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

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. 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.

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.

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