6.7.23 NPC

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

For the last two weeks, those that have stopped at the red light at Frankstown Avenue and N. Murtland Street in Homewood have seen the memorial.

Filled with T-shirts of various colors, on each shirt is a name of a person, many of whom were Black, who died in this region to gun violence.

Names like Keith Wicks, 39, who died in a shooting in McKees Rocks in July 2022. Prentis Hutchinson, 35, who died in a shooting on the North Shore to begin August 2022. Jade Baker-Wright, 20, who died earlier this year in a shooting in Pitcairn. Marquis Campbell, 15, who died in a shooting outside of Oliver Citywide Acade-

my in January 2022.

Unfortunately, there are many more T-shirts, with the names of many more who have passed, way too soon.

Heeding God’s Call, along with Community and Family Builders, and Liddy Barlow of Christian Associates of Southwest Pa., have teamed up to create the gun violence memorial. A number of churches have been contacted throughout Pittsburgh to see which churches want to host the memorial on or near its grounds.

In mid-May, the memorial was placed in a field next to Bethesda Community Church, in Homewood, along Bennett Street. On or near Mother’s Day, the memorial was vandalized, T-shirts knocked off the

Sterrett Academy students learn CPR

With some help from the Pittsburgh Steelers

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Courier Staff Writer

Students at Sterrett Classical Academy in Point Breeze on Tuesday, June 6, learned math, science, and how to save a life.

Representatives from the American Heart Association, UPMC, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Public Schools teamed up to show students in grades 6-8 how to properly perform CPR. A number of students performed CPR (non-mouth) on manikins placed on the gym floor.

Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, EMS director for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, primarily spoke with the students, along with Dr. Rickquel P. Tripp, vice chair of Diversity, Inclu-

sion and Health Equity for the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Both African American women not only carefully explained the CPR methodology to the majority-Black student population, but also served as role models for possibly some students in the audience who may want to become doctors themselves one day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 9 in 10 people who have cardiac arrest outside the hospital die. But CPR can help improve those odds, as CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Dr. Owusu-Anshah, affectionately

Dr. Cornel West announces candidacy for U.S. President

Kristen Welker named first Black ‘Meet The Press’ moderator

by Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

NBC’s long-standing political panel show, “Meet the Press,” will experience a history-making change as Chuck Todd, the current moderator, announces his departure after nearly a decade.

Stepping into his shoes will be Kristen Welker, the first Black host of the renowned program.

During his announcement, Todd, 51, stated that he wanted to put his family first and avoid letting work consume him, citing examples of friends and family who regretted not doing the same.

While the exact date of his final show remains uncertain, Todd assured viewers that this summer would mark his departure.

Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed concern about the current historical moment but took pride in the high standards maintained by the show. He emphasized their refusal to entertain propagandists, reiterating that the network and program would continue to uphold these principles.

Welker, a former chief White House correspondent, has been with NBC News in Washington since 2011.

Since 2020, she has served as Todd’s primary substitute.

Also, her performance as the moderator for Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s final debate during the 2020 presidential campaign garnered widespread praise.

Media experts have hailed Welker’s skillful and incisive questioning of lawmakers during political interviews as a masterclass in the field.

In a memo announcing

her promotion, Rebecca Blumenstein, NBC News President of Editorial, praised Welker’s abilities.

Welker, 46, will now assume the significant responsibility of leading the program during what promises to be another contentious presidential election cycle.

Since 1947, when Martha Rountree hosted the program, “Meet the Press” has remained a mainstay on Sunday mornings.

The program experienced peak years during Tim Russert’s tenure from 1991 until his untimely passing in 2008.

Subsequently, Tom Brokaw temporarily filled in before David Gregory assumed the role until Todd’s appointment.

With Welker’s ascen -

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

•

JUNE 7

1958—Singer, musician and composer Prince was born on this day in Minneapolis, Minn. His full name was Prince Rogers Nelson. He was a musical innovator and known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant dress and makeup, and wide vocal range. Prince died at his Paisley Park recording studio and home in Chanhassen, Minn., on April 21, 2016, at the age of 57.

1868—This is generally recognized as the day Marie Laveau retired (or was forced out) as the most powerful Voo Doo priestess in the world. The New Orleans native had become powerful and wealthy catering to the superstitious beliefs of both Blacks and Whites throughout the South. The daughter of a slave and a French plantation owner, Laveau was raised as a Catholic but became intrigued by stories of the city’s first Voo Doo priestess Sanite De De and by 1830 had built her own Voo Doo religious empire. She was replaced by one of her daughters, but she would live until 1881 dying at the age of 98.

Other sources give his birth date as Feb. 14, 1760. Regardless, the AME church was the first African-American organized and incorporated church in America. Allen, Absalom Jones and a group of free Blacks in Philadelphia founded the church in 1794. Allen and his group were initially members of the city’s predominantly White St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church. But when several Blacks were ejected from the church for attempting to pray alongside Whites, Allen led a walkout, which resulted in the forming of the AME church.

1898—Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Oscar, is born on this day in Wichita, Kan. She won her Academy Award in 1940 for Best Supporting Actress for the role of Mammy in the classic film “Gone With The Wind.” Once criticized for playing stereotypical and sometimes demeaning “Black roles,” she responded, “I’d rather play a maid than be one.” McDaniel died in 1952.

sion to the moderator position, she becomes the first Black host in the show’s history and the first woman since Rountree’s departure in 1953.

Industry officials said the milestone marks a significant step forward in diversifying “Meet the Press” and underscores the importance of representation in the media. With Welker’s appointment, NBC News pledged a fresh perspective and renewed energy as the program hopes to continue its legacy of providing insightful political analysis and interviews with key figures.

1917—One of the greatest poets of the 20th century Gwendolyn Brooks is born in Topeka, Kan. Pushed by her mother and father, Brooks began writing poetry at a young age and was even introduced to some of the best known Black poets and writers of the Harlem Renaissance while still a child. She won the coveted Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1950 for a collection entitled “Annie Allen.” She died on Dec. 3, 2000.

1930—Under pressure from early civil rights activists, the New York Times begins using the word “Negro” as the official designation for African Americans. It also agreed to capitalize the “N.” The decision by the Times gradually led to “Negro” becoming the official designation for Blacks nationwide and it would remain so until it was dethroned by “Black” in the 1960s. Positively, the rights advocates were attempting to build greater respect for African Americans but negatively, the selection of “Negro” also reflected a desire not to be referred to as “Blacks.”

1953—Educator and activist Mary Church Terrell wins a legal battle to end segregation in Washington, D.C., restaurants.

• JUNE 8

1886—Homer A. Plessy, a light-complexioned Black man, refuses to leave the “White” section of a New Orleans railroad car and move to the “colored” section. His Rosa Parks type refusal sets in motion a legal case, which eventually reached the United States Supreme Court. In its May 1896 ruling, the Court decided against Plessy and thus confirmed the segregationist doctrine of “separate but equal.” The ruling also had the effect of treating anyone with any “Black blood” as Black. The court never actually ruled on Plessy’s claim that he was 7/8 White and only 1/8 Black and thus should not be treated as “colored” under the laws of that day.

1968—James Earl Ray, the man convicted of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is captured at an airport in London using a false Canadian passport. Ray would spend the rest of his life trying to withdraw his guilty plea charging that his brother and a mysterious man he met in Montreal, Canada, named Raoul were actually involved in the killing of King. He claimed he “did not personally shoot Dr. King” but suggested he knew beforehand about the conspiracy to assassinate him. Ray died in prison in April 1998.

1982—One of the greatest athletes to ever play the game of baseball, Satchell Paige, dies in Kansas City, Mo. Paige had played in the old Negro Baseball Leagues and went unrecognized by Major League Baseball and the general public for decades. He was finally voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

• JUNE 9

1948—Oliver W. Hill becomes the first African American elected to the Richmond, Va., city council. He is best known for his work as a civil rights attorney helping bring down the segregationist doctrine of “separate but equal.”

Hill was born in 1907.

1989—One of the “founding fathers” of the Congressional Black Caucus, Michigan Rep. John Conyers issues the first call for a Congressional investigation into paying African Americans reparations for the enslavement of their ancestors.

• JUNE 10

1760—Several sources list this at the birthday of Richard Allen—founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

1941—The “Black Moses,” Marcus Garvey dies in London, England. Starting around 1916, Garvey built his United Negro Improvement Association into the largest mass organization of Blacks in history, with the slogan “Up You Mighty Race.” The UNIA owned businesses ranging from bakeries to shipping companies. Garvey preached Black pride and self-reliance, while steering away from the more integrationist thrust of most prominent Black leaders of his day. He was eventually jailed on what are now viewed as trumped up mail fraud charges. Presidential intervention got Garvey freed. But in exchange for his early release from prison, the Jamaican native had to agree to leave the United States and not return. Separated from his U.S. base, Garvey was never able to rebuild the UNIA.

• JUNE 11

1963—President John F. Kennedy declares during a nationwide radio and television address that segregation was “morally wrong” and told the U.S. Congress it was “time to act” (pass legislation) to end all segregation of the races. That statement and similar ones endeared Kennedy to millions of African Americans. However, a few months after making the declaration, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. But most of his legislative ideas would be implemented by his successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson.

1963—Displaying the tenacity of the segregationist mentality dominant in the South in the 1960s, Alabama Gov. George Wallace, with the aid of state troopers, stood in the doorway of the University of Alabama to block two Black students from integrating the school. But when the Deputy U.S. Attorney General returned later in the day with a force of National Guardsmen, Wallace stepped aside, and Vivian Malone and James Hood were allowed to register.

• JUNE 12

1840—The world’s first anti-slavery convention took place in London, England. The aim of the gathering was to unite abolitionists worldwide. However, the effectiveness of the convention was harmed by a decision to exclude female delegates.

1886—The Georgia Supreme Court upholds the will of former slave owner David Dickson who had left more than $300,000 to a child he fathered by raping a 12-year-old Black girl. The ruling made Amanda America Eubanks the wealthiest Black person in America. She would later marry one of her White first cousins.

1963—Medgar Evers, Mississippi field secretary for the NAACP, was assassinated in front of his home by White supremacist Byron de la Beckwith. AllWhite juries twice refused to find De la Beckwith guilty although the evidence was overwhelming. Finally, in 1995, Beckwith was convicted of killing the civil rights activist. Beckwith died in prison in 2001.

• JUNE 13

1967—President Lyndon B. Johnson nominates former NAACP Chief Counsel Thurgood Marshall to be the first Black justice on the United States Supreme Court. He said of his decision, it “was the right thing to do, the right time to do it.” Marshall had been a towering figure in the legal battles against segregation including lead counsel in the historic Brown v. Board of Education case. The Senate would confirm the nomination Aug. 30. An aside: Marshall’s original name was Thoroughgood but he shortened it to Thurgood.

KRISTEN WELKER

Dr. Cornel West announces candidacy for U.S. President

Running as third-party candidate, in ‘People’s Party’

DR.WEST FROM A1

logical Seminary and who formerly taught at Yale, Princeton and Harvard universities, is running for president. He made the announcement on Monday, June 5. He said he’s running as a third-party candidate, for the “People’s Party,” which was founded by Nick Brana. Brana worked on Bernie Sanders’ campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

Dr. West graduated

from jumping in for the Republican nomination, and others like South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (who is Black) and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley have also thrown their hat in the race. Then there’s Trump’s vice president, Mike Pence, who announced earlier this week that he’s a candidate. The race for the next U.S. president is wide open, and Dr. Cornel West believes he has as good a shot as anyone to

Lupe Fiasco, a longtime Hip-Hop artist, said on Twitter that he’s supporting Dr. West: “This will be the first and last time I vote,” Fiasco said, ending with a smiley face emoji.

Dr. West said in his video that his candidacy is about love, not hate, but that he’s fighting for “those who have been pushed to the margins, because neither political party wants to tell the truth about Wall Street, about Ukraine, about the Pentagon,

Magna Cum Laude from Harvard in just three years, and obtained his M.A. and Ph.D., in Philosophy at Princeton. He earned his doctorate degree in 1980. Dr. West was born in 1953 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Dr. West, who at times has been a critic of Democrats including former president Barack Obama, announced his candidacy with a campaign video on Twitter.

“In these bleak times, I have decided to run for truth and justice, which takes the form of running for President of the United States as a candidate for the People’s Party,” Dr. West said in the video. “I enter in the quest for truth, I enter in the quest for justice and the presidency is just one vehicle to pursue that truth and justice, what I’ve been trying to do all of my life.”

Dr. West’s candidacy comes at a time where uncertainty is the best way to describe who will sit in the country’s top chair in January 2025.

The current president, Joe Biden, a Democrat, saw his approval rating dip down to 36 percent, according to an ABC News/Washington Post poll released in May. The poll also found that 56 percent of people “disapprove” of the job Biden has done so far, and 58 percent of the Democrats surveyed said they would rather have another nominee on the Democratic side for the 2024 presidential run.

On the Republican side, sure, former president Donald Trump has a big edge, say the poll numbers. But that didn’t stop Florida governor Ron DeSantis

be the last man standing.

In his video, Dr. West said he comes from a tradition “where I care about you, I care about the quality of your life, I care about whether you have access to a job or living wage, decent housing, women having control over their bodies, health care for all...”

The video also showed previous clips of Dr. West calling Trump a “neo-fascist” and President Biden a “milquetoast liberal.”

about big tech.”

Dr. West concluded: “Do we have what it takes? We shall see. But some of us are going to go down fighting, go down swinging, with style and a smile.”

SPOTLIGHTING HOMEWOOD

HOMEWOOD PRAYER MARCH

A PRAYER MARCH WAS HELD IN HOMEWOOD IN APRIL. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

BRIAN COOK SR., WITH HIS SON, BRIAN COOK JR.

REV. CORNELL JONES SPEAKS AT THE MARCH.

DINA BLACKWELL SPEAKS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MARCH.

THE RIVERS MARCH AND SUPPORT PEACE IN HOMEWOOD, AND EVERYWHERE.

A GROUP PHOTO WITH THE MARCHERS AND MAYOR ED GAINEY.

Gun violence memorial in Homewood honors the lives lost

6 of 56 homicides in Allegheny County have occurred in Homewood

small sticks and rebar of which they once rested.

Diane Powell, executive director of Community and Family Builders, held a press conference with church leaders in May to denounce the vandalism, but to proudly announce that they would rebuild the memorial, which they did.

The memorial, unlike any of its kind in Pittsburgh, “is an opportu -

nity to honor the victims,” Powell told the New Pittsburgh Courier, June 5, “and the surviving families.” Also, it’s to “remind them (the families) that the community not only cares, but we are hard at work at trying to curtail the number of shootings and deaths by gun violence.”

Officially, the summer isn’t even here yet. Still, Allegheny County had recorded 56 homicides in the first five months

of 2023, six of which occurred in Homewood, where the memorial resides. Thirty-eight of the 56 homicides were Black lives, or 68 percent.

The gun violence memorial will move to different church locations.

Shiloh Community Baptist Church has hosted the memorial on Frankstown and Murtland for the past two weeks.

For the next week and a half, it will be located at Baptist Temple Church,

on Race Street in Homewood. Then it will move to Church of the Holy Cross, on Kelly Street in Homewood.

“We’re continuing to recruit churches and trying to increase their engagement in violence prevention, importance of family and recognizing the need to help in getting common sense gun legislation passed,” Powell told the Courier.

As Pittsburgh’s mayor, Ed Gainey, Pittsburgh’s new police chief, Larry Scirotto, and a host of community leaders try their hardest to figure out ways to stop the gun violence, the memorial, full of colorful T-shirts that each honor a loved one, is a stark reminder of what happens when people have no regard for human life. They take matters into their own hands, and end a life with a gun.

But for Powell, the memorial also serves as “a source of comfort” for families who have lost their loved ones, “and a gentle reminder that people do care.”

THE NAMES OF OTHER PITTSBURGHERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES TO GUN VIOLENCE.

A T-SHIRT WITH THE NAME OF 39-YEAR-OLD KEITH WICKS, WHO DIED IN JULY 2022. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

Once vandalized, the T-shirt gun violence memorial is back up for all to see.

Take Charge Of Your Health Today.

CARLOS T. CARTER

Gun Violence

This month’s health page highlights gun violence and recognizes the overwhelming complexity of this nationwide problem. As we continue our discussion around the Social Determinants of Health, we are centering gun violence as a crisis of public health. Carlos T. Carter, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, shares his thoughts:

What are some of the root causes and social drivers of gun violence?

There are many social drivers that contribute to violence in our community. This is a country with an obsession with guns and, unfortunately, guns are valued more than the lives of our children. We claim to be a civilized country, but America ranks second in the world for gun violence deaths.  You can probably get access to a gun faster than achieving a true living wage job. It is not lost on me that structural racism also plays a major role in the rampant gun violence, which includes redlining and underinvestment in our communities.  These forces of evil facilitate hopelessness and self-destructive behavior. We can and must do better!

What is the Urban League doing to address them?

Through our various programs and services, the Urban League works to remove barriers that perpetuate poverty.  Through our Center for Economic Self-Reliance, we are committed to connecting people to training opportunities and helping to remove barriers that impact their ability to thrive.  We provide support for our neighbors to obtain suitable housing and provide home ownership counseling to prepare them for homeownership. We also support the wellbeing of families through our Family Support Centers.

Additionally, we leverage our Black Male Leadership Institute (BMLDI) and Black Female Leadership Institute (BFLDI) to build upon the strengths of our teens by empowering them to be productive citizens who love and value themselves and their communities. They are mentored by caring adults who guide them towards being strong civically minded leaders who create positive change in their community. Finally, we continuously support responsible and evidence-based gun legislation that will make our communities safer.

This summer, the Urban League’s annual State of Black Pittsburgh is returning after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic. This year’s edition of the conference will both highlight the good work being done by organizations such as ours to address systemic poverty, including gun violence, while also identifying possible roadmaps to tackle these issues even more effectively. This edition will also coincide with the first-ever Youth Changemakers Conference which will be uplifting Pittsburgh’s emerging generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills they need to tackle our region’s biggest challenges today. The Conference and the State of Black Pittsburgh will be June 29 and 30. To get involved with the Conference, anyone can visit our website: https:// ulpgh.org/event/youth-changemakers-conference-featuring-state-of-black-pittsburgh/,

Why should we all consider gun violence a public health crisis?

Gun violence is a literal cancer on our community that continues to eviscerate the minds and bodies of our people. The fear and trauma it creates is devastating and all too tangible. Gun violence is taking away the mothers and fathers of our community, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Finally, it creates a level of stress and desolation that is unparalleled. It is killing our bodies and spirits. Enough is enough!

Involved.

Adult support networks help protect youth from violence

Black and Brown adolescents who live in urban neighborhoods are at a higher risk of witnessing and experiencing violence, including gun violence, compared to White adolescents. These inequities are the result of structural racism and systemic disinvestment in communities. This condition can limit opportunities and resources, especially to make safe, positive, and lasting connections with others in places like community centers, schools, churches, and libraries.

To address the factors that cause these disparities — and promote equity and reduce violence for Black and Brown youth — Dr. Alison Culyba, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh, is leading an intervention program called Strengthening Connections for Change (SCC).

The program was created with input from Pittsburgh youth, adults, and community collaborators. It is part of The Pittsburgh Study, which brings community and academic partners together to develop and test strategies to promote anti-racist youth thriving in our region.

SCC brings together teens ages 13-17 and key supportive adults in their lives. SCC is being evaluated through a community-partnered pilot trial funded by the National Institutes of Health.

SCC’s goal is to strengthen teens’ support network, build leadership skills, foster community engagement, and challenge attitudes and behaviors that help teens avoid violence. “The hope is that by making intergenerational partnerships stronger, we can reduce violence and help teens build skills to thrive,” Dr. Culyba explains.

SCC is based on a similar program in Flint, Michigan, which helped youth develop skills to implement change in their communities. The Flint study revealed that when youth participated in empowering activities, they were more likely to avoid risky behaviors and grow to become productive, healthy adults.

The Pittsburgh program is designed to help youth grow the networks of adults they can turn to for support in their family, school, and community. “For a young person, a strong network of relationships helps them develop and apply skills

that can be life affirming for themselves and their communities, ”says Dr. Culyba SCC also builds on previous research by Dr. Culyba and colleagues that shows the protective power of adult supporters. These relationships lead to better school performance and lessened substance use and violence exposure.

Currently, SCC is being tested in Knoxville and East Liberty. The program is made up of 12, 2-hour sessions once a week. Sessions rotate between youth-only, adult-only, and youth-adult programs.

The content strengthens support networks between adolescents and adults, builds leadership skills, fosters community engagement, and promotes attitudes and behaviors that reduce violence victimization and perpetration. Group discussions explore identity, teen-adult relationships, social networks, and community involvement. Near the end of the sessions, participants design and carry out a community project that strengthens intergenerational bonds. While all of this is happening, Dr. Culyba and

colleagues are tracking enrollment and attendance and evaluating how participants feel about the sessions and the sessions’ effectiveness.

“SCC is an intervention that focuses on the transformational power of relationships to address violence and promote safety,” says Dr. Culyba. “Most importantly, the program is doing this from a place of strength and assets that build resilience and empowerment for the participants and neighborhoods.”

Love a teen? 3 ways you can help them thrive!

Dr. Culyba offers advice on how to interact with the teenagers you love in a supportive way that conveys unconditional love. Reflect and give voice. Think about what you love and value in your teen — the things that amaze you!

Then share them with your teenager. Never forget that words have the power to uplift and transform. Your reflections also convey that you’re a steady source of unconditional love, support, and acceptance. Hold your teen to high

standards. From a place of love, clearly set expectations about behavior, schoolwork, and responsibilities and communicate why they’re important. Focus on growth and improvement. Encourage your teen to set challenges, learn from mistakes, and strive to do their best.

Maintain open and respectful communication. Create a safe and open place where your teen feels comfortable talking to you. Listen actively and don’t be overly critical or

judgmental. Be respectful and try to understand their perspective. Provide guidance when needed. Remember, holding a teen to high standards in a loving way involves balance! You’re challenging them to grow while providing the support they need to do that safely. Developing a strong relationship with your teenager requires patience, understanding, and a strong foundation of love and trust.

Treating gun violence as a public health challenge

In the U.S., American citizens own more guns than the combined total of the next 24 countries with about 44%-50% of U.S. households having firearms.

The U.S. also leads the developed world in firearm deaths, which have become the leading cause of death of children and adolescents.

While most firearms are owned and used safely, a small subset of them are used in acts of crime or violence, including suicide. Violence from firearms is especially complex for Black Americans who are disproportionally affected.

Gun violence is also on the rise in the form of mass shootings which are often labeled as acts committed by “mentally ill” individuals. According to University of Pittsburgh’s Dr. John S. Rozel, Professor of Psychiatry and Adjunct Professor of Law, this label is misleading.

While mass shootings and

homicides receive significant media coverage, 54% of gun-related deaths in the U.S. are suicides, according to the latest data from the Pew Research Center.

“These deaths are devastating for families, friends, and communities because they’re often preventable and occur when a loved one is in a temporary crisis,” says Dr. Rozel.

To reduce gun violence, especially gun-related suicides, Dr. Rozel believes we must treat the violence as a public health challenge, including training medical professionals and other trusted authority figures to better identify and help individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm.

For example, an evidence-based approach called Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) can help authority figures, such as schoolteachers and principals, respond

to information suggesting that someone is preparing to take part in serious violence. “Using BTAM, these figures can assess the risk and develop strategies to reduce it by connecting a person who’s in crisis with mental health programs,” explains Dr. Rozel.

To stop people from possessing a firearm while they’re in distress, some states have Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which are laws that prevent people who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from buying or possessing a firearm. While there is currently no ERPO in Pennsylvania, there is a private organization called Hold My Guns that may be willing to store people’s weapons temporarily in a gun shop. “For example, when there’s a mental health or domestic violence issue, individuals and/or families can use Hold My Guns to keep guns out of the

hands of an at-risk person until a crisis passes,” notes Dr. Rozel. Scientific research also plays a vital role in preventing gun violence. Health care professionals must be trained and encouraged to advocate for evidence-based gun safety policies and interventions at the state and federal levels. “We’re talking about things like universal background checks, domestic violence restraining orders, waiting periods, and laws that keep guns away from children,” Dr. Rozel states. “We know from research that most people support these measures, including gun owners.”

“Medical providers should discuss gun safety with patients just as they talk about other safety issues, such as using seatbelts, car seats, and bicycle helmets,” says Dr. Rozel. “We also need to be outspoken about and mindful of the fact that gun violence affects Black

and Brown people unequally,” he adds. For gun violence survivors, the conversations would include counseling that may help stop retaliatory responses. These conversations should not be limited to medical settings. They would also take place in churches, barbershops, community centers, and schools. They would focus on proper firearm training, safe storage practices (trigger and cable locks, lock boxes, and gun safes) and how to recognize warning signs in atrisk family members and friends.

Dr. Rozel adds, “The regulations, research, and education — the important conversations that happen between people who legally own guns and people who don’t – must be respectful and come for a common desire to reduce gun violence while upholding people’s right to own guns.”

Violence Prevention Office promotes safe, healthy communities

Founded in 2016, the Allegheny County Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) takes a public health approach to gun violence, including creating a framework based on why gun violence occurs, what causes it, and its consequences on individuals and neighborhoods.

With this structure in place, people who work in public health can better understand the risk factors that lead to gun violence and take steps to stop them through prevention programs, policy interventions and advocacy.

Working with the Department of Human Services and the City of Pittsburgh, the OVP partners with stakeholders that have similar goals, such as other government offices, as well as non-profit, neighborhood and faith-based groups.

The OVP is led by a violence prevention community advisory board, which oversees: A trauma response group that supports psychological and emotional well-being for people who are affected by violence. A street outreach team that focus-

es on preventing potential conflict.

The distribution of micro-grants that help to pay for violence-prevention strategies in at-risk neighborhoods.

The office receives financial support from the Heinz Endowments and is tasked with putting into ac-

tion the items in the Public Health Commission report from 2013.

Did you know? Homicide impacts everyone.

According to research conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety and Support Fund, the cost of gun violence in the U.S. totaled $557 billion, of which $12.6 billion was paid by taxpayers. These costs are broken into three groups: Immediate costs: Hospital treatment, ambulances and police re-

sponse

Future costs: Long-term physical and mental health care, institutional care, lost wages due to disability or death and criminal justice costs

Quality of life costs: Pain and suffering throughout a victim’s life

In Allegheny county, the 61 homicides that happened in 2022 cost

the state approximately $750 million and taxpayers about $46 million. (Source: OVP: Consequences of Gun Violence) For more information on gun violence impact in Pennsylvania, check out Everystat.org.

Initiative supports, encourages, and empowers communities

Family & Friends Initiative (FFI), a 501c3 is a faith-based organization, is led by Founder/Executive Director Parrish Davenport and Hillary Hilton, Director of Programming. FFI’s holistic mission is to support, encourage, and empower communities in the Greater Pittsburgh area with programs that serve entire families, not just one age group.

The organization got its start in Pittsburgh in 2015 when Parrish,

local community gospel choir director, began recruiting vocalists to form the Family & Friends Choir. Vocalists from various communities, ages 18 to 70, united with their voices and began performing throughout Allegheny County and outside the state. The vocalists worked together and recorded an EP project in the studio featuring original music written by composers Nikki Thorpe, James Ziegler, and Parrish.

Following the release of the project, Parrish and the leadership team desired to do more than just sing. As a result, additional community programs evolved.

Today, FFI offers workforce development (resume building and interview skills) and youth leadership classes to the community.

In addition, financial literacy workshops, facilitated by collaborative partner April Jones Next Level 412, LLC, are available to

help people learn how to manage their finances and credit. FFI’s goal is to help people of all ages transform their lives for the better and – in the process – create a sustainable community. Learn more about upcoming programs! Visit the Family & Friends Initiative website or contact the organization at info@ ffipgh.org.

AUGUST WILSON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

BLOCK PARTY 2023!

THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER ATTENDED THE ANNUAL AUGUST WILSON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION BLOCK PARTY! IT WAS HELD IN THE HILL DISTRICT, OUTSIDE THE AUGUST WILSON HOUSE, APRIL 29. PICTURED ABOVE IS THE KENNEDY FAMILY FROM BRADDOCK. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

PRICE BENNETT

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC., AND THE AMERICAN RED CROSS GAVE OUT SMOKE DETECTORS FOR THE PUBLIC.

MAMA D’S CATERING

THE TRENT FAMILY THE PETITES—OSCAR AND SHEILA

LISA ANN JOHNS, TRACY JOHNS

NCM Awards/PROOF Life Achievers MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

SOME OF THE HONOREES—THERESA GERMANY,

ALLEN-THOMAS, KAREN ROLLINS-FITCH, DAWN RENEE WASHINGTON, KAREN SCOTTMILES, TARA SNOWDEN. THE EVENT WAS HELD AT NABHI CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES, LEMINGTON AVENUE, MAY 13. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

Sterrett Academy students learn CPR

With some help from the Pittsburgh Steelers

known as “Dr. O,” told the students they were most likely to have to experience a heart problem or stoppage with a family member inside the home. Dr. Tripp added that one could experience someone having a problem at a neighborhood park. The CDC reported that people in “low-income, Black, and Hispanic neighborhoods, are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders than people in high-income White neighborhoods.”

The issue of CPR and life-saving methods came into the national spotlight when McKees Rocks’ own Damar Hamlin, who was playing for the Buffalo Bills, went into cardiac arrest in the middle of a nationally-televised football game in January. Within a minute, medics were performing CPR on him and shocked him with an AED (auto -

mated external defibrillator) to help restart his heart.

Speaking of NFL players, the students weren’t alone when trying to learn how to properly perform CPR. Pittsburgh Steelers Montravius Adams and Isaiahh Loudermilk surprised the students when they walked into the gym. Aside from taking photos with students and getting the students into some football drills outside, the presence of Adams and Loudermilk showed the students that pro athletes are serious about

knowing how to do CPR. If they’re serious about it, young people should be serious about it, too.

At Dr. O’s request, Adams “fell to the ground” in a staged display for the students, as if he were having a heart issue. Then Dr. O showed the students how to properly perform CPR on Adams. Dr. O and Dr. Tripp said it’s important first to “Look, Listen and Feel.” Come to the aid of the person who is undergoing a problem, then “look” to see if their chest is rising and falling, “listen” over their mouth and nose

for breathing sounds, and “feel” their breath against your cheek for 10 seconds. If nothing is happening, CPR and other measures are needed immediately. CPR was then “performed” on Adams by Dr. O, as she showed students how to properly position their hands and exactly where to press on the chest, as the person doing the CPR is positioned in a way that they can get the maximum push on a person’s chest, to ultimately save that person’s life.

DR. SYLVIA OWUSU-ANSAH, EMS DIRECTOR FOR UPMC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH, SPEAKS TO THE STUDENTS AT STERRETT CLASSICAL ACADEMY, JUNE 6.

STERRETT ACADEMY STUDENT JAMES WILSON

PITTSBURGH STEELERS MONTRAVIUS ADAMS AND ISAIAHH LOUDERMILK, WITH STERRETT STUDENTS. (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

PROPERTY IS POWER!

When should you lock in your mortgage interest rate?

One of the first decisions home buyers are faced with during the mortgage process is knowing when it’s the right time to lock in an interest rate. The easy answer is when the rates are at their lowest but when will that be? Or did you already miss it? Trying to answer this question and getting it right can drive you little bit crazy. Let’s try to put mortgage interest rates into a little perspective.

First, it’s important to know a few things about mortgage rates:

• You can’t lock in an interest rate until you’re actually in contract to buy a home.

• Mortgage rates are as volatile as the stock market.

• Paying discount points is optional…you decide.

• Locking the mortgage interest rate. The first fact you can’t lock in a rate until you’re in a contract tells you when you can lock in a rate. Many homebuyers are under the misconception that the interest rate quotes they received from different lenders were set in stone. In reality, while it’s a good idea to get various quotes, so you have a sense of where rates are currently, you can’t lock in in the rate. When you are in contract to buy a home, you can lock in an interest rate at any time before the final sign off by the underwriter. The final sign off is when the underwriter moves the loan file into “cleared to close” status, signaling the loan decision is final. The interest rate must be locked in so the underwriter can calculate the debt-to-income ratio based on the actual interest rate. But should oi wait this long to lock in the rate, even though it’s technically allowed?

That takes us to the second fact about mortgage rates they’re as volatile as the stock market and just as hard to predict. Mortgage rates move up and down at unpredict-

able intervals an hour or even minutes. Even

with large volumes of economic data and watching the market full time it’s little more than an educated gamble for mortgage professionals.

The real question home buyers need to ask is “how much is one-eighth of a percent worth?” Rates can vary by one-eighth, one-quarter and, in rare occasions, even one-half of a percent. So, calculating how much one-eighth of a percent will mean to your monthly payment is critical. If you’re looking at a $900,000 house and you have a 20 percent down payment, then whether you can lock in an interest rate at 4.5 percent or 4.625 percent (one-eighth higher) will make a $54 difference in your monthly payment. Double that amount for every one-eighth of a percent swing, up or down, and you can calculate how much you’re risking when you don’t lock in your rate (known as floating).

The Mechanics of Locking Interest Rate

Before we talk about the third fact about mortgage rates, let’s go over the important steps to locking in your interest rate. Locking in the rate is all about risk. Before you lock in your rate, you’re taking all the risk that interest rates will increase while

Would you lend $5,000 to a good friend, assuming you have it? If so, what is the time frame you would consider giving your friend to pay you back in full? How will you ensure that your friend pays you back? Will you hold onto something of value from your friend to ensure that your loan is paid? If your friend fell on hard times and had difficulty paying you back, how would you respond? If your friend simply neglected to pay you back, do you think it would put a strain on your friendship? For most of us, we would have to really think it over before we commit to lending a personal friend that kind of money.

Would you lend $5,000 to a complete stranger? Probably not. Lending large sums of money to strangers is exactly what banks and financial institutions do on a daily basis. They literally issue millions of dollars daily to complete strangers. Selling money, which is what lending boils down to, is big business! However, there is also inherent risk in lending. For starters, nobody knows what tomorrow brings. Those who have great financial and credit profiles today can take a turn for the worst overnight. Secondly, due to rising prices, the money you borrowed today may not have the same purchasing power it once enjoyed when the loan is repaid in full—partic-

by Finances FYI

Presented by JP Morgan Chase

Have you ever considered starting your own business? The Commerce Institute notes, “data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows an average of 4.4 million businesses are started every year.” Many people start a small business because they want to be their own boss or are dissatisfied working for someone else, particularly in corporate jobs. Others have a passion or skill they believe can turn into a money-making business. Often owners aim to achieve financial freedom or want flexibility in their time.

Whatever the reason for starting a business, there are essential steps to selecting an idea that will be successful and opening the business legitimately.  Select a Profitable Idea

There are several things to consider when making this decision, including your skills and experience, market needs, and your budget. Think about the amount of time and money you have to invest in your business and your long-term goals.

It’s also critical to analyze your strengths and weaknesses to determine a business idea that is a good fit for you. Once you’ve explored these questions, narrow down your list of potential business ideas. Then, vet your top idea or ideas.

Write a Business Plan

Business plans are usually a requirement if you seek a business loan. Even if you don’t need funding for your business, writing a business plan is a wise idea. The plan will outline your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. It will help you understand if the concept is viable, calculate the resources needed, and identify the steps to launch the business. Plans also help you stay on track as your business grows. Some key areas to include:

• A company description.

• The products or ser-

step is to register your business with your state and the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) to receive a tax identification (EIN) number. As you do this, you must select a legal structure determining how you pay taxes, personal liability, and paperwork requirements. Your EIN allows you to set up a business bank account to keep your business expenses separate from personal.

Obtaining business insurance protects you against costs and liabilities from unfortunate incidents such as accidents, theft, natural disasters,

cial.

Some key considerations to make when going through the branding process include:

• Is there a website domain available for your business name?

• Does your business name have another meaning that could be inappropriate or offensive?

• Does your competition have a similar name that makes it harder for you to stand out?

• Is it clear what services or products you offer from your name, logo, and tagline?

• Did you avoid using misspelled or difficult-to-pronounce words that could make it difficult for customers to find you?

Market Your Business

vices you will offer.

• Your competitors and how you will differentiate.

• Strategy for launching your business.

• Staffing needs and position responsibilities.

• Start-up costs, funding strategies, and financial projections.

• Marketing strategies will you use to attract customers.  Business Setup Essentials

Once you’ve created your business plan, the next

and lawsuits. Additional permits, licenses, and certifications may be recommended or required depending on the type of business and related regulations.

Brand Your Business

Your business name, logo, colors, and messaging are essential to launching a business. You can hire professionals for this process that range in price and skills. Even if you DIY your branding, soliciting feedback from various people is benefi-

The 3 C’s of credit

ularly on long-term loans. The risk goes on.

Those who engage in the business of selling money (lending) adhere to what is commonly referred to as “The 3 C’s of Credit.” These principles are the bedrock of lending decisions. These principles are followed in all lending classifications including personal loans, student loans, car loans, credit cards, mortgages and business loans. Evaluating credit applications utilizing the principles of The 3 C’s of Credit allows lenders to mitigate risk and weed out loans that have a high probability of defaulting. Understanding these principles will give you a better understanding of how to qualify for loans. Another thing to ponder as you review The 3 C’s of Credit is this: Since lenders analyze The 3 C’s of Credit to justify whether or not potential applicants are credit-worthy, those who invest—lend money to small and large corporations—should employ the same tactic when considering what companies to invest your hard-earned money.

Below we will detail The 3 C’s of Credit.

Character: Character represents the highest importance of The 3 C’s. It measures the borrower’s willingness to repay the loan. A review of a borrower’s personal and/or business credit report will reveal a borrower’s past performance in making payments on time. A person and/ or entity who have demonstrated a timely payment pattern over a period of time is considered a good credit risk.

Capacity: Capacity measures the borrower ability to repay the loan. A review of a borrower cash flow (income vs. expenses) will reveal the amount of new debt a borrower can reasonably handle. A lender will verify a borrower’s income by way of W2s, tax return, pay stubs and/or financial statements. The lender will compare the income to the borrower’s existing debt obligation. Lenders have various debt ratio tests to ensure that the borrower will not be over extended with debt upon granting the loan to the borrower.

Collateral: Depending on the size or

Once your branding is in place, how will customers contact and find you? Establish a business phone number, email address, website domain, and social media handles to provide several avenues for reaching and communicating with customers. Will your marketing be online, printed materials, paid advertising, or a combination?

In a recent study, Top Design Firms found that 28 percent of businesses do not have a website.  Websites are a vital avenue for customers to find your business and spend money with you. Even if you aren’t selling products online, websites con-

the complexity of a loan, a lender may require that a borrower pledge something of value as security for the loan. In the event the borrower is unable to repay the loan, the lender will seize and liquidate the collateral to recoup a portion or all their money. In addition to evaluating the collateral securing the loan, the lenders also like to see other assets that a borrower can liquidate in the event of a cash flow problem. Other assets include: savings, 401(k) plans, IRAs, stocks, mutual funds, Exchange Traded Funds, money market accounts, annuities, office equipment, etc. There are other less known C’s of credit. Namely Circumstances leading to a loan request, Contingencies (pending debt obligations), Conditions (restrictions on the use of funds) and Competency of management. These particular C’s of Credit are evaluated when reviewing loan applications for large companies. If a good friend should want to borrow money from you, instead of saying no, you can say, “I’m not sure if you have the capacity to take on additional debt.”

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

ANTHONY O. KELLUM

MANY PEOPLE START A SMALL BUSINESS because they want to be their own boss or are dissatisfied working for someone else, particularly in corporate jobs. Photo: southworks via 123RF

The first step in starting a small business is choosing the right business idea.

529 Plans make saving for college easier

by Bria Overs

For New Pittsburgh Courier

(Word In Black)—Families dream of providing the best education possible for their children. But with college costs rising year over year, the dream of higher education requires financial strategy. That’s where 529 plans can help.

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment account used for educational expenses. It can pay for college expenses like tuition, housing, and other costs. It’s also used for K-12 tuition, apprenticeship programs, vocational programs, student loan repayments, or funding a Roth IRA.

“The reason 529 plans are beneficial is that they’re typically invested in the stock market,” Adrienne Davis, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) at Zenith Wealth Partners, says. “Savings accounts are typically subject to inflation. They may not have high-interest rates. The hope is, with a 529 plan, investing it in the stock market and allowing it to grow over time, you’ll be able to grow that nest egg.”

17 percent of Black families are using 529 plans to save for education expenses, according to the Education Data Initiative. The tax benefits are another bonus for this investment vehicle. For 2023, contributions of up to $17,000 per contributor, per beneficiary or recipient, may qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion.

Davis says some states allow for tax deductions each year the plan is invested. In addition, states like Maryland and West Virginia contribute money to the account.

529 Plans in Action

Onika McLean was introduced to 529 plans by a friend in the finance industry.

“She said they have this financial thing where your kids can have like a 401(k) plan for college,” McLean says. “Instead of getting them the latest Jordan sneakers, you can give these coupons out, and people can pay into their college savings account so they can go to school.”

McLean is a managing clerk at a legal firm, a comedian, and a single mother of two daughters who are 29

and 24 years old. She knew she wanted her children to attend college. Finding out there was a way to send them and cover some of the expenses sound-

ed great.

“They’re six years apart, so for my oldest daughter, I put more money in it than for my younger daughter,” McLean says. “With my young-

er daughter, I was more aggressive with the investment portion because, in my mind, she had more time.”

Davis told Word In Black this is a common method for 529 plans.

“We encourage our clients to put money into a 529 plan and we start them when their kids are younger,” Davis says. “When they’re closer to the age where they want to start pulling from the funds, we do have to make sure we’re conscious of what the allocations are so the account doesn’t experience a lot of volatility.”

These accounts are often a mix of stocks and bonds, similar to other types of investment accounts.

For years, McLean put $50 to $200 in the account with every paycheck. When it was time for her children to attend college, she was able to help them pay for tuition, housing, books, and laptops.

Although her eldest didn’t graduate from college, she didn’t have significant financial obligations like student loans. McLean used the 529 accounts to pay for anything financial aid couldn’t.

With the remaining money, she changed the beneficiary from her eldest daughter to

her youngest and continued contributing. Investing in the account doesn’t stop once college begins — contributions can continue while in school.

Her youngest daughter graduated with a biochemistry degree and no debt from attending college.

“If the state doesn’t have it, they’re not going to market it,” McLean says. “As a Black community, oftentimes, we don’t know about finance and it’s intimidating. This was something that wasn’t intimidating for me.”

Finding the Right 529 Plan Davis doesn’t recommend this plan to everyone. Speaking with a financial professional who can look closely at each person’s finances is always advised.

“You have to choose which underlying investment you want to have, and then you have to look at what the fees are,” she says. “The fees can really eat into the principal balance over time.” Davis recommends parents take stock of how they’re caring for themselves financially before opening one of these investment accounts. Putting on their oxygen masks first, Davis says.

What to do when your family is a business

by Renata Sago

For New Pittsburgh Courier

(Word In Black)—Some of the most well largest businesses in the United States started out centuries ago as an idea between family members. Family businesses born out of necessity and ingenuity have helped shape the U.S. economy for centuries. They influence major industries—even the mom and pop entities with few employees. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the economy is made up of 33.2 million small businesses. In 2021, the number of business applications reached a record 5.4 million. Bob Marshall has been guiding small business owners across sectors for more than 30 years. As the Business Growth Strategy Executive for Wells Fargo, he has seen the possibilities of what family entrepreneurship can be. In this interview, he shares his wisdom with you for how to run a successful endeavor with your loved ones:

WIB: What are some characteristics of a family business that’s just getting started?

Marshall: First, there is a common sort of goal or a common desire to keep the family business going in that the history is truly im-

portant. It is a well known fact that the family business is critical and there are a lot of folks in the family who know that it’s going to be part of their life’s mission. The folks have been around the family business most of their childhood and probably their teen years and so they understand the business.

WIB: You hear some people say that they would never go into business with their family. What’s a mistake that people make?

Marshall: When you spend so much time together, it can strain the relationship. Business is business and the family is family. Sometimes in times of crisis or high stress, that can strain the family relationship.

WIB: What else?

Marshall: No deliberate succession planning. You can assume: I have two children. They’re going to take over the family business, but their life’s work may not include that family business. Because it’s family and you want them to be successful, you put them in positions that may not necessarily be their strengths. It makes them disenchanted and does not do well for the business.

WIB: How do you balance the needs of the family and

the business?

Marshall: People see the great parts about it and the longevity and the success, but I think they forget about the hard work. I’ve never worked 10, 12, 14 hours next to a family member. Transparency and ground rules are critical. What you don’t want to do is go to the family reunion and have a fight about the business!

WIB: Let’s talk about the structure of the business.

Marshall: Regardless of the entity type, folks need to have what I describe as a kitchen cabinet—a group of advisors who you trust dearly to talk about the business to help you solve problems. Of course your accountant and your attorney—you need them both. The kitchen cabinet rounds out and compliments your skill set so that you can have rich discussions to figure out how to move the company forward; how to make major decisions. It could be succession planning. It could be acquiring another business. It could be “Do we sell the business?” They won’t make the decision for you, but they will really help you think through your decision and drive you to answer the tough questions that people who may work for you in the family business may not

ask.

WIB: What dynamics do you see when it comes to hiring employees?

Marshall: It could be that the folks who are leading the business have to be from the family or just the managing director or the CEO is from the family. I’ve also seen where the CFO or other important jobs within the business are non-family members because the person who runs the family business knows that within that business they don’t have the skillset, so they hire outside. I’ve also seen where there are in laws—where the son or daughter gets married, and the spouse comes into the business. One of the big advantages of a family business is trust. Regardless of who you bring into the fold, that trust has to be consistent.

WIB: How do you make sure that the business can be around for generations?

Marshall: The succession plan. It helps you map out who can do what over a period of time—and it’s not just who’s going to run the business. It’s who will lead critical functions in the business. Folks get to the place where they want to retire or, unfortunately, something happens, and the siblings say, “You know what, that’s just

not my passion. I don’t want to do that.” The succession plan helps avoid those sort of last minute ahas.

WIB: How do you get to success before a succession plan?

Marshall: I think one of the things that you would see if you looked at businesses that [have] survived was that they did three things: They had a really good business plan and they knew what they were doing —whether it was a service business or selling a product. They understood the financials behind that business plan, and they really

understood that they have a certain skill set but they needed to get a kitchen cabinet or hire certain people to help them really realize their dream. You’ve got to understand your market. You’ve got to understand trends. You’ve got to understand where your business is going. Not just where it is.

(The Financial Journey is a unique series focused on financial education and opportunities. These stories have been created through a strategic partnership between Wells Fargo and Word In Black.)

(Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.)

A beginner’s guide

vert visitors into paying customers by building awareness and trust. Websites provide information about your products and services, can provide a place to sign up for email newsletters, and connect visitors to your social media platforms.

Starting a small business can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It’s essential to find the right resources

to help you. Consider talking to other entrepreneurs, joining networking groups such as the local chamber of commerce, or attending workshops and seminars. Also, look into government resources through the Small Business Association, such as grants, loans, and education, that can help you get your business off the ground.

(Finances FYI is presented by JP Morgan.)

When should you lock in your mortgage interest rate?

you’re floating. Once the rate is locked, the risk that rates will increase passes to the lender.

If rates do increase before your loan closes, the lender will have to sell a loan that carries a lower rate. Transferring the risk to their lender when you lock in should be done in writing. The lender may have a specific form to do this with, but more than likely the process will be a phone call between you and the loan officer, followed by an email from you confirming you want the rate locked. Make sure you include the actual rate that you’re locking, any costs for the rate, also known as “discount points,” and length of the lock. The duration of the lock impacts pricing, due to the risk the lender takes on when you lock the rate. Lock durations are typically 15 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 days. Locks less than 30 days are rare and risky to the home buyer because the rate lock can’t expire before the loan is funded. If it does, you’ll find yourself paying a fee o extend the rate. Make sure to discuss what an adequate lock duration would be for you, with your loan officer.

If you do need an extension on your rate lock, the fees can vary based on several factors. The lender will typically extend a rate for 3-7 days for free, as

a courtesy to you, if the delay was out of your control. Likewise, three-day extensions can be free regardless of the reason for the delay. Locks for 30 to 45 days are sometimes the same interest rate, and if that’s the case, take the longer lock period. Why have the added stress of worrying about the lock expiring? If you’re not scheduled to close for 60 days or more, work closely with you loan officer to decide when you should lock. While it’s your decision when to lock, if rates are stable, it might be worth the risk to wait for 7-10 days into the con-

tract period before you lock to avoid the lock expiring too soon.

Paying Discount Points is Optional Most lenders have interest rates that won’t require you to pay a fee. But paying a fee means you will get a lower interest rate. It also works in reverse taking a higher interest rate will mean a credit will be applied to your closing costs. Trying to decide if you should pay the fee or take the credit is answered by going back and assessing the difference oneeighth of a percent makes to your monthly mortgage pay-

ment. In the example above, one-eighth in rate meant a $54 difference in your monthly payment. So, if you paid a fee to have the rate one-eighth lower, you would need to calculate how long it would take you to break-even on spending that money up front. If the cost for a lower rate on a $720,000 loan were three-eighths of a percent, or $2700, it would take four years before you would begin to benefit from paying for the lower rate. Rates Drop After You Lock, Now What? As much as you try to make

the best decision when you lock in your interest rate without a magic crystal ball you have no idea what’s going to happen to them tomorrow. Neither does the lender. However, if mortgage rates fall after you lock you can still benefit. This sounds contrary to the whole concept of rate locks so how does it work? Lenders all it “Floating Down,” and they have specific guidelines addressing the potential situation, and a specific calculation to go with it. It’s unlikely they will drop your rate to the lowest available but generally, they will lower your rate as long as rates fall by a minimum of one-quarter of a percent. When that happens (which is rare within a 30- 60-day-period), the lender will usually ‘split the difference’ with you and lower your rate by one-eighth of a percent.

Once you know all the details of your lenders’ rate lock policies, think seriously about locking in your interest rate as soon as possible. Make sure you take into consideration when your purchase is scheduled to closer and choose a lock duration that won’t require you to pay for an extension Above all calculate the exact amount of savings you’ll have if you wait for the rate to drop by one-eighth so you know what you might gain or lose!

ONIKA MCLEAN

Memorial Day memories and cultural amnesia

Memorial Day 2023 is upon us. It is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and mourns U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the armed forces; it is observed on the last Monday of May, which means Memorial Day 2023 will occur on Monday, May 29. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season. (Wikipedia)

We are living in a time of change, and because of this, a lot of ideas are expanding to embrace broader concepts. This is why it is feasible for the Memorial Day holiday to be celebrated in a manner that includes people beyond those who lost their lives while serving in the military.

We are justified in honoring civilians who have lost their lives in the wars against slavery, Jim Crow racism, and in everyday life situations in the battle for survival. In essence, Memorial Day is a day set aside for memories of those who are no longer physically among us.

Unfortunately, there is a battle going on in America regarding what memories should be embraced. There are a number of individuals who call themselves American citizens who want to deliberately squash some of our collective memories. There is a saying that if we fail to remember important aspects of our lives we may find ourselves in a predicament where we will have to repeat our errors.

For example, if we forget about the challenges left to us by the institution of slavery, we would continue to forget the impact it has had in shaping our lives. We must remember that the reason our lives are like they are today is due to our responses to the past based on our memories of it!

Unfortunately, there are a number of factors in place today that have caused a type of cultural amnesia. This can be seen in the behavior and philosophy of life of those Americans who are against teaching some aspects of American history as it relates to Black people. If some of the people who oppose the idea of reparations for Black people who have been impacted by the institution of slavery could remember how it manifested, they might form a different opinion about reparations.

Truth be told, that might be the reason behind why there is a shadow cabal who want to ensure the spread of cultural amnesia in America. They fear the consequences of the previous actions of American oppressors and believe that if people learn the truth, they would not be so quick to honor the ridiculous notion of banning legitimate historical knowledge.

Basically, those who are actively striving to keep important historical information away from Americans are waging war against the minds of the American people, and this includes all races. The attacks on our collective historical memory create a philosophical black hole in our culture that serves as part of the dumbing down weaponry! When memories of a significant set of the American people are blocked, there is a philosophical and cultural blackout that results.

The concept of reparations factors large in the idea of historical memory. If our memories of past atrocities are suppressed, there is no logical ground for reparations because people can’t or don’t remember the actions that would warrant the distribution of them; they can’t see a need for “repair.”

It is important to understand that “warfare” is a multi-level affair, and those who have lost their lives due to America’s toxic historical wars on its Black citizens might be considered victims of war. Therefore, in addition to remembering the military personnel and the members of non-military families who have lost their lives, we should remember all of the American freedom fighters on Memorial Day.

One last thing; in addition to honoring the memories of those who have passed on, we must not forget their legacies. Every person is a potential asset for our communities, and when lives are lost we also stand to lose the legacies those persons would have bequeathed if we can’t remember them. A Luta Continua.

(Reprinted from The Chicago Crusader)

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher

Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm Office Manager Ashley Johnson Sales Director Rob Taylor Jr. Managing Editor John. H. Sengstacke Editor

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—One of the most important questions a “thinking and responsible” citizen must ask is, “Who governs me?”  Active participation in the governance of others is a solemn responsibility of which only a few are worthy.  Without question, to present oneself for such a position requires a well-developed sense of self-esteem AND the humility of acknowledging the great trust placed in her/his character.  One of those traits without the other is a recipe for poor governance.  Too many of our current “leaders” share that fault.

Several days ago, I watched a television program that listed numerous politicians and the institutions of higher learning they attended.  Since most of the universities attached to the subjects of the program were considered the “cream of the crop” of higher learning, I only wondered, “If those schools are so good, how did some of these people get in, and more worrisome is, “How did they graduate?”

I judge the quality of formal education by the ability of the student to move with skill and alacrity in familiar circumstances and adaptively in those in which they lack familiarity or experience.  This is essential for effective governance, especially in a nation as culturally and geographically diverse as ours.  It is more of a necessity for those whose formal education is limited in depth and detail.

Among those on the referenced program were Ted Cruz (R-TX)  who attended Princeton University and received a law degree from Harvard;

by Michael Coard

The only way to stop young Black men from shooting each other and young White men from shooting up schools and stores and churches and everyplace else is to take away their guns. In fact, the only way to stop all gun crazy Americans from shooting people is to take away their guns.

And by “taking away,” I mean making it damn near impossible for anyone to have any type of firearm and totally impossible for anyone to have an automatic firearm with a magazine/clip or a semi-automatic firearm with a magazine/clip or any firearm other than one six-shot, single-action revolver per household. And that six-shot revolver would be limited to only certain people with the following conditions:

1. That six-shot revolver can be purchased only by persons who have passed rigid psychological, physical, vision and safe-use tests.

2. Immediately after that revolver is purchased, the persons must register it in a process somewhat similar to registering a motor vehicle. And it must be registered every six months. In addition, it must be fully insured just like a motor vehicle.

3. Once the persons register the revolver, they must attend and pass mandatory training sessions every 60 days. And it will be every 30 days with more stringent passing requirements for persons who possess a license to carry in public.

4. Anyone who fails any of the tests with a score of less than 90 or does not timely register and insure the firearm or does not attend all of the sessions (in-person or virtual) will have his, her, or their firearm immediately confiscated but will be financially reimbursed in the full amount of the purchase price. Also, that person will be permanently banned from forever owning or possessing any firearm.

5. All persons currently in possession of a firearm and who do not comply with the aforementioned conditions must immediately turn in their firearms to assigned authorities that will pay the owner five times the market value of the firearm. The funding will come directly from the bloated $2.01 trillion Department of Defense military budget. Any persons who do not immediately turn in their unauthorized firearms will, when caught, be fined ten times the market value of the firearm. Harsh, you say? Extreme, you say? Severe, you say? And you’d be right. But that’s the point. People who possess guns should be required to jump through all types of hoops because that’s the only way America will stop being the gun murder capital of the world as documented in an April 20 detailed report by The Commonwealth Fund, which was founded in 1918 with the mission of “promoting a high-performing, equitable health care system.”

Check this out:

“The U.S. has the highest overall rate of death from firearms, nearly five times that of France, the nation with the second-highest rate.

The U.S. is the only high-income country where the number of civilian-owned guns exceeds the total number of people. The U.S. has 67 million more firearms than it does people, a difference greater than the entire population of the U.K.

The U.S. has the highest death rate

Josh Hawley, (R-MO) who attended Stanford and received a law degree from Yale; John Kennedy  (R-LA) who attended Vanderbilt and received his law degree from the University of Virginia; Tom Cotton (R-AR) who attended Harvard and Harvard Law School; Elise Stefanik (R-NY attended Harvard; Matt Gaetz (R-FL) attended the State University of Florida and the Law College of William and Mary.  I must also mention Ron DeSantis who attended Harvard, Yale, and the Naval Justice School.  Others among these “questionables” attended Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and Dartmouth.  Non-Ivy League graduates like Donald Trump (University of Pennsylvania), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) (University of Georgia), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) (Stanford) also besmirch the academic character of their alma maters.

Among “leaders” with no, limited, or questionable academic credentials are: Lauren Boebert (R-CO) (recently received her GED), Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) (homeschooled; mostly D grades before dropping out of Patrick Henry College); and Matthew Rosendale (R-Mt) who removed his ID as “Rancher” from his website when questioned about it. George

Santos (R-NY) Who knows anything about him?  Although some completed some college, such as an associate degree or a training course at a specialized school, I must wonder how they convinced other citizens to give them such important jobs.

Among those I have named there are two points of commonality—they are all Republicans and their words and actions demonstrate an intense hatred of all things different.  I speak with authority when I say that none of the mentioned schools had courses labeled “Hate the Poor, Hate Black People, Hate the LGBTQs, Hate Anybody With Whom You Disagree.”  You get the point!  I must wonder if any administrator or Board Member from these schools has ever called some of these people and said, “You are making our school look bad!  Cut out the craziness!”

I am not suggesting that these “leaders” should find agreement with every point of view, but, given the concept of personal freedom, their stated agendas uniformly reject uplifting all people, fair voting rights, women’s rights, peace, justice, or any of the myriad personal freedoms we have lived with for years.  Their words and actions resurrect the hatred, unfairness, disrespect, and racism of history to another level.

We must find and elect those who will govern for the benefit of our diverse communities—not just for a disgruntled minority.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society and President Emerita of the National Congress of Black Women)

… [from] self-harm by firearm, more than three times higher than rates on France and Switzerland.”

By the way, Democratic North Carolina Rep. Pricey Harrison in 2018, citing an earlier study by the Switzerland-based Small Arms Survey, pointed out that “The U.S. has approximately 5 percent of the world’s population and 42 percent of civilian gun ownership.”

Wow!

And there’s more. As reported by PBS on April 21, “The U.S. is setting a record pace for mass killings in 2023.” Mass killings are those that the FBI defines as having at least four victims. Also, continues PBS, the “bloodshed represents just a fraction of the fatal violence that occurs in the U.S. annually” and “mass killings are happening with staggering frequency this year: An average of once every 6.53 days, according to an analysis of The AP/USA Today data.”

As documented at gunviolencearchive.org, about 20,200 persons in America were homicide victims in 2022 and 38,550 were injured. And abcnews. go.com reports that as of May 2 this year, at least 13,959 persons have died from gun violence in the U.S.

During the pandemic between 2020 and 2022, according to an analysis by The Trace, a nonpartisan news organization that tracks gun violence, Americans bought nearly 60 million guns. Wow again!

Last year, the Republican-controlled U.S. Supreme Court issued one of the worst gun crazy Second Amendment rulings in American history. In the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen case, the court callously declared that Americans have a legal right to carry firearms in public without showing any justifiable need to do so regardless of the mass shootings occurring weekly throughout the country. Fortunately, though, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has been issuing sane and levelheaded rulings in regard to the state constitution’s Article I, Section 21 as recently as 2003 in Lehman v. Pennsylvania and as long ago as 1875 in Wright v. Commonwealth.

Here’s the Second Amendment language of the federal constitution: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” (I’ll discuss this later in the article.)

And here’s similar language in Article I, Section 21 of the state constitution: “The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.” In the Lehman case, the court ruled that the denial of a person’s application to purchase a rifle due to a conviction for theft decades earlier was not a violation of the state constitution because, “While the right to bear arms enjoys constitutional protection …, it is not beyond regulation.”

And in the Wright case, the court ruled that a law prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons was constitutional, thereby declaring that the defendant had “no protection under … [Section 21 except] the right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state.”

Now back to the Second Amendment. It doesn’t mean what many bloodthirsty Americans think it means. But it’s not their fault. It’s the fault of the Republican-controlled U.S. Supreme

Court that in 2008 issued the worst gun crazy Second Amendment ruling in American history (resulting from, in my opinion, unethical lobbying pressure from the bloodthirsty NRA) in the District of Columbia v. Heller case by erroneously concluding that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual’s right to bear arms.

However, as pointed out in an intellectual motherjones.com essay, most scholars—including Michael Waldman, an attorney and professor as well as the author of “The Second Amendment: A Biography”—adamantly disagree with the Heller ruling by making it clear, based on historical records, “that the Second Amendment protects gun ownership [only] for purposes of military duty and collective security. It was drafted, after all, in the first years of post-colonial America, an era of scrappy citizen militias where the idea of a standing army—like that of the just-expelled British—evoked deep mistrust.”

As Waldman stated, “When you actually go back and look at the debate that went into the drafting of the amendment …, there’s simply no evidence of it being about individual gun ownership for self-protection or for hunting. Emphatically, the focus was on the militias. To the [constitutional] framers, that phrase ‘a well-regulated militia” was really critical.” Furthermore, as emphasized by the American Enlightenment Project—an anti-gun violence non-profit focused on ending America’s gun violence crisis—“The Second Amendment does not, and never has, guaranteed a constitutional right for individual Americans to own guns.” Moreover, “[The] Heller [ruling] is fatally flawed, based on a profound misreading of the Second Amendment and history.”

And finally, as written in 1992 by former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger, the meaning of the Second Amendment’s clause regarding “a right of the people to keep and bear arms … cannot be understood apart from the purpose, the setting, and the objectives of the draftsmen. At the time of the Bill of Rights, people were apprehensive about the new national government …” and formed militias as a result.

In other words, the Second Amendment was never about crazy John Rambos running around willy-nilly blasting Bambi’s mom and other living creatures with AK-47s. It was only about militias—structured and organized military forces consisting of civilians to serve as or to supplement a regular army in an emergency. Period.

By the way, if anyone thinks my gun ban/gun restriction proposal is too harsh, too extreme and too severe, well, let’s agree at least to universal background checks, mandatory waiting periods, red flag laws, banning purchases by certain categories of mentally ill persons, making private sales subject to background checks and outlawing high-capacity magazines as well as assault-style weapons.

After all, everybody wants to do everything possible to make sure no more babies are murdered in school. On second thought, maybe that’s not what everybody wants to do.

(Michael Coard, Esq. can be followed on Twitter, Instagram and his YouTube Channel as well as at AvengingTheAncestors.com.)

America’s progression toward self-destruction

The NAACP, travel warnings, and Jim Crow cards

On May 4, 2017, in Missouri, Tory Sanders, a 28-year-old Black man, went to the police for psychiatric help. Sanders was taken to the county jail, where a mental health counselor recommended that he be hospitalized for observation.

Eight hours later, Sanders died in jail.

Sanders was beaten by police officers after an altercation. He was also jolted with a stun gun and pepper sprayed.

Because Sanders died from “excited delirium,” the Attorney General of Missouri decided not to prosecute the cops involved.

The NAACP issued its very first travel advisory, warning people of color not to go to Missouri. A travel warning was a good way to expose this incident to the nation.

Except Sander’s death wasn’t the catalyst for the travel warning; it was Senate Bill 43.

The sponsors of Senate Bill 43 believed that discrimination plaintiffs in federal court and in the majority of other states are required to meet a higher burden of proof than plaintiffs in state courts in Missouri. Senate Bill 43 made it more difficult for terminated employees to demonstrate that they were the victims of racial discrimination.

Lawmakers said the bill was passed to reduce frivolous lawsuits.

The president of Missouri’s NAACP was furious and told an interviewer, “We have done about everything that we can to try to talk with the state ... That has not been successful. So, at this point, we didn’t have much of an option. We had to warn people.”

How did the NAACP warn people?

David W. Marshall

Commentary

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Each election cycle we get closer. In 2013, the nation experienced a 16-day federal government shutdown when the Republicans demanded the government’s spending bill include provisions which would impede or delay President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. In the midst of the 2013 shutdown, the AFL-CIO, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the United Way sent a joint letter to every member of Congress and President Barack Obama urging them to end the shutdown. They wrote, “As leaders of the business, labor and the nonprofit sector, we are writing to urge you to end the federal government shutdown immediately. Our country is navigating the most challenging economic time in a generation. While we may disagree on priorities for federal policies and we even have conflicting views about many issues, we are in complete agreement that the current shutdown is harmful and the risk of default is potentially catastrophic for our fragile economy….Our three disparate sectors share a common view – no one benefits from the current shutdown and everyone will be harmed if the government defaults.  It is in the interest of our nation that Congress restore the normal functioning of our political process, fund the government immediately and quickly move to restore the impasse over the debt ceiling limit.” The letter was signed by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumak, chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue and United Way Worldwide U.S. President Stacey Stewart. While the 2013 shutdown eventually ended, Congress has yet to permanently restore a sense of normality to its political procedures. When the next government shutdown occurred in 2018, both chambers of Congress and the White House were controlled by the same party – Republicans. The 35- day shutdown, which was the longest in U.S. history, was caused by a funding dispute over the U.S. / Mexico border wall. While government shutdowns seriously impacts small businesses working with the federal government, routine government operations in addition to thousands of federal workers, it’s been proven to be an effective political weapon used by Republicans when in power. It’s a reckless weapon that tells the American public, “I don’t care about the national consequences as long as I get what I want.” Today, refusing to increase the debt ceiling is the latest weapon used for political gain. In 2013, it would have been inconceivable for members of Congress to allow the nation to default or even come close. Ten years later, our politics have progress to toward the point of self-destruction where too many members of Congress are willing to let the nation default on its debt thereby forcing a global economic catastrophe. It makes no sense to the rational person, and it makes no sense to our allies around the world.  More than half of the world’s foreign currency reserves are held in U.S. dollars, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, and many nations look to Treasury bonds to safeguard their own economies and guard against drowning in debt. “I just cannot believe they would let such a major, major disaster happen of the United States defaulting on its debt,” European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde told CBS News. “This is not possible. I cannot believe this would happen.” As President Biden and House Speaker came to an agreement only days before the June 5 hard deadline, our international reputation was already damaged. The mere fact that a U.S. default is being talked about is enough to unsettle markets worldwide, experts say. Our allies have every right to question our economic leadership and our ability to defend our national security interest when listening to MAGA officials like U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz. Leading up to the June deadline, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz confirmed how House Republicans view the debt ceiling standoff as a hostage taking situation they can exploit to advance their political agenda. Gaetz told reporters, “my conservative colleagues for the most part support Limit, Save, Grow, and they don’t feel like we should negotiate with our hostage.” The deep cuts associated with the Limit, Save, Grow Act passed in a party-line vote, ironically hurts their MAGA constituents just as much as those who would be considered constituents of liberals lawmakers or just “others”. The default crisis of 2023 is a manufactured crisis just as the government shutdowns of 2013 and 2018. Rep. Jim Jordan was among the House members pressuring Speaker McCarty to hold the line even if it means default. What is extremely disturbing is how middle and low income MAGA voters refuse to protect their own self-interests by blindly supporting Republican officials who are targeting Social Security, Medicare and other entitlement programs. Those same MAGA voters will never see the benefits from tax cuts for the wealthy. 2023 was too close for comfort in regards to the debt ceiling crisis. What will happen the next time we are faced with raising the debt ceiling? Will Republicans retake their 2023 hostage and the hostage gets destroyed? In 2013. The AFLCIO, Chamber of Commerce and the United Way showed that groups who are typically on opposing sides can see the risk of default and stand together. As the world is watching, America still has time to fix this.

(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America. He can be reached at www.davidwmarshallauthor.com.)

By using the Jim Crow card. This is done by asserting that America is returning to its racist roots, and the NAACP warned people that Missouri passed a Jim Crow law that permits legal discrimination.

J. Pharoah Doss

Check It Out

In addition, the NAACP provided a list of rare occurrences of racism as well as statistics about racial disparities. Although these issues had nothing to do with Senate Bill 43, they were included in the travel warning in order to generate moral outrage against the state.

Apparently, the NAACP’s travel warning was a new tactic first tested in Missouri. There is no problem with this tactic in and of itself. It’s the Jim Crow card attached that makes it disingenuous.

Recently, the NAACP issued its second travel warning against Florida. The official travel warning’s opening sentence insists that “the state of Florida has engaged in an all-out attack on Black Americans.”

Now, it’s important to note that the NAACP did not issue a travel warning when Florida became the first state to implement a stand-your-ground law, nor did it issue a travel warning when Travon Martin was fatally shot by a neighborhood watch patrolman in Sanford, Florida.

So, what exactly is the all-out attack on Black Americans that should concern travelers? The official travel warning stated that Governor Ron DeSantis has signed various controversial anti-civil rights measures into law.

Here are three measures the NAACP labeled anti-civil rights.

1). The Combating Violence, Disorder, and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act: This bill created new criminal offenses and increased

penalties for individuals who target law enforcement and participate in disorderly or violent assemblies.

2). The Stop Woke Act: This bill was enacted to prevent negative racial indoctrination in the workplace and public schools. Under this bill, unlawful discrimination is: (a) stating that a member of one race, national origin, or sex is superior to another race, national origin, or sex. (b) Stating that the status of privilege or oppressed is determined by race, national origin, or sex. (c) Insisting that a person, by their race, national origin, or sex, should be discriminated against to achieve diversity, equity, or inclusion.

3). The Constitutional Carry Act: This law strengthens the Second Amendment throughout the state by allowing Florida residents to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit.

As a left-leaning political interest group, it was expected that the NAACP would oppose these policy measures.

However, the travel warning uses the Jim Crow card again.

It states that Florida has criminalized protesting, restricted the ability of educators to teach African American history, and engaged in a blatant war against diversity and inclusion. It also stated that Florida devalues minorities.

This time, the travel warning issued by the NAACP was not only a strategy to arouse moral outrage toward the state; Leon Russell, the chair of the Board of Directors of the NAACP, stated that it was also a call to action against oppressive legislation and that it serves as a tool to mobilize voters.

The NAACP has a long and illustrious history of successfully rallying people, but playing the Jim Crow card in conjunction with their travel warning is hardly one of their more dignified moments.

Celebrating 20 years of upholding a tradition as ‘The Voice Of Black America’

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - “Show me a person who is full of prejudice, and I will show you a sick, unhappy, fearful individual who is not going anywhere and who is not growing. People don’t shut other people out; they fence themselves in.” – Whitney M. Young, Jr.

It was 20 years ago this week that I humbly assumed the responsibilities of leadership of the National Urban League -- one of which is the honor to author this very column, To Be Equal, established by the esteemed Whitney M. Young, Jr.

The column shares its name and takes its inspiration from Young’s first fulllength book, published on New Year’s Day, 1964, in the wake of what Young called “the year of the Negro Revolution,” a year that saw thousands of children, marching through Birmingham, Alabama, attacked by police dogs and blasted with firehoses; the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in in Jackson, Mississippi; Gov. George W. Wallace’s Stand in the Schoolhouse Door at the University of Alabama, the assassination of Medgar Evers, the March on Washington for Jobs and Justice, and the deadly bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church.

The first To Be Equal column to be published in New York’s Amsterdam News was headlined, “How Much Are Negroes Worth?” Young recounted his conversation with “a middle-aged White housewife” who declared she harbored

H. Morial

To Be Equal

no prejudice against Black Americans but could not comprehend the push to desegregate schools. “Her arguments against school integration, it turned out, were directed against sending her children to slum schools,” Young wrote. “But supposedly there is nothing wrong with sending Negro children to slum schools.”

The last To Be Equal column published under Young’s byline ran three weeks after his tragic March 11. 1971 drowning in Nigeria and consisted of excerpts of his various speeches. The last column he authored, also published after his death and headlined “Old Story, New Beginning,” concerned his efforts as part of a special commission tasked with updating the recommendations of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission.

“The Kerner report’s sound recommendations have been ignored, and concerned citizens are going to have to put some muscle into their principles if this nation is to survive,” Young wrote.

“The Kerner Commission recommended, among other things, greater concern by private citizens, and it’s good to note that at a time when many private groups are simply throwing up their hands and refusing to become involved, at least one national organization has devised an imaginative new program.

That national organization was the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the imaginative new program was the National Committee for Commitment to Brotherhood, formed to support the work of the National Urban League, NAACP, and Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

The first To Be Equal to be published after Young’s death was authored by Harold R. Sims, who served as the National Urban League’s acting executive director until the appointment of Vernon E. Jordan. Appropriately, it was a tribute to Young headlined “Nation Mourns A Great Leader.”

“Whitney Young was a man who transcended the boundaries of race, nationality, and ideology,” Sims wrote.

“He was a man who formed a human bridge between the rich and the poor, the White and the Black, the conservative and the liberal. Labels simply don’t apply to such a universal man.”

Each of Young’s successors has continued to publish To Be Equal, and it has been my honor to uphold the tradition as he intended it to be, “the voice of Black America.”

For Black America: Mixed bag on jobs and economics

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - President Joe Biden and members of Congress signed a bill into law last week that lifted the ceiling in the federal debt that will keep the government running.

The debt ceiling deal with the Republicans in Congress was seen as a major victory for the President that came the same week the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Employers posted 339,000 new jobs for May.

But, while unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent across the US, the unemployment rate for African Americans rose to a new high of 5.6 percent in May.

One of the reasons why the Urban League and African American economist aren’t sounding big alarms is because the unemployment rate for people of color looks like a heart monitor at times.

In April, the unemployment rate for Black Americans fell below 5 percent for the first time ever.  Four years ago, May of 2020, the rate peaked at 16.8 percent.

“The decline in the unemployment

Hamil Harris

Commentary

rate among Blacks in April was shortlived. As the overall unemployment rose, we see, yet again, the black population become disproportionately impacted,” said LaTanya Brown-Robertson, Professor of Economics at Howard University.

“As many labor economists have pointed out in the past, this increase in the Black unemployment rate is based upon structural factors that have continuously plagued the Black community, which are connected to lower levels of education and systemic racism,” Brown-Robertson added. But President Biden remains optimistic.

“The American people got what they needed… We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse,” said Biden during his address from the Oval Office last week.

The bill passed the Senate by a 63-36 margin Thursday evening, winning enough support to avoid a filibuster. On Wednesday, the bill passed the House, 314-117.

Dr. Bernard Anderson, Senior Economic Adviser for the National Urban League said last week, “The BlackWhite employment disparity remained close to the persistent 2-1 ratio, with the Black unemployment rate at 6.2 percent and the White rate at 3.2 percent.

In a report, released by the National Urban League on June 2nd, Anderson said “In order to reduce racial disparities in employment and income, it’s necessary to increase funding for post-secondary education and workforce development that will help unlock job opportunities for Black and Latino workers in higher skilled, higher paid, less cyclical occupations.”

Marc

TREASURER’S SALE SALE BY THE TREASURER OF THE CITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH OF REAL ESTATE TO SATISFY UNPAID CLAIMS FOR CITY, SCHOOL AND ALLEGHENY COUNTY TAXES TO BE HELD

ON FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023 AT 10:00 A.M.

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 171 of 1984, approved by the Governor October 11, 1984, of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which in part authorizes and empowers the City Treasurer of cities of the second class to sell, at public sale, lands or real estate upon which the taxes assessed and levied by the City or School District or Allegheny County are delinquent and unpaid; this Act is known as the Second Class City Treasurer’s Sale and Collection Act. The following properties in the City of Pittsburgh will be exposed to public sale in City Council Chambers, City-County Building 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. and continued by adjournment to such time or times, as the City Treasurer shall designate such properties shall be sold for unpaid taxes which have been assessed against said properties. The following schedule shows (opposite each numbered property or properties) the City, School and County taxes for 2022 and prior years as well as PWSA, demolition, and other municipal charges which are unpaid but does not include advertising, posting and lien charges all of which are legally due and must be paid prior to the above date and time of sale in order to avoid sale. Names shown are those of owners, lienholders, or other known interested parties who may retain a legal interest in the property described. Said Sale will be made without prejudice to any other liens or claims of the City, School District of Pittsburgh or County of Allegheny, for any other unpaid taxes, or other municipal charges and claims, whether liened or not, against the respective property which have been inadvertently omitted and not included herein.

TERMS OF SALE: As soon as the property is struck down, the purchaser shall:

(1) Immediately pay the advertised amount by cashier/certified check or cash set forth opposite the particular property sold. Payment must be in cash, certified check or cashier’s check.

(2) Any amount bid in excess of the upset price must be received in the Department of Finance on or before 2:00 P.M. the day of sale. Funds to be paid by cash, certified check or cashier’s check.

(3) Pay any and all other City, School and County tax claims and municipal charges and claims, whether liened or not, together with any penalty and interest, advertising cost, posting cost and County Department of Court Records’ costs owed against the property purchased upon demand after the sale.

(4) Failure to comply with item 3 will result in the initial payment being forfeited and the sale being canceled.

For information call the Office of the City Treasurer, City of Pittsburgh, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Phone: (412) 255-2525

Jennifer Gula, Treasurer, City and School District of Pittsburgh

ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

The City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget will accept comments on a draft of the 2023 Annual Action Plan from Thursday, June 15 until Friday, July 14. The Annual Action Plan describes how funds from four federal grant programs (Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) will be spent throughout the City. The document will be available to view at https://pittsburghpa.gov/omb/ community-development-documents. Comments will be accepted via email at community.development@ pittsburghpa.gov. Written comments can be mailed to: Kelly Russel, Office of Management and Budget, 414 Grant Street STE 501, Pittsburgh PA 15219. You may also leave a message or voicemail with AJ Stephens at 412-255-2213

PUBLIC NOTICE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

The Professional Services Committee of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority will hold a special meeting for general purposes on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. prevailing time, in the Trefz Board Room at its offices located at 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233. Official action on the Committee’s recommendations will take place at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors at a later date. The public may view the meeting via livestream by visiting www.alcosan.org.

CLAIM...............$23,758.88

32. KIRSCHMANN BRENT A & TROY JANUARIE L JANUARIE L KIRSCHMANN - 1190004N00106 00. KUHN ST, WM DILWORTH EXTRS PLAN 212 LOT 25X104 KUHN ST 1 STY ALUM SDG & STN HSE #12 A P NORTON PLAN 211 LOT 25X102 KUHN ST

PARTIAL CLAIM...............$39,394.64

TWENTIETH WARD

34.

CLAIM...............$21,395.52

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

NOTICE

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., in Council Chambers, 537 Bayne Ave., Bellevue, PA, Bellevue Borough’s Zoning Hearing Board shall hold a Public Hearing re: Application of Oliverio, seeking Special Exception approval, per Tri-Borough Zoning Ord. §2000-405 & Ord. No. 18-05, to use the property at 545 Teece Ave. as a Short-term Rental unit. The Application may be viewed during normal business hours at the Borough Offices.

Thomas P. McDermott, Solicitor Bellevue Borough ZHB

NOTICE OF SCHEDULED

QUARTERLY MEETING

(Pursuant to the Act of July 19, 1994, P.L. #386, 65 P.S. 261)

THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH-EQUIPMENT

LEASING AUTHORITY

BOARD MEETING SHALL BE HELD ON:

Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 2:00 P.M.

CITY COUNTY BUILDING, ROOM 646 (THE LEARNING LAB) PITTSBURGH, PA 15219

This meeting is open to the public to participate in person or via conference call at the following number:

Call-in Number: 1-412-851-3584

Guest Passcode: 202 409 159#

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, and SEALED bids for the following prime contract bid with the Authority:

EXTERIOR STAIR CONSTRUCTION AND CONCRETE REPAIR

AT JOLLICK MANOR BUILDING F PROJECT

100 SOUTH FRANKLIN STREET, CRUMRINE TOWER

WASHINGTON, PA 15301

WCHA 2022-G3 CONTRACT

A/E PROJECT 2372

A certified check or bank draft payable to the Washington County Housing Authority; a US Government Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids will be received no later than 11:00 AM EDT, WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023 at the Washington County Housing Authority, 100 Crumrine Tower, Franklin Street, Washington, PA 15301 at which timethe bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by theHousing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days prior to the contract award.

A Non-Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held starting at 11:00 AM EDT, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2023 onsite at Jollick Manor, 100 South Franklin Street, Crumrine Tower, Washington, Pa 15301. Plans, specifications, and contract documents may be examined at these locations:

Bid Documents are being distributed, with twenty-four hour prior notice of pick-up, by Ditto (www.dittoplanroom.com)

1020 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, by phone (412) 231-7700.

All prime bidders are REQUIRED to buy the full set of plans and specifications. Contact Ditto for cost of plans and specifications. Free examination of said documents is available at the office of Canzian/Johnston & Associates LLC and Pennsylvania Builders Exchange.

Submit all required documents in a SEALED envelope clearly marked:

EXTERIOR STAIR CONSTRUCTION AND CONCRETE REPAIR AT JOLLICK MANOR BUILDING F PROJECT

The work to be performed under this contract is a Section 3 Project under Provisions of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, and must, to the greatest extent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, Washington County residents.Particular attention is directed to requirements of Executive Order 11246,11625 and 12138, as well as Section 3 requirements, as set forth in the Specifications.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids for any reason(s) what so ever and to waive informalities in the bidding process as the WCHA deems absolutely appropriate.

STANLEY P. SHOOK DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

The Allegheny County Airport Authority will be receiving scanned PDF proposals through Submittable, and a submission link will be sent to each registered plan holder. Submissions are to be submitted via Submittable by 1:00 p.m. prevailing local time on July 19, 2023, and bids will be opened by the Airport Authority and results will be emailed by end of business day of bid opening for the following project:

ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

PROJECT NUMBER 55G1-23 (GENERAL)

PROJECT NUMBER 55E3-23 (ELECTRICAL)

PROJECT NUMBER 55P1-23 (PLUMBING/FIRE PROTECTION)

PROJECT NUMBER 55M1-23 (MECHANICAL)

AIRSIDE RESTOOM RENOVATIONS

AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 a.m., on June 15, 2023, in Conference Room A at Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, Pittsburgh, PA 15231. All contractors that are interested in attending the site visit/walk through must pre-register through the Submittable platform at https://acaacapitalprograms.submittable.com

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, must be paid on these projects.

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

The non-refundable charge of $150.00 for the Bid Documents and the Plans, and Specifications through the bidding platform Submittable at https://acaacapitalprograms.submittable.com.

Please note that Submittable does not support Internet Explorer 11. Submittable recommends the following browsers: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PA UCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PA UCP web site: https://paucp.dbesystem.com/

The Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty [60] days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.

To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents visit www.flypittsburgh.com – ACAA Corporate – Business Opportunities or call 412-472-3677.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

The Allegheny County Airport Authority will be receiving scanned PDF proposals through Submittable, and a submission link will be sent to each registered plan holder. Submissions are to be submitted via Submittable by 1:00 p.m. prevailing local time on July 19, 2023, and bids will be opened by the Airport Authority and results will be emailed by end of business day of bid opening for the following project:

ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

PROJECT NUMBER 55G2-23 (GENERAL)

PROJECT NUMBER 55E2-23 (ELECTRICAL) AIRSIDE LIGHTING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS RENOVATIONS

AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

A pre-bid conference will be held at 1:00 p.m., on June 15, 2023 , in Conference Room A at Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, Pittsburgh, PA 15231. All contractors that are interested in attending the site visit/walk through must pre-register through the Submittable platform at https://acaacapitalprograms.submittable.com.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, must be paid on these projects.

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

The non-refundable charge of $150.00 for the Bid Documents and the Plans, and Specifications through the bidding platform Submittable at https://acaacapitalprograms.submittable.com.

Please note that Submittable does not support Internet Explorer 11. Submittable recommends the following browsers: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PA UCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PA UCP web site: https://paucp.dbesystem.com/

The Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty [60] days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.

To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents visit www.flypittsburgh.com – ACAA Corporate – Business Opportunities or call 412-472-3677.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY D.B.A. PRT

Electronic Proposals will be received online at PRT’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on June 20, 2023 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following:

Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)

Bid Number Bid Name 1 B23-05-32A Pantograph Carbon Strips 2 B23-05-33A Coach Replacement Parts - Brake Systems 3 B23-05-34A Bagged Rock Salt

4 B23-05-35A Oil, Fuel and Antifreeze Analysis Services

5 B23-05-36A 2011/2013 Coach Radiator Assemblies

6 B23-05-37A Cleaning of Oil/Water Separators

7 B23-05-38A Bus Build Inspector Services

To join the bid opening through Microsoft Teams meeting on your computer, mobile app or room device Meeting ID: 213 819 640 485

Passcode: rggNHb

Or call in (audio only)

(412)-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 469 259 920#

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

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 AM, May 31, 2023 through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conference.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Meeting ID: 222 614 872 718

Passcode: 7y64rB

Or call in (audio only)

(412) 927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 996 309 218#

Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the PRT within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing.

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

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

CCTV PIPE INSPECTION SERVICES

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

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

GAI Consultants, Inc. has been retained by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) to perform an inspection of twenty-seven (27) pipes in Bedford County. The inspection is anticipated to begin in either July or August 2023 and will continue for three (3) days. GAI will require the services of a qualified Contractor to CCTV inspection equipment, safety equipment, and maintenance and protection of traffic (MPT), as needed to perform the inspection services. No MPT on the PA Turnpike maintain is anticipated or permitted. GAI will receive sealed Bids from qualified Contractors until 11:00 a.m. Prevailing Time on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 600 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 400, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Complete bid packages may be obtained from GAI as requested by email. Questions should be directed to Trevor Schmidt, PE, by email at t.schmidt@gaiconsultants.com. The Contractor must provide evidence of their qualifications by referencing three separate pipe inspection contracts of similar size that they have provided CCTV inspection services within the last ten years. The Contractor must be able to provide inspection equipment, safety equipment, and other equipment in good working order, along with properly trained and competent equipment operators. The contractor must provide MPT in strict accordance with PTC PTS 915 – Short Term Standards. Weekend inspection work may be required. Bids will be opened at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023. Following approval by PTC and GAI, the contract will be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. GAI Consultants, Inc. reserves the right to reject any or all bids not in conformance with the bid requirements.

OFFICIAL EXAMINATION NOTICE

TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

Public notice is hereby given that the Civil Service Commission of the Township of Wilkins will be conducting an examination for a full-time police officer. Applications may be obtained at the Wilkins Township Building, 110 Peffer Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Applications may also be obtained at www. wilkinstownship.com (“How Do I” -> “Apply for a Job”-> “Police Officer Employment Application Packet”) the fully completed application form and all required documentation must be received via hand delivery or certified mail, return receipt requested, to Wilkins Township on or before June 30, 2023 at 4:30 P.M. Applications received after 4:30 P.M. on June 30, 2023 will not be considered. A physical agility test is scheduled at the Allegheny County Police Academy (North Park) on July 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM. For those who pass the physical agility test, a written test will be given immediately following at the Police Academy.

The following requirements shall apply to all applicants:

1. Verification that applicant is at least 21 years old at the time of application.

2. Verification of application for employment, including affirmation that the application is completed truthfully.

3. Photocopy of current, valid motor vehicle operators license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

4. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America

5. Verification that applicant has been certified to act immediately as an active police officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania based upon successful completion at the time of application of what is commonly referred to as Act 120 training.

6. A statement that the applicant is physically and mentally fit for police duty, as set forth in the Essential Duties of a Police Officer form included with the application.

7. Verification of high school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma (GED).

8. If applicant is requesting Veteran’s Preference under Pennsylvania law, proof of honorable discharge from military service.

9. Non refundable application fee in the amount of $55.00 to be paid at the time the application is picked up or requested from the Township.

10. The starting salary for a full time police officer in Wilkins Township is currently set at $51,334 for the first year, increasing over five years to $98,280.

11. Applicants who are finalists for the Eligibility List must undergo physical and psychological testing, background and credit investigation.

12. Successful applicants must serve a one (1) year probationary period.

13. A complete copy of the Township’s hiring policy, as set forth in its Civil Service Rules is available for inspection during regular business hours at the Wilkins Municipal Building.

Wilkins Township is an equal opportunity employer.

SENIOR DATA SPECIALIST.

The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Data Center in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Senior Data Specialist. This is a hybrid office-based/ work-from-home position that will serve as a senior data specialist for federally funded single center and multicenter research projects. Duties include: (i) designing and maintaining case report forms and database structure based on clinical research and clinical trial protocols; (ii) data monitoring and reporting; and (iii) data processing and sharing in Standard Data Tabulation Model (SDTM) format; and (iv) data analysis and dissemination. Apply at https://join.pitt.edu, #23003881. Please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and salary requirements. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

PLANNING INTERN

($16 PER HOUR)

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Planning Intern to support Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) transit-oriented development, multimodal and station area planning, community engagement, best practice research, and other types of projects to advance Port Authority’s Transit-Oriented Communities work plan.

Essential Functions:

• Assists with various activities, including project development, research, analysis, and implementation.

• Assists with ongoing progress of transit-oriented development, station area plans, grant applications, and other place-based planning efforts.

•Assists with analysis and GIS work for transit-oriented development, multimodal planning, or other projects as needed.

• Assists with the review and preparation of public materials.

• Works with Port Authority staff to respond to requests for information.

Job requirements include:

• A college degree or be enrolled in a college degree program in planning, urban design, architecture, information sciences, engineering, or a related field of study. A master’s candidate is preferred.

• Ability to use GIS software, Microsoft software, and the internet.

• Ability to conduct thorough and organized research.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision.

Preferred attributes:

• Experience in transportation planning, urban planning, community engagement, engineering, or real estate.

• Ability to use Adobe Creative Cloud software.

TECHNOLOGY ENGINEER SENIOR

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Technology Engineer Senior in Pittsburgh, PA to participate in all aspects of PNC’s Information Technology activities for ALM, Capital Markets, Finance and Risk. Position allows for the ability to work from home three days a week with the appropriate telecommuting systems, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. Specific duties include:

(i) perform maintenance, including installation of patches and upgrades for Axiom Controller View software; (ii) monitor, maintain, and support systems and software to ensure stability and compliance with technology standards; (iii) incident detection, resolution escalation, and root cause analysis and correction resulting in prevention; (iv) develop software components and hardware for technology projects and align these with business strategies and objectives; (v) develop in-depth knowledge of supported systems and applications; (vi) submit certificate renewals, vulnerability remediation, and responses to Axiom user inquiries; (vii) monitor systems availability, performance, and capacity against baseline metrics and reports; (viii) develop complex SQL queries in Oracle database and scripts to extract, aggregate and analyze data; (ix) work within the Banking domain for Risk Regulatory Reports; (x) develop and maintain applications with Informatica, Oracle database, SQL, and PL-SQL and OBIEE reporting; (xi) work with AXIOM Controller View and OFSAA for regulatory reporting; (xii) work with data movement or data warehousing concepts; (xiii) work in an Agile software development environment; and (xiv) work with enterprise change management or release management.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Director of Procurement to plan, direct, manage, oversee the acquisition activities and operations of the Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Procurement including Contract Administration and; review regulations and develop related policies and procedures; ensure processes are in compliance with applicable regulations, implement creative and innovative process improvements to optimize functions and services of the department in support of agency needs and initiatives, coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; act as the primary administrator of the company purchasing card program (P-Card); provide highly responsible and complex support to Chief Innovation Officer.

Essential Functions:

MULTI IT RELATED POSITIONS

W/ NATIONAL PLACEMENT

OUT OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA.

Must be able to relo to multi unanticipated sites when req’d.

All deg’s & exp must be in either Comps, Info Sys, Eng’g, Mgmt, Bus or IT rel’d field. Any suitable combo of edu, training or exp is acceptable. See below for req’d skills for each job:

Jr Software Developers: Salary $84,614/yr. Req’s Bachelor’s & 1yr of exp only.

(HADOOP): Must have skills in Hadoop;

Hive; Spark & HDFS. Ref# JHAD–1022-GLX;

(.NET): Must have skills in either

.NET; VB.NET or ASP.NET. Ref#

JNET– 1022-GLX;

(JAVA): Must have skills in Java;

J2EE; Oracle; XML & PL/SQL.

Ref# JJAV–1022-GLX; (WORKDAY): Must have skills in Workday; Workday Studio; XML; XSLT; SQL; EIB & Core Connectors. Ref# JWKD–1022-GLX;

(SAP): Must have skills in either

BASIS, HANA, ECC, CRM & PI or PO. Ref# JSAP–1022-GLX;

Software Developers: Salary

$117,957/yr. Req’s Bachelor’s & 5yrs of exp OR MS & 1yr of Exp.

(HADOOP): Must have skills in Hadoop; Hive; Spark and HDFS. Ref# HAD–1022-GLX

(.NET): Must have skills in either

.NET; VB.NET or ASP.NET. Ref#

NET– 1022-GLX

(JAVA): Must have skills in Java; J2EE; Oracle; XML and PL/SQL.

Ref# JAV–1022-GLX

(WORKDAY): Must have skills in Workday; Workday Studio; XML; XSLT; SQL; EIB & Core Connectors.

Ref# WKD–1022-GLX

(SAP): Must have skills in either BASIS, HANA, ECC, CRM & PI or PO. Ref# SAP–1022-GLX

All post’ns FT, perm 9-5, 40 hrs/wk. Please ref (Ref#) when applying for job & send resume to HR, GalaxEsystems Corporation, One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant St, Ste 4300, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or E-mail hr@galaxesystems.com. GalaxEsystems Corporation is an EOE M/F/V/D.

CHILDCARE WORKER PocFam LLC seeks a Childcare Worker at a Pittsburgh, PA (Squirrel Hill) residence. This position is responsible for (i) transporting children to and from day-to-day activities; (ii) preparing daily meals for the children that comply with the family’s dietary needs; (iii) organizing recreational and educational activities for children; (iv) performing light housekeeping and organizational duties; (v) caring for and feeding family pets; and (vi) providing tutoring in Brazilian Portuguese and integrating Brazilian culture into children’s everyday life. Must be fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and have their own vehicle and a clean driving record, certifications in Child and Baby CPR and First Aid, and be able to work overtime, including nights and weekends as needed.

Forward resumes to melissaweinbaum@gmail.com

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications, Computer Information Systems, MIS, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering plus 5 years of software development experience in a distributed environment using Oracle database, Axiom Controller View, and Oracle Financial Services Analytical Applications (OFSAA) tools is required. Must have experience with: (i) developing complex SQL queries and Unix scripts to extract and aggregate data; (ii) data analytics using SQL;

(iii) developing applications using Oracle database, Informatica, SQL and PL-SQL; (iv) Axiom Controller View and OFSAA for Regulatory Reporting; (v) data movement and data warehousing concepts including Data Extraction, Data Transformation, Slowly changing dimensions, and Data integrity; (vi) working in an Agile software development environment; (vii) working with enterprise release management; (viii) developing software components and hardware for technology projects and aligning these with business strategies and objectives; (ix) implementing Software Process improvement methodologies to achieve goals including increasing system throughput, reducing cost, and achieving higher product quality; and (x) collaborating with product, engineering, data science, and design team to define and implement requirements for backend services, components, and interfaces. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R136570. PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

ASSISTANT

TEACHING

PROFESSOR – GERMAN

The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of German seeks a Teaching Assistant Professor –German to teach/instruct undergraduate courses in German and related topics. This position is outside of the tenure stream and the primary responsibility is teaching, but duties may include student advising, 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, #22009041. Please upload a cover letter, statement of teaching and research interests, curriculum vitae, writing sample, at least three letters of recommendation, teaching evaluations and diversity statement. 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.

• Directs the implementation, evaluation and monitoring of contract administration activities for all procurements and purchasing, including: developing standard terms and conditions, directing the Request for Proposal/Qualification (RFP/RFQ) process of scope development, RFP/RFQ solicitation document preparation, and implementing the solicitation, evaluation, negotiation and award processes; and directing the contract administration activities of monitoring the status of agreements, validating compliance of invoices with the agreements, implementing change through development of amendments to agreements and performing agreement closeouts.

• Monitors effectiveness and efficiency of procurement and expediting activities to provide timely delivery of quality material, equipment, and services at a fair and reasonable cost to the PRT. Researches, evaluates, develops, and implements innovative process improvements to ensure that agency initiatives meet their procurement timelines.

• Monitors laws and regulations and coordinates with legal counsel to update and revise contracting procedures, P-Card administration, terms, and conditions pertaining to contracts to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Job requirements include:

• BA/BS Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Finance or directly related field from an accredited school. Related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in Procurement/ Contract Administration.

• Minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience.

• Professional and effective communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows and Office products. Preferred attributes:

• Certificate in Purchasing Management (CPM).

• Experience in PeopleSoft Purchasing software.

• Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft Excel.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Software Services Manager Senior in Pittsburgh, PA to lead the adoption of Agile and DevOps practices as part of the ACFR Strategy and Innovation Team. Specific duties include: (i) responsible for helping the ACFR technology organization modernize and continuously improve software development and delivery; (ii) working closely with business leaders, technology leaders, and software engineering teams across the Enterprise and helping to set the direction, helping to develop, and driving adoption of software engineering tools and Agile DevOps practices that speed up time to market while building in quality; (iii) developing an effective framework to help delivery teams adopt key Agile DevOps approaches including MVP design, test-driven development, behavior-driven development, pair programming, continuous integration, clean code, refactoring, quality engineering, and automated testing practices; (iv) leveraging knowledge and engineering expertise to identify process change opportunities, learning opportunities, and Enterprise toolset changes required to increase software quality, reduce cycle time, and sustainably increase product throughput; (v) analyzing and correlating data to drive insights that improve the ability for teams to deliver software solutions; (vi) working with innovation teams across the bank to continuously identify opportunities for new ways to work and solve problems; (vii) create and execute strategies to attract, retain, and continuously develop individuals; and (viii) responsible for driving innovation through the execution of prototypes, proof-of-technology projects, and other mechanisms that help identify new and better ways to deliver solutions.

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or Finance, plus eight (8) years of experience in application development and software delivery is required. Experience required with: (i) application of Agile principles and DevOps practices;

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and resume to:

Joe Sekely

Employment Department

345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527

JSekely@RidePRT.org

EOE

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP.

SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a Director of Communications

Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org

Applications must be received by 4:00 PM June 15, 2023, or until position is filled

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

Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527

MRamsey@RidePRT.org

(ii) organizational implementation of Agile, DevOps, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or SAFe for process improvement; (iii) implementing engineering tools, practices and techniques for application delivery, maintenance, and support; (iv) use of industry standard tools for agile transformation Jira, Hipchat, Git; (v) experience with end-to-end application delivery; (vi) five (5) years of experience with managing and working on/within the end-toend software delivery lifecycle, including product strategy and design, coding and testing, debugging, and support phases of application delivery, where Agile frameworks and DevOps practices were implemented; (vii) certification in Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Scrum Alliance Certified Product Owner (CSPO), or Scaled Agile SAFe 4 Certified Agilist; and (viii) Experience with cloud-native technologies and cloud computing concepts. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R136576. PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

SONNY BOY

CHAMPIONS FOREVER HITS ANOTHER HOME RUN!

The difficulty in talking about Willie “Pops” Stargell is where do you start... need you be reminded that he packed the power of 10 men in his 6’2,” 200-pound frame. Enough to be the first player in baseball history to hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium... the only human to do it twice, and the longest of the three men to do it (Mike Piazza and Mark McGwire), the multiple MVP awards, the seven time All-Star selections, the 475 home runs or the 1,540 RBIs. If Mr. Stargell had a say in it, he would most likely tell you to look at those stats secondly, and rather focus on the many charitable events and programs he offered.

The millions he raised for the Sickle Cell Foundation, the thousands he raised through the fundraising bowling tourna -

illustrated here. Among these awardees were Qiana Buckner, Paul Jones Sr., Mr. Ronnie Tanner, Duane Barber, the Vento Family, and Paul Seneca. (It should be noted that Carlton Perry was selected among 300 musicians and vocalists to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Music Hall.) The similarities between Willie and Connie Hawkins are both ironic and striking. The fact that they lived a block apart in Point Breeze all spoke of destiny to me and how I fit into the equation, a con -

world’s 50 greatest players of all-time, ABA legend and world champion, New York schoolyard legend, credited for taking the game airborne, and recognized by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest basketball player he’s ever seen. To which he also entrusted me with his namesake and thus the operation of the Connie Hawkins Pro/Am NCAA Summer Basketball League. Operating in Pittsburgh for 35 consecutive years, ranked top 10 summer leagues in the nation by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and noted in The Elite Heat in the Street book by Marquette Basketball Coach Al McGuire as a member of “The Elite Heat in the Street” top five leagues along with the L.A. Summer League, the D.C. Coalition League, the Detroit Summer Classic, and,

ments, the baseball clinics, public appearances, the complimentary tickets. And of course, leaving part of his legacy entrusted to me to continue the recognition of those people who help make Pittsburgh special via the Willie “Pops” Stargell Pittsburgh MVP Awards as

duit, if you will. Their enormous national and global history, their iconic status and recognition in their respective sports, and more than anything, their unbelievable humility and generosity. That being said, let’s be reminded of the Hawk being recognized as one of the

of course, the king of them all, Harlem Rucker League in New York. The stats from the league are immeasurable; 35 consecutive years, 500-1,000 people a night, hoop stars including Connie, Kenny Durrett, Dr. J., Norm Nixon, Lamman Rucker, Ron Carter, John

Marshall, Kirk Bruce, Charles Smith, Sam Chancy, Jason “White Chocolate” Williams, Jim McCoy, Bobby Franklin, Donny Wilson, Clyde Vaughan, Craig Prosser...all national champions, just to name a few. Over 500 players assisted into college, over 100 players

given pro opportunities, and thousands of youth served in the basketball camps. (Jennifer Bruce, arguably the greatest female player in Western Pa. history, was the namesake for the women’s division of the Connie Hawkins League.)

This year’s H.O.F. inductees included Carl

PICK YOUR POISON

Grinage, James Middletown, Nate Newsome, Gene Gross, Donny Wilson, Mike Nichols, Rudy Seneca, Steven “The Count” Reid, and Raymond Reid.

ANOTHER SLAM DUNK EVENT!

Steelers defense could be top-notch; lock up Highsmith first

The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to conclude their OTAs for the 2023 season. Now minicamp is looming and many of the naysayers are once again filling up their inkwells with the venom of negativity, attempting to sabotage and downplay the Steelers’ possibility of success for the 2023 NFL season. However, a few components must be in place for the Steelers to be competitive to win a division crown or compete for a wild card slot.

Let’s begin with continuity. Although there has been a major shakeup regarding the defensive backfield of the Black and Gold, those changes (at least on paper) seem to indicate that overall, the defensive secondary may be comprised of a closeto-perfect mix of veteran defensive backs and newcomers. My theory is if there is a tight-fitting and tight-knit secondary, there is a more-than-average possibility that Steel-

er outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith may be presented with the opportunity to put a few more sack notches on their belts. Will opposing offensive coordinators double-team both Watt and Highsmith? Theoretically, because of that strategy someone along the defensive line or a defensive back in one of the Steelers’ blitz packages will be freed up because it is almost numerically impossible to double-team both outside linebackers and expect the QB to remain in good spirits and good health.

If the Steelers’ D-line applies sufficient pressure, that may also provide the linebacking corps with additional opportunities into pressuring opposing quarterbacks into prematurely releasing the football resulting in errant throws, incompletions, and interceptions as well as resulting in multiple offensive series resulting in three-and-outs that will ultimately provide

more opportunities for the Steeler offense.

What strategies will opposing offensive coordinators use in attempts to neutralize the 2023 version of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Big Nasty D?” Will they keep extra blockers in to face what now is a legitimate threat from both the left and right outside linebacker positions?

Will they attack what many analysts believe might be a mostly weakened Steelers secondary because of adding a few inexperienced and untested faces during the offseason? Finally, will opposing offenses as they have in the past several years run the ball straight at the

Black and Gold testing the Steelers’ run defense? Does the current Steeler defense have the moxie to prove that they can be run-stoppers that mirror the great Steeler defenses of the past? Do the Steelers have enough quality players to be promoted to the first chair and step up if any of the first-teamers go down with a long-term significant injury? Two of the main problems that the Steelers must address are fourth-quarter collapses defensively, and tortoise-like starts offensively. The Steelers’ offense must sustain drives so that the defense can be well-rested in order to continue bringing the offense back on the field….. you dig.

Getting back to Alex Highsmith; it has been proven that Watt is far less effective when there is not another body bringing pressure from the opposite side. There must be a physical and mental synergy between players for any tandem in any sport

to become and remain successful. A franchise cannot always compensate players equally but must find the means to pay other performers on their roster equitably. Watt and Dupree had achieved success because they were connected to and adjusted to the styles of each other. Maybe someone in the administrative hierarchy of the Black and Gold incorrectly surmised that when the fiscal smoke cleared, Bud Dupree could be the odd man out. When the production of Watt declined after the departure of Dupree, the Steelers found out posthaste that two linebackers performing together were far more effective than one.

Now, offenses could double-team T.J. Watt with ease with little or no consequences. T.J. Watt got paid, deservedly so, but the Steelers’ front seven paid the price of losing Dupree as well.

Steelers Digest Assistant Editor and writer Teresa Varley posted this

quote from former Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree on Twitter on October 5, 2020. “T.J. is my dog. He is a hard worker on and off the field. He is a great person to be around, a great person to exchange and pick brains.”

Watt and Dupree depended on the excellence of one another and both players performed well beyond expectations.

T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are beginning to establish their own chemistry and if I were management, I would find a way to sign a multi-year contract with Highsmith, not some sort of weak one-year deal while the Steelers develop younger prospects to pair with Watt because this is the NFL, not a Triple-A baseball franchise developing and grooming players for trade, sale or players to be named later.

CARLTON PERRY

DIONNA WESTAY SHAWN HAWKINS