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JUNE 9-15, 2021

ZAPPALA UNDER FIRE DA orders no plea deals to Black attorney or his clients — Community in an uproar

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

A verbal battle between local Black attorney Milton Raiford and Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. has turned into a firestorm for Zappala that’s hotter than Pittsburgh’s recent heat wave.

Black Political Empowerment Project Chairman and CEO Tim Stevens wants Zappala to resign or be removed from his post.

So does State Rep. Summer Lee, whose legislative district includes parts of the Mon Valley.

State Rep. Ed Gainey, who is also the Democratic nominee for mayor of Pittsburgh, demands that Zappala apologize for his actions and “open his office to any investigation into this matter to preserve public

confidence in the conduct of office.”

The Tribune-Review published a story on June 2 which revealed that Zappala, through an email sent on May 18, had ordered all of his deputy prosecutors not to offer plea deals to Raiford or any of his clients. Raiford, on May 13, five days prior to Zappala’s email, pulled no punches on his thoughts that the DA’s office was “systematically racist.” He also said the criminal justice system is systematically racist, and that there’s systemic racism entrenched in Pitts- ALLEGHENY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY STEPHEN ZAPPALA JR., the longtime DA whose resignation is now being called for by, burgh. Raiford made the among others, Black Political Empowerment Project Chairman and CEO Tim Stevens, and Rep. Summer Lee. on-the-record comments while in the courtroom of Common Pleas Judge An“Who does Mr. Zappala think he is to outright prejudice every client of an attorney who had the thony Mariani.

“I just want to say that nerve to simply share his honest feelings about justice in Allegheny County?” it is very disheartening

TIM STEVENS Chairman and CEO, Black Political Empowerment Project

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NO. 107! James Nathan Williams Jr. passes Loved politics, helped created Coraopolis NAACP

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DORIS CURRY, in the photo above, celebrated her 107th... that’s right, 107th birthday on June 1! The party was held at Seneca Manor in Verona. See more photos on Page A7.

(Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)

James Nathan Williams Jr., also known as “Jimmy,” died on Sunday, June 6, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned. He was 71.

Williams was born on June 17, 1949, in Sewickley, the eldest son of the late James Nathan and Velma (Rucker) Williams.

Williams grew up in Coraopolis and graduated from Coraopolis High School in 1967. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he completed his course work for a graduated degree in Public Administration.

According to an obituary, Williams loved politics and served as constable under the late Fred Trello and ran for the office of Representatives of the Pa. State House. In the late 1970s, Williams helped to create the Coraopolis Chapter of the NAACP. Williams served his country for more than 26 years SEE WILLIAMS JR. A4

JAMES NATHAN WILLIAMS JR. died on June 6 at age 71.

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ZAPPALA UNDER FIRE

TIM STEVENS, shown at the podium in the photo above, during a press conference, June 3, about Allegheny County DA Stephen Zappala Jr.: “The last thing we need in Allegheny County is have a callous District Attorney telling his staff to practice prejudicial behavior against every client of African American attorney Milton Raiford, or any attorney for that matter....It is truly time for another individual to sit in the Office of the District Attorney for Allegheny County. It is time for Mr. Zappala to resign.”

ZAPPALA FROM A1

that in this county, that we had no comment from the district attorney’s office, no comment from our administrative judge at this division, no comment from the supreme court, who seems like they are totally ignoring which way the wind is blowing nationally, that all of these people are being shot for nothing, all of these people are dying for nothing,” Raiford said, according to court transcripts, first reported by the Tribune-Review. “And we’re trying to get back to normal.”

Many in Pittsburgh’s Black community were taken aback, appalled by Zappala’s actions in response to Raiford’s comments, saying that Zappala abused his power as District Attorney. If Zappala was offended by Raiford’s comments personally, those like Stevens couldn’t believe that Zappala would take actions that could legally hurt Raiford’s clients.

“Are you kidding me?”

Stevens said at a press conference in the Hill District, June 3. “Who does Mr. Zappala think he is to outright prejudice every client of an attorney who had the nerve to simply share his honest feelings about justice in Allegheny County?... Our understanding is that Mr. Raiford had been asking for weeks and months, before making his comments, to meet with DA Zappala to share his concerns, but never received a response. Maybe showing such disrespect of an African American attorney who has served clients for many years throughout Western Pennsylvania says something about Mr. Zappala.”

Zappala said via a statement on June 3 that Raiford had “misrepresented to the court a plea offered by another Assistant District Attorney to one of his clients in another case” by saying a plea offer by the DA’s office of 4-8 years for a marijuana charge was excessive. However, Zap-

pala said that particular case also involved weapons charges against the defendant, “which the attorney (Raiford) did not disclose to the court.”

Zappala’s statement concluded: “In order to ensure that this office makes consistent, evidence-based decisions, and avoid false claims of racism against this Office and its Assistant District Attorneys, I took seriously that attorney’s stated desire not to accept plea offers, and directed my Deputy District Attorneys to memorialize any plea discussions with this attorney and not to offer pleas to that attorney without approval from the front office.”

Still, those like the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania weren’t buying what Zappala was selling.

“It is unethical for a DA to order a blanket ban on offering plea deals to an individual attorney’s clients.

It’s also a violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

If true, these allegations are deeply disturbing,” the

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ACLU of Pa.’s executive director, Reggie Shuford, said in a statement. “District attorneys are some of the most powerful people in the criminal legal system. They have the power to determine what charges are filed against an individual and what criminal proceedings stem from those charges.

The allegation that DA Zappala instructed his subordinates to outright refuse to offer plea deals to clients of an attorney who criticized the DA’s office underscores that vast power. Indeed, retaliating against an attorney who complains about racism in the DA’s office by refusing to offer plea agreements to his clients is itself arguably evidence of bias.

We call for full accountability for Mr. Zappala and his office and a swift and comprehensive investigation into these allegations by the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and Attorney General Josh Shapiro.”

Elizabeth Hughes, president of the Allegheny County Bar Association, said in a statement that the organization was “disheartened to learn of the alleged e-mail communication issued by Allegheny County District Attorney, Stephen Zappala,

to his deputy prosecutors, directing them to refuse to offer any plea deals to clients of a specific attorney who expressed dissatisfaction with the District Attorney’s office and the criminal justice system.

This alleged missive from the District Attorney undermines access to justice and interferes with the rights guaranteed to crim-

inal defendants under the Sixth Amendment by effectively negating these particular clients’ right to counsel. Should these instructions from District Attorney Zappala be carried out, this would be unethical and retaliatory to criminal defendants based on ideological differences between SEE ZAPPALA A3

“District attorneys are some of the most powerful people in the criminal legal system. They have the power to determine what charges are filed against an individual and what criminal proceedings stem from those charges. The allegation that DA Zappala instructed his subordinates to outright refuse to offer plea deals to clients of an attorney who criticized the DA’s office underscores that vast power. Indeed, retaliating against an attorney who complains about racism in the DA’s office by refusing to offer plea agreements to his clients is itself arguably evidence of bias.”

REGGIE SHUFORD Executive Director, ACLU of Pa.

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DA Zappala orders no plea deals to Black attorney or his clients — Community in an uproar ZAPPALA FROM A2

the District Attorney and their defense counsel. Such a response by the District Attorney only operates to promote unequal treatment in the criminal justice system. The purpose of the Office of the District Attorney is to serve the people of this Commonwealth. The ACBA stands against any action that unfairly weighs the scales of justice or deprives any individual of rights guaranteed to all of us under the Constitution.”

On Monday, June 7, Zappala released an “amended” policy regarding plea offers.

“If any attorney or unrepresented defendant raises concerns that the plea offer is treating the defendant differently because of the defendant’s protected status, then the Assistant District Attorney shall obtain all facts upon which the attorney or defendant relies in making the assertion, including any cases that the attorney or defendant allege are comparable to the defendant’s case.” Zappala then said the Assistant DA would investigate the facts, and, if necessary, bring the matter to the attention of their supervising Deputy DA or Zappala’s office for aid in the investigation and input on the appropriate plea offer.

Zappala saw his first real competition for the DA’s seat in the 2019 election, when Turahn Jenkins, an African American, ran against him. Jenkins, who was formerly the chief deputy director for the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office, lost the election, 59 to 41 percent, but some in Pittsburgh’s Black community praised Jenkins for getting that high of a per-

centage in a county that’s just 14 percent Black, and against a White person who held the office for 20 years.

A year prior to that election, Zappala had been criticized for his office’s handling of the prosecution of former East Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld, who shot and killed 17-year-old Black teen Antwon Rose II as Rose was MILTON RAIFORD, the longtime Pittsburgh attorney who called the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office “systematically racist.” running away from the (Photo courtesy WTAE-TV) officer. Rosfeld was found not guilty on all charges in March 2019.

Who knows how this latest controversy surrounding Zappala could affect his future as Allegheny County District Attorney. If it were up to Stevens, the B-PEP Chairman and CEO, however, Zappala would be out.

“The last thing we need in Allegheny County is have a callous District Attorney telling his staff to practice prejudicial behavior against every client of African American attorney Milton Raiford, or any attorney for that matter,” Stevens said, June 3. “All one has to do is to review the percentage of Black residents who reside in Allegheny County, to consider that there just might be some problems with the justice system of Allegheny County. For the District Attorney to potentially ‘pile on’ to these horrible statistics by not allowing any of Mr. Raiford’s clients to ever qualify for a so-called ‘plea deal’ has to be some form of District Attorney misconduct. His behavior is callous, unethical and prejudicial. It is truly time for another individual to sit in the Office of the District Attorney for Allegheny County. It is time for Mr. Zappala to resign.”

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TERINA HICKS, right, is the owner of CobblerWorld, one of many Black-owned restaurants and eateries in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh’s first ‘Black Restaurant Week’ happening now until June 13

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

The first “Pittsburgh Black Restaurant Week” is in full swing, and there are a number of Black-owned eateries that are participating in the promotion.

9 Cafe, CobblerWorld, Soil Sisters Plant Nursery, Uncle Rick’s Smokehouse, Veggies N’at, Soul & Sea, Shells Sweets & Treats, Good Eats, Blanket and Board, Casa Brasil, iEatClean Meal Prep Services, and Dirty Birds Chicken are the businesses involved in this inaugural effort to spotlight Blackowned restaurants. Pittsburgh is one of 15 areas where a “Black Restaurant Week” is being held. Other places include New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, the D.C. area, and even Toronto, Canada.

Black Restaurant Week was started in 2016 in Houston, Texas, by Warren Luckett, with co-founders Falayn Ferrell and Derek Robinson. The name of the organization, Black Restaurant Week, LLC, has supported nearly 700 Black-owned restaurants throughout the country.

In Houston, the trio would attend the city’s popular “Houston Restaurant Week” but, Ferrell told the New Pittsburgh Courier that “we did see a lack of presence from restaurants in our community” at the event. “We saw an opening and a need to highlight the Black culinary community.”

It’s already tough for Black-owned restaurants to keep their financial heads above water—when the COVID pandemic hit, however, many Black businesses across the country closed for good. Thus, now, more than ever, Ferrell said it’s important for her

to do whatever possible to put Black-owned businesses at the forefront.

The aforementioned Black-owned eateries in Pittsburgh are getting a push this week via digital channels, and their business will be listed on Blackrestaurantweeks. com so that more customers across the country will know about them if they happen to travel to Pittsburgh. Ferrell said that she expects more Black restaurants in Pittsburgh to be on board by next year.

Black Restaurant Week, LLC, also has a non-profit arm, named the Feed The Soul Foundation, which

$10,000. Ferrell said the businesses were mostly interested in business expansion, standard operating procedures, menu consultation, advertising and marketing assistance, and financial literacy. She said they also expressed a dire need in two areas; access to capital and expert guidance on how to scale their businesses.

“A lot of them start a restaurant based off of passion, but they’re starting with limited resources or knowledge,” Ferrell told the Courier. “For a lot of them, Black Restaurant Week is the first time they’ve been part of a ma-

“UNCLE RICK” from Uncle Rick’s Smokehouse. provides financial support and other resources to Black-owned businesses. It was announced in May that the foundation awarded $250,000 to 25 businesses, including Fishnet in Baltimore, Soul Bowlz in San Jose, Meals from the Heart in New Orleans, and Bushwick Grind in Brooklyn.

Each business was granted

jor marketing campaign for their business.”

Pittsburgh Black Restaurant Week officially began June 4, and ends June 13. Ferrell said she hopes Pittsburghers of all ethnicities will financially support Black restaurants in Pittsburgh now and beyond June 13.

James Nathan Williams Jr. passes Loved politics, helped created Coraopolis NAACP WILLIAMS JR. FROM A1

with the Air National Guard as a Non-Commissioned Officer and retired in 1995 with the distinguished honor of being the first African American Senior Master Sergeant at the 171st Pennsylvania Air National Guard Greater Pittsburgh Airport.

Williams also served as a Deputy Sheriff for Allegheny County.

Williams dedicated years of service developing treatment programs to assist those with mental health and substance abuse issues within various hospitals and treatment centers in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He was executive director of the House of the Crossroads, and later served as Field Director for the Pittsburgh Coalition Against Substance Abuse.

He was affiliated with many organizations, in-

cluding the Air Force Sergeant Association, Board of Visitors at Robert Morris University, and the Association of American Society of Public Administration.

He was also the first African American member of the long-established civic organization AMEN Corner and remained a member of the FROGS organization, in Pittsburgh.

In 1988, Williams joined Bethel AME Church, in the Hill District. He served on the usher and trustee boards. He became chairman of the trustee board.

Williams enjoyed cooking and crafting his own recipes, golf and traveling, especially with his wife, Doris Carson Williams, to their yearly summer escape on Martha’s Vineyard.

Williams is survived by his wife, Doris Carson Williams, who is President and CEO of the African Ameri-

can Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania; son, James Nathan Williams III (Brooke); brother, Russell Eldon Williams (Kim); grandchildren, James Vaughn El B. Williams and Jade Marie B. Williams; and a host of relatives, friends and avid supporters.

The viewing for Williams will be held on Thursday, June 10, from 2 to 7 p.m., and Friday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 11, at 11 a.m. Both the viewing and funeral will take place at Bethel AME Church, 2720 Webster Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions and donations will be accepted at the church.

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This Week In Black History A Courier Staple 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.”

JUNE 10

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

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.

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.

1967—The United States Supreme Court ruled in Loving v. Virginia that Virginia’s law banning interracial marriages was unconstitutional. The decision was a death blow to similar laws throughout the South. However, Alabama did not officially remove its “anti-miscegenation” law from the books until 2000.

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.

JUNE 14

1811—White anti-slavery activist Harriet Beecher Stowe is born. Stowe was the author of one of the best-selling books of 1852—“Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

The book addressed the brutality of slavery and featured the character of “Uncle Tom”—a slave who, perhaps unfairly, came to symbolize the accommodating Black person who showed complete deference to Whites. The book was such an indictment of slavery that when President Abraham Lincoln met Stowe he remarked, “You’re the little woman who wrote the book that started this great [civil] war.”

1970—Cheryl Adrienne Brown wins the Miss Iowa pageant and becomes the first African-American to compete in the Miss America beauty pageant.

JUNE 15

1864—Gen. Ulysses S. Grant outfoxed Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee by switching an attack strategy from Cold Harbor to Petersburg, Va. The assault, spearheaded by Gen. Charles Paine, knocked a mile-wide hole in Lee’s defenses and resulted in the capture of hundreds of rebel soldiers and helped speed up the end of the Civil War. Several Black regiments were involved in the assault and siege. Grant would later become the 18th president of the United States and use his office to deal a series of crushing blows to the rapidly growing forces of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1870s.

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

1921—Bessie Coleman becomes the first woman of any race to obtain an international pilot’s license. But she had to leave the United States and study in France in order to accomplish her goal. She was barred from U.S. flight schools because of her race and her sex. Born in a small town called Atlanta, Texas, Coleman would move to Chicago where she was influenced by several prominent Blacks including Robert S. Abbott, publisher of the Chicago Defender. When she returned to the U.S. from France, Hollywood wanted to do a movie about her amazing feat. She walked off the set because she felt the film actually degraded Blacks. Coleman died in a plane accident April 30, 1926.

HEALTH

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

This month’s Take Charge of Your Health topic is about the awareness of STIs (also known as sexually transmitted infections). This topic is often taboo, but sexual health, much like mental health, must be understood if we are to be advocates for our own health.

You might be wondering why we’re calling them “sexually transmitted infections” instead of “sexually transmitted diseases.” Experts explain that identifying these health issues as infections is more accurate because it’s the infection that starts first; when an infection is left untreated, it may progress to a disease.

Knowledge is power, and when it comes to your health, being informed can only lead to better outcomes.

No one can ignore history when discussing STIs. As we have mentioned many times

STI Awareness in our articles, the U.S. Public Health Service Syphilis Study at Tuskegee was an abuse of the African American men in the study. The study was designed to observe what untreated syphilis does to the body. Although the men were told they were receiving treatment, they were not, even though penicillin was available and widely used at the time. The men were never informed of the true intent of the study and never consented to be left untreated for the infection. The men suffered, and some unknowingly passed the STI to other people.

When discussing infections and diseases, we must not forget history. But it’s important

to realize how far we have come in treating and preventing STIs/STDs. Now, rigorous safeguards have been put in place to prevent unethical practices in research studies, allowing everyone to receive appropriate treatment. These protections have helped improve the Black community’s trust of biomedical research. This trust has encouraged more people of color to participate in research studies.

Education plays a huge role in lowering STI rates, especially with our youths. Young men and women without educational resources often struggle with the issues regarding sexually transmitted

infections. Honest discussions about sexuality, STIs and preventions between young people and trusted adults can offset these disadvantages.

Though such conversations can be uncomfortable at any age, teaching our youths will increase the likelihood of them having healthier futures.

Sharing information about healthy sexuality helps strengthen the health of our community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, action items like abstinence, vaccination and using condoms are proven and effective ways to protect yourself and your partner.

You do not have to be alone in searching for prevention education. Reliable resources like the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Health Education office are able to share information and guide people in the

ESTHER L. BUSH

right direction. By learning more about STIs, you can take charge of your health.

Esther L. Bush, President and CEO Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

Preventing the spread of STIs in young adults According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reached an all-time high in 2018 among both females and males and all racial and ethnic groups (data about people who are nonbinary were not available). With the release of the first-ever STI National Strategic Plan in late 2020, the United States began a path toward preventing the spread of STIs and effectively treating them.

STIs are a significant public health concern. Left untreated, STIs can spread to greater numbers of people and can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, poor birth outcomes and an increased risk of getting HIV and certain cancers. People with STIs can experience stigma and discrimination, which can diminish their quality of life.

The number of diagnosed STIs has been rapidly rising in recent years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of combined cases of gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia was more than

2.4 million in 2018 and that half of these STIs are among youths.

Adolescents and young adults, men who have sex with men and pregnant women are disproportionately affected by STIs. Black, American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latinx communities also carry a greater burden of STIs. Ashley Hill, DrPH, MPH, assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health, studies the determinants of STIs in people ages 1524 and how to best support this population.

“I focus on this population because they carry a significant burden of STIs in the United States and also in Allegheny County,” says Dr. Hill. “Nationally and locally, that age group composes about 50% of all STIs each year. All STIs are preventable and most are treatable and can be caught early.”

Dr. Hill has examined the causes of young people’s greater risk for STIs and found that there ASHLEY HILL, DRPH, MPH

tegrating young people’s wants, needs and desires into the programs we’re pushing for,” she says. “We want to know what works for them, what their concerns are, what adults in their lives can do to support them and how to help them be heard.

We want to help provide actionable change that improves their lives.”

Currently, Dr. Hill and colleagues are also looking at the effects of sexual violence on STIs through research on Black women’s experiences of sexual misconduct at the University of Pittsburgh. They’re seeking to understand barriers to reporting such incidences and how Pitt can best support people who have had these experiences. The study—Black Women in Academia (BWA): Supporting Healing and Empowering—has implications for STIs because, if someone has experienced sexual misconduct or violence, that person could be at risk for an STI. Though more research is necessary, Dr. Hill says that STI

“I focus on this population because they carry a significant burden of STIs in the United States and also in Allegheny County. Nationally and locally, that age group composes about 50% of all STIs each year. All STIs are preventable and most are treatable and can be caught early.”

— ASHLEY HILL, DRPH, MPH are different factors that influence their sexual and reproductive health and their ability to make safe decisions and adopt healthy practices. Some of those factors include the inability to access health care or insurance, condoms or confidential screening for STIs. Structural racism in past and current health care settings and its effects on health care use and access are also factors. Unequal power dynamics or intimate partner violence can take away people’s autonomy when making decisions about their bodies, sexual health or reproductive choices. Also, in the United States as a whole, Dr. Hill points out that some people experience shame and have difficulty discussing healthy sexuality and relationships, which can lead to young people having fewer opportunities to make informed decisions.

“We need to push information more with young people,” says Dr. Hill. “We need to use information that is correct, culturally appropriate and that makes sense for the age group. We also need to introduce topics like healthy sexuality and relationships at an earlier age in the greater context of overall health and well-being.”

A vital part of providing more information to young people about STIs, sexual health and reproduction is asking them how they would like to be supported.

“We need to move toward in-

spread has continued through the COVID-19 pandemic. Because many people were not able to keep regular wellness appointments and have fallen away from getting routine exams, the concern is that there are even more undiagnosed and untreated STIs. During the pandemic, most young people have been out of school for months and lost various touchpoints, whether those are school or other social support services. Dr. Hill says health care providers’ offices have instituted COVID-19 prevention practices, and she encourages people to keep health and wellness appointments.

Dr. Hill says that a broader goal is to put in place mechanisms to support reproductive-age people to have healthy relationships and to engage in sex in a way that makes sense for them but also is not contributing to infection, disease or adverse effects on well-being overall.

The Allegheny County Health Department provides confidential screening services and treatment for STIs at its clinic. For more information, please visit https://www.alleghenycounty.us/ Health-Department/Health-Services/STD-and-HIV-AIDS-Program/index.aspx.

For more information about the BWA study, email bwa@pitt.edu.

Chart courtesy of Allegheny County Health Department’s Public Health clinic.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DORIS CURRY!

JUNE 9-15, 2021

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Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 91 Crawford Street Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.sbtmparishpgh.com

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 Now offering in-person services, with limited capacity and required pre-registration through the website, and virtual services!!

Worship Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church Summer worship.......10:00 a.m.

Taize -Wednesdays.........7:00 p.m.

FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES CELEBRATED DORIS CURRY, front left, as she turned 107 years young on June 1. The party was held at Seneca Manor, in Verona. Also pictured are Elizabeth Waters, front right, Leslie Chambers, top left, and Dayna Huggins, top right. In the photo below, it’s Doris Curry with Elizabeth Waters, Wanda Jackson and Nedra Miller. (Photos by Courier photographer Rob Taylor Jr.)

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

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

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

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“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination. Unto Him. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief. A false witness that speaketh lies and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

- Proverbs 6:16-19 REV. WALKER SAYS: This Scripture speaks for itself. DO YOU HEAR THE WORD OF GOD, AMERICA???

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

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Bishop Loran Mann remembered during homegoing celebrations

FIRST LADY BARBARA MANN, during the funeral for her late husband, Bishop Loran Mann, at Pentecostal Temple COGIC, May 25. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

by Jacquelyn McDonald For New Pittsburgh Courier

Whether you knew him as Bishop, Pastor, Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) Media Host, Local Newscaster, Community Leader, Toastmaster or simply as “the Voice,” the late Bishop Loran Edward Mann left an immeasurable impact on those that encountered him. The sure evidence of that impact was the overwhelming attendance of the Pittsburgh community and beyond during his Homegoing Celebration, which spanned three days, May 24-26.

The remembrance began with a walk-through viewing on May 24, followed on May 25 by the first local memorial service, which also included his assigned Vermont Jurisdiction of the past 10 years. That service was held at 6 p.m. at the 1,200 seat Pentecos-

tal Temple Church Of God In Christ in East Liberty, where Bishop Mann was the pastor.

The final remembrance for Bishop Mann was held at Victory Family Church, in Cranberry Township, to accommodate the large National Church presence that was expected and to meet the CDC’s social distancing measures. Former Pentecostal Temple members and COGIC hierarchy arrived from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Presiding COGIC Bishop J. Drew Sheard, from Detroit, was on hand to give the final eulogy, preaching from the biblical scripture Matt 25:21 and entitled his sermon, “The Greatest Commendation.” He spoke of Bishop Mann’s talents being put to good use in the marketplace of human needs and demands. He also emphasized Bishop Mann’s servitude and personal investment and com-

mitment to his God-given assignments.

The Homegoing Celebration culmination consisted of the Church Of God In Christ royal ceremonial, “The Sealing Of The Bier,” a regalia skillfully conducted by the National Adjutants of the Church designated by members of the COGIC General Board, the governing entity of the 6.5 million-member denomination. Bishop Loran Mann was a newly elected General Board member, a few months prior to his passing.

Each gathering was unique in acknowledging Bishop Mann’s contributions to the ecumenical community. His alumni choir, which now consists of several pastors, popular psalmists and minstrels throughout the tri-state area, gathered to pay tribute in song to their beloved pastor and initial choir director. They were known

LORAN MANN II speaks during the funeral for his father, Bishop Loran Mann, at Pentecostal Temple COGIC, May 25.

BISHOP LORAN MANN, the venerable pastor and media personality, died on May 2. He was 74.

as the “Sounds of Pentecost.” Bishop Mann was an accomplished musician, as is his wife, Evangelist Barbara Mann. They often sang and played the keyboards during his services.

Others, like Church Mother Denise White, remarked of the spirit-filled worship services that Bishop Mann led at Pentecostal Temple.

White raised the praise as she testified of how God healed her of an affliction that rendered her wheelchair-bound for 10 years.

Now walking, she shared of the convalescent ministry of Bishop Mann and how he petitioned God on her behalf.

Bishop Mann’s “sons in the gospel,” of which there are many, came from far and near to tell of Bishop Mann’s biblical guidance and tutoring. His ability to articulate scripture was considered superior; and as the founder of Pittsburgh’s only 24-hour Gospel radio station, WGBN

(1360 AM), several of the present and former on-air personalities shared their stories of how the Bishop mentored them in broadcasting and journalism.

Bishop Mann died on May 2 at age 74. He was the founder of Pentecostal Temple, and grew its church membership from roughly 20 to more than 1,000, and was instrumental in the completion of the church’s million-dollar sanctuary that rises above Larimer Avenue and East Liberty Boulevard.

Bishop Mann was known for his career as a young anchor/reporter on KDKA-AM (1020) in 1968, then moved to television as an anchor/reporter for WPXI (Channel 11). He spent more than 20 years there, becoming a household name in Pittsburgh.

Following his retirement from WPXI, he rose up the ranks of the Church Of God In Christ, becoming Bishop of the Vermont Jurisdiction in 2011.

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How will President Biden handle the Rosewood centennial in 2023?

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THE IMPACT OF DISPARITIES in home appraisals can be sweeping, limiting homeowners’ ability to properly benefit from refinancing or re-selling their homes at higher valuations and thereby contributing to the already-sprawling racial wealth gap. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

Biden-Harris administration steps up efforts to narrow racial wealth gap

by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are stepping up their efforts to narrow the racial wealth gap.

Following the President’s visit to Oklahoma, where he observed the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Administration announced it would reinvest in communities that failed policies have left behind.

Specifically, the Administration is expanding access to two key wealth-creators—homeownership and small business ownership—in communities of color and disadvantaged communities.

“The President has been and continues to be intentional in his actions to narrow the racial wealth gap,” administration officials noted in a media call.

Biden is the first president to visit the Greenwood District in Tulsa devastated by White supremacists who murdered more than 300 African Americans and decimated a thriving Black business corridor in 1921.

The Administration said Greenwood and areas around the country that have a high concentration of minorities would benefit from plans that include: • Addressing racial discrimination in the housing market, including launching a first-of-its-kind interagency effort to address inequity in-home appraisals and conducting rulemaking to combat housing discrimination aggressively.

• Use the federal government’s purchasing power to grow federal contracting with small, disadvantaged businesses by 50 percent, translating to an additional

$100 billion over five years and helping more Americans realize their entrepreneurial dreams.

• The Administration also released new information regarding President Biden’s American Jobs Plan proposals to create jobs and build wealth in communities of color: • A new $10 billion Community Revitalization Fund to support community-led civic infrastructure projects that create innovative shared amenities, spark new local economic activity, provide services, build community wealth, and strengthen social cohesion.

• $15 billion for new grants and technical assistance to support the planning, removal, or retrofitting of existing transportation infrastructure that creates a barrier to community connectivity, including barriers to mobility, access, or economic development.

• A new Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit to attract private investment in the development and rehabilitation of affordable homes for low- and moderate-income homebuyers and homeowners.

• $5 billion for the Unlocking Possibilities Program, an innovative new grant program that awards flexible and attractive funding to jurisdictions that take steps to reduce needless barriers to producing affordable housing and expand housing choices for people with low or moderate incomes.

• $31 billion in small business programs that will increase access to capital for small businesses and provide mentoring, networking, and other forms of technical assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged businesses seeking to access federal contracts and participate in

federal research and development investments.

The Biden-Harris Administration is announcing additional steps to end discrimination and bias in the housing market.

“More than 50 years since the Fair Housing Act’s passage, access to wealth through homeownership remains persistently unequal,” administration officials stated.

“In his first week in office, President Biden issued a memorandum directing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address discrimination in our housing market.”

They continued: “Today, the Administration is announcing that it is taking critical steps towards realizing the President’s directive. HUD has now sent both its proposed rule on countering housing practices with discriminatory effects and its proposed interim final rule on the legal duty to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing to HUD’s Congressional authorizing committee in the Senate and the House of Representatives for review and will publish them in the Federal Register next week.

“These proposed rules will align federal enforcement practice with the congressional promise in the Fair Housing Act to end discrimination in housing and will collectively provide the legal framework for HUD to require private and public entities alike to rethink established practices that contribute to or perpetuate inequities.”

Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking on discrimination in home appraisals.

The White House pointed to a 2018 Brookings study that found that homes

in majority-Black neighborhoods are often valued at tens of thousands of dollars less than comparable homes in similar— but majority-White—communities.

And the crisis is worsening, they said.

“A recent study found that the gap between the appraised value of homes in predominantly White neighborhoods compared to comparable homes in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods nearly doubled between 1980 and 2015,” the Administration said.

“The impact of these disparities in home appraisals can be sweeping, limiting homeowners’ ability to properly benefit from refinancing or re-selling their homes at higher valuations and thereby contributing to the already-sprawling racial wealth gap.”

The President is also charging Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge to lead a first-of-its-kind interagency initiative to address inequity in home appraisals.

The effort will seek to utilize, quickly, the many levers at the federal government’s disposal.

These include potential enforcement under fair housing laws, regulatory action, and development of standards and guidance in close partnership with industry and state and local governments to root out discrimination in the appraisal and home buying process.

“These are the kinds of policies and practices that keep Black families in Greenwood and across the nation from building generational wealth through homeownership,” administration officials stated.

(Stacy M. Brown is NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent.)

Choose your hard!

Whomever coined the phrase “life wasn’t fair” must have been having a bad day. There are a couple other phrases that ring more truth. “Life’s a beach but watch out for the crabs.” Life is an (expletive), then you die. The truth of the matter is NO ONE escapes this thing called life unscathed. Life is an obstacle course filled with challenges. As my mother always says, “If it isn’t one thing, it’s another.” Life is an A.S.S. There’s Always Some S#@* you must deal with. It feels like every time you take one step forward, life smacks you in the face pushing you two steps backwards.

I’m reminded of a meme. It details the life of a young man’s journey from elementary school through graduating from college. It’s in quadrant format. First quadrant depicts a child in elementary school climbing a mountain. The caption says, “Almost done!” Second quadrant shows the child higher on the mountain, now in high school. The caption says, “Almost!” Third quadrant shows the young man nearing the end of college. It appears that he’s nearing the top of the mountain.

The caption reads, “Oh Yes.” The final quadrant is titled “Life.” He’s graduated from high school and college. He’s now standing on what he thought was the top of a mountain. He’s caught up in the moment looking down the mountain that took him so long to climb. He’s reflecting on the journey, hurdles, and obstacles he had to navigate to reach this point. He’s excited! Mission Accomplished! As the excitement wears off, he looks at his surroundings. It was then he realized this isn’t the top of the mountain. It’s a dip in

the mountain. It serves as a resting area for you to appreciate your milestone in life. As he looks up, he sees the rest of the mountain. From his vantage point, the rest of the mountain appears to be 10 million miles high. Certainly, higher than the portion of the mountain that he just climbed. This portion of the mountain doesn’t appear to have any dips to rest and enjoy another milestone. All he can observe is a long, never-ending stretch of hard climbing. The caption read, “OMG!” Life is hard. Nothing about life is easy.

It’s hard to succeed at anything in life. To be a success, you have to work extremely hard, make good decisions, make adjustments when things don’t go as planned, stay the course, and continue to improve and get better. And if you think that is hard, the opposite is harder.

When you don’t succeed, you struggle, you’re needy, you’re lacking, you’re depressed, you’re begging, you’re more prone to do things that go against your core values.

There’s no easy road to travel. In one direction, we’ll call it “the hard way”— it’s going to require pain, sacrifice and long-suffering. It will feel like a longer route traveled. It will feel like more work than fun in the beginning. You’ll experience incremental success, one success compounding off of the other success.

It’s a slow and steady grind. You’ll sacrifice having fun in order to get your life,

health, marriage, career, or funds right.

You’ll have moments of pride, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. As you journey through this process, you’ll continue to become a better version of you. You’ll become the darling, sage, and go-to person amongst your family and peer group. For it will become obvious based on the results of our life, you did something right.

In the other direction, we’ll call “the harder way”—it will seem pleasing at first. It will feel like you identified a shortcut. You’ll be the envy of many.

You’ll look like you have it going on. You moved without building a foundation. You moved without developing character.

You moved without developing discipline.

You moved thinking there’s a shortcut for everything. But at some point, reality will set it. You’ll find that many of those shortcuts were missteps. Those missteps were lessons to be learned along the way. You’ll find yourself repeating mistakes over time because of those missteps. In life, negative things will repeat themselves until you learn the lesson. Those shortcuts and detours you took early on will be the catalyst for the regrets and setbacks you’ll endure later in life.

We all have to choose our hard!

• Getting up and going to work everyday is hard. Being broke and constantly doing without is harder.

• Living below your means is hard. Liv-

ing paycheck-to-paycheck and living crisis-to-crisis is harder.

• Getting out of debt is hard. Staying in debt and paying tons of money in interest and fees is harder.

• Saving money is hard. Having no money saved and having to constantly ask someone else “can you have” or relying on the government to bail you out is harder.

• Getting in shape is hard. Being out of shape and uncomfortable with your body image is harder.

• Eating right is hard. Eating unnecessary calories, fatty foods, and too much sugar is harder because of the ill effects it will have on your body.

• Marriage is hard. Shacking up and living a married life without the benefits and protections of a marriage is harder.

• Staying married is hard. Dealing with a broken home, raising kids in separate houses, unraveling the life you built together as a married couple is harder.

• Communicating with your loved ones is hard. Assuming they’re mind-readers or neglecting to have heartfelt communication is harder. In relationships, lack of good communication creates stress.

• Believing in yourself is hard. Not believing in yourself is harder. For if you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will.

Life is never easy. Some may look like they have it easier than others. Everybody is dealing with a struggle people know nothing about. Life is hard for all of us. We do have a choice in choosing our hard. Choose wisely!

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

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NATIONAL

JUNE 9-15, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Responsibilities of Black fathers have increased in the face of racism The NAACP steps in to help parents teach their sons and daughters

by Virgil Parker For New Pittsburgh Courier

(TriceEdneyWire.com)— Police officers and racism have forced Black fathers to have an added responsibility to their parenting. Black fathers must have a conversation with their children about how to survive when encountering a racist civilian or police officer.

Infamous incidents such as George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Philando Castile are just a few examples in which their deaths resulted from a deadly encounter with racism. Former officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all three charges against him in the killing of George Floyd. However, police officers who conduct similar controversial actions do not always get the appropriate justice.

Even then, Black parents across America now have a responsibility to try to teach their children how to avoid such encounters in the first place if at all possible. In that regard, on this Father’s Day, Black fathers are having to double down on teaching their kids how to stay alive in a racist atmosphere; especially since their killers may not always receive justice. The lessons being taught are universal.

Quincy Williams, a Black father of a 23-year-old son from Laurel Hills, Calif., told

(PHOTO: Rick Demopolis/Flickr) his son that interactions with law enforcement are “not the time to prove that you are right.” Williams has told his son to “remain calm and make no quick movements so you can get home.

We will handle the situation as needed.”

Dr. Eric Bell, a Black father in Northern Virginia, tells his 17-year-old son that “though we live in a society rich with opportunity only limited by ones imagination, there are segments whom

aim to promote discourse and destruction through the advancement of division in people.” Dr. Bell also tells his son to “continue to seek out the good in people, educate the uninformed, and never allow yourself to be silenced through any form of oppression from anyone!”

Dr. Bell’s son has had to use this advice when dealing with racism from his peers in school and in other social settings.

Dana Lintz, a Black fa-

ther who raised both of his sons in Silver Spring, Maryland, tells them to “comply, comply, comply, when encountering the police.”

Lintz tells his sons to “keep your hands on the steering wheel or on the dashboard at all times. Do not argue. If you feel you aren’t treated right, memorize the name and badge number. You can fight legally, but you must first survive the encounter.”

Lintz’s two sons are 25 and 20 years old.

Ben-James Brown, a Black Father from Los Angeles has talked to his 16 year old son about racism.

Brown said, “in dealing with racism it’s important to understand where it stems from individually. Typically, when we are able to identify that we are able to break down walls and barriers that allow us to meet on neutral grounds.” Brown’s son encountered racism at the early age of 7 years old.

One of his son’s peers called him the ‘n word’. Brown says that his son was super embarrassed over the incident.

Carlisle, a father to two sons who are 34 and 7 years old, tells his sons “bear in mind this officer will not see you as a regular person but as a threat or a person beneath him as such reasoning with them or expecting fairness should not be done.” Carlisle also told his

oldest son, “as for racism, understand its definition and know everyone can be prejudiced but not everyone can be racist. Racist referendums and doctrines have greater consequences and knowing the persons responsible for this narrative allows you…better knowledge in response and dealing with these acts.”

Carlisle tells his youngest son that “If he has any encounters with police when not with me ask that they contact his father because he’s a child.”

Keith Moody, a Black father, gave advice to his son about how to deal with the police. Moody says, “the primary thing is that I’ve expressed to him is that his goal is to make it home and do not worry about what ticket you are getting, what you being charged with, or what is being said to you.

I’ve told him that we would deal with that later.” Moody also said, “if they ask you for your license and registration. Ask for their permission to get the requested item before reaching to get anything that is in your wallet or glove compartment.”

Moody’s son is 20 years old and lives in Leesburg. VA. Black parents’ responsibilities have increased when it comes to teaching their children how to survive. But they have help. Here is a guide from the NAACP on

ways that sons and daughters can survive when stopped by police: Ten Rules of Survival if Stopped by the Police: 1. Be polite and respectful when stopped by the police.

Keep your mouth closed.

2. Remember that your goal is to get home safely.

If you feel that your rights have been violated, you and your parents have the right to file a formal complaint with your local police jurisdiction.

3. Don’t, under any circumstance, get into an argument with the police.

4. Always remember that anything you say or do can be used against you in court.

5. Keep your hands in plain sight and make sure the police can see your hands at all times.

6. Avoid physical contact with the police. No sudden movements, and keep hands out of your pockets.

7. Do not run, even if you are afraid of the police.

8. Even if you believe that you are innocent, do not resist arrest.

9. Don’t make any statements about the incident until you are able to meet with a lawyer or public defender.

10. Stay calm and remain in control. Watch your words, body language and emotions.

Iconic actor Clarence Williams III dies at 81

by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)--Actor Clarence Williams III, who starred as Lincoln Hayes on the countercultural ABC drama, “The Mod Squad” and as superstar Prince’s father in “Purple Rain,” has died. He was 81.

Williams’ management team said the celebrated actor died of colon cancer.

“RIP Clarence Williams III. He was AMAZING IN EVERYTHING! Please watch him in Sugar Hill, Half Baked, and Purple Rain!” tweeted actor Reggie Watkins Jr. “RIP Clarence Williams…” tweeted the Prince Museum with a photo of the actor appearing in the film “Purple Rain.”

Williams career started on the Broadway stage where he earned a Tony nomination for his acting in the three-person drama, “Slow Dance.”

Comedian Bill Cosby recommended Williams to producer big-wig Aaron Spelling, who immediately took to

the actor.

Williams returned to Broadway in 1979’s “Night and Day.” His co-starring role as Linc on “The Mod Squad” in the 1970s, catapulted Williams into the mainstream.

However, some of his best work came on the big screen, particularly as Prince’s father in the 1984 hit, “Purple Rain,” and nine years later, in the Wesley Snipes-led, “Sugar Hill.”

In 1998, Williams portrayed jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton on the big screen, and he also worked in hits like “Reindeer Games” and “Against the Wall.”

He was a favorite of comedian Dave Chappelle who worked with him on several features.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Williams was born on Aug. 21, 1939.

The son of professional musician Clay Williams, he was raised by his grandparents, composer-pianist Clarence Williams, a frequent collaborator of blues legend Bessie Smith, whose songs were used years later in “Ain’t

CLARENCE WILLIAMS III Misbehavin,’” and Eva Taylor, a singer and actress.

Williams became exposed to acting as a teenager when he stumbled upon a rehears-

al for “Dark of the Moon” at the Harlem YMCA — Cicely Tyson was starring in it — and the director gave him a couple of lines in the play.

His work included “The

Cool World” (1963), “Deep Cover” (1992), “Hoodlum” (1997), “Imposter” (2001), and “The Butler” (2013).

Williams also appeared on television’s “Hill Street

Blues,” “Miami Vice,” “Law & Order,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “Empire.”

(Stacy M. Brown is NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent.)

Five facts about the Tulsa race massacre

by Lauren Victoria Burke For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—In 1921, a White mob entered the Greenwood District and destroyed Tulsa’s Black community.

During Memorial Day weekend, the centennial remembrance of the Tulsa Race Massacre was commemorated. The massacre began when White townspeople heard a false rumors that 19-year-old Dick Rowland, a Black shoe shiner, assaulted a White elevator operator named Sarah Page. Below are five interesting facts about the Tulsa Race Massacre.

1. Tulsa Police May Have Encouraged Violence —Eyewitness accounts create the impression that police deputized White members of the violent Tulsa mob and police used racial slurs as they focused their violence on Black citizens in Tulsa.

2. There was an effort by the Tulsa Tribune and the government to suppress the story. The Tulsa Tribune ran the false Dick Rowland “assault” story on the front page but then made the story vanish from bound volumes of

THE FALSE RUMOR that Dick Rowland assaulted a White girl led to a White mob surround the jail where Rowland was kept in preparation for a lynching. the newspaper. Stories of the massacre were removed from police archives and no public memorials of the event were held until over 70 years later —

in 1997.

3. Hospital Records Reveal the Truth.

Over 800 people were admitted to local hospitals, yet the Oklahoma Bureau of

Vital Statistics officially recorded only 36 dead. A 2001 state commission examining the massacre estimated that as many as 300 Black people were murdered based on autopsy and funeral records.

4. An estimated 10,000 Black people were left homeless after the massacre.

An estimated $2 million in property damage resulted from the Tulsa Race Massacre. The damage to Tulsa’s Black community in today’s dollars is over $130 million.

5. The false rumor that Dick Rowland assaulted a White girl, led to a White mob surrounding the jail where Rowland was kept in preparation for a lynching. But a group of about 75 Black men, many of whom were armed, also arrived at the jail to prevent the lynching of Rowland. This example of armed Black resistance is what is believed to be the start of the massacre and hundreds of Black murders during the massacre.

(Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE.)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

JUNE 9-15, 2021

B3

Guilt?

Guest Editorial

Pa. can reach key vaccine milestone President Joe Biden wants 70 percent of U.S. adults to have at least one COVID-19 shot by July 4.

Close to 160 million Americans—48 percent of the population—have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 125 million are fully vaccinated against the virus.

The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South. Experts say the gap reflects a multitude of factors, including political leanings, religious beliefs and education and income levels. White evangelicals are among the groups least likely to be vaccinated.

New England and Northeastern states account for eight of the top 10 in vaccination rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 64 percent of this population has received at least one dose, with Vermont, Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Mexico all at 54 percent or higher.

Gov. Tom Wolf said he plans to remove the state’s mask mandates when 70 percent of adults in the state are fully vaccinated.

Health experts say the state is on pace to reach the 70 percent threshold.

“We will be at 50 percdent by the end of the month for the whole country,” said Dr. Tariq Cheema, Allegheny Health Network’s director of pulmonary, critical care, allergy and sleep medicine. “Pennsylvania may be sooner than that, because we’ve been vaccinating at a higher pace than other places in the country, so by the summer I would say most of us will be at 70 percent or above.”

Cheema said overcoming vaccine hesitancy will be the biggest obstacle moving forward, now that doses are readily available.

Wolf should be commended for setting a benchmark for the state that appears to be attainable.

The more contagious a virus, the more people must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

The encouraging news is that COVID-19 deaths in the United States have declined to an average of around 600 per day—the lowest level in 10 months—with the number of lives lost dropping to single digits in well over half the states and, on some days, hitting zero.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, said that vaccinations have played a crucial role even as the nation struggles to reach herd immunity.

“The primary objective is to deny this virus the ability to kill at the rate that it could, and that has been achieved,” he said. “We have in effect tamed the virus.”

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—I’ve always enjoyed observing the unique behaviors of children. With them, what you see is what you get. They present an unvarnished, no-excuse look at human behavior and become genuinely interesting when they are old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong. Their cleanup after doing something they know (and you know) to be wrong can be creative and amusing. Most amusing are their efforts to pretend they are blameless or that your interpretation of reality is faulty or that what you see did not really happen. This behavior may be amusing in a child, but in adults, or as characteristic of a political system, an element of society, or an organizational structure, this behavior is abhorrent and inexcusable.

We witness this inexcusable conduct in the historical revisionism of the Republican Party. From them we learn that America’s “original sin” of RACISM and brutal violence against people of color was and continues to be a figment of our imagination. Like the child, but with the animus of white-hot racism, racist revisionist would have you believe that what we’ve seen, experienced, and know to be true didn’t happen or was misunderstood.

Any argument against this revisionism is considered “Critical Race Theory” and is considered invalid. BUT REAL HISTORY is on our side! With the exception of humans who were kidnapped from Africa to perform “free” labor, whether openly articulated or not, Northern Europeans invaded this land with the intent to establish a racially exclusive en-

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary clave. Without a self-serving purpose for Whites, people of color were expendable, as was their history, and the elimination of both was/is pro forma.

The history of America’s systemic violence toward people of color, even if only to eliminate an immediate or situational “problem,” is well documented. Some of the most egregious events follow: WOUNDED KNEE (SD) MASSACRE, December 29, 1890—Over 300 (mostly unarmed) men, women, and children of the Lakota tribe killed by U.S. Cavalry.

CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT 1882 —Congressional immigration law denying Chinese (Asian) immigration into the U.S. RED SUMMER of 1919—Across the nation, between April and November of 1919, there would be approximately 25 racially-based civil disturbances and instances of mob violence, and 97 recorded lynchings.

1919 CHICAGO RIOT, July 27— August 3, 1919 – Violence sparked

by Whites in a beach incident when a Black man on a float crossed an imaginary line. Conflict followed for the next eight days with the loss of

25 Black lives and related property damage.

ELAINE, ARKANSAS MASSACRE September 30, 1919—Sharecroppers attempting to organize for higher wages were attacked. Over 200 Black men, women, and children were killed. Those attempting to defend themselves were tried criminally.

TULSA RACE MASSACRE 1921, May 31 – June 1, 1921—Over 300 Blacks killed, and 35 square blocks destroyed. Black Wall Street demolished.

ROSEWOOD (FL) MASSACRE, January 1-7, 1923—Predominately Black town attacked and destroyed by White aggressors. Eyewitnesses estimate up to 150 people, mostly Black, killed.

IMMIGRATION ACT OF 1924 (Which included The Asian Exclusion Act and National Origins Act)—Not only did this law ban immigration from the entirety of the Asian Continent, it restricted immigration from southern and eastern Europe.

These events and more, too numerous to count, color the history of our nation. Rather than acknowledging the truths of Nikole Hannah-Jones’ 1619 Project, Republicans and other revisionists vigorously advocate for a 1776 Project which colors the nation’s history in a more favorable light.

Just like Tulsa, where an obvious and deliberate effort to hide the facts of that injustice failed, events cannot be erased from the tablets of time. Revisionists who fear that guilt will promote a movement toward a more equitable society may just be right. The truth will always win!

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

Black men must talk about drugs ravishing our community (NNPA)—There is a subject that Black men refuse to talk about, and it is the abuse of drugs in our community. There is a menu of drugs in our community, and everyone who uses them has their desired choice. Drugs are destroying Black families, careers, relationships, lives, budgets, and mental health.

With Black people in America, there is a State of Emergency with drugs in our communities, and it is an urgent issue. The Drug Policy Alliance states, “The drug war has produced profoundly unequal outcomes across racial groups, manifested through racial discrimination by law enforcement and disproportionate drug misery suffered by communities of color.”

It is no mistake that drugs are so prevalent in the Black community, that our children can direct a stranger were to purchase drugs. The most amazing thing about drugs in the Black community is that nothing is done, because everyone is scared, others don’t care, so it is accepted.

Many drug activist organizations believe the criminalization of people of color, particularly young people, is as profound a system of racial control as the Jim Crow laws were in the country.

Drugs are a control issue for Black men, and we wonder why we are stuck, and cannot get ahead. Instead of going to school or work, we are caught up looking to buy or sell drugs.

Recently, super-star DMX died of an overdose of illicit drugs, and the drug issue has been swept under the table, and hardly discussed. The abuse of drugs in hip hop is legendary, and a

Roger Caldwell

Commentary large majority of performers are high all day and night. Sex, drugs, cash and hip hop, are quite appealing to the young, because they are in the super fast lane.

Many in the record companies pay their performers with drugs, and after a tour stars end up owing the company.

The majority of athletes are thought to make millions of dollars, but a large number stay in the pros for 3 to 5 years, and they also end up broke, and on drugs.

“Disparities in arrest and incarceration are seen for both drug possession law violation as well as low level sales.

Those selling small amounts of drugs to support their own drug use may go to jail for decades. This unequal enforcement ignores the universality of drug dependency, as well as the universal appeal of drugs themselves,” says The Drug Policy Alliance.

In the 1980s and 90s, President Ronald Regan created the drug war, but it was waged exclusively in poor communities of color. After he announced the plan, crack cocaine hit the streets, and there were inner-city crack babies, crack mothers, crack whores, and drug-related violence. The drug war

became corrupt, and federal agents were stealing from the drug suspects and dealers, and the drug cartels were started.

President Clinton’s “tough on crime” resulted in the largest increase in the federal and state prison inmates of any president in American history. “But Clinton was not satisfied with exploding prison populations, (no matter how minor the offence) and denying them basic public benefits, including food stamps, for life. Discrimination in virtually every aspect of political, economic and social life is now perfectly legal, if you’ve been labeled a felon,” says reporter Michelle Alexander— The Guardian.

The drug war was brutal, but in the late 1990s, the Opioid epidemic was created by the big pharma companies and has destroyed cities, towns, while CEO’s are making millions for their companies. There are 450,000 Americans who have died, and millions are addicted to these prescription opioids.

Drug distribution and addiction is created and controlled by our leaders in power. There is no mistake that drugs are flowing in the inner cities, and primarily Black people and people of color are affected, and the majority are in prison.

Black men must take the initiative to get drugs out of the communities.

The Black community must expose the corrupt police officers, and work with the honest police officers and get rid of the dealers. Drugs are destroying our families and community; Black men must take a stand and make the difference.

Republicans push back against D.C. statehood (NNPA)—With the push for D.C. Statehood as strong as it has ever been, Republican lawmakers are doing what they have become accustomed to when legislation is proposed that could enfranchise Democrat-leaning voters—particularly those of color.

They push back.

Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota has introduced a bill to repeal the 23rd amendment, a move that would effectively end the hope for D.C. Statehood.

Nine other Republicans have joined Congressman Johnson in his effort, which would prohibit District residents from voting for President.

With GOP-led statehouses in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and other places advancing voter restriction laws, Congressman Johnson’s bill targets Washington, D.C. He is pushing for the District of Columbia-Maryland Reunion Act, which would leave just federal buildings and the National Mall as the only remaining structures in D.C. proper.

Maryland would claim D.C.

Stacy M. Brown

Commentary neighborhoods as its own, and the District could no longer vote for presidential electors.

“It removes the need for D.C. statehood while also providing representation to individuals living in the District by merging the suburbs with Maryland,” Congressman Johnson remarked in a news release.

The congressman’s push ignores the rights and will of the more than 712,000 D.C. residents—49 percent of whom are Black—who pay more federal taxes per capita than any state but still has no Senate representation.

It attempts to usurp the gallant decades-long effort led by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) for statehood. With

Democrats controlling the White House, the House of Representatives and the slimmest of majorities in the U.S. Senate, Congressman Johnson’s bill stands little chance of passing all three bodies and getting enacted into law.

However, unless Democrats agree to abolish the filibuster, statehood also stands almost no chance of getting through the Senate.

The House Oversight and Reform Committee has heard presentations on D.C. statehood.

In 2020, the committee sent Congresswoman Norton’s statehood bill to the House floor for the first time in nearly 30 years.

With Republicans then holding the majority in the Senate, the bill stalled.

Congresswoman Norton reintroduced the bill earlier this year at the beginning of the 117th Congress, and she now has well over 200 co-sponsors.

President Joe Biden has said he supports D.C. statehood.

“He believes [the residents of D.C.] deserve representation,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said about the President.

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Power and pride to the people!

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Happy Pride month to Black LGBTQ readers and to all of us who love LGBTQ people!

June has become the traditional month for Pride celebrations in honor of the gay and transgender people, including Black and brown gay liberation and transgender rights activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who fought back against harassment and abusive policing in June 1969. These protests became known as the Stonewall riots. They energized the LGBTQ rights movement and gave momentum to the demands for full equality for LGBTQ Americans.

Over the years, voices of clarity and conscience moved the civil and human rights movement to fully embrace the cause of LGBTQ equality. My mentor, the late civil rights champion Julian Bond, was clear that fighting for equality means fighting for equality for everyone. He knew that Bayard Rustin, the organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, was a gay Black man who changed history.

Another history-making leader, President Barack Obama, signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009. That law was named for two people killed in attacks fueled by bigotry—Matthew Shepard, a young gay man beaten and left to die, and James Byrd Jr., a Black man dragged from a truck in a brutal lynching in 1998.

Passing hate crimes legislation was a major victory, but fighting hate is unfinished business. Violence against Black LGBTQ people still takes far too many lives every year.

We mourn our losses and reaffirm our commitment to fight bigotry. But Pride is also about celebration. We celebrate progress toward the full equality and inclusion of LGBTQ people in our communities and country. That progress can be seen in public attitudes. Huge majorities of Americans, including three-quarters of Black Americans, support laws that pro-

Ben Jealous

Commentary tect LGBTQ people against discrimination.

One of my proudest moments as president of the NAACP was announcing the organization’s support for marriage equality in 2012. The press conference announcing that policy was emotional for me, because marriage equality is personal. My parents—my Black mother and White father—were confronted by laws that made it illegal for them to get married in some states. That was before the U.S. Supreme Court did away with state laws that banned interracial marriage in 1967.

It took almost 50 years, and a lot of hard work by equality activists, before the Supreme Court overturned state laws that kept same-sex couples from getting married. That 2015 ruling was another milestone on the road to full legal and lived equality for LGBTQ people in this country.

As we all know, progress often brings backlash. We see it everywhere.

Black voters turned out in key states last year to defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. This year, Republican legislators are passing new voter suppression laws. They want to punish Black voters by making it harder to register and vote in the future. That’s why Democrats in Congress need to pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We’re also seeing a backlash against equality for all. Right-wing legislators are passing laws to restrict LGBTQ rights.

Right-wing legal groups are pushing Trump-appointed judges to roll back legal equality. That’s why Democrats in Congress need to pass the Equality Act. You might hear some politicians raising false alarms about the Equality Act. Don’t listen to them. They told the same kind of lies when they were fighting the hate crimes law. And none of them came to pass.

What has come to pass, thanks to Black voters and everyone who helped put the Biden-Harris administration in power, is a return to equality as U.S. government policy. The administration wasted no time reversing some of the Trump team’s attacks on equality.

And last month a Black gay woman made history. Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre became the first openly gay Black woman to lead a press briefing at the White House. “Being behind this podium, being in this room, being in this building, is not about one person, it’s about what we do on behalf of the American people,” she said.

It’s about what we do on behalf of the American people. That’s a good principle for all of us to embrace as we celebrate Pride and work to build a country in which we the people means all the people.

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

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How will President Biden handle the Rosewood centennial in 2023?

Last week was the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre. In 1921, a White mob destroyed a prosperous Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Thirty-five blocks were burned to the ground and historians estimated 300 Black people were killed. President Biden visited Tulsa, met with the last three survivors, and gave a speech. Biden discussed policy initiatives that would help Black Americans build generational wealth in order to narrow the racial wealth gap.

Afterwards, critics pointed out Biden didn’t mention reparations. The critics were correct, but also incorrect. According to Professor Trevon Logan, an expert on economic reparations, there are different definitions of reparations used by reparations experts.

1). There are reparations for enslavement due to descendants of slaves.

2). There are reparations for post-emancipation oppression and economic exclusion of African Americans that continue to the present.

Now, when definition two is combined with the fact that advocates for reparations have always indicated that reparations do not have to be direct cash payments to African Americans, in other words, reparations can take the form of government programs designed to redress financial disadvantages created by the lingering effects of discrimination. Then Biden actually mentioned reparations by listing his policy initiatives to reduce the racial wealth gap.

However, others criticized Biden for dodging the question when asked if he supported reparations specifically for the survivors of the Tulsa massacre.

It’s obvious the Tulsa survivors should receive reparations, but it’s not so obvious that the question was a setup.

J. Pharoah Doss

Check It Out Last year the Washington Post ran a story called, “After Reparations.” It was about the 1923 Rosewood, Florida racial massacre, an event that was similar to the events in Tulsa. (The official death count in Rosewood was six Black people, but eyewitnesses estimated the number of Black people murdered was between 27 and 150.) In 1994, Florida passed an unprecedented bill to allocate $2 million in reparations to the survivors of the Rosewood massacre. The Florida bill encouraged the formation of the 1997 Tulsa Race Massacre Commission, which recommended that each survivor of the massacre should be paid $150,000 and a scholarship should be set up for the “Tulsa youth.” (These recommendations were the same as the Rosewood payments, but the Oklahoma legislator never followed through.)

However, the subtitle of the Washington Post’s “After Reparations” story said: How a scholarship helped—and didn’t help—descendants of victims of the 1923 Rosewood Racial Massacre.

The Washington Post story said, “There were only nine living survivors who would receive the full payouts (but) their families didn’t receive much. By the time the 143 descendants received checks from the state of Florida, the controversial action of reparations amounted to little more than a tax refund. Only half received more than

$2,000. The survivors would eventually spend the money as quickly as they got it, in part to avoid family infighting. They bought new sofas and new houses, and donated money to their churches. Anticipating how quickly the money would vanish, (proponents of the reparations bill) came up with one more idea, one way to help ensure the story of Rosewood would endure. That idea was the scholarship.”

Since 1994, 297 students received Rosewood scholarships, but the Washington Post story dismissively asked, “What can a scholarship do to address a historical injustice?”

Recipients of Rosewood scholarships were interviewed. The recipients expressed gratitude, but also suggested they felt pressured to attend college out of an obligation to the past instead of their own personal desires. One student even said, “Reparations are cute, but I mean … It’s not going to change anything.” Another student referred to reparations as, “shut up money.”

Now, when Biden was asked if he supported reparations for the survivors of the Tulsa massacre, he dodged the question in order to avoid the follow-up questions.

The questioners would have asked Biden if he thought the Rosewood reparations payments were too little and if the descendants of the Tulsa massacre deserved a better financial arrangement.

President Biden will not use the term reparations, or support reparations for the survivors of the Tulsa massacre, until he figures out how to handle the Rosewood centennial in 2023.

Will the president praise the fact that reparations were paid or dismiss the reparation payments as insufficient funds?

Where is America? Will it fade into yesterday?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—While the world is coming out of the pandemic, the Republican Party is attempting to turn back the clock on truth, freedom, and justice.

It is attempting to take America back to the good old days that conservatives long for.

Republicans are making a three-fold attack on the heart and soul of America.

First: Republicans are perpetuating the BIG LIE—that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

Second: The Republican Party is attempting to restrict voting rights of Black Americans.

Third: The Republicans are institutionalizing the denial of racism in America.

Let us look deeper into these three assaults on truth, freedom, and justice.

First: Certain leaders and their enablers refuse to accept that the 2020 election was fair and free of election fraud. They ignore the findings of the US Supreme Court, the Attorney General, the Election Security Agency, and virtually every other court and state election board in the country.

It is a blow to the heart of America when the validated vote of the American people— the cornerstone of the American democracy —is disputed by baseless, false, unsupported allegations of election fraud.

This assault on the sanctity of the vote of the American people is confirmed by the anticipated ouster from Congressional Republican leadership of Liz Cheney—an otherwise party loyal—for standing up for truth and contradicting the BIG LIE. Second: The Republican Party is committed to restrict voting rights of Black Americans.

An article by Amy Gardner in The Washington Post (3/11/2021) reveals that Republican lawmakers in 43 states have proposed at least 250 laws that would restrict voting rights.

Georgia and Florida have already enacted legislation that will restrict voting rights.

This current national assault on voting rights is taken from the racist playbook of voter suppression.

The playbook for voter suppression was an outcome of the only coup that occurred

Dr. Herbert “H. J.” Harris

Commentary on American soil—“the Coup of 1898 in Wilmington, North Carolina.”

After the legitimately elected government of Wilmington, North Carolina was overthrown in the “Coup of 1898,” White legislators in the state government enacted “Jim Crow” laws that would suppress the rights of Black voters.

A direct result of the effectiveness of the voter suppression campaign in North Carolina made it impossible for George Henry White, the last Black American in the US Congress after the reconstruction, to be re-elected.

After Congressman White’s term ended in 1901, it was nearly 92 years before another Black American was elected to the US Congress from the state of North Carolina. Eva Clayton—a Black American—was elected to Congress from North Carolina in 1992.

As a result of voter suppression laws enacted after the Coup of 1898, no Black people served in Congress for the next 28 years, and none represented any Southern state for the next 72 years.

In 1898, the goal of the state legislators was to prevent the re-occurrence of the 1898 liberal political victory that had been destroyed by the “Coup of 1898.”

The true goal of today’s national assault on voting rights—the “New Jim Crow”—is the same as in 1898. Republicans want to ensure that the victories by the democrats in winning the presidency and control of the US Senate would never be repeated in upcoming elections.

Third: The denial of the existence of systemic racism in America.

The Republican claim that America is not a racist country clearly ignores the history and present reality that most Black Americans live every day.

According to The Washington Post on

April 28, 2021, there are “… GOP efforts across the country to push similar legislation that would ban critical race theory, which examines the way policies and laws perpetuate systemic racism.

The injustice and impact of historical racism will never be resolved if political and religious leaders continue to deny that America has been and continues to be infected by systemic racism.

The denial that American is a racist nation provides a cover for attempting to re-enact a 21st Century version of the Black Codes,Jim Crow, and voter suppression. It also undermines the spiritual solution to the issue of racism set forth in the Bible.

Without acknowledging the wrong of slavery and racism, there will be no reason to ask forgiveness, or make atonement.

Political, religious, and spiritual leaders cannot stand by in silent acquiescence as American Democracy is constantly attacked.

If these three assaults on our democracy are not addressed, the sins of racism and injustice in the past will be relived in the present and perpetuated in the future.

Abraham Lincoln said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

We have a choice. We can be the “better angels” that Abraham Lincoln described in his First Inaugural Address. We can reaffirm the words set forth by the founding fathers—“that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Or we can continue in the darkness of untruths and bitter division.

Where is America? Will it fade into yesterday?

To paraphrase William Shakespeare, the answer is not in our stars, but in ourselves.

Are we brave enough to seek and speak the truth?

(Dr. Herbert (H J) Harris is author of “Solving The Race Issue In America”. More information: www. solvingtheraceissue.com Email: info@solvingtheraceissue.com.)

Ongoing White supremacy in action

by A. Peter Bailey (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Anyone who is shocked or surprised by what the states of Texas and Mississippi are currently doing to suppress Black voting must have little, if any, knowledge of the history of the two former Confederate States in America. Otherwise, they would know that on February 2, 1861 Texas adopted “A Deceleration of the Causes which impel the State of Texas to Secede from the Federal Union.”

The White Supremacist declaration included the following; “We hold as undenial truths that the governments of the various States, and of the confederacy itself, were established exclusively by the White race, for themselves and their posterity; that the African race had no agency in their establishment; that they were rightfully held and regarded as inferior exclu-

sively by the White race for themselves and their prosperity; that the African race had no agency in their establishment.

That in this free government all White men are and of right are to be entitled to equal civil and political rights; that the servitude of the African race, as existing in these States, is mutually beneficial to both bond and free, and is abundantly authorized and justified by the experience of mankind and the revealed will of the All mighty Creator. As recognized by all Christian nations; while the destruction of the existing relations between the two races as advocated by our sectional enemies will bring inventible calamities upon both and desolation upon the fifteen slave-holding states.”

A similar, even more direct, declaration from Mississippi stated that “Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery—the greatest material

interest of the world. It’s labor surprise the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging of the tropical regions and by an imperious law of nature, none but the Black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization….” The only surprise in the declarations is the capitalizing of the word “African”.

Georgia, South Carolina, and other confederate states adopted equally White supremacist declarations. The 2021White supremacists, who are passing laws to suppress Black voters, are ideological descendants of those who wrote those declarations. Their goal is to maintain White supremacy by any means necessary.

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SOLUTION ARCHITECT The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Solution Architect in Pittsburgh, PA within PNC’s C&IB Technology Innovation team, to support development teams by providing architectural / design support for a variety of new technology innovations. Specific duties include: (i) design solution roadmaps, according to business strategies and processes in solution architecture, through client requirement analysis, cross-team collaboration and problem resolution; (ii) design solution roadmaps and system and software architecture according to business strategies and solution architecture standards/ processes; (iii) analyze client requirements and determine appropriate solutions to these requirements based on business needs; (iv) resolve routine to moderately complex problems and issues in solution architecture; assess any potential risks and determine solutions to these risks; (v) work with other solution architecture staff, technology experts and business stakeholders to provide functional support to clients on solution architecture updates; (vi) elicit and elaborate on key non-functional requirements including availability, performance, recovery and security; (vii) identify opportunities to reuse enterprise and shared technology services; (viii) maintain strong and effective working relationships with Platform Tech Leads, Technical Operations, and Risk Management teams; (ix) perform the duties in accordance with established processes and formal agreements with the business; (x) work on assigned projects to deliver the architecture artifacts in alignment with target architectures and relevant standards recommending changes to the latter where appropriate; (xi) own the technology/ infrastructure and documentation of non-functional requirements including: availability, scalability, resiliency, security, etc.; (xii) drive delivery of technology roadmap related items by various teams, interface with Enterprise, and give presentations on upcoming initiatives; and (xiii) establish relationships with various technology partners (IT Operations, Innovation, other delivery partners, Lines of Business etc.).

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Computer Systems Networking & Telecommunications, or Management Information Systems plus 5 years of experience supporting and enhancing the activities of the enterprise architecture is required. Must have experience with: (i) managing projects, including creating project plan, scope and success matrix, creating the milestones, implementation and contingency plan, business and technical requirements gathering, release planning, quality assurance planning and monitoring, user acceptance testing and post-implementation support; (ii) working in agile methodology iterative development and integration plan to support the building, maintenance and enhancement of financial data-marts to support Investor Portals and Relationship Manager Dashboards; (iii) creating the project timeline, team structure and intended budget for Initiatives, Enhancements and Change Controls; (iv) experience as a Scrum Master; (v) building, refining and maintaining project backlog to build new data marts, new features and analytics capabilities to the Analytics Dashboard to improve and expand the Data Management structure of the financial industry; (vi) documenting solution and communicating the updates to system architecture with business and technology stakeholders; (vii) managing platform strategic direction in coordination with business users’ needs and direction; (viii) leading agile development team strategies; (ix) organizing and facilitating agile ceremonies sprint demos, planning, and retrospectives; (x) creating project artifacts including Vision Documents, Use Cases, Wireframes Virtual System Design architecture and operational workflows (Office-Visio); (xi) creating and maintaining Capability Matrix and Risk Analysis Matrix; and (xii) creating and maintaining business rules and technology requirements to support the end-user needs, internal/external system integration maps, data mapping documents, troubleshooting guides, and release notes/summaries.

40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R058591. 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.

COMPENSATION ANALYST Port Authority is seeking a Compensation Analyst to participate in the planning, implementation, and administration of Port Authority’s wage and salary programs. Conducts analysis and interpretation related to the organizations compensation programs. Participates in and interprets compensation surveys. Recommends changes to ensure the maintenance of company compensation objectives.

Essential Functions: •Participates in administration of the company’s compensation programs by utilizing PeopleSoft HRMS to perform the following: •Maintain and process employee compensation, transfer, job title, and other types of changes.

•Maintain related salary plans, programs and structures within HRMS foundational set-up tables for all five collective bargaining agreements.

•Create and maintain job code and position management information.

•Research and resolve compensation related issued.

•Participates in administering compensation programs in compliance with various collective bargaining agreements, including general increase calculation and implementation.

Job requirements include: •A BA/BS degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, or directly related field; five (5) years of human resources field including a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the planning and administration of compensation programs; or any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: •Ability to conduct quantitative analyses and interpret data including wage data, wage trends, and prepare spreadsheets to ensure adherence to compensation strategies.

•Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees and senior executives. Must be comfortable presenting programs to groups and members of senior management using complicated numerical analysis and present in an easy to understand for individuals who may not be mathematically incline •Detail oriented and comfortable working in a fast-paced office environment; outstanding planning and time-management capabilities; and superior organization skills and dedication to completing projects in a timely manner.

•Ability to work in a diverse environment; experience working collaboratively with others; capability of adjusting priorities and deviating from routines.

•Knowledge and understanding of state and federal wage and hour laws.

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

•Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred attributes: •Progress towards Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) Designation from the World at Work professional organization.

•Training and experience in PeopleSoft Human Resources Management System (HRMS).

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We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Robyn Taylor Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 RTaylor@portauthority.org EOE

MULTI IT RELATED POSITIONS (National Placement out of Allegheny County, PA). Must have min of Bach’s wi//at least 5Yrs exp or Mast’s & 1Yr expe. Degree & exp must be in Comp’s, Eng”g, Info Technology, Info Sys’s or Business related field. Candidates may qualify for either job listed below: Software Developer (SalesForce): Must have skills in Salesforce; Apex; VisualForce; JavaScript & CSS. Salary $110,406/ yr. Ref# SFC–0920 IY - Business Intelligence Analyst (MicroStrategy): Must have skills MicroStrategy Tools including: MicroStrategy Desktop; MicroStrategy Web; & MicroStrategy Intelligent Server. Salary $93,246/ yr. Ref# BIM–0920 IY - Must be able to travel/relo to different client sites as needed. 9-5, FT Use Ref # & send resumes to Infoyuga Technologies, Inc., 280B Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township, PA 15108 or hr@infoyuga.com. Infoyuga is EOE M/F/V/D.

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SOFTWARE DEVELOPER PRINCIPAL The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Software Developer Principal in Pittsburgh, PA within the Payments Engine/Modernization MIS team. Specific duties include: (i) align business strategy with software solutions; (ii) propose, design and code software solutions to address complex business needs; (iii) oversee technical and procedural documentation required; (iv) lead complex problem solving; (v) provide technical guidance and support to colleagues and solution development; (vi) display an innovative approach to apply modern principles, methodologies and tools to advance business initiatives and capabilities; (vii) work directly with the scrum teams in a JAVA/Vendor technology environment utilizing AGILE methodology; (viii) be accountable for development and design activities directly related to migration of our legacy Wire and ACH platforms to a modernized real-time payments system in support of the needs of our Corporate and Institutional customers; (ix) participate in activities related to both core payments processing and ancillary initiatives all directly tied to the Payments Engine platform; (x) take abstract, early-stage product or solution concepts, and build them with technology; (xi) propose and create high level, detailed design documents for consumption by a development team; (xii) provide overall technical leadership for medium and large scale development efforts to ensure project success while meeting target dates and budgeted resource estimates; (xiii) orchestrate day to day development activities for developers and technology service partners including daily development/scrum checkpoints and escalation of roadblocks to management team; (xiv) work closely with Architects to architect, design and build complex software systems; and (xv) present and make technical recommendations to PNC management and internal/external service partners.

Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Communication Engineering, or Computer Science, plus 5 years of experience in a lead software engineering position including experience with guiding a Java/API development team, and providing technical leadership with API design and development is required. Experience required with the following: (i) Java based integration, J2EE platforms; (ii) RESTful webservices design and development; (iii) API design specification using Swagger framework; (iv) database development using Oracle PL/SQL and JDBC; (v) development of data notation formats JSON and XML; (vi) SAML 2.0 single sign on framework; (vii) Spring framework; (viii) implementation experience with server technologies Websphere, ExtremeScale and MQ; (ix) use of SOAP UI for providing XML integration and testing; (x) code branching design and using GIT Code repository for version management; (xi) using UrbanCode deployment tools; (xii) application monitoring using tools including Dynatrace and Splunk; (xiii) estimating development efforts; (xiv) facilitating software design and ideation sessions; and (xv) modern, Agile-based application development methodologies.

40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R061341. 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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER Askesis Development Group, Inc. seeks a Software Engineer to perform all aspects of Software Development Life Cycle, including definition, design, engineering, development, and testing of software for application projects. Develop complex systems and applications to enhance integrated practice management and electronic health record applications.

Determine user needs and formulate results for specific applications. Design, create, and code user needs-based applications. Determine and define technical parameters of each solution.

Assess feasibility and manage integration of components with assigned modules, and monitor real-time results. Collaborate with other engineers and developers to implement ongoing system enhancements and overall integration of electronic health record management system. Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Science, or related field plus two years of software development experience. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 21000213 in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

FOOTBRIDGE FOR FAMILIES – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO) This position is being created to lead the efforts of the Footbridge nonprofit organization (afootbridge. org). The COO will be a strategic manager, overseeing operational and managerial needs and leading revenue generation through the development of partnerships and relationships with regional organizations.

The COO will be able to pivot and respond quickly in a rapidly changing landscape of emergency aid, with a deep understanding of the nature of start-up organizations.

Full-time remote position, BYOD, flexible work schedule. Starting salary $50,000 with paid time off.

To apply: Send cover letter and resume to careers@afootbridge.org

by June 14.

URBAN FOREST TECHNICIAN 5 MONTH PAID INTERNSHIP FULL TIME $15.00/HOUR Tree Pittsburgh is seeking candidates interested in a career with the tree care industry.

For more information, email info@treepittsburgh.org or call (412) 781-8733 ext. 5

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SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a CLASSROOM PARAEDUCATOR for the 2021-2022 school year Complete job description is available at: www.southfayette.org Please e-mail your application to SFAPPLY@Southfayette.org Place in the subject line last name, first name, position Deadline: 4:00 P.M., June 17,2021, or until position is filled EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION SUBSTITUTE TEACHER for the 2021-2022 school year.

Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM June 11, 2021 EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION PERMANENT SUBSTITUTE TEACHER for one semester during the 2021-2022 school year.

Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM June 11, 2021 EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a HEAD VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER COACH Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM June 11, 2021 EOE REAL ESTATE

Estate of MARY ANN LANDRY, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 022103133 of 2021 Kimberly Kennedy, Extr. or to Matthew J. Beam, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C. , Atty; 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of EDWARD A. BRENNAN SR., Deceased of South Fayette Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-2104096, Edward A. Brennan, Jr. Executor, 5035 Sherwood Court, Burlington, WI 53105, or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of MS. CLAUDIA THERESA PAVLISKA, Deceased of 717 Montour Street, Coraopolis, PA 15108, Estate No. 02-21-04238, Mr. Michael Pavliska, Executor, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of MS. SHIRLEY A. PATTERSON, Deceased of 107 Parkhurst Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, Estate No. 02-21-04242, Ms. Gayle A. Price, 556 Ardmore Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of VICTOR J. SURMA, Deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-04378, Kathy A. Surma, Executor, 701 Marigold Court, Bridgeville, PA 15017, or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

OFFICIAL BID NOTICE TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ST. CLAIR Sealed Bids will be received by the Township of Upper St. Clair, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania until 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 13, 2021 and the Bids will be publicly opened and read thereafter in the Township Building at the same address for the following: SPOT LINING AND MANHOLE REHABILITATION CONTRACT MANHOLE TO MANHOLE LINING CONTRACT Please refer to https://www.twpusc. org/business/bid_information.php, for details regarding specifications and Bidding requirements.

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager OFFICIAL BID NOTICE TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ST. CLAIR Sealed Bids will be received by the Township of Upper St. Clair, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania until 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2021 and the Bids will be publicly opened and read thereafter in the Township Building at the same address for the following: JANITORIAL AND CLEANING SERVICES For the Municipal Building, Public Works Building, Recreation Center, Tennis Administration Building, all located on McLaughlin Run Road, Main Fire Station on Washington Road, Community & Recreation Center on Mayview Road, and the Morton Road Fire Substation on Morton Road.

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

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

House for Sale

HOME FOR SALE 2633 Brackenridge St Pgh Pa 15219 2Br 1Br row house Living/Dining/ Kitchen and Sun Room with washer dryer hook up in basement.

Asking $60,000 Call 412-883-9337

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JUNE 9-15, 2021

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA June 4, 2021 he Office of the Count Controller of lleghen Count , Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, WEDNESDAY, June 30, 2021, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in Conference Room 1, County Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, one half hour later, 11:30 o’clock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS MT TROY ROAD EXTENSION SITE 2 SLOPE STABILIZATION ROSS TOWNSHIP COUNTY PROJECT NO. 2351-0005 As a prospective bidder please note the following general Project information regarding: Pre Bid Information, Bidding Requirements, and Contract Conditions.

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

PRE BID INFORMATION: Purchase and/or view the Project Manual and Drawings at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 0 , County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. The non refundable charge for the Proposal and a disk containing the Specifications and Drawings is $107.00 including sales tax. The Contract Manager will accept only check or money order to the “COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY” in that amount and WILL NOT ACCEPT CASH OR EXTEND CREDIT. Prospective bidders may request to have bid documents mailed. An additional fee of $16.05 including tax, for handling costs for each requested proposal must be paid in advance. The fee must be received at the Office of the Contract Manager prior to the mailing of any documents.

Interested bidders planning to purchase bid documents or attend the public bid opening are advised to follow Self-Monitoring and Social Distancing guidelines when entering the Allegheny County Courthouse or County Office Building.

Interested bidders should also be aware that when entering either the Allegheny County Courthouse or County Office Building, facemask use should be followed in accordance with CDC guidelines.

BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: The County requires pre-qualification of bidders, including subcontractors, as specified in Section 102.01 of Commonwealth of enns l ania epartment of ransportation pecifications, ublication No.408, 2020 Edition on this project.

Submit Proposal on the supplied form in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and Specifications; include the following documents with the Bid Form, ALONG WITH ONE COMPLETE PHOTOCOPIED SET OF THE PROPOSAL: •Bid Security certified check or surety company bond on County’s form to the order of/or running to the County of Allegheny in the amount of five (5%) percent of the Bid as evidence that you, the Bidder, will accept and carry out the conditions of the Contract in case of award. The County will accept only bonds written by Surety Companies acceptable on Federal Bonds per the current Federal Register Circular 570. Federal Register Circular 0 is available for inspection in the Contract Office, Room 0 , County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

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

The anticipated notice to proceed is August 2, 2021. The project completion will be 120 consecutive calendar days after the notice to proceed.

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

Chelsa Wagner Controller County of Allegheny CITY OF PITTSBURGH, PA CDBG, HOME, ESG, AND HOPWA PROGRAMS FY 2020 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) Notice is hereby given that the City of Pittsburgh intends to submit the FY 2020 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on or before June 29, 2021.

In accordance with Title I of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, the City of Pittsburgh has prepared its Fiscal ear 2020 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Programs. This report describes the level of housing assistance and other community development activities through grants from various Federal funding programs during Fiscal Year 2020 (April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021).

Copies of the FY 2020 CAPER for the City of Pittsburgh are available for public inspection at the City of Pittsburgh website at http://pittsburghpa. gov/omb/community-development-documents, beginning Friday, June 11, 2021 through Friday, June 25, 2021.

All interested persons are encouraged to review the FY 2020 CAPER. Written comments should be addressed to the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Community Development Division, attention Mr. Whitney Finnstrom, Senior Manager, Community Development Division, City County Building, Room 501, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 2 . Oral comments may also be made by contacting Mr. Finnstrom at (412) 255-2211, his fax number is (412) 393-0151, his email is community.development@pittsburghpa.gov, and the TDD number is (412) 255-2222. Written comments on the CAPER will be considered up to and including June 25, 2021.

Mr. Whitney Finnstrom, Senior Manager Community Development Division, OMB

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

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140

E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

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LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR VARIOUS HACP LOCATIONS RESIDENT OWNED BUSINESSES ONLY IFB#250-23-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Janitorial Services for Various HACP Locations Resident Owned Businesses Only IFB#250-23-21 The documents will be available no later than June 1, 2021 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 AM on June 24, 2021 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on June 24, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 00 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on June 14, 2021 at 9:00 AM. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 977 9294 5418 Passcode: 752340 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s has revised their website.

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

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 7, 2021, 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 7G1-19 (GENERAL) PITTSBURGH AIRPORT INNOVATION CAMPUS SITE DEVELOPMENT PHASE 2 AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 a.m., on June 15, 2021. This meeting will be a GoTo Meeting. To join the meeting the following number can be called +1 877-309-2073 United States, (Toll Free) Conference ID: 749-508-909# or you may call the phone numbers included in this ad for the link to the virtual meeting.

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 w w w. a c a a c a p i t a l p r o g r a m s . 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 412-472-3543 or 412-472-3677.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 on the following: BID PROPOSAL NO. 1083 – Senstar Maintenance and Subscription Renewal BID PROPOSAL NO. 1084 – Dell Maintenance Renewal Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Monday, June 14, 2021.

Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer.

Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/ Disadvantaged owned businesses.

For more information, contact Michael Cvetic at mcvetic@ccac.edu.

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

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

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ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

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

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

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

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 on the following: BID PROPOSAL NO. 1085 – South Campus Lab Renovations A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting will be held onsite at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Please meet at the campus security desk, inside main entrance around the right of the complex as you enter the drive, 1750 Clairton Rd., West Mifflin, PA 15122.

The Project Labor Agreement (PLA) applies to this project.

Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer.

Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.

For more information, contact Michael Cvetic at mcvetic@ccac.edu.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 on the following: BID PROPOSAL NO. 1086 Copy Paper Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Thursday, June 24, 2021.

Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer.

Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/ Disadvantaged owned businesses.

For more information, contact Joseph Pugliano at jpugliano@ccac.edu

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