8.2.23 NPC

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Courier Staff Writer

Who could forget the name, Antwon Rose II?

The ambitious 17-yearold Black teen, shot three times by an East Pittsburgh Police officer as Rose fled from a vehicle with his back to the officer, on June 19, 2018.

Who could forget the outpouring of support for Rose, his mother, his father, his family, and Black Pittsburgh as a whole, as the shooting death of a Black teen by a White officer brought back horrendous memories of police brutality against African Americans in this country.

Who could forget the protests, which included the shutdown of a major highway (Parkway East), and the Tri-Boro Expressway?

Judging from the crowd at the Antwon Rose II

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

If there were anyone worthy of having a Veterans Administration community clinic named after them, it’s Henry Parham.

As former New Pittsburgh Courier reporter Christian Morrow wrote in a 2019 article, Parham was just 21 years old, a Private First Class, “when he and his fellow members of the U.S. Army’s 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion joined the third wave of troops storming Omaha Beach in Normandy (France) on D-Day, June 6, 1944. They were the first African American troops in the then-segregated armed forces to take part in the invasion of Hitler’s ‘Fortress Europe,’ an action that would end World War II in Europe in less than a year.”

Five-Year Birthday Celebration, July 12, in Highland Park, no one has forgotten about Antwon Rose II. Rose would have been 18 years old on July 12, 2018, but the gunshots fired by former officer Michael Rosfeld cut Rose’s life short. Rosfeld was found not guilty of all charges in March 2019. Local organizations throw a “birthday party” for Rose each year on July 12, to pay tribute to Rose’s life and legacy. For the 2023 version, 1 Hood Media, The HEAR Foundation and the Antwon Rose Foundation sponsored the celebration.

People in the crowd held purple and white balloons, wore T-shirts that showed Rose’s smiling face, and hugged each other as they

Parham’s combat unit was the only Black unit to take part in the D-Day invasion. His unit protected Omaha Beach, which was one of five landing areas for the U.S. and its allies during the invasion. Parham and his unit stayed on the beach for 68 days, as his unit also protected the American aircraft that was responsible for bringing reinforcement and supplies to the troops.

“It was a scary thing. It was hard to take cover,”

Parham told the Heinz History Center audience when he was honored there on June 6, 2019.

“But we did it…I guess with the help of the good Lord.” Parham was believed to be the last surviving member of his combat unit. Parham died on July

PARHAM was a member of the U.S. Army’s 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion that stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, June 6, 1944. (File photo by J.L. Martello)

MICHELLE KENNEY, mother of Antwon Rose II, pictured with Kahlil Darden Jr.,

Hood Media founder/executive director Jasiri X, and Miracle Jones. (Photo by Emmai Alaquiva)

Texas police mistakenly hold Black family

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Police officers in Frisco, Texas, mistakenly held a Black family at gunpoint after a typo led them to believe their car was stolen.

The disturbing incident, which took place on July 23, was captured on multiple officers’ body cameras, and has sparked outrage and concern over racial profiling and police procedures.

The emotional footage showed members of the Frisco Police Department demanding the family exit their car.

The family, a husband, wife, son, and nephew, identified themselves, while the boys were identified as 12 and 13 years old.

One officer even pointed his gun at one of the children, eventually handcuffing him.

At one point during the ordeal, the officer who ran the incorrect plates admitted her mistake.

“It looks like I made a mistake. So I ran it ‘AZ’ for Arizona instead of ‘AR,’ and that’s what happened,” she said, according to the footage.

The gravity of the sit -

uation hit the husband during the encounter, and he expressed his emotions, saying, “It could’ve gone all wrong for us, though. If I would’ve gone to reach for my phone, we could’ve all gotten killed,” before walking away in tears.

Frisco Police Chief David Shilson issued a statement in which the department admitted its error and vowed to accept responsibility.

“We will not hide from our mistakes. Instead, we will learn from them,” Shilson insisted.

Frisco is a city about 30 minutes north of Dallas.

The officer who ran the incorrect plates also admitted her error.

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

•AUGUST 2

Body camera footage captured the conversation between the officer and the father as they attempted to explain the situation.

The officer told the man, “I ran your tag, and it came back to, associated essentially with no vehicle. So I confirmed it with my dispatch— I’m like, ‘That’s weird.’”

Soon after, the footage appeared to feature another police officer saying in the background, “She ran it out of the wrong state.”

The officer who made the typo said, “AR, AR is Arkansas, correct?”

Another officer responded, “It’s Arizona, though. It’s not Arizona.”

“Oh, I see what you’re saying,” the officer responded. “That’s on me.”

As the father and boy got out of the car, the footage showed an officer explaining the mistake to the young boy, who was crying in the back of the car, saying, “We’re so sorry you had to go through that.”

The video ended with the officer, who made the error, shaking hands with the husband after he calmed down.

The husband told the officer, “It’s all good.”

The department promised a thorough review of the incident and committed to implementing necessary training, policies, and procedures changes to prevent similar occurrences.

Shilson apologized on behalf of the department and emphasized a dedication to holding themselves accountable and ensuring transparency throughout the investigation process.

The incident has again brought concerns about racial profiling and the use of force by law enforcement agencies.“

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.

•AUGUST 3

1928—The Atlanta Daily World begins publication as the first Black daily newspaper in modern times. It was founded by William A. Scott III. Amazingly, the first Black daily newspaper in history—the New Orleans Tribune—was founded one year before the end of slavery in 1864.

•AUGUST 4

1901—Legendary Jazz trumpeter Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong is born in New Orleans, La. Abandoned by his desperately poor parents, he was for a while a ward of the state. But by 1922, he followed the migration of Blacks to the North and ended up in Chicago where his Jazz skills really began to develop. Armstrong was frequently criticized for trying too hard to please his White audiences. Song stylist Billie Holliday once said of him, “Sure Satchmo toms but he toms from the heart.” Nevertheless, he would later become a major financial backer of Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. In addition in 1957, he backed out of a State Department sponsored tour of the then Soviet Union declaring, “The way they are treating my people in the South, the government can go to hell!” Armstrong would die on July 6, 1971.

1931—Pioneering physician Dr. Daniel Hale Williams dies. The Pennsylvania born Williams was a principle founder of Chicago’s Provident Hospital and helped train many of the nation’s early Black doctors and nurses. But he is probably best known for performing America’s first successful open heart surgery. His patient—a young Black man named James Cornish— would live for another 20 years after the surgery.

1964— The bodies of three civil rights workers are found on a farm near Philadelphia, Miss. The three (one Black and two Whites) were participating in “Freedom Summer”—when thousands of people journeyed south to participate in the Civil Rights Movement and help Blacks register to vote. James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner were kidnapped on June 21 and killed the same night. Eighteen White men, including several law enforcement officers were indicted for the killings but only seven were convicted. One of the ringleaders, a local minister named Edgar Allen Killen, would not be found guilty until June 21, 2005 after the case had been reopened. Ironically, Killen was found guilty of manslaughter 41 years to the day that the three civil rights workers were killed. The murders of Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner helped galvanize support for the Civil Rights Movement by turning much of the nation against the terrorist-type tactics being employed

by those opposed to it. Ironically, Philadelphia, Miss., elected its first Black mayor in May 2009.

•AUGUST 5

1865—President Andrew Johnson reverses an order giving land abandoned or confiscated from slave-owning Whites to former Black slaves. The order—Special Field Order #15—had been issued in January by conquering Union Major General William T. Sherman as he and his troops marched through the South. Over 40,000 ex-slaves had received over 400,000 acres of land in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. But after Lincoln was assassinated, Johnson reversed the order and returned the land to the Whites. Johnson, a Southerner, did much to reverse the policies of Lincoln and stifle progress for Blacks. Indeed, an argument can be made that President Johnson had a more negative post-Civil War impact on Black progress than any president in American history.

•AUGUST

6

1870— In one of the most brazenly racist incidents of the post-Civil War period, White conservatives and racists employ assassinations and widespread violence to suppress the Black vote and take control of the Tennessee legis lative from a coalition of Blacks and progressive Whites. The violence and the election effectively ended Reconstruction in the state.

1941— Blacks started being inducted into the U.S. military around April of 1941 and one result was a series of violent incidents between Black soldiers and White soldiers and between Black soldiers and White civilians. The first major incident takes place on this day in August of 1941. A group of Black soldiers board a bus in Fayetteville, N.C., headed to Ft. Bragg . The White driver complains they are being “rowdy” and asks for help from Military Police (MPs). The MPs arrive and began hitting the Blacks with nightsticks. One of the Blacks grabs an MP’s gun and begins shooting. Additional fighting and shooting break out. When the dust settled, one Black private and one White MP were dead and two Whites and three Blacks had been wounded.

1965—President Lyndon Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act which was designed to guarantee the right of African-Americans to vote. The Act ended a wide range of discriminatory voting practices in the South including literacy tests. The Act was probably the most significant piece of civil rights legislation ever passed. It was renewed for another 25 years in July of 2006. It was weakened a bit by a 2009 U.S. Supreme Court decision but remains in effect.

•AUGUST 7

1970—Four people, including the presiding judge, are killed during a courthouse shootout in Marin County, Calif . A group of Blacks led by 17-year-old Jonathan Jackson stage an assault on the courthouse in a bid to free Jackson’s brother— famed Soledad Brother and militant activist George Jackson. Jonathan was among those who died. Professor and communist Angela Davis was charged with providing the guns for the bloody escape attempt but she would later be found not guilty.

•AUGUST 8

1865— Explorer Matthew Henson is born in Baltimore, Md. Henson would become the first person to reach the North Pole on April 6, 1909. However, it was his boss Robert E. Perry who would receive widespread public recognition and a presidential citation for the honor. But in later years, records would show that Henson actually beat Perry to the top of the world. Henson would comment that when Perry discovered that he had beat him to the North Pole, he became “hopping mad.” Years would pass before Henson would gain some recognition for his accomplishment. Nevertheless, to this day, most history books still continue to give the honor to Perry.

Bill introduced to rename VA Clinic in Monroeville after Henry Parham

4, 2021, at age 99.

The highly-decorated combat veteran, who later in his life became a messenger for the Courier, is being considered to having the newly-constructed Department of Veterans Affairs Community Clinic in Monroeville renamed in his honor. It would be called the “Henry Parham VA Clinic.” The clinic is next to the Monroeville Mall.

The bill was introduced by Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey, and U.S. Reps. Summer Lee and Guy Reschenthaler on July 26.

“Designating the new VA Clinic as the Henry Parham Clinic is a tribute to the immense sacrifice made by our veterans, especially those like Henry Parham, who served as a member of the historic all-Black 320th Very Low Altitude

Anti-Aircraft Barrage

Balloon Battalion, the only Black combat unit and the only barrage balloon battalion to land on the beaches on D-Day.” said Rep. Lee, in a statement provided to the Courier. “As we honor Henry’s legacy, we also recognize the sacrifice of our veterans and their families and their service to our communities. This bill represents a solemn commitment to ensuring that that sacrifice is forever remem -

bered. Let us continue to honor veterans like Henry and his wife, Ethel, who gave so much to our country, by providing them with the highest quality of care and support they deserve.”

Parham was courageous, battle-tested, and resilient. Historians have said Omaha Beach was where the most intense fighting occurred on D-Day and the following two months. Parham would find himself sleeping in a foxhole to avoid the target of German snipers. “I was fortunate that I didn’t get hit,” Parham told the Tribune-Review. “I managed to survive with God’s strength and help.”

And about those barrage balloons that Parham operated...

They were filled with flammable hydrogen gas and carried heavy steel cables several hundred feet into the air to keep German aircraft from strafing the troops on the ground with machine gunfire. The cables could cut through wings and foul propellers, bringing the planes crashing to the ground.

Following Parham’s stay in the military, he moved to Pittsburgh in 1949, and worked as a machine operator for the Buncher Company. Upon his retirement, Parham worked for the Courier and was a dedicated volunteer at the

Pittsburgh VA Medical Center for decades. His wife, Ethel, also volunteered her time at the VA.

“Henry Parham is an American hero—fighting the Nazis on the beaches of Normandy as a member of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion,” said Rep. Reschenthaler, in a statement.

“The longtime Pennsylvanian’s courage and strength in the face of adversity should live on as a shining example for future generations.” Parham was a native of Emporia, Va., born on Nov. 15, 1921. He later moved to Richmond, Va., at age 17, and four years later, was drafted into the U.S. Army, and trained at Camp Tyson, in Tennessee. He left for England in 1943. One year later, D-Day occurred, deep in the heart of World War II.

“Honoring our veterans means cutting through the noise and getting things done for the people who put their lives on the line for us,” said Sen. Fetterman, the former Braddock mayor and Pa. Lieutenant Governor, in a statement. “Henry Parham not only served his country during his time in the Army, but also for decades after by volunteering. I am proud to lead this bill and recognize the service of a brave fellow Pennsylvanian by naming this

clinic in his honor.”

Fellow Senator Casey added: “When he stormed the beaches of Normandy as part of the only all-Black combat unit to land on D-Day, Henry Parham believed he was simply doing what he was ‘supposed

to do as an American.’

When Henry came home, he continued serving his fellow veterans and his nation, giving his time and energy at the VA in Pittsburgh. To call Henry a hero only begins to describe his selflessness and commitment

to serving others, and renaming the VA clinic in Monroeville in his honor is one small way to ensure his actions are never forgotten.”

HENRY PARHAM, right, is pictured with World War II Veteran Joe Zimbicki, at an event celebrating D-Day at the Heinz History Center, June 6, 2019. (File photos by J.L. Martello)

What is ‘Afrobeats?’

The music genre is quickly becoming embraced by Black America

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

In 1998, when Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu was just 7 years young, much of Black America was rockin’ to a song called, “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” by Brandy Norwood, known mainly by her first name, Brandy.

Brandy, the California girl who was 19 years old at the time, had already established herself as a solo sensation, with other hits like “Sittin’ Up In My Room,” “I Wanna Be Down,” and “Baby.” She also was the lead on the TV sitcom, Moesha, in the late ‘90s.

Brandy, like other

American artists, are known well across the pond in the United Kingdom and West Africa. The reach of the 50 Cents, Beyonces, and Janet Jacksons are immense; global, you could say. But now, thanks to the world of digital media, social media, and the ease in which one can hear another country’s music, the hottest artists from places like Nigeria and other parts of West Africa are creating a buzz some 5,800 miles to the west, here in the U.S.

Enter “Afrobeats,” the genre of music that, in the past few years, has taken Black music in

America by storm. And enter artists like the aforementioned Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as “Burna Boy,” who sampled Brandy’s “Sittin’ on Top of the World” into his own version that’s rising by the day on urban radio stations nationwide. As of July 31, it’s at No. 15 on the urban charts, with the song played more than 2,800 times on urban stations across the country in the past week. On the “Rhythmic” radio station music charts, it’s at No. 7, with more than 3,800 spins the past week.

Burna Boy is now 32 years old, and Black

America is really getting to know the Afrobeats superstar, who has cemented his fame and legacy in his home country of Nigeria.

Another Afrobeats star is Davido, who was born in Atlanta to Nigerian parents. He was raised in Lagos, Nigeria. His song, “Fall,” received massive airplay in the U.S., particularly in markets like New York City and Miami.

Then there’s Wizkid, born in the Surulere section of Lagos. His song, “Essence,” featuring another Nigerian artist, Tems, took over the urban charts in the U.S. last year. It was such a hot song, it topped the first-ever year-end Afrobeats music charts published by Billboard Magazine, in 2022. You’d be hard-pressed to find a Hip-Hop or R&B fan under 45 in the U.S. who hasn’t heard the song.

Afrobeats is described in Forbes magazine as “a broad West African music genre that mixes

jazz, driving drums, reggae, pop and Hip-Hop.” Its “BPM,” or Beats Per Minute, averages 110120; thus, Afrobeats is upbeat, but it’s not a super fast pace, such as what you’d hear in Rihanna’s “Every Girl in the World.”

Afrobeats stars are selling out shows in the U.S. these days, and challenging established American artists like Justin Bieber and Beyonce for top billing on the music charts.

Dion Dupree, CEO of Grind Mode Music Worldwide, based in Pittsburgh, told the New Pittsburgh Courier there’s a buzz for Afrobeats in Pittsburgh.

“Afrobeats is our culture, it’s our heartbeat,” he said in an interview, Aug. 1. Pittsburgh’s African culture is not a large one, Dupree said, but “we definitely have the culture.” DJ African Wolf is known for his parties at times at

OBI ASIKA AND SMADE are the founders of “Afro Nation,” the world’s largest Afrobeats festival. The festival is coming to Detroit on Aug. 19-20. SEE

Spirit Lounge in Lawrenceville, and Ofela’s is an African restaurant and lounge, open Fridays and Saturdays. It’s located on Brownsville Road in Carrick.

“If the DJs played it more (Afrobeats), I think we would be more in tune to it,” said Dupree, who is also a Courier “Men of Excellence” honoree for 2023. “However, it’s the pulse of our culture; the sounds, the tempo, it all brings it out of you. When you hear it, you’re going to start groovin’.”

Four hours to the northwest of Pittsburgh, in Detroit, will be the site of the next “Afro Nation” festival, on Aug. 19-20. The festival, which is expected to attract thousands from the Detroit region and the nation, will be held at the spacious Douglass Site. The Douglass Site was a historically significant housing project in Detroit that was the first federally funded housing project for African Americans in the U.S. It was home to icons such as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and other influential African Americans, according to the Afro Nation website. It’s located a few blocks north of Ford Field and Comerica Park near Downtown Detroit.

The “Afro Nation” festival will bring the following artists to the main stage on Saturday, Aug. 19: Burna Boy, Ari Lennox, Latto, Kizz Daniel, Dadju, Skillibeng, Diamond Platnumz, Victony and Nissi. The artists on the Piano People Stage will be: DJ Maphorisa, Musa Keys, Kamo Mphela, DJ Moma, Tyla and 2wobunnies. On Sunday, Aug. 20, the artists on the main stage will be: Davido, P-Square, Coi

Leray, Naira Marley, Masego, Tayc, Stonebwoy, Libianca and Ebony Riley. On the Piano People Stage, it’s Major League DJz, DBN Gogo, Focalistic, Mr. Jazziq, Sha Sha and TXC. Not all the artists are classified as “Afrobeats.”

Rather, the festival is billed as a celebration of Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, R&B, Dancehall and Amapiano, which is a sub-genre of house music that originated in South Africa.

The “Afro Nation” festival began in 2019 behind the creative minds of Nigerian entrepreneurs Obi Asika and Smade, and the festivals have taken place in locations like Ghana, Portugal, and Puerto Rico. But it has come “Stateside,” with Afro Nation Miami in May 2023 as the first Afro Nation festival in the continental U.S. It was held at LoanDepot Park, the home of MLB’s Miami Marlins, where some 40,000 people were estimated to have attended. Detroit was selected to be the second location for Afro Nation in the continental U.S.

“When considering which U.S. cities would be right for our Afro Nation festival, Detroit was a clear choice,” said Natasha Manley, CEO of Event Horizon. “The musical legacy, culture, people and community of Detroit connects to why we started Afro Nation: to celebrate Black music and culture. Our diverse global audience will undoubtedly enjoy the unique Detroit show and appreciate the immense influence of Detroit on the evolution of music.”

“From Motown to Techno, Detroit’s musical legacy is undeniable,” voiced Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media, which owns leg -

acy Black media news outlets Michigan Chronicle, New Pittsburgh Courier, Atlanta Daily World, Atlanta Tribune and Chicago Defender. “Serving as the host city for events like Afro Nation is not only part of our DNA, it is an extraordinary opportunity to spotlight our city’s rich culture, talent and character on a global stage. Bedrock and Event Horizon’s commitment to make this event possible is commendable, and I look forward to the launch of Detroit’s newest festival series.”

DAVIDO

BURNA BOY

DION DUPREE, CEO OF GRIND MODE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

Earl Buford Jr., who served as Pittsburgh Chief of Police from 1992-95, passes

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

They called him “Sticky” because he never missed a pass on the football field at Westinghouse High School.

Earl Buford Jr., most known as Pittsburgh’s Chief of Police from 1992 to 1995 and the second minority to ever hold the position, died on July 25, the New

Pittsburgh Courier has learned. His family said he died peacefully. He was 81. Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, on April 9, 1942, to Carrie Bristol and Earl Buford Sr., his father relocated to Pittsburgh in 1950. Earl Buford Jr. grew up on Lincoln Avenue in East Liberty, raised by his father and stepmother, Bertha Buford.

Following Buford’s graduation from Westinghouse in 1960, he joined the U.S. Army, serving for four years. He later completed an Associate Degree in Science from CCAC and a

Bachelor of Arts from California State College, according to his official obituary from House of Law funeral home.

In 1968, Buford joined the Pittsburgh Police Department. He worked his way up from patrolman, detective, sergeant, commander, and assistant chief of investigations. In 1992, he reached the top of the summit—police chief for a city that rarely saw a

Black man in that role; police chief for a city that had a substantially higher Black population than it has now; police chief for a city that was being introduced to “gangs with guns,” rather than “gangs with fists.”

Buford was police chief during a very hostile time in Pittsburgh. A city that wasn’t used to a lot of gun violence, all of a sudden had been infiltrated with gang cul -

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR PLASTER AND PAINTING OF VACANT UNITS AUTHORITY

WIDE

IFB#300-28-23

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

Plaster and Painting of Vacant Units Authority Wide

IFB#300-28-23

The documents will be available no later than July 24, 2023, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 AM on August 15, 2023. 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 15, 2023, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.hacp.org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on August 3, 2023 at 9:00 AM. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 835 7531 8364 Passcode: 889251 +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.

ture that was so prevalent in places like L.A., Chicago and New York. In 1993, a record 83 homicides occurred in Pittsburgh. Buford and his nearly 1,000 officers had to figure out the best ways to stop this “new” type of gun violence in Pittsburgh. Buford retired from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police after 28 years of service and then worked as security representative for the National Football League for many years. When the uniform was off, his family said Buford was “very private in life but loved his family with passion. He spent most of his time with his grandchildren. His best times in life were at family gatherings, birthdays, family holiday celebrations, and of course, going to the buffet every opportunity he got. Earl also absolutely loved the water, every family vacation involved beachfront property or cruise ships to Caribbean locations. Earl purchased a boat in the 1970s and spent much time on the rivers of Pittsburgh. Earl owned several boats for more than 25 years and retired to a riverfront property where he lived for the remainder of his years.”

He married the late Elizabeth Ann Fleming in 1965 and together, they had two children; Mark Buford and Kelley Buford. Earl Buford Jr. had two other children; Earl Buford III and Tiffany Scott. Mark and Kelley blessed Earl Buford Jr., with four grandchildren; Jonathan Frazier, Darren Keys, Brittney Frazier, Leah Buford, and two great-grandchildren. His grandchildren affectionately knew Buford as “Buddy,” according to his obituary.

In later years, Buford became a faithful member of The Church of the Good Shepherd, in Hazelwood, where his brother-in-law, Rev. Huett Fleming, was the pastor. Reverend Fleming died in 2021. At the end of Buford’s obituary, his family wrote: “Well done, good and faithful servant... well done! Know that you are loved and you will be truly missed!”

EARL BUFORD JR., PITTSBURGH POLICE CHIEF FROM 1992-95

'National Senior Games' comes to Pittsburgh

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

- 1 Corinthians 1:10

REV. WALKER SAYS: Let’s be on ONE accord. Teaching that JESUS is the ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN. For we are laborers TOGETHER with God; YOU are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building. (1 Corinthians 3:10)

ANDREW WALKER, PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION FOR THE NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES. IT WAS HELD, JULY 7-18, IN PITTSBURGH, PRIMARILY AT THE DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

TONYA BRINKLEY PLAYING VOLLEYBALL ALICIA MILES, FROM TEXAS

TREE HAGAN

Remembering Antwon Rose II’s life, legacy, five

years

after his untimely death

‘Birthday Celebration’ held for Rose, who would have turned 23

all have had to celebrate Rose’s birthday, without Rose physically present.

Pittsburgh’s mayor, Ed Gainey, was there as well. “Michelle, we love you,” he said, addressing Rose’s mother, Michelle Kenney. Mayor Gainey called the day a “bittersweet moment.”

“Bitter because we lost someone who should still be here at the hands of police violence, and we understand that, we know that, and we work every day to make it better; and sweet, because you can feel the love that’s in this room,” the mayor said. “As long as we can spread love, we can spread healing, and when we spread healing, we create a community that’s better for everybody.”

Jasiri X, founder and executive director of 1 Hood Media, said on the stage that Kenney

is a fellow at 1 Hood, and she’s been creating a group called “Seventh Day,” which works with other mothers who have lost children to violence.

“It’s a crew that no one wants to be part of,” Jasiri X said, but Kenney has been instrumental in helping those mothers and families who have lost loved ones.

Kenney also has played an impactful role in making sure local police agencies share all of the information about an officer with other police agencies.

In 2021, then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro, with Kenney by his side, announced the creation of a statewide police misconduct database.

Then-Governor Tom Wolf soon signed it into law.

Prior to becoming an East Pittsburgh Police officer, Rosfeld was terminated by University of Pittsburgh Police

following an internal investigation with regards to an arrest at a bar near campus in late 2017. Pitt found that Rosfeld’s account of the

events leading up to and including the arrests of three people didn’t match with what surveillance camera video showed. Had a statewide police misconduct database been in place back then, officials with East Pittsburgh may not have hired Rosfeld in the first place.

Rose would be 23 years old right now if he were alive. Who knows what things Rose would have accomplished and/or would be accomplishing right now if he were alive. However, June 19, 2018, changed everything. Ironically, June 19 is “Juneteenth,” though back in 2018, it was not a federal holiday, nor was it celebrated as much as it is today.

Kenney, on a Facebook post dated June 19, 2023, said that for her, Juneteenth is not a cause for celebration. “How can I celebrate on a day that my son was

murdered. It’s hard to be happy when I lost one the best parts of me.

Five years ago today, my world was shattered and as broken as I thought I was before that had no comparison to the brokenness I felt that night. My heart hurts so much sometimes that I think I’m going to die. As I watch everyone go on with their lives and

his name get mentioned less and less; my heart hurts more and more. I didn’t just lose my son; I lost my everything! Antwon was my reason to live from the day that he was born, he was my angel that God knew I needed at that time. His face is my face, his smile is my smile, his heart is my heart. So no I can’t celebrate. I see his face in my sleep, I see it when I’m thinking, I see it when I am driving, I see it when I’m in the shower. There is no escaping the harsh reality my baby is gone and I’m left here alone to figure it out. And yes, I know the power of God; yes, I believe that there is a plan and obviously, I’m serving my purpose but today my heart hurts.”

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR HVAC HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE

IFB#300-30-23

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

HVAC Heating and Air Conditioning Support Authority Wide

IFB#300-30-23

The documents will be available no later than August 7, 2023, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00

A.M. on August 31, 2023. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 AM on August 31, 2023, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on August 17, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 812 3360 9740 Passcode: 141360 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR CONCRETE SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE

IFB #300-27-23

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

IFB #300-27-23

The documents will be available no later than July 24, 2023, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 AM on August 8, 2023. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 11:00 AM on August 8, 2023, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on August 3, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Please see meeting information below:

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

B-PEP CHAIRMAN TIM STEVENS, second from left, along with Valerie Dixon, center, and other supporters at the Antwon Rose II Birthday Celebration, July 12, at Highland Park. (Photos by Emmai Alaquiva)

MICHELLE KENNEY, center, with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, second from right, local rapper Hardo, second from left, and members of 1 Hood Media.

MICHELLE KENNEY, center, with supporters.

ANTWON ROSE II

The lottery and Black Americans

by Lynzee Mychael Michigan Chronicle

The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to become the fifth-largest prize in the game’s history. With no winner of the drawing, it boasted an estimated $1.05 billion offering on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

The lottery has long been a popular form of gambling worldwide, offering the allure of financial windfalls to participants. In the United States, millions of people participate in state-sponsored lotteries every year, hoping to strike it rich with the purchase of a simple ticket. Among these participants, Black Americans have been observed to have a notable presence. Many remember “playing the numbers” for their parents and grandparents long before they were old enough to claim a prize.

The history of lotteries in the United States dates back to the early colonial period. During the 17th and 18th centuries, lotteries were used to fund public works projects and support various social causes, including education and infrastructure. However, their popularity waned over time due to issues with fraud and corruption. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that state-sponsored lotteries were reintroduced as a means of generating revenue for the states, with the first modern lottery established in New Hampshire in 1964.

According to the Lottery Advertising Association for Consumer Research or Cash 3, a staggering 63.9 percent of Blacks reported the highest rate of “ever playing” the lottery, significantly surpassing both Hispanics (43.8 percent) and Whites (41.2 percent). The numbers speak volumes about the strong affinity that Black Americans have for the lottery, highlighting its unique appeal in these communities.

In Black communities, lottery fever is in full swing, and it outshines the participation rates of other racial and ethnic groups. This heightened interest in the lottery can be traced back to various factors that make it an attractive game of chance for many. But

New study proposes wealth-building solutions for Black retirees

by Hazel Trice Edney

For New Pittsburgh Courier (TriceEdneyWire.com)—African American families have known for generations that retirement at the age of 65 is often a mirage. We hope and pray it will happen, but it’s a dream that generally never gets fulfilled. In fact reports have shown that the typical White family—even at retirement age—has eight times the wealth of the typical Black family, with a typical Latino family faring only slightly better. These historic inequities will not change by themselves. Community leaders, policymakers, and industry experts must come together to identify and promote new solutions to this retirement wealth gap.

Opportunely, a new research study by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) a Washington, DC based think-tank and investment manager BlackRock offer ideas and solutions that provide a wholistic approach to retiring, presenting a framework that any person—across all races, genders, and socioeconomic statuses—can utilize to extend and expand their retirement savings.

Americans are Generally living longer than they were in previous decades, while the official retirement age is largely unchanged. Today, 58 percent of U.S. adults are worried they will outlive their retirement savings. And they’re right to be concerned; most Americans are not saving enough for their retirement. African Americans are at greater risk for instability during retirement years. The AARP has shown the gaps in retirement savings already. The association representing millions of retirees across the country has pointed out that Black and Hispanic workers lag in access to workplace savings plans. On average, Black retirees in the United States have less saved for retirement than their White counterparts. Racial disparities in home-

ownership and generational wealth also contribute to discrepancies in retirement savings. And, for all, the prospect of retirement is stressful and overwhelming. The opportunities to learn common sense retirement savings techniques are lacking.

However, there are solutions. There are simple actions that both individuals and policymakers can take to bridge this gap.

The BPC and BlackRock research paper outlines several key findings which

retirement savings, can help buffer racial minority families and provide critical support for families during economic downturns. For example, Black families with mortgages were three-times more likely to get behind on mortgage payments than White families. The economic legacy of COVID-19 has been devastating for Black people and other racial minorities, further increasing the racial wealth divide, and aggravating historic issues that have made it more difficult for Black Americans to thrive.

The study addresses disparities among race and other historical demographic issues that pervade many of these financial challenges. For example, Black Americans generally have shorter life expectancies and more health issues than White Americans. On average, Black workers earn less putting them at a significant disadvantage from when their careers start, making it more challenging to save. Far fewer Black families have retirement accounts—or investments generally—than White households. Meanwhile, current “tax subsidies for asset building disproportionately benefit the highest-income households,” the report says.

would allow for the typical American to save for retirement with a “spending floor” or the hard-dollar levels under which they cannot spend each year as a retiree ages into their 90s and beyond.

Essentially, the study found that savers should consider a three-step framework to help chart their path to retirement spending:

• Determine retirement objectives,

• Consider key risk factors and

•  Formulate a holistic strategy. One additional tip they provide is that pulling a few levers within the framework—such as increasing Social Security benefits by claiming this benefit later and adding guaranteed income—can significantly boost long-term spending power.

The simple building of wealth, such as

The BPC and BlackRock study concludes that policymakers must play a key role in equalizing retirement across races. Our nation’s lawmakers should collaborate with the private sector in creation and passing policies, such as, “minimizing early withdrawals from retirement accounts, known as plan leakage; expanding guaranteed lifetime income products and home equity tools to support consumption; and promoting optimal times to start collecting Social Security benefits.” This will advance much-needed expansive and equitable financial stability in retirement.

Every American deserves to retire com-

Do’s and Don’ts of using credit cards

Credit cards are the most marketed loan product. American Express says, “Don’t leave home without it!” Capital One wants to know, “What’s in your wallet?” Visa says, “More than a credit card. It’s trust, security, acceptance, and inclusion.” Visa further states, “Visa. It’s everywhere you want to be.” Discover says, “It pays to Discover.” Mastercard says, “There are some things money can’t buy. For everything else, there’s Mastercard.”

Credit cards, electronic payments, and “Buy Now, Pay Later” have become an integral part of modern financial transactions being billed as offering convenience and flexibility. There are many merchants that no longer accept cash as a payment option. You have to use your card to complete your purchase—be it a debit card or a credit card. When you use your debit card, you use money currently in your checking

account. When you use credit cards, you’re effectively taking out a loan. Misusing credit cards can lead to a web of debt and financial pitfalls. When it comes to credit cards, I generally offer a few warnings: Don’t play with plastic (credit cards), because plastic can smother you! Use credit only when absolutely necessary! I’ve also established guardrails to use when using credit cards. Namely: Stay away from department store credit cards because the interest rates on those cards are near 30 percent. Never carry more than 2 credit cards with a $2,000 credit limit on each. Never allow the credit card balance on either card to be more than 30 percent of the limit. Therefore, you’ll never have a balance higher than $600 on either card at any given time. Doing this will ensure you’re not mired in credit card debt while at the same time help keep your credit score intact.

In this article, I’m going to offer objective advice detailing do’s and don’ts of navigating the world of credit cards. The goal with this article is to provide essential tips to help you manage credit cards responsibly and build a strong financial foundation.

Do’s:

Do Understand Your Credit Card Terms:

Before applying for a credit card, thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions. Read both, the big print and the small print for what the big print offers you, the small print takes it away. Pay attention to interest rates, annual fees, grace periods, and any potential penalties.

Know that the interest rates on most credit cards are DOUBLE DIGIT! Being aware of these details will help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected charges. My guardrail of never having a balance more than $600 on a credit card will balance if paid off timely.

Do Pay Your Balance in Full and On Time:

Sixty percent of Americans carry a credit card balance from month to month. Paying your credit card balance in full and on time each month is one of the most crucial do’s. By doing so, you can avoid accumulating interest charges and late payment fees. Timely payments also positively impact your credit score, demonstrating responsible credit management.

Do Set a Spending Limit and Stick to It: Treat your credit card as a part of your budget, not as an

extension of your income. Not as your emergency fund. Not as a tool to buy stuff you can’t afford. Set a monthly spending limit that aligns with your financial goals and income. Avoid making impulsive purchases that could lead to debt beyond your means.

Do Keep Track of Your Spending: Regularly monitor your credit card statements to track your spending and detect any unauthorized transactions promptly. By identifying unauthorized transactions promptly, you’re more likely to be free

of liability for those charges. Mobile apps and online banking make it easier than ever to stay on top of your credit card activity.

Don’ts:

Don’t overspend on credit cards to earn point and rewards:

Many credit cards offer rewards, such as cashback, travel miles, or points. Keep in mind the cashback rewards are worth anything from a penny to a nickel per every one

LYNZEE MYCHAEL

Every American deserves to retire comfortably at an age that one can still enjoy it. That requires saving in advance, in the most lucrative but safe way possible.

U.S. Black Chambers ends convention with renewed support from the White House

by Hamil Harris

For New Pittsburgh Courier (TriceEdneyWire.com)—

The members of the U.S Black Chambers Inc. recently concluded their national convention in Washington, DC, bolstered by a meeting with President Biden and strengthened ties forged between business, Civil Rights, and Faith leaders.

The White House Office of Public Engagement and National Economic Council also held a  June 21st meeting with the leaders of the USBC to discuss the President’s plan to expand economic access to African-American businesses across the US.

But then President Biden walked into the room and greeted Ron Busby Sr. President and CEO of the Black Chambers Inc and other leaders in the organization that represents 120 Chamber of Commerce chapters across the country.

“This is an exciting time for the US Black Chamber and for our members across the country,” said Busby in an interview on the eve of the White House visit. “The US Black Chamber is about advocacy, access to capital. contracting opportunities and chamber development.”

The White House statement talked about the meeting between Biden and the African American business leaders, which comes at a time when Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris has been rallying the party’s African American base as the 2024 Presidential election heats up.

“The President emphasized that, despite the progress being made, there is still work to be done to ensure equitable growth and wealth creation for communities of color,” the statement read.

President Donald Trump said this week that people who help people get into this country should get the death penalty and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spent the last week talking about the merits

of slavery.

But at the White House, Biden announced on Tuesday that monuments will be erected to remember Emmett Till, murdered by White supremacists at the age of 14. Today, July 25, would’ve been Till’s 82nd birthday.

In April, Carolyn Bryant Donham, the White woman whose allegations resulted in Tills brutal death, died of cancer in  a Louisiana hospice. She was 88.

During the USBC National Conference, Donald R. Cravins Jr., the first African American to serve as Under Secretary of the Department of Commerce for Minority Business Development signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to enhance economic opportunities for African American-owned businesses through capital and contracting opportunities.

On July 20, Rev. Frederick Haynes, the new President of the Rainbow-Push

Coalition, spoke at the US Black Chambers convention where he said the Montgomery Bus Boycott was effective because of Civil Rights activist “tree shakers,” and business leaders, “Jelly makers,” who work together for 381 days.

“The tree shaking changes the system, but have you forgotten about the jelly-making,” Haynes asked during his keynote speech. “While they did tree shaking in boycotting the buses they did some jelly making. They refused to ride the buses so they organized a carpooling system. The carpool system was over before it was Uber.”

In an interview, Haynes said, “If we can build a Black Wall Street back then (In Tulsa) we can build a Black Wall Street from San Francisco to DC and from Harlem to Houston as a sign of the future of Black Business.”

Earlier this month, the USBC honored two of the three living survivors of

The lottery and Black Americans

the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921. In the wake of a decision by a Donald Trump-appointed judge to dismiss a lawsuit seeking reparations for the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Judge Caroline Wall threw out the lawsuit that would have required the city and others to pay for the destruction of the Black business District named Greenwood. One of the survivors was Ms. Viola Fletcher, who was seven on the day of the attack. Today she is 109.

“The dismissal of the lawsuit seeking reparations for the Tulsa Race Massacre is a disappointing setback in the ongoing fight for justice and equity.,” Busby said in a statement after the judge’s ruling. “The events of that tragic day in 1921 continue to reverberate through generations, and the denial of reparations further compounds the deep-rooted wounds suffered by the Black community.”

Busby said the USBC has established the Women’s Business Center in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, in the heart of The Greenwood District, which serves as a vital resource for small businesses in the area.

Busby said, “Our Women’s Business Center in The Greenwood District stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering economic development and empowerment.”

As the new head of Rainbow Push, Haynes said one of his major efforts will be to organize a protest in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a Donald Trump-appointed judge blocked payments to descendants of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre.

Dr. Ben Chavis, a Civil Rights veteran and president/CEO of the National Newspaper Association, said in an interview, “We should learn from our history and not necessarily repeat our history. When we find points that we can work together with, we should do it so we can be much more effective.”

BofA invests $255K into Pittsburgh nonprofits

PITTSBURGH—The

New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Bank of America announced on July 19, $255,000 in grants to 10 Pittsburgh area nonprofit organizations to drive meaningful and sustainable progress to help tackle society’s biggest challenges. This is the first of two rounds of grants the company awards annually to local nonprofits throughout the year.    These investments focus on health and jobs by addressing the economic and social conditions that influence family stability, health and food access, as well as building pathways to employment designed to pull people away from poverty and towards economic mobility. Funding will mainly support workforce development and job reskilling.

In May, as part of President Biden’s Investing In America Agenda, Pittsburgh was selected as one of five Workforce Hubs, receiving a Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant. Chosen for being known as an innovation hub for industries like robotics, biomanufacturing and clean energy, as well as its top universities, Pittsburgh has become a popular location for companies and organizations in these industries looking for strong local talent.

According to John Ciccolella, president, Bank of America Pittsburgh, access to quality education and skills training is critical for driving Pittsburgh’s economic growth. That’s why the bank is focused on supporting a range of workforce development opportunities, including student support, youth and adult upskilling and reskilling programs, and post-secondary institutions to help vulnerable individuals and families stabilize and advance.

One of the local organizations receiving a grant is Partner4Work. Bank of America’s $60,000 grant to Partner4Work will provide funding for the City

of Pittsburgh’s Learn and Earn summer youth employment program aiming to provide paid work experience to low-income individuals between the ages of 14 and 24.

“Partnering with Pittsburgh nonprofit organizations to address issues like youth workforce development and employment is part of our approach to fostering economic mobility and equitable progress,” said Ciccolella. “These investments demonstrate how we are taking action to provide the Pittsburgh community the essential resources and support needed to help people succeed in today’s economy and prepare for a successful future.”

Other organizations receiving grants include:

*         Auberle

*         Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh

*         Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region

*         Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh

*         Café Momentum

*         Family House

*         LandforcePgh

*         The Challenge Program

*         UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

These grants build on the over $9M in funding Bank of America has provided to local Pittsburgh organizations since entering the market in 2018 and are part of the company’s commitment to delivering responsible growth to improve the financial lives of individuals, families, and entire communities. Philanthropic and volunteer investments continue to play a key role in this effort to build thriving communities. In addition to the funding provided by grants, local Pittsburgh Bank of America employees have contributed over $800,000 to local nonprofits, as well as have spent over 25,000 hours volunteering in their communities.

there is more to the story.

Historic economic inequalities have left Black Americans facing lower income levels and limited opportunities for wealth accumulation. The lottery’s promise of hitting the jackpot and attaining immediate financial relief holds a particular allure for those grappling with economic hardships. It becomes a beacon of hope, offering a potential ticket out of financial struggles.

Also, state lotteries employ savvy marketing tactics, including targeted strategies aimed at appealing to specific demographics, such as Blacks. These campaigns can resonate with the community, increasing awareness and drawing more people to participate in the lottery. The advertisements often highlight the potential life-changing opportunities the lottery presents, which can strike a chord with those seeking a chance to improve their circumstances.

In certain Black communities, playing the lottery has transcended being just a game; it has become a part of the culture. People come together, hoping for that big win, sharing the excitement of the draw

and envisioning what they would do with the money. This communal aspect fosters a sense of camaraderie and optimism, creating an emotional connection to the game beyond the financial aspect. Although the lottery can bring happiness to fortunate winners and contribute to funding public programs, it is crucial to acknowledge and examine the potential drawbacks and effects it may have on Black communities. The lottery frequently faces criticism for its regressive nature, which means it disproportionately impacts lower-income individuals. In Black communities, where economic disparities are prevalent, the financial strain caused by lottery spending can be even more pronounced. For some individuals, the thrill of the lottery can lead to gambling addiction, a serious issue that affects people across all racial and ethnic backgrounds. In communities already facing economic challenges, gambling addiction can exacerbate financial hardships and strain relationships. The allure of the lottery and other forms of gambling may be more enticing for individuals living in poverty or experiencing financial hardship. The promise of a life-changing win can create

a glimmer of hope in otherwise difficult circumstances, but it often results in an even deeper cycle of financial struggle.

The revenue generated from lotteries is intended to support public programs, primarily education. However, in some cases, the distribution of these funds may not adequately address the specific needs of Black communities, leading to potential disparities in resource allocation.

The lottery’s appeal to Blacks is a result of a complex interplay of historical, social and economic factors. While it offers a glimmer of hope and the potential

for immediate financial betterment, it also raises red flags about the regressive effects of gambling and its impact on vulnerable communities. Policymakers and communities must handle these concerns with care, ensuring responsible use of lottery revenue and providing support for those grappling with gambling addiction. Moreover, addressing economic disparities requires a comprehensive approach to ensure equitable opportunities and financial stability for all Americans, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background.

Do’s and Don’ts of using credit cards

CREDIT CARDS FROM B1

LOTTERY FROM B1 dollar spent. Not enough to use a credit card for the mere sake of racking up points. Avoid overspending just to earn rewards, as it may lead to unnecessary debt.

Don’t Carry High Balances or Max

Out Your Credit Card: High credit card balances can quickly accumulate interest, leading to mounting debt. Aim to keep your credit card utilization (the percentage of available credit used) below 30 percent to maintain a healthy credit score. The lower

your utilization rate, the better.

Don’t Apply for Multiple Credit Cards Simultaneously: Each credit card application generates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score. Apply for new credit cards strategically and only when necessary.

Don’t Ignore Credit Card Statements: Failing to review credit card statements can lead to missed payment deadlines or fraudulent charges. Always verify your statements and promptly report any discrepancies to your card issuer.

Don’t Use Credit Cards for Cash Advances: Cash advances come with higher interest rates and additional fees. Whenever possible, avoid using your credit card to withdraw cash, as it can lead to a debt spiral.

Don’t Co-Sign Credit Cards: Co-signing for someone else’s credit card can have severe implications if they miss payments or accumulate debt. If you decide to ignore this advice and co-sign anyway, be fully prepared to take responsibility for the entire debt if the person you cosigned for fails to pay. Banks make more money on credit

card interest than they make on any other loan they offer including personal loans, student loans, business loans, car loans, and mortgages. Banks also make more money on credit card interest than they earn on the money they invest in the stock market. Clearly, they want to encourage you to use credit cards. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined in this article, you can navigate the world of credit cards with confidence. Remember, responsible credit card management is an essential part of achieving long-term financial success.

(Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached @ 412-216-1013 or visit his website @ damonmon-

RON BUSBY AND PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

Guest Editorial Stealth, health and Black wealth

Recently, the United States in general, and Black people in particular, were gobsmacked by SCOTUS when it forced Affirmative Action to bite the dust. This is a sad state of affairs when you consider it is a strategy that was apparently needed in order to help level the playing field for qualified individuals who would have been overlooked had it not been in place. No doubt, in today’s climate this might end up with fewer college-educated African Americans.

The possible reduction in the number of Black people with access to higher education will have a deleterious impact on the economic well-being of an already beleaguered Black community. The college acceptance process is costly and stressful. It is known that stressors, i.e., those issues that cause challenges to people’s health and well-being, will be added to the other issues facing the Black community. Stress impacts health!

In addition to the Affirmative Action SCOTUS decisions, along with others, there is the probability that the health of the community might be further imperiled as a result of stress generated by political intrigue. The community has already been devastated by years of maltreatment due to White supremacy. These new attacks on the rights of Blacks (and others) will present another hurdle the community must master.

This problem is more serious than it might seem. Right now, the country (actually, the world) is enduring a health crisis. The COVID pandemic has wreaked havoc on the health consciousness of Americans with many people losing their lives.

Another issue, most likely caused by climate change, is the air quality in some American cities has added to health problems of citizens, due to huge fires burning in Canada. This, added to ozone challenges and other toxins in our community, is lowering the health outcomes of all Americans!

It has become very apparent there are a lot of other dangerous elements citizens are subjected to, based on the actions of corporate America. It is obvious corporate America is making citizens sick. It has become obvious that the quest for economic gain has been the motivation behind a lot of environmental pollution cases that are causing illnesses.

The strategy seems to be, “Let’s make as much money as we can with what we know are noxious products, and if we get caught, we might have to endure lawsuits, but we’ll take our chances.” We now know certain corporations might have behaved in this manner.

Logic would dictate that with all of the community issues that impact us, there should be greater concern about helping to reduce the stress experienced by Americans, since a lot of the health challenges are ultimately caused by corporate stealth attacks that are economically driven. But no, that does not seem to be on the agenda.

Another thing causing stress among Blacks is popular culture, which is routinely creating and tolerating music so toxic it has resulted in a “life imitates art” situation.

Musical misogyny has created fissures in the Black community to such an extent that more than 70 percent of Black children are growing up in single-parent homes, and more rappers have been killed than any other group of contemporary musicians.

While this may seem like doom and gloom, it might represent an opportunity.

Black people have endured slavery, Jim Crow and a whole lot more, yet in every challenge presented, Blacks triumph. African Americans have been primary influencers in many fields even though they have been denied access in the past. Couple this with the increasing awareness that is resulting from the discovery of the true influence that Black people have had all over the ancient AND modern world and an interesting picture emerges.

The imprint of our community can be felt all over EVERYWHERE! Actually, oppression has had a positive impact if it is possible to overlook the challenges the community has traditionally faced. There is enough expertise, money and other assorted resources in the Black community that can serve as economic engines for the whole community.

The only impediment to this is the animosity Blacks demonstrate against each other. Currently, most unwealthy Americans are faced with scuffling for a share of dwindling resources and economic despair fueled by an increasingly right-wing GOP.

The stress in our communities would be significantly lessened and the wealth increased if we could work with each other; a unified community would be a formidable foe for ANY group that demonstrates animosity toward the community. If the details of this could be worked out, stress in the Black community could be lessened, and health and wealth outcomes would improve. It’s time to save ourselves! A Luta Continua.

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—At one time we could confidently turn to the U S Supreme Court for relief from extremist behavior that attempted to take away rights we already had or rights we were fighting to achieve.

Today, unfortunately, we experience extremism in so many areas of our lives.

Our forever President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama are sounding the alarm and have asked all of us to join with activists who’ve been sounding the alarm on extremism for years.  Unfortunately, many never even dreamed racism and all the other negative isms would ever get as bad as they are today!

We thought Donald Trump, Ronald DeSantis, and a big chunk of the MAGA crowd were just a joke.  It must be clear now, they are for real, and people we thought were semi-sensible have come down front to prove we were wrong.  Many of them have spent years building their strength to do damage to us in many ways.  I don’t think most of us ever thought we would witness a leader in the White House (Donald Trump) would work so hard to do harm to us—and worse still that there would be such a large group of people even running to become President—with the same ideas and plans as Trump.  Some of them have already served in some capacity as a leader in our nation and are supporting the same

turmoil that has been created by their criminal leader!

Can you even imagine a Black leader being convicted or having as many serious indictments as Trump who would still be walking the streets freely so as to have time to personally push his day of reckoning beyond reach because the discovery of his continuing criminal behavior leaves him free to keep on upsetting any kind of belief that he will ever pay for the people’s lives his behavior has already ruined?

I talk with many people who’ve lost faith that Trump will ever pay for his thuggish behavior. If you think there’s any hope we will ever be able to head off a bunch of local and state Trumps, we’ve got to take an interest and action in heading off the destruction of our local community.

We must attend our city council, school board, county council, and political party meetings.  We can’t fight the extremism that’s growing all around us by waiting for somebody else to handle things.  We must stand up and help to fight this extremism.

Extremists want to cancel true African American history, fair voting rights, and rights to be educated at certain universities. Teachers are being fired. Books have been banned. Affirmative action rights to correct past wrongs are canceled, and for women, our right to choose what happens with our bodies—all of that has happened just over the past few months.  Just think about what will happen in the coming years with any one of the current Presidential candidates challenging President Joe Biden who is trying his best to put us back on a sensible course to the things our nation professes to stand for.

We have people we once thought to be friends and to have a concern about our human rights now toying with giving aid and comfort to the enemies of our people. Whether or not they carry out their dangerous plans, we need to remind them of the negative impact their present course of actions will have on the 2024 Presidential, Senatorial, and House results. You know who they are.  As much as Dr. Cornell West has usually been on the right side of issues, we question his intention now.  Sen. Joe Mansion has always been suspect and has failed us at crucial times. I don’t think any of us can explain Joe Kennedy—so spread the news when somebody figures it out!

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher

Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—If things don’t add up, it makes sense to see if something has been left out of the equation. That’s the case today. The experts tell us that the economy is as good as it has been in decades —unemployment at record lows, inflation under control, wages finally rising faster than prices.

Yet, most people are unhappy and pessimistic. President Biden’s approval rating is still underwater.

Donald Trump, his likely opponent in the presidential race, is even less popular. What’s going on?

Americans aren’t wrong. They struggle every day with what pundits call a “polycrisis.” That’s a fancy word for a lot of big things going wrong in a big way all at once. Catastrophic climate change, pandemics, extreme inequality, a broken and unaffordable health care system, a dangerously decrepit infrastructure, a growing Cold War amid unending forever wars—this list can go on.

These crises are real and present. Families and communities take the hit again and again. Extreme heat—or floods or forest fires or hurricanes—take lives and destroy homes. Ancient pipes serve up poisonous drinking waters. People can’t afford to get sick. Big money and powerful lobbies block vital reform. Now billionaires are paying for a new party—the No Labels (and Dark Money) Party, as if owning the two major parties were not enough.

Joe Biden—much to the surprise of many—stepped up to address some of this. He passed the biggest bill to rebuild America in decades, the biggest investment in renewable energy ever. He made a small start in making some drugs more affordable. He broke with our ruinous trade policies and began to crack down on the merger mania. First steps—but not nearly enough.

Trump’s MAGA Republicans, meanwhile, are missing the bus.

They—aided and abetted by a zealously right-wing majority on the Supreme Court—are focused on social reaction—rolling back the progress of the civil rights movement, stripping women of the right to control their own bodies, trying to make voting harder and opening the door to big money in politics, waging war on “wokeness” as if diversity were the source of our problems. They just overloaded the Defense Appropriations bill with a bevy of anti-woke provisions—while utterly ignoring the reality that we’re starving basic investments at home while wasting billions of dollars and millions of lives trying to police the world. They may add to our problems, but they surely are not addressing the crises we face.

It is clear what gets in the way. In each area, powerful interests, deep pockets, entrenched lobbies benefit from what is—and stand in the way of what must be. Big oil and King Coal still impede a needed transition to renewable energy. The military-industrial-think tank complex defends endless wars and ever more bloated Pentagon budgets. Big Pharma and the health insurance complex defend a health care system Americans can’t afford. It is easy to get depressed, to give up, or to turn on one another rather than toward one another. But change —and survival—will come only when citizens come together, confront the powers that be, and force the change. Modern America has seen two periods of profound reform. The New

Deal under Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s ended the Depression, built a modern infrastructure, guaranteed the right to organize, Social Security, and much more.

The Great Society under Lyndon Johnson that brought a final end to segregation, revived the right to vote, provided Medicare and aid for mothers with children and much more. Both were driven by citizens in motion—workers forced the New Deal reforms, the civil rights movement inspired Johnson to act.

Now we see stirrings once more. Occupy Wall Street exposed extreme inequality. Black Lives Matter challenged systemic racism, particularly in our criminal justice system. In response to reverses, the women’s movement and environmental movement are growing more powerful. Across the country, workers are striking for better pay and conditions, and for the right to a union.

The Bernie Sanders campaigns inspired the young and provided the agenda. The progress Biden made came largely from that energy. Much more is needed. We need leaders who will show up at the point of challenge. We need citizens who will come together to demand change. The “polycrisis” makes dramatic reform necessary. And that will come only from the people up—not from the interests and the big money down.

When I ran for president in 1984 and 1988, I sought to build a progressive coalition, across lines of race, region, religion, gender and sexual preference. We need, I argued, to move from racial battlegrounds to economic common ground and onto moral higher ground. Now, in the face of the many crises that are disrupting us at once, that citizens coalition is needed now more than ever. It is time to act.

Allison Palm Office Manager

Ashley Johnson Sales Director Rob Taylor Jr. Managing Editor

John. H. Sengstacke Editor

At the heart of the story that President Biden preserved last week by creating our newest national monument are a mother and son, Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till.

That’s especially moving for me because so much of my understanding of what the Tills endured and why their story remains essential today comes from my own mom’s experiences. Like Emmett, she was in her early teens in 1955 and growing up in West Baltimore. The ritual he was taking part in by traveling from Chicago to Mississippi that summer was a universal one for Black kids living in destinations of the Great Migration, one that still happens today.

Despite the indignities of Jim Crow, everyone seemed safe when they went back to Grandma’s. Emmett’s torture and lynching by two White men incensed that he whistled at a White woman exposed the vulnerability of Blacks anywhere in South. But rather than cower in response to the brutal murder, my mom and many other young Black people dove deeper into a lifelong struggle for civil rights.

Mamie Till’s courage to leave open her son’s casket so tens of thousands of mourners in Chicago and the entire world could see his bloated, disfigured corpse galvanized that growing civil rights movement.

I went to Mississippi in my early 20s to organize opposition to the gov-

ernor’s plan to close three historically Black colleges and turn their campuses into prisons. Nearly 40 years later, I could still see the deep trauma in the souls of Black Mississippians who were Emmett’s age when he died.

One night, my dad called to ask me to leave the state, if only for a short time. “Your mom keeps having the same nightmare. She hasn’t slept for days,” he told me. “She keeps seeing your face on Emmett Till’s beaten body.”

The deep concern apparent in those dreams wasn’t irrational. The rhetorical violence of Jim Crow always accompanied the physical violence of lynchings. That culture persisted. The Jackson newspaper where I later worked got shot up in drive-bys several times in much the same way a plaque at the place where Emmett’s body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River has been repeatedly vandalized (with that site now part of the national monument, those crimes will be a federal offense).

At a time when we see racist rhetoric and dog whistles find re-

newed popularity, the Tills’ story is a reminder to all of us that there’s a well-worn path from hateful language to violence to the murder of a 14-yearold boy. As it’s been since colonial times, that rhetoric exists to divide poor and working-class people of all races so that they can’t unify around the political and economic interests they all share.

There are signs of hope, even in Mississippi. In November, the state could elect a populist Democrat as its governor, unseating the Republican heir of the governor I opposed 30 years ago who revived racist rhetoric from that high office.

We create national parks and national monuments to preserve places, people and ideas that define who we are as a country. Emmett Till should be alive and relatively anonymous in his 80s, not dead from an infamous attack. His mother should be remembered for anything other than making Americans look at just how cruel they can be.

Being able to visit where Emmett’s body was recovered, where he was eulogized, and where an all-White jury acquitted his killers gives us the chance to measure how far we’ve come and accept how far we’ve left to go. (Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.)

Politicians are not historians

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The College Board is a nonprofit organization that runs an association of institutions, including over 6,000 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational entities as part of its membership. It develops and administers standardized tests and curricula used by K-12 and post-secondary education institutions nationally. While the College Board provides resources and services to students, parents, and universities in promoting college readiness, it has no predetermined political agenda. The same cannot be said for the Florida Department of Education, which oversees its state’s public K-12 and college education systems. The department is under the direct responsibility and control of the governor. As of 2003, the commissioner of education, who manages the day-to-day operations of the school system, is no longer a position elected by the people.

It became an appointed position by the governor in addition to the six other members of the Board of Education. A governor is not a historian; therefore, providing an accurate depiction of history within a school curriculum should be left to those who are the most qualified to do so. By abusing his authority, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis adjusted the state’s education standards to align with his personal, politically, and racially motivated vision for a state “where woke goes to die.”

On July 19, the DeSantis-controlled Florida Board of Education approved new guidelines for its Black history curriculum requiring middle-school students to be instructed on how “slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”

The new standards teach elementary school students how to identify famous African American individuals but do not push their knowledge beyond surface-level awareness. The public school teachers are pushing back on the weak and inaccurate guidelines. The same is true of the College Board, NAACP, and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican U.S. Senator. “We resolutely disagree with the notion that enslavement was in any way a beneficial, productive, or useful experience for African Americans,” the College Board said in a statement to USA Today. “Unequivocally, slavery was an atrocity that cannot be justified by examples of African Americans’ agency and resistance during their enslavement.” While the new guidelines still allow teachers to provide instruction about Black history in schools, the Board opted to do so in a way that the NAACP says “convey a sanitized and dishonest telling of the history of slavery in America.”

These latest changes result from the state’s Stop Woke Act, enacted in July 2022. The law says discussions about race must be taught in an “objective manner” and should not be “used to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view.” It also states that students should not feel guilty for actions taken in the past by people of their same race or origin. This would not be necessary if the same history they are whitewashing focused on the stories of Whites, such as John Brown, who held anti-slavery views and was a leading figure in the abolitionist movement. Our public schools should not protect the interest of one race at the expense of another.

The true story of the Black experience in America has always been shallow, filled with omissions in history books. The desire to develop a watered-down version of the truth is not just limited to Florida, and it predates the Stop Woke Act. Protecting the feelings of White students and their parents does not justify denying Black students the uplifting and encouraging experience of knowing their ancestors’ full stories and contributions. For example, when presenting the painful facts in depth regarding the transatlantic slave trade, it illustrates to a Black student the strength, courage, and resilience of enslaved Africans from which they are an extension. That important connection for all Black students gets lost in the skimmed-over teaching of valuable history. The long list of Black massacres is unknown to most middle and high school students today. The Orange County Regional History Center in Florida called the 1920 Ocoee Massacre “the largest incident of voting-day violence in United States history.”

For high school students, the DeSantis-controlled Board of Education will now require events like the Ocoee Massacre to be depicted as an “act of violence perpetrated against and by African Americans.” From the DeSantis version of the massacre, students may never know that the massacre was a White mob attack on Black residents in northern Ocoee. The motive was to prevent Black citizens from voting in the 1920 presidential election. Most of the Blackowned buildings and residences were burned to the ground, and approximately 30 to 35 Blacks were killed. “Most of the people living in Ocoee don’t even know that this happened there,” said Pamela Schwartz, chief curator of the Orange County Regional History Center. Sadly, a culture of silence existed. For almost a century, many descendants of survivors were not aware of the massacre that occurred in their hometown. The memories of the victims from 1920 don’t deserve to be forgotten and then misrepresented. In 1920, the culture of silence concerning Blacks came out of fear. A traumatized community may never heal when racially driven politicians and appointees use their power and positions to perpetuate the White denial of the truth behind the sometimes-uncomfortable Black American experience.

(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.)

Don’t say African American History Standards

Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, signed into law the Parental Rights in Education Act in 2022. It said that classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity by school officials or third parties is not permitted in kindergarten through third grade or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for pupils in accordance with state standards.

Democrats immediately denounced the new measure as anti-LBGT+ and dubbed it the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.”

Sex education occurs in either the fourth or fifth grade, when students reach puberty.

But SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, a non-profit that advocates for comprehensive sexuality education, believes that sex education should begin in kindergarten. Students, in their opinion, should be prepared for the changes that their bodies will go through during puberty.

The Parental Rights in Education Act of Florida didn’t dispute puberty preparation. It simply said that discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity are inappropriate for students in grades K-3.

The real issue was when schools should discuss sexual orientation and gender identity. Should this happen before or during puberty? Republicans in Florida decided it should happen after K-3, but they never said it shouldn’t happen at all.

“Don’t say gay” was a Democratic tactic used to create a nationwide overreaction in order to slow down the Republican overhaul of the state’s educational system.

Republicans in Florida didn’t slow down in 2023. They established new standards for teaching African American history in middle school. This time, Democrats charged Republicans with whitewashing history, but their assertion was as nonsensical as “don’t say gay.”

On the first 20 pages of a 216-page document titled Florida State Academic

Standards: Social Studies 2023, African American history lessons and benchmarks are listed. On page 6, it states: Examine the various duties and trades performed by slaves (e.g., agricultural work, painting, carpentry, tailoring, domestic service, blacksmithing, transportation).  The benchmark stated: Instructions include how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

Democrats highlighted that benchmark and accused the Republicans of teaching children that African Americans benefited from slavery by treating slavery like a job training program. This time, the Black Conservative Federation was on the Democrats’ side. The BCF stated that the new standards undermine the unimaginable hardships endured by millions of enslaved individuals. Florida’s new academic standards do not undermine hardships at all.

On page 9, students are instructed to compare slave living conditions in the British North American Colonies, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The benchmarks focused on harsh conditions such as inadequate nutrition, malnourishment, sickness, hard labor, harsh weather, and infant mortality rates of slaves vs. free people.

The BCF also said, “Attributing their acquired skills as a benefit is an oversimplification and can obscure the true nature of their experiences. Slaves did not have ‘agency!’ They were forced to do jobs with-

out pay. This is not a benefit by any stretch of the imagination.”

Dr. William Allen, former chairman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights and member of Florida’s African American History Standards workgroup, addressed all of the criticism. He said the new standards never claimed that slavery was beneficial. It is a historical fact that Africans proved resourceful, resilient, and adaptive, and that they were able to develop skills and aptitudes that benefited them both while enslaved and after enslavement. With that said, to extinguish the negative publicity, Florida’s State Academic Standards for Social Studies in 2023 should add the following benchmark: The instructions will include the “hire-out system” depicted in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This practice was common in the South. Since it was more profitable than selling slaves, slave owners would contract out their slaves. The slaves hired out were skilled laborers. The slave owner kept the majority of the money while allowing the slave to keep a small portion. Many slaves saved enough money to purchase their freedom.

This is an example of how slaves used their skills for personal benefit.

It’s important to note that the BCF also said, “Slaves had no agency.” If the BCF truly believed that notion, they should demand that the Florida State Academic Standards delete lessons about the 1739 Stono Slave Rebellion and the Underground Railroad because rebelling and escaping captivity require agency.

Dr. Allen further stated that attempts to reduce slaves to just victims of oppression fail to recognize their strength and courage. Florida students deserve to learn how slaves took advantage of whatever circumstances there were to benefit themselves.

Black Americans need to recognize that we face a disturbing political reality. Despite his avalanche of seemingly intractable legal problems, Donald J. Trump remains the favorite to be the nominee of the Republican Party in the general presidential election in 2024.

That would mean a rematch between President Biden and Trump.

The outcome of that election is likely to be determined by a few tens of thousands of votes. In the 2020 presidential election, the margin of victory for Joe Biden in Georgia and Arizona was less than 12,000 votes.

In stark terms, the winner of the presidential election next year will be sworn in in just 18 months. A second Trump administration will be better thought out and effective than his first—which saw a huge setback to our interests and concerns.

It is this alarming political reality that makes the self-absorbed, narcissistic third-party candidacy of Cornel West troubling.

He is making a poor political choice with his quixotic third-party presidential campaign.

Notwithstanding his right to run and the idealism he cited in his announcement (much of which I agree with), any measure of political acumen forces one to recall West’s ill-fated support of Ralph Nader’s spoiler campaign against then-Vice-President Al Gore in his race against George W. Bush. There were disastrous consequences of the outcome of that race for people all over this country, in Iraq, and around the globe as a result of Bush’s denial of climate change.

Expressing no regrets for his stance

with Nader in 2000, West is about to do something like that again. There is much to admire in what West has advocated in the past. Although we should not forget some of his over-the-top ad hominem attacks on Barack Obama after he won the presidency in 2008.

Of course, West always cites his outspoken defense of poor and working-class people as the motive for his actions. I don’t disagree with his avowed purpose for running as a champion for “truth and justice” as a presidential candidate “to reintroduce America to the best of itself —fighting to end poverty, mass incarceration, ending wars and ecological collapse, guaranteeing housing, health care, education, and living wages for all.”

Amen. I don’t disagree—and I respect him as a pioneering theorist, but I think he is making a poor political choice with his quixotic third-party presidential campaign. But that is not the issue here. Rather it is the damage his third-party candidacy could do to Biden’s re-election and the future direction of the country if Trump or a MAGA facsimile prevails next year. The only possible impact of West’s vain, selfish candidacy is to take some votes away from Biden that might allow Trump or some

likeminded far-right wing Republican to return to the White House.

We should not squander our votes on Black “vanity” candidates.

Whatever Biden’s shortcomings, the political system does not give us an opportunity to build a viable political and electoral coalition alternative. West and many other Black political figures seem to think that because they have every right to run, they should run campaigns that satisfy their personal aspirations and/or needs at the expense of the greater good of their communities.

We need to learn from our history in this country about the strategic importance of a galvanized Black electorate to make realistic and smart decisions.

In 1948 the FDR political but reprehensible Democratic Party coalition—that included racist Southern Democrats—was shattered after a civil rights initiative was included in the party’s platform. President Truman’s upset victory was only made possible by a surge of Black voters in swing states. This is an experience that has been repeated in several other closely decided presidential elections.

This teaches us that we should not squander our votes on Black “vanity” candidates, no matter how sincere, who offer no path for advancing our interests and concerns.

The stakes in next year’s election are too high to ignore hard political reality.  Remember how we got a 6 to 3 hard-right majority on the U.S. Supreme Court? Elections do have consequences.

(Donald M Suggs is the publisher and owner of The St. Louis American.)

MAGA-USA, Make America Great AgainUSA is Trump’s botched coup against the US federal government. It is the recent US congressional hearings on flying saucers. It is without question Marjorie Taylor-Green and George Santos actually getting elected to the US Congress. It is Donald Trump actually getting elected to the White House, and it is much more.

But most of all MAGA-USA is the tens of millions of White folks in the United States of America who embrace and support all of the national dangers and absolute stupidity just cited.

These people are the end-products of 400 years of White racism institutionalized in religion, law, and habit. All of this has been to justify the murder, robbery, and genocide of Native American peoples and African peoples.

Today in MAGA-USA the word “woke” is a synonym for the “N-word.” That’s why it is so wildly popular among the MAGA masses. That is why it is a major political asset for MAGA politicians. It is not a dog whistle to rally the racist dogs. It is clearcut, absolutely precise, no confusion.

Saying “Woke” in MAGA-talk is chanting the N-word at a Klan rally. MAGA politicians are campaigning for office on the well-established White racist “Southern Strategy.” The Southern Strategy put Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George Bush I, George Bush II and Donald Trump in the White House. Way before then, it was the politics of Benjamin Tillman, South Carolina’s governor 1890-1894 and US senator 18951918. “Pitchfork Ben” campaigned for office

in support of lynching Black people. He bragged on the floor of Congress that he had killed some African Americans himself. Look for the Woke howling to intensify and escalate as MAGA politicians—Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump are two examples—compete to out-WOKE each other in the 2024 presidential campaign.

Recently, DeSantis has been in the news badmouthing US Vice President Kamala Harris and Florida US congressman Tim Scott. Harris is a Democrat. Scott is a Republican. Both are Black.

Trump is in the news, almost every day, badmouthing DeSantis. Ron DeSantis is afraid to attack Donald Trump in the media. So, he howls and chants “Woke! Woke! Woke!” In effect, he attacks the Black community Trump is facing possible jail time. He is very worried, and he will move even further to the right. To outdo a desperate Donald Trump, DeSantis may have to campaign for the White House in a Klan robe. After he lost one of his early campaigns, the civil rights era arch-segregationist George Wallace reportedly said that he promised himself to never let another segregationist opponent “out-seg” him for the

White racist vote in a campaign. There is a clear political logic to the US rights-wing frontal attacks on Black Studies. The front-line battles in education—in the US Social Sciences—are fought over who does and who does not have power.

The “Campus and Community,” Black Studies Movement is at the very forefront of “Cultural Studies’ which directly pose this challenge to the US race, class and gender status quo. That’s why the US right is banning Black history books, storming school board meetings, threatening educators, salivating “Woke! Woke! Woke!”

Question: If MAGA-USA has put African American Studies on trial, then what does it imply for the status of Irish American Studies, Italian American Studies, Polish American Studies, for European American Ethnic Studies? In the fray, we ask in the allocation of power, wealth, status and privilege who will be the whitest in politically polarized MAGA-USA, German Americans, Polish Americans, Irish Americans, etc.? It has only been 100 years since the US immigration struggles of the 1920s made many Europeans-ethnic groups officially USA-White.

The MAGA blatant open White racism will further intensify and consolidate African American opposition to the overall rise of right-wing reaction. Here is one example of this: this year, the Black-led Association for the Study of African American History and Life will hold its annual (108th) conference in Jacksonville, Florida, Ron DeSantis home state. The 2023 ASALH theme is “Black Resistance”

A Cornel West candidacy? The stakes are too high to ignore political reality Donald Suggs Commentary

David W. Marshall

AI RESEARCH ENGINEER II, NATURAL LANGUAGE ML Duolingo, Inc. has multiple openings for AI Research Engineer II, Natural Language ML in Pittsburgh, PA to perform following duties: Identify problems, prototype solutions, evaluate return on investment, & implement best solution at scale to improve lives of Duolingo users; Develop new applications of machine learning for natural language that improve Duolingo’s products; Design & build infrastructure, tools, & libraries to train, experiment, debug, & launch machine learning models at scale; Draft & disseminate scalable AI best practices including w/respect to benchmarking & comparative evaluations involving software frameworks & advanced & innovative hardware platforms; Provide expert guidance on topics involving AI & data; Participate in, or lead design reviews w/peers & stakeholders to decide amongst available technologies; Perform research w/respect to optimization of machine learning software & hardware performance; Write tests to validate system performance & compliance; Develop & deliver advanced training content for project briefings, seminars, workshops, & tutorials. Reqs: Master’s degree in Cognitive Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Machine Learning or related technical field & 2 yrs exp. w/Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning or alternatively Ph.D. in Cognitive Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Machine Learning or related technical field. Must have demonstration of AI published papers. Must have knowledge of: (1) C++ & Python;

(2) Algorithms & Data Structures;

(3) Machine Learning for Natural Language; (4) PyTorch; (5) Artificial Intelligence; (6) Machine Learning; (7) Problem Framing for AI. Email resume to: jobs@duolingo.com with Job No. 825 & title “AI Research Engineer II, Natural Language ML” in subject line.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania at Pittsburgh. The vacancy will occur as of April 23, 2024 upon the retirement of current United States Magistrate Judge Cynthia Reed Eddy. The current annual salary is $213,992. The term of the office is eight years.

A full public notice and the Application for United States Magistrate Judge form are available on the Court’s website at http://www.pawd.uscourts.gov/ employment or may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office at each of the United States Courthouses located at the Joseph F. Weis Jr Courthouse, Suite 3110, 700 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219; 17 South Park Row, Room A-150, Erie, Pennsylvania 16501; and 208 Penn Traffic Building, 319 Washington Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15901. Applications must be personally completed by potential nominees and must be received by 4:00 p.m. on August 23, 2023.

Brandy S. Lonchena

Clerk of Court 412-208-7500

ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR OF PAINTINGS

Carnegie Museum of Art seeks Associate Conservator of Paintings for the examination, study, proposal, and execution of research and treatment of painted artworks in the Museum’s collection. Will participate in scholarly research, publications, and public engagement activities. View full description and apply at www.carnegiemuseums.org > opportunities

HOSPITALISTS

University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks Hospitalists to provide and direct inpatient medical care for hospital patients. May be required to work overnight shifts as a Nocturnist (a Hospitalist who works overnight shifts). Possible worksite locations at hospitals and medical centers throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

Requirements: medical degree; must have completed a U.S. accredited medical residency training program in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine; valid Pennsylvania medical license. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 2300022O in the “Search Keyword /Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER SENIOR

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Software Engineer Senior 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. Participate in all aspects of PNC’s Retail Banking Systems Engineering Group activities. Specific duties include:

(i) lead the technical design and development of software solutions; (ii) analyze current business processes, define and develop different tasks and workflows; (iii) create business and technical designs for assigned processes, tasks and workflows and create requirement definition and technical specifications; (iv) work closely with onsite and off-shore teams on daily basis to develop solutions for financial banking; (v) develop solutions from technical specifications to do unit testing of the modules and deploy it into Non-Production and Production; (vi) assist in mentoring junior developers; and (vii) prepare development-related artifacts to support application development for future use.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics and Communication, Computer Applications, Computer Information Systems, MIS or Computer Science, plus 3 years of experience developing software solutions in multiple application frameworks, including Spring, Hibernate, and IDEs (Eclipse, NetBeans and IntelliJ) is required.

Must have experience with: (i) development on Windows, Unix/ Linux systems with applications built using Java or C; (ii) application and web servers, including IBM WebSphere and Apache Tomcat; (iii) database technologies (SQL, MySQL, Oracle and Mongo); (iv) developing in multiple environments (RND, UAT, QA and Prod); (v) full project lifecycles, including analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, support and enhancement using multiple development methodologies (Agile, Scrum and Waterfall); (vi) API development including Microservices, SOAP and REST; (vii) programming with other technologies to include XML, JSON, JDBC, Maven, Log4j, Jenkins, Junit, Selenium, OpenShift Container Platforms and Docker; (viii) tracing and monitoring tools (Dynatrace, Humio, Grafana, TrueSight and Glassbox); and (ix) SRE methodologies to ensure the availability and reliability of systems and services, solving operation problems and automation of tasks. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R141207. 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.

Mira Security, Inc., headquartered in Cranberry Township, PA, has work-at-home Principal Software Engineer position (w/ability to telecommute w/approp. telecommuting sys.; remote worksite must be w/ in commuting distance of Cranberry Township, PA for weekly trips to corp. office) to design & develop new state-of-the art networking & security hardware/software. Send resume to careers@mirasecurity.com

w/“Principal Software Engineer” in subject line

SCADA Engineer

CNX (Canonsburg, PA) to be rspnsbl for mntng OT sys. rel. to upstream Production & Measurement: CygNet, FMS, FlowCal, TestIT & iOps; dvlpng CygNet SCADA using VB scrptng; prfrmng version upgrds to OT syst.; tchncl dcmnt of core OT syst. Bachelor’s in Cmptr Scnce, Data Anlytcs, IS or Engnrng. Must know (thru acad training or work exp.) CygNet, FMS, FlowCal, Modbus, Allen Bradley CIP, TotalFlow RTU & MQTT protocols; Microsoft SQL server & Oracle DBS; Ivanti ticketing sys; VB scrptng, Python & R; SQL queries; & AWS, Azure or GCP cloud comp. pltfrms. Send resumes to humanresources@cnx.com

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTRACT SPECIALIST –

MAIN SHOP

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Quality Assurance and Contract Specialist – Main Shop to Under general supervision, measure and monitoring performance of all materials and vendor activities to ensure quality and performance in meeting Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) maintenance and operating efficiencies consistent with adopted guidelines and objectives. Also, to establish, implement and administer processes to ensure vendor and PRT compliance with established and proposed contracts.

Essential Functions:

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

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

• Performs complex internal investigations, assessments, and analysis of PRT maintenance activities as an in-house consultant to operations and maintenance management. Assists the Manager of Vehicle Projects in the development and implementation of quality assurance standards and procedures addressing maintenance quality, productivity and performance as they relate to Manchester Main Ship in support of maintenance and service at the bus divisions. Job requirements include:

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

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

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

• Customer focused, well organized and results-oriented.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Effective and professional communication skills.

• Valid PA drivers’ license. Preferred attributes:

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

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

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

• Statistical process control knowledge.

• Knowledge of business practices related to the purchasing of equipment, materials and services required for vehicle and/or machinery maintenance. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:

Taylor McBride

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

MANAGER, STRATEGIC BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY INTELLIGENCE (MULTI OPENINGS W/ NATIONAL PLACEMENT OUT OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA).

MS Deg in Healthcare Policy & Mgmt. Foreign edu equiv’t acceptable. Any suit combo of edu, training or exp acceptable. Candidate will plan, initiate, & manage info tech (IT) proj’s. Lead & guide the work of tech staff. Serve as liaison between bus & tech aspects of proj’s. Plan proj stages & assess bus implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure DL, standards, & cost targets are met. Although no exp is req’d, candidate must have CW or internship in Healthcare Info Sys’s; Bus Healthcare Innovation; Healthcare Marketing; Bus Intel Data Mining; & Health Economics. Able to trvl/relo to unanticipated client sites as needed.

9-5, 40 hrs/wk. $93,454yr FT. Ref# MSB-1122 TRS MS0 & send resume to Treatspace,

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Customer Service

Representative to represent Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a/ Pittsburgh Regional Transit as the first point of contact by providing exceptional telephone skills to reflect a positive corporate image. Provide information to the public that will enable them to use PRT systems and services.

Essential Functions:

• Responds over the phone to a large volume of customer calls providing accurate and courteous information regarding complaints, transit stops, schedules, fares, routings, policies, procedures, lost & found items and Connectcard information.

• Maintain complete updated files pertaining to detours, route changes, schedule changes, fares, transit stops and marketing campaigns in order to provide accurate responses to customer inquiries.

• Utilize Schedule-Dispatch database and computer based applications to access various transportation information.

Job requirements include:

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Minimum of one (1) year customer service experience on the phone or in a call center environment handling large volume of customer calls. Completion of all the following PRT courses can be substituted for one year call center requirement:

(1) Essential Telephone Skills; (2) Listening Skills; (3) Questioning Techniques; (4) How to Handle the Irate Caller; (5) Six Cardinal Rules of Customer Service; (6) Good Grief, Good Grammar and (7) Organize for Success.

• Ability to learn and retain large quantities of route, fares and service information.

• Successful completion of administered Work Keys Assessments.

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

• Professional and effective communication skills.

• Ability to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred attributes:

• Advanced education in a directly related field.

Law Group, P.C., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 Bldg., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

NOTICE -

TOWNSHIP OF KILBUCK

The Kilbuck Township Board of Supervisors will hold a special, public meeting to consider the adoption of an Ordinance to terminate the Kilbuck Township police pension plan and purchase an annuity to ensure benefits for remaining plan beneficiaries, and any other business that comes before the Board, said meeting to be held on August 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kilbuck Township Municipal Building, 343 Eicher Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

SUMMARY

The proposed ordinance would effectuate the termination of the Township police pension plan, in its entirety, and the purchase of an annuity, to ensure the provision of benefits required by the terminated plan and applicable law to all remaining plan beneficiaries, effective September 1, 2023. A copy of the proposed ordinance may be examined in the office of the Township Secretary, without charge, during regular business hours.

TOWNSHIP OF KILBUCK

By: Andrew Wright, Secretary

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

ADVERTISEMENT

Bids are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 on the following: Bid 1118 – Kitchen Smallwares

Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Wednesday, August 16, 2023

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

Keith Marrow Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 KMarrow@RidePRT.org EOE

Any bid or proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications.

No bidder may withdraw his bid or proposal for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses. For more information, contact Michael Cvetic at mcvetic@ccac.edu.

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 23-06

Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is requesting proposals for the performance of the following service (“Contract Services”):

ORACLE / PEOPLESOFT TRAINING SERVICES

PRT is requesting proposals from qualified firms that are an Oracle University Authorized Education Provider to provide Oracle/PeopleSoft Training Services for technical and end user staff to support current software, software upgrades, and personnel changes. The required services include, but are not limited to: (1) establishment of training objectives and measurements of effectiveness; (2) development of training courses and associated materials; and (3) conducting courses. The required services will be issued on an as needed basis as approved to proceed by PRT

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

A copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be available on or after July 25, 2023 and can be obtained by registering at the PRT’s ebusiness website: http://ebusiness.ridePRT.org and following the directions listed on the website. Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness category(ies) of PSITS – Pro Information Technology, PSSC – Pro Software Consulting, PSTPD – Pro Training Professional Development for this RFP. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by PRT. If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Deb Norkevicus at (412) 566-5514 or via email DNorkevicus@ridePRT.org.

No Information Meeting will be held for this RFP. All clarification and answers to questions will be provided in writing to firms registered on the PRT’s e-business website in the categories listed above. Electronic proposals must be both received, and time stamped by a representative of the Procurement Department through PRT’s Ebusiness website at or before 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, August 25, 2023, at http://ebusiness.ridePRT.org

Proposals received or time stamped by a Procurement Department representative through PRT’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.

These 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 d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit, 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 d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit, 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 Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit reserves the right to reject any or all proposals

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

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on August 10, 2023 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at PRT’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following:

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

Bid Number Bid Name

1 B23-05-31A Bicycle Racks - Coach

2 B23-05-40A Okta Renewal

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

To join the bid opening through Microsoft Teams meeting on your computer, mobile app or room device

Meeting ID: 279 564 854 81

Passcode: pge5mr

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 557 215 080#

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 25, 2023 through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conference.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Meeting ID: 259 504 448 100

Passcode: r6Zqg9

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 553 390 282#

Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.

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

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE BOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD BID ADVERTISEMENT

On Thursday, August 17, 2023, the Borough of Brentwood will receive bids for Renovations at the Brentwood Borough Civic Center, Park Drive, Brentwood, PA 15227. Bids will be received up to 11:00 A.M, to the attention of George Zboyovsky, PE, Borough Manager, Borough of Brentwood, 3735 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the Civic Center on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 2:00 P.M.

It is the intent of the Owner to enter into a single contract f or General Construction, which includes HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades. All bids shall conform with Contract Documents prepared by HHSDR Architects/Engineers, 40 Shenango Ave., Sharon, PA, 16146, and 201 Century Building, 130 Seventh St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. Bidders who contact the Sharon office of HHSDR (724-981-8820) will receive a public link to the Contract Documents. No hard copies will be distributed from HHSDR and no deposit is required. Pennsylvania Prevailing Wages are required to be paid on this project. Bids shall include a Bid Security Bond, payable to the Borough of Brentwood, in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid, in accordance with Instructions to Bidders, as included in the Contract Documents.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, or any part thereof, for any reason, and also reserves the right to waive any informality therein.

George Zboyovsky, PE, ICMA-CM Borough Manager

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for Installation of Anaerobic Digester in Commercial Kitchen as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the Sports & Exhibition Authority 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222,

Attention: Spencer Girman - E-mail: sgirman@pittsburghcc.com,

Telephone: 412-325-6137. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at (724) 935-7055. Additional information on the project can also be found of Accu-Copy’s website at https://accu-copy.com/plan-room

The Instructions to Bidders that is part of the Bid Package will set forth in detail the conditions of the Bid, which will include, among other things, the following:

(a) Bids. Bids shall be sealed and submitted on the Bid form provided. Bids will be opened publicly. The contract will be a prime contract with the Owner. Bid pricing (for base bid and/or alternates) may be held open by Owner for a period of ninety (90) days following bid opening before award of contract.

(b) Bid Bonds. All Bids will require a ten percent (10%) surety in the form of a Bid Bond, a certified check, or cashier’s check in the amount of no less than ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the Base Bid (unless otherwise noted in the Bid Form Document). The surety is required as a guarantee that the bidder will, if awarded the contract, enter into a written contract with the Owner. All sureties must be licensed to conduct business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Bid Bonds should name Owner as obligee. All checks should be made payable to the order of Owner.

(c) Letter of Assent. All bidders must acknowledge their agreement to the terms of the Project Labor Agreement by submitting a Letter of Assent with their bid.

(d) MBE and WBE Participation. The SEA has goals of 25% MBE and 10% WBE participation in this project. Bidders must provide a completed Certificate of MBE/WBE Participation form and a Solicitation Statement with their bid.

(e) Non-Collusion Affidavit.

(f) Public Works Employment Verification Form.

(g) Contractor Workforce Information Form

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package:

Project: David L Lawrence Convention Center Bid Package Name: Installation of Kitchen Biodigester Bid Package Available: July 21st, 2023 Approximate Value: $95,000

Time/Date/Location for Pre-Bid Meeting: 10:00am – Wednesday, August 9th David Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Time/Date/Location for Bid: 2:00pm – Thursday, August 24th

David Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive proposals for Chemical Control System Design/Build for Water Feature at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center as identified below. The contracts for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The Request for Proposals may be obtained after the date identified below from Spencer Girman, Facility Manager, email: sgirman@pittsburghcc.com, Telephone: 412-325-6137.

This Advertisement applies to the following RFP:

Chemical Control System Design/Build for Water Feature

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR EMERGENCY GENERATOR AND FIRE PUMP MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR AUTHORITY WIDE IFB#300-29-23

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

Emergency Generator and Fire Pump Maintenance and Repair Authority Wide IFB#300-29-23

The documents will be available no later than August 7, 2023, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 AM on August 31, 2023. 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 31, 2023, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.hacp.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 870 3366 1050 Passcode: 094561 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing 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.

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

Classifieds

sgirman@pittsburghcc.com

412-481-8302 Ext. 134

E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com

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