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JUNE 15-21, 2022

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Local teens express their views on Pittsburgh’s ongoing gun violence Teens carry guns ‘for protection,’ classmates say

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

When WAMO 107.3 afternoon host Kiki Brown asked 16-year-old Marionna if she has lost friends to gun violence in the Pittsburgh area, she said yes.

“Multiple people? More than three?” Brown then asked.

With a look of sadness, Marionna again said, yes.

Usually, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is in front of the microphone, the television cameras in firm focus, as he discusses his disdain for the gun violence in Pittsburgh and initiatives he’s implementing to help stop the violence.

Friday, June 10, was a different tune. The mayor, fully masked, sat in the audience as local teens were the ones expressing their opinions on the violence, and most importantly, how it’s affecting them.

It was part of WAMO’s “Stop the Music, Stop the Violence” town hall, where six students were featured in the hour-long discussion that aired on WAMO at noon. The program was also simulcasted on KDKA Radio (100.1 FM, 1020 AM).

Brown asked students everything from if they feel safe at school, to if they feel safe in their neighborhood.

Students’ full names and school names were not used during the program.

Pertaining to the gun violence, Marionna said oftentimes, she found herself asking, “Why is it happening,” and would then isolate herself from a lot of people.

“Sometimes, they were there at the wrong time at the wrong place,” Marionna said about the people she’s lost. “Sometimes I think, ‘I wish I would have said this, I wish I would have said that,’” to her friends before their passing.

Marionna is not alone.

Countless teens in the Pittsburgh area have lost friends and family members to gun violence, as statistics show multiple young people dying each year in Allegheny County. So far in 2022 as of June 13, four 17-year-olds, two 15-yearolds, two 18-year-olds and three 19-year-olds have been killed in the county. One-year-old De’Avry Thomas was also killed in SEE GUN VIOLENCE A7

WENDOLL, a 15-year-old Pittsburgh-area resident, speaks on the impact gun violence has on him as a teen. He was part of WAMO 107.3’s “Stop the Music, Stop the Violence” forum, heard on the radio, June 10. The forum was hosted by WAMO’s Kiki Brown, left. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)

A big weekend is coming— Juneteenth 2022 in Pittsburgh Locations for events include Downtown, Swissvale, Mt. Washington

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Pittsburgh and nearby communities are gearing up for this year’s Juneteenth weekend. In fact, Juneteenth festivities have already begun.

Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, which means that for many, there is no work on Monday, June 20, the day that will be set aside this year to recognize the holiday.

But the festivities began this past weekend, June 11-12, in Mellon Park, where the Juneteenth Youth Fest was held. Both days featured a Steel City Flag Football Tournament, a Youth Fun Zone and Youth Basketball Showcase. Pittsburgh

Parks Conservancy hosted an event on June 10 at the Frick Environmental Center, in Squirrel Hill. It featured local performers Sierra Sellers and Chandra Rhyme, along with a tour of an outdoor extension of “From Slavery to Freedom.” That exhibit is currently at the Heinz History Center.

An African Lecture Series with Professor Kaba H. Kamene was held, June 12, at Sankofa Village for the Arts, on the border of Homewood and Point Breeze.

This weekend, B. Marshall Productions’ Juneteenth Celebration will be held at Point State Park, June 17-19. DJ Fatman SEE JUNETEENTH A8

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THE LEGENDARY R&B GROUP DAZZ BAND will perform at Point State Park for Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth 2022 celebration.

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Seven decades after first Black reporter covered White House, Black Press receives coveted credentials

by Stacy M. Brown Seventy-two years after President Franklin D. Roosevelt invited Harry S. McAlpin Jr. of the National Negro Publishers Association to cover an Oval Office news conference, and 82-years after the founding of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the Black Press can freely cover the White House.

The NNPA has received a hard pass, allowing near-unfettered access to the White House.

Called the ultimate White House credential, the hard pass allows on-demand access to the famed Pennsylvania Avenue complex.

“The National Newspaper Publishers Association’s Senior National Correspondent, Stacy Brown, has once again enabled our national trade association representing the Black Press of America, to make another historic yet contemporary step forward with the official acquisition of the White House hardpass,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. “The hard pass gives the NNPA daily access to the White House,” Chavis remarked.

As a correspondent for the NNPA member newspaper, the Atlanta Daily World, McAlpin covered

his first White House press conference in 1944.

However, the White House Correspondents Association vehemently objected to the African American journalist and routinely blocked him from covering the White House.

President Roosevelt intervened after a group of Black leaders expressed their frustration.

Still, the Association pushed back.

“The president could break the color line for his press conferences, but he could not rewrite the WHCA’s membership policies,” George Condon, the author of a forthcoming work on the history of the Association, told NPR. “They blackballed [McAlpin] from ever joining the Correspondents’ Association or attending the group’s annual dinner.”

In 2014 the Association finally paid tribute to McAlpin, who died in 1985, with the first Harry S. McAlpin Jr. Scholarship awarded to a college student.

Earlier this year, the Association honored Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington.

However, while honoring the trailblazers, the Association failed to acknowledge Chavis and the NNPA, which purchased a table for ten at the dinner only to be issued two tickets and seated in the very back of the crowded ballroom.

Perhaps, with the coveted White House hard-pass acquisition, the Association and the rest of the press corps that covers the administration will show more deference to the NNPA and the Black Press of America, which celebrates its 195th anniversary in 2022.

“At this pivotal era in American history, having daily access for the NNPA to the news and issues at the White House that impact the quality of life of Black America and other communities of color are so important and timely,” Chavis concluded.

Federal prosecutors claim R. Kelly ‘poses serious danger to the public’ Prosecutors in the US have recommended that the ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ singer should serve at least 25 years in prison for sexually abusing women after girls after he was found guilty of racketeering and trafficking last year.

In a sentencing memo filed last week, prosecutors said he “preyed upon children and young women for his own sexual gratification” for decades by relying “upon his fame, money and popularity”.

They added: “He continued his crimes and avoided punishment for them for almost 30 years and must now be held to account.”

The 55-year-old singer – whose first name is Robert – plans to appeal

the ruling once he has been given his sentence, and his lawyers have argued he should be jailed for a maximum of around 17 years under federal sentencing.

However, prosecutors described his offences as “calculated, methodical, and part of a long-standing pattern”.

They continued: “The government has little doubt that if afforded an opportunity to offend again, the defendant would do so.

“He poses a serious danger to the public. His actions were brazen, manipulative, controlling and coercive. He has shown no remorse or respect for the law.”

Kelly had pleaded not guilty to racketeering and violating a federal

law making it illegal to transport people across state lines for prostitution, but the five women and seven men of the jury found him guilty on just their second day of deliberations.

Kelly is due to be sentenced on June 29.

He is still awaiting child pornography and obstruction charges which could lead to further convictions and jail time.

The singer has pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges against him and has repeatedly claimed he is innocent of any alleged sexual misconduct over the years.

In 2008, he was acquitted of child pornography charges.

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This Week In Black History

A Courier Staple • JUNE 15

1864—Gen. Ulysses S. Grant outfoxed Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee by switching an attack strategy from Cold Harbor to Petersburg, Va. The assault, spearheaded

by Gen. Charles Paine, knocked a milewide hole in Lee’s defenses and resulted in the capture of hundreds of rebel soldiers and helped speed up the end of the Civil War. Several Black regiments were involved in the assault and siege. Grant would later become the 18th president of the United States and use his office to deal a series of crushing blows to the rapidly growing forces of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1870s.

1877—Henry O. Flippea becomes the first Black graduate of the U.S. military academy at West Point.

1921—Bessie Coleman becomes the first woman of any race to obtain an international pilot’s license. But she had to leave the United States and study in France in order to accomplish her goal. She was barred from U.S. flight schools because of her race and her sex. Born in a small town called Atlanta, Texas, Coleman would move to Chicago where she was influenced by several prominent Blacks including Robert S. Abbott, publisher of the Chicago Defender.

When she returned to the U.S. from France, Hollywood wanted to do a movie about her amazing feat. She walked off the set because she felt the film actually degraded Blacks. Coleman died in a plane accident April 30, 1926.

• JUNE 16

1822—This was the rumored start date of the Denmark Vesey-led slave revolt in the Charleston, S.C., area. Vesey, a former slave who had bought his freedom, had organized what is still believed to be the largest and most comprehensive slave revolt in American history. Aware of how “house slaves” tended to be loyal to their slave masters, Vesey had given strict orders that none were to be included in the plot. But so many Blacks (both slave and free) were involved that word eventually leaked out and just as Vesey feared, a house slave told the authorities. Military forces were moved into the city and scores were arrested. Thirty-five Blacks, including Vesey, were hanged. [There is some historical debate as to whether June 16 was the actual start date for the rebellion. There is some authority that July 14 was to be the start date. But what is clear is that military forces moved into the city on June 16 to put down the planned revolt.]

1969—The United States Supreme Court rules that the suspension of Harlem Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. from the U.S. House of Representatives on alleged corruption charges was unconstitutional. Powell, who had first won election to Congress in 1945, was returned to the House but without his seniority. Powell had been one of the most powerful men in Congress. He had fought civil rights battles in New York and had followed his father as pastor of the city’s influential Abyssinian Baptist Church. He often told Blacks “Mass action is the most powerful force on earth.”

He also frequently reminded his supporters to “Keep the faith, baby.”

• JUNE 17

1775—Blacks fight in two of the major battles of America’s war of independence from England—the battles of Bunker Hill and Breeds Hill. Two of the most outstanding soldiers were Peter Salem and Salem Poor.

1871—James Weldon Johnson is born in Jacksonville, Fla. Johnson is clearly one of the most multi-talented men in Black American history. He was a poet, writer, lawyer, diplomat and civil rights activist. Johnson was one of the leading figures in the Black cultural revolution of the 1920s known as the Harlem Renaissance. He was the first African-American admitted to the Florida bar to practice law. He was the first Black executive of the NAACP. He served as one of the first Black diplomats to Latin America and he is co-author of the “Black” National Anthem—“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” He died in an automobile accident in 1938.

1928—The “Godfather of Soul” James Brown was born on this day in Pulaski, Tenn. He was also referred to as “Soul Brother Number One” and “Mr. Dynamic” for his sensational dancing. Brown died in December of 2006.

1948—Actress Phylicia Rashad is born on this day in Houston, Texas. Rashad is best known for her role as Bill Cosby’s wife in the once highly popular NBC television series, “The Cosby Show.”

1980—Tennis great Venus Williams is born in Lynwood, Calif. Venus is the older sister of fellow tennis great Serena Williams.

• JUNE 18

1941—Labor and civil rights leader A. Phillip Randolph initially rejects a plea by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to call off the first-ever Black-organized March on Washington designed to protest unfair employment practices by the military and the defense industry. The march was planned

by Randolph, Bayard Rustin and A.J. Muste—all relatively unsung heroes of the early civil rights movement. The march was not cancelled until Roosevelt signed the Fair Employment Act. Ironically, more than 20 years later, Randolph would be one of the

principal figures helping Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. organize his historic 1963 March on Washington.

1968—The United States Supreme Court bans racial discrimination in the sale and rental of housing. The decision came in a case known as Jones v. Alfred H. Mayer Co. The court used as its precedent the Civil Rights Act of 1866 to state that housing discrimination by either the government or private industry was unconstitutional.

2010—A study gains widespread publicity indicating that a growing number of Black males are abandoning Black females when it comes to marriage. The report, analyzing data from 2008, found that 22 percent of Black male newlyweds married a woman who was not Black. Meanwhile, 9 percent of Black female newlyweds married a man who was not Black. The study was compiled the Pew research Center and based on data from the Census Bureau’s “American Community Survey.”

The actual report had been released in early June.

• JUNE 19

1865—The Juneteenth Celebration begins. June 19, 1865 marks the day that many Blacks actually became free, especially those in Texas. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation technically freed all slaves in 1863, slavery actually continued in Texas until the end of the Civil War. It was not until June 19, 1865 that many slaves learned they had been freed.

They called the day of freedom “Juneteenth.” It is normally marked with picnics, barbecues and commemorations. In 1980, the day became an official holiday in Texas.

1918—Ebony and Jet magazines founder John H. Johnson is born in Arkansas City, Ark. He moved to Chicago to build his publishing empire. Johnson was the first African-American to appear on the Forbes magazine list of 400 richest Americans with an estimated wealth of $500 million. Johnson died in August 2005. However, both magazines are now in financial trouble.

2009—The U.S. Congress issues a formal apology to Black Americans for the slavery of their ancestors. The resolution acknowledged the “fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow laws” which followed slavery.

However, the resolution specific rejected paying Blacks reparations for past, discrimination, mistreatment and brutality.

• JUNE 20

1871—The first anti-Ku Klux Klan trials begin in Oxford, Miss. The trials were part of an effort begun by President Ulysses S. Grant to crush the Klan, which was populated by defeated Confederate soldiers from the Civil War and which was becoming increasingly powerful throughout the South.

In Mississippi, White doctors, lawyers and even ministers were indicted for violating Black rights and conspiring against the U.S. government. More than 900 were indicted in Mississippi and 243 convicted.

Similar trials took place throughout the South—most notably in South Carolina and North Carolina. Grant’s efforts succeeded in crushing the terrorist organization and it would not rise again until 1915.

• JUNE 21

1832—Joseph Haynes Rainey, the first African American to serve in the United States House of Representatives, is born in Georgetown, S.C. He was elected in 1870 from the state of South Carolina. He served five terms in Congress and died in 1887. In 2005, a portrait of Rainey was finally hung in the U.S. Capitol Building.

1859—Henry O. Tanner, the first African American painter to achieve international acclaim, is born in Pittsburgh, Pa, to a middle class Black family. His most notable work was “The Banjo Lesson,” which he painted in 1893. Tanner would later teach at Clark University in Atlanta, Ga. Tanner was considered a formalist—meaning his paintings tended to be beautiful depictions of reality. He died in May 1937.

1915—The United States Supreme Court declares in the Guinn v. United States case that “grandfather clauses” in many Southern state constitutions and laws were illegal. The case grew out of the practice, common in the South, of setting up stringent requirements in order to prevent Blacks (former slaves) from voting. But in order to ensure that Whites could vote, the laws exempted them from the difficult requirements by asserting that anyone (or his grandfather) who could vote prior to 1867 did not have to meet the tough standards.

Since virtually no Blacks could vote prior to 1867, “grandfather clauses” had the effect of denying Blacks the right to vote.

1964—Three civil rights workers (Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner) disappear near Philadelphia, Miss., and are later found murdered. Seven Ku Klux Klan members, opposed to a Black voting rights campaign, were indicted for the killings, but none served more than six years in prison. The incident became one of the major sparks to the then young Civil Rights Movement. Justice for the three was finally completed in June 2005 when the leader of the group of Klansmen—Edgar Ray “The Preacher” Killen—was convicted of their murders. Ironically, Killen was convicted on June 21, 2005—41 years to the day that Goodman, Chaney and Schwerner were killed.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER JUNE 15-21, 2022

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METRO

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

STOP THE VIOLENCE PITTSBURGH PRESENTS...

Seventh Annual Black Tie Honors Gala A salute to Pittsburgh’s past and present Black media pioneers

AFRICAN AMERICANS IN PITTSBURGH MEDIA were honored at Stop the Violence Pittsburgh’s annual Black Tie Honors Gala, held at the Omni William Penn Hotel, June 5. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

FORMER KDKA-TV REPORTER BOB ALLEN, WITH FAMILY

BOB ALLEN

LYNNE HAYES-FREELAND

TIMYKA ARTIST

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER JUNE 15-21, 2022 A5

VINCE SIMS

HAROLD HAYES

POOCH HALL, WILLIAM CARMACK

METRO

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Technology gives Haitian residents ability to see the FLM Haiti annual 5K Walk

PARTICIPANTS OF THE FLM HAITI 5K WALK, MAY 28, IN HIGHLAND PARK

Highland Park’s Pool Grove was the site for the Functional Literacy Ministry of Haiti’s (FLM) annual 5K Walk.

By now, New Pittsburgh Courier readers are very familiar with the work of FLM Haiti, the Pittsburgh-area organization that provides health care, education, trade skills, and employment to improve the quality of life in the Haitian communities.

This year’s walk, held, May 28, included a live broadcast to the Haitian people. They saw the walk participants in Highland Park, and watched them sing the Haitian national anthem.

This year’s walk closely aligned with Haiti’s “Flag Day,” a national holiday and celebration of pride

and unity, helping to commemorate the creation of the flag of Haiti and the revolution that gave its people freedom from France. The day is celebrated each year on May 18, which is the anniversary of the date of the flag’s adoption in 1803.

Of course an event wouldn’t be complete without the line dance king, Roland Ford. He helped the participants warm up with a series of exercises, dances and steps.

Schenley High School great and Super Bowl Champion Darnell Dinkins brought motivational words at the beginning of the walk. “I am happy to be supporting FLM, and along with The Alliance (a community improve-

ment initiative) building a harvest for the workforce and planting seeds for tomorrow’s generation,” Dinkins said prior in a release.

The funds raised by the annual walk support a technical center to provide trade skills and employment to improve the

quality of life in the Haitian communities that FLM serves. It also supports the 70 adult literacy centers in more than 11 communities that provide reading, writing and basic math skills to more than 2,000 individuals each year.

ROLAND FORD, CENTER, THE LINE DANCE KING...

CALVIN PRYCE, STEEL DRUMMER

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER JUNE 15-21, 2022 A7

Local teens express their views on gun violence during WAMO forum GUN VIOLENCE FROM A1

a drive-by shooting the day before Memorial Day. He was not the intended target.

“A lot of times, I see it in my school that we’re (the students) following and not leading,” voiced 16-year-old Jazmiere.

“That’s what gets you into more trouble with the violence and gun violence.

I feel like people don’t think that leading is OK. You can be different. Being different does stand out, so don’t try to follow, try to lead.”

Jazmiere also said that her peers oftentimes don’t have a clear idea of their future professions. “So they just hop onto something that they see somebody else doing,” she said.

With Mayor Gainey looking on, Jazmiere said the City of Pittsburgh could help introduce young people to new professions through a variety of programs. Fifteenyear-old Aryana agreed.

“Make them feel like they actually have a chance because they do. They have a chance at doing something great and being somebody. Nobody is telling these people that they can be anybody.”

Brown brought up the tragic shooting that occurred on Easter Sunday morning, April 17, at an AirBnB on the North Side, where two teens were killed and nearly ten others were wounded.

The party had hundreds of young people in attendance, and video from inside and outside the residence showed a chaotic scene, teens running for their lives as Pittsburgh Police estimated that more than 125 gunshots were fired in and around

JAZMIERE, 16, speaks during WAMO’s “Stop the Music, Stop the Violence” program, June 10. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.) the AirBnB location beginning around 12:30 a.m.

“I had multiple people that I know at the party at the time of the shooting,” revealed 15-year-old Wendoll. “I immediately called them to see if they were OK.” Wendoll said that these days, he’s scared to go out of the house, and isn’t trying to go to any local parties. “Honestly, it’s life, it’s

a risk we all have to take,” he said. “We can’t live in fear, but then again, you also have to make sure you’re prepared and mindful of your surroundings.”

Marionna said her friend was at the party, too. Her friend was not hurt.

When Brown then asked the students if they knew of young people who carry a gun, some students,

ARYANA, 15, speaks during WAMO’s “Stop the Music, Stop the Violence” program, June 10.

such as 16-year-old Samaya, answered in the affirmative. Samaya said some young people carry guns mainly for protection. “It’s sad that teenagers have to have a gun to feel safe, and it’s just not right,” she said.

Most of the students agreed that “it’s hard” to be a teenager these days.

Teens have to worry about violence, interactions with police, and, in some cases, a less-than-ideal family dynamic. Some students discussed how their parents can’t understand their children’s issues. The students said parents feel as though the kids should have no problems because the parents provide “a roof over their head,” and food, etc.

“Our parents don’t want us to fall in their footsteps, so they pressure us to do better than them,”

Samaya said. “But sometimes we just need our mom or dad to hear us out. Sometimes, it goes deeper than, ‘I give you clothes,’ ‘You have food to eat.’”

“Parents, sometimes we just need y’all to listen,” added Marionna. “Hear us out. We don’t need feedback sometimes. When we get feedback, it makes it worse sometimes.”

And when it comes to school security, most of the students, such as 11-year-old Dean, want to see more security in their schools, the Uvalde, Tex., deadly school shooting fresh on their minds.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters and a representative from Pittsburgh Police were in attendance at the forum. They took mental notes about the students’

desire to see more security in and around schools, as did Mayor Gainey.

When the forum ended, the mayor told reporters hearing from the students was exactly what he needed to hear.

“Sometimes, when you hear from advocacy groups, they talk about less police,” Mayor Gainey said. “But what I heard from our kids today is that they want to see more police, because that’s how they feel safe in schools...

We’re not talking about how we criminalize kids, that’s not what I heard them say about more security in the schools. They feel more safe when we have more security in the school and that’s a voice that had to be heard. And it could only be (said) by our kids.”

RELIGION/METRO

A8 JUNE 15-21, 2022

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 91 Crawford Street Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

A big weekend is coming— Juneteenth 2022 in Pittsburgh

Sunday Mass 11 AM Rev. Thomas J. Burke- Pastor Rev. C. Matthew HawkinsParochial Vicar Rev. David H. TaylorSenior Parochial Vicar. www.sbtmparishpgh.com

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800

Worship in person or Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church Journey Worship..........8:45am Sanctuary Worship.......11:00 a.m.

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JUNETEENTH FROM A1

Scoop performs at 4 p.m., June 17, Sons of Mystro at 6 p.m., and celebrated hip-hop artist Talib Kweli at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, June 18, Roger Humphries and the RH Factor performs at 4 p.m., hiphop legend Arrested Development at 6 p.m., and R&B group Rose Royce at 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 19, the actual day of Juneteenth, features R&B legends the Dazz Band (4 p.m.), KLYMAXX (6 p.m.) and WAR (8 p.m.)

Juneteenth festivities will also be held in Market Square, Downtown, including, but not limited to, jazz standout Kevin Howard at 7 p.m., June 17, R&B vocalist Sunshine Anderson (8 p.m., June 18), WAMO 107.3 DJ Brother Marlon (11 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 19), Pittsburgh Gospel All Stars (1 p.m., June 19), and the Bill Henry Band (8 p.m., June 19).

Saturday, June 18 is the day for the Grand Jubilee Juneteenth Parade, beginning Downtown at 10 a.m.

As thousands head into Point State Park this weekend, they’ll first be greeted by dozens of vendors near the Wyndham Grand Hotel at what’s being billed the Juneteenth Minority Plaza.

Juneteenth is branching out into other parts of the city, too. PNC Park will be the site for “Art as Liberation: Celebrating Black Art in Pittsburgh,” presented by 1 Hood Media, The Redd Studio, Mikael Owunna Studios and the Pittsburgh Pirates. It’s from noon to 4 p.m., June 18.

The borough of Swissvale is holding its first-ever Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 18, from noon to 8 p.m. It will be held at Memorial Field, 3000 Church St. Weldianne Scales, a member of Swissvale Borough Council, told the New Pittsburgh Courier that there will be food, vendors, local bands, a DJ, and free haircuts for youth. UPMC will provide health screenings and COVID-19 vaccines.

There will also be shuttles for people to tour the historic Carrie Blast Furnaces. The popular Bill Henry Band will perform in the early evening, as well.

Scales, a member of the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 Class of 2022, concocted the idea of Swissvale having a Juneteenth event.

She expects many Swissvale residents to attend, as they were supportive of the idea in borough council meetings and outside interviews.

Since her election to the council in 2019, there have been two additional Black Swissvale council members—Shawn Alfonso Wells and Angela D. Stribling.

The neighborhood of Mt. Washington will be home to its own Juneteenth festival, Sunday, June 19, from noon to 10 p.m., at Grandview Park, 499 Bailey Ave. It’s presented by Sheresa McCauley of Twisted Vision Company, an organization that focuses on curating experiences that are “good for the soul,” she told the Courier.

The Mt. Washington Juneteenth festival will have

WELDIANNE SCALES, Swissvale Borough Council member; instrumental in bringing the first Juneteenth Celebration to Swissvale, Saturday, June 18.

SHERESA MCCAULEY, leader of Twisted Vision Company, hosting the Juneteenth Celebration in Mt. Washington, Sunday, June 19.

B. MARSHALL, with Stop The Violence Pittsburgh and leader of the City of Pittsburgh Juneteenth events, June 17-19.

food, vendors, an art raffle, comedians, poetry, a DJ battle, and more. “The concept of the event is conveying the spirit of freedom through an array of creative expressions,” McCauley said. “It will also be a charity event for Alumni Theater Company in Homewood, a nonprofit who supports the voices of urban youth through performance arts.”

Notable performers at the event include Jordan Howell, better known as “Sweater Bob,” Desa Kishar (speaking also about financial literacy) and David Ellis (executive chef).

Duquesne Light Company is also getting in on the Juneteenth action. Some employees from Duquesne Light’s African American Business

Employee Resource Group (named BRIDGE) will partner with Grounded Strategies to beautify the Hill District on June 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The volunteers will pick up trash, mow grass, weed whack, and plant and fix garden beds.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, the first Black mayor in Pittsburgh’s history, will be present at a number of Juneteenth events this weekend.

Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Tex., in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed, according to

History.com. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the U.S. “African American history is indeed American history and deserves to be treated as such,” Mayor Gainey said in a statement. “Juneteenth is a reminder that service never stops. We must always ensure that change is realized in our cities and streets after it is enshrined into our laws.

Even when we pause to celebrate a milestone, our work continues the very next day.”

FATHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, JUNE 19 “My Son, Attend to my words; incline your ear unto my saying. Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart.

For they are life unto those that find them and health to all their flesh.”

- Proverbs 4:20-22 REV. WALKER SAYS: From the WORD of GOD; Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. (Proverbs 4:1)

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The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

Reverend Donald Page Turner Reverend Donald Page Turner, former pastor of Second Baptist Church in Homestead, PA, finished his assignment on Sunday, May 29 at 11:00 am surrounded by his wife and three children. He will be greatly missed by all of his family, friends, and people who loved him.

Affectionately known by many as Don, Rev, PapPap, Dad is survived by his wife, Norma Jean, three children Stephen Craig (Gail Marie), Dawn Nicole (Joshua Kane), and Kristyn Page, four grandchildren Garrett Stephen, Amara Tayler, Gabriele Noah, and Caleb Josiah, two great-grandchildren

Tayler Marie and Sofie Leona, and two sisters, Barbara (Joseph) Garlington and Brenda (Joseph) Dunne, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, June 17 from 7 - 9 pm at Brewer & Sons Funeral Home (1190 South Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601) and attend the funeral service on Saturday, June 18 at 11:00 am at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (14236 County Line Road, Hudson, FL 35667). His burial with military honors will be performed on Monday, June 20 at Florida National Cemetery.

SPORTS

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Danny Smith, the perfect special teams coach for the Steelers Courier’s Aubrey Bruce speaks one-on-one with longtime coach On the next-to-last day of the Steelers’ 2022 “OTAs” (Organized Team Activities), I chatted with Steelers Special Teams Coach Danny Smith. The enthusiastic and fiery personality of Smith has always caused me to smile and think about two other NFL coaches. The first is former Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams Head Coach Dick Vermeil. The other is current Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll. Oh, I’m sorry, I neglected to mention that both of those gentlemen have a Lombardi Trophy residing at the center of their trophy cases. That common denominator seems to bode well for Danny Smith.

At the beginning of our conversation, I mentioned that special teams could be a positive or negative component on any NFL team in terms of the year-by-year performance of the players assigned to special teams.

Smith pointed out that: “It can be a hard evaluation process, especially for new players coming out of college, because college punt coverage is different than NFL punt coverage.”

He continues on: “The footwork, the assignments and the rules of coverage. They’re a lot different in college, so when you get young guys coming in trying to transition to the NFL, they’re trying hard but they’re just working at what they were taught.”

Although many special teamers may be destined for future NFL stardom, Smith says that there is a time-honored process that determines what first-year players or any other players will be placed on special teams.

“Those decisions are made after a long training camp and the three preseason games that we play. That is where our

DANNY SMITH evaluation process has an advantage over colleges. Sorting (through) some of that stuff is not the part that’s difficult, it’s teaching them the skill set. Carrying out the details of an assignment at this level sometimes can be difficult.

Teams in the NFL have great reputations: not only for special teams that can provide a spark for their offense but for their defense as well.”

We also talked about the occasions that may dictate that a specific game plan to defend against a star wide receiver for the opposing team that might be back to receive punts or kicks. Smith talked about when the offense of the Black and Gold is set to receive the ball and how game plans are created to neutralize an opposing team’s defensive standout that

can potentially break up your blocking wedge at best, creating poor field position or at the very worst, create a turnover for the opposition. “It’s about matchups and we have the same stars as they do but the NFL is a game of matchups.”

When Danny Smith refers to matchups, a perfect example that comes to mind for me was a 2007 Monday Night Football matchup between the Steelers and Ravens.

In that game, James Harrison had a potential Hall of Fame performance. “Deebo” was sim-

ply a walking wrecking ball on defense and special teams that will more than likely never be repeated. He recorded 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and an interception as the Steelers battered the Ravens, 38-7.

When I reflect on that Steelers/Ravens game, Danny Smiths words are ringing in my ears in an almost prophetic-like fashion...“It’s about matchups and we have the same stars and the NFL is a game of matchups...”

Well in this case it was not about matchups because on that fateful Monday night in 2007 at Heinz Field, the Baltimore Ravens could not in any way, shape or form find a matchup to stop James Harrison. The performance by Harrison also possibly provid-

ed a shot in the arm for Steelers’ first-year Head Coach Mike Tomlin.

When we push the fast forward button, in January of 2013, Tomlin hired Danny Smith as the Steelers’ Special Teams Coordinator. Since he was hired, Smith, with his wisdom and energy, has become the perfect fit for the Steelers.

Danny Smith recognizes and realizes the “guillotine syndrome” associated with being a special teams coach: “We don’t have the luxury to come back on the next play,” he says in a rather matterof-fact manner. “Whatever happened on the (previous play) has to be corrected, immediately.

We have a one-play series and one shot. We’ve been consistent and will continue to be. You’re always looking for the big play. We created a few of

them a year ago, but that don’t mean a damn thing about this year.”

Danny Smith is the perfect man for the almost perfect job in the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching hierarchy.

Why? Well, because he is not covertly using his job as a springboard or stepping stone to be elevated to a higher coaching position elsewhere.

He is satisfied and proud of his coaching performance, as he should be.

He is valued and appreciated by the players, the coaches and the fans.

As far as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “university of special teams” is concerned, Coach Danny Smith is not striving to be the, “big man on campus:” Danny Smith is the campus.

Basketball—Who are the Top 5 ever?

What about the most exciting ever? :10—When it comes to the game of basketball, who’s the greatest of alltime? Of course, there’s room for debate. But you know what they say. The man with the pen has the last word! (or something like that). :09—But how can you explain it. You may not understand the game but you love the game, you’re not quite sure who’s who on whatever team but you get excited out of your mind anyway, and to top It all, you buy the overpriced team shirt for Golden State and you live in Pittsburgh.... And Pittsburgh doesn’t even have a team! :08—And for those of

“us” who claim to be in the know, we watch it... sometimes repeatedly, we dissect it, play it, coach it, bet on it, mentor it, love it, hate it and can never ever get enough of it!! (I see I got you all pumped up just talking about it!!!) :07—And here’s why.

It’s the love of the game.

The poetry in motion, the artistry of it all. Defying gravity. The electricity, the momentary delusional thoughts that force their way into your feeling of euphoria that you can actually do what you are seeing. Ha! Unless you are Connie Hawkins, Kenny Durrett, Myron Brown, BB Flenory, Kar-

en Hall, Sam Clancy or Len “Houn-Dini” Johnson you never did and you never will. But you love it just the same!

:06—The one thing that is not debatable is that while most anybody on any level can play the game, to play it at its highest possible level, you must be blessed with exceptional talent and

possess an insatiable will to be the best at all costs. Though you may never be as good as Michael Jordan, you will have to be in the same zip code. :05—Add to that the pure requirements of the game that none other demands of you (and don’t get it twisted I am a football player born and bred and I love that game, too, but for some reason it doesn’t enlist the same instant acceleration of energy); but what other sport demands that you turn forward, backwards, sideways at the same time while having to dribble, pass, shoot, rebound, jump, cover,

see, twist and score...and all decided in a matter of seconds? NONE! :04—With that, let’s conclude with the five best of all. And of course, now let the debates begin. The 5 greatest teams off all time. #1 Boston Celtics, #2 LA Lakers, #3 Chicago Bulls, #4 Detroit Pistons, #5 Golden State Warriors. :03—The 5 greatest players of all time...The G.O.A.Ts. #1 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, #2 Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlin, #3 Michael Jordan, #4 Magic Johnson, #5 Kobe Bryant. :02—The 5 most exciting players of all time. #1 Julius “Dr. J” Erving,

#2 “Pistol Pete” Maravich, #3 Steph Curry, #4 Vince Carter, #5 Dominique Wilkins... (You almost forgot about the human highlight film, didn’t you?) :01—I’ll conclude by saying what you already know. The game has proven to only get better with time, and I am sure you, like the rest of us, get the delusions to still play while watching the NBA Finals. And for the record, it will be Golden state in six! :00—GAME OVER.

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America finally discovers Juneteenth

by Vernon A. Williams More than 150 years later, Black and White can make the holiday a teachable moment Let’s keep it real. Ten years ago, no five years ago, Juneteenth Day was barely a thing in the Black

COMMENTARY neighborhood, much less among Whites. Nothing to be ashamed of to admit that most just weren’t locked in to that as a day to circle on the calendar.

Now, don’t get me wrong.

There have always been dedicated groups of organizers in virtually every city with a Black population who insisted on doing something to commemorate the occasion. But it wasn’t hard to get a ticket to that event.

Sincere as their efforts were and on target as their motives to sustain a critical part of a legacy, most people just didn’t take the time to prioritize the event enough to make it a staple

on their annual calendar of events.

Of course, it didn’t help that most schools and colleges were out for the summer by then and it clashed with Father’s Day. Don’t beat yourself up about it. You are in the majority if you are just now getting a real grip on why the day is to be observed.

And even with all the facts, personally I wonder if we might put a different slant on it than the most broadly held interpretations. I will explain later. It’s only fair to first share some facts that by now, most of your already know.

Officially known as Emancipation, Juneteenth Independence Day and Freedom Day, Juneteenth is portmanteau—a blending of the month and date —for June and 19 to commemorate the day in 1865 that marked the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of enslaved Americans throughout the Confederate South.

Though President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in January of 1863, Texas being Texas even way back when, it was

VERNON A. WILLIAMS another two and a half years before word reached that perennially backward state. Union troops reached Galveston, Texas and discovered this dastardly negligence.

Why was Texas last to end the most shameful chapter in American history? While there are many theories, arguably the most likely is those people who called themselves slave owners (for lack of a better term, since no person can actually own another human being) simply ignored the news and wanted to stretch this travesty out as long as they could.

The annual commemoration was started as a

stabilizing and motivating factor in the lives of African Americans who boldly wanted to claim their new status despite the fact that in spite of the newly-proclaimed freedom, they still faced many uncertainties and challenges.

From the outset, celebrations included parades, storytelling, cookouts and outdoor games. Many across the country will emulate those activities this week.

However well-intended some lawmakers, I can’t help but be suspicious of the motives of House of Representatives (where only 14 Republicans voted against making Juneteenth a federal holiday, and the Senate where the vote was 99-0 in favor of the measure. This seems an eerie, unlikely even though short-lived coalition of left and right. If it was that simple, there would be something done by now on gun control. But I digress.

The truth is that the federal holiday—which you can be certain won’t be observed among people who don’t even want to teach children about slavery—was a symbolic act

to access the proverbial low-hanging.

Be cautious of applauding legislatures that prefer to give Americans an extra day off rather than equitable voting rights, rights for women to decide what to do with their own bodies, dollars for crumbling urban war zones over Ukraine.

And the next time Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Mitch McConnell et al, initiate some thoughtful, sustainable action with significance to Black America will be the first time.

How can we validate their sincerity when they join those who lead the charge against Critical Race Theory which, among other things, provides truthful history to inform young people of enslavement in the U.S. These Republicans have no such love or concern.

Increasingly, major institutions, civic, social, community and government are at least giving perfunctory acknowledgement of Juneteenth. Some are doing it much larger in their cities and communities.

And like I said at the outset, five or 10 years ago, Juneteenth wasn’t even

widely observed, not even among Blacks. So anything that facilitates the opportunity to broaden knowledge and perspectives is important.

Seize the moment. Make this about teaching and organizing to confront real issues involving people of an Africana Diaspora.

Let’s celebrate the past, commit to the work of the present day, then design and implement effective strategy for our future —one state, one city, one neighborhood, one church, one school, one classroom, one household, and one family member at a time.

Happy Juneteenth!

(CIRCLE CITY CONNECTION by Vernon A. Williams is a series of essays on myriad topics that include social issues, human interest, entertainment and profiles of difference-makers who are forging change in a constantly evolving society. Williams is a 40-year veteran journalist based in Indianapolis, IN—commonly referred to as The Circle City. Send comments or questions to: vernonawilliams@yahoo. com.)

Children’s Museum apologizes for Juneteenth salad

by Jayden Kennett The Indianapolis Recorder

Jackson Moon has been visiting the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis regularly since 2019 with their three children. They always eat from the cafeteria, Moon said. On a recent visit, Moon said they noticed a watermelon salad and wanted to try it but decided to wait until next time. When they returned June 3, they said they were shocked to see a “Juneteenth Watermelon Salad” and immediately posted a picture to social media.

“It hit me really hard because not everyone knows the history or the significance that watermelon or red food had for Black people without that additional information or history, which would have been suitable for me had I seen it,” Moon said.

The Children’s Muse-

um of Indianapolis has since apologized for the salad after Moon’s photo sparked criticism on social media over the weekend.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offered a “Juneteenth Watermelon Salad” but pulled it after criticism on social media.

A spokesperson for the museum said the salad has been permanently removed from its menu.

“We deeply regret the hurt and the pain that the food offering in our food court has caused, and we apologize,” a statement from the museum says. “It is unacceptable that this took place in our museum.”

An earlier statement said the museum’s food service provider “uses the food and beverage menu to commemorate and raise awareness of holidays like Juneteenth.”

“The team that made this selection included

their staff members who based this choice of food on their own family traditions,” the statement says.

The food service provider is Levy Restaurants. A spokesperson for Levy Restaurants said a “diverse committee, inclusive of Black leadership,” created the menu through research and from personal celebrations.

“As soon as we recognized the triggering nature of the product and label, we were horrified. We strive to be culturally sensitive and include diverse perspectives through the power of food to bring people together,” the spokesperson said. “In this case, we fell far short of those goals, and we apologize for all the hurt and pain this has caused.”

Mercy and Justice are in our DNA Mercy, justice and service are hallmarks of Carlow University since our founding by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929. Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831 in Dublin, Ireland, sought to reveal the mercy of God in our world through her service to the poor, sick and uneducated. Education was at the heart of this effort, as was a desire to meet needs not being addressed by others.

We recognize that much work remains to be done in order to address social justice and anti-racist behaviors. Through our Social Justice Institute, we work with University stakeholders on research, education and outreach.

These focus areas include: • Ensuring that everyone has the same amount of protection from environmental and health hazards, and access to decision making that helps cultivate healthy environments.

• Advocating for just immigration laws that help keep families together, provide a route to citizenship and provide access to opportunities for permanent residents.

• Raising awareness of institutional racism and developing ways to combat it.

• Preventing partner and child abuse and fighting to end human trafficking and violence in our communities.

• Ensuring the equal

rights of women, including rights in education and the workplace, pregnancy and parenting discrimination, and violence against women.

Given all that is transpiring in our world today, it is fitting to highlight Juneteenth even more so than what we have done in the past.

This year, Carlow University is the proud sponsor of Western Pennsylvania’s Juneteenth Homecoming and Youth Festivals.

Please stop by and visit with us at our booth at the big celebration June 17-19 at Point State Park.

For more information, visit carlow.edu/juneteenth

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Other Juneteenth events around Pittsburgh This year marks the second year recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday. It’s a day to commemorate African American freedom and culture while remembering the painful history of getting there. Pittsburgh is a city with cultural diversity and its own unique history and progress.

Why Celebrate Juneteenth?

The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 freed slaves in Confederate states. But it took two more years for that news—and the freedom associated with it—to reach Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the proclamation. Juneteenth has been celebrated every year since. Last year, on June 17, 2021, it became a national holiday.

Sometimes called “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” celebrations across the country include family gatherings, parades, rallies, and festivals.

In Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” On Juneteenth, we can also reflect on how far we have come as a nation while acknowledging there is still progress to be made.

“The City of Pittsburgh is proud to celebrate this important national holiday,” said Mayor Ed Gainey in a recent news release. “African American history is indeed American history and deserves to be treated as such. Juneteenth is a reminder that service never stops. We must always ensure that change is realized in our cities and streets after it is enshrined into our laws. Even when we pause to celebrate a milestone, our work continues the very next day.”

How to Celebrate Kick off festivities with a traditional Juneteeth menu. The color red symbolizes sacrifice and is often highlighted during Juneteenth celebrations. Typical red foods served at gatherings include red velvet cake, watermelon, hibiscus tea, red beans, and barbequed meats. Foods such as cornbread, collard greens, and black-eyed peas are also common due to their Southern roots and because they symbolize pros-

LEGENDARY FUNK BAND, “WAR” engagement. The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) empowers local African Americans through civic and policy engagement efforts.

The Black Women’s Policy Center publicizes a yearly report on the status of Black women and girls in the Greater Pittsburg area and advocates for their rights and priorities.

Black-owned businesses have made tremendous impacts on and contributions to our city. Yet, those accomplishments are often hard-fought due to systematic racism in financial and real estate systems. This Juneteenth, show your support for wealth equality by shopping at local Black-owned businesses.

DJ SPINDERELLA perity and luck.

Another way to recognize the holiday is by making donations to or volunteering with local causes that fight for equality and justice. The local YWCA hosts conversations on race, provides racial justice education in the community, and advocates for issues, including equal wages and voter

Some of Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth Events Join the citywide Juneteenth events to learn more about and participate in the holiday, its history, and its traditions.

Poetry Unplugged Wednesday, June 15. 8 p.m.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center 980 Liberty Ave. This event is an NYC-style night of music, spoken word, and activism with

award-winning artists. Tickets are required, and the event is best for adults 18 and over.

WPA Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration Friday, June 17-Sunday, June 19. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Point State Park, Downtown The weekend event is free and open to the public, featuring vendors, musical performances, and activities.

Music includes funk-soul band War, Arrested Development, DJ Holiday, among others. This year, the festival also includes a Juneteenth Minority Vendor Plaza with dozens of minority-owned small businesses, artisans, and vendors. Don’t miss the Grand Jubilee Juneteenth Parade at 10 a.m. followed by a voting rights forum at 1 p.m.

Juneteenth Freedom Skate Sunday, June 19, 5-9:30 p.m.

Schenley Park Outdoor Skating Rink 10341 Overlook Drive, Oakland Pittsburgh’s 1st Annual Freedom Skate is for adults 21 and older and includes free food, raffles, and prizes.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Spinderella All White Boat Party Sunday, June 19. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Gateway Clipper. Boarding at Allegheny Wharf 350 West Station Square Drive This afterparty is the perfect way to end your Juneteenth celebrations. The event stars DJ Spinderella and includes food, a cash bar, and special celebrity guest. Tickets are $60, and the event is for adults ages 21 and over.

Find time for quiet reflections, local or national activism, family gatherings, or joining in Juneteenth celebrations these next few days. K.C. James wrote in What is Juneteenth and Why Should Every American Want to Celebrate It: “Every nation has scars from its past, but we can use Juneteenth as a way to acknowledge our past faults, help heal current divisions, and move toward a future as a nation more united.”

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BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

Events before Juneteenth that are worthy of recognition J. Pharoah Doss Page B4

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Despite years of payments, Black student loan payments go up—but not down With every passing day, urgency grows to cancel the nation’s $1.7 trillion student loan debt. The current federal pause on payments and interest rates will expire on August 31. If no federal action is taken before that date, 15 million borrowers already struggling with the unfortunate combination of unsustainable debt and little or no wealth will face a daunting challenge with no financial relief in sight.

New research zeroes in on America’s student debt dilemma. It also details worsening racial wealth and gender gaps that plague people who despite years of faithful loan payments find themselves now owing more rather than less: nearly 75 percent of Black borrowers and 63 percent of Latino borrowers have seen their student loan balances grow rather than shrink, compared to 51 percent of White borrowers.

Necessary Relief: Substantial Cancellation Will Ease the Burden of Affordable Student

Charlene Crowell

Guidance from your home lending advisor

Commentary Debt and Boost the Economy, the just-released report from the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), augments an analysis of more than 360,000 credit records of student borrowers with a national series of focus groups and new analyses from the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF).The report’s multiple findings are as startling as they are widespread.

Although Black America represents 12 percent of the nation’s population, we hold 22 percent of all federal loan debt, affecting multiple generations—including retirees. CRL found that more than half of federal student loan debt is held by borrowers with a net worth less than $6,370.

Moreover, because Black students are more likely to enroll in for-profit academic institutions with lower degree completion rates, debt repayment is still required for an education that did not provide an earnings boost.

“Americans who work, pay taxes and tried to do the right thing have been used as cash cows to enrich unaccountable investors and corporate executives,” said Jaylon Herbin, student loan outreach and policy manager at CRL. “The true victims of these abusive loan schemes deserve to have this government-imposed weight removed from their shoulders.”

The worst ratios of income to debt are found in Black-majority neighborhoods, where the SEE STUDENT LOANS B2

OWNING A HOME:

Are you considering buying your first home, but unsure where to start? Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make, and the path to ownership may feel confusing for many first-time buyers. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be. Chase bank can help you navigate the homebuying process, so getting the keys to your first home may be closer than you think.

Homeownership is more than just a dream for many Americans. In Chase Home Lending’s First-Time Homebuyer Study, 69 percent of respondents said they see homeownership as an important part of building wealth. The survey included more than 1,100 consumers who indicated that they are looking to purchase a home and are actively preparing to buy.

For Black communities, who have a significantly lower homeownership rate compared to other groups, the 2008 housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic continue to take a major toll. That’s why Chase is taking steps to play an active role in creating opportunities for mi-

nority communities, which includes offering affordable, low down-payment options with products and programs designed for Black families on their path to homeownership.

Dive in and uncover what you need to know about buying your first home, and how Chase can help make your

sors work very closely with many first-time homebuyers, helping them navigate this process for the first time.

They also help customers who are looking to refinance, or who might be upsizing or downsizing their current home. Chase and its Home Lending team start by looking at each customer’s full

Buying a home can be exciting, but it can also come with a lot of stress. Learning as much as you can about the homebuying process is the best thing you can do before you start shopping for properties or comparing mortgage options. dream a reality.

Working with a Home Lending Advisor Chase’s Home Lending Advisors are responsible for helping you prepare for homeownership, find the financing solutions to fit your needs, and get all of the down payment/housing assistance for which you may qualify. Home Lending Advi-

financial picture in order to make the best recommendation for your successful path to homeownership. From prequalification to closing, we’re here to offer guidance, support and expertise along the way.

Applying for Home Loans A few basic things firsttime buyers should under-

stand before starting this process are: 1. Prepare your finances: Buying a home can be a big financial undertaking, which is why it will be important for you to get your finances in good shape. This involves things like continuing to pay bills on time, not taking on new debt and strengthening your credit score, which can help you secure a lower interest rate on your home loan. Chase is making it easier for customers to build up their credit score by supporting Project REACh, a program that increases chances of approval for applicants who have traditionally lacked access, so they can take that very first step.

2. Plan for your down payment: It’s a well-known fact that you will most likely need to put money down up front to purchase a home.

However, it’s a myth that you must put 20 percent down. Every case is different, and there are a variety of mortgages available that may require as little as 3 SEE OWNING A HOME B2

Amazon stock split 20 for 1! Should I buy?

I recently received a call from a friend of mine. Normally when he calls, we discuss basketball. We’re both huge fans of basketball. When he said, “What’s up Damon, my mom just told me to buy Amazon stock. What do you think about Amazon stock?” He caught me completely off guard. I had to quickly take off my basketball hat and put my financial planning hat on.

I said Amazon is a great company. What prompted your mom to tell you to buy?

He responded. “I don’t know. My mom is good with money. She gave me $1,200 to purchase Amazon stock. So I did.” I said, since your mom gave you the money to make the purchase, no skin off your back.

I reiterated that Amazon is a great company. I would have to know your goals, time horizon, and what else you’re invested in to understand if it’s a good investment for you. As he began to answer my questions, it was clear to me, he had no real grasp on what was going on with his personal finances including his existing 401k plan or his financial goals and objectives. I told him, my primary concern is twofold. You’re asking questions, “is Amazon a good investment” — after you already made the investment. You should always investigate before you invest. Secondly, I fear you may be too concentrated—meaning you don’t have enough diversification. Amazon is one of the top companies in the world. It will more than likely do OK. You don’t have a ton of money tied up in it. It will serve as a great training ground for you. Who knows? You may make some money off of it. Considering, moms gave you the money to purchase the stock, you’re already $1,200 richer.

The next day, I received an inbox message. It read: “Hi Damon. I received the text below via a friend. What are your thoughts?

Good afternoon, I’m not sure if you are engaging in buying stocks but Amazon is currently engaging in a 20 for 1 split for their stocks meaning that it’s much cheaper to purchase a stock now at $125 per stock when it’s typically $3,000 plus for one stock. Google and Tesla also plan to split this year. Be on the lookout.”

I responded, companies split stock prices to attract new investors. Based on the email you received, it’s working. In the end, there’s no real change in value. A stock valued at $10 per share split in 2 means you now have 2 shares valued at $5 each. Total value of shares owned is still $10. In layman’s terms, it’s like making change out of a dollar. If you do a 4 for 1 split with a dollar, you trade in your 1 dollar bill for 4 quarters. Your 4 quarters still equal one dollar. If you do a 10 for 1 split, you trade in your 1 dollar bill for 10 dimes. Your 10 dimes still equal one dollar. If you do a 20 for 1 split, you trade in your 1 dollar for 20 nickels. Your 20 nickels still equal 1 dollar.

Companies including Amazon, Google, and Tesla engage in stock splits when stock is trading at such a high price per share, many hardworking everyday people shy away from purchasing them be-

cause of their high price per share. Prior to Amazon initiating their stock split, Amazon cost $2,447 per share. By doing a 20 for 1 stock split, they gave their shareholders 20 shares for every 1 stock owned. As a result, the new stock price after the split was $122.35 per share. You take $2,447 divided by 20 to get $122.35.

Instead of shareholders owning 1 stock for $2,447, they now own 20 stocks for $2,447.

Amazon said that they split their stock 20 for 1 to make it more accessible for anyone who wanted to invest in Amazon and to give their employees more flexibility in how they manage their equity in Amazon.

The bigger question for you would be threefold: What’s your goal for investing this money? What do you plan to use this money? How much money are we talking about investing? She responded, “My overarching goal is obvious, to make ‘sum-montee-huntee!’ I ain’t one to play with my skrilla (money). I have less than $1k to invest.”

I probed and asked her questions about her current financial situation. Then I asked her, are you going to purchase Amazon Stock? She replied, “Because I don’t understand the stock market, I’m not sure.” She took the initiative to investigate before she invested in Amazon stocks. She’s a smart woman. I took the time to give her a basic overview of the stock market.

The stock market moves up and down.

What you pay for the stock is considered to be your cost basis. If you sell the stock for more than your cost basis, you have a gain. In other words, you made money.

If you sell the stock for less than your cost, you have a loss. In other words, you lost money. If you hold onto the stocks for less than a year, if you sell the stocks at a gain, you’re taxed at your ordinary tax rate. If you hold on to the stocks for longer than a year, if you sell the stocks, you’re taxed at the capital gains tax rate of 15 percent, which is generally more favorable than your ordinary tax rate.

Stocks are the best performing asset class. It has made more millionaires than the lotto. You can definitely make money in the stock market. The key to making money in the stock market is to employ a proven investment strategy that ascribes to fundamental sound investing principles such as diversification, dollar cost averaging, low expense ratio, low turnover ratio, and understanding both your goals and your time horizon. Most importantly, the key to doing good in the stock market is NOT to do anything stupid. Too much concentration with one or a few stocks, timing the market, or investing in a stock SOLELY because it split will qualify as stupid.

Turns out her goal was to save for retirement. She planned to retire in 20 years.

She currently wasn’t working. I advised her that until she’s back to working full time and her income is stable, she should save her money—not invest it.

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

BUSINESS

B2 JUNE 15-21, 2022

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Raising customer engagement

by Megan Kirk For New Pittsburgh Courier

Despite the last few years of tumultuous economic times for small businesses, the industry is still thriving and seeing advances as the pandemic begins to subside. Though not back from the brink of financial hardship, many small businesses have begun to rebuild and reestablish their businesses due, in large part, to customer support.

Across the country, communities experienced a massive economic hit as the pandemic stripped critical businesses forcing many employees to lose their jobs and their financial security. As businesses begin to slowly re-emerge, customers are being held as a key player in the revitalization of the sector. Despite financial challenges, product shortages and other business-related pitfalls, customers remained true and steadfast helping to keep may enterprises afloat during the pandemic.

Customer engagement is one of the key drivers to a successful business. Retaining and building a loyal customer base could mean

the difference between either a successful or an ineffective business. Post-pandemic, companies are looking to draw new customers in to help expand their reach while maintaining loyalty to established customer bases. To successfully attract new customers and maintain faithfuls, here are some tips: 1. Stay in touch: Customers are always searching for updates on their favorite businesses. Establishing a method of communication can help to inform existing clients and customers of changes, updates and inventory.

Email blasts can be one of the most effective tools in reaching your base. Creating fun and innovative email blasts can help customers to re-engage with the business and stay abreast of the company’s advances. Text message blasts also work in the same way and provides a more immediate and direct method of communication.

2. Utilize social media: In the digital age, social media has become an invaluable tool in expanding customer bases and reaching audiences around the world. Establishing a social media voice and updating the page regularly will help to keep clients engaged, as

they will always see the brand’s name in their feeds. Paying to boost posts can also provide an additional platform to be seen. By using paid posts, advertisers, newcomers and existing fan bases will be able to check the business page for products and messages from the bran’s owner. Use social media to display important messages and keep users engaged.

3. Host a rebranding event: Allow customers to join a virtual party or provide a disclosed location where shoppers (and their friends) may be able to come out and support the business in person. A virtual setting allows for an unlimited number of customers to get in on the action. Alternatively, an intimate gathering can be used as a customer appreciation event thanking them for their loyalty to the brand.

4. Provide discounts and exclusivity: Let’s face it, who does not love a discount?

Shoppers also like the fell of exclusivity with offers of limited edition merchandise or services. By offering moments for customers to partake, shoppers and utilizers of the business will be able to indulge while supporting the brand.

5. Allow for customer feedback: Conversation works both ways and allowing customers to sound off on the things they do and do not like will allow for transparency in the business. It also allows owners the opportunity to tweak any aspect of their business for which customers may have a hard time.

While in recovery, businesses may have holes in their business plans that can only be filled with customer feedback. By allowing customers the chance to communicate their ideas for the business, it creates an atmosphere of inclusion and may increase the chances for repeat customers.

6. Harness the power of work-of-mouth: Still one of the most powerful marketing tools, word-of-mouth advertising helps to spread the knowledge of businesses quickly. Delivery of quality service and product to loyal customers is invaluable as they will help spread the word of the business. Many shoppers rely on personal experience to determine if they too will patronize a business. Rely on established customers to get the work out!

Social Security’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community

by Josh Grant For New Pittsburgh Courier

June is Pride Month. It’s a time to acknowledge the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, and also celebrate diversity, love, and respect. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v.

Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states.

We recognize same-sex couples’ marriages in all states, and some non-marital legal relationships (such as some civil unions and domestic partnerships). This recognition is im-

portant to determine entitlement to benefits.

Here are five things you should know about our benefits for same-sex couples: • Marital status is important—A member of a same-sex couple may be entitled to Social Security benefits when a working spouse retires, becomes disabled, or dies. We also consider marital status when we determine eligibility and payment amount for Supplemental Security Income.

• What type of benefits you can receive —Social Security taxes pay for three kinds of benefits: retirement, disability, and survivors.

If you’re entitled to benefits, your spouse and

eligible family members might receive benefits, too.

• Children may receive benefits—Your children or stepchildren could also be entitled to benefits.

• When you apply for benefits is important—If you’re married or have entered a non-marital legal relationship, we encourage you to apply right away, even if you’re not sure you’re eligible. Applying now may protect you against the loss of any potential benefits.

• Report life changes right away—You should let us know immediately if you move,

marry, separate, divorce, or become the parent of a child. Don’t wait until we review your benefits to tell us about any changes.

You should report changes right away so benefits are paid correctly.

For more information, please visit our website for same-sex couples at www.ssa.gov/people/same-sexcouples. You can also read our publication What Same-Sex Couples Need to Know at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10014. pdf.

(Josh Grant is Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh.)

Despite years of payments, Black student loan payments go up STUDENT LOANS FROM B1

average student debt balance is 102 percent.

Low-income senior citizens struggling with student debt on average have a debt balance ratio of 127 percent and face a growing trend of retirement benefits garnished for lack of repayment.

The effects of historic racial wealth disparities result in Black students who pursue higher education relying more heavily on loans than family support to finance their degrees.

As a result, over half of all families with Black heads of household aged 25–40 have student debt, and 85 percent of Black graduates in 2016 took on debt to finance their undergraduate degree.

The report also finds that Black women today hold median student debt burdens that are two-thirds higher than that held by White men. The lingering effects of pay discrimination affecting even highly educated Black women translates into earnings of only 65 cents for every dollar earned by White males.

CRL’s report also addresses the competing proposals on student debt forgiveness.

“Cancelling $10,000 of federal student loans forgives only 22 percent of Black borrowers’ federal student loan debt and 28 percent of Latino debt,” states the report. “In contrast, cancelling $50,000 forgives more than 70 percent of these groups’ student loan debt.”

On May 27, a 529-member coalition of diverse interests urged President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to exer-

cise executive authority to forgive $50,000, an amount that would be proportional to the burden now carried.

“Black borrowers report that their student loan debt often feels like a life sentence even if they use relief programs like Income-Driven Repayment because they watch the amount owed balloon over time,” states the coalition letter. “Student debt cancellation has the potential to increase the net wealth of Black households and could even help reduce the racial wealth gap.”

“We call on you to deliver on the promise of the Biden-Harris Racial Economic Equity plan by cancelling federal student debt by executive action immediately, concluded the coalition that includes the American Association of University Women, American Civil

Liberties Union, Americans for Financial Reform, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, National Action Network, NAACP, National Urban League, League of Latin American Citizens, and CRL. Another coalition member, the National Consumer Law Center, challenged the White House in similar words.

“Cancellation should also be sufficient in amount to provide meaningful relief to all borrowers, including Black borrowers who shoulder an average of $24,000 more in student loan debt than White students four years after graduating college.”

(Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)

Owning a home: Guidance from your home lending advisor OWNING A HOME FROM B1

percent down, such as the Chase DreaMaker. There may also be local programs that could help with down payments and closing costs. It’s always a good idea to start saving, but it’s also important to get familiar with what products and assistance might be available to you. You can connect with a Home Lending Advisor to get started.

3. Get pre-qualified: As you begin your homebuying journey, you should know upfront how much home you can afford. Getting pre-qualified through a lender like Chase allows you to see what you may be eligible for, and it also shows sellers and real estate agents that you’re a serious and competitive buyer.

Acknowledging the Resources Avail-

able to You Chase’s Homebuyer Grant program offers up to $5,000 for eligible customers to help with closing costs and down payment assistance when buying a home in more than 6,700 minority communities nationwide. The Chase DreaMaker mortgage offers down payments as low as 3 percent and reduced mortgage insurance.

Chase also developed a new role called “Community Home Lending Advisor,” which is designed to be in minority and low-to-moderate income communities.

These are experts focused on local housing and down payment assistance programs and work closely with local housing nonprofits and other community organizations. To date, Chase has hired more than 100 Community Home Lending Advisors nationwide and will continue to expand.

Getting Started Today

For those starting their journey toward homeownership, Chase’s financial goals hub is a great starting point. You start by picking a goal, which could be saving or building credit, and exploring advice, offerings and tools to help you track toward it and achieve it. The Grow Your Savings page, for example, offers an interactive calculator that maps out a timeline to reach savings goals and highlights how the Autosave tool can help you manage a regular savings schedule to stay on track and meet your goals. There are other great resources, too, like budget worksheets to monitor and track monthly spending, guidance on using the Credit Journey tool to build and protect credit, as well as background on low-cost checking accounts designed for those who have had trouble getting or keeping an account in the past.

Knowing When to Buy

Buying a home can be exciting, but it can also come with a lot of stress. Learning as much as you can about the homebuying process is the best thing you can do before you start shopping for properties or comparing mortgage options. Other questions you should consider before buying a home include: • Do you have a steady income to rely on?

• How much home can you afford?

• Have you picked a location where you want to stay long-term?

• Are you comfortable managing debt?

If you think you’re ready to take the next step in purchasing a home, reach out to learn more about the tools, resources and capital available to help make your homeownership dream a reality.

(Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

JUNE 15-21, 2022

B3

Insidious Oppression

Guest Editorial

‘High Value’ men and ‘Left-Over’ women A “sociological earthquake” has disturbed a not-sotranquil African American community inspired by a social media influencer who recently made his transition. Kevin Samuels, who had a significant social media presence providing relationship “advice” to men and women, died suddenly. He gained a lot of notoriety due to the negativity that he spewed against Black women. According to some observers, Samuels initially gave advice to men, but he switched his focus to women, and when he did, his bank account benefitted. He had a call-in show where he treated women with disdain, and generally demonstrated a low opinion of them. Supposedly, they made up the lion’s share of his listening audience.

A lot of women are receiving flack because they are expressing unabashed glee at Samuels’ demise. Critics are expressing outrage at this behavior; they think that people should not be sharing their negative feelings about Samuels because he is no longer here and we should not speak ill of the dead. Others feel that he’s getting what he deserved, even if posthumously, for tearing down women, and especially Black women.

Vivica A. Fox, a long-time actress and public personality, has garnered heat for her critical comments regarding Samuels’ demise. According to sources, she said, “This man was a hypocrite, in my honest opinion.” Comedian Marlon Wayans said that Samuels offered “healing through ‘nasty a**’ medicine,” Fox stated, “I didn’t find anything about him to be healing.

He insulted African American women on a consistent basis.” She also alluded to what happened to him as his “Karma.”

In his last video before his unexpected and untimely demise at the age of 57, Samuels said that women over the age of 35 who are not married are “leftovers.”

Moreover, when women called his online show, one of the first questions he asked was about their “dress size.” He also inquired about their income.

Samuels’ main theme was that there are a lot of women who are subpar who want “high value men.”

He had the women rate their looks, and routinely lambasted them for what he considered their over-estimation of themselves. He let the women know that it was unrealistic of them to expect to attract a “high value” man who makes over $100,000. When the women shared their plans to improve themselves, he would talk over them and knock down their ideas without seriously and objectively listening to what they had to say.

A lot of Black men loved his ideas. The problem with this is that there was a consensus built among a certain demographic that most women, especially Black women, are subpar. The other problem is that the criteria for being “high value” was based solely on finances and appearance.

Kevin Samuels did more for the deflating of the self-esteem of single women who called his show asking for advice than probably anything else in recent history. Love was never considered as a valid part of an equation in the pursuit of a viable mate.

Everything he spoke about was based on superficialities. And he also said that women didn’t contribute anything of value to society; men built everything!

It must be said that Samuels had been married twice and had a daughter from whom it is said he was estranged and whom he refused to help with student loans. In other words, this alleged relationship “guru” was not able to acquire what he chided his female followers for not achieving.

Regarding “not speaking ill of the dead,” it was pointed out by an observer that sometimes their deeds are so harmful to those left behind that it is questionable as to whether they shouldn’t be mentioned just because they aren’t here anymore. One thing is certain, Samuels left a wide swath of philosophical discontent that could have the impact of harming both women and men. This is unfortunate, but since there are both positives and negatives connected with any situation, it’s apparent that Kevin Samuels left at least one positive legacy: he got people to think about the quality of their lives and what they need to bring to the table in relationships. In other words, people can make lemonade from the lemons he left behind. With that said, may he rest in perfect peace! A Luta Continua.

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Ashley Johnson

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Sales Director

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—In past articles, I have frequently referred to the subject of “Maslow’s Theory of the Hierarchy of Needs.” In my opinion, it is one of the most significant behavioral theories that purportedly explains the motivation for actions we could label as ‘general behavior.’

Attempting a simplified explanation, Maslow hypothesizes that individuals in the human family are in a quest for the fulfillment of needs. Often depicted as a pyramid, Maslow’s theory comprises a five-tier model of human needs. From the bottom of the pyramid to the top, the needs are ranked as: physiological (food and clothing), safety (security), social (friendship), esteem (prestige and accomplishment), and self-actualization (achievement of full potential). Maslow’s theory explains the human motivation from covering the body for warmth (physiological) to living one’s “best life” of creativity and achievement (self-actualization).

Moreover, Maslow believed that when conflict exists between a lower need and a higher need, the lower need will win out. Throughout history, there are numerous examples of individuals and groups rejecting social conventions and public opinion when faced with the option of starvation versus cannibalism. This theory also offers explanation of how some soldiers placed in a threatening environment 24/7/365 can seemingly lose touch with their

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary humanity and all motivation except that of survival.

If there is truth in Maslow’s theory, thoughtful reflection can show reason for many of the societal ills we currently face and the motivation for many of the political decisions made for the benefit of the privileged and wealthy. If a majority are consumed in a struggle for the achievement of lower-level needs, fewer will realize those needs which support competition at a higher societal level.

In the Black community, we often hear reference made to “the speech” that Black parents give to their sons, which increasingly includes an audience of daughters. If our children are consumed with the belief that there is no safe space for them, that the aim of the police is to kill them indiscriminately, or that they are subject to animus of a local gang or bully, it is understandable that their future focus might be on navigating and surviving a hostile environment rather than becoming Rhodes Scholars.

Extending that thought, one must ask if this theory gives clarity to the reluctance of Republicans, who overtly demonstrate being obligat-

ed to the wealthy and corporate interests, to enact justice in policing legislation or reasonable legislation to reduce gun violence. Without a nudge, few will connect or acknowledge the ‘possibility’ of Maslow’s theory having such a negative impact on societal outcomes.

Blacks and other people of color are not the exclusive victims of this type of negative motivation. It is likely true that Whites have been victimized in larger numbers and to greater psychosis than any other group. Stories abound of Whites who live in the most remote and whitest of areas of the nation who are motivated to fortify their homes with a multitude of weapons in fear of an imminent attack by a horde of people of color or, at least, a large Black man.

Fear is crippling. Fear can distort the thinking of, otherwise, rational individuals. Fear is the foundational emotion in the development of hatred. Tucker Carlson and the cohorts of purveyors of fear understand the seeds of disruption and discontent that they sow. They understand that their fragile hold on power—social and otherwise—only exists as long as the fear and divisiveness of the bile they spew.

Sadly, many allow themselves to be oppressed by fear. Explaining their oppression to them is the challenge!

(Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. is a minister, a UN Peace Ambassador, President of the Dick Gregory Society.)

Watch the Jan. 6 hearings (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Some extremely important truth-telling is happening in Washington, D.C. right now.

I know a lot of people are skeptical about Congress. Sometimes that cynicism is well earned. But the bipartisan House select committee investigating the plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election is doing essential good work. All of us should pay attention to the public hearings the committee is holding this month.

Let’s be clear. The violent crimes that took place during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol were not just about an angry crowd getting out of control.

The people attacking the police and hunting for members of Congress and Vice President Mike Pence were part of a bigger criminal conspiracy.

They were out to overturn the will of the voters who elected Joe Biden to be our president. It was an attack on our country—on you and me and everyone who turned out to vote.

We believe the record reflects that the criminal conspiracy started at the very top, with former President Donald Trump. It included members of Trump’s staff and legal team who pressured Pence to break the law, ignore his constitutional duty, and throw the country into chaos. It included members of Congress and pro-Trump political and religious leaders who continued to spread Trump’s lies about a stolen election long after the courts had rejected these false claims.

And it included far-right-wing activists who were told their country was being stolen from them—and who planned for civil war to take it

Ben Jealous

Commentary back. They answered Trump’s call to come to Washington on the day Congress would affirm Joe Biden’s victory. They gathered weapons and body armor and trained in military tactics. And they smashed their way into the Capitol.

They came way too close to pulling it off. And that means some of them will try again if they are not held accountable now.

That is why it is so important that Americans learn everything we can about the scheming and planning that led up to the violent attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. And it is important that we remain watchful about the steps they are taking now to give them a better chance at succeeding next time.

Getting the truth is the first step in holding people accountable. It will be up to the Justice Department, which has charged hundreds of people for their crimes during the insurrection, to make sure that the powerful individuals who plotted behind the scenes face the same kinds of consequences as those who rioted at the Capitol.

All Americans should be grateful to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for creating the House Select Committee.

We should be grateful for the committee members and staff who have worked so hard to get at the truth in

spite of stonewalling and defiance of legal subpoenas from Trump’s team.

Defending democracy should not be a partisan project. Republican Reps.

Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger deserve credit for serving on the committee. They deserve credit for insisting that the truth come out.

They deserve praise for standing up to Trump and all the gutless or unprincipled Republicans who are trying to protect Trump by sabotaging the investigation, lying about the committee, and obscuring the truth.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, one of the heroes of the January 6 committee, has called Reps. Cheney and Kinzinger “constitutional patriots” for defending democracy. We know that Trump’s Republicans have been plotting to undermine the committee’s work.

They are counting on far-right media outlets to carry their propaganda. They want to prevent Trump from being held accountable by confusing and concealing the truth.

That is a threat to our future. It could lead us away from a national commitment to transferring power peacefully to election winners.

It could send us further down the road, as Rep. Raskin recently described, to “coups and insurrections and fascist-inspired political instability.” It’s up to all of us not to let that happen. I encourage everyone reading this to watch as many of the January 6 hearings as you can.

Urge your elected officials to defend truth, accountability, democracy, and the right to cast a vote and have it counted.

(Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of the Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.)

A stunning Jan. 6 hearing

by Stacy M. Brown (NNPA)—The stunning revelations broadcast during the House Select Committee investigation of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol included the laying out of a scheme by former President Donald Trump to retain power.

While many have long understood that Trump did nothing to stop the deadly riots, the Committee laid bare his scheme that led to the death of at least nine people— including five law enforcement members—and left more than 150 officers injured.

“It was a sophisticated seven-part plan to overturn the presidential election and prevent the transfer of presidential power,” Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the chair of the House committee, remarked during the presentation.

Further, Cheney noted that several GOP members of Congress pressed Trump for pardons during the insurrection – the inference could explain why many Republicans have remained loyal to the former President and have shown a reluctance to participate in the hearings.

Cheney also reminded the Committee of a Tweet sent by Trump encouraging the attack. “Be there, will be wild!” Trump tweeted.

Trump’s supporters responded, in-

cluding the extremist groups Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

One of the rioters read Trump’s tweet on a megaphone at the Capitol, and others, including one that criticized Vice President Mike Pence for denying a request to overturn the election loss to Joe Biden.

“Hang Mike Pence,” the supporters chanted.

“Maybe he deserves it,” Trump allegedly said in response.

Committee officials then displayed a photo of noose and gallows erected near the Capitol by the insurrectionists.

Capitol Police officer Caroline Edwards emerged during the June 9 public hearings and recounted for the first time her trauma.

“It was something like I’ve seen in the movies,” the officer stated.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes; there were officers on the ground. They were bleeding,” Edwards recounted.

“I was slipping in people’s blood. It was carnage. It was chaos.”

Further, documentarian Nick Quested described his interaction with the Proud Boys, whose leader, Enrique Tarrio, recently was hit with sedition charges related to the attack.

Quested had been embedded with the Proud Boys and shared never-before-seen footage of the members, including Tarrio’s meeting with the Oath Keepers.

Additionally, a new video of the deposition by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, revealed that Pence gave the orders to send National Guard troops to the Capitol.

However, Milley said administration officials told Pence to falsely state that Trump gave those orders.

Testimony also came from Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, who served as an adviser for the Trump administration.

Ivanka Trump testified that she accepted then-Attorney General William Barr’s declaration that Biden had defeated Trump in the 2020 election.

Several former White House officials from the Trump administration said the President refused to stop the insurrection and ignored his team of advisers who urged him to intervene.

“Our democracy remains in danger,” Committee Chair Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) declared during the hearing.

“The conspiracy to thwart the will of the people is not over. Unfortunately, there are those in this country who thirst for power but have no love or respect for what makes America great: devotion to the Constitution, allegiance to the rule of law, our shared journey to build a more perfect Union.”

B4

FORUM

JUNE 15-21, 2022 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Jan. 6 hearings a plea to defend our democracy (TriceEdneyWire.com)—On Thursday evening, June 9, the House Select Committee investigating the sacking of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 will hold the first of its primetime, televised public hearings. The committee has done an exhaustive investigation, interviewing a thousand witnesses, looking at tens of thousands of documents.

The hearings will reveal new information about what was, in fact, a multi-layered effort to overturn the results of a presidential election, driven by the White House and involving Republican legislators, operatives, state officials, and donors. The hearings will ask every American to understand how vulnerable our democracy is, and how close we came to losing it.

The question, of course, is whether it is too late to save our democracy. Donald Trump has persisted in propagating his Big Lie about the election, despite the fact that court after court, many times judges appointed by Trump, his own attorney general and Justice Department, and partisan audits of votes in several states universally found no evidence of fraud that could have come close to making a difference in the election result.

No matter. Trump has persisted, the rightwing media led by Fox News has echoed his claims, and today, two-thirds of Republican voters say Joe Biden is not the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election and the election was stolen from Trump. Many Republicans join Trump in praising as patriots those who sacked the Capitol.

The Big Lie goes even further than this.

Across the country, in the Congress and in

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary the states, Republican officials have systematically blocked efforts to strengthen our electoral system, and instead, in states where they have power, have passed a range of measures to make voting more difficult.

Driven by Trump, they have also supported extremists for what used to be nonpartisan posts in charge of the administration of elections. In some states, they have given the Republican legislatures greater power to overturn the results of the elections. By 2024, Republicans in about 20 states will be primed and eager to ensure that their candidate wins—no matter what the voters say.

In Congress, Republicans have filibustered attempts to reform our electoral laws to make clear how the electoral college works and how it must reflect the votes of the people. They have filibustered against attempts to set federal standards for voting that would make registration and voting far easier. They have even blocked efforts to revive the Voting Rights Act, the keystone of the civil rights movement that was gutted by five right-wing, Republican-appointed Supreme Court justices.

The last time the Voting Rights Act was re-authorized, it received nearly universal bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

No more. Now, ensuring the right of Blacks to vote meets with partisan opposition.

There’s the rub. Republicans in polls say that they believe that votes are counted honestly in states that vote Republican, in rural and suburban areas where Republicans congregate. They say that fraud takes place in urban areas—areas where Blacks and Hispanics live. Mail-in ballots, which Trump objects to, are fine in Republican areas, but somehow illegitimate in urban areas. When senior citizens used mail-in ballots, there was no problem. Now that more African Americans and Hispanics use them, they are viewed as suspect.

These fears are compounded by the socalled “replacement theory,” a favorite of the right-wing media. The replacement theory essentially argues that Black, Hispanic and Asian American votes are tainted because Democrats allegedly are plotting to use immigrants to “replace” White majorities.

America, in this view, must remain a White, Christian, male-dominated country.

And if that takes subverting the democracy to ensure that the minority can rule, so be it.

The Jan. 6 congressional committee hearings are, in many ways, a plea for Americans to defend their democracy. This should be as popular as apple pie—but it won’t be.

The committee will face a right-wing media complex—Fox News, Newsmax, the QAnon network and legions of poisonous talk radio hosts—that will no doubt ignore its evidence and savage its conclusions. More than eight in 10 Republicans who get their news from Fox News believe the election was stolen.

America has experienced brutal battles over its democracy before. The Civil War was fought over whether the United States would remain united and free. The civil rights movement had to overcome entrenched resistance to end apartheid Jim Crow in the South. Now democracy is at stake once more. Will Americans again rally to defend our democracy or will they succumb to a Big Lie grounded in racial animus that will drive our country apart? The Jan. 6 committee hearings are yet another chapter in that ongoing battle.

Events before Juneteenth that are worthy of recognition Right before Juneteenth was made a federal holiday last year, a Forbes columnist wrote, “On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger informed the people of Texas that all enslaved people were free, thus establishing the basis for the holiday known as Juneteenth. Many people have taken to Twitter to express frustration that they didn’t learn about Juneteenth in school.”

One frustrated person tweeted that Black history is severely lacking in public schools, and Juneteenth needs to be taught.

The fact that previous history courses neglected to cover Juneteenth is not an indication that Black history is lacking in public education. Since the 1970s, history curriculums have undergone massive transformations and become more multicultural with each passing decade.

The initial rhetorical question—Why didn’t we learn this in school?—wants us to assume there was a concerted effort to suppress the significance of Juneteenth.

Since the entire past can’t be recorded in textbooks, events that shaped or altered the trajectory of the nation take precedence over popular events that remained in the collective or cultural memory. The real question is: Did the actual event on June 19, 1865, shape or alter the nation, or was the date remembered for what it represented?

If Juneteenth is mere symbolism, that’s why it wasn’t covered in textbooks.

The debates over whether new states would be free or slave, southern succession, the battle of Gettysburg, and the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th

J. Pharoah Doss

Check It Out Amendments took precedence over General Granger informing slaves in Texas the Civil war was over. (That doesn’t mean Juneteenth shouldn’t be celebrated for what it represents.)

Apparently, those that were demanding for Juneteenth to be taught in schools were simultaneously demanding for Juneteenth to be treated as an event of historical significance.

In their mind, Juneteenth was the grand finale of the abolitionist cause, and from that ideological perspective, a greater significance must be added to the event. With that said, the grand finale shouldn’t overshadow other acts that played a significant role in the long process to abolish slavery.

Here are a few events that are deserving of some recognition. (Even though they can be viewed as merely symbolic.)

In 1777 Vermont was the first state that included wording in its constitution to abolish slavery. Of course, complete emancipation didn’t follow until the enforcement of the policy, but the wording itself set the tone for future legislation in other states to imitate.

In 1780, Pennsylvania passed the Gradual Abolition Act. This law was the first

of its kind in the United States. Every child born to an enslaved mother was free after that date. However, those that were free-born were indentured servants.

They weren’t allowed to exercise their free status until after the age of 28.

In 1783 the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts declared slavery incompatible with the constitution of the commonwealth. This took place after a series of trials known as “The Quock Walker Case” in which a Black man sued his master over a broken promise.

Walker was promised freedom at the age of 25. Once again, this legal action didn’t free all the slaves in the commonwealth, but owning slaves was no longer legally protected. What this decision established for jurisprudence should not be underestimated.

These events are unique because they took place between 1776 and 1787.

The colonist declared independence from Britain in 1776, but the current U.S. Constitution wasn’t drafted until 1787.

That means Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts were independent actors with no higher authority. No foreign ruler or federal government influenced their decisions. Each entity decided to answer to higher principles and make legal efforts to abolish an inhumane practice that has been a blight on humanity since the dawn of civilization.

If there’s any truth to the saying, it’s the thought that counts.

Then these events are worthy of some recognition.

Our nation has a problem with guns and it needs to be fixed (BlackPressUSA)—Darkness and despair have us trapped and we have lost our way. Good, which was once the standard, has turned into bad.

We are making bad decisions and they have resulted in bad outcomes.

Our once proud America is being looked at with critical eyes. Those living in other countries are wondering what is going on in the United States of America.

Cities across this great land of ours are besieged by crime and punishment.

Every day has become a day of death for many of our brothers and sisters, both Black and White.

We leave our homes with good intentions, yet sadly we may not return to them.

I am learning quickly that while we plan our days, those plans may not be good enough to keep us alive.

We are in a tangled web of chaos and confusion. We are enemies to ourselves.

The blame for our current situation begins with us.

Do we want to get better?

I think we do. The conversations going on suggest we want to get better.

We want a new normal and to not experience new shootings and killings.

The shootings, whether they were in Buffalo, Uvalde, Tulsa, near Ames, or Philadelphia, all have the same result.

People are dead and families are broken into pieces. This current path is leading us down a dead-end street.

We need stricter gun laws immediately. The time to act is now.

It is the “doing of the talking” which is an expression that I coined many years ago.

Jeffrey L. Boney

Commentary The laws that we have on the books need to be amended and changed.

How can a newly minted 18-year-old young man go into a store and buy assault weapons with literally no questions asked?

That is what happened in Uvalde, Texas, when Salvador Ramos purchased guns and ammunition.

Guns now play a major role in how we live our lives. For example, we are more conscious than ever before about being in crowds.

In some communities, going to get gas, or going to the grocery store, have become challenging. We go, but we are afraid.

In the not-too-distant past, we gave no thought to attending church or going to graduations. Going to our favorite store was a no-brainer. Now there are shootings and killings taking place at them.

We have convened, and re-convened, to discuss gun violence, yet not much has changed.

Arguably, there are more deaths taking place by guns now. Sadly, we are living this frightening and fragile reality.

While discussions are good, changing laws is better. That, in my opinion,

must be the steps we take in order to curb gun violence. Laws must change and we the people must be the driving force behind this movement.

Some critics have said that the House and the Senate are on different pages when it comes to gun control.

I agree with the critics.

For example, the House would close what is called the “Charleston loophole.” It would increase the amount of time from 3 business days to 10 business days “that a federal firearms licensee must wait to receive a completed background check prior to transferring a firearm to a licensed person.”

This statement comes from the legislation.

The legislation is HR 1446, and it is backed by Democratic representative James Clyburn of South Carolina.

This bill stems from the tragedy that killed nine people at a Black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015.

The Senate will now take up the matter in their legislative session. We will see what happens.

President Biden, on last week in an address to the nation said, “If we can’t ban assault weapons then we should raise the age to purchase them from 18 to 21.”

He added, “Over the past two decades, more school-aged children have died from guns than on-duty police officers and active-duty military combined.”

According to the Washington Post, there have been over 200 mass shootings in America this year.

That number should scare all of us.

(Jeffrey L. Boney, Houston Forward Times)

Just in case I practiced criminal law in Philly for a long time, and during that time I represented some… let’s just say… people who who most of us would consider less than upstanding citizens.

Lately I have been thinking a lot about some of my experiences.

One particular memory has been standing out more than most. The time I went into a “rough” neighborhood— even by Philly’s standards—to see a client and collect some cash from him.

I never worried about how dangerous the neighborhoods I visited were, because somehow I always thought that the people I represented, and the cred of being a criminal lawyer, would protect me. This time, though, I felt uneasy. It probably had something to do with how much cash I had on me at the time. A youngster (who couldn’t have been more than sixteen) and his pal approached me before I got into my car.

They didn’t look particularly threatening, and, as it turned out, they knew who I was and just wanted to make small talk. “You a “lawyer, right?” He looked even younger up close. I told him I was. “You got your fire with you?” I knew he was referring to a gun, and I told him no. I told him something

The Field Negro

Commentary to the effect that I didn’t think that I needed one among my own people. He laughed and flashed what looked like a 9mm Glock so I could see it. “I always keep mine Mr. Lawyer, just in case.”

He laughed again and walked off with his friend. I didn’t even want to think about where his life was heading. I am pretty sure that he is either dead or in jail now.

The more I read and hear about the carnage on the streets of Philadelphia and other major American cities, the more I think about that encounter with that youngster in North Philadelphia some fifteen years ago. Guns are still everywhere, and every sixteen year old in North Philadelphia who wants a gun can get one. And not just any gun, a really powerful one; like a 9mm Glock.

There are a lot of reasons for these

urban terrorists terrorizing each other and law abiding citizens. I could could go on and on about their broken homes, poor school systems, toxic masculinity, and societal failures that have done nothing to address the root causes of poverty. But the quickest way to reduce gun violence in the streets is to make guns less available. It’s really not rocket science. And I know that it’s easier said than done, but we have to say it so that we can at least start somewhere.

Philly made national news again for all the wrong reasons this past weekend. Knuckleheads on South Street started brawling, and rather than fight with their fists, they chose to settle their differences with their guns. And of course, they all had their guns, because every young punk in Philly either has one, or knows how to get one. They are not in the NRA, and they were not trained in proper gun safety or how to shoot. So when they start beefing amongst each other and reach for their “fire”, people die, and chaos ensues.

“I always keep mine Mr. Lawyer, just in case.”

New Pittsburgh Courier

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www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

QUALITY ASSURANCE & CONTRACT SPECIALIST – MAIN SHOP Port Authority is seeking a Quality Assurance & Contract Specialist – Main Shop to under general supervision, measure and monitoring performance of all materials and vendor activities to ensure quality and performance in meeting Port Authority maintenance and operating efficiencies consistent with adopted guidelines and objectives. Also to establish, implement and administer processes to ensure vendor and Port Authority compliance with established and proposed contracts.

Essential Functions: • Works closely with Fleet Coordinator, Fleet Vehicle Specialist - Bus and Material Control Specialist on matters pertaining to product testing and analysis to ensure contract specification compliance, both in determining successful bidders and for follow-up throughout the contract term. Establishes product testing procedures in order to indicate the applicability of products for Port Authority use.

• Reviews bid specifications to ensure contract compliance clauses are included, current, standardized and executable.

• Performs complex internal investigations, assessments, and analysis of Port Authority maintenance activities as an in-house consultant to operations and maintenance management.

Assists the Manager of Vehicle Projects in the development and implementation of quality assurance standards and procedures addressing maintenance quality, productivity and performance as they relate to Manchester Main Ship in support of maintenance and service at the bus divisions.

Job requirements include: • Two year Technical Degree or Associate Degree in Business or related field. Additional experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

• Three (3) years of experience managing bus or heavy automotive fleet vehicle maintenance, including a thorough knowledge of bus and/or heavy vehicle systems/equipment is required.

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

• Customer focused, well organized and results -oriented.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Effective and professional communication skills.

• Valid Drivers’ license.

Preferred attributes: • Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field. Additional experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

• Experience in conducting bus fleet, heavy vehicle fleet or industrial machine maintenance analysis.

• Vocational training in mechanical/ electrical-electronic equipment and systems.

• Statistical process control knowledge.

• Knowledge of business practices related to the purchasing of equipment, materials and services required for vehicle and/or machinery maintenance.

LECTURER – MATHEMATICS The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mathematics seeks a Lecturer – Mathematics to teach/instruct graduate and undergraduate courses in Mathematics and related topics. This position is outside of the tenure stream and the primary responsibility is teaching, but duties may include student advising, supervision of graduate student teachers, program administration, and technical or artistic support. In addition, you may be asked to serve on departmental and University committees to further our academic mission. Apply at https://www.join.pitt.edu, Position #22004075. Please upload a cover letter, statement of teaching and research interests, curriculum vitae, w ri ti n g s a mp l e, at l east three letters of recommendation, and teaching evaluations. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.

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

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR IN KOREAN STUDIES The University of Pittsburgh’s Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures seeks an Assistant Instructor in Korean Studies to teach/instruct graduate and undergraduate courses. Apply at h t t p s : / / w w w. j o i n . p i t t . e d u , #22004058. Please upload a cover letter, statement of teaching and research interests, curriculum vitae, writing sample, at least three letters of recommendation, and teaching evaluations. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING CLASSROOM TEACHER Position available at the start of the 2022-2023 school year Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Applications must be received by 4:00 PM June 21, 2022 SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking: CLASSROOM PARAEDUCATOR PERSONAL CARE PARAEDUCATOR Complete job descriptions and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Applications must be received by 4:00 PM June 21, 2022 RENTAL SERVICE Furnished Apartments

FURNISHED ROOM with all amenities conveniently located in the Hill District JAMES (412) 924-8678.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@portauthority.org EOE FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER TOWN OF MCCANDLESS POLICE DEPARTMENT The Town of McCandless is accepting applications for the position of a Full-Time Police Officer. We invite those meeting the required qualifications to apply and complete the examination process to establish an eligibility list for the position of Full-Time Police Officer with the Town of McCandless Police Department.

The complete listing of qualifications for the position, the application and physical agility requirements may be obtained at the Town of McCandless Police Department, 9955 Grubbs Road, Wexford, PA 15090 or download at www.townofmccandless.org.

A completed application shall be returned to Town of McCandless Police Department; Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. All applications must be received by 4pm on Friday July 15th, 2022. All applicants must provide photo identification in person when application is submitted.

The testing process will begin with a physical agility test held at 9am on Tuesday July 19th, 2022 at the Allegheny County Police Academy, 700 West Ridge Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. The written exam will be held at 9am on Saturday, July 23rd, 2022 at Carson Middle School, 300 Hillvue Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

There is NO APPLICATION FEE

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Estate of RICHARD DEE, Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA. No. 03020 of 2022, Saloam M. Bey, Administratix, 67427 Washington Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Estate of LORRAINE M. DESPOT, A/K/A BEBE DESPOT, deceased of Homestead Borough, Pennsylvania, No.: 02-22-03475, Denise Hertzler, Executrix, or to Ryan W. Brode, Atty, 6 Clairton Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Estate of MARJORIE DOW, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 5348 of 2022, Leslie Dickey, Extrx., 3507 O’Neil Blvd McKeesport, PA 15132 or to Robert C. Watson, Esq., 1239 W. North Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Estate of ROBERT GARBART FLEISCHMAN, AKA BOB FLEISCHMAN, AKA R.G.FLEISCHMAN, deceased of Verona, PA, No. 2753 of 2022, Marion Elise Fleischman, Extrix, 1030 Indiana Road, Verona, PA 15147 c/o Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 Bldg., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 Estate of ROBERT W. GORMAN, aka Robert Gorman, deceased of West Mifflin, PA, No. 03446 of 2022, Colin T. Gorman Extr., 3215 N. Wilton Avenue, Unit D, Chicago IL 60657 or to c/o Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire Scolieri Law Group, P.C. Attys. 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 Estate of MR. TIMOTHY A. KACSUR, deceased of 149 Orchard Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, Estate No. 02-22-03407, Mr. David Kacsur, Administrator, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of MR. DANIEL J. SCHNORR, deceased of 4800 Shamrogue Court, Allison Park, PA 15101, Estate No. 02-22-02156, Ms. Nancy C. Miller, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108

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LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Legal Notices

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

ORDER FOR ADVERTISEMENT OF FILING OF ARTICLES

BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, Attorneys, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State with respect to a corporation which has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation law of 1988. The name of the corporation is CHRISTA MARANO DMD, P.C.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

HACP’S BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONTHLY MEETING Due to the COVID-19 protective guidelines set forth by federal, state, and local governments, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting for June on June 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. on a remote basis. The meeting will be held remotely, with public access to be provided online. HACP will provide a direct link to a livestream of the meeting, and instruction on how to make a public comment. Details will be made available on http://www.hacp.org, in advance of the meeting.

OFFICIAL NOTICE BOROUGH OF THORNBURG Notice is hereby given that the regularly scheduled meeting of July 5th, 2022 has been changed to Tuesday, July 12, 2022. The meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Community Building, 545 Hamilton Road, Thornburg, Pennsylvania.

Borough of Thornburg Dorothy Falk Secretary/Treasurer LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT I N V I TAT I O N F O R B I D S : T h e A llegheny C ounty H ousing Authority (ACHA) is requesting bids from qualified contractors for PHILIP BURTNER APARTMENTS – MODERNIZATION. CONTRACTS: ACHA-1679-GC / ACHA-1679-PC / ACHA-1679-MC / ACHA-1679-EC DOCUMENTS: Bid documents & specifications for review, will be available on/after June 21, 2022 on the Pittsburgh Builder’s Exchange, or the McGraw-Hill websites.

Complete IFB Documents with Bid Package may be obtained from the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, or by contacting Dean Allen, Project Manager dallen@achsng.com or 412-402-2469 FEE: No Charge for Emailed / Electronic Transfer documents.

NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE SITE WALK THRU: Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at 10:00AM EST at Philip Burtner Apartments, 5th & Main Streets, Natrona Heights, PA 15084 QUESTION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at 3:00PM EST BIDS DUE: Friday, July 22, 2022 at 2:00 PM EST at the ACHA Central Office, 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Section 3 Businesses, MWDBE, VOSB are encouraged to respond.

Frank Aggazio Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00PM and FROM 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, Wednesday, July 13, 2022, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in the Conference Room 1, County Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, one half hour later, 11:30 o’clock A.M., for the following: MCCLAREN ROAD SLOPE STABILIZATION MOON TOWNSHIP COUNTY PROJECT No. 6075-0202 As a prospective bidder please note the following general Project information regarding: Pre Bid Information, Bidding Requirements, and Contract Conditions.

See the Project Manual for detailed information, responsibilities and instructions.

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

BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: The County requires pre-qualification of bidders, including subcontractors, as specified in Section 102.01 of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Publication No. 408, 2020 Edition, Change No. 4, Effective April 1, 2022 on this project.

Submit Proposal on the supplied form in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and Specifications; include the following documents with the Bid Form, ALONG WITH ONE COMPLETE PHOTOCOPIED SET OF THE PROPOSAL: • Bid Security certified check or surety company bond on County’s form to the order of/or running to the County of Allegheny in the amount of five (5%) percent of the Bid as evidence that you, the Bidder, will accept and carry out the conditions of the Contract in case of award. The County will accept only bonds written by Surety Companies acceptable on Federal Bonds per the current Federal Register Circular 570. Federal Register Circular 570 is available for inspection in the Contract Office, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

• Bidder Certification of Pre-Qualification, Classification and Work Capacity • List of Subcontractors • Statement of Joint Venture Participation • MBE And WBE Goals Attainment Certification (ONLY NECESSARY IF YOU CANNOT MEET THE SPECIFIED MBE AND WBE GOALS.) • MBE/WBE Subcontractor and Supplier Commitment and Solicitation Sheets • Work Sheet Required Amount Performed By Contractor (Non-Federal Projects) THE COUNTY WILL REJECT BIDS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE THE EXECUTED DOCUMENTS SPECIFIED ABOVE WITH THE BID FORM. You may not withdraw your bid for a period of Sixty (60) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The County Manager reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informality in the bidding.

CONTRACT CONDITIONS: In accordance with the provisions of the “Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act” of August 15, 1961, P.L. 987, as Department of Labor and Industry, the prevailing minimum wage predetermination requirements as set forth in the Attachments apply to this Project.

The anticipated notice to proceed is September 12, 2022. The project completion date is 221 days from the date the Notice to Proceed is issued.

The County of Allegheny hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this Advertisement, minority business enterprises / women business enterprises [MBE/WBE] will be afforded the full opportunity to submit bids in response to this advertisement and the County will not discriminate against minority and women business enterprises on the grounds of race, sex, color or national origin in consideration for an award. It is a condition of the bidding process/contract that all responsive bidders / contractors shall follow the minority business enterprises and women business enterprises [MBE/WBE] procedures set forth in the project manual/contract documents.

For contracting questions contact the Contracts Division, at 412-350-7646.

For technical questions contact Kevin Lemon, E.I.T., Project Manager, at 412-350-2517.

Tracy Royston Acting Controller County of Allegheny

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

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Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140

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LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

BID ADVERTISEMENT INVITATION TO BID HISTORIC THORNBURG SCHOOL BUILDING Sealed bids for the construction of electrical upgrades to the Historic School Building (Community Center Building) will be received by the Architect, The Design Alliance Architects, 535 Smithfield Street, Suite 915, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until July 26, 2022 at 4:00 pm.

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud immediately after the closing time for receipt of Bids.

Electronic copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Architects.

Contact Mark Chachula, mchachula@tda-architects.com 412-295-3351 or Richard Freeman rfreeman@tda-architects.com 412-325-1170. Paper copies may be obtained from Tri-State Signs and Reprographics, Inc., 2934 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, 412-281-3538. Paper copies are the bidder’s responsibility.

Bids must be submitted on the forms provided, and completed in strict accordance with the instructions provided. The Borough of Thornburg hereby authorizes The Design Alliance Architects to act on their behalf by opening bids. Bids will be accepted, and contracts awarded at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Borough.

A bid bond by acceptable surety or a certified check made payable to the Borough for the project in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the maximum bid must be deposited by each bidder with his bid.

Performance and Payment Bonds in the total contract amount will be required of the successful Bidder.

The Thornburg Community Center is exempt from state and local sales and use tax in Pennsylvania.

This project is subject to the Provisions of the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act 442.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the Provisions of the Public Works Employment Verification Act (PWEVA) No bid or any part thereof shall be withdrawn by Bidder for a period of Sixty (60) Days subsequent to the Bid Opening A pre-bid conference will be held on July 7, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Thornburg Community Center Li b ra r y. B idder at te n d a n c e i s mandatory. Bid questions must be submitted to the Architect by 4:00 pm July 15, 2022. Questions submitted after that date will be rejected.

The successful bidder shall be required to obtain Federal and State background checks and clearances for all employees and subcontractors who will, at any time, be on school property in connection with the execution of the Work. The required background checks and clearances shall include the following: Federal Criminal History Record, Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.

Adherence to Instructions to Bidders is required.

Each bidder must be prepared to submit evidence of his qualifications to per f or m t he work , w i th th e contractor’s qualifications statement to accompany the bid proposal.

Bidders should refer to federal and state statutes, rules and regulations dealing with the prevention of environmental pollution and the preservation of public and natural resources pursuant to PA Act No. 1972-247.

The maximum contract time for this project is six (6) calendar months.

Bidders are required to submit the projected contract time on the Bid Form.

The Borough of Thornburg reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, in whole or in part, as suits the best interest of the Borough. Bids containing technical defects will be rejected.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR IFB# 300-38-21 REBID

The Borough of Thornburg, Sigo Falk, Borough Council President 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, July 12, 2022, and the BIDS will be publicly opened and read thereafter in the Lower Level Training Room in the Township Building at the same address for the following: RAVINE PARK STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT Please refer to https://www.twpusc.org/business/ bid_information.php, for details regarding specifications and Bidding requirements.

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

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The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Trash Compactor and Chute Repair Rebid IFB#3001-38-21 REBID The documents will be available no later than June 6, 2022 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 AM on June 30, 2022 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 AM on June 30, 2022 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on June 21, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/ j/82724688230?pwd=MWk2Zjl HcTBCbUlzZXMxL0hwS1BFZz09 Meeting ID:827 2468 8230 Passcode: 199526 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP has revised their website.

As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFPs documentation.

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.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1767 FURNISH & DELIVER SODIUM BISULFITE Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1767–Furnish & Deliver Sodium Bisulfite shall be received at the Engineering Department office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Tuesday, July 19, 2022 and then shall be publicly opened and read.

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority and women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible.

Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the Engineering office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of $1,000.00. The Successful Bidder shall be required to furnish a Performance Bond in the amount of $50,000.00. Contract documents must be obtained directly from ALCOSAN to qualify as an eligible bidder.

Any questions regarding the Technical Specifications should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor, ALCOSAN, via email at benjamin.heilman@alcosan.org Any questions regarding obtaining the Contract Documents should be directed to Kathleen P. Uniatowski, ALCOSAN, via email at contract.clerks@alcosan.org.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin Heilman Contract Supervisor

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Companies who wish to be considered for the following: Solids Thickening & Dewatering Improvements Project (S-463) Interested Parties shall submit eight (8) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (pdf format) emailed to: suzanne.thomas@alcosan.org Attn: Suzanne Thomas, Procurement Officer All questions should also be submitted, in writing, to Suzanne Thomas.

An informational meeting will be held June 22, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the ALCOSAN Auditorium at 3300 Preble Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 to clarify the goals and purpose of this Request for Qualifications. This meeting is not mandatory, but all interested parties are encouraged to attend.

All attendees must wear masks in accordance with COVID Protocols. A site visit will follow the meeting for those interested; appropriate footwear is required.

ALCOSAN intends to award the services to one firm to perform all of the services. All submittals must be received no later than 2:00 p.m.

August 5, 2022. It is Consultant’s responsibility to ensure the documents have been received. Late submittals will not be considered. Additional information and instructions may be obtained by visiting: https://www.alcosan.org/workwith-us/planned-and-active-bids ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Consultant/Firm. The Party selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women B usi ness P ol i cy are l i sted on the A L C O S A N w e b s i t e a t www.alcosan.org.

Kimberly Kennedy, PE Director, Engineering and Construction

NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for DLCC Heating System Repairs as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to Spencer Girman - E-mail: sgirman@pittsburghcc.com, Telephone: 412-325-6137. 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 on Accu-Copy’s website at https://accu-copy.com/plan-room.

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: Bid Package Name: Bid Package Available: Approximate Value:

David L. Lawrence Convention Center DLCC Heating System Repairs June 13, 2022 $80,000

Time/Date/Location for Pre-Bid Meeting: 10:00am, Wednesday, June 22, 2022 David L. Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Time/Date/Location for Bid: 2:00 PM, Wednesday, July 6, 2022 David L. Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222 HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR DRIVER’S EDUCATION PROGRAM RFP#550-05-22 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Driver’s Education Program The documents will be available no later than June 6, 2022 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until: 9:00 A.M. on June 23, 2022.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on June 23, 2022 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and wit hin t he RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Questions or inquires should be directed to:

America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com

Deadline/Closing/ Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on June 14, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/ j/87438905959?pwd=TUdx MEV6Y2RuMys4QStaWWFkTGNJZz09 Meeting ID: 874 3890 5959 Passcode: 106069 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP has revised their website.

As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFPs documentation.

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.

CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

Support the publication that is ALWAYS focused on Pittsburgh’s African American community.

Subscribe to the Courier today by calling 412-481-8302, ext. 136.

America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Classifieds

412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations:

Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS…THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

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A celebration of African American success—all under one roof Courier’s Fab 40 ‘Class of 2022’ christened at Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

It felt like the world had stopped.

With a crowd of 400 people standing, K. Chase Patterson, master of ceremonies, called for the massive double-doors of the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square to open, and into the ballroom came 40 of the Pittsburgh region’s most successful, impact-

ful African Americans age 40 and under.

From Abraxis Blackwell, to Iesha Nicole Hearn, to Justin Binion, to the black-and-goldfitted Godfrey R. McCray Jr., the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 “Class of 2022” was dressed to impress.

The Courier’s Fab 40 celebration was held, Wednesday, June 1, an evening affair that couldn’t be dampened by the heavy thunder-

FAB 40 HONOREES JENNIFER BARNES, RYAN HOUSTON

storms outside.

“Tonight was about being in a space where you’re surrounded by other like-minded people, people who just know what it takes to really pour into the community,” expressed Fab 40 honoree Caree Stevens. Stevens is special assistant to the CEO at the Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh charter school. She’s also director of The State of Black Learning

summer conference.

Stevens, who was born and raised in Rankin, said she was honored to be included alongside the others who collectively are impacting Pittsburgh’s Black communities. And with social media as paramount as it is, she knows that younger African Americans would see the Fab 40 celebration online.

SEE FAB 40 PAGE 4

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Courier’s Fab 40; A celebration of African American success

FAB 40 HONOREES CALISTA TUCKER, JA’LISA BROWN, ERRICKA HAGER (ALL PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO) FAB 40 FROM PAGE 3

“Representation matters, and I think for our babies, they need to be able to see more people that look like them, successful and being supported by people that look like them,” she told the Courier. “I think that’s critical...it shows them that there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.”

The Courier’s Rev. A. Marie Walker, who also is servant pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Wilmerding, opened the event with prayer.

DJ Nate “Da Barber” Mitchell played various R&B music during the dinner and dessert, then it was on with the show.

Courier Sales Director Ashley Johnson acknowledged the event’s sponsors, Duquesne Light Company and Vibrant Pittsburgh, and Courier Editor and Publisher Rod Doss urged the Fab 40 Class to soar to the highest of heights. He mentioned that many doors weren’t open for him and others in his age classification decades ago. But this generation of young people have the chance to attain any type of occupation.

Patterson, CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh charter school and the only two-time Courier Fab 40 honoree, called each honoree to the stage by

name, as Doss presented the honoree with their award.

That award is going right in Soliel Meade’s room, she told the Courier. “It reminds me to keep going, don’t take your foot off the gas, that people are watching, people are being influenced.”

Meade, CEO of Soliel Branding Essentials, a branding and design agency, brought the entire family with her to the Fab 40 celebration.

Meade’s mother, father, stepmother, godmother (both of them) and even spiritual mother made it to the big event.

“It meant everything to have my family and friends there to support

and cheer me on,” Meade said. She said being honored “felt like all of the hard work that I put into my business, into my community, has paid off.”

For Shani—ahem, Dr. Shani Yeldell, she told the Courier she was surprised to get the call that she was a Fab 40 honoree. “I didn’t know I was even nominated,” she said. “Once I figured out who did it, I had to thank her because I’m always trying to reach the very high expectations she sets for me. So the fact that she deemed me worthy of such an honor” was a blessing to Dr. Yeldell.

Dr. Yeldell is a critical incident education

liasion at A Second Chance Inc., in Homewood. She earned her Doctor of Psychology from Duquesne University. She, too, had an cavalcade of supporters at the Fab 40 event. “It was amazing, I felt very loved. Sometimes you just kind of get caught up with the day-to-day, and you forget (to realize) everyone who is behind you.”

Former Wilkinsburg Councilman Andre L. Scott was a Fab 40 honoree. He’s the owner and lead therapist at Able Vision Counseling and Consulting Services, but many people know Scott from his more than 25 years fighting for the betterment of Wilkins-

burg.

“A lot of community work, marches, stop-the-violence rallies, going to Washington, D.C., to advocate for wrongful deaths, working in state Reps. offices...being in the community, not just talking about it,” Scott told the Courier. “Somebody finally saw me, so it was cool to get recognized.”

Scott said Black men being classified in a negative light as a majority by people or the media is just wrong. “We’re not the minority, as people think. There are active fathers, active business people, active community members that don’t really seek money and credit. It was cool to be in the room (with other like-minded men) and put our fancies on.”

Also in his “Fab 40 Best” was Justin M. Binion, vice president and wealth advisor for Clarfeld-Citizens Private Wealth. With fiancee’ Natasha Morris by his side, Binion called it an “amazing honor to be on stage with all those talented young professionals from around the City of Pittsburgh.

There’s nothing better.”

Binion told the Courier he was speaking with another honoree about how “there’s very few times in the City of Pittsburgh where you get to see this many African Americans congregate and celebrate each other’s successes. That, to me, was the absolute epitome of the night.

Everyone underneath one roof. Nobody other than the New Pittsburgh Courier could put this on, and do it the way they did it.”

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER FAB 40 2022

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FAB 40 HONOREES JOHNNIE GEATHERS, JESSICA GURLEY FAB 40 HONOREES ABRAXIS BLACKWELL, MONICA MALIK, CUE PERRY, SHAMIAH COULVERSON, TILO JORDAN

FAB 40 HONOREES SAMATHA HARTZMAN, CYDNEY NUNN, PAIGE KENDRA MITCHELL

FAB 40 HONOREES DEANDRE TIMBERS, AUDIE CHAPMAN, II, THOMAS MCCLELLAN, ANDRE TURNER, GARY J. COLEMAN, CHARLES DAYMAR PITTS-BONNER

THE DOCTORS—FAB 40 HONOREES DR. RIKELL FORD, DR. DARLA TIMBO

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DIVERSITY

HUMAN RESOURCES JA’LISA L. BROWN, MBA

Benefits and HRIS Manager Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

FINANCE JUSTIN M. BINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

CORPORATE ABRAXIS BLACKWELL

Vice President, Wealth Advisor Clarfeld | Citizens Private Wealth

Citizens Pay Partnership Manager, AVP Citizens Bank

ENTREPRENEUR KECIA CHANTEL

SPORTS AUDIE L. CHAPMAN, II

Owner/Visionary Zuri Beads, LLC

President & Executive Director, Northside Youth Athletic Association Northside Hub On-Site Director, Youth Places

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JUNE 15-21, 2022

MEDIA GARY J. COLEMAN

ENTREPRENEUR SHAMIAH COULVERSON

RECRUITMENT DR. ARMANI A. DAVIS

Managing Partner GJColeman Media

Owner & Funeral Director House of Paradise Cremation and Funeral Services

Chief Talent Recruitment and Development Officer Shady Side Academy

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COMMUNITY SERVICE DEJANÉ DOZIER

SOCIAL SERVICE DR. RIKELL S. FORD

Community Affairs Analyst Highmark Health

Certified Nurse Midwife The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health

Casework Supervisor Allegheny County Department of Human Services-Children, Youth and Families

HEALTH CARE

SALES STANFORD GRANDY

SOCIAL SERVICE JESSICA GURLEY

CORPORATE LAUREN DEDOMENIC

JOHNNIE GEATHERS, MSW, LSW Mental Health Therapist Familylinks, Inc. and Hand in Hand Counseling Services, LLC

Senior Sales Consultant #1 Cochran Automotive

Owner & Lead Therapist Social Work Consulting & Counseling, LLC

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER FAB 40 2022

COMMUNITY SERVICE ERRICKA HAGER

Community Research Coordinator University of Pittsburgh

SAMANTHA HARTZMAN

HUMAN RESOURCES IESHIA NICOLE HEARN

Manager of Community Relations Duquesne Light Company

AVP, Senior Process Improvement Specialist, PNC Financial Services Founder & CEO, Divah’s in Training

MEDIA RYAN HOUSTON

EDUCATION

ENTREPRENEUR / CORPORATE

News Anchor & Reporter WPXI-TV

CORPORATE

JUNE 15-21, 2022

TILO JORDAN

Associate Director of the Family First Center Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School

MONICA MALIK

Program Manager of the Department of Innovations, Allegheny Health Network Executive Director, #ATU (Athletic Trauma Unit)

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ACCOUNTING / SPORTS THOMAS MCCLELLAN

ENTREPRENEUR

ENTREPRENEUR

GODFREY R. MCCRAY JR.

SOLEIL MEADE

Senior Accountant Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship

Owner Let’s Inspire Co.

CEO, Soleil Branding Essentials Founder, I Am Handpicked

ENTREPRENEUR PAIGE KENDRA MITCHELL

HEALTH CARE DR. CHANNING L. MORELAND

CORPORATE DELVINA L. MORROW

Owner FrontPaigeMe Public Relations Agency

Co-Owner, Sanant Counseling & Wellness Services, LLC Sr. Director of Strategic Programs & Services and SHRS Wellness Pavilion Director, University of Pittsburgh School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Senior Director of Strategic Community Initiatives and DEI Pittsburgh Penguins

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COMMUNICATIONS CYDNEY NUNN

ARTIST

Director of Communications August Wilson African American Cultural Center

Artist

Aquatic Director Thelma Lovette YMCA

ATTORNEY WELDIANNE SCALES

ENTREPRENEUR/ENTERTAINER

EDUCATION

ANDRE L. SCOTT, MSP

CAREE STEVENS

Associate Attorney, Burns White Attorneys at Law Council member, Borough of Swissvale

Owner and Lead Therapist at Able Vision Counseling and Consulting Services LLC CEO & Artist, Grown Men Entertainment

Special Assistant to the CEO, Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School Director, The State of Black Learning

CUE PERRY

AQUATIC DIRECTOR CHARLES DAYMAR PITTS-BONNER

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COMMUNITY SERVICE DEANDRE TIMBERS

PSYCHOLOGY/ENTREPRENEUR

RECRUITMENT

DR. DARLA TIMBO

CALISTA TUCKER

CEO Timbers Mowers & Brushes

Psychologist/Owner, Atlas Counseling Services Assistant Professor of Psychology, Pennsylvania Western University-California University Campus

Talent Fairy Godmother Calista Phair, LLC

COMMUNITY SERVICE ANDRE TURNER

SOCIAL SERVICE JENNIFER LYNN WHITLEY

DIVERSITY GINA WINSTEAD

Community Coordinator Brothers and Sisters Emerging

Executive Special Projects Manager Allegheny County Housing Authority

Assistant Vice President of Membership Development & External Relations, Vibrant Pittsburgh Vice President, Women in Tech PGH

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER FAB 40 2022

COMMUNITY SERVICE DR. SHANI YELDELL Critical Incident Education Liaison A Second Chance, Inc.

THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER TABLE (ALL PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES—K. CHASE PATTERSON

REV. A. MARIE WALKER

JUNE 15-21, 2022

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SABRINA SAUNDERS MOSBY, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF VIBRANT PITTSBURGH, SEATED, SECOND FROM LEFT. ALSO PICTURED ARE MEMBERS OF THE VIBRANT PITTSBURGH FAMILY.

HOLLIE GEITNER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY, FAR LEFT. ALSO PICTURED ARE MEMBERS OF THE DLC FAMILY.

THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS TABLE. ALSO PICTURED IS FAB 40 HONOREE DELVINA THE HIGHMARK HEALTH TABLE. ALSO PICTURED IS FAB 40 HONOREE LAUREN DEDOMENIC, MORROW, SEATED, FAR LEFT. SEATED, FAR RIGHT.