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‘WE GOT IT RIGHT.’ - Mayor Ed Gainey on Dr. Wayne Walters

DR. WAYNE WALTERS, new Pittsburgh Public Schools permanent superintendent, with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, at an event announcing Dr. Walters as the person charged with leading the district, July 21. (Photo by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

Dr. Wayne Walters sheds interim tag; named permanent PPS superintendent

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

There almost had to be a national search for Pittsburgh Public Schools’ next superintendent. After all,

it’s the second-largest school district in Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh itself is an education hub, with a number of acclaimed colleges and universities in the region.

There is a wealth of foundation support for education, and there are advocacy organizations that keep the district on its toes in the fight for a better public school system.

But if you ask members of the Pittsburgh school board, parents, students and PPS staff, the next permanent superintendent was already in Pittsburgh, already in the district.

And when Dr. Wayne N. Walters was announced officially on July 21 as the district’s permanent superintendent, Dr. Walters received a standing ovation.

“We got it right,” Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey proclaimed at the Board of Education building, in Oakland, with about 100 SEE SUPERINTENDENT A4

COURIER EXCLUSIVE

Denzel Washington is returning to Pittsburgh Part of ‘August Wilson House’ arts center grand opening

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Four years ago, actor Denzel Washington stood on the grounds of playwright August Wilson’s childhood home on Bedford Avenue, and said: “I love August Wilson. He touches my soul, our souls, in a way that no one I’ve ever read

has.”

Washington, the two-time Academy Award winner, was in Pittsburgh in September 2018 as part of the groundblessing ceremony for the preservation of Wilson’s childhood home. He helped raise $5 million to jumpstart the preservation project.

Four years later, here we

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are. “August Wilson House,” as it’s called, has been more than preserved —the home has turned into a brand new arts center, as Wilson had said he wanted the space inside the home to be useful to the community.

The grand opening celebration for the arts center at August Wilson House is Saturday, Aug. 13. And the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned exclusively that Denzel Washington is returning to Pittsburgh, to be part of the historic celebration.

SEE WASHINGTON A3

PAUL ELLIS, NEPHEW OF AUGUST WILSON, WITH TWO-TIME ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER DENZEL WASHINGTON.

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‘ALL RISE’ FOR ACTRESS SIMONE MISSICK The star of the OWN series on stepping into her new role as an executive producer

This Week In Black History

A Courier Staple

by Zon D’Amour Los Angeles Sentinel

In the opening scene for the third season of “All Rise,” we believe Lola Carmichael (played by Simone Missick) has lost her election and her seat as a judge only to reveal that she actually won.

The series initially had a similar fate, canceled by CBS to later be picked up and renewed by OWN (The Oprah Winfrey Network).

In an exclusive interview with the LA Sentinel, Simone Missick shares the importance of using her voice as an executive producer to create an inspiring and culturally relevant narrative.

L.A. Sentinel: In addition to starring in the show, it’s exciting to also see you credited as an executive producer. Can you share what that role entails?

Simone Missick: I came into season three knowing I wanted to be an executive producer. I have three fellow co-producers, Denitria Harris-Lawrence who is our showrunner as well as Michael Robin and Len Goldstein who have been with the show since the beginning. I was stepping into this [role] knowing that I was going to be partnered with people that I trusted creatively and professionally to tell impactful stories while also being timely and culturally relevant.

As an executive producer, there’s a level of joy I have going to work everyday being the lead on the show and then being able to help to tell it in a stronger, more culturally specific way. [For example] I said Lola has to go to Howard University.

She was supposed to have gone a school in California for undergrad and I said, ‘Oh no! She had to have gone to Howard.’

Those things are important. I remember growing up and watching “The Cosby Show” and seeing all those [college] sweatshirts that Cliff Huxtable wore and asking, ‘Where’s that school?’ As an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) alumna, I know how important those images are for young Black students and it was important for me to share that with the “All Rise” audience.

LAS: Having watched several episodes from season 3, it seems as if some of the storylines are inspired by current events. Can you share what type of cases we can expect this season and how Lola will navigate these issues in her courtroom?

SM: The show tries to il-

•JULY 27

SIMONE MISSICK as Judge Lola Carmichael in “All Rise.” (Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc./ Courtesy of OWN) luminate that people are in charge of our criminal justice system and yes we have written laws but those laws are manipulated, changed and stretched to fit whatever narrative that a person may have consciously or subconsciously about an individual or a group of people.

This season we’ll see how difficult it is to get a wrongfully convicted man exonerated. Then we find ourselves dealing with a serial killer that’s been targeting black women in Los Angeles for decades.

Another episode that I’m really excited about is whether teaching Black History should be allowed in schools. There’s a moment when one of our characters can’t understand how this debate is happening in California. They say, ‘I know it’s happening down south, I know it’s happening in the midwest, but in Los Angeles?’ and Lola’s response to that is very much in line with my [own] awareness of where we are as a nation and the need for people in power to hold on to that power by trying to shape a narrative about the history of this country.

Those are just some of the examples of the cases we have coming up. Some of which, as you said are “ripped from the headlines” while some have been a part of the criminal justice system forever. I think [“All Rise”] does it in a way that feels fresh and exciting for our audiences while also asking them to question their own biases and their own judgements of who’s guilty, who isn’t, who deserves rehabilitation and who doesn’t. Who deserves a second chance and who’s irreparably damaged and thus needs to be put away for life.

LAS: Can you share advice for fellow creatives

who may feel as if they’ve been hard at work for years but have yet to experience their big break?

How do you remain resilient during the toughest times?

SM: I thank God for my husband who’s my prayer partner, my biggest supporter and someone who’s also in the industry so he understands the highs and lows. He’s encouraged me for years before it happened. I also have a strong prayer group of women, we study the word together, we lift each other up in prayer for auditions and meetings and also encourage one another because there are peaks and valleys.

As artists we have these ideas of the way it should go but for me, I thank God for every “no” that I ever received that led me to “Luke Cage” because they weren’t looking for somebody who we had seen everywhere. It had to be me, one, because that’s how I believe God works but it also had to be me who literally had done only three jobs up until that point– three IMDb credits. I had done plays, commercials and short films but in the eyes of the industry, I was a ‘nobody’ but in God’s eyes, He knew exactly where I was supposed to be.

For people who feel as though it’s never going to happen, if you truly love what you do and believe that’s what God has placed you here to do on this earth, never give up. Make whatever you can happen on your own so that when those opportunities come, you’re ready. Be good at your craft, sharpen your skills and never give up on yourself. Those are the things that will continue to propel you forward.

All Rise airs Tuesdays at 8p/7pc only on OWN.

1919—The infamous Chicago Race Riot of 1919 begins. It would last for several days and require 6,000 National Guardsmen to put it down. The Chicago disturbance was the bloodiest of 25 race riots which took place in cities throughout the country. In fact, the summer of 1919 became known as the “Red Summer” because of the wide spread number of racial conflicts.

In Chicago, the rioting was started

by White gangs harassing the large number of Blacks who had moved to the city for wartime jobs created by World War I. In addition to harassing and beating Blacks, the White gangs invented “drive-by shooting” as they drove through Black neighborhoods firing rifles and pistols. Young Blacks formed mobs of their own and began retaliating. When it was all over 15 Whites and 23 Blacks were dead; more than 500 people had been injured and another 1,000 left homeless.

•JULY 28

1868—The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified formally making former Black slaves citizens of the United States. Many scholars consider this the most important amendment to the Constitution. In addition to making Blacks citizens, it contains both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause. These clauses have been used to guarantee a wide range of rights for all U.S. citizens. The 14th Amendment was passed, in part, to overturn the “Black Codes” being adopted in many Southern states after the Civil War. The Black Codes were an attempt to give Blacks official second class status in America by, among other things, limiting their rights to vote, sue a White person or testify in court.

1915—United States Marines begin the first American occupation of Haiti. The official justification was that disturbances on the predominantly Black island might allow Germany’s Adolph Hitler to infiltrate troops into the Americas. But the U.S. invasion was driven in large measure by a desire to put down a popular rebellion which threatened the rule of Haiti’s dictator and American business interests. More than 2,000 Haitians were killed in the early weeks of the occupation which did not end until August of 1934.

1917—The NAACP organizes an 8,000-person strong “silent march” down New York’s Fifth Avenue to protest lynching and other brutalities against African Americans. The marchers were particularly outraged by the July 2, 1917 massacre of Blacks in East St. Louis, Ill. President Woodrow Wilson (considered by many Blacks to be a racist) had just taken America into World War I under the theme of “Making the World Safe for Democracy.”

Many of the marchers carried signs reading “Mr. President, why not make America safe for democracy?”

2009—Death of the flamboyant Rev. Ike is announced. At his height in the mid-1970s, Rev. Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter reached an estimated 2.5 million African Americans with his New York-based spiritual and financial betterment radio program. However, critics often described him as a “hustler” and a “scoundrel” who exploited poor Blacks by selling “healings” and “prayer clothes.” He died in California but was born in Ridgeland, S.C.

•JULY 29

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1870—Pioneering boxer George Dixon is born in Nova Scotia, Canada. Little is known today but Dixon had an absolutely amazing boxing career. He pioneered much of modern boxing including training techniques such as the suspended punching bag and shadow boxing. He was the first Black person to win a world boxing title. Dixon was known as “Little Chocolate” because he stood only 5’3” tall and weighed around 90 pounds. Despite his diminutive size he won 78 fights—30 by knock out. He was known for his lightning fast speed. Dixon died in New York in 1909. He is buried in Boston, Mass.

•JULY 30

1863—President Abraham Lincoln issues his famous “eye-for-an-eye” order. The order was basically a threat aimed at stopping the Confederate practice of killing captured Black soldiers instead of imprisoning them. Lincoln threatened to kill one captured rebel soldier for every Black soldier killed by the Confederates. In addition, he pledged to condemn one captured rebel soldier to life in prison at hard labor for every captured Black soldier sold into slavery by the rebelling Southerners. The order did not stop the Confederate practice of killing captured Black soldiers, but it did have a restraining effect.

1945—Activist minister Adam Clayton Powell Jr. is elected to Congress from Harlem, N.Y., becoming one of only two Blacks in Congress. The other was William Dawson of Chicago. Powell, however, would become the first

truly powerful Black political figure on Capitol Hill. By 1961, he headed the influential Education and Labor Committee in the House of Representatives.

Powell would steer more than 50 pieces of legislation through Congress. He also passed legislation making lynching a federal crime and bills to desegregate public schools and the military.

In addition, he almost single handedly stopped Southern Congressmen from using the word “Nigger” during sessions of Congress. Despite his political influence, Powell constantly maintained that “Mass action is the most powerful force on earth.” He died on April 4, 1972.

•JULY 31

1874—Father Patrick Francis Healy becomes the first Black president of a major White university when he is inaugurated on this day as president of Georgetown University. Healy was also the first African American to earn a PhD. However, racial prejudice forced him to earn his degree in Europe not the United States. Healy was born in Macon, Ga., in 1834 to a Black slave woman and a White plantation owner who decided to acknowledge his five bi-racial children. They were all sent north to be educated. Although some felt he could have passed for White, Healy openly acknowledged his African ancestry. Healy died in 1910.

1960—Nation of Islam founder Elijah Muhammad calls for an all-Black state in America during a speech in New York City. Muhammad was a fearless critic of American discrimination against and the mistreatment of Blacks and he also advocated independent, Black owned businesses, institutions and religion.

1961—One of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile performers and the recipient of a truckload of NAACP Image awards, Laurence John Fishburne III is born on this day in Augusta, Ga. He began his acting career in his first play, “In My Many Names and Days,” at the age of 10.

•AUGUST 1

1619—This is possibly the day that the history of Blacks in America begins. However, no one knows for sure the exact day that the ship arrived in Jamestown, Va., carrying at least 20 Africans who were sold as indentured servants. There is some authority that the ship arrived in late August. All that appears certain is that the month was August and the year was 1619—the beginning of Black history in America.

1834—Slavery is officially abolished in all British territories. It would take another 31 years and a Civil War before it was abolished in America.

1920—The national convention of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association begins at Liberty Hall in Harlem, N.Y. The next night Garvey addresses more than 25,000 Blacks at Madison Square Garden. This period represented the height of the Garvey movement and the Black nationalism (non-integration with Whites) tendency within Black America. Garvey built the largest Black mass movement in history advocating Black pride, independent Black businesses and institutions as well as a strong and united Africa. He also brought motivation and showmanship unlike that of any other Black organization before or since.

•AUGUST 2

1924—A man who would grow up to become one of the most prolific and complex Black writers of the 20th Century is born on this day in New York City. James A. Baldwin was a novelist, short story writer and poet. His works frequently had racial and sexual themes. In addition, he penned powerful essays on the Civil Rights Movement. Baldwin’s homosexuality is believed by many to have been a result of being raised by a “hard and often brutal father” and a submissive mother. Among his best known works are “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Giovanni’s Room,” and “The Fire Next Time.” In that last book, he predicted major upheavals in America if profound efforts were not taken to resolve the nation’s racial problems. He wrote, “If we do not now dare everything, the fulfillment of that prophecy, recreated from the Bible in song by a slave, is upon us. God gave Noah the Rainbow sign, no more water, the fire next time.” Baldwin died in France on Nov. 30, 1987.

1966—The Charles R. Drew Post Graduate Medical School (now Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science) is chartered in Los Angeles, Calif.

The school was named in honor of the foremost Black doctor and research scientist of the first half of the 20th Century.

Drew did pioneering work in blood transfusions and in the development of blood plasma. Drew’s life was cut short on April 1, 1950 as a result of an automobile accident in North Carolina.

1980—Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns wins the WBA welterweight title. It was one of the titles he won in five different weight classes. Hearns was the first Black boxer to achieve that feat.

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Denzel Washington is returning to Pittsburgh WASHINGTON FROM A1

“He just loves everything August Wilson,” Denise Turner, August Wilson House chief executive and board president, told the Courier in an exclusive interview.

“When he (Washington) found out that we were preserving the very place that August (Wilson) as a young child drew his inspiration from, engaging with his mother and just living in the Hill District and seeing all of these beautiful families and being inspired to write about the human experience...his expression and words, it penetrates the hearts of many, not

just Black people. And that’s why he’s not just a great African American playwright; he’s a great American playwright.”

Saturday, Aug. 13, will be a daylong celebration at August Wilson House, culminating with a “House Party” from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. featuring the likes of local DJs and other notables. Events throughout the afternoon and into the evening will feature notables from the local arts and performance community.

Constanza Romero, the widow of Wilson, is also scheduled to attend.

On Friday, Aug. 12, Mark Clayton Southers’ Pittsburgh Playwrights

Theater Company will host a production, “Jitney,” which is part of Wilson’s famous “Pittsburgh Cycle” set of 10 plays.

Nine of those 10 plays were set in Pittsburgh.

August Wilson House held a “Legacy Brick” campaign throughout the year as a fundraiser for the home’s restoration.

The campaign allowed supporters to make Wilson’s house a home for community artists by purchasing a “legacy brick.” That brick, which has a cost from $100 to $1,000, was strategically located along prominent walkways, entryways and patios at the arts center.

More legacy bricks can be

DENZEL WASHINGTON, SHOWN HERE IN A 2018 PHOTO AT AUGUST WILSON HOUSE.

DENZEL WASHINGTON, SHOWN HERE IN A 2018 PHOTO, WITH TERRI BALTIMORE, FAR LEFT, AND MARK CLAYTON SOUTHERS, SECOND FROM LEFT.

purchased even after the Aug. 13 grand opening.

“While a lot of people may think that (the arts center) is museum-like, it’s not going to be,” Turner told the Courier.

“There will be a museum portion because we did a historic preservation of (Wilson’s) childhood home...so there will be some artistic expression in those rooms, but it will operate as an arts

center. Reading roundtables, new play-reading series, an oral histories program, playwright residencies,” among other programs.

The arts center at August Wilson House, 1727 Bedford Ave., is dedicated to strengthening youth and Hill District residents, and nurturing artists and scholars locally and around the world.

“August Wilson is iconic and well-known globally as the theater’s poet of Black America,” Turner said, “and we are both proud and thrilled to celebrate him with this incredible arts center.”

(Editor’s note: For more information on tickets and programming for the Aug. 13 events, visit newpittsburghcourier.com or email info@augustwilsonhouse.org.)

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Dr. Wayne Walters sheds interim tag; named permanent PPS superintendent

PITTSBURGH SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SALA UDIN, LEFT, AND SYLVIA WILSON WERE VERY IMPRESSED BY DR. WAYNE WALTERS. (PHOTO BY J.L. MARTELLO)

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people in attendance. “We got it right, and here’s why...If you talk to a lot of the parents whose kids came up under Dr. Walters, they will tell you how many are now in college, who have made it, who see purpose in education, who find joy in life. That’s the leader we want. That’s the leader we needed.”

Dr. Walters was named the interim superintendent on Oct. 1, 2021, following the resignation of Anthony Hamlet, Ed.D., who spent five years as PPS superintendent. Dr. Hamlet was chosen in a national search, coming from the Palm Beach County School District, in Florida. In March of this year, a national search was led by BWP & Associates, and over the next four months, ultimately found 30 candidates — one of

which was from outside the country. Eventually, the top five candidates emerged, which included Dr. Walters, and the New Pittsburgh Courier learned that they each were interviewed by the nine-member board, using criteria from 1,700 Pittsburgh residents who weighed in on the qualities they wanted to see in the next permanent superintendent.

Dr. Walters, who has been with PPS for 30 years, proved to be the best choice among all candidates.

“I have had people talking to me since October when he was first nominated as interim (superintendent) and gave me all kinds of reasons about why it should be Dr. Walters,” voiced board member Sylvia Wilson. “Of course I personally know what Dr. Walters has done because my granddaughter went

THE NEW PERMANENT SUPERINTENDENT—DR. WAYNE WALTERS (PHOTO BY J.L. MARTELLO)

to (Pittsburgh) Obama as a middle school student (when Dr. Walters was principal of Obama Academy), and I know what he did as the administrator in that building. But also, as a fellow colleague when I was teaching, I knew exactly what was going on. His commitment to students, to the community, to parents, his relationships outside the schools, were certainly high marks. But we did go through the process. We had others who we interviewed. It was kind of like a no-brainer once we went through the whole process.”

Growing up in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Dr. Walters came to Pittsburgh when he was 16 to attend Carnegie Mellon University, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in music performance/music education in 1990.

At age 21, he began working with Pittsburgh Public Schools in a teaching capacity at Pittsburgh King, on the North Side. Dr. Walters later became assistant principal of Northview Heights Elementary (19992000) and principal of Frick International Studies Academy 6-8 (20002008). Dr. Walters then helped usher in the new Obama Academy in 2009, serving as its first principal. He added Assistant Superintendent of Grades 6-12 Schools in 2014 while still performing his duties as principal of Obama.

In 2017, Dr. Walters relinquished his duties as principal and became Assistant Superintendent of Professional Development and Special Programming for PPS, leading the implementation of professional development plans for teachers, administrators and central office staff.

Dr. Walters earned a master’s degree in Music Education/Technology from Duquesne University (1998), and a Doctor of Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2007).

“The reason why there’s so much outpouring of support for Dr. Walters is because he has demonstrated over that 30 years high standards in education, and unparalleled integrity,” said Board President Sala Udin. “That’s what people know him for and love him

PITTSBURGH SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DEVON TALIAFERRO FELT THAT DR. WAYNE WALTERS WAS EASILY THE BEST CHOICE FOR PERMANENT PPS SUPERINTENDENT.

for.”

Udin was asked if there was a singular moment when he realized that Dr. Walters would be the best choice as permanent superintendent. “For me personally, there was no single moment,” Udin responded.

“Dr. Walters’ excellence was apparent from the very beginning and it stayed through the very end.”

Dr. Walters’ 10-minute speech included many thanks to his mentors in the school district, parents, community partners and especially, the PPS students, “as you bring me the greatest joy in this profession. Your growth, your development and intellect motivate and inspire me to do more for you,” he said. “Throughout my career I have always been described as unapologetically students first. I am proud of that characterization and continue to be that person. Students, your authentic, unfiltered voices of truth ground me and remind me that our work and purpose is solely about you and your success. I will continue to elevate your voice as barometers for change in our district.”

“Change” is what Dr. Walters will be tasked with creating as soon as the clock strikes midnight on Aug. 1, the official start date for

Dr. Walters as permanent superintendent. There are a myriad of issues of which to tackle, including the gap between Black and White student achievement, truancy, reliable transportation, and the decreasing student enrollment.

“I love what I do, but I’m not confused that this work is demanding, challenging, but at the same time so rewarding,” Dr. Walters said.

“So to the staff of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, I will always honor, value and respect your tenacity and dedication to our children and our families. We need to build back morale and improve communication, so know that I listen and hear your concerns.”

Ironically, in a city that’s losing Black population by the year, Pittsburgh now has a Black mayor and Black superintendent of schools. The city’s school district is 53 percent African American. Mayor Gainey, a product of Pittsburgh Public Schools as a 1988 Peabody High School graduate, said he understands the importance of having a good working relationship with the leader of 20,000 Pittsburgh city school students. “My commitment as mayor is to work with you every step of the way, and to call every leader in this region to help us build

an education system that says, ‘We are the best in America,’” Mayor Gainey remarked.

“You can’t deny the impact he has made in the district over the past 30 years,” Board Member Devon Taliaferro said of Dr. Walters, in an exclusive interview with the Courier. “If you go anywhere with him or around him, he runs into former students, current students, students that can recite the sayings and things he taught them while he was principal or even a teacher in the district. So when you look at that, our job (as a board) is to put student outcomes first, and I think that Dr. Walters displays that student-first perspective.”

Mayor Gainey, seemingly the busiest person in the City of Pittsburgh these days, made it a point to attend the announcement of Dr. Walters as permanent superintendent on July 21. Looking straight at Dr. Walters, who was donning his trademark bow tie, the mayor reiterated: “I congratulate you, because nobody can say that this was given to you. Each one of our children can see the dedication and commitment. They will believe they can (achieve), and the example starts (with you) today.”

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Pittsburgh Art Park CommUnity Mural taking shape

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Artist Kyle Holbrook is committed to making art make an impact in the Hill District.

The “Pittsburgh Art Park CommUnity Mural” has finished its first stage along Centre Avenue near the old Shop ‘N Save, which will soon be the home of Salem’s Market and Grill. The first stage, on July 17, allowed residents of the community to contribute messages of peace and hope, in orange paint. Orange represents gun violence awareness and the demand for the violence to stop.

Holbrook is currently working on painting iconic images of those who were so instrumental to Pittsburgh and the Hill’s culture, like Art Blakey, Gus Greenlee, Josh Gibson and Lena Horne. For the new generation, Holbrook told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, July

ARTIST KYLE HOLBROOK, LEFT, WITH DANA MORRIS. It’s the beginning of what Holbrook says will be the largest mural in the City of Pittsburgh, in the Hill District.

OBBY BIBB

SHINA BIBB (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

26, that he’ll be painting former Schenley High School and Pitt basketball standout DeJuan Blair on the mural.

He’s also painting some iconic landmarks of the Hill, like the old Granada Theater.

When it’s all said and done, Holbrook said the CommUnity Mural will be the largest mural in the City of Pittsburgh, because there will be artists from all over coming to help paint the remaining sides of the huge Salem’s Market and Grill building along Heldman Street.

“I’ve seen art change a community without gentrifying

it, but to bring it up,” Holbrook said. “This could be a landmark for the whole city and have it right in the Hill District.”

Much of Holbrook’s family is from the Hill District. He can see this mural, once it’s complete by the end of October, being a destination spot for locals and tourists to visit year-round, which could stimulate the Hill District ecosystem.

“It can bring an entire arts hub back to the Hill,” Holbrook said.

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Grant provides $35,000 in funding, communications and volunteer support The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Ebenezer Outreach Ministries, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services designed to address the needs of residents living in underserved neighborhoods in the Hill District and surrounding communities, has been named a 2022 Champion in Action in the category of Innovation & Transformation.

The award, announced on Wednesday, July 20, jointly by Citizens Fi-

team – which oversees a range of top-notch supportive services ensuring Hill District residents have a pathway to success - makes them a true Champion in Action.”

“Ebenezer Outreach Ministries has set an impressive example for transformation and innovation,” said Jennifer Bertetto, Trib Total Media President and CEO, in a statement. “They took a typical food pantry and combined it with their workforce develop-

EBENEZER PASTOR DR. VINCENT CAMPBELL, alongside Citizens EVP Suzy Donahue, who presented the check. livery service goes a step further to address transportation and mobility challenges.

“Ebenezer Outreach Ministries is grateful and humbled to be named a Citizens Champion in Action, and we will maximize this opportunity to make an even greater impact on our community,” said Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell, Founder and CEO of Ebenezer Outreach Ministries, in a statement. Reverend Dr. Campbell is also pas-

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tor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, in the Hill District.

The Champions in Action program, now in its 20th year, has awarded more than $10 million in contributions and promotional support to 367 nonprofits across the bank’s footprint. In Pittsburgh, 51 nonprofits have been honored, receiving more than $1.4 million.

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The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

EBENEZER VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF ALONG WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM CITIZENS. nancial Group, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding, as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work.

“We are proud to honor an organization that provides programs and services designed to address the needs of residents living in underserved neighborhood,” said Mark Rendulic, Pittsburgh Market President, Citizens, in a statement to the Courier. “EOM’s creative, thoughtful leadership

ment program to build a modernized Basic Needs Center that helps to provide valuable services within their community.”

Ebenezer Outreach Ministries (EOM) provides career training programs that are critical to breaking down barriers to success. They also provide free access to hot meals, a food pantry with dry foods and essential basic household needs, a health clinic, a daycare, after-school programs and transportation assistance. The organization makes a promise to pro-

vide wraparound services for program participants for up to 36 months after the completion of a training program. The Basic Needs Center is the cornerstone of that promise and sets EOM apart from the average workforce or job placement program. The Community Meals Ministry is unique because the meals are prepared by a professional chef, as might be served in a nice restaurant, as opposed to freemeal offerings that are EBENEZER STAFF MEMBER SHIRLEY LAIDLEY, posing in often pre-packaged or Ebenezer’s model pharmacy/drug store/call center, where “Ms. mass-produced. The de- Shirley,” as she’s known, runs a workforce development program.

SPORTS

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Judges, Juries and Executioners Some sportswriters think they know everything In general, our system of jurisprudence is based upon the precept of innocent until proven guilty.

To reach the conclusion of guilty or innocent there must be witnesses for the defense or the prosecution to present evidence for defendant and the prosecution. Competent legal counsel should always be provided to represent the state and the defense, although on many occasions that is not the case.

Many times, the identity of the defendant will determine how vigorous the defense, or the prosecution, will be. A judge then monitors the proceedings, sort of like a referee to ensure that a trial will be accurately and fairly conducted. Finally, a jury or judge is selected to hear and weigh the evidence and to determine guilt or innocence.

Out of all the moving parts of a trial, the main function of a sportswriter is most compatible with the function of a person serving as a witness.

Sportswriters witness and chronicle a sporting event and present that event to the public; well, at least theoretically anyway.

Sometimes a select group of writers need a subpoena in order to be prompted to tell the truth.

However, many of the scribes dedicated to reporting events from the

“sacred” world of sports have become self-ordained “Judges, Juries and Executioners.”

They consider themselves as the ultimate jurists, creating, manipulating and sculpting the “court of public opinion.”

The vocation of a sports journalist has now evolved into an ever-invasive and pervasive force designed to invade every aspect of the lives of athletes and will oftentimes continue the attacks on individuals long after they have met “destination graveyard.”

Why would they launch these unjustified and unwarranted attacks? Well, simply because they can, that’s why!

Many sportswriters have been guilty of using “journalism” to stage baseless attacks on prominent sports figures just because they had a platform from which to launch those attacks. No athlete or their families are sacred or safe from some of this intentional propaganda. Many scribes that sit high upon the “judicial press box bench” do not have any idea of the definition of the word objective. For example, to this very day, many of them continue to exhume the corpse of the allegations that ex-NFL Kordell Stewart “allegedly” may be a homosexual.

Many of them often loosely apply the adverb “alleged-

ly” in a sort of tongue-incheek manner. They fail to grasp the fact that exhuming the remains of a long dead story and applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to that collection of bones will not restore flesh and blood to those remains because the time for miracles is long past the expiration date.

The following are a few excerpts from an article posted about four years ago on stillcurtain.com written by Dan Gilliam ti-

might share my last name, Gilliam. The results did not have a huge celebrity base, but I did find a British director, a Christian singer and a San Francisco 49ers’ offensive lineman.

Joe Gilliam played for my favorite NFL team the Pittsburgh Steelers and he actually replaced Terry Bradshaw as the starter one year during their heyday in the ‘70s. I stopped reading and thought, wait what? He replaced a four time Super Bowl champi-

tled: “Pittsburgh Steelers, the tragic life of Joe Gilliam: A Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback not many remember, but a story worth telling.”

Dan Gilliam starts out by saying, “My last name is not very common, so I sat down at my computer to look for others that

on?”

First, I find it remarkable and amazing that a writer covering the Pittsburgh Steelers would happen to just be conducting a generic name search and stumble across the name Joe Gilliam. This man had to have known about the “steel curtain,” wide

receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, QB Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris; all from the Joe Gilliam era. If a 5-yearold covered the Black and Gold, they would know who Joe Gilliam was. We must also remember that Dan Gilliam said, “the Steelers were his favorite team.” Was this a way to continue the attack on the credibility of Joe Gilliam, even beyond the grave?

Was this an article penned just to fill some space during an uneventful offseason? Colin Kaepernick was and continues to be vilified and his reputation has been castrated just because he decided to exercise his constitutional right to the first amendment.

Many of these current journalistic regurgitators are certified and credentialed purveyors of yellow journalism whose opinions amount to preaching to a choir of one; themselves.

Some of their coverage is more yellow than mellow, creating drama where there is none and tossing fuel on the fire where drama already exists.

Antonio Brown has embarked on a new career and a few of the reviews that are offered seem to be based on culture and the “ethnic sensitivity of insensitivity” of the person expressing the opinion.

Recently thecomeback.

com posted this: “Antonio Brown performed in Miami at Rolling Loud, which has been the largest rap-only music festival in the world since it began in 2015. Brown became the first athlete-turned-rapper ever to perform at the festival, according to HotNewHipHop.com.”

The article goes on to say that “a few people that could not tell a Hip from a Hop had things like this to say about the performance. Many poked fun at the former receiver’s new career.”

New Orleans Saints AllPro Defensive Lineman Cameron Jordan had a slightly different opinion of Brown’s performance saying, “Antonio Brown seems like he’s thriving in spite of what the world wanna label him… not too many artists perform at Rolling Loud let alone football players-turned musician.”

During these tumultuous times of “blog-in-a-fog journalism,” a few determined scribes are resolute regarding making KoolAid with salt instead of sugar.

Just remember this: whatever you read or hear, you alone must be the judge and jury. Let the spirit and reputation assassins serve as the executioners because frankly, that is all that they are good for.

‘There’s no crying in baseball!’

How’s that 5-year plan looking for your Buccos? :10—40-56. Let’s all say it together now, 4056. Yeah, yeah, we’re in a 5-year plan of which this is year 2. Or 1 maybe. Hey, that Oneil Cruz kid can sure throw the ball! And Bryan Reynolds had a hot June before getting injured. Your Pittsburgh Pirates are mired in another abysmal season with no horizon to even speak of in their sight. Cruz looks completely overmatched at the plate, much like Jack Suwinski who was sent down after an 0-29 batting streak. The less said about the light-hitting Ke’Bryan Hayes, the better. Yes, he’s the front-runner for the Gold Glove at third base but has hit 4 home runs and .248 so far from a power bat position. Not enough, not enough. :09—On the bright side, the Buccos are in third place in the NL Central Division, more a result of the woefully inadequate Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds as opposed to anything the Bucs have done. And they’re actually only the seventh worst team in baseball. Maybe that 5-year plan really is working. :08—Aaron Judge of the free-spending New York Yankees is on pace to hit 61 home runs right now.

If Judge gets to 62 do you place him in the record books beside all the steroid home run records?

Baseball, as we all know, turned a blind eye to steroids to revive the game after the canceled World Series of 1994. And who didn’t enjoy watching Bar-

ry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire and Alex Rodriguez among many others launch 500-foot home runs with alarming regularity? I know I did and if these cats wanted to abuse their bodies to attain such results, who am I to say, years after the fact like MLB, tsk tsk, shame on you. MLB rode their coattails to record attendance and profits only to sanctimoniously throw them under the bus when they were no longer needed. Put them all in the Hall of Fame and quit bellyaching about it. I mean, c’mon man!!! :07—Since we’re all baseball today in this column, let’s get this out of the way. The 10 greatest hitters in baseball history are as follows - 1) Babe Ruth 2) Ted Williams 3) Hank Aaron 4) Willie Mays 5) Barry Bonds 6) Lou Gehrig 7) Joe DiMaggio 8) Albert Pujols 9) Ty Cobb 10) Alex Rodriguez.

That’s the list. Live and learn. Yes, I left out Josh Gibson and Oscar Charleston simply because there are no real reliable stats for them. Some say Josh Gibson hit 880 home runs but what stats we have bear little resemblance to such hyperbole. By all accounts Josh Gibson was phenomenal, as was Oscar Charleston, but their stats are based on 50, 60, 70-game seasons that we know of, maybe 100 games a year still missing. I hope more stats are turned up for these guys, their talent needs to be recognized in a more concrete way. :06—The L.A. Dodgers’

payroll this season is $310 million. The N.Y. Mets’ payroll is $253 million. In third place, the N.Y. Yankees’ payroll is at $240 million. The Yankees and Dodgers are 12 1/2 and 11 1/2 games ahead in their respective divisions.

The Mets are up over the defending World Series champs Atlanta Braves by only a game and a half but suffice it to say the spending disparity in MLB is a complete joke. The Pirates payroll is about $37 million, the third-lowest in MLB, only ahead of the Oakland A’s at $32 million and the Baltimore Orioles at $30 million. When do we think the Pirates, Orioles

beans. The cheap kind in a dented can with the plain wrapper slightly torn. And David Bednar will be gone by the trade deadline for a used fungo bat and a dirty bag of scuffed outfield balls. :04—Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros is 133 with a microscopic 1.86 ERA. Verlander is 6’5”, 236 pounds and this past Saturday, July 23, his fastball topped out at 99.9 mph.

He’s 39 years old, still dealing with no sign of a let up. He’s also married to the amazing Kate Upton and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. And one cool guy.

Several years back, while still pitching with Detroit,

and A’s will be competing for a wild card, let alone a division title? A joke. :05—The stadium is so nice. It’s a cheap night out on a nice summer evening.

We got to see the Yankees and their powerhouse lineup this year at PNC Park. Blah, blah, blah.

It’s all smoke and mirrors and 5-year plans people, that amount to a hill of

Verlander came out of his hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh to eat and a friend and his then-13-year-old son approached him for an autograph. My friend said Verlander was very gracious and chatted with his son for a minute or two about baseball and pitching. Then two other young Tigers came out of the hotel and walked

past, saying “no” when the son asked for their autographs. Verlander immediately interceded, saying, “Hey, get back here. Sign his autograph book.” The two young players quickly came back and signed the book and, while Verlander watched closely, chatted with my friend and his son for a few minutes.

Verlander then thanked them both for being fans and walked with the two younger players, absolutely making my friend’s son’s whole month. That is a class act and we wish Justin Verlander complete success. And, FYI, in 2020 Verlander donated a sizeable chunk of his salary to different organizations that were helping with COVID relief, another classy move. Some athletes truly get it. :03—Warren Spahn of the Boston and Milwaukee Braves won 363 games while also missing three full seasons for military duty during WWII, and part of a fourth season. He could, conceivably, have won 435+ games and yet no one ever talks about him as one of the all-time great pitchers. That being said, here’s the 10 greatest pitchers in baseball history - 1) Satchel Paige 2) Sandy Koufax 3) Bob Gibson 4) Warren Spahn 5) Walter Johnson 6) Roger Clemons 7) Steve Carlton 8) Tom Seaver 9) Pedro Martinez 10) Whitey Ford. At 45 (???) years old, Satchel Paige made the All-Star team for the St. Louis Browns and was 1210 with a 3.07 ERA. ‘Nuff said.

something :02—If doesn’t drastically change in MLB, as ratings and attendance once again slip, baseball is going to sadly find itself as a niche sport for diehard fans only. As an OG cat I can remember the anticipation of watching the All-Star Game every year through my 30s and 40s, a mark on the calendar, stay-at-home event.

I couldn’t even muster the effort to tune into five minutes of the game last week; my enthusiasm for the sport at an all-time low. All the major sports have some type of salary cap except baseball and unless the greed of the owners and players is assuaged, I’m afraid even OG cats like myself will likely find better things to do than watch MLB. :01—My all-time favorite baseball player growing up was, strangely, Rod Carew of the Minnesota Twins and later the California Angels. Can’t remember the exact reason why I zeroed in on him; maybe his chase of .400 in 1977 had something to do with it but I also remember getting his autograph at the 1974 All-Star Game at Three Rivers Stadium and being absolutely thrilled. Baseball has the richest history of any sport and the memories are for a lifetime. Playing the game as a youth was the best part of every summer as a kid. I cherish those memories and hope in the future some other kids find what I found in the game. :00—GAME OVER!

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A police shooting, a clash of parents, and poor headlines J. Pharoah Doss Page B4

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2022

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Koppers names Kevin Washington as Vice President of External Affairs Koppers Inc. announced on June 13 that Kevin Washington joined the company as Vice President of External Affairs, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned.

In this role, Washington is responsible for managing relationships with federal, state and local government agencies, leading the company’s legislative and regulatory public policy strategy, and engaging with local community and industry stakeholders. In addition, he will oversee and

KEVIN WASHINGTON

advance corporate communications objectives, which include brand management, internal and external communications and corporate giving.

Washington most recently served as Head of Government Affairs at Illinois Tool Works Inc., a global manufacturer of industrial products and equipment. He joins Koppers with more than 20 years of experience in developing and implementing coordinated advocacy strategies in close collaboration with federal, state, and international policy makers and officials. Additionally, he has deep expertise in successfully handling complex mission-critical initiatives by drawing on proven communications, strategy, and management skills.

“I’m excited to welcome Kevin to the Koppers leadership team. There are a number of projects

currently in motion at Koppers that will benefit from Kevin’s rich experience, and I’m certain that he will make an immediate positive impact,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Leroy M. Ball, in a statement to the Courier. “Adding Kevin deepens our credibility in the work we do everyday interfacing with key civic and governmental decision-makers, as well as our neighbors in the communities where we operate. I’m confident that his expertise in the areas of government affairs and community relations will help Koppers move our strategic plan forward with even greater confidence as we navigate an increasingly complex business environment.”

“I am honored and very excited to join Koppers during such a dynamic time for critical manufacturing,” said Washington, in a statement. “The company’s commitment to People, Planet, and Performance aligns well with the priorities of our communities and stakeholders – and will help position the organization for great future success. I am humbled to become part of such a talented leadership team and contribute to advancing the Koppers story.”

Washington will be a member of the Koppers Leadership Council, reporting directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Leroy Ball.

He will maintain offices in Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh, while also spending time traveling to Koppers locations.

Washington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with concentrations in communication studies and political science from Southwest Texas State University.

Koppers, with corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, is an integrated SEE WASHINGTON B2

Why 529 Education Savings Plans could be an opportunity you don’t want to miss (NewsUSA)—The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t change it.

Neither has the inflation we’re currently experiencing. In fact, if anything, Americans’ belief in the importance of saving for higher education has increased slightly over last year —up from 51 percent to 55 percent— according to the latest Morning Consult survey done with financial services firm Edward Jones. But here’s the crazy thing: Even as college costs continue to rise, only 13 percent of respondents said they were taking advantage of 529 Education Savings Plans.

Here’s why.

1. 529 Plans are a tax-advantaged way to help save and potentially grow your money.

Most people use personal savings accounts to try to cover the cost of college, and then hope they’ll be

lucky enough to qualify for financial aid or some scholarship. But the interest earned on such accounts is subject to federal and state taxes— unlike the special treatment afforded these state-sponsored 529 plans, which are exempt from the former and, in many instances, also the latter as long as the money is used for qualified education expenses.

“People are leaving money on the table by not using this attractive and practical way to save,” said Steve Rueschhoff, a principal at Edward Jones.

And that’s not something most people can afford to do.

The average annual cost of attending a private four-year college this year was $51,690, including room and board, according to the College Board. Which almost made the tabs for in-state and out-out-state four-

year public colleges seem like a steal at $22,690 and $39,510, respectively.

2.Tuition and expenses at colleges and universities aren’t all they cover.

Have a kindergartener?

Eureka!

For those eager to get their kids into private schools, some states’ plans also allow for up to $10,000 per year, per beneficiary, to be applied towards K-12 tuition.

Also covered: everything from computers to registered apprenticeships to student debt repayments.

3.The burden of funding the account doesn’t have to be yours alone.

Here’s a chance to see just how much little Janie’s or Jimmy’s grandparents really love them.

SEE SAVINGS PLANS B2

Don’t just know your worth—create it The average net worth for millennials is less than $11,000. While that is not necessarily a small number, it pales in comparison to the figures needed to achieve most long-term financial goals. While we might think the path towards these goals is to make more money, the real solution is building wealth. The two might seem the same, but they are very different. When you’re rich, you work for and/or have a lot of money. But

when you’re wealthy, your money and your assets work for you. This is a great position to strive for, as it gives you leverage and options when purchasing a home or trying to fund a new venture. A little preparation goes a long way to creating a better future. How can you prepare? These three wealth-building principles are a great start.

Managing Liabilities We all have liabilities, or bills. But

we have a lot more power over controlling these liabilities than we think. Are you really using that Disney Plus subscription? $6.99/month might not seem like a lot, but that’s roughly $84 dollars per year, and there have been plenty of success stories of people flipping $84 into $8400.

You don’t need to cancel all subscripSEE WORTH B2

Competing goals + no plan = broken dreams The first question I ask during a financial planning session is, “what are your short-term and long-term financial goals?”

Instead of responding with concrete financial goals, the answers generally relate to a particular problem that they’re currently facing that’s preventing them from getting what they want. It has been said that the average person spends more time planning what they’re going to wear to work the next day than they do planning their financial future.

Most of us never took the time to identify specific financial goals and establish time frames on when we would like to accomplish our goals. Nor do we devise a plan to make our goals a reality. We simply get the idea that we desire a particular thing, whether it be the latest gadget, latest fad, new home, new car, college education, etc.—and impulsively pursue it. Only when we are thwarted in our pursuit to obtain the things we want or when it’s literally the day before it’s time to deal with serious financial decisions do we begin to seek professional advice or conjure up ideas to get what we want or avoid what we don’t want.

The information, advice, and ideas we seek are very specific. How do I get out of debt? What do I need to do in order to qualify for a mortgage, car or student loan?

How do I avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure?

How do I get this account off my credit report? What is the best way to save for retirement? True financial planning is holistic. When we address one financial subject without considering the impact on the entire financial picture, we’re left exposed to more and more financial breakdowns leaving us to wonder why the little man can’t get ahead.

By not identifying specific goals, priori-

tizing these goals and giving each goal a time frame, many of us unknowingly have created competing goals.

These competing goals are tugging at our paycheck. A financial goal is a desire, want or need that has a price tag attached to it.

When you spend money, you have, in effect, fulfilled a financial goal. You obtained something you desired, wanted or needed that cost you money. Each purchase we make hinders our ability to fulfill another financial goal because our purchase reduced the available money on hand. Money is finite. There’s only so much that will flow through our hands during our lifetime.

As long as God continues to give us breath we’ll go through various stages in life that will require major financial commitments. From starting a family to building a nest egg for retirement to leaving a legacy that will provide economic support to those who depend on us financially after our death.

Unfortunately, too many of us live in the moment. We’re only concerned about what feels good right now. We’ll deal with life challenges as they present themselves.

Given the fact that if you average a mere $30,000 over a 35-year working career (age 30 to age 65) you’d earn over $1 million. I hold the belief that all can witness the true American dream which is to one day be debt-free—including paying the mortgage off early. Being properly insured. Having a fully funded emergency fund, having additional cash saved to purchase big ticket items, funding our children’s college fund,

and building a respectable nest egg for retirement. The stark reality is however that: 78 percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck 85 percent of Americans have a true net worth of less than $250 62 percent of Americans say money is their biggest problem 60 percent of American households do not have an emergency fund Money problems are the primary cause of fights between married couples 51 percent of marriages end in divorce— of those divorces, 80 percent cite financial problems as the leading cause 60 percent of college students leave college with student loans and credit card debt Less than 30 percent of Americans own their home independent of a mortgage 90 percent of those 65 and older retire or die broke Why are so many people struggling financially in America the great—the land of opportunity? I believe it’s because we ignore one or more of “The four P’s” to accomplishing your financial dreams—Priority, Patience, Planning, and Persistence.

Priority—When you prioritize your goals, you establish the matter of importance. For example, if you want a new car, a new house, pay off credit card debt and you want to save for emergencies and retirement, you list these goals in order of importance, for pursuing all of them at one

time will minimize or void out the possibility of doing the other. So often I talk to people who say they can’t seem to save for retirement, yet they owned brand new cars their entire life. That tells me two things— new cars were more important than a retirement portfolio and if they did not have car payments every month for the past 20 years they’d have a nice retirement portfolio.

Patience—Patience is a financial virtue.

You can have everything your heart desires. You just can’t have it all right now. As you begin to prioritize your financial goals, you’ll learn that you cannot afford everything right now and that some things just have to wait. Being able to delay certain purchases temporarily will help you avoid mountains of debt and interest charges.

Planning—Nobody plans to fail, they just fail to plan; it’s an often-quoted phrase in the financial industry. I advise that we heed the advice and plan since most of us have witnessed firsthand what the lack of planning has gotten us—NOWHERE! Persistence—Aspiring to one day be debt-free, properly insured, having a fully funded emergency fund, saving money to purchase big ticket items, paying your children’s way through college and building a respectable retirement nest egg isn’t an easy road to travel. Your friends, family and peers are all following the 90 percent crowd who’ll retire or die broke. The temptation of wanting everything right now will never go away. In order to fulfill your dreams you have to persistently prioritize your goals, persistently plan and persistently be patient despite the many temptations and challenges you’ll face.

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

BUSINESS

B2 JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2022

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Kevin Washington named a Koppers VP WASHINGTON FROM B1

global provider of treated wood products, wood treatment chemicals, and carbon compounds. Their products and services are used in a variety of niche

applications in a diverse range of end markets, including the railroad, specialty chemical, utility, residential lumber, agriculture, aluminum, 2 steel, rubber, and construction industries.

529 Savings Plan SAVINGS PLANS FROM B1

Not a lot of people realize it, but anyone who wants to save for your child’s education – be it a relative or a friend – can either open a new 529 plan account or gift money to an existing one.

“The federal gift tax exclusion allows a contributor to give up to $16,000 per year, per beneficiary, or $32,000 if they’re giving as a married couple,” explained Rueschhoff.

And, sure, they could just hand you the cash, but this way they’ll be certain it’s going for its intended purpose. (See “qualified education expenses” above.)

4. Inflation isn’t making it any easier for people to save Every state’s 529 plan allows for maximum contributions of at least $235,000 per beneficiary, with places like New York and California setting a cap of well more than double that. (Your accountant

can discuss the tax implications with you.) But even though 45 percent of the 2,220 adults, age 18 to 65, surveyed said they didn’t feel like they were saving enough, only 11 percent planned to increase the amount they sock away for higher education. Which jibes with reports that Americans have begun cancelling vacations and summer camp for their kids out of concern about the economy.

Still, as Rueschhoff stressed, you shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the potential cost of college. A financial advisor, like a trusted local one at Edward Jones, can look at your entire financial picture, including what other goals you might be saving for, to be sure your college savings strategy makes sense for your family. And the firm’s online tools can help provide a broad idea of how much you’ll need by the time your child is ready to enroll.

Don’t just know your worth—create it WORTH FROM B1

tions, but you should incorporate these words into how you approach spending: honesty, thoughtfulness, and moderation. It is possible to balance the occasional splurge or paying a premium for an exclusive gym membership with cutting back on things you don’t even use or there is a cheaper alternative. And after covering essentials, the attention should turn to balancing immediate wants with future wants.

Managing Debt How many consumer credit cards do you have?

Do you know the interest rate for each one? As well as your outstanding balances? How much student loan debt do you have? What’s the interest rate? Would it be beneficial for you to refinance your home? These are the kinds of questions you must know the answer to if you are going to manage your debt properly.

Debt is a kind of liability. Whenever you take on debt, there are usually options for repayment and interest terms for you to choose from. What might seem like minor details could mean a difference of several thousands of dollars, so make sure to shop around for the best deal available, and know the implications of the terms you are choosing. If you don’t know what certain terms mean or how they could impact you, don’t rush into a decision.

None of this to say that all debt is bad debt. In fact, there is such a thing as good debt that you take on to finance the purchase of assets that could add value over time, such as starting a business, buying a home, or getting an education. But bad debt, with very high interest rates and obtained for something that adds no value over time, is something you should avoid taking on whenever possible, as it is counterproductive to our goal of building wealth.

Financial advisors, like Greenpath can give

you relevant, accurate information on your financial situation and help manage your debts and liabilities to improve your financial health for the long-haul.

As a trusted national nonprofit, many people have been able to understand their options in handling debt with GreenPath’s debt management program.

Managing Assets There’s no way to talk about building financial wealth without discussing investment and investment strategies.

It’s critical to pay close attention to how the value of each type of asset you own or want to obtain changes over time, as fluctuations or market forces may drive your decision to buy, sell, or liquidate (turn into cash) an asset. This doesn’t mean all of your money has to go into savings bonds and the S&P 500. In fact, diversifying your assets offers a way to spread out risk and reap potential rewards from other asset types that might be doing better than others.

Certain kinds of jewelry, such as watches or gold, might offer a way to treat yourself now while also investing for the future. Cryptocurrency and the Foreign exchange markets are the hottest investment strategies around right now for millennials.

Focus on accumulating legal, proven, lucrative assets that build value over time. Be sure to know your exact reason for the investment. Acting merely on a “feeling” could lead to a pretty costly investment.

These three principles, managing liabilities, debt and assets are universal tenets that will help jumpstart a financial future that has many options, a lot of great assets, and even a little debt.

Contact a GreenPath Financial Wellness expert today to map your path to financial prosperity. https://www.greenpath.com/contact-us/

Black women hit twice as hard with student debt

by Charlene Crowell (TriceEdneyWire.com)—In midJune the Federal Reserve, nation’s central bank, raised interest rates in hopes of curbing rising inflation and deterring a full-blown recession.

Chief among its responsibilities, the Fed’s duty is to develop “appropriate monetary policy”.

For much of Black America, many would welcome money itself—funds to provide stable day-to-day living, the ability to get rid of debt without worrying whether families will have enough money to last the month’s expenses, and even a bit more left over to face what the future may hold.

Student debt remains a stubborn obstacle that prevents Black Americans from securing financial stability in the short-term and financial wealth in the long-term. According to The Institute on Assets and Social Policy, after 20 years in repayment, the typical Black borrower still owes 95 percent of their cumulative borrowing total, while similarly situated White borrowers have reduced their debt by 94 percent—with nearly half of White borrowers holding no student debt at all.

After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic complicating family finances, the ability of many working Americans to maintain economic stability is nearing a breaking point. Further, due to historic racial wealth inequities, these and other impacts are felt hardest by Black America in general and Black women in particular.

New research from the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) analyzes how women’s finances have changed over the past two years. The study, entitled Resilient But Deeper in Debt: Women of Color Faced Greater Hardships Through COVID-19, shows how these women’s lives dramatically changed as a result of the pandemic

and deepening student debt.

The report states that Black women faced a “double whammy of increased debt and decreased savings.”

CRL analyzed publicly available data and additionally commissioned four focus groups of ethnically diverse women with varied educational levels who lost their job or were furloughed during the pandemic.

For context, it is relevant to note that: • Between December 2019 and March 2022, 1.2 million women left the labor force; • Between February 2020 and April 2020, almost 22 million jobs were lost; and • In 2021, Black and Latina women were twice as likely as White men to report being behind on rent or mortgage payments.

Overall, findings indicate the widespread disruption in employment due to the pandemic has had a profound impact on women, their families, and their finances, states the report.

“While a typical White male borrower pays off almost half of his balance within 12 years of starting college, the balance of a typical Black female borrower grows by 13 percent.”

Further, about two-thirds of the $1.7 trillion federal student debt burden is borne by women. Black women are twice as likely to owe more than $50,000 in undergraduate student debt compared to White men. Both Black and Latina borrowers typically have higher loan balances than White women. Hence, student loan repayment challenges for women of color are higher and strain the ability to cover daily living expenses for their families, particularly due to rising costs of food and housing.

“Because of persisting pay disparities, and little or no generational wealth, women of color have fewer opportunities to pursue a debt-free

education or to withstand an economic or personal crisis,” added Sunny Glottman, a CRL researcher.

Research found that 60 percent of Black women and 40 percent of Latina participants owed more than $50,000 in student debt. By comparison, only 29 percent of White participants owed more than $50,000 in student loan debt.

Although focus group participants found the current federal pause on payments and interest accrual helpful, few felt financially prepared to resume payments when the payment pause expires on August 31, and many foresaw worsening financial challenges.

CRL is among a growing number of consumer advocates calling for $50,000 of student debt forgiveness per borrower. Additionally, CRL also recommends greater higher education investments at both the federal and state levels to support public and private HBCUs. For example, doubling the annual Pell Grant award that serves many students of color would keep better pace with the rising costs of college educations. Additional forms of support could provide research contracts and internships.

Implementing retroactively Income-Drive-Repayment (IDR) plans to remove lifetime debt repayments and offering improved access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program are additional federal actions that would relieve the nation’s unsustainable student debt.

Inaction on student debt relief must not be an option. Instead, policies must be implemented to relieve, as the report terms, “an albatross perpetuating a baseline of financial anxiety.”

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

Taking charge of your credit debt

by Jordan Woods For New Pittsburgh Courier

A recent study has shown a 4 percent increase in U.S. adults carrying credit card debt. About 23 percent of existing credit cardholders have added to their current debt due to the pandemic.

COVID-19 is directly impacting consumers’ ability to manage credit card debt.

Healthy credit usage is paying more than the minimum payment each month and charging only what you can afford. But today, “healthy” might not be feasible. If finances are tight and you need to increase your credit usage to cover your bills and essentials from month to month, do so—don’t stop there.

There are simple yet impactful steps that we can take to minimize the impact that financial struggles have on our credit health, both during and after the pandemic.

A great first step is to talk to a Credit Counselor, like GreenPath, who can contact your creditors with you and ensure you understand your options. Counselors can focus on your entire financial situation and make personalized plans to address the debt moving forward. Many people have received options and improved their financial health with a debt management program, The program provides a clear strategy for handling your credit card debt will help you feel more in control of the situation and reduce stress.

Credit card companies have programs to help people through almost any situation. It is worth sparing a few minutes on the phone to find a solution that will suit you.

When talking to your creditor(s), be honest. Being forthcoming about your financial means is the best way for a creditor to offer you favorable terms. If you’re

still making regular payments, request a reduction in your interest rate due to hardship allowing you to save money on past and future purchases.

Do not over-promise or commit to terms that aren’t feasible. Whatever remedy you agree on is only as beneficial as your consistency in adhering to the terms of that agreement.

Also, keep in mind that if your creditor has granted a payment deferment or waived fees, the interest could still be accruing, and annual fees could still apply.

Sometimes the best remedies aren’t available with the creditor. Balance transfers offer a chance to move your debt from one credit card company to another, often with a promotional interest rate of 0 percent, potentially enabling you to pay the debt sooner. But it all depends on the details. How long is the promotional rate? What’s the interest rate after that? Can I maintain the requirements to keep that promotional rate??

Are you thinking of taking on new debt? Calculate the payments needed

each month to pay off the balance in full before the temporary period expires.

What can seem like a good deal at the start can turn into a high-interest balance long after the initial purchase.

Be honest with what you deem as being “essential” in your budget. Utilize savings or hardship plans as needed and know the terms of your agreements.

Be proactive in your communication with creditors as your situation evolves.

These are actionable steps for any income level.

From entering the workforce during the Great Recession of the early 2000s, to now trying to keep our jobs and maintain income levels amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, millennials have been financially impacted in a major way by things that have largely been outside of their control. However, there is hope.

There are countless small actions to take that will have an immeasurable positive impact on both your short term and long-term financial health.

(For more information on managing credit card debt, visit GreenPath.com)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2022

B3

Absurdities

Guest Editorial Penn law professor Amy Wax should be fired “America will be better off with more Whites and fewer nonwhites.”

Immigrants “are too loud” and are responsible for an increase in litter.

“Conservatives need a realistic approach to immigration that ... preserves the United States as a Western and First World nation.”

“We are better off if we are dominated numerically ... by people from the First World, from the West, than by people who are from less advanced countries.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Black student graduate in the top quarter of the class, and rarely, rarely in the top half. I can think of two students that have scored in the top half of my required first-year course.”

The immigration of “Asian elites” to the United States is problematic because of their support of the Democratic Party.

The above comments did not come from the leader of the Ku Klux Klan, Neo-Nazis or some other White supremacist organization.

They are some of the racist remarks of Amy Wax, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most elite universities in the United States. The cited comments were made between 2018 and 2021.

Wax and her supporters say she is just exercising her freedom of speech. They argue that the tenured professor is protected and should be allowed intellectual freedom to discuss controversial topics that may offend.

But Wax is not engaging in an academic debate. Her comments do not pretend to engage in the intellectual rigor expected from a professor.

Wax is using her position, power and influence as a professor of a prestigious university to launch unrelenting racist attacks on nonwhites.

Tenure doesn’t mean professors can say whatever they want without being held accountable.

Wax has repeatedly made wild conjectures as facts without supporting evidence. She has deliberately and repeatedly used known falsehoods. She has repeatedly expressed unwarranted maliciousness toward groups of people.

In a 12-page letter to the school’s Faculty Senate by law school Dean Ted Ruger, he has requested that the Senate levy a “major sanction” against Wax. In the June 23 letter, Ruger said “Wax has repeatedly used the platform she was granted when she became a professor ... to disparage immigrants, people of color, and women, including law students, alumni and faculty.”

The letter states that “although imposing sanctions on a faculty member of the University of Pennsylvania is a ‘rare event,’” Wax’s conduct deserves a “major sanction against her.” A major sanction means that Wax could be suspended or fired.

“I am initiating this disciplinary action because for several years and in multiple instances Wax has shown a callous and flagrant disregard for our University community—including students, faculty, and staff—who have been repeatedly subjected to Wax’s intentional and incessant racist, sexist, xenophobic and homophobic actions and statements,” Ruger wrote. “Wax’s conduct inflicts harm on them and the institution and undermines the University’s core values. Wax has made these statements in the classroom and on campus, in other academic settings, and in public forums in which she was identified as a University of Pennsylvania professor. Her statements are antithetical to the University’s mission to foster a diverse and inclusive community and have led students and faculty to reasonably believe they will be subjected to discriminatory animus if they come into contact with her. That eminently reasonable concern has led students to conclude that they cannot take Wax’s classes and faculty to call her presence demoralizing and disruptive.

“Wax has disseminated false information about segments of the University community. She has exploited access to students’ confidential grade information and mischaracterized Law School policies in ostensible support of derogatory and inaccurate statements made about the characteristics, attitudes and abilities of her students.”

Ruger said that the derogatory statements could cause Wax’s students to feel unfairly judged against their White peers.

“Her conduct is antithetical to the University’s core mission to attract a diverse student body to an inclusive educational environment,” the letter stated.

In March 2018, after making derogatory and false comments about no Black law students ever graduating at the top of their class, Ruger stripped Wax of her duties teaching curriculum courses to first-year students. Her response since then has been to double down on making racists remarks.

While the University of Pennsylvania upholds the principle of academic freedom as fundamental to its core mission, that freedom comes with profound responsibility. The university must balance academic freedom with its duty to students, the wider university and community and the need to consistently apply its codes of conduct with consistency and integrity.

Wax does not meet the standards of behavior expected from Penn’s staff. The university should move to sanction and then terminate her employment.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Ashley Johnson

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Sales Director

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Years ago, I stated that the damage of a Trump presidency wouldn’t be in his initial term(s), but in the future evil that he would sanction. It now appears that “crazies,” especially in the political arena, are crawling from under rocks around the nation.

There are those who would present to us or attempt to force-feed us information which, on its face, is so ridiculous or incredible as to be believed by only the most dimwitted or propagandized among us. I will not claim that absurdities only come from one side, but the majority of the absurd statements I process daily come from Republicans, racists, Christian fundamentalists, or rightwing extremists.

Pastor Mark Burns who notoriously lied about his membership in the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity during the 2016 campaign is currently presenting as a candidate for Congress. In addition to his past lies, he is now spewing hate and advocating execution for political opponents. I only question what he will say after the Republican primary.

Trump-endorsed Republican Jacky Eubanks is a candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives. According to Rolling Stone magazine, Eubanks states, “You cannot have a successful society outside of the Christian moral order…things like abortion and things like gay marriage are outside the Christian

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary moral order. They lead to chaos and destruction and a culture of death; we’ve abandoned the Christian moral order as a nation and we are reaping that destruction.” Eubanks added, “We need to return to God’s moral order. That’s not radical. God’s morality is for everybody.” She also advocates a total birth control ban and abstinence until marriage.

Eubanks has obviously forgotten that the first European invaders came to North America seeking religious freedom and that the freedom of religion enshrined in the Constitution provides for the freedom OF religion and FROM religion. Eubanks seems focused on the imposition of her religious beliefs on everyone.

Instead of a fundamentalist fervor, in Georgia citizens are challenged to consider ignorance as a reasonable choice. Hershel Walker who has been labeled as unprepared as a candidate for the US Senate has also been plagued with challenges to his character and ethics. The old saying “it’s better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and proven a

fool” applies to Walker. The following statement, given at a recent campaign rally, provides his justification for opposition against Clean Air initiatives: “We in American have some of the cleanest air and cleanest water of anybody in the world. So what we do, we’re gonna put, from the Green New Deal, millions of billions of dollars cleaning our good air up. So all of a sudden China and India ain’t putting nothing in cleaning that situation up. All their bad air is still there. But since we don’t control the air, our good air decided to float over to China’s bad air. So when China gets our good air, their bad air got to move. So it moves over to our good air space. Then now we got we to clean that back up.”

Hand-picked by Trump, Walker is obviously a candidate because of his football fame at the University of Georgia and as a Negro-counter to Senator Raphael Warnock.

The absurdity of these characters is obvious to those who recognize the importance of personal character and understand the divergence of ideas in a democratic society. The greater danger for our nation is that they are not the only threat. They and those they represent are a clear and present danger to the freedoms we will enjoy in the future.

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

Protect the freedom to marry (TriceEdneyWire.com)—We all know that what people do tells you more about them than what they say. That’s true for politicians, too.

We see politicians who call themselves “pro-life” and “pro-woman” when they’re pushing to make abortion a crime but shrug their shoulders when those laws result in greater risk of women dying during pregnancy-related medical crises. Or who claim to be “pro-child” but try to force a 10-year-old rape victim to accept the physical and emotional trauma of bearing her rapist’s child.

It’s the same when it comes to marriage. A lot of politicians who posture as defenders of marriage just voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 19, and would ensure that equal treatment of same-sex couples under federal law if passed by the Senate.

The right to marry has not always been protected for everyone. My own parents had to deal with the fact that some states still made it illegal for my White father and Black mother to get married. A Virginia judge upheld that state’s anti-marriage law claiming that God “did not intend for the races to mix.” In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned laws against interracial couples getting married.

Almost 50 years later, the Supreme Court rejected similar arguments that were used to defend laws making it illegal for same-sex couples to get married. When I was serving as president of the NAACP, I was proud to lead the organization’s support to the marriage equality movement. And I was thrilled when the Supreme Court ultimately rejected state laws that discriminated against loving same-sex couples.

Ben Jealous

Commentary Mildred Loving, half of the couple that took the interracial ban all the way to the Supreme Court, was also on board. She was grateful for the freedom to marry the person she loved and for the family they built together. And she wanted all Americans to have that same freedom.

Most Americans agree. By far. Support for interracial marriage reached 94 percent last year, according to Gallup. And this year, support for same-sex couples’ right to marriage hit 71 percent, according to Gallup. But about three-quarters of the Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives just voted against protecting those couples under federal law.

Why do we need a federal law to protect people’s freedom to marry? Because anti-equality groups have never accepted the Court’s 2015 ruling that samesex couples have a constitutional right to marry under the 14th Amendment and that states cannot ban same-sex marriage. They have vowed to overturn it. And because Justice Clarence Thomas just called on the Court to reconsider and overturn its marriage equality ruling—along with other rulings recognizing a right to privacy, protecting access to contraception, and decriminalizing consensual sexual relationships between people of the same sex.

For years, Thomas was an often-lonely voice on the extreme right wing of the Court. But he has a lot more company

out there now, especially with the three justices named by former President Donald Trump. They just overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping Americans of the right to make abortion-related decisions about their bodies and families. And farright state legislators started competing to see who could pass the most extreme laws targeting pregnant people, their supporters, and even their health care providers.

Thomas is just getting started, and it is clear that the far-right movement that helped Trump stack the Supreme Court has a lot more in mind than overturning Roe v. Wade. Same-sex couples could be the next target. And we’re all targets for the ideologues who want to demolish a century of progress by dismantling the federal government’s authority to fight poverty, promote better public education, and provide access to health care.

We need to stand up to them now. It’s important for Congress to side with the vast majority of Americans and pass a law giving federal protection to the millions of people who are in interracial and same-sex marriages, and to all those who may want to follow their hearts into such a marriage in the future.

It’s a good sign that the Respect for Marriage Act passed with the support of 47 Republicans joining the Democratic majority. It’s not such a good sign that three-quarters of the Republicans voted no. You can bet those members of Congress describe themselves as lovers of freedom and defenders of families. But their actions are speaking a lot louder than their words.

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

Letter to the Church — Are you living in vain?

by Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew Dear Body of Christ, This isn’t for all of you. I want to commend those of you who step up to the plate daily supplying the support that our communities need.

This is for those who are focused on dealing with certain people because it’s easy and comfortable.

As I witness you celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade, I want to challenge you. I want you to really consider the way you are currently supporting women and children in your congregation.

I hope that you will also embrace the young women who are single mothers without judgment and that your church has a ministry that caters to their needs offering both financial and emotional support beyond just the spiritual.

As churches, I hope that you are taking the time to address the needs of those who you are called to serve instead of just teaching them without the practical application of what they are hearing on Sundays and Wednesday nights.

I hope that you are talking to those young men in your congregation about what it means to be a man— that it is more than the ability to create babies but to be accountable and responsible for your actions.

My prayer is that you will show them what it means to be in a

loving, committed relationship that supports your partner to fulfill their God-given purpose, too.

I hope that instead of allowing the women to carry the responsibility of parenthood—since their conception was not a solo act—that you will hold the men in your congregation to a standard of being involved, even if they are not with the mother of their child/children.

Church, if human life is so important to you then it must go beyond conception and pregnancy to life outside the womb. How do we care for the unborn but not their mothers or fathers?

We do not fight for universal health insurance, livable wage jobs, housing, and other necessities so that children can come into the world healthy, safe and provided for.

We do not question infant mortality and the rates of Black women who die in childbirth and after the birth of their babies. If babies are really important to you, you would be concerned about their educational opportunities.

They would have quality childcare centers with teachers that are trained and paid well. We would care about their safety—children and their families would be protected from violence that exists in the home and outside of the home.

They could be free to shop in grocery stores, go to the movies, attend

parades or even go to school without the fear of being massacred in places that are supposed to be safe.

Just as Jesus listed several issues with the Pharisees, those same issues exist today within the Church.

Matthew 23:14-36 lists seven woes to the Pharisees which are relevant today: 1. Teaching about God but not genuinely loving God (claiming you love God who you’ve never seen but hate your brothers and sisters you see every day (1 John 4:20)).

2. Preaching about God but you don’t live out what you are teaching.

3. Confusing what’s sacred and what is not.

4. Teaching the Bible but not practicing justice, mercy, and faithfulness to God. Getting caught up in the minuscule but not paying attention to what’s major.

5. Appearing to be righteous but filled with a heart of greed and self-promotion.

6. Speaking about your love for Jesus but if He were alive today, many of you would condemn Him as well.

I hope that in your moments of celebration, there is time for true reflection and change. Without it, our witness to the world is filled with hypocrisy—like the Pharisees.

(Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the President of Soulstice Consultancy, LLC. To learn more about her, visit drfroswabooker.com.)

B4

FORUM

JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2022 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

The oath of office should never be a lie (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The men who were fortunate enough to be elected president of the United States comprise a very small but prestigious group.

Since 1789, only 45 men have held the Office of President of the United States, and each was required to take an oath of office. Regardless of political ideology, the Office of President is a position of honor and respect, nationally and worldwide.

Therefore, when an elected official, like the president, takes an oath, it represents a public pledge and promise to the American people acknowledging they fully understand the position’s requirements and will work to meet or exceed those requirements. The president is a public servant to the people and is bound by their oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. In addition to the president, the vice president, senators, representatives, judges, political appointees, military personnel, and federal employees are also public servants bound by the oath they take. What happens when these public servants, including the president, ignore their promises? What happens when public confidence in our institutions diminishes because a large segment of the public sits back and allows elected officials to disregard their oath without any accountability at the polls or otherwise.

Before Jan. 6, 2021, America had never experienced a domestic attack on the United States Capitol building. Of the 45 men who held the highest office in our government, only one has proven to be an election denier. Only 1 out of the 45 has ever developed a cultlike following at the detriment of the republic. How do we explain what we are seeing today in our nation? Where a former president—called to serve and defend the Constitution—seeks to remain in power by overturning a presidential election while supporting political violence, including the assassination of a sitting vice president?

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke in New York on Feb. 6, 1964, about the civil rights movement and how people respond to calls to serve. “Negroes are human, not superhuman,” King said. “Like all people, they have differing personalities, diverse financial interests and varied aspirations. There are Negroes who will never fight for freedom. There are Negroes

David W. Marshall

Commentary who seek profit for themselves alone from the struggle. There are even some Negroes who will go over to the other side.” “These facts should distress no one,” King explained. “Every minority and every people has its share of opportunists, traitors, freeloaders and escapists. The hammer blows of discrimination, poverty and segregation must warp and corrupt some.

No one can pretend that because a people may be oppressed, every individual member is virtuous and worthy.”

“Decency, honor and courage,” King said, are the dominant characteristics to seek. King told the audience that the historic struggle for progress has always had “masses of decent people, along with their lost souls.”

What Dr. King described in 1964 remains an accurate depiction of American society today. There will always be men and women in positions of trust and power from all walks of life who are corrupt. While it is troubling, it should not surprise us when the masses support corruption. When we look for examples of public servants, consider Dan Cox and Michael Cox. These men are public servants on the state and local levels, bound by a public pledge of integrity. One man embraces the pledge and its meaning, and the other does not.

The recent results from the Maryland gubernatorial primary election prove that election deniers are not only on state ballots but also winning. As a firstterm state delegate endorsed by former President Trump, Dan Cox won the Maryland Republican gubernatorial primary. He is the same elected official who attended and organized buses for supporters to attend the Jan. 6 “Stop the Steal” rally. Despite having experience as a constitutional attorney, he is still an election denier who was critical of then-Vice President Pence for performing his constitutional duties of overseeing the Electoral College vote count. No vice president has the constitutional authority to overturn presidential election results, yet state Del. Cox tweeted, “Pence is a traitor” as rioters were rampaging inside the Capitol. Not only did his tweet motivate an already angry mob to harm Pence physically, but it violated his oath to the people of Maryland to defend the Constitution against domestic enemies.

In maintaining political allegiance to an individual rather than the Constitution, Dan Cox is now in a position to become the next governor of Maryland.

Compare Dan Cox to Michael Cox, who is a member of the Boston Police Department. Officer Cox, who is Black, was working undercover in plainclothes in January 1995 when his fellow officers mistook him for a homicide suspect and severely beat him. They left him unconscious and bleeding after realizing who he was. The matter was covered up by the “blue wall of silence,” where officers shield one another from accountability. Cox spent four years fighting his department in court before any of his assailants were punished while being shunned and targeted for harassment. He would eventually receive $1.25 million in damages and legal fees from the city.

“After this incident happened, I had a choice—either quit or stay, and I chose to stay, because I believe in policing in a community-friendly way,” Cox said.

“And I know the men and women that I work with believe in that same thing, too.” Cox rose through the ranks within the department for over 30 years, only to leave to become chief of police in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Boston native, who exemplifies a true public servant with decency, honor, and courage, returned home to become Boston’s next police commissioner.

If the U.S. Senate members had the courage of a Michael Cox during the first impeachment of Donald Trump, Jan. 6 would not have occurred.

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

A police shooting, a clash of parents, and poor headlines The following headlines, centering around a mother who confronted demonstrators at a rally for a Black man that was fatally shot by a sniper after a six-hour standoff with the Minneapolis police, illustrate how little respect these news outlets have for the intelligence of their readers.

1). BLM slammed for protesting cops for shooting man who opened fire into home 2). A police shooting in Minneapolis reveals the misplaced priorities and misguided policies of the defund-the-police left 3). Victim of Black man shot by cops, MN mom screams at protesters, ‘He tried to kill me in front of my kids!’

Then Fox News lambasted the liberal media for their “unequal coverage”. As soon as the police standoff reached its fatal conclusion, these headlines below appeared.

1). Black man in mental health crisis shot down by Minneapolis police 2). Deadly Minneapolis police standoff revives racial concerns 3). Vigil held for man killed in Minneapolis police standoff According to Fox News, the liberal media didn’t give extensive coverage to the mother when she confronted the BLM protesters. Fox News said it’s time for the mainstream media to give the same amount of coverage to crime victims that it gives to people killed by the police.

Obviously, the first set of headlines came from right-wing news outlets that wanted to discredit BLM by revealing that the organization cares more about criminals than crime victims. The second set of headlines came from left-wing news outlets that were sympathetic to mental health problems and sensitive to the role race played in the shooting.

J. Pharoah Doss

Check It Out So, what happened?

The mother in the first set of headlines, Arabella Foss-Yarbrough, called 911 after the Black man in the second set of headlines, Andrew Tekle Sundberg, fired gunshots through her unit from a neighboring apartment. The police reported that when they arrived at the scene, they heard more gunshots. The police evacuated Foss-Yarbrough, her children, and other residents.

Sundberg isolated himself inside the apartment. The police negotiated with Sundberg, but six hours later a police sniper fatally shot him.

Sgt. Sherral Schmidt, president of the Minneapolis Police Officers Federation, said, “Many tactics were used to try to persuade Sundberg to surrender, but these efforts became futile when the suspect endangered the lives of others.”

Now, back to the conflict in the first set of headlines.

Apparently, the mother, Foss-Yarbrough, was appalled by all the sympathy the press gave to Sundberg, and when she found out there was a rally for Sundberg in front of her apartment building, she decided to confront them.

All the right-wing outlets praised her for confronting the local Black Lives Matter chapter that participated in the demonstration and quoted Foss-Yarbrough telling BLM Sundberg was not George Floyd.

Foss-Yarbrough was right. It wasn’t a

George Floyd situation, but she was wrong about the reason for the demonstration.

The video footage showed Foss-Yarbrough getting out of her car and confronting a White man and White woman, not the BLM demonstrators. (Foss-Yarbrough argued with BLM demonstrators after this initial confrontation.) Foss-Yarbrough accused the White couple of staging a rally to celebrate Sundberg’s life. It’s understandable why she drew that conclusion with BLM involved, but Andrew Tekle Sundberg was adopted from Ethiopia, and the White couple Foss-Yarbrough was yelling at was Sundberg’s parents.

Sundberg’s parents weren’t holding a celebratory rally. They were there to voice a legitimate complaint against the Minneapolis Police Department.

According to the Sahan Journal, a digital newsroom covering immigrants and communities of color in Minnesota, the police called Sundberg’s parents to the scene to help with negotiations. The father said the police assured them only less-lethal measures, gas and rubber bullets, were going to be used to apprehend their son.

The police promised their son would not get shot and killed.

Sandberg’s parents were holding the demonstration because they simply wanted to know what went wrong.

Sandberg’s father explained to the media after the confrontation with Foss-Yarbrough that it’s two different incidents. It’s the shots going through her wall and what we are here for when Tekle was shot. We can do both things. We can feel terribly for Foss-Yarbrough but also remember Tekle should be alive, and we can ask the police to do better.

We can ask the media to do better too.

Did George Floyd ever happen?

Since the police murder of George Floyd here’s what’s happened. There have been countless marches and rallies to stop the police slaying of Blacks. The killings continue. There have been countless calls for local and state prosecutions of cops who wantonly kill. The killings continue.

There have been countless press conferences, lawsuits, and multi-million-dollar settlements. The killings continue. There has been countless praise and support for the Black Lives Matter Movement. The killings continue. There have been countless calls to defund the police. The killings continue.

The 60-bullet slaying of Jayland Walker

by Akron police and the slaying of Rob Adams by San Bernardino, California sheriffs with the usual claim that they thought both men had guns put the capper on the continued season of police deadly gunplay against young Blacks under the most dubious circumstances.

It’s as if George Floyd never happened. It’s certain that the tepid, spotty, and mostly unfulfilled promises made by some police officials to implement reforms are now not even a faint memory.

The one slight ray of hope was that Congress would pass and Biden would sign the George Floyd Police Reform Bill. The Democratic-controlled House with not a single GOP House member in support passed the bill in March 2021.

McConnell and the other forty-nine GOP senators flatly said no to it. The bill is for all practical purposes dead as a doornail in Congress.

The officers who wantonly use deadly gunplay are placed on paid administrative leave. Police officials when confronted with the pro forma outcry and demands from civil rights and community leaders for an investigation, make solemn promises to do that. They assure that their investigations will be thorough and impartial.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Commentary That’s the start of the problem. The police agencies that are on the hot seat for a dubious shooting or another act that results in the death of a civilian investigate themselves. There is almost never an independent, outside agency that will conduct a truly impartial investigation.

The one agency that can do that is the Justice Department.

Despite the ongoing wave of highly questionable police shootings of mostly young Blacks and Latinos the Justice Department has done almost nothing to nail shoot-first cops. Periodic reports on police misconduct by Human Rights Watch, an international public watchdog group, found that federal prosecutors bring excessive force charges against police officers in less than one percent of the cases investigated by the FBI involving allegations of police abuse. The group also found that there has been almost no increase in the skimpy number of police misconduct cases prosecuted by the Justice Department in the past decade.

Even in the rare cases where cops are hauled into a court docket for overuse of deadly force, it’s near impossible to convict.

Their defense lawyers are top guns, with lots of experience defending police officers accused of misconduct. Police unions bankroll their defense and spare no expense.

Cops rarely serve any pre-trial jail time and are released on ridiculously low bail.

If the cops are tried by a jury, police defense attorneys seek to get as many mid-

dle-class people, Whites and even Blacks and Latinos, on the jury as possible. The presumption is that they are much more likely to believe the testimony of police and prosecution witnesses than Black witnesses, defendants, or even the victims.

Floyd’s killer, former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin and the officers who aided and abetted his murder, were the rare exceptions of cops who wantonly kill that are prosecuted and convicted. They are even rarer examples of cops that the feds charge with civil rights violations and win convictions. There’s no evidence since Floyd’s murder this has changed.

Why? There is no ironclad standard of what is or isn’t an acceptable use of force in police misconduct cases. It often comes down to a judgment call by the officer. This pattern has been evident in a number of celebrated cases since the Rodney King case in 1992. Police claim that they feared for their lives in confronting civilians, and they use deadly force solely in self-defense.

If brought to trial judges and juries routinely buy this line and acquit.

The code of silence is another powerful obstacle to convicting bad cops. Officers hide behind it and refuse to testify against other officers, or tailor their testimony to put the officer’s actions in the best possible light.

The SCOTUS ruling in June 2022 that loosened the Miranda warning requirement sent yet another powerful signal to police. That is that the courts will always have their back in even the most questionable cases of misconduct and violence. The roar of the right, a primordial SCOTUS, and a gun-happy America all add up to one continuing horror. There will be more dubious killings such as Walker and Adams. Again, did George Floyd ever happen?

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

The needs of American citizens There is no question that the United States and its allies around the world are committed to supporting the Ukraine people. We have demonstrated this by the amount of aid and relief already sent, and that which the American people collect and send daily. But while we help our friends and neighbors abroad, we must not neglect the needs here at home.

To this end, let this be a reminder to the members of the U.S. Senate and the Congress who voted to send $40 billion dollars to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

We here in America as the taxpaying citizens who provided the dollars being sent to the Ukraine, are still in need of more than $22.5 billion dollars for COVID relief funds to continue the battle against this virus. The lack of the requested $22.5 billion dollars means that testing and treatment sites have closed and are closing; it means that Personal Protective Equipment (EPP) will not be available in the amounts needed for the coming surge this fall and winter; it means that those American businesses that responded to the call to produce much needed supplies and equipment

John E. Warren

Commentary here at home instead of imports from China and abroad, now find themselves without government contracts and supplies needed to stay in business; it means that the much anticipated need for vaccines will be delayed because the funding is not there to continue production. All these things are as well known to the members of the U.S. Senate and the Republican resistance in the House of Representatives as the crisis in the Ukraine.

The “We don’t need to fund, now” attitude of these people is reinforced by those American people who have taken off their masks in the midst of growing numbers of infections and what appears to be a general “Its over” attitude. Once again we are being put on a crisis collision course with a disease that has already claimed more than one million American lives

and is set to take more.

Once again, this is a reminder that all these issues come down to whether you Vote or don’t Vote.

The Republicans and the Conservative Right who have overturned Roe and wiped out other Constitutional guarantees at the Supreme Court level and legislated voter suppression laws at the State level, are counting on the masses of the poor, people of color, and that young vote of Whites and others not coming out to vote in the Midterm elections in four months, Or, the 2024 general election, for which the Midterm is a dry run test to retake government and complete the death of Democracy as we know it.

The only question is what will you do now in terms of pressuring the Senate to pass COVID Relief funding, and will you work to find additional candidates for the Senate that will allow us to end the Filibuster? It’s up to all of us. If a Senate seat is not up for election in our state, let’s find one that is, connect, and support those in such states that agree with our desire for change.

(Dr. John E. Warren is Publisher The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper)

New Pittsburgh Courier

CLASSIFIED

B5

JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2022

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

SONNY BOY

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA JULY 22, 2022 The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00PM and FROM 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, Wednesday, August 24, 2022, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in the Conference Room 1, County Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, one half hour later, 11:30 o’clock A.M., for the following:

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SOUTH PARK FAIRGROUND WALL REPLACEMENT AND REPAIRS ALONG CATFISH RUN SOUTH PARK TOWNSHIP COUNTY PROJECT No. ZCSP-FGWL 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, 542 Forbes Ave, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. 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, a face mask meeting the guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, must be worn at all times.

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

Submit Proposal on the supplied form in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and Specifications; include the following documents with the Bid Form, ALONG WITH ONE COMPLETE PHOTOCOPIED SET OF THE PROPOSAL: • Bid Security certified check or surety company bond on County’s form to the order of/or running to the County of Allegheny in the amount of five (5%) percent of the Bid as evidence that you, the Bidder, will accept and carry out the conditions of the Contract in case of award. The County will accept only bonds written by Surety Companies acceptable on Federal Bonds per the current Federal Register Circular 570. Federal Register Circular 570 is available for inspection in the Contract Office, 542 Forbes Ave, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

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

The anticipated notice to proceed is October 24, 2022. The project completion date is 180 days from the date the Notice to Proceed is issued.

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

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

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

Tracy Royston Acting Controller County of Allegheny INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that specifications and proposal forms for furnishing all labor and materials and professional consulting and/ or construction services for the following project(s) entitled: Renovations for the Braddock Arts and Media Building (B.A.M.) • 818 Braddock Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15221 Bid documents may be obtained from Sota Construction Services, Inc. by contacting Chris Michaels at cmichaels@sotaconstruction.com or calling 412-766-4630 beginning July 20th.

ALL BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED until 1:00 PM on August, 11th, 2022 at the offices of Sota Construction Services. Bids will be publicly opened at 1:15 PM on August 11, 2022 at the Sota Construction Services, Inc. offices at 80 Union Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15202.

Bids must be submitted on Bid Forms and also include your companies standard proposals in the manner therein described in the bid documents and be enclosed in a sealed envelope, bearing the name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to Sota Construction Services, Inc. and marked with the project name.

There will be a site walk thru on July 27th at 10:00 AM and August 3rd at 1:00 PM to review the existing building conditions.

“Compliance is required with the Davis-Bacon Act and other Federal Labor Standard Provisions; Title VI and other applicable provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Clause (41 CFR 60 – 1.4); Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; Executive Order 11625 (Utilization of Minority Business Enterprise); Executive Order 12138 (Utilization of Female Business Enterprise); in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Allegheny County MBE/WBE Program enacted July, 1981, which sets forth goals of 13 percent Minority and 2 percent Female Business Enterprise; and the Allegheny County Ordinance #6867-12, setting forth goals of 5 percent Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.

Further, notice is hereby given that this is a Section 3 Project under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, (as amended) and must to the greatest extent feasible, utilize lower income residents for employment and training opportunities and Section 3 Business concerns and all contracts and subcontracts for this project shall contain the “Section 3 Clause” as set forth in 24 CFR, Part 135.38. Moreover, compliance is required by the prime contractor and all subcontractors with the Federal General Conditions included in the contract documents between ACED and the operating agency.

These Federal General Conditions are to be incorporated by reference into all construction contracts between operating agency and contractor, contractor and subcontractor(s), and subcontractor(s) and lower tiered subcontractor(s).”

Compliance with Davis – Bacon Prevailing Wages and PA RACP Key Compliance Guidelines are required.

If there are additional questions, please contact Chris Michaels, Director of Preconstruction, at Sota Construction Services, Inc.

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR THE MANCHESTER REDEVELOPMENT IFB NO. 2022-39 ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION will receive sealed bids for the Manchester Redevelopment. The construction work is estimated to begin in December 2022. The estimated value of the project in the following range Plumbing Construction: $375,427.91 - $546,875.04.

Bid Documents will be available on or about Monday, July 25, 2022 and may be obtained from the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s webpage, www.hacp.org. Bidders may register on the website and download the bid documents free of charge.

A Virtual Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. virtually at the following link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84848318527? pwd=MjZDTVE0bEI2TkhuN3BZZUJqdnRiZz09 Meeting ID: 848 4831 8527 Passcode: 190987 One tap mobile +19292056099,,93645753832#,,,,*302603# US (New York) +13017158592,,93645753832#,,,,*302603# US (Washington DC) Bids will be received at: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Attn: Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement until 9:00 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2022 at which time and place all bids will be received.

Bids will be received at: Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing of 9:00 AM on August 11, 2022 at the HACP Procurement Department, 100 Ross Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh PA 15219 Attn: Kim Detrick, Chief Procurement Officer. Due to COVID, the bid opening on August 11, 2022 at 9:00A M w i l l be conducted vi rtua lly via Zoom. Zoom l i nk: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83212146043?pwd=Y2lCV1FPN2V ySWJPZTNVYXlSYWlJUT09. Copies of bid documents are not available for in person pickup. Bid Documents, including the Bid Forms, Project Manual, and Drawings, may be obtained from the Business Opportunities Section of the HACP website, www.hacp.org. Prospective Bidders may register as a vendor on the website and download the documents free of charge.

Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person on August 11, 2022 from 8:00 AM until the closing of 9:00 AM on August 11, 2022. Bids may still be submitted electronically at the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/request/8CnltVK6HD5QVvQzTWor and can still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION reserves the right to waive any informality in, or reject any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts.

The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFP documentation.

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement at (412) 456-5116 Opt 1.

Caster D. Binion, President & CEO ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation 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.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Companies who wish to be considered for the following: On-Call Wastewater Flow Monitoring Services (S-447) Interested Parties shall submit an electronic copy (pdf format) emailed to: suzanne.thomas@alcosan.org Attn: Suzanne Thomas, Procurement Officer All questions should also be submitted, in writing, to Suzanne Thomas.

ALCOSAN is seeking experienced professionals to furnish, install, calibrate, and operate area velocity flow monitoring equipment for sites and durations designated by ALCOSAN. The scope of services and ALCOSAN’s monitoring related needs in support of its various programs are described in greater detail in the RFQ located at https://www.alcosan.org/workwith-us/planned and-active-bids.

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

August 23, 2022. It is Consultant’s responsibility to ensure the documents have been received. Late submittals will not be considered. Additional information and instructions may be obtained by visiting the ALCOSAN website.

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Consultant/Firm. The Party selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women Business Policy are listed on the ALCOSAN website at www.alcosan.org.

Michael Lichte, PE Director, Regional Conveyance

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

Classifieds NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONSULTING SERVICES The Westmoreland County Housing Authority (WCHA) is requesting proposals for a Consulting Firm to perform various developmental supportive services associated with the Affordable Housing Preservation and Development.

Interested respondent may obtain, at no cost, the Request for Proposal – Documents containing: Contractual Services Sought, Minimum Qualifications, E val uati on C ri teri a, S el ecti on Procedure, and Contractual Terms from the WCHA-Website located at www.wchaonline.com/current-solicitations.

Interested respondents are required to respond by proposal submission (satisfying the requirements of the RFP-Invitation) on or before Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. Michael L. Washowich, Executive Director Westmoreland County Housing 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

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO! CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS

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

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

B6

CLASSIFIEDS

JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2022 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

SONNY BOY

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on August 10, 2022 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527) as well as through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) 1 2 3 4 5 6

Bid Number B220215ARR

Bid Name Asbestos Free Brake Blocks Assembled on Shoes

B220756A

Snow & Ice Removal - Park n' Ride Lots - North & West

B220757A B220758A B220759A B200760A

Rock Salt - Bulk Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid Ready to Use Coolant - Antifreeze Coach Replacement Parts - Articulated Bus Bellows

To join by Microsoft Team video conference: • https://bit.ly/3ImmFBD To join by Microsoft Teams call-in number: • 412-927-0245 United State, Pittsburgh (Toll) • Conference ID: 199 699 899# No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 am July 26, 2022, as well as through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conference.

To join by Microsoft Team video conference: • https://bit.ly/3Nwp5hH To join by Microsoft Teams call-in number: • 412-927-0245 United State, Pittsburgh (Toll) • Conference ID: 222 443 158# Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.

Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

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

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

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

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

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 22-02 Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) is requesting proposals for the performance of the following service (“Contract Services”): COMPENSATION MARKET STUDY SERVICES The work under the proposed Agreement(s) consists of: (1) Review the Authority’s current job classifications and salary structures of non-union jobs in order to address any issues of compensation compression and lag to market salaries; (2) Ensure the salaries and salary ranges commensurate with assigned duties; (3) Provide recognizable compensation growth; and (4) Perform bench audits to remain relevant to current labor markets.

The Agreement will be for a three (3)-year period with the option to extend the term of the Agreement up to two (2) additional years at the sole discretion of Authority.

A copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be available on or after July 18, 2022 and can be obtained by registering at the Port Authority ebusiness website: http://ebusiness.portauthority.org and following the directions listed on the website. Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness category of PSBSPA – Pro Benefit/ Wages/ Pension for this RFP. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by Authority. If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Catherine Terrill at (412) 566-5188 or via email cterrill@portauthority.org.

An Information Meeting for interested parties will be held at 9:30 a.m., prevailing time, August 9, 2022 via Microsoft Teams video conference and/or conference call to answer any questions regarding this RFP. To join by Microsoft Team video conference: • bit.ly/2202InfoMtg To join by Microsoft Teams call-in number: • (412) 927-0245 United State, Pittsburgh (Toll) • Conference ID: 812 463 845# Electronic proposals must be both received, and time stamped by a representative of the Procurement Department through Authority’s Ebusiness website at or before 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, August 23, 2022, at http://ebusiness.portauthority.org. Proposals received or time stamped by a Procurement Department representative through Authority’s Ebusiness website after the advertised time for the submission of proposals shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award. Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for assuring that its proposal is timely received and time stamped in accordance with the requirements herein.

This Contract Services may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with guidelines and regulations of the FTA “Third Party Contracting Guidelines”, FTA Circular 4220.1F, as amended, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, as amended, implements positive affirmative action procedures to ensure that all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (“DBEs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts financed, in whole or in part, with federal funds, if any, provided under or for the proposed Agreement. In this regard, all recipients or contractors shall take all necessary and reasonable steps in accordance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, to ensure that DBEs have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontracts for, the Contract Services.

Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, also requires that certified Diverse Businesses, (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontract for, the Contract Services. In this regard, all Proposers, and the Contractor, shall make good faith efforts, in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontracts for, the Contract Services.

Further, proposers and the Contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sex, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts or subcontracts for these Contract Services

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR DRIVER’S EDUCATION PRGRAM REBID RFP#550-05-22-REBID The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): The documents will be available no later than July 25, 2022 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until: 9:00 AM on August 16, 2022.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on August 16, 2022 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

ACHA-1684, SNOW & ICE MELT MATERIALS Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is seeking Bids from qualified vendors to provide Snow & Ice Melt Materials, per specifications in the IFB. ACHA is now conducting all competitive solicitation on an internetbased ePr ocur em ent Housing Marketplace. ACHA is paying for all costs for the use of the Marketplace so, there will be no additional charges for your company to use the Marketplace to download documents or submit responses to ACHA. AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Guy Phillips, Purchasing Manager Telephone: (412)402-2435, E-mail: gphillips@achsng.com.

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

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

3. Follow the listed directions.

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

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: No Pre-Bid Conference: If you have any questions regarding this IFB or any of the documents, use the “Question and Answer area in the eProcurement Housing Marketplace Website.

QUESTION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE Wednesday, August 10, 2022, 10:00 AM ET HOW TO FULLY RESPOND TO THIS IFB BY SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL: 1. As directed within Section 3.2.1 of the IFB document, submit proposed pricing, where provided for, within the eProcurement Marketplace.

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

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN & DEADLINE * Friday, August 26, 2022, 10:00 AM ET 301 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 (The proposed costs must be entered within the aforementioned eProcurement Marketplace and the “hard copy” documentation must be received in-hand and time-stamped by the Agency by no later than 10:00 AM ET on this date).

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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR FIRE PUMP TESTING AND REPACKING AUTHORITY WIDE IFB#300-15-22 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):

Questions or inquires 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 9:00 AM on August 4, 2022 Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 818 9931 6363 Passcode: 117159 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP has revised their website.

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

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

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Frank Aggazio, Executive Director

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 July 28, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/ j/83572517082?pwd=SHvaGlQdT BQNGVYdVdLMkxjdHpTUT09 Meeting ID: 835 7251 7082 Passcode: 573312 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP has revised their website.

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

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

Legal Notices Estate of DAVID A. QUEST, SR., deceased of Pittsburgh, No.: 4521 of 2022, Lisa B. Quest, Administrator, 2620 Espy Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 or to c/o Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, Bldg., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

HACP BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JULY MEETING Due to the COVID-19 protective guidelines set forth by federal, state, and local governments, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting for July on July 28, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. on a remote basis. The meeting will be held remotely, with public access to be provided online. HACP will provide a direct link to a livestream of the meeting, and instruction on how to make a public comment. Details will be made available on http://www.hacp.org, in advance of the meeting.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of MS. ROSE E. PARKIN A/K/A ROSE ELLEN PARKIN, deceased of 2633 Glasgow Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15204, Estate No.: 02-2200830, Mr. Edward Freiberger, Administrator, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fiftha Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of MR. JOHN EDWARD PARKIN, deceased of 2633 Glasgow Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15204, Estate No.: 02-22-01477, Mr. Edward Freiberger, Administrator, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fiftha Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of BARBARA HYDE, deceased, of Pittsburgh, No. 022204087. John M. Branch, 1120 Hodgkiss St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 appointed Administrator June 23, 2022 or Peter B. Lewis, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attorney for Estate.

Estate of WILLIAM L. THOMPSON, deceased, of Pittsburgh, No. 022204086. Gail Spencer, 740 Anaheim Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 appointed Executrix June 23, 2022 or Peter B. Lewis, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attorney for Estate.

RENTAL SERVICE

Black Pittsburgh.

The documents will be available no later than July 18, 2022 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 AM on August 2, 2022 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on August 9, 2022 in t he lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

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.

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Port Authority of Allegheny County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

The Courier is THE VOICE of

Fire Pump Testing and Repacking Authority Wide IFB#300-15-22

Estate of EDWARD LEE MOSLEY, JR., Deceased, of Pittsburgh, PA 15235, No.: 03575 of 2022, Marisa L. Mosley, 202 Walpole Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, Adm or to Sheila M. Ford, Attys., 6419 Stanton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Estate of RAYMOND F. SCHUSTER, deceased of Forest Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No.: 02-22-04301, Nicholas P. Brenlove, Executor, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Furnished Apartments

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

Help Wanted

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a HIGH SCHOOL BUSINESS, COMPUTER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/MEDIA ARTS TEACHER Position available at the start of the 2022-2023 school year Complete job descriptions and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Applications must be received by 4:00 PM August 5, 2022 MINISTER OF MUSIC MT. OLIVE BAPTIST of Coraopolis is currently accepting applications for the position of Minister of Music.

Job description and application for the position can be found at www.mtobaptist.org Deadline for applications is August 7, 2022.

Interested candidates send application to: Mt. Olive Baptist Church Minister of Music Search Committee 1201 Hiland Ave. Coraopolis, PA 15108 mobchurch@comcast.net

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

CLASSIFIEDS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2022

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking an Internal Communications Specialist to plan, develop, coordinate, and manage internal communication programs and campaigns. Works as part of the Communications team that will be responsible for helping to execute the vision of the Public Relations Department and Chief Executive Officer.

Essential Functions: • Create content for internal communication channels including newsletter stories, social media posts, e-mail marketing campaigns, brochures, and other materials as needed.

• Collaborate with internal divisions to research, identify, strategize, plan, and develop internal communication campaigns.

• Build relationships to capture engaging content for the Pittsburgh Regional Transit internal communication channels.

• Support CEO filed visits by capturing photos and developing content that can be shared with employees through various communication channels.

Job requirements include: • Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing. or related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Minimum of three years of experience in journalism, communications, public relations, or related environment.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in the use of social media in a professional setting.

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

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to manage time and workload effectively, including planning, organizing, and prioritizing with attention to detail.

Preferred attributes: • Experience with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms.

• Experience with HTML and sharepoint.

• Experience with Internal/Employee communications.

• Government agency experience.

ASSISTANT MANAGER OF WAY Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking an Assistant Manager of Way to manage the planning and scheduling of all Way Department work and provide technical assistance to support repair and maintenance of the Pittsburgh Regional Transit Right of Ways including, but not limited to, track, bridges, parking lots, tunnels and busways and other Pittsburgh Regional Transit properties.

Oversees the Way department in the absence of the Manager of Way. Essential Functions: • Directly responsible for maintenance of Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s busways, tracks, retaining walls, bridges, parking lots, and driveways including signage. Maintains PRT’s landscaping, including grass cutting and weed spraying activities. Oversees the Way department in the absence of the Manager of Way. • Maintains all operational structures at a high status of readiness and supplies immediate repair support under any emergency conditions.

• Manages the activities of the maintenance supervisors, Way maintenance supervisors and related crews.

• Develops and implements new maintenance procedures, oversees the assignment, scheduling and implementation of corrective and preventive maintenance tasks for Way Department.

Job requirements include: • High School Diploma or GED. • Associates Degree or Technical Degree in Engineering or directly related field from an accredited school. Experience in directly related field may be substituted for education.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in rail/track and/or roadway maintenance.

• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.

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

Preferred attributes: • BA/BS degrees in a technical field from an accredited school.

• Supervisory experience in track repair/replacement or heavy highway construction.

• Project Management Experience.

HELP WANTED BOROUGH OF SWISSVALE CDL DRIVERS! The Borough of Swissvale is hiring drivers with a Class A or B CDL to drive garbage and recycling trucks. Duties of the job include collecting trash and/or recycling on a daily basis and disposing of the trash at the appropriate facility. As a new employee, the majority of time would be spent physically collecting and throwing trash and then driving to the landfill or recycling plant.

Benefits include: • Health, dental and vision insurance at no cost to the employee. Family health care is available.

• Defined benefit pension plan at no cost to the employee.

• Life Insurance and short-term disability insurance at no cost to the employee.

• 2 weeks paid vacation after one year of service.

• 6 paid sick days annually.

• 2 paid personal days annually.

• Starting hourly wage of $18.98/ hour with raises every 6 months for 2 years plus an annual raise on January 1st of each year.

• Hourly wage 1/1/22 - $18.98 • Hourly wage 1/1/23 - $20.48 • Hourly wage 1/1/24 - $22.03 • 40-hour work week with occasional overtime.

• 5-day work week. No evenings or holidays.

• Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Occasional Saturdays required when there is a holiday during the work week.

If interested, please submit an application as soon as possible.

Applications can be downloaded at www.swissvaleborough.com, click the “Government” tab and then the “Employment” tab. If you do not have internet access, please call 412-271-7101 to get an application. Applications can be submitted in person or e-mailed to gbachy@swissvaleborough.com.

Applications can also be mailed to CDL Driver Search, Borough of Swissvale, 7560 Roslyn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

All prospective employees must pass a pre-employment physical and drug test. CDL drivers are subject to random drug testing as per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act. All prospective employees must have a clean driving record with no DUI’s or suspensions in the past five (5) years.

All prospective employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of hire. Applicants who are not vaccinated or willing to be vaccinated will not be considered for employment.

The Borough of Swissvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status in any of its activities or operations.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER PRINCIPAL (MULTIPLE OPENINGS) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has multiple openings for a Software Developer Principal in Pittsburgh, PA, with the ability to telecommute with appropriate telecommuting systems for up to three days per week, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. The Software Developer Principal will participate in all aspects of the PNC’s Retail Technology MIS Delivery organization activities. Core responsibilities include: (i) aligns business strategy with software solutions; (ii) proposes, designs and codes software solutions to address complex business needs and oversees technical and procedural documentation required; (iii) leads complex problem solving; (iv) provides technical guidance and support to colleagues and solution development; (v) displays an innovative approach to apply modern principles, methodologies, and tools to advance business initiatives and capabilities; (vi) partner with business stakeholders and product owners to prioritize technology deliverables; (vii) performs code reviews and suggest potential improvements and formulate best practices; and (viii) ensures quality of project deliverables while maintaining compliance with relevant standards and processes.

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science plus 5 years of experience in a position identifying user requirements and performing research and analysis to determine conceptual design for solving business problems.

Required experience must include: (i) proposing and designing software solutions and processes analyzing brokerage domain data; (ii) creating technical design and application architecture diagrams; (iii) establishing and maintaining file transfer connectivity using SFTP, NDM and Connect Direct to transmit data between internal and external systems; (iv) designing, developing and maintaining mainframe COBOL and CA7 job schedules to support new and existing processes; (v) creating complex SQL and PL/SQL queries using TOAD and SQL developer to perform Data Mining/Data Analysis; (vi) designing Informatica ETL workflows and transformation logic to load data into Operational Data Stores, Data Warehouses and Data Marts in both Oracle and Teradata database; (vii) developing, analyzing and reviewing data models using database normalization, entity relation modeling and design techniques to structure processes and data for accuracy, efficiency, and maintainability; (viii) establishing and managing various OBIEE reports for business key metrics; (ix) designing, documenting and testing APIs using tools such as Swagger editor, PostMan and SOAPUI; (x) building integrations between internal and external applications using both REST and SOAP based APIs; (xi) supporting Single-Sign On (SSO) technology for internal and external vendor applications using SAML; (xii) integrating and automating business processes using CRM tools such as Salesforce and Oracle Siebel; (xiii) aligning to business and IT priorities by effectively leveraging waterfall, iterative and Agile methodologies, while coaching and mentoring team members; and (xiv) coordinating Disaster Recovery events with enterprise support teams.

40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R103389. 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 DEVELOPER LEAD The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., headquartered out of Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Software Developer Lead for a work-from-home position (with the ability to telecommute with appropriate telecommuting systems). The position will participate in all aspects of PNC’s Retail Banking’s Contact Center Technology Group activities. Specific duties include: (i) lead the technical design and development of software solutions spanning different technology teams; (ii) analyze current business processes, define and develop different tasks and workflows; (iii) create business and technical designs for assigned processes, tasks and workflows; (iv) create requirement definition and technical specifications; (v) develop solutions from technical specifications to do the unit testing of the modules and deploy it into Non-Production and Production environments; and (vi) provide technical training to team members and guide the team in solving technical issues.

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications, Computer Science or Computer Engineering plus 3 years of experience in Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) based applications and RESTful APIs is required.

Experience must include: (i) developing, testing and deploying telephony related applications and services using Telephony integrations, APIs using TSAPI (Telephony Server API) and TLIB (TServer Library); (ii) developing Microsoft.NET based web and windows applications using CTI – Computer Telephony API Integration; (iii) developing cloud enabled RESTful microservices with integrated compliance CI/CD pipelines and auto-scaling needs; (iv) working with Agile Scrum team for process design, development, testing and integration of CTI based .NET applications and microservices with other tools for problem resolution; (v) providing technical training and guidance to team members to solve technical issues; (vi) developing and deploying in multiple environments (RND, UAT, QA and Prod) using Microsoft Azure DevOps and Jenkins CI/CD automated integrated deployment pipelines with exposure and experience on source code control and reviews using BitBucket and Azure DevOps; (vii) full project lifecycle, including analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, support and enhancement; (viii) programming skills in Microsoft.NET applications and microservices using C#, WPF, WCF, ASP.NET, Prism, MVC/MVVM, IBM MQ and NUnit; (ix) database skills in Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle with exposure to ORM packages including Entity Framework or LINQ; (x) cloud based infrastructure with experience on Red Hat OpenShift or AWS; and (xi) conduct and lead code and design reviews with multi technology teams to deliver SOLID code.

40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R110592. 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.

FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER. Munhall Borough announces that it is seeking applicants for the position of FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER. Applicants must be 21 years of age or over, be a US Citizen, possess a current valid PA Driver’s License, Diploma or General Equivalency Degree, some college preferred and be Act 120 certified to be eligible to take the exam. Salary is $24.74 per hour with fringe benefits.

The application form and a $50.00 fee are required to be completed in order to apply for the position of FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER. Applications are available at the Borough Building at 1860 West St., Munhall PA 15120 and at www.munhallpa.us. The Borough Building is open Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Call 412-4647310 if you have any questions.

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE TURNED IN TO THE BOROUGH MANAGER’S OFFICE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS BY AUGUST 12, 2022.

Seth Abrams Borough Manager SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL STUDENT MONITORS Complete job descriptions and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Applications must be received by 4:00 PM July 27, 2022, or until positions are filled

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a HIGH SCHOOL PERMANENT SUBSTITUTE ENGLISH TEACHER Position available at the start of the 2022-2023 school year Complete job descriptions and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Applications must be received by 4:00 PM August 5, 2022

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

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

Chase Morack Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 CMorack@portauthority.org EOE

Danielle Jacobson Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 DJacobson@portauthority.org EOE

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

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

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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METRO

JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2022 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

COMCAST COMES THROUGH Awards $1 million in grants to 100 Allegheny County small businesses owned by women and people of color Comcast on July 26 announced it will award $1 million in total grants to 100 Allegheny County small businesses owned by women and people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners, among others, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned. The recipients are among more than 9,500 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program, which provides marketing, technology, and capital support to small business owners.

Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund initially launched in 2020 as a response to help small business owners of color who were hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2021, Comcast announced a major expansion to eligibility, enabling all women-owned small businesses nationwide to apply. This expansion built on the program’s success and aims to help address the persistent inequities women continue to face in accessing the resources and funding that are critical to success.

“Congratulations to the small businesses which will be receiving grants through the Comcast RISE Investment Fund,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, in a release. “It’s no secret that the pandemic impacted our small businesses the most, and we thank Comcast for recognizing their challenges and the need with this program.

Thanks to these resources, we look forward to having these entrepreneurs as part of our community for years to

come.”

“The Pittsburgh businesses who benefit from Comcast’s $1 million in grants are hard-working, vital contributors to our community,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, in a release. “These grants are investments for our future and are key to helping transform Pittsburgh and create new pathways to prosperity and a thriving city.”

With the announcement, 100 selected businesses will each receive a $10,000 grant. Allegheny County’s grant recipients include: •Creative Hair Solutions, Allison Park •Embrago LLC, Allison Park •ESSPA INC, Aspinwall •BLINKFLY LLC, Bethel Park •East Side Laser Center, Braddock •Digital Bridges Pittsburgh LLC, Brentwood •More Than Words Fine Papers LLC, Carnegie •Precision Copy Products Incorporated, •Clairton •Meles Party Planning, East Liberty •HARRMONEE LLC, East Pittsburgh •Waku Waku Baby Co, Glenshaw •Carlton Speaks LLC, Homestead •Local Motion PGH, Homestead •Nina Lees Hair Studio, Homestead •Una Biologicals, Homewood •DTL Inc, Jefferson Hills •Barber Parlor, McKees Rocks •FAITH Construction Company, McKees Rocks •PMA Tattoo LLC, McKees Rocks •Wood by Design LLC, McKees Rocks •Sprezzatura Pgh LLC,

Millvale •RRELITESERVICES LLC, Monroeville •Mount Lebanon Academy, Mount Lebanon •Trzade Salon LLC, Mount Oliver •Kiwi Speech LLC, Oakmont •Jade Scott Design, Penn Hills •Sweet Inspirations LLC, Penn Hills •Helios Solutions Group LLC, Pine •360 Café, Pittsburgh •A For the People Insurance Agency, Pittsburgh •Adey Designs, Pittsburgh •African Cuisine LLC, Pittsburgh •All Bodies Welcome Yoga LLC, Pittsburgh •Amazing Journeys LLC, •Pittsburgh And Flowers LLC, Pittsburgh •Baked True North LLC, Pittsburgh •Behaivior LLC, Pittsburgh •Beyond Bedtime Books, Pittsburgh •Cabaret LLC, Pittsburgh •Casey Droege Cultural Productions, Pittsburgh •Coach Keem Fitness and Performance Training LLC, Pittsburgh •Cobbler World LLC, Pittsburgh •Confections by Casey Renee LLC, Pittsburgh •Constellation Coffee, Pittsburgh •Crisp Forensic Counseling LLC, Pittsburgh •Crust Worthy LLC, Pittsburgh •Family Spinner LLC, Pittsburgh •First Sip Brew LLC, Pittsburgh •Fox Chapel Day Spa, Pittsburgh •Global Wordsmiths LLC, Pittsburgh •Go Phleb LLC, Pittsburgh •Green Empress Juice Company, Pittsburgh •Happy Day Dessert Factory LLC, Pittsburgh •I Dream a World LLC, Pittsburgh •IT’s 4 Me, Pittsburgh •Kabab N Curry Inc, Pittsburgh •KidzRide LLC, Pittsburgh •Laced Beauty Bar LLC, Pittsburgh •Levels Agency LLC, Pittsburgh •love Pittsburgh Co, Pittsburgh •Malaika Learning Center LLC, Pittsburgh •Mayfly Market LLC, Pittsburgh •MJ Management, Pittsburgh •New Mainstream Massage, Pittsburgh •Nollapelli Inc, Pittsburgh •Nurie Sushi Inc, Pitts-

FROM LEVELS AGENCY, IT’S ELIJAH AND ELISHA HILL. burgh •Otto Finn LLC, Pittsburgh •Palermo Photo, Pittsburgh •Pittsburgh FIT East LLC, Pittsburgh •Pittsburgh News Inc, Pittsburgh •Post Script Productions LLC, Pittsburgh •Print Management LLC, Pittsburgh •Purposefully Soaring Counseling Services LLC, Pittsburgh •Pyramid Pgh LLC, Pittsburgh •Quinerly Financial Group LLC, Pittsburgh •Rebound Planner LLC, Pittsburgh •Reliable Technology LLC, Pittsburgh •Reset Fitness LLC, Pittsburgh •Riversides Sales

THE COURIER ISN’T JUST A NEWSPAPER. IT’S BLACK HISTORY..

HISTORY FROM LACED BEAUTY BAR, IT’S OWNER DESIREE PARKER.

Group LLC, Pittsburgh Status Ent, Pittsburgh •Stories Like Me LLC, Pittsburgh •Tana Ethiopian Cuisine LLC, Pittsburgh •The Care Based Leadership Collaborative LLC, Pittsburgh •The Coop Chicken and Waffles LLC, Pittsburgh •The Pittsburgh Juice Company, Pittsburgh •The Smokey City’s 412 BBQ LLC, Pittsburgh •Tyler Collier Associates LLC, Pittsburgh •USA Professional Karate Studio, Pittsburgh •YOGAMOTIF LLC, Pittsburgh •Zashes Lashes LLC, Pittsburgh •The Gilded Girl LLC, Sewickley •Art in Motion Pittsburgh LLC, Sharpsburg

•Wildess LLC, Tarentum •Pinks Tiny Paws LLC, Verona •Mommalicious LLC, West Mifflin •A Mothers Boutique LLC, Wexford •Bottom Line Financial Services Inc, Wexford •Megan M Stock DMD PC, Wexford •Global Human Performance LLC, Wilkinsburg •Lovett Sundries LLC, Wilkinsburg