRIES

Sunday Worship Service: 11:30 a.m.

2535 Universal Road Penn Hills, Pa., 15235

Website: mtcarmelbaptistnv.org Website: clark1889.org

“Word Fed, Spirit Led” Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11:15 a.m.

3621 Chartiers Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa., 15204 412-771-2533

Website: wlbaptist.org

Website: www.mtobaptist.org

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

1201 Hiland Ave. Coraopolis, Pa., 15108 412-264-3125

Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m.

1301 Glenn St. Homestead, Pa., 15120 412-462-1011

Do you have a church announcement? Tell us at the Courier so we can let thousands of others know about it, too! Anniversaries, installations, events, banquets, good news about church members, etc. Also, would you like to be part of our Church Directory? Email: religion@newpittsburghcourier.com or via mail: New Pittsburgh Courier, 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219.

CNN'S ABBY PHILLIP, following her speech and question-and-answer discussion on March 18 at Chatham University in Shadyside, took a photo with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Photo by Marlon Martin)

Pastor—Rev. James D. Burwell

Pastor— Robin Horton

Pastor—Rev. Brian Carswell Flanagan Sr.

Pastor Antawn D. Coleman Sr.

your life."

Cabiness said it still hasn't sunk in that she was named a Fab 40 honoree for 2025. "I'm more of a behind-the-scenes person, so I'd rather my work get shown through my staff or the people who I'm working with or for, so this is a little bit different," Cabiness said. "It's overwhelming, but it's exciting."

Henderson is executive director for the Neighborhood Learning Alli-

ance, an organization in Pittsburgh that aims to improve education and opportunities for lower-income students and their families. Henderson is a proud product of North Braddock, who graduated from Woodland Hills High School in 2004. He credits his strong-knit family and his church community for helping him achieve the level of success he's attained so far.

Henderson said he was raised in Park Place AME Church in Homestead, and would attend community centers like the Rankin Christian Center and the Salvation Army, who had staff members that knew his family. Those close-knit relationships "really meant a lot," he said.

It's a good bet you'll see a lot of support at the Fab 40 celebration for Henderson, Cabiness, Lt. Gov. Davis and the other honorees on May 9. It won't be a lot of sitting down at this event; it's a celebration. KDKA-TV's Josh Taylor is sure to keep the excitement level high as the celebrity host. Tickets can be purchased by visiting newpittsburghcourier.com or by calling 412-481-8302, ext. 134. "I look forward to the award coming from the New Pittsburgh Courier, which represents the Black community," Henderson said, April 8. "I think that speaks volumes, the importance of the work that the community sees I'm doing."

“I look forward to the award coming from the New Pittsburgh Courier. I think that speaks volumes, the importance of the work that the community sees I’m doing.”

- FAB 40 HONOREE KASHIF HENDERSON

PENNSYLVANIA LT. GOV. AUSTIN DAVIS IS THE COURIER’S FAB 40 TRAILBLAZER AWARD HONOREE FOR 2025.

FAB40

KAHLIL DARDEN JR. IS A MEMBER OF THE COURIER’S FAB 40 FOR 2025.

Friday, May 9, 2025 • 6-9 p.m.

Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square 300 W. Station Square, Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

AUSTIN DAVIS

Lieutenant Governor Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Trailblazer Award Recipient

Courtney Abegunde

Operations Director, Steel Smiling Program

Neighborhood Allies

Blessy Bellamy

Customer Experience Strategy Consultant

Highmark Health

Dr. Jimyse Lyn Brown

Executive Director Moonshot Museum

Ashley Cabiness

Program Manager, South Pittsburgh ACTES; Co-Founder, Westside CARES

Tiaona Cade

Associate Director, Mary Beth and Miles Reidy Career Center

Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College of Information Systems & Public Policy

Christopher Carter, J.D.

Pitt Athletics Reporter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette;

Sports Host/Guest, WPXI-TV

Jeremy Castrodad

Senior Distribution Technician Duquesne Light Company

Savionne Chambers

Instructor and Choreographer, Kulture Dance Academy; Dancer, Firewall Dance Theater

Melessie Clark

Actress

Nelson Cooper IV

Vice President, Relationship Manager-Corporate Banking, PNC;

Executive Director, Pittsburgh Hardball Academy

Jamillia Kamara Covington

Senior Program Officer for Education, The Pittsburgh Foundation; Principal, JINC&Co

Shea Craig

Chief Accountant and Treasurer Halco Mining Inc.

Kahlil G. Darden Jr.

CEO & Founder

Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens

Courtney Davenport

Vice President of Belonging & Inclusion BNY

Lesa DeGennaro

Coordinator, Member Engagement

UPMC Health Plan

Kelcei J. Edmonds-Tindal

Educator

Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship

Deainna Fitzgerald

CEO

Revealed Wellness Spa and Dee’s Beauty Bar

Glenn O. Ford

Director, Woodland Hills Impact Center

Councilmember, Borough of Rankin

Kashif Henderson

Executive Director

Neighborhood Learning Alliance

Kimberly Diana Jacobs Curator and Exhibition Manager

August Wilson African American Cultural Center

Dr. Shenay Jeffrey

Community Relationships Manager

UPMC

Ashanté Josey

Visual Artist & Artist Advocate

AJosey Art

Dr. Anthony Kane Jr.

Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students

Saint Vincent College

Tyler Ray Kendrick

Actor, Comedian, and Educator

George W. Little Jr.

Assistant Principal, Logan Elementary School K-6 East Allegheny School District

Keith T. Marrow Recruiter

Pittsburgh Regional Transit

Farren Mason Jr.

Owner, Generation Realty;

Supervisor for Permits License & Inspection, City of Pittsburgh

Derrick l. Maultsby Jr., Esq.

Attorney

Frost Brown Todd LLP

Trey McCune

Executive Director Homewood-Brushton YMCA

Dr. Brittany McDonald-Pierce

Executive Director

Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh

Chidozie Christian Oparanozie

Manager of School Partnerships

Urban Impact Foundation

Shannon Prentiss

Dean of Student Affairs

The Neighborhood Academy

Fred Quinn III

Alumni Network Coordinator, Penn State University; Councilmember, Borough of Swissvale

Dr. MiIsha Reid

Program Director & Assistant Professor of Special Education Carlow University

Teona Ringgold

Director of JEDAI & Community Engagement

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Dr. Jaleah N. Robinson

Clinical Assistant Professor of Special Education, Department of Educational Foundations & Leadership Duquesne University

Jonathan Royster

Assistant Vice President, McKees Rocks Branch KeyBank

Khirsten L. Scott, PhD

Assistant Professor of Language, Literacy, and Culture & Director of the Western PA Writing Program University of Pittsburgh

Nissa’a Stallworth-Hewitt

Commercial Kitchen Manager

Catapult of Greater Pittsburgh

Anthony R. Walls Jr.

Senior National Sales Manager-ASM

Global Management

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

To purchase tickets, visit www.newpittsburghcourier.com/FAB2025 or call Allison Palm at 412-481-8302 ext. 134. Tickets $125 • Deadline to Purchase Tickets: Friday, May 2, 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities are available! For more information, contact ajohnson@newpittsburghcourier.com or call 412-481-8302 ext. 128.

in America

Property is Power

In America, homeownership has never just been about having a place to live; it’s about having a piece of the promise. A stake in the ground. A claim to your own future. For generations, owning property has been the clearest path to wealth, stability, and freedom. But let’s be real: not everyone was given equal access to that path. Especially in Black and Brown communities, the doors to ownership were locked tight by redlining, discrimination, and systemic injustice. But here’s the truth they don’t tell you: when we own, we shift everything. Wealth That Lasts Rent keeps money moving out. Ownership keeps money moving in. Every mortgage payment builds equity. Every year your property grows in value, your net worth ris -

es.

Homeownership is how working families become wealthy families. It’s how everyday people build a nest egg, a safety net, or a launchpad for the next generation. It’s not about being rich, it’s about being rooted. And when you’re rooted, you can rise. Stability That Strengthens Owning your home means you can’t be pushed out by rising rent or new development. It means your kids don’t have to switch schools every year. It means you get to build community, plant trees, paint the walls how you want, and create memories that last. In a world full of uncertainty, homeownership is an anchor. It gives people the power to breathe easier, dream bigger, and plan further ahead.

Independence That Empowers Ownership puts the power back in your hands. You’re not at the mercy of landlords or market shifts. You decide how your home is used, how it’s improved, and how it’s passed down. And for marginalized communities, this independence is revolutionary. It breaks cycles of poverty. It flips generational narratives. It says, “We’re not just sur-

Millions of Americans juggling side hustles to make ends meet

by Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent

A new 2025 Side Hustle Survey from LendingTree shows that nearly half of Americans, 44 percent, have a side hustle, with many depending on the extra income to cover basic expenses. The findings reflect the financial strain

The unpredictable nature of gig work and rising inflation continue to impact financial stability, leaving many struggling to keep up.

millions face as wages remain stagnant and the cost of living continues to rise.

Among those with a side hustle, 43 percent say they need the additional income to stay afloat. Seventy-one percent report earning less than $500 per month, and nearly a quarter make less than $100 per month.  The survey also found that younger generations are the most likely to take on extra work, with 60 percent of Gen Z respondents and 55 percent of millennials reporting that they have a side hustle. That compares to 39 percent of Gen X and 24 percent of baby boomers. While 18 percent of side hustlers bring in at least $1,000 per month, most earn far less. The unpredictable nature of gig work and rising inflation continue to impact financial stability, leaving many struggling to keep up.

“The median amount our side hustlers earned monthly was $400, but the average was $1,215,” Matt Schultz wrote for Lending Tree. Considering how tight many households’ budgets are, $1,215 is nothing short of a game-changing monthly amount. Men report earning more than double what women say they earn—an average of $1,580 versus $749.

A separate study from FinanceBuzz analyzed more than 75 of the largest cities in the United States to determine where Americans are at the highest risk of

burnout. The report ranked Denver, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., as the most overworked cities. Denver landed in the top spot, with nearly 62 percent of households having two or more people working full-time jobs. Dallas workers spend almost 45 hours per week at work or commuting, tied with New York City for the second-highest total in the country behind Miami. The percentage of Dallas’ 65-and-older population still active in the workforce is also among the highest in the nation, with 25.4 percent still working. The report ranked Detroit as the least overworked city, followed by Tallahassee

and Buffalo. Detroit has the lowest percentage of senior citizens in the workforce, at just 13.5 percent, and the lowest percentage of employees working at least 50 weeks per year, with only 77.1 percent meeting that threshold. While platforms like Uber, DoorDash, and Etsy provide flexible opportunities, only 31 percent of side hustlers say they feel financially stable. Thirty-six percent worry that their side hustle income could disappear if demand drops or economic conditions worsen. Approximately 32 percent report working at least 20 hours weekly on their side hustle, effectively

holding down a second job.

“Sure, many people have side hustling in their blood. They’re working these side gigs because they’re passionate about them, not just because of the money,” Schultz contended. “That’s not most people, though. Many Americans take on side hustles to help them manage debt. They’ve cut their spending to the bone to try to free up money to put toward the debt before realizing they need to bring in more income to make a real dent in their problem.”

Let’s keep it a buck—tariffs ain’t just boring political talk for CNN and policy nerds. Nah, tariffs hit the streets, your shopping cart, and your stock portfolio like a freight train. Case in point: recent tariffs slapped on Vietnamese imports by former President Trump caused chaos in the markets, shook Nike to its core, and took a big bite out of Big Tech. If you didn’t feel it yet, hold tight—it’s trickling down fast.

What is a Tariff?

A tariff is basically a tax the government slaps on goods coming in from other countries. It’s like charging a cover fee just because a product crossed the border. The idea is to protect U.S.-made goods by making imported stuff more expensive. The hope? You’ll buy American. The reality? It’s not that simple— especially when U.S. companies depend on overseas manufacturing.

Tariffs may start as a “power move” in trade wars, but they end up being a tax YOU pay as a consumer. Businesses just pass those extra costs right down the chain—and guess who’s at the bottom of that chain? You, me, and everybody trying to stretch a dollar.

Nike Got Stomped Out

Let’s talk Nike. The athletic giant got caught in the crossfire when Trump slapped a 46 percent tariff on Vietnamese imports. Translation: nearly half of Nike’s shoes, which are made in Vietnam, just got hella expensive to bring

into the U.S. What happened next? Nike’s stock took a nose dive—down 14 percent, wiping out a jaw-dropping $12 billion in market value. All because “The Donald” decided to raise the toll on that overseas sneaker game. There was a slight bounce back after some tariff talks, but the damage was already done. Nike got humbled.

Big Tech Ain’t Safe, Either The “Magnificent Seven” of tech—Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Nvidia, and Tesla —they all caught hands, too. Investors got spooked by the ripple effect of these tariffs. Why? Because trade wars don’t just hit shoes and gadgets—they hit global supply chains. And tech is as global as it gets.

These seven giants lost over $1 trillion in combined market value. That’s a trillion with a “T.” Apple alone lost $311 billion—let that sink in. Tariffs started as a Vietnam issue, but the market read it as a global signal: “Yo, things are about to get ugly.” Global, Local Pain

Tariffs set off a chain reaction that

don’t stay inside U.S. borders. Other countries don’t just sit back and take it—they clap back with tariffs of their own. That’s how trade wars work: titfor-tat. In the end, nobody wins. Vietnam, for example, started talking about slapping tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods—think soy beans, beef, and dairy. That’s not just political theater— that’s hurting American farmers. China’s done it, too, in the past. And when our exports get taxed heavily overseas, guess what happens? Less demand for U.S. products. Lower profits. Layoffs. Communities built on trade get gutted. That’s real. So What Does This Mean for YOU?

Here’s where we bring it home. You might not own stock in Nike or Apple, but you live in this economy. Tariffs hit you in ways you feel:

• Higher prices at the store: From sneakers to smartphones, prices go up when companies pay more to import.

• Job instability: Companies cut costs somewhere—and often, it’s jobs or wages.

• Investment volatility: If you got

money in a 401(k), IRA, or any index fund—tech stocks are in there. Market dives like this knock your retirement off track.

• Inflation acceleration: Tariffs add fuel to the inflation fire. More expensive goods = higher cost of living = less purchasing power. They Tax Goods — You Pay the Price Tariffs might look like big business problems on the surface, but they show up in your wallet. Think about your favorite sneaker store charging $20 more for the same Nikes. Think about your cousin who works in retail or logistics getting their hours cut because demand dropped. Think about your side hustle that depends on imported supplies —now your profit margins are tighter than ever. Tariffs mess with the ecosystem from warehouses and trucking companies to small businesses trying to stay afloat. And don’t forget the psychological toll: people get nervous when money tightens up, and that slows down spending even more. The economy starts to move like it’s stuck in molasses; slow, sluggish, stressed. Meanwhile, the people making these decisions? They’re good. Salaries untouched. Benefits intact. We’re out here budgeting gas money and skipping lunch runs. That’s why understanding economic policies

ANTHONY O. KELLUM

The true power of homeownership in America

equip our people to own, build, and rise. Because when we own, we win. Because Property is Power!

in our community is a quiet act of revolution. It’s a family gaining leverage. It’s a child growing up with stability. Its wealth being planted like a seed for generations to come.

Bottom Line: Property is Power! Homeownership isn’t just a goal, it’s a game-changer. It’s time to reclaim what we were once denied. It’s time to educate, empower, and

(Dr. Anthony O. Kellum – CEO of Kellum Mortgage, LLC Homeownership Advocate, Speaker, Author NMLS # 1267030 NMLS #1567030 O: 313-263-6388 W: www.KelluMortgage. com.)

(Property is Power! is a movement to promote home and community ownership. Studies indicate homeownership leads to higher graduation rates, family wealth, and community involvement.)

When working full-time isn’t enough: Side-hustle jobs

As the cost of living continues to rise, a Bankrate survey found that over half of workers have taken on second jobs in the past three years.

For many people of modest means, taking a second job has been a go-to option for seasonal and/ or short-term additional earnings. Whether planning for special holidays, noteworthy family events, or a one-time purchase, a “side hustle” has enabled many families to have a few extra comforts to make life more enjoyable. But a new consumer survey finds that in recent years, an increasing number of workers are taking on second jobs for household needs, instead of wants. As the costs of living continue to creep upward, many working Americans are finding that one full-time job is simply not enough. More than half of work-

Commentary

ers—52 percent—have taken on second jobs in the past three years, and nearly one in three survey respondents believe they will always need a second income just to make ends meet, according to Bankrate.com.

“While it’s admirable that so many Americans are putting in extra time and effort on their side hustles, it’s unfortunate that most are doing so simply to fund their expenses,” noted Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior credit card analyst. The workers who most frequently turned to side hustles were Generation

Z ages 18 to 27 (48 percent), parents with children younger than 18 (45 percent), and millennials ages 28-43 (44 percent). For their extra work, average monthly earnings rose from $810 in 2023, to $891 this year. The extra income typically is used to help pay for housing and groceries, paying down debt, or savings. These findings follow a Bankrate pay raise survey released this spring that showed household budgets remained strained, despite the nation’s slowing inflation, particularly in the areas of housing and insurance.

“Although the muchfeared recession hasn’t quite yet reared its head, three in five U.S. adults (59 percent) reported feeling like the economy is in a recession toward the end of 2023,” according to the survey. Many of these workers are concerned about their ability to purchase a home.

Almost two in five (37 percent) surveyed said they would move out of state to find a home they could afford, according to Bankrate’s home affordability survey.

gage rate of 6.5 percent.

But move where? Housing is often the most costly monthly household expense—whether renting or purchasing a home. Consumers considering purchasing a home should be aware that nationwide the median price of a new single-family home is $495,750. The median price means that half of all new homes sold in the U.S. cost more than this figure and half cost less, according to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). Moreover, 134.9 million U.S. households—roughly 77 percent—cannot afford this median-priced new home based on a mort-

For families considering purchasing an existing home, NAHB has more sobering information: 66.6 million households cannot afford a $250,000 home. And rising apartment rents make it even harder for some workers to save for a home. The national median rent for an apartment in March 2024 was $1,987, $373 higher than four years ago, according to Rent.com. On a regional basis, median monthly rents trended cheaper in the Midwest ($1,456) and South ($1,656), but were higher in the Northeast ($2,504) and West ($2,365).    As this column recently reported on The State of the Nation’s Housing 2024, the annual report published by Harvard’s Joint Center on Housing Studies (JCHS), 22.4 million renters nationwide pay more than 30 percent of household income for housing, and 12.1 million pay more than half of their income on housing and utilities. And nationwide, renters with the lowest incomes have just $310 left over each month to cover all their non-housing needs.

In short, household cash crunches are in large part being driven by the cost of housing. But housing is not the only factor that has consumers turning to second jobs. Other costs include: Groceries—the average household spends $475.25 per month for food, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as reported by USA Today. Student loan debt—the average monthly student loan payment for a new college graduate is $500 with an APR of 5.5 percent. For those who pursued graduate degrees, the monthly payment is even higher and the debt deeper, according to the Education Data Initiative. Nationwide, 43 million student loan borrowers collectively owe $1.7 trillion. These costs do not consider additional household expenses like transportation, health care, childcare, or insurance.

(The post When Working Full-Time Isn’t Enough: Growing Number of Side-Hustle Jobs appeared first on The Washington Informer.)

like tariffs ain’t optional—it’s necessary. If you’re gonna thrive in this money game, you need to know the rules— and how to pivot when the rules change. Tariffs may be outta your control, but how you move through them is within your control.

Money Moves in a Tariff Tornado In shaky times like this, don’t move scared—move smart.

• Stay Diversified: Don’t put all your money in tech, or any one sector. Spread it out—stocks, bonds, real estate, even some cash. Diversification is your shield.

• Keep Cash Flow Clean: With prices rising and markets wobbly, now’s not the time for reckless spending. Tighten up the budget. Prioritize needs over wants.

• Invest for the Long Game: These market swings will test your patience. But panicking and pulling out during a dip locks in your losses. Stay the course, especially if retirement’s still a ways off.

• Stay Informed, Not Spooked:

Don’t let headlines jerk your emotions. Tariffs come and go. Smart investors adapt, not overreact. When Tariffs Hit, Your Wallet Bleeds When politicians throw around tariffs like flex moves, it ain’t them paying the price—it’s us. It’s our jobs, our wallets, our retirement accounts. Don’t get it twisted: there’s nothing patriotic about paying more for less. Whether you’re shopping for new kicks or watching your portfolio shrink, just know that these economic policies hit closer to home than they want you to believe. The key is to stay woke, stay ready, and stay rooted in financial wisdom, not political hype. Tariffs are taxes in disguise. And in the end, when giants like Nike and Apple bleed, the rest of us catch the fallout. You

Charlene Crowell

Guest Editorial

Is this 2025 or 1984?

With the fog of war; the wholesale attack on DEI, including USAID, the Department of Education and other federal agencies; the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) until just recently had escaped the attention of Trump’s baleful net. But it was only a matter of time before it too would be assailed and feel the threat of obliteration.

On Friday, Brendan Carr, chairman of FCC, announced an investigation into Disney’s programs of diversity, equity and inclusion with an aim toward halting them. In a letter to Robert A. Iger, the CEO of Disney, Carr said that Disney’s promotion of race-based affinity groups seemed to violate equal employment opportunity programs, the very thing it was devised to do.

“I want to ensure that Disney ends any and all discriminator initiatives in substance, not just name,” Carr declared in the letter. “For another, I want to determine whether Disney’s actions—whether ongoing or recently ended—complied at all times with applicable F.C.C. regulations.”

In response to the intention to halt their DEI efforts, a Disney spokesperson said the company was reviewing the F.C.C.’s letter. “We look forward to engaging with the commission to answer its questions.”

Central to these allegations for Carr is Disney’s Reimagine Tomorrow initiative that is accused of being a “mechanism for advancing its DEI mission.” What remains in question is the extent to which Disney has lived up to its promise of assuring that at least fifty percent of regular and recurring characters must be drawn from “underrepresented groups.”

Carr’s main point of contention, and this seems readily apparent, is that Disney hasn’t gone far enough in its capitulation to Trump’s agenda of kowtowing to Big Brother. Conceivably, that’s of no real concern to Carr and his minions, and their plan to totally make the private company bend to the demands promulgated by Trump.

What essentially is at play here is a weaponized government marching inexorably against companies they abhor, and the new power of FCC has less to do with legal discrimination than it is about chastising Disney for its attempts to balance hiring practices.

Similar to all the other measures whether in health, education, or international development, Americans must not be hoodwinked and bamboozled by Trump and his cohort’s propaganda of correcting past evils. Again, we remind our readers of war merchants talking about peace and balancing a budget while they stuff their pockets with the bounty from tariffs, tax cuts, and selling the public with a bill of goods. In short, no matter where we turn, an Orwellian universe confronts us. Trump and his band of misfits are doing all they can to impose a world on us in which ignorance is strength.

(Reprinted from the NY Amsterdam News)

Running out of good things to say

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—At one time, there were such wonderful things about which I could write. It was always a pleasure to share good news. Unfortunately, since this current group of MAGA people have come into office, we are on a roller coaster down! We never know what the news will be—but we can count on the news being negative, mostly racist.  We can count on it being about another negative for large groups of people having to deal with it—never knowing how bad things are about to be for them.

Black people are not usually surprised because most of us were listening during the campaign for President, and we knew who this President is.  We believed him unlike so many others who voted for him or stayed home.  I must admit, however, there are days even we are shocked by the meanness, the racism, the incompetence, the lack of knowledge about our democracy and the laws of our nation.

Let’s begin with the U.S. Attorney General who is responsible for knowing the laws.  Well, so much for that.  She has decided she works for Donald Trump—not the American people. She has decided she is Trump’s personal attorney.  Despite what judges are saying in denying all the sick proposals this Administration is sending to Court and in spite of Pam Bondi being a lawyer, having served in Florida in a high position, she

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary

doesn’t know how or doesn’t desire to uphold the law.  Imagine a person in her position threatening a U.S. Congresswoman in the person of the Honorable Jasmine Crockett! People listen to Congresswoman Crockett because she tells us in no uncertain terms what we need to hear—not just what racists want to hear.  Bondi calls for Rep. Crockett’s punishment such as censure for words against Elon Musk amid Tesla protests. She went straight to Hannity on FOX—the MAGA’s favorite station when you want to hear racism.  She says Rep. Crockett needs to denounce the violence and apologize immediately for what she allegedly said!  I guess   Bondi didn’t read our laws about free speech in law school!  She goes on about people’s lives being endangered without a word about the violence MAGA people represent.  What about violence Musk, Trump and others are bringing to thousands of people? She didn’t mention that. Bondi went on to threaten Rep. Crockett with saying “She needs to tread very carefully!”  Doesn’t that sound like a threat on Rep. Crockett?  Sure does to me!

Hannity rushed to Rep. Maxine Waters. He didn’t approve of her free speech, calling hers “dangerous rhetoric!” Do these MAGA people think things once were great for Black people? Violence historically isn’t just threatened by MAGA people. Many were lynched!  Law firms are winning cases against MAGA people like Bondi. No matter how MAGA people have endangered the lives of soldiers in the midst of flying a recent dangerous mission, they can’t get their stories straight about the incompetence at Pete Hegseth’s dealing with that. While Bondi is threatening Rep. Crockett, she goes on to claim at least one judge ruling against some of their cases will be knocked down. Does she mean his case or him? She says “The President is right and that judge will be knocked down!  Isn’t knocking someone down violence? She went on to say in essence “None of these judges can control what the President says!” She rattled on about “Obama judges” and the judge who said what the Administration is doing in the deportations to El Salvador that “Nazi’s get better treatment!”  It’s okay for Bondi to falsely blame this on Obama judges, despite some being appointed by other Presidents. They’re so blind to truth they just throw out untruths and hope people will believe them. May God show the MAGA world what truth, justice, fairness and righteousness are!

Unlearning White Supremacy, Part 2

Worship of the written word plays a role in one’s journey of unlearning White supremacy. This shows up with having a strong focus on correct documentation, which can sometimes lead to Black people having a white gaze with their writing. Additionally, Christianity has been used to discourage resistance among Black communities and, at times, cause division. This creates respectability politics and division between those who “put up with indirect and direct racism” to get by and those who realize that we no longer need to do so. I often want to scream to tell some of our elders that while I understand why they did that, we no longer have to!

I recently encountered a situation that reminded me of this. After instances of local police violence, my organizing style was criticized and I had the now-infamous quote by our forever First Lady Michelle Obama, “When they go low, we go high,” thrown in my face—all while they openly worked with those who continue to oppress us.

The Bible has, at times, been utilized to reinforce this and persuade Black people to forgive rather than fight. This began during slavery and has persisted in schools as well as churches. Bible verses such as “turn the other cheek” are used to quiet justified rage born from the brutality of enslavement.

During slavery, it was used to fur-

Commentary

ther the myth that Black slaves were content and happy. Local politicians tend to use similar tactics today, as they focus on posting photos from events and donating small amounts to Black-led organizations, trying to convey a message that they care and are addressing racism.

Additionally, some politicians also use this to encourage Black Christians to adopt a colonized perspective on the Black LGBTQ+ community, specifically Black transwomen, causing, at times, a strained relationship resulting in “church hurt” and trauma.

Before I continue, I think it’s important to note that my intention is not to criticize Christianity. At one time, I identified as a Christian, and many of my loved ones remain connected to both Christianity and the Bible. Neither of which is wrong.

However, after taking steps to deconstruct my internalized perceptions of White supremacy, I unlocked a new level of consciousness. This process led me to hold Christianity accountable for its role in perpetuating White

supremacy. I believe that I can recognize these issues and still maintain a relationship with the most high.

After reading and studying our history, I began to recognize that many of our ancestors practiced Christianity out of survival. Before we were kidnapped and forced into slavery, Black people practiced various forms of African spirituality. To survive, many were forced to assimilate into Christianity. Some of our ancestors held onto their spiritual beliefs as a form of resistance. They utilized breathing, plants and water to connect with nature and heal. Their resilience in maintaining these traditions emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with them. I know that resilience has become a buzzword, but that’s only because of the white gaze that has, at times, become associated with it. Despite this, we must reclaim our language as well as other practices. Yoga, meditation, hiking, gardening, and growing your food are not “White people things;” they are valuable traditions passed down from our ancestors. To truly decolonize Christianity, Black people must unlearn co-opted truths and reclaim our true spiritual practices. This involves accepting the historical framework of why these practices were hidden from us and understanding their importance in our collective liberation.

call to Black leaders to forge the future and thrive

Five years ago, I wrote a letter called, “America Whooped My Ass And I Still Smile.”

It was raw. It was vulnerable. It was the truth of a young Black man, sitting in a wheelchair after being shot by police, trying to figure out how to hold anger and hope in the same hand.

Today, five years later, I’m still smiling—but this smile is different. It’s stronger. It’s wiser. It’s been weathered by more hard conversations, more losses, more moments where it felt like the weight of being Black in America might crush me. But it didn’t. It can’t. This letter is part two—because the story isn’t over.

I spoke with my mentor and his wife at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s annual gala—two people who embody Black excellence at the highest level. People who have led with grace, intelligence, and heart. But even they, with all their strength and wisdom, admitted they’ve nearly reached their breaking point. That conversation sat heavy on my chest. If they feel this pressure, this frustration, this exhaustion... what about the rest of us? What about the young leaders trying to carry entire communities on their backs, while dodging policy attacks, microaggressions, and open violence from an administration that seems hellbent on breaking us? I know that weight. I carry it, too. But I’ve learned something important—both as a Black man and as a wheelchair user. I’ve learned that I can’t expect the world to make room for me. The world will not adjust its structures, its attitudes, or its barriers out of kindness. I walk—or rather, roll —into every room expecting to have to advocate for myself. I expect to be overlooked—or to be looked down

on—literally—as able bodies tower over me. I expect to fight for space. And when I find that someone has made room? I am grateful. But I never get comfortable. Because comfort can make you forget that the world wasn’t built with you in mind. Black people, we’ve known this for generations. This country was not built for us—it was built on us. And yet, we have created beauty, brilliance, and culture from the cracks in the foundation. Out of adversity, we birthed the blues. Out of oppression, we gave the world jazz. Out of pain, we painted masterpieces. Out of struggle, we choreographed movements that made the world stop and watch. Strength and joy are not luxuries for us—they are survival tools. They are part of our DNA. Epigenetically, the joy and strength our ancestors cultivated in the face of terror now live in us as instinct—a coded reminder that we were born to overcome, to create, and to thrive. I still have anger. I won’t lie about that. But I point it in the direction of healing. I aim it at change. I use it to fuel action, not destruction. And I urge you to do the same. We are living through a time where the attacks on Black bodies, Black voices, and Black futures are loud and relentless. The anxiety, sadness, and fear are real. But so is our power. So is our resilience. And resilience is not

just about getting back up—it’s about dancing while you do it. It’s about laughing, even when the world tells you there’s nothing funny. It’s about loving deeply, even when you’ve been taught to protect your heart at all costs.

Some of our finest leaders are tired. Some of our strongest are feeling weak. And I get it. I see you. But let this be a reminder: you were built for this. Our ancestors survived worse with less. We are not just their descendants; we are their wildest dreams in motion. They handed us the torch, and yes—it’s heavy. But it’s also holy. We have a spiritual obligation to rise—we’re anointed. If you’re reading this, I want you to know: we’re in this together. None of us are meant to carry this weight alone. Check on each other. Hold each other. Laugh together. Cry if you need to. But then, stand tall (or roll forward) with your head high, your heart open, and your joy intact. Lift your head up, fix your posture and remember who you are.

The reality of our existence is this: the world will not make room for us. So we build our own rooms. We write our own music. We tell our own stories. We smile—not because we’re naïve, but because joy is rebellion. Joy is protection. Joy is proof that we are still here, still whole, still unstoppable.

I’m not writing this letter from a place of defeat. I’m writing it from a place of power. A place of community.

A place of faith in us.

America is still whooping our ass— but I promise you this: we will smile louder, move smarter, build stronger, and love harder. And in doing so, we will thrive.

Fawn Walker Montgomery

Leon Ford Commentary

Will Ben Carson and Tim Scott speak up?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The Smithsonian Institution’s Secretary Lonnie Bunch and other staff members at the Smithsonian are upset, and they have every right to be. The Smithsonian network spans 21 museums and has become one of the latest presidential targets through an executive order entitled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” The order directs the removal of “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” from its museums.

The order reads, “Once widely respected as a symbol of American excellence and a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian Institution has, in recent years, come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology.” Civil rights advocates, historians, and Black political leaders have sharply rebuked the president for specifically calling out the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) by name in the executive order. About 60 percent of the Smithsonian’s funding comes from the federal government. Bunch, the first Black person to lead the Smithsonian, said the museum will “remain committed to telling the multi-faceted stories of this country’s extraordinary heritage” in a message shared with staff members.

The NMAAHC chronicles chattel slavery, Jim Crow segregation, and its lingering effects. It also highlights the determination, resilience, successes, and contributions of individual Black Americans and Black institutions. Donald Trump first visited the museum one month after taking office during his first term. Reading Black history from a book is one thing, but it’s another to see it with your own eyes. While books can serve as a good source of information, they are no substitute for a museum filled with exhibits that bring to life the struggles and accomplishments of the Black experience. These exhibits produce knowledge and insight and give a person a level of compassion and empathy that may not have existed before. During the 2017 visit, Trump was accompanied by his nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Ben Carson, and his wife, Candy; Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King Jr.; Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina; presidential aide Omarosa Manigault; and his daughter, Ivanka Trump. Former Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton and Lonnie Bunch, the NMAAHC director at the time, led the tour.

David W. Marshall Commentary

Eliminating

In 2019, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) received criticism for her radical proposal to abolish the Department of Homeland Security. Ocasio-Cortez replied, “It’s not that radical. When DHS was first formed by Bush 17 years ago, many members of Congress were concerned—including GOP members—that we were setting up a ticking time bomb for civil liberties erosion and abuse of power. Discussing reorganization shouldn’t be out of the question.”

Eliminating the Department of Education (DOE) isn’t radical either, and reorganization may be appropriate.

The Reorganization Act of 1939 established the Federal Security Agency (FSA), which brought together all federal programs that dealt with health, education, and social security. The FSA was eliminated under Reorganization Plan #1 in 1953, but all of its functions were reassigned to the secretary of the newly formed Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW).

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed the Department of Education Organization Act. The act split education from HEW, establishing the DOE and renaming the remainder of HEW the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“This is a truly great museum. I’ve learned, and I’ve seen, and they’ve done an incredible job. What they’ve done here is something that probably cannot be duplicated. It was done with love and lots of money, right Lonnie? We can’t avoid that. But it was done with tremendous love and passion and that’s why it’s so great,” Trump said in 2017. Trump is correct; it is a great museum. The president saw firsthand the true depth and struggle of the Black experience. He viewed several exhibits, including the “Paradox of Liberty.” Bunch mentioned how the 612 bricks surrounding a statue of Thomas Jefferson represented each of the 612 enslaved people Jefferson owned during his lifetime. Lonnie Bunch explained, “You can’t understand Jefferson without understanding slavery. For us, this whole museum is about humanizing stories of people left out of history.” The president and members of his entourage also witnessed the exhibit featuring Ben Carson and his accomplishments as a surgeon. Trump never returned to the museum, but his public views and opinions are much clearer now. Could it be that in 2017, instead of witnessing something valuable and worth maintaining, Trump was taking note of something that the MAGA world needed to destroy? As part of the first Trump administration, Ben Carson is in a unique position. He is a Black Republican who is a Trump enabler, yet his legacy as a renowned brain surgeon, which is displayed at the NMAAHC, could be under threat. Obviously, the Carson exhibit didn’t sway Trump’s 2025 rhetoric and actions. Will Ben Carson publicly defend the NMAAHC or simply go along with the Project 2025 goals concerning the museum? Carson could be a powerful voice in coming to the museum’s defense and sounding the alarm against the authoritarian control of the nation’s premier museum complex. He could also be an influential voice to other Black Republicans, which is unlikely given his Project 2025 ties. The former HUD secretary authored a radical MAGA Project 2025 proposal to gut HUD by proposing a “wholesale overhaul” of HUD to undo “corrosive progressive ideologies” and “race-based policies.” It is unlikely Carson will have a Michael Cohen moment and turn against Trump. Where does that leave Sen. Tim Scott? He was there in 2017 as part of the president’s Black inner circle, but he, too, will likely remain silent. There is a long list of Trump enablers whose failure to speak out continues to fail America. Sen. Scott, Sen. Mitch McConnell, and Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts are among a few on that shameful list. David Blight is a historian and professor of history and African American studies at Yale University. He regards the moves targeting cultural targets such as the Smithsonian, Kennedy Center, Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Public Radio (NPR), and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) as drawn from the authoritarian playbook. Blight noted, “It’s what the Nazis did. It’s what Spain did. It’s what Mussolini tried. This is like the Soviets: they revised the Soviet encyclopedia every year to update the official history. Americans don’t have an official history; at least we’ve tried never to have to.”

(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.)

The new Department of Education did not inherit all federal education programs. The Department of Agriculture maintained responsibility for the school lunch program, the Department of Health and Human Services for Head Start, and the Department of Labor for job training.

The DOE performed five key functions. 1) Develop a policy for federal financial aid. 2) Gather data and share studies about American schools. 3) Direct national attention to major educational concerns. 4) Prohibit discrimination in education. 5) Make recommendations on educational reform.

Republicans and Democrats argued that the DOE was unconstitutional. The tenth amendment left education policy up to each state. Representatives who backed the DOE circumvented the 10th Amendment by saying the DOE’s “funding role” made it legitimate under the Constitution’s Commerce Clause and its Taxing and Spending Clause.

The election of Republican Ronald Reagan as president in 1980 sparked strong opposition to the DOE and calls for its elimination. However, during Reagan’s 1984 reelection cam-

J. Pharoah Doss Check It

Out

paign, the GOP dropped “eliminating the DOE” from its platform after an education report was released the previous year.

The 1983 A Nation at Risk report found a dramatic decline in K-12 education. Between 1963 and 1980, average SAT scores plummeted by more than 50 points in the verbal portion and over 40 points in the math section. The report warned, “The educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a nation and a people.” Both parties decided to prioritize education.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Goals 2000 Act, which identified world-class academic standards, established a framework for measuring student progress, and provided support for students to meet the goals. Federal spending and control over education both increased.

In 1996, the GOP’s platform included the elimination of the DOE. Republicans again questioned the DOE’s constitutionality, claiming it was becoming a “national school board.” Because the DOE was responsible for educational reform and increasing national standards, the Republicans accused it of inadvertently micromanaging local schools. Since many of the aims of Goals 2000 were not met by the turn of the century, both parties prioritized boosting education once more, but this time they clashed over objectives. Congress passed No Child Left Behind in 2002, only to replace it with Every Student Succeeds in 2015. The distinctions between the two are insignificant because neither was effective. Meanwhile, the DOE’s budget skyrocketed, with no tangible achievements to justify the spending.

In 2016, Donald Trump, a businessman who had never served in public office, shocked the political establishment by capturing the Republican presidential nomination. Trump argued that America’s two political parties had abandoned the production sector and the working class,

and he ran on lowering the size of the federal government.

After winning the presidency, Trump advocated merging the DOE with the Department of Labor. The Trump administration held the belief that combining education and labor would enhance students’ career preparation. The political establishment doubted Trump’s ability to shrink and reorganize the federal government while maintaining levels of efficiency; thus, the merging of education and labor was not taken seriously.

Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, defeated Donald Trump in 2020. Biden appointed Miguel Cardona as Secretary of Education. Cardona claimed that the DOE, at its core, is a civil rights agency that makes sure students in “protected classes” receive an equitable public education. This shift in core purpose resulted in a renewed call to abolish the DOE.

Eliminating the DOE was a top priority in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a guide for the next president to downsize the federal government. The Heritage Foundation sought to abolish every federal function of the DOE except for collecting statistics and providing information to states.

During Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign, his opponents linked him to Project 2025. Many people believed that voting for Trump would jeopardize American education because Trump would abolish the DOE and eliminate federal funding to states, which would widen the divide between wealthy and poor school districts.

However, Trump’s plan to minimize the federal role in education policy differed from the Heritage Foundation’s. Trump stated that he wanted to eliminate the DOE while keeping its “core necessities,” such as Title I financing for low-income schools, Pell scholarships, and money for disabled children. Trump’s administration will simply reassign these responsibilities to other departments.

The 1983 A Nation at Risk report stated, “If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on Americans the mediocre educational performance that exists today, we might have viewed it as an act of war.”

Eliminating the DOE will not put American education at risk. It’s merely a change in strategy in the ongoing battle against mediocrity.

MLK’s voice rings loud as Trump tries to erase Black history

Fifty-seven years ago, an assassin’s bullet struck Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on a Memphis balcony, and in that single, devastating moment, the world lost a moral giant, and Black America lost one of its most powerful and courageous champions. April 4, 1968, didn’t just mark the end of a life, it ripped open the hearts of millions who had found hope in King’s dream, his faith, and his unrelenting pursuit of justice, equality, and peace. That loss remains fresh in the memory of those who understand that King’s legacy is not just historical, it is urgent, present, and needed now more than ever.

Today, as the MAGA movement pushes a whitewashed version of American history, and as the Trump administration and its far-right allies at the Heritage Foundation threaten to release so-called “unflattering” information about King, many see the attempt for what it is: a desperate, racist agenda that seeks to destroy truth and suppress the voices of those who dared to imagine a better America. No matter how loudly the architects of Project 2025 plot their dismantling of civil rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion—no matter how brazenly they peddle disinformation and try to erase the accomplishments of Black Americans and other people of color—King’s words still thunder across generations. His sermons and speeches remain sacred texts for the American conscience, impossible to silence, inconvenient to white supremacy, and unyielding in their moral clarity.

In 1956, from the pulpit, King warned in “Paul’s Letter to American Christians”:

“Oh America, how often have you taken necessities from the masses to give luxuries to the classes… You can use your powerful economic resources to wipe poverty from the face of the earth. God never intended for one group of people to live in superfluous inordinate wealth, while others live in abject deadening poverty.”

For many, that sermon rings louder today as the current administration slashes programs for the poor while enriching the ultra-wealthy. It rings in the ears of every voter, activist, and dreamer who sees Project 2025 as an assault on progress and

Stacy M. Brown

humanity. In his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, King didn’t mince words:

“We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality… until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Police brutality still plagues Black communities. Voter suppression remains alive and well. Black children continue to be stripped of their selfhood. And some who sit in power seem all too eager to strip the word justice from every federal agency’s mission.

King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” reminds the comfortable that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

“It is even more unfortunate that the city’s White power structure left the Negro community with no alternative,” King wrote. The MAGA movement’s calls to suppress protests, deny systemic racism, and erase uncomfortable truths from school curricula reflect that same white power structure—this time on a national scale. In 1964, during his “Nobel Peace Prize lecture,” King cautioned that technological advancement without moral advancement was dangerous. “There is a sort of poverty of the spirit which stands in glaring contrast to our scientific and technological abundance… We have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers,” he asserted. That spiritual poverty is evident in a political climate that prioritizes military aggression over human needs, censorship over dialogue, and authoritarianism over democracy.

By 1966, in his “Proud to be Maladjusted” speech, King declared: “I never intend to adjust myself to racial segregation and discrimination… to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few.”

Many say if he were alive today, King would no doubt still be maladjusted. He would speak out against economic cruelty masked as policy and against those who demonize the poor while protecting billionaires.

In “The Other America,” delivered in 1967, King said, “A riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear?” He might ask the same question now, as protests are criminalized and the root causes—poverty, inequality, state violence—are deliberately ignored.

In his “Three Evils of Society” sermon, King condemned militarism, racism, and economic exploitation. “Unemployment rages at a major depression level in the Black ghettos, but the bi-partisan response is an anti-riot bill rather than a serious poverty program,” he declared. That quote could be lifted straight into today’s headlines as military budgets swell and social safety nets shrink. Then came his “Beyond Vietnam” speech—his most controversial, but perhaps his most prophetic.

“If America’s soul becomes totally poisoned, part of the autopsy must read ‘Vietnam,’” King insisted. He warned then that militarism abroad infects democracy at home. The Trump administration’s embrace of global authoritarian regimes, its anti-immigrant agenda, and its disdain for diplomacy shows King’s warning was not heeded. And finally, just one day before his death, in “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” King declared, “All we say to America is to be true to what you said on paper… Somewhere, I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for rights.”

Those words are a rallying cry in today’s political darkness. A reminder that freedom of speech, assembly, and the fight for justice are not fringe ideas. They are fundamental to what America claims to be. So, while Trump, with the guidance of Project 2025, attempts to rewrite reality, King’s words have already been written in the hearts of generations. And as long as injustice exists, his voice will echo—not just in Black America but throughout the world. “We are going on. We need all of you.”

Commentary

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KEVIN T. TONCZYCZYN, PA I.D. NO. 332616

ELIZABETH L. WASSALL, PA I.D. NO. 77788

JOSEPH L. LoCASTRO, IV, PA I.D. NO. 314973

985 OLD EAGLE SCHOOL ROAD, SUITE 514 WAYNE, PA 19087

TELEPHONE: (610) 278-6800

E-MAIL: PAHELP@LOGS.COM

LLG FILE NO. 23-068862

Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2020-2, U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee PLAINTIFF vs. Thierno Sow, known Heir of Darlene D. Hopkins, deceased

Jerome Fuller, known Heir of Darlene D. Hopkins, deceased Charles Fuller, known Heir of Darlene D. Hopkins, deceased Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest from or under Darlene D. Hopkins, deceased DEFENDANTS

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS ALLEGHENY COUNTY

CASE NO. MG-23-000988

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

TO: Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest from or under Darlene D. Hopkins, deceased 7967 Aber Road Verona, PA 15147

THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU HAVE PREVIOSULY RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY, THIS IS NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO BE AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, BUT ONLY ENFORCEMENT OF A LIEN AGAINST PROPERTY.

Your house (real estate) at: 7967 Aber Road, Verona, PA 15147 is scheduled to be sold at Sheriff’s Sale on May 5, 2025 at 9:00AM, in Allegheny County, Fourth Floor, Gold Room, Courthouse, Pittsburgh, PA to enforce the court judgment of $105,640.43 obtained by Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2020-2, U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee (the mortgagee) against you. As a result, a writ of execution has been issued in the amount of $112,989.96.

NOTICE OF OWNER’S RIGHTS YOU MAY BE ABLE TO PREVENT THIS SHERIFF’S SALE

To prevent this Sheriff’s Sale you must take immediate action: The sale will be cancelled if you pay back to the mortgagee the back payments, late charges, costs, and reasonable attorneys fees due. To find out how much you must pay, you may call: (610) 278-6800.

PLEASE NOTE a Schedule of Distribution will be filed by the Sheriff on a date specified by the Sheriff not later than thirty (30) days after sale. Distribution will be made in accordance with the schedule unless exceptions are filed thereto within 20 days after the filing of the schedule

LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP

BY: CHRISTOPHER A. DeNARDO, PA I.D. NO. 78447

SAMANTHA GABLE, PA I.D. NO. 320695

STEVEN PALMER, PA I.D. NO. 334553

LESLIE J. RASE, PA I.D. NO. 58365

HEATHER RILOFF, PA I.D. NO. 309906

KEVIN T. TONCZYCZYN, PA I.D. NO. 332616

ELIZABETH L. WASSALL, PA I.D. NO. 77788

JOSEPH L. LoCASTRO, IV, PA I.D. NO. 314973

985 OLD EAGLE SCHOOL ROAD, SUITE 514 WAYNE, PA 19087

TELEPHONE: (610) 278-6800

E-MAIL: PAHELP@LOGS.COM LLG FILE NO. 19-064271

USAA Federal Savings Bank PLAINTIFF vs.

Unknown Heirs, Successors, assigns and all Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right,Title or Interest from or Under Alex McSorley, deceased Arthur McSorley, Known Heir of Alex McSorley, deceased Beth Tarantini, Known Heir of Alex McSorley, deceased Meghann Sowko, Known Heir of Alex McSorley, deceased Christina Bellissimo, Known Heir of Alex McSorley, deceased DEFENDANTS COURT OF COMMON PLEAS ALLEGHENY COUNTY CASE NO. MG-20-000019

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY TO: Unknown Heirs, Successors, assigns and all Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right,Title or Interest from or Under Alex McSorley, deceased 407 Longview Drive Monroeville, PA 15146

THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU HAVE PREVIOSULY RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY, THIS IS NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO BE AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, BUT ONLY ENFORCEMENT OF A LIEN AGAINST PROPERTY.

Your house (real estate) at: 407 Longview Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146 is scheduled to be sold at Sheriff’s Sale on May 5, 2025 at 9:00AM, in Allegheny County, Fourth Floor, Gold Room, Courthouse, Pittsburgh, PA to enforce the court judgment of $166,640.91 obtained by USAA Federal Savings Bank (the mortgagee) against you. As a result, a writ of execution has been issued in the amount of $173,663.36.

NOTICE OF OWNER’S RIGHTS

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO PREVENT THIS SHERIFF’S SALE

To prevent this Sheriff’s Sale you must take immediate action: The sale will be cancelled if you pay back to the mortgagee the back payments, late charges, costs, and reasonable attorneys fees due. To find out how much you must pay, you may call: (610) 278-6800.

PLEASE NOTE a Schedule of Distribution will be filed by the Sheriff on a date specified by the Sheriff not later than thirty (30) days after sale. Distribution will be made in accordance with the schedule unless exceptions are filed thereto within 20 days after the filing of the schedule.

To place a

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Public Notice

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Urban Design/Planning – Regional community development and historic preservation organization requests Qualifications relative to the following: 1) urban design, 2) mapping and graphics, 3) land use integration 4) public space and public transit related improvements, 5) individuals available for assignment, 6) working with multiple stakeholders and the public and building consensus, 7) minority and women-owned businesses participation, and 8) method and/or rates of compensation. Within thirty days of first publication of this notice, firms/individuals should send Qualifications as outlined above to: Young Preservationists Association, 700 River Avenue, Suite 318, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Final Due Date: Friday May 2, 2025.

PROFESSIONAL

Economic development organization is requesting qualifications from: Solar Engineering FirmsQualifications relative to the following should be discussed: Solar canopy design and engineering, rooftop solar design and engineering, turnkey EPC experience, NACEP Certification, local experience in the City of Pittsburgh, knowledge of public and private financing, personnel available for this assignment, working in a team environment, and method and hourly rates of compensation. RFQ’s are due 14 days from the date of this publication and 3 copies should be mailed to: NSIDC, 700 River Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

The Mindful Mastery Project, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania empowers underserved youth through comprehensive support in health, wellness, academics, career readiness, and life skills. For more information, please contact Executive Director Akita Donald at akita@mindfulmasteryproject.org.

PUBLIC NOTICE OPENING OF WAITING LIST

Effective Monday, April 14, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will be accepting pre-applications online ONLY for the following Project Based Voucher Site Based Community:

• New Pennley Place - (1, 2 and 3 bedroom units only) – 5601 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

Not all households will be eligible for the specific bedroom size units listed, as the age, gender, relationships and number of household members affect the number of bedrooms for which a household is eligible. Income and eligibility restrictions of the Housing Choice Voucher Program apply. Pre-applications for the above community will be accepted online ONLY at www.hacp.org and can be submitted from any computer, laptop or smartphone with internet access. No preapplications will be accepted before 8:00 a.m., Monday, April 14, 2025, or after 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Printed pre-applications will not be available at any of the HACP properties or offices.

Position on the waiting list will be determined based upon the date and time the completed pre-application is accepted by the on-line system. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations to submit a pre-application can contact the HACP’s Disability Compliance Office at 412-456-5282. Additional information is available by contacting the HACP Occupancy Department at 412-456-5030 or by visiting our website at www.hacp.org. This event is for Project Based Vouchers for New Pennley Place ONLY and is completely separate from the HACP Housing Choice Voucher and Low Income Public Housing Programs.

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

WHEREAS, on December 04, 2015, a certain mortgage was executed by JOANN HERRLE and NORBERT HERRLE, as mortgagor in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE AS NOMINEE FOR SYNERGY ONE LENDING, INC. DBA: RETIREMENT FUNDING SOLUTIONS, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage BK-M VL-45914 PG-354 or INSTRUMENT #2015-92594 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 1613 Shawmut Drive Glenshaw, PA 15116, parcel number 0435-C-00112-0000-00(“Property”); and WHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner NORBERT HERRLE died on 03/02/19. By operation of law title vests solely in JOANN HERRLE and NORBERT HERRLE is hereby released of liability pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1144. JOANN HERRLE died on 04/04/24 intestate and is survived by no known heirs. ;and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by JOANN HERRLE & NORBERT HERRLE by virtue of deed dated 9/12/2003 and recorded 9/19/2003 in Book 11791 Page 332 or Instrument#2003-32713 ;and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“Secretary”), pursuant to an assignment recorded on 2/15/2022 in BK-M VL-55885 PG66 or INSTRUMENT #2022-13647, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as JOANN HERRLE died on 04/04/2024 and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of 12/10/2024 is $200,421.80 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on 06/28/2012 in Misc. Bk-DE, Vl-14933, Pg 17, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that on 05/01/2025; at 10:00 AM at at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 all real property and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises will be sold at public action to the highest bidder:

File No: 122-002224

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of Shaler, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being Lot No.7 in the Shawmut Oaks Plan No.1, as recorded in the Department of Real Estate Office for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in Plan Book Volume 82, Pages 6 and 7 inclusive.

PARCEL NO. 435-C-112

BEING the same premises which Joann M. Benson, widow, now known as Joann Herrle, by Deed dated 09/12/2003 and recorded 09/19/2003 in the Department of Real Estate Office of Allegheny County in Deed Book Volume 11791, Page 332, granted and conveyed unto Joann Herrle and Norbert Herrle, wife and husband.

0435-C-00112

The sale will be held 05/01/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $200,421.80 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $200,421.80 as of 12/10/2024, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary’s bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.

If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder’s deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s)

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

WHEREAS, on December 31, 1997, a certain mortgage was executed by PAUL BRIM JR. and SHIRLEY BRIM, as mortgagor in favor of UNITY MORTGAGE CORP DBA THE REVERSE MORTGAGE COMPANY as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage Book 17202 Page 646 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 1024 Parsonage Street Creighton, PA 15030, parcel number 0960-F-00260-0000-00(“Property”); and WHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner PAUL BRIM JR died on 03/29/14. By operation of law title vests solely in SHIRLEY BRIM and PAUL BRIM JR is hereby released of liability pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1144. Mortgagor/ Record Owner SHIRLEY BRIM died on 10/27/22 and Letters Testamentary were granted to Jamie Cutright on 12/16/22 by the Register of Wills of Allegheny County, File No.: 02-22-8059. ;and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by PAUL BRIM JR. & SHIRLEY BRIM by virtue of deed dated 6/27/1995 and recorded 7/27/1995 in Book:09503 Page:206 ;and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“Secretary”), pursuant to an assignment recorded on 11/26/2012 in Book M VL 41765 Page 403 Instrument # 2012-117260, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as SHIRLEY BRIM died on 10/27/2022 and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of 12/27/2024 is $116,739.20 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on 06/28/2012 in Misc. Bk-DE, Vl-14933, Pg-17, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that on 05/01/2025; at 10:00 AM at outside the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 all real property and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises will be sold at public action to the highest bidder:

ALL those certain lots or pieces of ground situate in the Township of East Deer, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being part of Lot No. 37, all of Lot No. 38 and part of Lot No. 39 in the Creighton Plan of Lots laid out by John B. Ford, said Plan being of record in the Recorder’s Office of Allegheny County in Plan Book Volume 11, page 185, and more particularly as follows:

BEGINNING at a point on the line of a 31 ½ foot street known as Parsonage Street, which point is 7 feet east from the division line between Lots Nos. 39 and 40, said point being also the northeasterly corner of a strip of ground now or formerly of Walter Usiadek, et ux., By deed of record in Deed Book Volume 3109, page 667; thence along the line of Parsonage Street in a northeasterly direction, a distance of 66 feet to a point on the line of land now or formerly of Walter Komosinski; thence in a southerly direction on a line parallel to the division line between Lots Nos. 36 and 37 a distance of 120 feet to an alley; thence along said alley in a westerly direction, a distance of 66 feet to a point on the line of land now or formerly of Walter Usiadek, et ux.; thence in a northerly direction along the line of land now or formerly of Usiadek, which line is parallel to the division line between Lots Nos. 39 and 40, a distance of 120 feet to a point on the line of Parsonage Street at the place of beginning.

BEING designated as Block and Lot No. 960-F-260. The sale will be held 05/01/2025; at 10:00 AM at outside the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $116,739.20 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $116,739.20 as of 12/27/2024, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary’s bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder’s deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.

KML LAW GROUP, P.C. Foreclosure Commissioners (215-825-6305) LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT BOROUGH OF AVALON SUMMARY

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTICE

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

APRIL 9, 2025

There will be an Investment Board Meeting of Allegheny County on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm to be held at Allegheny County Courthouse, Gold Room – 4th Floor, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh PA 15219.

NOTICE -

TOWNSHIP OF KILBUCK

The Board of Supervisors of Kilbuck Township will hold a public hearing and public meeting to consider an amendment to the Township Zoning Ordinance to reduce the front yard setback for certain signs, said hearing and meeting to be held on April 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kilbuck Township Municipal Building, 343 Eicher Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

TITLE AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF KILBUCK, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP OF KILBUCK CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 215, ZONING, ARTICLE IV, SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS, SECTION 215-41, SIGNS, TO MODIFY THE FRONT YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT FOR COMMERCIAL SIGNS, NOT INCLUDING FREESTANDING POLE SIGNS.

SUMMARY

The proposed Ordinance would reduce the front yard setback for commercial signs, not including freestanding pole signs, to 5 feet from the front lot line of the premises, so long as the sign’s location permits full, unobstructed sight distance in all directions. A copy of the proposed ordinance may be examined in the office of the Township Secretary, without charge, during regular business hours.

TOWNSHIP OF KILBUCK Andrew Wright, Township Secretary

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of MILE DJERIC, Deceased of Whitehall, No. 01933 of 2025, Srdjan Malesh, Executor, or to Alex Ostojich, Esq, Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh PA 15222

Estate of STEVEN PAVLICK, Deceased of Wexford, No. 01853 of 2025, Denise Pavlick, Executor, or to Claire J. Saenz, Esq, Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh PA 15222

Estate of ROSANNE MOORE, Deceased of Pittsburgh, No. 01795 of 2025, Diane E. Reiche, Executor, or to Devin Hallett Snyder, Esq, Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh PA 15222

Estate of JOHN F. KAUCIC, Deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No. 02-25-02203, Bernadette A. Kaucic, Executor, 601 4th Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of BARBARA A. TRIMBLE, Deceased of Clairton, Allegheny County, Pennsylvana, No. 02-25-02075, Amy J. Gentile, Executor, 607 Carnegie Avenue, Clairton, PA 15025 or to TODD A. FULLER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of ARNOLD D. JONES, SR., Deceased of Coraopolis, Allegheny County, Pennsylvana, No. 02-25-02060, Douglas Jones, Administrator, 45 Glenburn Drive, PA 15236 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of CHRISTOPHER JAMES BARTON SMYTH, Deceased of Leetsdale, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, No. 02-25-00919, Laura Smyth Freese, Executor, 26332 Paseo Toscana, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 or to TODD A. FULLER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

LEGAL

Articles of Incorporation

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION NOTICE is hereby given that

Incorporation

Inc. Articles of Incorporation have been filed on: March 28, 2025

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

OFFICIAL BID NOTICE

TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ST. CLAIR

Sealed and separate bids will be received by the Township of Upper St. Clair, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania until 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025 and the BIDS will be publicly opened and read thereafter in the Township Building at the same address for the following:

COMMUNITY & RECREATION

CENTER ROOFTOP UNITS #6 & 8 REPLACEMENT

Please refer to https://www.twpusc.org/business/ bid_information.php, for details regarding specifications and Bidding requirements.

/s/ Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR DRYER VENTILATION SYSTEM CLEANING AUTHORITY-WIDE

IFB #250-16-25

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): DRYER VENTILATION SYSTEM CLEANING AUTHORITY-WIDE

The documents will be available no later than March 31, 2025, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on May 1, 2025

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 a.m. on May 1, 2025, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Ms. Dereen Neice, Sr. Director of Procurement//Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2800

A pre-bid meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on April 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting https://hacp-org.zoom. us/j/81595534091

Meeting ID: 815 9553 4091

Passcode: 011822

Dial in: +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.

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 INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE AUTHORITY-WIDE

IFB #300-09-25

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Fire Extinguisher Inspections and Maintenance Authority-Wide

The documents will be available no later than April 7, 2025, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on May 8, 2025 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 a.m. until the closing time of 10:00 a.m. on May 8, 2025, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Dereen M. Neice, Senior Director of Procurement/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2890

A pre-bid meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 873 1028 7115 Passcode: 012626 +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, 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

SONNY BOY

ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will receive sealed bids for 2025 – Lower Hill Parking Lot Repaving as identified below. The contract for this work will be with the SEA. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the SEA, 171 10th St, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Hillary Frisbie - E-mail: procurement@pgh-sea.com . Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at (724) 935-7055. Additional information on the project can also be found of Accu-Copy’s website at https://accu-copy.com/plan-room

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: 2025 – Lower Hill Parking Lot Repaving Bid Package Available: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Approximate Value: $500,000

Time/Date/Location for

Pre-Bid Meeting: Friday | April 11, 2025 @ 11:00am (weather permitting) PPG Arena, Fullerton Parking Lot Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Time/Date/Location for Bid: Friday | April 25, 2025 @ 11:00am

SEA Admin Offices 171 10th Street 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR FIRE AND SECURITY ALARM

MONITORING AUTHORITY-WIDE REBID

IFB #300-06-25 REBID

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

Fire and Security Alarm Monitoring Authority-Wide Rebid

The documents will be available no later than March 31, 2025, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on May 1, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 11:00 a.m. on May 1, 2025, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, 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. Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement/ Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department, 6th Floor 412 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2890

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting on April 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting https://hacp-org.zoom.us/ j/84338091568?pwd=MnnXbTh jIs510olBiHjta21ZOP9cvR.1 Meeting ID: 843 3809 1568 Passcode: 147242 Dial in: +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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES FOR HIGH-RISES

RFP #350-04-25

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

UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES FOR HIGH-RISES

The documents will be available no later than March 31, 2025, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on April 22, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 a.m. on April 22, 2025, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor - Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement/ Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-2890

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on April 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 891 9094 1027 Passcode: 234657 +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.

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 ARMED AND UNARMED SECURITY FOR HIGH-RISES AND NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS WELCOME BOOTHS

RFP #350-05-25

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Armed and Unarmed Security for High-rises and Northview Heights Welcome Booths

The documents will be available no later than March 31, 2025, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on April 22, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 11:00 a.m. on April 22, 2025, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor - Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement /Contracting Officer

Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-2890

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on April 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 883 4158 3834 Passcode: 884892 +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.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed proposals will be received by the Township of Wilkins of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania through the Quest Construction Data Network (QuestCDN) at www.questcdn.com until 11:00 AM prevailing time on April 28, 2025 for:

CONTRACT NO. 25-R01

2025 ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The scope of work for Contract No. 25-R01 consists of approximately 4,000 square yards of roadway milling and profiling, Superpave WMA binder course, 1 ½” Superpave WMA wearing course, base repair, traffic control, linestriping, add alternates for additional square yards of resurfacing; and all necessary appurtenances and restoration for said construction on various roadways in the Township of Wilkins. All bidders are required to buy the Bid Documents in PDF format for a non-refundable deposit of $125.00 from QuestCDN at www.questcdn.com using project number 9583146. Contact their Customer Support regarding membership registration, downloading and working with digital project information at 952-2331632 or info@questcdn.com

Any technical questions regarding the bid documents are to be directed to LSSE. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud via video conference. Interested parties may contact the Township for access information prior to the date and time identified herein. Pennsylvania prevailing wage rates apply. Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Township. The bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid, made payable to the Township of Wilkins to guarantee the bidder’s entrance into the contract if given the award.

The Township reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities in the bidding.

No bid may be withdrawn for ninety (90) calendar days after the scheduled time for receipt of bids. Attention is directed to the fact that procurement is subject to all requirements of the Pennsylvania “Steel Products Procurement Act, Act No. 1978-3”; and for Contract value exceeding $25,000, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act (Act of 1961 P.L. 987), and The Public Works Employment Verification Act (July 2012) apply.

TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS Rebecca Vargo, Manager

ACHA-1722, REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICES

Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is seeking Bids from qualified vendors to provide Refuse Collection Service, per specifications for its locations throughout Allegheny County. ACHA is now conducting all competitive solicitation on an internet-based eProcurement Housing Marketplace. ACHA is paying for all costs for the use of the Marketplace so, there will be no additional charges for your company to use the Marketplace to download documents or submit responses to ACHA.

AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Guy Phillips, Purchasing Manager Telephone: (412) 402-2435, E-mail: gphillips@achsng.com.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE IFB DOCUMENTS ON THE EPROCUREMENT MARKETPLACE: 1. Access ha.internationaleprocurement.com (no “www”).

2. Click on the “Login” button in the upper left side.

3. Follow the listed directions.

4. If you have any problems in accessing or registering on the eProcurement Marketplace, please call customer support at (866)526-9266.

PRE-Bid CONFERENCE:

Pre-Bid Conference: there is no Pre-Bid Conference Scheduled for this IFB

QUESTION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

Monday, May 12, 2025, 2025, 12:00 PM ET. Please use the “Question and Answer area in the eProcurement Housing Marketplace Website for all questions.

HOW TO FULLY RESPOND TO THIS IFB BY SUBMITTING A Bid SUBMITTAL:

1. As directed within Section 3.2.1 of the IFB document, submit proposed pricing, where provided for, within the eProcurement Marketplace.

2. As instructed within Section 3.0 of the IFB document, submit One (1) Original copy of your “hard copy” Bid to the Agency Administrative Office.

Bid SUBMITAL RETURN & DEADLINE

*Monday, June 9, 2025, 10:00 AM ET

301 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, the “hard copy” documentation must be received in-hand and time-stamped by the Agency by no later than 10:00 AM ET on this date). The Public Bid opening will be at 10:30 AM ET at the address mentioned above The Authority encourages responses from §3 business concerns, small firms, minority firms and firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. The Allegheny County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any and all submissions.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Richard Stephenson, Acting Executive Director

ACHA-1724, ANNUAL

AUDIT SERVICES

Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is seeking

Proposals from qualified vendors to provide Annual Audit Services, per specifications for Allegheny County Housing Authority. ACHA is now conducting all competitive solicitation on an internet-based eProcurement Housing Marketplace. ACHA is paying for all costs for the use of the Marketplace so, there will be no additional charges for your company to use the Marketplace to download documents or submit responses to ACHA.

AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:

Guy Phillips, Purchasing Manager Telephone: (412)402-2435, E-mail: gphillips@achsng.com.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE RFP DOCUMENTS ON THE EPROCUREMENT MARKETPLACE:

1. Access ha.internationaleprocurement.com (no “www”).

2. Click on the “Login” button in the upper left side.

3. Follow the listed directions.

4. If you have any problems in accessing or registering on the eProcurement Marketplace, please call customer support at (866)526-9266.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:

Pre-Proposal Conference:

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 @ 2:00PM, Not Mandatory

QUESTION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 12:00

PM ET. Please use the “Question and Answer area in the eProcurement Housing Marketplace Website for all questions.

HOW TO FULLY RESPOND TO THIS RFP BY SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL:

1. As directed within Section 3.2.1 of the RFP document, submit proposed pricing, where provided for, within the eProcurement Marketplace.

2. As instructed within Section 3.4 of the RFP document, submit One (1) Original copy of your “hard copy” Proposa; to the Agency Administrative Office.

PROPOSAL SUBMITAL RETURN & DEADLINE

*Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 12:00 PM ET

301 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, the “hard copy” documentation must be received in-hand and time-stamped by the Agency by no later than 12:00 PM ET on this date.

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

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

Richard Stephenson, Acting Executive Director

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

CMU seeks Lecturer in Japanese Studies at Pittsburgh, PA campus to teach a wide range of courses in Japanese language and culture studies. Must have native speaker level proficiency in Japanese. Apply at: https://www.cmu.edu/faculty -office/faculty-recruitment/facultycareers.html

The Avalon Police Department is currently seeking candidates for Civil Service Testing. The starting salary for a full-time police officer is $77,920.44/year. Applications are available at the Avalon Borough

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR II

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Database Administrator II to design, develop, create, maintain, support, integrate, and interface all Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) databases. Works with all Information Technology and PRT personnel to accomplish PRT goals. Acts as Project Lead in data analysis, database design, development and implementation of databases. May supervise others.

Essential Functions:

• May function as Project Lead in data analysis, database design, development, and implementation of databases. May supervise others.

• Works with all Information Technology and PRT personnel to accomplish PRT goals.

• Ensures all databases are properly backed up and recoverable. Implements and maintains a disaster recovery plan.

• Provides strategic direction and guidance for all PRT databases

Job requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field from an accredited college or university.

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

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in database administration. No certifications or licenses required.

• MS SQL Server and/or Oracle database experience.

• Superior knowledge of SQL and database scripts.

• Knowledge of RAID technology (both hardware and software driven).

• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

Preferred attributes:

• Knowledge of Windows.

• Knowledge of three-tier architecture.

• Knowledge of Oracle+.

• Knowledge of PeopleSoft.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:

Taylor McBride Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 TMcBride@RidePRT.org EOE