8.9.23 NPC

Carl Redwood jumps into County Council race, wants Walton’s seat

And ‘Liv’ Bennett won’t run for re-election

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Courier Staff Writer

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that longtime community activist Carl Redwood is jumping into the Allegheny County Council boxing ring, seeking a District 10 seat this November.

Only one problem: District 10 is occupied by the anti-diminutive, seven-year Councilman himself in DeWitt Walton, whose presence and voice can be, and has been heard, from a mile away.

Walton and Redwood, who are both African American men, want to represent the District that includes many East End Black communities in Pittsburgh, along with Wilkinsburg, Edgewood, Forest Hills and Braddock Hills.

Walton, the incumbent, is the Democrat on the ticket. Redwood is running as an independent, and as he describes himself, a socialist.

“The rents are too damn high,” voiced Redwood, during a campaign ral-

ly at Community Forge in Wilkinsburg, July 30.

“People, particularly Black people, are being forcibly removed from Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg because the rents are too high.

Between 2010 and 2020, 10,000 Black people left Pittsburgh,” according to Redwood, and 2,000 Blacks left Wilkinsburg in that same time frame, Redwood declared.

“They went to Clairton, Rankin, Homestead; they went to all the mill towns where the rents are cheaper,” Redwood, standing in front of a group of supporters, said. “On Council, I want to work towards stopping gentrification and reversing that trend so we can get people back in the city.”

Redwood wasn’t afraid to say that while some Whites are being forced out due to rising rents, “I focus on Black people...I’m just more in tune with what’s happening in the Black community.”

The “focus” on Black

Darrelle Revis — from Aliquippa to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Inducted on Aug. 5 with many from Aliquippa in attendance

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

The Aliquippa legend, the now-Pro Football Hall of Famer, Darrelle Revis, finally came clean as he stood on the Hall of Fame stage on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 5, in Canton, Ohio:

“I just want to start off by saying, basketball was my first love.”

He said what???

“I was nice, now...People back at home from Aliquippa know that I’m a hooper at heart.”

It’s true. Revis once scored 35 points in a basketball game as a senior at Aliquippa, a few days after leading the school to a PIAA high school state championship in football. Revis was so good in bas-

ketball that his Quips won back-to-back WPIAL Class AA championships his junior and senior seasons. He was a first-teamer on the Associated Press Pa. Class AA All-State Basketball team.

And for Revis, he did make it to the pros.

But it wasn’t the NBA. It was the NFL.

Revis was a man amongst boys in his high school and college days, starring at the University of Pittsburgh at defensive back and becoming the first pick (14th overall) of the New York Jets in the 2007 NFL Draft.

He was such a standout player at corner in the NFL, he was nicknamed “Revis Island,” because

Judge Tanya Chutkan to oversee

Trump’s election interference case

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan will preside over the case of former President Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. This decision comes after Chutkan’s previous involvement in key motions related to the January 6 committee’s investigation.

Chutkan has a history with Trump. She denied his 2021 motion to prevent records from being given to the January 6 committee.

In her decision, she emphasized that “Presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff is not president.” This ruling showcased her commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

A trailblazer in her own right, Chutkan’s background is impressive.

She was born in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to the United States to pursue higher education.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from George Washington University and later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Chutkan began her law career working in private practice and later at the District of Columbia Public Defender Service.

After that, she joined the law firm Boies, Schiller, & Flexner LLP, where she specialized in white-collar criminal defense for a total of 12 years.

Legal experts described Chutkan as incredibly dedicated to justice and fair representation as a public defender. They said her commitment to ensuring equal

access to justice was evident. Her colleagues said her extensive experience in complex legal matters and criminal defense undoubtedly contributed to her well-rounded understanding of the law.

Chutkan was appointed to the District Court for the District of Columbia by former President Barack Obama in 2014. Chutkan has a reputation for being a fair and committed judge.

Still, she hasn’t shied away from imposing harsher sentences than the Justice Department initially requested in cases involving January 6 defendants.

When federal prosecutors suggested that Matt Mazzocco serve three months of home confinement and probation after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, Chutkan insisted that there must be consequences “beyond sitting at home” for individuals involved in an attempted violent overthrow of the U.S. government.

“If Mr. Mazzocco walks away with probation and a slap on the wrist, that’s not going to deter anyone trying

This Week In Black History A

•AUGUST 9

what he did again,” Chutkan asserted from the bench.

“It does not, in this Court’s opinion, indicate the severity – the gravity of the offenses that he committed on Jan. 6.” Ultimately, she sentenced Mazzocco to 45 days in jail and 60 hours of community service.

Many observers said her stance reflects a belief in the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions during the insurrection.

The judge has refused to bow to political pressure or executive privilege.

In addition to denying Trump’s emergency motion in 2021, attempting to prevent the National Archives from turning over his administration’s records to the January 6 committee, she has remained steadfast in upholding the law.

“For a lot of people, I seem to check a lot of boxes: immigrant, woman, Black, Asian. Your qualifications are always going to be subject to criticism and you have to develop a thick skin,” Chutkan was quoted as saying in a February 2022 profile posted by the federal judiciary.

Trump arraigned at historic federal courthouse in Washington, D.C.

by Stacy M. Brown

Newswire Senior

NNPA

National Correspondent

Former President Donald

Trump, as expected, was arraigned on Thursday, Aug. 3, at the historic E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C.

The ex-president, whom a civil jury in New York found guilty of sexual assault, is facing serious felony charges related to his allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

The charging document, a 45-page record, accuses Trump and six others of conspiring to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power to President Joe Biden following Trump’s 2020 election loss.

The indictment alleges that Trump deliberately spread false allegations of

widespread voter fraud to create a climate of distrust and anger and undermine public trust in the election process.

Upon his arrival at the courthouse, the twice-impeached and three-times-indicted former president was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service and processed before Chief Federal District Judge John Sirica.

Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges. The ex-president’s case is far from the only notable process at the famous courthouse.

It has hosted the Watergate trials and the Iran-Contra affair, where officials from Ronald Reagan’s administration were found guilty of secretly and illegally selling missiles and other arms to free some Americans held

hostage by terrorists in Lebanon. Funds from the arms deal also supported the armed conflict in Nicaragua.

Recently, and perhaps more notable for Trump, hundreds of his supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, have been brought to justice inside the Prettyman Federal Courthouse.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Trump didn’t refrain from continuing his efforts to rally his base.

The Trump campaign posted a picture of the former president inside a courtroom with the caption, “In reality, they’re not after me; they’re after you,” implying that his prosecution is an attack on his supporters. “It is a crime to try to influence a juror,” Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya warned Trump, and admonished him not to violate his release conditions.

1936—Sprinting sensation Jesse Owens wins a total of four Gold Medals at the Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Born in Lawrence County, Ala., Owens gained international fame for his victories in the 100 meters, the 200 meters, the long jump and the 4?100 meter relay. His victories undermined Adolph Hitler’s claims of White, especially German, superiority over all other peoples. However, Owens disputed claims that the Nazi leader was so infuriated with him that he refused to shake his hand. According to Owens, during his only encounter with Hitler, “the Chancellor waved and I waved back.” The pack-a-day cigarette smoker died at the relatively young age of 66 on March 31, 1980.

1963—Whitney Houston, one of the greatest singers of the past 50 years, was born on this day in Newark, N.J. Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born into a family of accomplished singers. Her mother was Thelma Houston—an excellent gospel and R&B performer and her cousin was song stylist Dionne Warwick. During her heyday in the 1980s, Houston sold approximately 170 million albums including such hits as “You Give Good Love,” “Saving All My Love for You,” “How Will I Know?” and “The Greatest Love of All.” The singer was found dead in the bathtub of her Beverly Hilton Hotel room on Feb. 11, 2012, hours before a pre-Grammy party. She was 48. 1987—Lawyer and entrepreneur Reginald Lewis completes the largest business acquisition ever accomplished by an African American when he purchases Beatrice Foods in a leveraged buyout for $985 million. Under his leadership, the firm would soon become the first Black-owned company to achieve more than $1 billion in annual sales. Lewis made the Forbes magazine list of the 400 richest Americans in 1992 with an estimated net worth of $400 million.

Unfortunately, the Baltimore, Md., native would die of brain cancer at the age of 50 on Jan. 19, 1993. His contribution to telling Blacks how to achieve economic success came in his book entitled “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?”

•AUGUST 10

1867—Famed Black Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge dies in Poland. Aldridge was born in New York, where he developed a love for the theater. But prejudice in America forced him to go to England to practice his craft. Despite running into racism there as well, he was able to find work. He came in for harsh criticism when paired with White female actresses. But after performing Shakespeare’s Othello, he was proclaimed “an actor of genius” by several newspapers. (Note: There is some authority that Aldridge actually died on Aug. 7.)

1981—A nationwide African American boycott of the giant Coca Cola bottling company ends after the firm reaches an agreement with Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Operation PUSH. Coke agreed to pump at least $34 million into Black businesses and increase the number of African American-owned distributorships. Critics would later charge that the beverage giant reneged on the deal and the amount of money pumped into Black businesses never came to more than $11 million.

•AUGUST 11

1868—One of the greatest White heroes of Black history dies in Washington, D.C. His name was Thaddeus Stevens Stevens, a congressman from Pennsylvania, and Sen. Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts, led the Radical Republicans movement, which favored punishing the South for starting the Civil War and taking land from the former slave owners and giving it to the former slaves. He headed the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and he used his power at every turn to aid Blacks. Indeed, many of the pro-Black measures and legislation of the period attributed to President Abraham Lincoln were actually initiated by Stevens and Sumner. After Lincoln’s assassination, Stevens led the move to impeach President Andrew Johnson in part because Johnson, a Southerner, opposed many measures which would have benefited Blacks. More than 20,000 people (nearly half of them Black) attended his funeral in Lancaster, Pa.

1921—Accomplished writer Alex Haley is born on this day in Ithaca, N.Y. Haley is best known for co-writing the “Autobiography of Malcolm X” and for “Roots”—a history of a Black family during slavery, which became a major television series during the 1970s. Haley died in February 1992.

1965—The largest, longest and possibly most destructive Black riot of the turbulent 1960s begins in Los Angeles, Calif. The Watts Rebellion lasted six days, caused between $35 million and $50 million in damage while leaving 34 people dead, more than 1,000 injured and nearly 4,000 arrested. It took place during a “long hot summer” when similar riots were taking place throughout the country.

•AUGUST 12

1890—This is generally considered the day that the systematic and nomi-

nally legal exclusion of Blacks from the political life of the South began. It was the day that the Mississippi Constitutional Convention began. Barred by the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution from excluding Blacks by race, the convention instead adopted a host of strategies including literacy or so-called “Education Tests” specifically designed to prevent Blacks from voting. The tests required reading and interpreting the Constitution. Blacks would be given difficult passages to interpret while Whites were either exempted or given easy passages. Soon, most Southern states adopted the so-called Mississippi Plan to exclude Blacks from voting. The racist plan was effective. In one Mississippi County, for example, there were 30,000 Blacks but only 175 were eligible to vote. Most aspects of the Mississippi Plan were not overturned until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

1922—Ophelia Devore Mitchell—the founding mother of African American modeling—is born on this day in Edgefield, S.C. Her family would move to New York during the 1930s, where she entered the Vogue School of Modeling at 17. She excelled at modeling, as well as in academics mastering Latin, German and French. She modeled professionally for several years before opening her own modeling school in 1946. Her aim was to overcome stereotypes and negative portrayals of Black women. She wrote a fashion column for the Pittsburgh Courier, started her own line of cosmetics and eventually helped found the Columbus Times newspaper in Georgia. In 2004, she was formally recognized by the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Fashion and Arts Exchange for her contributions to the industry.

•AUGUST 13

1881—The first African American nursing school opens at Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga. 1892—The Afro-American newspaper is founded. The first edition is published in Baltimore, Md., by John H. Murphy Sr. At its height, the newspaper chain would publish papers in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Richmond, Virginia and Newark, N.J. It continues to publish today in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 1906—The “Brownsville Affair” takes place. Angry Black soldiers, who had been subjected to intense racial discrimination and insults, are accused of sneaking into Brownsville, Texas, and killing a local White bartender and wounding a police officer. Although the evidence was weak, President Theodore Roosevelt sided with Brownsville Whites and ordered 167 of the Black soldiers dishonorably discharged for a “conspiracy of silence” because they either denied involvement in the shootings or refused to say who was involved. However, 66 years later (as a result of the findings of a book) the Army opened a new investigation which cleared the accused soldiers and reversed the 1906 dishonorably discharges.

•AUGUST 14

1862—President Abraham Lincoln (for the first time) meets with a group of prominent Blacks to discuss the Civil War and public policy. But before the meeting was over, he would anger those gathered. Although an outspoken opponent of the expansion of slavery, Lincoln suggested that it would be best for America and Blacks if African Americans were to emigrate to Africa or Central America. Nevertheless, a Littlemore than a month later on Sept. 22 he would issue the Emancipation Proclamation technically freeing all slaves in the rebellious Southern states.

1883—Ernest E. Just is born in Charleston, S.C. Just would become one of the nation’s most prominent biologists conducting pioneering research in cell division. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth University in 1907 and would go on to establish the Zoology Department at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Just would die in 1941.

1959—Modern basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson is born on this day in Lansing, Mich.

•AUGUST 15

1975—In another of those highly publicized “trials of the century,” which frequently grip national attention, 20-yearold Joan Little is found not guilty of murder after she stabbed a White jailer who had entered her cell in Beaufort County, N.C., to sexually assault her. The trial had been moved to Raleigh because of widespread racial prejudice in the Eastern North Carolina area where the incident actually took place.

1979—President Jimmy Carter forces the resignation of United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young after he angered Jewish groups by meeting with representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The resignation created stormy relations between Blacks and the generally uncompromising pro-Israel lobby in the United States.

Larissa Lane named 'Educator of the Year' by Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools

2006 Perry graduate has her hands in many ventures

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Larissa Lane is no stranger to the New Pittsburgh Courier. She was featured in a 2018 article that discussed her authoring of a book, “The Blueprint to Building Clientele.”

The entrepreneur, stylist and educator then was chosen as a correspondent for the Courier’s 2021 “Men of Excellence” awards celebration, where she interviewed many of the honorees on camera, challenging them to have thoughtful answers on the fly.

Now the Courier has learned that Lane, 35, has been named “Educator of the Year” by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools.

The announcement was made public, Aug. 7.

The Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools has more than 100 member schools that focus on everything from cosmetology schools, barber schools, health-based factions, to HVAC, automotive training and culinary schools.

Bidwell Training Center, Triangle Tech and Empire Beauty School are some of the centers in Pittsburgh that are members of MAACS.

Lane won the award for her teachings done at Empire Beauty’s North Hills campus.

“I came to teaching because I’ve been in the

beauty industry for a very long time, working in salons and film sets,”

Lane said in an article from Empire announcing her award. “Whenever you learn information and how to do things, you should take the time to give back that information. It’s a gift to be able to get that information, so it is important to give it back.

That’s what I wanted to do. The type of person I am, I feel like I can give back to the industry and students. I have the experience and the knowledge behind it, the real-life experience of what it’s like in the field. To teach, for me, is to see others succeed further than what I had.

That’s why I teach.”

There was some stiff competition for the Educator of the Year award.

Aaron Shenck, MAACS executive director, told the Courier on Aug. 8 that the organization has an Awards Committee that reviews the nominations sent in by the post-secondary career and technical education member schools that span from Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, to Delaware and New Jersey. From those nominations, the Awards Committee chose Lane during its annual conference in Lancaster, Pa.

Lane completed both the Cosmetology and Educator Training programs at Empire’s West Mifflin and North Hills

locations, respectively. She’s been teaching the next generation of cosmetologists at Empire’s North Hills campus since November 2020.

Lane also has “Emmy Award-winning makeup artist” on her resume, and works as a makeup artist on movie sets and TV commercials. She’s the CEO of a skincare line, Skincare by LLA. Over the years, she’s

Pittsburgh holding ‘50th Anniversary Celebration of Hip-Hop,’ Aug. 11

worked at locations such as Jou-Al’s Hair Studio in Homestead, Fahrenheit 212 Salon in the Hill District, and Le’Vire Atelier, in Shadyside.

“Our goal as an educator is to teach the next generation to be better than us,” said Empire North Hills executive

director Matthew Deem, in an article announcing the award. “I followed Larissa’s illustrious career over the years. I’ve seen her launch her own skincare line, Skincare by LLA. I’ve watched her publish a book. I’ve seen her win an Emmy and now I get to call her my educator. I am

so proud of how far she has come. Larissa is a shining example to her students and co-workers that there is no limit to what you can achieve with dedication, drive, and passion. Larissa amazes me every day with her positivity and selflessness.”

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the City of Pittsburgh is holding “The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Hip-Hop,” on Friday, Aug. 11, from 3 to 7 p.m. in Market Square, Downtown.

“Hip-Hop created a culture that everyone in the world continues to copy.

It’s a generational musical movement that addressed so many ills happening at the time when it was crafted,” Mayor Ed Gainey said in a state-

ARIE COLE

ment to the Courier, Aug. 8. “It also provided space for expression for so many young people. It was the music, DJ, dance and yes even the graffiti tags that broke down barriers. I grew up with Hip-Hop and I’m thankful for it being part of my life.”

Press Secretary for the mayor, Olga George, said live performances will occur from Driving While Black Records, Nairobi and Lynnwood. The celebration will also showcase a DJ battle between Slim

the DJ and Arie Cole, and breakdancing from the Get Down Gang. A live graffiti art in action will be performed as well, by Shane Plister and Wavy Wednesday.

“Market Square will be the epic center of a melting pot of hip hop culture that fosters community unity and creativity,” George said.

LARISSA LANE, second from left, with Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools executive director Aaron Shenck, Empire Beauty Schools divisional vice president Janette Zellers and Empire vice president of education Beth Krause.

Celebrating the 2023 Hill District Arts Festival

YOUNG JOC ON STAGE PERFORMING

DJ BLACK STEEL

PEOPLE DANCING TO THE MUSIC AT THE 2023 HILL DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL, HELD, JULY 29-30. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

ARTIST DAYNELL MARBURY

TYIAN BATTLE, LEADER OF ACH CLEAR PATHWAYS AND THE HILL ARTS FESTIVAL

ROBIN GRIFFIN, BETTER KNOWN AS ROBIN BONITA

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

Access to healthcare

This month we are examining access to healthcare as a Social Determinant of Health. We caught up with the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Carlos T. Carter, to get his thoughts: This month, we’re focusing on how to connect people with the healthcare they need. How does the Urban League support this?

Access to quality healthcare can mean the difference between life and death, especially for Black, Brown, and impoverished people. Unfortunately, vulnerable populations face a lot of barriers. They may justifiably distrust the healthcare system. They

may not have insurance or know how to apply for it. They may not see the value of preventative care and ultimately end up in the ER for treatment. The Urban League encourages its clients to take care of their health. We help them understand their coverage options.

We partner with the CDC, Pfizer, and others to make sure their children are vaccinated. At our three family support centers, we offer transportation to appointments, provide individual wellness checks, and connect people to the services they need.

What are your thoughts on how lack of access to quality healthcare disproportionately affects Black

and Brown communities?

Lack of access to quality healthcare is a key determinant that impacts quality of life and lifespan. The average life span for someone who’s white is 76.4 years. For someone who’s Black, it’s 70.8 years. That disparity is why we must do everything we can to make those numbers more equal. People’s lives are being cut short unnecessarily, creating grave financial, societal, and personal impacts on families and communities. We certainly deserve better!

In your experience, what stops people from reaching out for care? How can we encourage folks to prioritize

their health by making those connections?

Some people are uninsured and don’t know how to get covered. Lack

ical experiences, there’s a strong distrust of the medical system. Many Black and Brown people don’t feel valued, seen, and heard by their providers due to conscious and unconscious biases. Many medical providers don’t value Black and Brown bodies as they do white ones. Sad, but true.

of transportation and inflexible jobs can also make it difficult to visit a doctor. Most importantly, due to current and histor-

It’s critical that we provide greater access and education to address these issues, including dismantling systemic racism, which impacts our ability to get quality education and jobs—and build strong, healthy communities. We need to make sure people are aware of the resources and programs that can connect them to high-

er-quality healthcare. We need trusted advocates and influencers who can build relationships with the community and provide support.   Finally, we must educate our communities of color on the importance of preventative care and its impact on quality of life, including the benefits of eating healthy foods, exercising frequently, and managing stress. Our people need to feel empowered to take care of their health.

Telemedicine improves access to quality healthcare — but challenges remain

During COVID-19, telemedicine became the go-to alternative to in-person visits. The technology holds great promise, especially for people who live in underserved communities. The technology helps to remove barriers that prevent people from getting the quality healthcare they deserve and gives them options that save time and money. For example, seeing a doctor remotely via smartphone could save a parent the loss of a day’s pay to take their sick child on the bus to an appointment in a distant neighborhood.

While telemedicine has the potential to make healthcare more equal regardless of where people live, work, play, and age, it has a long way to go as an equity tool. “While most of the parents I serve have smartphones, they can’t afford computers or internet access even with low-income allowances,” says Dr. Kelsey Schweiberger, pediatrician and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Pitt’s School of Medicine.

Without dedicated internet access, parents must rely on local libraries or other public places with

free wi-fi. “Internet access, unfortunately, has become another social determinant of health,” Dr. Schweiberger adds.

In addition to practicing and teaching medicine, Dr. Schweiberger studies how patients use telemedicine and patient portals (the application that allows patients to access their medical records), including what works and what doesn’t. She and her fellow researchers hope to improve health outcomes for everyone by making the technology convenient and simple. Telemedicine meets patients where they live One of the biggest advantages of telemedicine and patient portals is accessibility and flexibility. With a smartphone and public wi-fi, Dr. Schweiberger’s patients can schedule and visit her without leaving their neighborhood. “The technology gives people options they didn’t have before and that’s empowering. You’re able to care for yourself and your family consistently with less interruption to your work and routine,” she notes.

Patient empowerment includes the ability to

ask questions and seek guidance from a provider through patient portal messages, which have increased HYPERLINK “https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8689796/”nationwideHYPERLINK “https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC8689796/” more than HYPERLINK “https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC8689796/”150HYPERLINK “https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC8689796/”% since the pandemic. “As a pediatrician, I’m being asked questions about refills and follow-up physical and mental

health care, especially when parents are worried,” she states. “The patient portal has the potential to make patients feel more informed and connected with their providers.” Telehealth obstacles Dr. Schweiberger is quick to add there are still obstacles that prevent people from using telemedicine. There are not systems in place that allow for affordable access to devices and internet for all. While some policies aim to improve access, it remains unaffordable for those who need it most. “While affordable wifi remains a barrier, there’s

also a lack of digital literacy, which are the skills people need to use technology. Not everyone knows how—or wants to use—health apps and portals,” she explains. There are also language issues, as some patient portals are currently only available in English. If telehealth technology is truly inclusive, it needs to have language options for non-native English speakers. “My practice includes families who speak a total of 30 languages in their homes,” Dr. Schweiberger says. “Pittsburgh is beautifully diverse and we are working to reflect that in

our telehealth technology.”

Dr. Schweiberger has found that not being able to speak or understand English well hasn’t stopped her resilient and resourceful patients from using the portal. “They navigate using icons. For example, they understand to click on the letter icon to send a message to their doctor. Despite our current English-only portal, they’re connecting with us, which we hope to make easier by supporting multiple languages in the future.” Mental health treatment and confidential care for adolescents pose their own challenges with telemedicine. “You hope your patient has a private space, but that’s not often the case when they live in multi-generational homes or shelters—or for survivors of domestic violence,” Dr. Schweiberger says. “To work around that, we try to ensure confidentiality by including safe words, using headphones, and even turning their phone around to show the room they’re in. Unfortunately, it isn’t a perfect system, but these steps help to ensure confidentiality as much as possible.”

Community health workers improve health and well-being of medically vulnerable people

Take a moment to think about your most meaningful relationships. Who are they with? What makes them so satisfying? Whether they’re with family members, friends, or both the common thread is the connection you feel when someone accepts you fully and is there for you.

University of Pittsburgh’s

Dr. Patricia Documet, associate professor and director of the doctoral program in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, studies how social relationships impact physical and mental health among disempowered minorities, especially Latinos.

In Allegheny county, the Latino community includes about 34,000 people living in 112 different ZIP Codes. The largest number of Latinos (about 1,000 each) reside in

Beechview and Brookline. Many don’t speak/understand English well. Most come to Pittsburgh through a connection.

Dr. Documet explains, “A man from Guatemala may work at a restaurant in Squirrel Hill near his apartment, so his brother also immigrates to Pittsburgh. However, the brother gets a job and an apartment in Robinson. Neither has a car and public transportation is difficult when you don’t speak English, have limited income, and work a lot. Even though they’re brothers, they don’t have much physical contact—and it’s not easy to find other Guatemalans who share your language and culture.”

These and other barriers lead to social isolation, which

is associated with a higher risk for health problems. To complicate things, social isolation also makes it difficult to get consistent, quality healthcare.

To change that, community health workers (CHWs) are trained to bridge language and cultural gaps and improve healthcare by building relationships with socially isolated people including helping them use community services.

In one of Dr. Documet’s studies, male, Latino CHWs were instructed to find and talk to immigrant, Latino men in parks, festivals, and restaurants. “The CHWs spoke Spanish and were familiar with the culture,” she says. “They asked questions and listened… about the men’s families, their jobs,

their use of alcohol, what they ate, if they exercised. They set up doctor and dental visits.

They also asked what the men needed to be healthier and happier.”

The needs included everything from learning how to stop fighting with a son to drinking less alcohol to getting out of an abusive relationship—with the CHWs acting as the men’s advocates.

The CHWs also encouraged the men to attend monthly training with them on topics like immigration, STDs, dental health, relationships with police, diabetes, and sexual health.

“The relationships between the CHWs and their clients developed and became stronger,” says Dr. Documet.

“When this happened, the men began to feel the CHW

was ‘there for them.’ This connection is important. We know from previous studies that meaningful social relationships lead to better health outcomes and longer life.”

Dr. Documet and her team have completed similar studies. One focused on CHWs and physical exercise that could be done cheaply in the home. “This was a need born out of fears about immigration, followed by the pandemic,” she explains.

Another study involved children and youth and mental health. “The Latino culture values what we call ‘mental strength.’ If you can just ‘be strong,’ everything will be okay,” says Dr. Documet. However, when parents work all day, older siblings often become parents to young-

er siblings. That can lead to feelings of frustration and isolation. “The older children don’t want to tell their parents how they feel and add to the parents’ stress. Even if they do say something, there are barriers to getting care, such as lack of insurance or transportation.”

The results all of Dr. Documet’s studies are similar: When CHWs become healthcare advocates for underserved people—and go-betweens to community resources—health outcomes improve, so much so that they’re being recognized and covered by health insurance companies.

Casa San José connects, supports, and advocates for Pittsburgh’s Latino immigrants

Ten years ago, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden saw an opportunity to support one of their own, Sister Janice Vanderneck.

For many years, Sister Janice has devoted herself to helping newly arrived Latinos survive and thrive in The Steel City. Her knowledge, determi-

nation, and kindness has helped countless Latinos receive healthcare, social services, and legal system support.

To continue and broaden Sister Janice’s work, her fellow sisters opened a resource center for Latino immigrants in Pittsburgh’s Brookline neigh-

borhood in 2013.

Called Casa San José, or the House of St. Joseph, the center embraces inclusion, dignity, and respect as its leadership team and board members continue to welcome and support Latino immigrants.

The independent, nonprofit center serves as

a support base where Latino immigrants can learn English, use social services—especially programs for children, youth, and families—and feel a sense of welcome and belonging in a city that owes much of its success to immigrants from around the world.

Case San José’s programs are many and varied and include community and civic engagement for Latino youth, emergency housing services, structured summer camp, mental health support, health and wellness initiatives, an afterschool program, and more. The

goal of each offering is to strengthen Latino immigrants’ connections to their community by educating, integrating, listening, and caring for them and their families. Learn how you can lend your support to Casa San José. Visit casasanjose. org.

CARLOS T. CARTER

CARL REDWOOD JUMPS INTO COUNTY

COUNCIL RACE, WANTS WALTON’S SEAT

people doesn’t seem to be a bad idea. Even though Allegheny County boasts more than 150,000 African Americans, it’s still just 13.5 percent of the total county population. That pales into comparison to, say, Franklin County, in Ohio, home of Columbus, where the Black county percentage is nearly 25 percent. Even nearby Mahoning County, home to Youngstown,

cans currently on County Council—Walton and Olivia Bennett, who occupies District 13. However, the Courier has learned that Bennett, who is not the Democratic nominee for her own district come this November because she ran for County Executive earlier this year, announced on social media on July 31 that she would not be running for re-election. She had planned to run as an independent to retain her

been honest about the struggles she faced (as a Black woman running for political office in Allegheny County). With that being said, Liv will not be running for re-election.” No matter who wins the District 10 seat, there will be just one African American on the Allegheny County Council to start 2024. The question now is, will it be the incumbent, Walton, or the political office newcomer, Red -

Ohio, has a higher Black county percentage, at 15.3.

The relatively small Black population in Allegheny County could explain why there are just two African Ameri -

District 13 seat, a seat she had held since early 2020.

“It’s no secret that this has been a turbulent election cycle for our team,” the tweet from Bennett’s Twitter account read. “Liv has

wood, a man who said he used to decry politicians from time to time.

Redwood, the longtime Hill District resident, wants to promote a “Tenant Bill of Rights” for Allegheny County. He’s tired of some land -

lords evicting residents seemingly for no reason, or doubling the rent to effectively force them out. He believes tenants should have a right to a lawyer or counsel when they’re being evicted. And he wants the county to work with community land trust organizations to preserve affordable housing spaces in the county, instead of county-owned land being put in the hands of a person or company that uses it for corporate means or high-priced, market-rate housing.

Redwood also said he wants to create a “People’s Assembly” to give residents a chance to tell him what they feel

are the most pressing issues Council should tackle. He said the capitalistic way of thinking is hurting the area and society as a whole.

“Most people’s children today will not have a better life than their parents,” Redwood, the current Project Director of the Pittsburgh Black Worker Center, said on July 30. “The general trend is the situation’s not getting better for families of any nationality. And as we move forward with Artificial Intelligence, there might even be less jobs than there are now. But the system itself is the problem in my estimation, and I hope that you

see that, too.”

For Walton’s part, he is known for being an advocate for unions and was an ardent supporter of a Citizen Police Review Board. He’s also the vice president of the local A. Philip Randolph Institute.

“I am running to put people over profits in Allegheny County,” Redwood said. “I see a future of housing for all, clean air and water for all, a livable climate for all, and health and safety for all. This future will not be built overnight, but we can start trying now.”

Darrelle Revis — from Aliquippa to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

he effectively could take an entire half of a field away from the offense with his defensive skills. He would always take on the opposing team’s top receiver, shutting that receiver down to the point of frustration. The Jets made it to the AFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons with Revis at CB, in 2009 and 2010, but they lost both times, including the 2010 game to the Steelers, 24-19, at then-Heinz Field. The Steelers then lost Super Bowl XLV to the Green Bay Packers on Feb. 6, 2011.

“It’s kinda surreal that I’m here today being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Revis said, following his remark about his love for basketball. “Life is shaped by the choices we make, but there is one thing we cannot choose. Where we come from is chosen for us. No one has control over when they’re born, what family they’re born into or where they start. But these things have a profound impact on every decision we make and who we become. The

conditions had to be just right for me to end up here. Every moment, every opportunity perfectly aligned.”

Revis, proudly wearing his gold jacket on the Hall of Fame stage, with thousands in attendance watching, including the entire Aliquippa High School football team, then said: “I’m from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania...for those of you who never heard of Aliquippa, all you need to know are three names: Mike Ditka, Tony Dorsett and Ty Law. My hometown produces legends.”

Revis said he got his love for football from his uncle, Sean Gilbert, a Pitt star defensive tackle, also from Aliquippa. Gilbert became the third overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft, and played more than a decade in the NFL. He’s now the head coach at a Black college, Livingstone, in North Carolina.

“My uncle would run sprints up the hill, hills we lived near, and I would be waiting at the top,” Revis said. “He was an example of doing the things necessary to give yourself a chance to be

great.”

Revis added: “It wasn’t enough to win. I needed to dominate.”

Dominate is what Revis did on the field.

Seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots (Super Bowl XLIX, 49). The distinction as the best cornerback in the NFL for

a number of years.

As Revis, 38, continued with his speech, he choked up a bit before speaking about his mother, Diana Gilbert. He called her “my first coach.”

Revis continued: “I remember if I wasn’t doing well in the classroom, you would take away the very thing I love,

which is playing ball. At the time, I didn’t appreciate you taking ball away but the lesson was to make sure I had the same type of focus in the classroom as I had in sports.”

Revis, with the spotlight on him, on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Canton, Ohio, just 73 miles away

from the tough-nosed, tough-minded town of Aliquippa, then said to his mother: “Thank you for always knowing what path I needed to take to make it here to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

DEWITT WALTON, the two-time incumbent for Allegheny County Council District 10, will be challenged by longtime activist Carl Redwood in the November election.

CARL REDWOOD

REVIS FROM A1

The 2023 Circle of Courage Awards

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your Sons and your Daughters shall PROPHESY, your old Men shall Dream Dreams, your young Men shall See Visions.”

- Joel 2:28

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your Sons and Daughters shall PROPHESY, and your young Men shall see visions, and your old Men shall Dream Dreams.” (Acts 2:17)

REV. WALKER SAYS: God is the One that chooses the Son or Daughter to be Vessel to PROPHESY.

THE HONOREES FOR THE ANNUAL CIRCLE OF COURAGE AWARDS. THIS YEAR’S AWARDS (2023) WERE HELD AT THE DOUBLE TREE HOTEL IN MONROEVILLE, AUG. 4. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

AWARDEE DR. DANIELLE DAVIS

AWARDEE PARRISH DAVENPORT AWARDEE MARTHA JANE MOORE

AWARDEE EBONY LUNSFORD-EVANS

AWARDEE CHARDAE JONES

RUSSELL BYNUM, JACKIE DIXON, BROTHER MELVIN HUBBARD EL

BROTHER MELVIN HUBBARD EL, RUSSELL BYNUM AND KATHY BYNUM

Steelers’ Hall of Honor Class of 2023 announced; and it’s game time, Aug. 11!

10—First of all, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my loyal readers and followers of Overtime for your ongoing support. Most especially, the tremendous love and appreciation given to me over the past several weeks regarding the Sam Clancy and Hosea Champine articles. Without question, the only thing greater than being a sportswriter for the historic Pittsburgh Courier is to be able to have the privilege to write about the great sports legends of Pittsburgh! HOO-RAH!!!

:09—I’ll preface the next by telling you that I met James Harrison in 2008 at Jerome Bettis’ restaurant with my cousin Dennis Briggs. As we approached him, it was clear that he was doing some serious eating. I then said to Briggs, “Look, the man is so mean that he even eats mad!”

That being said, it was all good, no problem, and the brother was easy to talk to, considering we walked up on him unannounced.

:08—Speaking of “Deebo,” did you hear that at

age 45 the former Steeler all-pro just bench pressed 520 pounds...just because he could! For my money, or better put, for the Steelers’ money, I would line him up on the other side of T.J. Watt and be no less for the damage. And trust me, I ain’t mad at ya, Alex Highsmith! To the man who owns a number of Steeler records including most team sacks (80.5), and the greatest play in Super Bowl history, we say congratulations and welcome to the Steeler Hall of Honor, Mr. Harrison!

:07—Also joining this year’s class is Aaron Smith. The 6’5”, 299-pound 4th-round defensive end played 13 years with the Steelers and won a Super Bowl with them in 2005 and 2008. Drafted out of Northern Colorado in 1999, the highly underrated Smith became the perfect DE for the Steelers and even had a stretch that he played every game from 2000 to 2006, as I’ve told you on many occasions.

:06—You young folk missed the greatest football there ever was or ever will be! And with that you missed the dominant Pittsburgh Steelers team of the decade...the ‘70s! That featured the great Gerry “Moon” Mullins. The 6’3”, 250-pound body of steel came out of USC and was a 4th-round pick by the Steelers in

1971 and, of course, has four Super Bowl rings to show for it. Along with Sam Davis, Mike Webster, Larry Brown and Jon Kolb.

:05—Last but not least in this year’s Ring of Honor is Ray Mansfield, aka “The Old Ranger.” He was one of only five players Chuck Noll kept on the team when he took over in 1969. He played from 1963 to 1976 and won two Super Bowls after transitioning from D-line to

center.

:04—About that Chuck “The Emperor” Noll story. Noll was named the 14th head coach of the Steelers at age 37 in 1969. Of the 50-plus players who were in camp in 1969, Noll made two things clear. #1. We are going to win Super Bowls; and #2. Most of you will not be here to enjoy it, because you’re not good enough. He kept 5 out of 50. The rest is history.

:03—The Steeler Hall

of Honor began in 2017.

Here’s what it stands for.

“The Hall of Honor will serve as a tribute to the many individuals who have contributed greatly throughout the history of our franchise,” said Steelers’ President Art Rooney

II. The Hall now includes 53 members. Google it for more info.

:02—The Hall of Honor Class of 2023 will be inducted at a ceremony Saturday, October 28 at Acrisure Stadium. And

honored the next day at halftime when they play the Jacksonville Jaguars.

:01—While I got ya, your Pittsburgh Steelers’ first preseason game is August 11 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and they open at home against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, September 10. Now shake out the shirts, string up the Terrible Towels, and let’s go get #7!!! :00—GAME OVER

MIRACLE WORKERS Gruden looked at as a coach god...as for Mike Tomlin?

the broadcast booth and that absence only increased his market value as far as being an NFL head coach was concerned. So, when the time and market value were “ripe,” and with pomp and circumstance, Gruden exited the broadcast booth and re-entered the coaching profession. The Raiders signed Gruden to a 10-year deal when he was hired by the franchise back in 2018 for a deal reportedly worth over $100 million. Since the salaries of coaches do not affect the salary caps of teams, coaches can be paid an unlimited amount of money without any negative effect on the “cap.”

writers have only one goal. That is to create dissonance and nurture dissent within the Steeler nation to make sure that they will never be satisfied with the coaching results or the effort of Mike Tomlin. Although T.J. Watt is a defensive star, the luminescence of any star cannot shine brightly from the sideline or the trainers’ room. Stars must produce, or they will often reduce the productivity of their “supporting” cast.

I don’t care what professional sport a professional athlete or coach pursues, they generally must sign a contract with that team and/or renegotiate to extend that agreement or sign a new one once the original agreement expires. Usually, a coach or player is rewarded if their services provide an overall winning or productive performance. When the coin is flipped, and their efforts fail to produce positive results, their continued employment by that team is usually jeopardized.

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith was recently awarded a multi-year, lu-

crative contract extension based on his productive performance during the 2022 season. One of the deciding factors of that new contract was that his fellow “backer” T.J. Watt missed multiple games in 2022 due to an injury. Highsmith was then required to increase his productivity and he did. He recorded 14.5 sacks,

helping the defense of the Black and Gold to at least remain respectable; kudos to Highsmith for stepping up his play, and kudos to the Steelers management for financially awarding him because of it.

As far as coaches are concerned, let’s look back at a few of the career points of ex-Raiders, ex-Buccaneers, and again ex-Raiders head coach, Jon Gruden. After compiling a 40–28 win–loss record (including playoffs) in four seasons with the Raiders, Gruden replaced the fired Tony Dungy as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002, via a high-stakes trade that

included Tampa Bay’s 2002 and 2003 first-round draft picks, 2002 and 2004 second-round draft picks, and $8 million in cash.

Who was Jon Gruden, the second-coming of the Nostradamus of NFL coaches?

Why didn’t they just rename the team the “Tampa Bay Grudens?”

Also, many of us asked this next question. Was it because of an obsession by the Buccaneers to hire a “young, studious” Jon Gruden, that Tony Dungy was unnecessarily and unjustifiably fired just to open the door to hire Gruden? A few years later, Jon Gruden took a “sabbatical” to enter

Among football writers, there were many, “ha has”, “he hes,” and slaps on the back and “way to go, Jon” moments when Gruden weaseled $100 million out of the Raiders’ management. However, when folks discuss the lack of a contract extension of one Michael Pettaway Tomlin, there is a different set of values and virtues applied. There is a sort of wait-and-see consensus when it comes to the continued employment of Mike Tomlin. Regarding the media-manufactured issue of his contract extension or the lack of one, Mike Tomlin responded this way: “Wow, I hadn’t even thought about it. I’m in a stage of my career I don’t care about contracts to be honest with you, man. I acknowledge I’ve seen more days than I’m going to see. You know, that’s just the nature of this thing.”

Tomlin continued: “I’m appreciative of the opportunity. I’m singularly-focused. I’m thankful that I’m at a stage in life and my career where that’s a non-issue for me.”

Well, in my opinion, the only ones that have made it into an issue are the people that have absolutely no input in the hiring and firing process of Mike Tomlin or any other NFL head coach. Many of these

Let’s hit rewind for a moment. Mike Tomlin is a piece of fruit that hangs and continues to ripen on the coaching tree of Tony Dungy. Dungy was fired to make room for the hiring of Jon Gruden. Jon Gruden has won one Super Bowl as a head coach. He led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. His defensive backfield coach in that Super Bowl victory was Mike Tomlin.

Tomlin coached the DBs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers well enough to intercept Raiders QB Rich Gannon five times and return three for touchdowns. As a head coach Tomlin would have won a minimum of two Lombardi trophies. Tomlin and the Steelers lost Super Bowl XLV to the Green Bay Packers by the score of 31-25. The Steelers’ “future NFL HOF Quarterback” Ben Roethlisberger threw two interceptions that were the deciding factor in the Steelers’ defeat. Mike Tomlin helped Jon Gruden, the man that replaced his fired mentor and head coach, Tony Dungy, to win a Super Bowl.

But for Mike Tomlin to earn a contract extension, he still must prove himself, it seems.

By the way, Coach Tomlin, I’m getting married soon and I have a five-gallon container of Perrier water that I need you to turn into wine.

JAMES HARRISON

STEELERS COACH MIKE TOMLIN

How AI technology is revolutionizing industries and our way of life

by Andre Ash Michigan Chronicle

Artificial Intelligence, (AI) is continuously changing the way we think about the functions of everyday lives, including the way we work, learn and even how companies operate their businesses.

Through mobile applications, AI is helping to intelligently search and seek an expanded possibility of solutions.

Simply put, “artificial intelligence is a field, which combines computer science and robust datasets, to enable problem-solving. It also encompasses sub-fields of machine learning and deep learning, which are frequently mentioned in conjunction with artificial intelligence,” according to the dictionary’s definition of the term.

Its capability has been applied to multiple ways in recent years. From the ways users are already engaged with mobile apps and technology, which enables voice or language recognition, to the way some law enforcement agencies use AI using facial recognition software.

“You’re inputting information, and of course it’s coming back out, but as technology has advanced, it’s [AI] learning,” said

Katrina Turnbow Marion, Kanopi Social and Detroit Digital Coach at Google. “One of the things that AI has made significant is to lower the barriers of entry in so many areas. You can now do really impactful, fast research on whatever industry you’re looking to connect with, and even meeting people.”

The urgency of ending the racial wealth gap

by Karen Juanita Carrillo NY Amsterdam News

Marion said the AI world and its accessibility, along with one’s creativity, is something that will propel an individual forward, particularly in the Black community. “Something we have often struggled with is the ability to collect that would allow you to make educated decisions on what you should do next.”

She believes the capabilities of AI coupled with someone’s creativity and

This article, inspired by Deloitte research, is part of a series in which five Black-owned publications around the United States explore the key factors that contribute to racial and generational gaps in acquiring wealth.

“The career choices open to Black men?”

Independent economics researcher Chris Lee seems bemused by the question.

“Well, there’s a famous book by William Julius Wilson about when work ‘disappears,’” Lee finally replies.

“Work for high school graduates, that pays well, has disappeared, especially for men and more so for Black men who are high school level graduates—and now it’s happening to some who are in college too.”

Indeed, a 2020 analysis from the

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that Black men have the lowest employment numbers among all ethnic groups. In addition, when Black women are employed,

they earn 63 percent less than what a White man would be paid for the same job, according to the analysis. This unequal access to jobs and reduced earning power presents Black households with fewer opportunities to build wealth through home ownership and the acquisition of stocks.

Those dual pillars of financial well-being are “the largest assets driving wealth creation,” according to a recent analysis of how homeownership and stocks contribute to the wealth gap in America, which draws on data from the Federal Reserve Board’s 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances.

On average, the study finds, White households added $34,400 to their median real wealth between 2010 and 2019, while Hispanic households added $17,100 and Black households only $5,300.

There are many options today to become a homeowner

(NewsUSA)—Despite increased interest rates and inventory challenges, you can still be a homeowner this year.

Many first-time homebuyers may not realize that there are many ways to make home ownership happen, and not all of them involve a 20 percent down payment.

The need to put down 20 percent of the cost of a home is a general misconception according to Freedom Mortgage, a residential mortgage lender with experience originating conventional, FHA and VA loans. They are an independent, non-bank, full-service, residential lender whose mission is to expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers, especially military personnel and consumers with low down payments.

One secret to securing a successful loan is to work with a loan officer who is experienced in the wide range of available home loans, especially those backed by the U.S. government. That way, homebuyers are aware of all potential financing opportunities and companies who offer those options. A good loan officer will walk you through the process and find a loan that works for your budget. Remember—even if your credit history is less than stellar, or if your resources for a down payment are limited, owning a home is still within reach.

Government-insured loans for firsttime homebuyers that don’t require a 20 percent down payment include:

• VA loans. If you are a Veteran—either active military or retired—you may be

eligible for a VA purchase loan through the federal government with no down payment.

• FHA loans. A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan allows for lower rates, flexible credit terms, and low minimum down payments (approximately 3.5 percent). FHA loans are designed for individuals with lower credit scores (minimum 550) and can be used for refinancing, too.

• USDA loans. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans help people seeking to buy homes in rural (and some suburban) areas. USDA loans are not available everywhere, but they are an option in many states. Benefits include competitive interest rates and, in many cases, no down payments. USDA

loans have no limits on the loan, and low mortgage guarantee fees. The minimum credit score is 620. For homebuyers with good credit and finances, a conventional loan may be a good bet, because these loans allow you to finance a wider range of houses than other mortgage types do. Conventional loans also may allow you to borrow more money to finance a more expensive home. The bottom line is that home ownership can—and should—be available to everyone. A lender such as Freedom Mortgage can help identify the best loan that lets you purchase a home sooner and start to build wealth through home equity. (Visit www.FreedomMortgage.com for more information or call 833-687-1212 for assistance.)

What to do if you lose your job?

I recently spoke to a friend of mine who’s been working with the same company for the last 27 years. She’s a hardworking, dedicated employee who started at the bottom. She currently holds a management position. She’s aghast after hearing that she and several other employees with this company have been laid off, effective immediately. Her words to me were, “I never thought I’d be 60 years old looking for a job.”

At the time of this writing, we’re in the midst of an economy where the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates 11 times in an effort to stave off inflation. One of the many consequences of raising interest is an increase in unemployment. Rising interest rates discourage companies to expand business and add new employees. Rising interest rates also reduce demand and company’s profit. Reduction in demand and profit causes the inevitable—company downsizing. As a result, over the last several months, we’ve witnessed various companies announcing layoffs. Here’s a few of the many companies who have announced layoffs and the number of people impacted in 2023, according to CNN Business:

• Microsoft—10,000

• Goldman Sachs—3,200

• Sales Force—7,000

• Alphabet (Google)—12,000

• Amazon—27,000

• Dell—6,500

• Boeing—2,000

• Zoom—1,300

• Indeed—2,200

• Accenture—19,000

• Disney—7,000

• Meta (Facebook)—10,000

• Walmart—2,000

Back in 2016, I was working as a manager for one the largest banks in America. I recall senior management asking all managers to stack rank all of our direct reports based on performance. It wasn’t too much longer after stack ranking our direct reports that this company began to experience a reduction in workforce. Going through this reduction in workforce was a very unsettling experience. During this time, it seemed like every three months on a Wednesday, people were being tapped on their shoulders and being asked to go to a conference room for “a meeting.” In this conference room, executive management and human resources personnel announced to the group in the meeting that they were being displaced. They explained the severance package that they were being awarded. They were then told to pack up their personal belongings and exit the building immediately.

It was very sad and depressing observing our co-workers who were impacted by the layoffs return to their desks to pack their belongings, hug co-workers, and say their final goodbyes. After each

layoff, the morale amongst those employees still employed was low. This impacted work production. It took months to motivate staff to get back up to speed. As soon as staff got back up to speed, we experienced another round of layoffs. The writing was on the wall. This company is moving away from this particular line of business.

Ironically, I was sitting at my desk updating my resume when I was tapped on my shoulder to go to “the meeting.” Although I had a feeling layoff was inevitable, I still wasn’t ready for the experience of being laid off.

Losing a job can be a challenging and stressful experience, both emotionally and financially. It’s important to know that you are not alone in this journey. Many individuals, including myself, have faced similar situations and have successfully navigated their way to finding new opportunities. Being let go can be an opportunity for growth, reflection, and even an exciting new direction in one’s career. Here are some practical steps to take when you find yourself without a job:

Processing the News

Stay Calm: Emotions can run high. Whether it’s anger, sadness, or disbelief, it’s crucial to stay cool, calm and collected. Give yourself time to process the in-

formation.

Understand the Reasons: If you’re a part of a smaller group of people being laid off from work, the reason why may not be so obvious. Ask for clarity on the reasons for the termination. This can be essential for unemployment benefits and future job applications.

Financial Adjustments

Assess Your Finances: This is crucial and should be one of the first things you do after the shock and emotion of losing your job has subsided. Review your savings and expenses. Determine how long your savings can sustain you during this transitional period. Create a new budget and lifestyle that reflects your change in income.

Severance Pay: If offered, review the terms of your severance package carefully. Consult with a financial advisor if unsure.

Unemployment Benefits: Check the eligibility requirements in your state or country and apply immediately, as there can be waiting periods. Unemployment can provide a temporary safety net while you search for your next job.

Health and Insurance Healthcare: If your health insurance was tied to your job, check how long you’re covered post-termination and look into options like COBRA or individual plans.

How AI technology is revolutionizing industries

elsewhere within their company.

with the song that was AI-generated.

vision make for a powerful force for good in the Black community that couldn’t be stopped, but people must be informed.

“The critical piece is not the actual AI, it’s the awareness and making sure our community understands that this is a place of power, not something that should be rooted in fear.”

As artificial intelligence has been an embedded part of our life in ways we haven’t realized, the emergence of its capability is starting to make employers thing about the ways in which AI are utilized in a more intentional way in workplace operations.

“We’re trying to help people reimagine what work looks like,” said Hajj Flemings, founder of Rebrand Cities and Prompt Camp. “We don’t believe everyone is go -

“I think there are a lot of things we do at our jobs that we don’t draw energy from that seem repetitive and can be automated,” Flemings added. “We don’t multitask well as human beings, computers do.”

From formatting a document to scheduling meetings to certain management elements, all are things companies can automate according to Flemings.

ing to be replaced by AI, but people who understand and leverage AI will replace those people.”  The advancing technology will certainly have companies figuring out ways to create efficiencies while reducing redundancies and taking on the role a human being once filled, likely creating displacement or providing time and attention to tasks an employee can focus on

AI is also changing the way people enjoy or appreciate music. AI tools allowed an online user to recently mimic the voices of artists such as Drake and The Weeknd and piece together a would-be song collaboration between the powerhouse artists. The song gained major online traction, and quickly became a hit, despite both artists never having anything to do

“If you think about how music is created, you connect with an artist,” Flemmings said. “Because that artist is creating from a sense of pain or something you can relate to, AI might sound good, even if it could pull from all the songs that ever existed; it’s not like the story behind that song is going to be like, ‘this computer didn’t fall in love with this computer.’”

the business of music that goes back over 100 years of African American music being stolen, the issues of rights and publishing . I think a lot of wrongs needs to be righted and it maybe actually happened because of AI.”

While there are many benefits to AI, there are just as many concerns as this tool continues to take share of market.

KATRINA TURNBOW MARION HAJJ FLEMINGS

Flemings says that’s the part where artists leverage the storytelling creative and human connection capability they have while getting ahead of Al and the corporate music industry.

Which brings up the question of how artists get a chunk of the financial pie when AI-generated music takes the likeness of an artist’s voice and sound and streams on platforms

which potentially draw revenue for the user who used AI to create it.

“An inflection point is coming where true advocacy and education as an artist is going to have to exist,” Marion said. “Artists  can no longer afford the privilege to just be artists. They must be businesspeople.”

“I believe as with the writers’ strike, there will come a music movement, in alignment to

“There are privacy issues, there are transparency issues, there are ethics issues, governance issues,” said Flemings. “We as African Americans have an opportunity to be able to help shape what this looks like.”

(Andre Ash is digital anchor for the Michigan Chronicle.)

The urgency of ending the racial wealth gap

The Intentionality of the Racial Wealth Gap

Black Americans having less wealth than White Americans—the racial wealth gap—“can be traced to slavery and the end of the Civil War when government policies and programs were created to keep Black Americans from prospering in U.S. society,” says Jan E.

Christopher, an associate professor of economics in the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance in the College of Business at Delaware State University.

“The main thing that we need to know is that there was never ‘40 acres and a mule.’ And as a result, we have suffered ever since,” observes Christopher.

The promised 1865 wartime order that would have allotted 40 acres of land and a mule to some 40,000 emancipated African Americans as a form of compensation for being enslaved was never granted.

In a 2021 report, researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis pointed out that historical discriminatory laws continue to hamper Black people from accessing wealth at the same pace as Whites and called for systematic change.

“Our findings also suggest that historic economic advantages enjoyed by White families continue to influence the wealth accumulation of their descendants,” the report says. “Our research suggests families will be better positioned to fully participate in the economy and realize their full economic potential when race is no longer predictive of start-

ing points,” it concludes.  The report explains how Federal policies like the 1862 Homestead Act, the Social Security Act of 1935, the 1944 G.I. Bill, and multiple levels of discrimination in the criminal justice system have helped the nation maintain a racial—and financial—hierarchy that is still in place to this day.

For example, the Homestead Act granted 160acre plots of government land to only White people, and the Social Security Act created financial safeguards for the elderly, unemployed, and disabled, but took pains to exclude predominantly African American domestic and farm workers. The G.I. Bill welcomed home returning World War II veterans with access to employment, schooling, and housing, but ended up excluding many Black veterans, according to the report.

Meanwhile, racially restrictive covenants and “redlining” kept Black homebuyers out of “White” neighborhoods with higher property values. This combination of policies and business practices steered them to neighborhoods seen as undesirable—neighborhoods where their homes are less likely to grow in value, thus denying their families access to generational wealth, the report points out.

A Need for Significant, Systemic Change  Reducing the differences in wealth attainment brought about by generations of these policies undoubtedly takes work.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis researchers noted that “individual actions and

marginal policy changes” simply aren’t enough to undo the damage of “systemic barriers like asset poverty, the legacy of wealth-stripping tactics in housing markets, and discriminatory practices.”  Instead, “larger systemic changes” are needed—and there is a call to consider forms of reparations to the descendants of enslaved Black Americans as part of the solution.

For example, in June 2022, California’s Task Force to Study and Devel-

household would eliminate America’s racial wealth gap.

A Widening Wage Gap

For the last half-century, the Black community’s tried-and-true methods for economic advancement have been two-fold: either gaining access to higher education—and the salaries that come with post-secondary degrees — or being employed in jobs that pay union wages. But even with those shifts, the racial wealth gap persists.

Tribble is the secretary of the National Economic Association (NEA), an organization of Black economists founded in 1969.

“One of the things we are looking at is why do these disparities still exist and why are they still widening when there are other indicators that suggest that there are changes that are taking place,” he says.

Christopher, who is also an NEA member, says research shows that the U.S.’s higher-paying jobs tend to go to White workers. Even when Black workers manage to land one of these coveted positions, their pay scale is lower.

The Impact of Inflation

The analysis of data from the Federal Reserve Board’s 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances found that in addition to Black households having lower average incomes than their White peers, due to inflation, “a larger proportion of their total expenditures typically goes toward necessities such as food, housing, utilities, and transportation.”

crowded out, whereas you have Whites who continue to spend at the same pace,” she said. “Even though [the Federal Reserve] keeps raising interest rates, there’s a whole class of people who are not stopping spending and another class of people who can’t even afford to eat. We have a big divide.” This reality, and uncertainty as to whether Black workers can maintain their current employment level, particularly as the cost of higher education rises and the number of union jobs shrinks, is further evidence of Black workers’ vulnerability.

“Are reparations the way to go to close the gap?” Tribble asks. “Or are there other ways to close this disparity? Is it about closing the employment disparity? Is it about closing the housing ownership disparity?”

op Reparation Proposals for African Americans released its 500-page interim report detailing “the ongoing and compounding harms experienced by African Americans as a result of slavery and its lingering effects on American society today.”  The task force’s economic consultants estimated that Black Californians are owed $223,239 as compensation for the housing wealth gap.

Similarly, a separate study released in November estimated that payments of $828,055 per

“If you look at employment in the United States —let’s say going back to the 1960s—and you look at the share of employment that’s allocated to Whites, to Blacks, and to Hispanics, one of the things that’s really kind of telling is the fact that the share of employment that’s allocated to Blacks and Hispanics has actually increased, but so has the wage gap between Whites and Hispanics, Whites and Blacks,” explains Romie Tribble, Jr., a professor of economics at Spelman College.

As a result, “after paying for necessities, lower-income households have less left over in dollar terms to use for home or stock purchases,” the study concludes.

Christopher adds that rising Federal Reserve interest rates are likely to further pressure Black households.

“Inflation is not only coming from the energy sector and the food sector. It’s also coming from the government borrowing sector,” Christopher points out.  “A lot of Black people, in particular, they’re being

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What to do if you lose your job?

Life and Disability Insurance: Consider transitioning to a personal plan if these were provided through your employer.

Networking

Inform Your Network: Let your professional contacts know you’re looking for a job. They may be aware of open positions or provide referrals.

Leverage Social Media: Polish your online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile, join job search groups, and engage with industry professionals. Ensure your social media platform is up to date and portray a professional image. Use this platform to actively engage with professionals in your industry and stay connected with potential employers.

Job Hunting Revamp Your Resume: Update your CV/resume, highlighting skills and recent accomplishments. Polish your resume and tailor it to the type of jobs you are interested in.

Job Platforms: Make job searching your full-time job. Regularly visit online job boards, company websites, and professional networking platforms to uncover new opportunities. Sign up or update profiles on job platforms like Indeed, Monster, or Glassdoor.

Upskill and Enhance Your Knowledge: Use this time to invest in your personal and professional development.

Consider short courses or certifications to enhance your skills, making you more marketable.

Emotional Well-being: Take care of yourself. Losing a job can have an emotional toll. Prioritize self-care during this period. This will help you stay positive, motivated, and focused on your job search.

Stay Positive: Engage in activities

that uplift your spirits. Exercise, meditate, or indulge in hobbies.

Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or consider professional counseling. A job loss can be emotionally taxing, and it’s essential to have support.

Legalities and Final Checks

Employee Rights: Familiarize yourself with employee rights in your region. Ensure you’ve been treated fairly and received all dues. Return Company Property: Ensure you return all company assets and clear out personal items from your workspace if applicable.

Stay Positive and Persistent: Job searching can sometimes take longer than expected, so it’s important to stay positive and persistent. Rejections are a normal part of the process, so don’t get discouraged. Learn from each experience and keep moving forward. Remember, losing your job is just a temporary setback. By following these steps and remaining proactive, you can find new opportunities and embark on a new chapter in your care.

“One of the things we are looking at is why do these disparities still exist and why are they still widening when there are other indicators that suggest that there are changes that are taking place.”

- ROMIE TRIBBLE JR.

A new ‘Teflon Don?’

What qualities do Americans, and especially Black Americans, want to see in a United States President? It appears that a lot of people don’t have a clue about how to select elected officials, especially presidents. Due to the schism between Democrats and Republicans, it appears that the brains of a large segment of citizens are apparently fried. Logic has gone out of the window.

Why is this important to understand? The upcoming 2024 presidential race has the potential of drastically changing America. Fascism has literally been promised.

This issue has been exacerbated by the dumbing down of America. The truth of the matter is that democracy cannot work effectively if people are not astute enough to make informed decisions. And this situation is not just pertinent to one party, but to both of them.

Chiefly, people have been subjected to a form of mind control. They have been conditioned to think in ways often at odds with their own well-being. And they are oblivious to this fact.

It seems to work this way: many Democrats have been turned away from President Biden because of malicious propaganda that paints a false picture of the president and his accomplishments. They think there is no difference between the presidential candidates of the two parties.

For the most part, Biden has made all the right moves and has fought for causes that would benefit the Black community, among others. Moreover, Biden is governing with a clean record; he has not been accused of mistreating women by grabbing them by their private parts, nor has he been im

peached, and he is not facing multiple criminal charges. This does not make a difference to Trump supporters.

On the other hand, Republicans have impeded student loan forgiveness, affirmative action, thwarted women’s bodily autonomy, have banned books and curricula; promoted gun violence, hated the LGBQIA community, don’t care about wage stagnation, don’t care if people can’t afford health care or can’t afford rent or a house. They blatantly care only about taking care of their donors through tax credits.

Moreover, Trump recently came out as a fullblown advocate of authoritarianism. He is clearly planning to change America from a country that is at least striving to be democratic to one wherein our rights will eventually become non-existent. The dumbing down of America has resulted in a population that has no real sense of history, American or otherwise. The MAGA population, for example, seems to have no clue as to what authoritarianism entails. They think Trump will make America great again.

Trump, who is at least two digits ahead of his nearest presidential contender, comes across as a winner; he has been able to stack the Supreme Court and exhibits an incredible sense of power that has resulted in a type of “Midas Touch” that manifests as a type of political gold.

What other former president can you name who has been impeached not once, but twice, and maintains a vice-like grip on the Republican Party? This is something new in American history.

What is certain is that Democrats, especially Blacks, must not let themselves be bamboozled into voting against Biden or whomever the Democratic candidate in the next election turns out to be.

Biden has receipts. Notable accomplishments include: unemployment rate dropped to 54-year low; ordered government agencies to address racial inequality; awarded $800 million for road improvements; awarded $11 million for cancer screening disparities; and 100,000 Green jobs were added since the IRA Law passed. Biden also granted $35 million to the Cradle to Career Program in highneeds communities.

Ultimately, we must recognize the very real differences between the new “Teflon Don,” i.e., Donald J. Trump, and President Biden.

The term “Teflon Don” is the name given John Gotti, a crime boss, because criminal charges against him never stuck. We must muster up all the energy and votes at our disposal to ensure that Trump’s “Teflon” does not hold up, thus denying him another four-year term as president.

We must ensure the preservation of democracy.

As for African Americans, the chief issue will be that of overcoming a tendency to imbibe propaganda that will result in voting against someone who clearly does not have our best interests at heart. In the case of this “Teflon” Don, the Black vote can help neutralize this effect! A Luta Continua.

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

White people were, and still are, the only beneficiaries of slavery

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—As I am sitting here watching Special Counsel Jack Smith deliver his statement regarding the third indictment of someone who should never have been President of the United States, I’m so sad as I think about all the great African American men and women who never even had a chance to run for high office; yet they contributed so much to this nation even as they were enslaved, brutalized, denied a fair chance at education, jobs, fair housing.

Some were even denied the right to live because they were lynched! No one ever deserved to go through what many of our people went through—or what too many still go through just to live in a nation where so many still don’t even wish us well.

Today,  Donald Trump who has had every advantage in life—far more than he ever deserved as he abused others, and despite his horrible behavior, his insane accusations about people who at least try to do the right thing, is finally being indicted for the third time and we are still hoping he is finally going to pay—but think of all the lives he’s ruined. Think of the undeserved riches he’s always enjoyed at the expense of so many of the poor souls who would still vote for this madman. I’m angry as I think about the suffering this man, and many others have caused, to deliberately limit

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary

opportunities for others far more deserving than this pitiful man and others like him. The tragedy is there are still too many just like him running for the very office Trump has violated so many times. They lead people on to give them their last dime and their vote; yet they have no intention of making things better for these people. Forget the likes of Ron DeSantis, too. Wake up and do your part to save our democracy for all of us.

Growing up, my mother taught me so much about my responsibility to make a positive difference in everything I do. Once I left home, I was blessed even more to have teachers that some may still call controversial.

In a recent article, Dr Maulana Karenga reminded us of Frantz Fanon. He also taught me Swahili and inspired me to become the first African American woman to Chair a very woke group of teachers called the Black Educators in the Los Angeles City School System. We’d gather, and he armed us with valuable information that has stayed with me throughout my life.

Fanon was a freedom fighter, radical psychiatrist, revolutionary theorist and deep thinker, diplomat, and visionary for bringing into being a new man, woman, and world. You must read Wretched of the Earth. We are reminded that to free ourselves and humanity from the anti-Black and anti-human oppression and a legacy of Europe, we must not only defeat our oppressors and that legacy, its offspring and imitators of every kind. We must also destroy within ourselves the will to emulate and be like them. Let’s appreciate who we really are! Dr. Karenga taught us to proudly wear our Afros and dashikis and treat each other like royalty. We became acquainted with Rev. Jesse Jackson who taught us the value of political action; Hon. Mervyn Dymally taught us the value of higher education. Among our heroes and sheroes were Min. Louis Farrakhan, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, Julian Bond, Diane Nash, Harry Belafonte and Shirley Chisholm.  We learn from them to stand up and plead our cause. Don’t allow our children to grow up thinking there was something positive about slavery. Teach them the inhumanity of slavery, and that White people were and still are the only beneficiaries of slavery.

We elect presidents, not kings

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Today’s conservatives have a major identity crisis. With all the power associated with the U.S. presidency, in the time of national crisis, it becomes vital that we have messengers who are willing to speak truth to power. I have never been a fan of former Sen. Barry Goldwater due to his part in the Southern strategy.

Still, he rightfully stood up at a critical moment during the Watergate crisis when the nation needed a true elder statesman. As Nixon insisted he had nothing to do with the Watergate cover-up, the tapes proved he lied. Goldwater and other GOP leaders met with Nixon, giving him the clear message that he no longer had the political cover and support from Republicans to prevent his impeachment, conviction, and removal. Two days later, Nixon resigned. While many Americans believed the former president was guilty and should not remain in office, roughly a quarter of the people defended Nixon. A Gallop poll conducted after Nixon’s resignation found that 22 percent of Americans did not think Nixon’s “actions regarding Watergate” were serious enough to warrant his resignation. While Nixon maintained a degree of public support, the Republican leadership in the House and Senate understood we do not elect kings. We elect presidents who are not above the law. Nixon was not a king, and neither is former President Donald Trump.

Conservatives have a major identity crisis because there are no longer GOP elder statesmen willing to stand up against their party’s standard bearer while protecting the nation’s interest. The role of the wise and respected elder statesman cannot be taken for granted. An elder statesman knows the critical moments when it’s necessary to put aside partisan games and

David W. Marshall

Commentary

respect the institution of Congress while prioritizing what benefits the nation. The elder statesman rises above the fray. They are the adults among the kids, and the kids know it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was the perfect example of an elder stateswoman. Her members did not always agree with her, but they respected her leadership and followed it in critical moments when it was the right thing to do. Kevin McCarthy will never be such a leader. As House Speaker, he is being led rather than leading. Sen. Mitt Romney has his moments but skims the surface and is inconsistent. Sen. Mitch McConnell leads and keeps his members in line, but his motives are usually self-serving and unjust. McConnell is too afraid of Trump politically to have a Barry Goldwater moment. With the latest Trump federal indictment being met with silence and denials from Republican leaders, scholars of authoritarian history warn it is a classic example of an eroding democracy. The late Sen. John McCain was the last true GOP elder statesman in Congress, which is why he drew Trump’s ire. McCain wasn’t weak and was not afraid of the former president, so Trump’s disrespect toward McCain was unsurprising. Is it possible for American voters to elect a candidate as president who is corrupt to the core and criminally charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S.? Former President Barack Obama thinks so, and

he is sounding the alarm. In a recent meeting between President Joe Biden and the former president, Obama warned that Trump is a formidable candidate who should not be taken likely. Nixon’s Republican support at the time of his resignation doesn’t compare to the deep, intense loyalty Trump maintains with the Republican electorate.

We should all heed Obama’s warning.

It is not just for Biden. White denial and Black apathy can have the same consequences even with the nation being extremely polarized—a Trump victory. We cannot expect the mounting Trump indictments to make much difference to MAGA voters. The indictments should be a wake-up call for independents and undecided voters. Let us not forget that Trump was charged with a conspiracy extending from the Enforcement Acts, also known as the Ku Klux Klan Acts, which was meant to protect the rights of newly enfranchised Blacks.

Trump’s legal assault to invalidate ballots and overturn election results centered on counties with large populations of Black and Latino voters.

If Black and Brown voters were the targets in 2020, they will be targets again in 2024. Next year has lots of questions. As we see how much the Republican Party has changed, can it be salvaged? Will a 1974 Barry Goldwater arise from nowhere and stand up to the 2024 Donald Trump? Will Black voters ignore Barack Obama’s warning and stay home? Next year will be interesting with a presidential candidate campaigning while making criminal court appearances. It will definitely be our defining moment.

(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.

There are a number of things we should all be concerned about as so many around us focus on summer vacations, the excessive heat, fires and floods. We are saturated with the media each day. So many of us are caught up in the acts of survival; facing things like maintaining income or no income at all for shelter, food and living expenses. We have very little time or interest in the politics of democracy playing out each day with the country being divided over personal interest rather than the concern for the nation as a whole.

In the midst of this, “we”, the everyday people, are the real hope because the democracy in which we live allows us to make decisions concerning our lives with our votes. But if we fail to vote, then those who would take our God given rights, our freedoms which we enjoy without appreciation or commitment, the takers of these rights will do so with our unspoken permission.

I speak of those minority Republican interests in every state who have organized to take over legislative bodies, at all levels of our society, drawing political districts through gerrymandering so that a few can control the lives and activities of the majority by making

John E. Warren

Commentary

laws against their interest, and the planning of restructuring America’s checks and balances as provided in the Constitution of the United States. At the local level, we must become registered voters with an eye on the issues that we need to address more than on whether we like the candidates that are being placed before us. If we remember that our votes are one of the means we have to safeguard the freedoms we have, even if it looks like we are not getting our share, then we maintain a voice in laws and policies being made that affect us. If we do this at the local level, then we will be better prepared to vote and control outcomes at the state and national levels. Let’s each of us pick three issues of importance to us right where we live and question what can those who have been elected by us or our

friends and neighbors do to make those issues a reality. Questions to be asked: Where do those persons seeking our votes stand on issues of healthcare, homelessness, and feeding and nutrition programs? Those who are against “our” interest have their own. We must find people who think like us to run against them. We must not allow campaign dollars from big money and slick ads to get us to vote against our own interest.

We must ask, will the people seeking our votes form coalitions against our interest once elected or will they work for our interest? Without the considerations raised here on the part of each of us, it will not be difficult for a few to change our laws, nullify our Constitution and cancel our rights as we see with recent decisions on Affirmative Action, Abortion and Supreme Court decisions rolling back 50 years of equality.  We the people, “us”, can change the people in Congress and State legislatures voting against our interest and the democratic way of life guaranteed by our Constitution. It’s time for us to get “woke” and get involved. (Dr. John E. Warren is Publisher, San Diego

‘No Labels’ just more political nonsense

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Labels, as all consumers discover, are just packaging. And truth in packaging is almost a contradiction in terms. The purpose of packaging is to make a sale, not admit the truth.

The political group that calls itself “No Labels” is a perfect example. Its name, game, and claim all are poll driven and message centered. The billionaire-funded group praises bipartisanship as an end in itself. Now it is toying with running a Third Party candidate for president—peddling West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin as a “centrist,” running on a manifesto entitled, inevitably, “Common Sense.” The manifesto offers up a series of poll-driven, carefully crafted policy positions, wrapped in pretty paper and designed to sell.

If there were truth in packaging, “No Labels” would call itself “No Clue.” It seems perversely blind to the reality we face.

America faces severe, simultaneous challenges—what academics call a “polycrisis.”

After Florida issued its new social studies academic standards for 2023, the following lesson was opposed: Students will examine the various duties and trades performed by slaves.

The instruction will include how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

The new standards, according to critics on both sides of the political aisle, “require middle school students to be taught that the experience of slavery was beneficial to African Americans because it helped them acquire skills.”

Critics called the new standards revisionist history, done on purpose to minimize the brutal conditions of slavery.

In order to draw that conclusion, the critics performed what theologians call an eisegesis. That is, reading into the text a meaning that is not there.

Workgroup members of Florida’s African American History Standards, Dr. Willian Allen and Dr. Frances Presley Rice, told the media, “It’s disappointing, but nevertheless unsurprising, that critics would reduce months of work to create Florida’s first ever stand-alone strand of African-American History Standards to a few isolated expressions without context.”

based on its original context.

had enough money to buy his freedom.

Slave narratives offer several examples demonstrating that “slaves developed skills that, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”

If critics said that there were so few cases of slaves purchasing their freedom that it shouldn’t be addressed in a history class due to time limits, that’s a valid point to examine. However, despite all evidence from primary sources to the contrary, opponents have doubled down on their historical eisegesis and asserted that enslaved people could not use their abilities to provide for themselves until they were emancipated.

Politics aside, the most serious question in this controversy is: Why are the detractors trying to suppress these facts?

Unfortunately, the lesson does not correspond with their understanding of what it means to be Black in America. A few years ago, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture’s website displayed a “whiteness chart” in their Talking About Race section. According to the chart, these qualities “normalize White dominate culture.”

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary

They are pressing and apparent. Climate change threatens existence itself, with severe weather already savaging lives and communities. Extreme inequality corrupts elections and subverts decent government. The million plus lives lost to Covid have exposed our broken public health system. Our infrastructure is dangerously decrepit. Our healthcare system is simply unaffordable. Systemic racism continues to mock the promise of equal justice under the law. We’re taking on both China and Russia, while fighting endless wars trying to police the world, a mission even our military, the most expensive and powerful in the world, can’t afford.

We have guided missiles but misguided leadership.

How does “No Labels’ Common Sense” address these challenges? Mostly by ignoring them. On climate change, they worry not about the extreme weather but about the price of oil, wanting an “all of the above” energy policy that polls well but utterly fails to address the crisis.

On extreme inequality, they say nothing. On infrastructure, they praise Joe Biden’s infrastructure act (while preposterously trying to take credit for it), without talking about how it is but a first step to what is needed. On health care, they offer traditional nostrums that won’t offend insurance companies and Big Pharma—and won’t take us any closer to affordable and comprehensive health care for all. Systemic racism or even the Supreme Court’s assault on civil rights goes unmentioned.

They embrace the impossible mission of policing the world, calling for even more money for the military while demanding deficit reductions. That puts Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block, which they imply but don’t admit, promising not to cut the benefits of those already or near retirement. Fifty-five and under look out.

Their remedy is not new ideas, but “bipartisanship.” Bipartisanship polls well, but consider dealing with a Republican Party that overwhelmingly believes that the election in 2020 was stolen, that Donald Trump is innocent, that “wokeness” is the greatest threat to America, that taxes should never be raised, that we spend too much on education and too little on the military, that voter suppression and political gerrymandering is an imperative, that guns should be free and women’s bodies should be regulated.

We already suffer from the overwhelming bipartisan support for giving more money to the Pentagon, despite the fact that it is the greatest source of waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government. There is a bipartisan consensus not to move to Medicare for All, which is the only way for Americans to have good health care they can afford. There’s bipartisan support for the “all of the above” energy policy that is contributing directly to accelerating and catastrophic climate change.

Their prospective presidential candidate offers not new leadership but business as usual.

Joe Manchin, who grew rich in the coal business, primarily uses his Senate seat to protect subsidies to coal and big oil, and to impede investment in renewable energy. He embraced the filibuster to block electoral reform to limit big money in politics. “Common sense?” No, just more political nonsense. “No Labels?” No, just no clue and no way out. Billionaires have the money to create a party. Pollsters and message gurus can figure out how to package it. Venal politicians can test to see how they can profit from it. But don’t fall for it. This is just another beltway bandit con job that the country can’t afford.

Dr. Allen noted in an interview that the new standards do not declare that slavery was beneficial. He also stated, “We’re talking about the experience of oppression and how people respond to the experience of oppression, and we want people to recognize that there’s an opposite to Stockholm Syndrome.  People don’t necessarily simply embrace their oppressors when they’re oppressed. They also react adaptively, and they find ways to make pathways for themselves even in the presence of oppression.”

Since the critics were too preoccupied with their historical eisegesis, they never inquired about what theologians call an exegesis. That simply means determining the meaning of the text

The lesson in question teaches children that slaves learned trades to perform a variety of tasks. Did the detractors want to know the significance of the lesson? Of course not, because academic standards aren’t important to them. Their goal was to smear Florida’s governor, who is running for president. That’s par for the course for presidential candidates, and that’s the governor’s problem. However, when political smear tactics are regarded as genuine critiques of academic standards, significant lessons are lost. By the time students reach middle school, they’re only aware of generalizations regarding slavery, such as slaves working in fields. The lesson in question teaches children that slaves were more than just field laborers. In some cases, many slaves acquired trades and utilized their skills to buy their freedom.

For example, in the National Humanities Center Resources Tool Box: The Making of African American Identity: Vol. 1, 1500–1865, there’s a section titled On Buying One’s Freedom: Selections From 18th and 19th Century Slave Narratives.  In one story, the narrator, William Troy, stated that his father was a slave. Troy’s father made boots and shoes and became a first-class workman. He then contracted himself out using the legal means required. He was living on a plantation called Hunter’s Hill at the time. He afterwards relocated to Loretto, a village in the same county. There, his shoe-selling business grew quickly, and he soon

1). Rugged individualism, self-reliance, and placing a high value on independence and autonomy.

2). A Protestant work ethic, i.e., hard work, is the key to success.

3). Future orientation, i.e., plan for the future, delayed gratification, “tomorrow will be better.”

Clearly, oppression-centric critics feel slaves who utilized their skills to buy their freedom are a reflection of the dominant White culture and do not represent the actual African American experience during slavery.

Put differently, slaves who used their skills for personal benefit are examples of “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.” Which is an idea that oppression-centric critics do not want taught in African American history.

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“For more than 100 years, this organization has worked to bring our country together in coalition in the collective fight for the freedom, rights, and justice of all people. ... we know we have more work to do, being clear-eyed about the moment we are in—a moment when state by state in places like Texas and Florida, extremist so-called leaders attack hard-won rights and freedoms.”—Vice President Kamala Harris, National Urban League 2023 Conference

At my first National Urban League Conference in Pittsburgh in 2003, just weeks after I became President and CEO, I outlined a five-point Empowerment Agenda that evolved into the Five Pillars of our movement: Employment, Education, Housing, Healthcare, and Justice.

Twenty years later to the day, at our Conference in Houston, I introduced a new phase of advocacy and activism—Empowerment 2.0—that builds upon the foundation of the Five Pillars through what I call the Three Ds.

The first D is Defend Democracy. We will, and we must, demand the full restoration of the Voting Rights Act. We demand fair representation in Congress and state legislatures and an end to racially-based gerrymandering. We demand freedom of expression and freedom of speech, and we will not comply with book bans and warped lesson plans designed to erase us from

history and force our LGBTQ brethren back into the closet. With 2024 around the corner, and states purging their voting rolls and putting up barriers to the ballot box, we are going to need an effort like never before.

The second D is Demand Diversity.  We insist on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all aspects of American life, from our courtrooms to our classrooms and campuses, from our factory floors and construction sites our C-suites and every workplace in America. We must level the playing field, so our children and children’s children have an equal opportunity to succeed.

The third D is Defeat Poverty.

In order to close all racial income and wealth gaps, we will focus on closing gaps in education, healthcare, housing and justice. For a nation with a $23 trillion economy, the largest national economy in history, to have double digit levels of poverty and even more

people living on the brink, is unacceptable.

The 20th century Civil Rights Movement of our fathers and grandfathers was a movement to defeat the White supremacist terrorism of Jim Crow.  When I came to the Urban League in 2003, we were facing a new villain: James Crow, Esquire, who wore a suit and a tie instead of a robe and hood, and spoke of “states’ rights” and “welfare queens” instead of the n-word.

Twenty years later, we are facing the son of James and the grandson of Jim: Jimmy Crow. Not content with suppressing Black votes, he seeks the power to ignore election results altogether. He rants about “replacement theory” and “Critical Race Theory.”  We are engaged in a battle for the future of this nation. It is clear that the progress, hard fought, since the Brown decision, is under assault on every front. From the Supreme Court to right-wing state legislatures, to cable talk shows, to the utterances of some Governors, presidential candidates, members of Congress and the United States Senate—it seems they are trying to bend that moral arc not toward justice, but backward to a dark time, long gone.

With the Three Ds as our battle cry and our clarion call, this generation of Urban League leaders, partners, and supporters is prepared to face the headwinds that lie before us.

Unlikely allies and uncomfortably large coalitions

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Spend your energy figuring out what’s the one thing that you can agree on with a political foe,” Gen. Colin Powell told me years ago. “Figure that out and you can get a lot done.”

We’re seeing that proven across the Midwest from Illinois to North Dakota where unlikely allies with different interests and perspectives are joined in fighting against several multi-state carbon dioxide pipelines proposed by huge agribusiness and fossil fuels companies.

For some, it’s a simple as private companies trying to take private land that belongs to someone else to make private profit for themselves. For others, the pipelines would extend our reliance on dirty fuels and prolong pollution from industrial farming and the ethanol producers it supplies. Together they see the pipelines as unnecessary, destructive to precious land, and potentially dangerous.

“We might not agree on a lot of things, but this is something we will all oppose, these pipelines,” says Kim Juncker, who farms land with her husband in Butler County, Iowa, that could be grabbed for what’s called the Navigator project. “We will lock arms on this one.”

Juncker calls herself a “constitutional conservative” and explains her political leanings and in her view those of many landowners simply: “We like our property rights and we like our freedom.”

Environmental activists have seen that opposing pipelines demands the voice of the people who own land that they don’t

want to sell to the developers.

For their part, landowners appreciate that environmental groups bring their organizing experience and their capacity to monitor the smallest details in the fight. One of the biggest challenges is farmers are busy farming and can’t make opposition a full-time job.

Tim Baughman, who owns land with his sister in Crawford County, Iowa, that could be disrupted by the Summit pipeline, attended a safety meeting with the developer last week; the only reason he learned of the session was hearing about from a farmer in another part of the state. In turn, he does his best to keep two other landowners informed. They’re among nine in the county who haven’t signed voluntary easements for the pipeline to cross their land and are less connected to the digital world, he says.

More than 150 landowners now join weekly Zoom calls with environmentalists to share information and strategy.

One outcome is that more than 460 landowners have filed to intervene when the Iowa Utilities Board holds its hearing in a few weeks over the Summit pipeline’s request to take land through

eminent domain. That’s no small feat as Baughman’s own filing to intervene was 51 pages long.

Our system allows for the power of enough people to thwart the power of money, which the pipeline developers certainly have. That’s how opponents have managed to claim some big wins.

In North Dakota, the public service commission last week denied Summit the permit it needs to move forward, citing issues from impact on cultural sites and wildlife areas to property values; the company can reapply. In Iowa, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would have significantly limited the pipelines’ ability to take land involuntarily with nearly two-thirds of Democrats and 80 percent of Republicans in support (the bill unfortunately was killed in the state Senate).

To really harness that people power, we need to build coalitions that are uncomfortably large. That’s what pipeline opponents have done. People who will question whether carbon is damaging the climate are fighting alongside people who will question the role of biofuels in prolonging our fossil fuel addiction.

In a country that can feel so divided, there’s promise in that beyond the pipeline fight. As General Powell told me, “As you win one victory together, you might just discover along the way that there’s something else you agree on.”

(Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.)

MANAGER OF VEHICLE PROJECTS

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Manager of Vehicle Projects to direct and coordinate support level bus procurement and technical support for Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a/ Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT)’s revenue vehicle bus fleet, and technical parts review under the general direction of the Deputy Chief Operations Officer – Maintenance.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinates and oversees all aspects of vehicle procurement for PRT transit bus vehicle fleets. Plans and coordinates with fleet maintenance on activities related to support of new vehicle procurement, as well as related parts contract specification technical review.

• Directs and supervises the daily activities of the Vehicle Project Coordinator and Quality Assurance and Contract Compliance Specialist.

• Assists in activities related to new bus procurement (i.e., specifications, vendor reviews, component testing, etc.) and works directly with the Deputy COO-Maintenance on bus procurement projects. Monitors plans for future procurements and service needs accordingly.

Job requirements include:

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Two-year Technical Degree or Associate Degree in Business or related field. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-to-year basis.

• Minimum of five (5) years of maintenance experience with bus fleets and/or heavy automotive vehicles.

• Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience.

• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

• Customer-focused, well organized and results-oriented.

• Effective and professional communication skills.

• Valid PA driver’s license.

Preferred attributes:

• BA/BS degree in Business or directly related field from an accredited school.

• Knowledge of statistical processes control methods.

• Experience in managing maintenance of bus fleets or other fleets of heavy automotive vehicles and equipment.

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;

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

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:

INDEPENDENT

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

AUDITOR’S REPORT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AVONWORTH MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

We have audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the statement of net position of the Avonworth Municipal Authority as of December 31, 2022 and the related statements of revenues and expenses, and changes in net position for the year then ended, and, in our report dated May 22, 2023, we expressed an unmodified opinion on those financials statements.

As described below, the accompanying summary financial information of the Authority as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, is not presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In our opinion, however, the accompanying summary financial information is fairly stated in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements from which it has been derived. McGee Maruca & Associates, P.C. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May 22, 2023

MUNICIPAL

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

Deborah Slocum Employment Department

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

DSlocum@RidePRT.org

EOE

FINANCIAL ACCOUNT ADMINISTRATOR

The University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social & Urban Research in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Financial Account Administrator. This is a hybrid office-based/work-fromhome position that will provide financial research support infrastructure and training for original research in a few focused areas: including urban impact analysis, survey methodology, psychosocial aspects of aging and enhanced access to local and national policy -relevant data. Apply at https:// www.join.pitt.edu, #23005524

Please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and salary requirements. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity.

EOE, including disability/vets.

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP.

SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking an ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Application Deadline

4:00 PM, August 14, 2023

Complete job description available at: www.southfayette.org

EOE

SOFTWARE ENGINEER II

RoadRunner Recycling, Inc. seeks a Software Engineer II in Pittsburgh, PA to lead development in the foundation of external-facing applications. Reqs. MS+2 or BS+5 yrs. exp. 100% telecommuting role. Reports to company headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA. Can work remotely or telecommute. To apply mail resume to RoadRunner Recycling, Inc., Attn: HR, 105 40th Street, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Must reference Job Title & Job Code: 000009.

(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.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of JULIANN NAGEL, Deceased, Estate No. 02-23-04852, of 547 Allenby Avenue, Pittsburgh,PA 15218, Executrix, MARIA BOYD, 39 Sir William Drive, Newville, PA 17241 or to William C. Price, Jr. Price & Associates, P.C., 2005 Noble Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

Estate of MARY L. BLACK, DECEASED, of Pittsburgh PA. No. 00384 of 2019. Monique Love, Admrx. requests all persons having any claims or demands against the named decedent’s Estate to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the Decedent to make payments without delay to Irene McLaughlin Clark, Esq., 8908 Upland Terrace, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

Estate of MR. EDWARD BREZARICH Deceased, of 326 Elizabeth Ave, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112, Estate No. 02-23-03468, Mr. John J. Brezarich, Administrator, C/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108

Estate of RICHARD W. RUARK, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Estate No. 05269 of 2023 Charles Brown, Extr. 465 Bairdford Rd., Gibsonia, PA 15006, or to c/o Andrew C. Goodermote, Esquire, Scolieri Beam Law Group, P.C., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 Bldg., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

Petition for Determination of Title

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.

LEGAL

NOTICE BOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD BID ADVERTISEMENT

The Borough of Brentwood is extending the date to receive bids for Renovations at the Brentwood Borough Civic Center, Park Drive, Brentwood, PA 15227, to Thursday, September 7, 2023. Bids will be received up to 11:00 A.M, to the attention of George Zboyovsky, Borough Manager, Borough of Brentwood, 3735 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227. It is the intent of the Owner to enter into a single contract for 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.

Bids shall include a Bid Security Bond, payable to the Borough of Brentwood, in an amount of five percent (5%) of the bid, in accordance with Instructions to Bidders, as included in the Contract Documents.

The summary financial information shown above differs from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Differences include amounts grouped, captions summarized, footnote disclosures are omitted.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Westmoreland County Housing Authority (WCHA)

D.B.A Troutman Building Associates (TBA) is requesting construction bids for the following:

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS

Located At TROUTMANS BUILDING –GREENSBURG PA 15601

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT: CIP-TBA 18.1.12023.1

Westmoreland County Housing Authority is requesting general construction bids for the referenced project through sealed bids which will be received by the Westmoreland County Housing Authority, until August 25, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.

(eastern standard time). Bids shall be deposited at the Administrative Office of the Westmoreland County Housing Authority, 167 South Greengate Road, Greensburg PA 15601. Bids received will then be opened publicly.

A Pre-Bid Meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.

(eastern standard time) at Troutmans Building – Address: 200 South Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15061. Electronic Bid Documents are available for downloading at www.wchaonline.com.

Bidders are required to register online at the www.wchaonline.com to view bid documents. Plan holders proposing to bid shall also register their intent to submit a bid with Westmoreland County Housing Authority via email to lindam@wchaonline.com and eriks@wchaonline.com in accordance with the bid requirements.

Westmoreland County Housing Authority, Michael L. Washowich, Executive Director / Contracting Officer

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 1119 – Microsoft Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES) Agreement RFQ 230823 – Sale of Surplus (to be sold to the highest bidder): Copier Systems, Digital Mixing Board, Storage Cabinet with Doors, and Air-Lift Machine Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Wednesday, August 23, 2023

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.

CITY OF PITTSBURGH

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET

ADVERTISEMENT

Separate and sealed Bid Proposals will be received electronically starting on Friday, August 4 for:

2023-RFP ELA-212 Bureau of Fire Engine Apparatus Phase II: Additional Purchases

Information on solicitations is available on the City of Pittsburgh website: http://purchasing.pittsburghpa.gov

Bid proposals are requested on behalf of the Equipment Leasing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. All bids must be submitted via the above website and all required documents must be provided or the bid proposal may be considered non-responsive.

The selected Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted construction contracts. The selected Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Attention is called to Executive Order 11246, to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. 1701U, and to the Section 3 Clause and Regulations set forth in 24 CFR, Part 135.

The selected Contractor will be required to comply with the following laws, rules and regulations: All provisions of US Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, as amended by US Executive Order 11375 and as supplemented in US Department of Labor Regulations (41 CFR, Part 60), and of the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the US Secretary of Labor. Contractor shall comply with all applicable standards, orders, or requirements issued of the Clean Air Act (42 USC 1857 et. seq.), Section 508 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1368), Executive Order 11738, and Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR, Part 15) Contractor shall comply with the Davis-Bacon Act the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276a to 276a-7) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR part 5).

Procedures for compliance to these acts shall be as follows:

All specifications for construction contracts and subcontracts will contain the prevailing wage rates (as enclosed in this bid package) as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 276-a to 276-C-5) and provision that overtime compensation will be paid in accordance with the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act Regulations (29 CFR, Parts 5 and 1926). The contract provisions shall require that these standards be met.

Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity (Executive Order 11246): Bidder’s attention is called to the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth in 41 CFR Public Contracts and Property Management Part 60-4.3 Equal Opportunity Clauses.

Goals for minority participation: 18%

Goals for female participation: 7%

These goals are applicable to all construction work (whether or not Federal or Federally-Assisted) performed in the “covered area.”

As used in this notice, and in the contract resulting from this solicitation, the “covered area” is Pittsburgh SMSA (Allegheny, Washington, Beaver and Westmoreland counties).

The selected Contractor shall comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1988, as amended, Section 109 of the Community Development Act of 1974, with Executive Order 11625 (Minority Business Enterprise) and Executive Order 12138 (Women’s Business Enterprise).

The Proposers will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity.

Vendors submitting responses on Federally funded projects must register on SAM.gov and provide proof of registration.

The City of Pittsburgh reserves the right to withhold the award of contract for a period of sixty (60) calendar days after the opening of bids.

The City of Pittsburgh reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals.

CITY OF PITTSBURGH OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET ADVERTISEMENT

Separate and sealed Bid Proposals will be received electronically starting on Friday, August 11 for:

2023-IFB-219 Reese Street Caisson Treatment

Information on solicitations is available on the City of Pittsburgh website: http://purchasing.pittsburghpa.gov

Bid proposals are requested on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh. All bids must be submitted via the above website and all required documents must be provided or the bid proposal may be considered non-responsive.

The selected Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable

Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted construction contracts. The selected Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Attention is called to Executive Order 11246, to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. 1701U, and to the Section 3 Clause and Regulations set forth in 24 CFR, Part 135.

The selected Contractor will be required to comply with the following laws, rules and regulations:

All provisions of US Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, as amended by US Executive Order 11375 and as supplemented in US Department of Labor Regulations (41 CFR, Part 60), and of the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the US Secretary of Labor. Contractor shall comply with all applicable standards, orders, or requirements issued of the Clean Air Act (42 USC 1857 et. seq.), Section 508 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1368), Executive Order 11738, and Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR, Part 15). Contractor shall comply with the Davis-Bacon Act the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276a to 276a-7) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR part 5)

Procedures for compliance to these acts shall be as follows:

All specifications for construction contracts and subcontracts will contain the prevailing wage rates (as enclosed in this bid package) as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 276-a to 276-C-5) and provision that overtime compensation will be paid in accordance with the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act Regulations (29 CFR, Parts 5 and 1926). The contract provisions shall require that these standards be met.

Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity (Executive Order 11246): Bidder’s attention is called to the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth in 41 CFR Public Contracts and Property Management Part 60-4.3 Equal Opportunity Clauses.

Goals for minority participation: 18%

Goals for female participation: 7%

These goals are applicable to all construction work (whether or not Federal or Federally-Assisted) performed in the “covered area.”

As used in this notice, and in the contract resulting from this solicitation, the “covered area” is Pittsburgh SMSA (Allegheny, Washington, Beaver and Westmoreland counties).

The selected Contractor shall comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1988, as amended, Section 109 of the Community Development Act of 1974, with Executive Order 11625 (Minority Business Enterprise) and Executive Order 12138 (Women’s Business Enterprise)

The Proposers will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity. Vendors submitting responses on Federally funded projects must register on SAM.gov and provide proof of registration.

The City of Pittsburgh reserves the right to withhold the award of contract for a period of sixty (60) calendar days after the opening of bids. The City of Pittsburgh reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals.

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.

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.

LISA SYLVESTER Celebrity Host

Lisa Sylvester is a veteran network news journalist and communications specialist. She is a natural team leader and connector. Her on-air experience includes working as a main anchor in local news and as a network correspondent for CNN and ABC News.

She has expertise in developing high-impact content for television, radio and digital platforms, finding

nia Association of Broadcasters for Excellence in Broadcasting and has received a Robert Vann Award of Excellence for Sports Reporting. She has also received several national awards including, a Business Emmy for CNN’s “Exporting America” series and a Peabody Award for her role in ABC’s coverage of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks.

Sylvester has a bachelor’s in science in International Economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a Master’s Degree from Northwestern University’s Medill She is on the Board of the Crossroads ber of the North Hills Ebony Women, and a member of the McKnight Women’s

GLENN MAHONE Legacy Honoree Retired

Partner at Reed Smith LLP

Glenn R. Mahone is a retired partner of Reed Smith LLP, an internationally recognized Top 20 law firm. Mahone joined Reed Smith upon graduation from Duquesne University law school in 1973, becoming the first African American attorney to join the firm.

At Reed Smith, Mahone’s wide-ranging practice included mergers and acquisitions, rights and remedies of minority shareholders, corporate and partnership organization, reorganization and governance, radio broadcast property acquisition, commercial contracts and public and private issuance of securities including tax-exempt financing, across a broad range of state and municipal authority transactions. He also served as outside counsel to the intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Cities of The Second Class, which is the oversight board created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to oversee Pittsburgh’s fiscal recovery.

Mahone was a former certified agent of the National Football League Players Association.

In 1980, Mahone left Reed Smith and spent the next 10 years in the radio broadcast industry as an executive, entrepreneur, and owner. During most of his time in broadcasting, he served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters and the Radio Advertising Bureau, the trade associations which provide national leadership to the radio broadcast industry. Mahone returned to Reed Smith as a partner in March of 1991.

The many honors and recognitions Mahone has received over his personal and professional career include New Pittsburgh Courier “Man of Excellence,” Renaissance Publication’s Black Trailblazer Award, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Citizen of the Year, the Professional Man of the Year of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc., the WQED/Duquesne Light Company 2003 African American Leadership Award for Business and Government Excellence, the Anti-Defamation League National Heritage Award, and the 2018 Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award. He is active in community affairs and has served on a number of governing boards,

including chairmanship of the Urban League of Greater Pitts burgh, The Manchester Bidwell Corporation, the Board of Visitors of Virginia State University, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland (Pittsburgh Branch), and the Al legheny County Airport Authority.

He also has served as a member of the Board of Directors of The Shady Lane School, St. Edmund’s Academy, Duquesne University, Westminster College, the Virginia Public School Authority, the Pitts burgh Dance Council, and the Great er Pittsburgh Convention and Visi tors Bureau.

He is a former member of the Board of Directors of Matthews International Corporation. His video oral history is included in the nation’s largest African American archive, The History Makers collection, now a permanent repository of the Library of Congress.

Mahone is a graduate of Pennsylva nia State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He received a Juris Doctor degree from the Duquesne University School of Law and a Master of Laws degree from Yale University.

Mahone is a Vietnam veteran combat en gineer platoon leader and the recipient of two Bronze Stars.

He is the third of eight children of Alec C. and Inez Mahone.

Mahone and his wife, Andrea, have two adult sons, Glenn II and Jonathan, and six grandchildren, Eamonn, Gabriel, Akasha, Florence, Johanna and Embele.

He resides in Fox Chapel, and Martha’s Vineyard.

The New Pittsburgh Courier salutes the Class of 2023 ‘Men of Excellence’ Honorees

The New Pittsburgh Courier’s “Men of Excellence” awards recognizes local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are men who

exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and integrity. These men influence those around them to go beyond the norm and strive for greatness. They are champions of our economic empowerment and diversity, the backbone of our business, religious

and educational organizations, and driving forces in politics and service. Together, let’s welcome our “Men of Excellence,” the Class of 2023!

Rod Doss Editor and Publisher

Class of 2022

Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

Tim Stevens

HONOREES

Will Anderson

Georin Aquila

Michael Jeffery Blackwell

Yardon Brantley

Brian E. Broome

John M. Burwell

Keith Butler

Damon Carr

Clifford “Sly Jock”

Charlton

Derrick Lyndell Clark Sr.

Eric Cofield

Hon. Kevin E. Cooper, Jr.

Chris Curd

Richard A. Eanes

James Edwell, Jr.

Jason England

Randy K. Ford

Richard L. Ford III

Rev. Craig L. Giles

Samuel L. Gill

Jay A. Gilmer, Esq.

Dexter Hairston

Donny E. Hamilton, Jr.

Mark Hutchinson

Rev. Andrew Jackson

Mark C. Johnson

Jason S. Jones

Tracy Kelly, Jr.

Adam “DJ Blakk Steel” Lewis

Owen J. Macklin, Sr.

Joseph McCain

Ronald Moncrief

Malcolm E. Nowlin

Nelson Nyirongo

Rev. Theodore E. Pugh, Sr.

Curtis Randle El III, MBA, AIFA

Carl Redwood, Jr.

Leon U. Rockymore

Ron Smiley

Pastor Michael H. Smith

Rev. Geoffrey E. Tate II

LaMarcus Thurman

Derrick L. Tillman

Donald C. Walker III

Anthony “Tone” Walls

Mike Warfield

Dr. Johnathan JeVon White

Jamar White, MBA

Rev. Dr. Richard W. Wingfield

Ashley G. Woodson

PHILIP AUSTIN

Senior Line Worker Duquesne Light Company

Philip Austin has acquired a diverse background while attempting to navigate the curveballs of life. Austin attended Lincoln University, one of America’s first HBCUs, located outside of Philadelphia, where he studied business and chemistry while developing an affinity to do radio broadcasting at the school’s radio station, WLIU, where he would come to be known as DJ Forty.

After attending Lincoln University, Austin married his wife, Nikita, and began his 33-year career with Duquesne Light as a janitor in Duquesne’s formerly owned and recently demolished Cheswick power station. While there, he learned the science of power generation and how electricity is delivered to homes and businesses throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding communities through the power grid. Austin soon moved into Duquesne’s drafting department where he used AutoCAD to draw up electrical construction prints for line crews.

During the mid-‘90s, Duquesne Light went through a period of downsizing and laid off many of its workers. As a casualty of the layoff, Austin began working for WPXI (Channel 11) and WTAE (Channel 4) as a broadcast engineer where he operated the sound board, video board and television cameras for the stations. He also worked as an on-air announcer at Gospel radio station WGBN, formerly owned by deceased WPXI broadcaster, Loran Mann. Austin moved on to become General Manager of a new Gospel radio station named WPGR, which no longer exists in Pittsburgh. During those times, Aus-

EDWARD BAIDEN

Global General Manager for Traffic Solutions

Ed Baiden is Global General Manager, Traffic Solutions at PPG. In this role, he is responsible for the global business, which includes 22 manufacturing facilities and more than 1,200 employees. He is a seasoned executive with decades of global experience, having worked across multiple industrial segments in North America, Asia and Africa. His expertise spans corporate and business strategy, global P&L management, new business development in emerging markets, and enterprise leadership.

He is also actively involved in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and is a Steering Committee member for PPG’s Black Employee Network.

Baiden joined PPG in 2017 as global director of product management, automotive OEM coatings, and general manager for the commercial vehicles business segment, and has taken on roles of increasing responsibility ever since.

In 2019, he became the director of product management and marketing for the $2.4 billion USCA ar-

tin also became a licensed minister in the church. After witnessing a church crisis with his pastor, God called Austin to his own ministry called Covenant of Truth where he preached and counseled church members to a point of healing. Having achieved those goals to heal the brokenness of the members from the former church, it was this at this time Duquesne Light called Austin back from a four-year layoff.

Upon returning to Duquesne Light, Austin went through a five-year lineman apprenticeship training program at Duquesne to become a journey lineman. This is where Austin honed his skills in the trade of electrical linework. Austin takes pride in restoring electricity to communities that have lost power due to windstorms, tree falls and other outages. Over the years, Austin has put up miles of electrical wires, a multitude of electrical devices and hundreds of utility poles. Currently, Austin is an upgraded supervisor at Duquesne where he researches and organizes pending jobs for line crews.

While working at Duquesne Light, Austin was also burning the candle on the other end as he worked in fashion and commercial marketing industry as a model. He has been in fashion shows where he modeled various vendors’ clothing merchandise. He has been in newspaper and magazine ads for companies like Value City, Dicks Sporting Goods, Giant Eagle, and Cintas uniforms. He has also appeared in various commercials for Highmark health care, Rivers Casino, Clearview Credit Union, and others.

A fun fact about Philip Austin is that as a young man, he was a ball boy for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was Austin’s uncle, personnel director, and training scout Bill Nunn, who brought him on board to be part of that champion team. Austin was there during the days of Mean Joe Greene, Terry Bradshaw, Rocky Bleier, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, and all the other greats.

chitectural coatings business unit.

Prior to his current role, he served as global integration director and led the integration of the $1.2 billion acquisition of Ennis-Flint into PPG to form the Traffic Solutions business unit.

Prior to PPG, Baiden worked at General Electric, DuPont and InterContinental Hotels in various commercial leadership and brand marketing roles.

Baiden continuously strives to advance his education to supplement his professional experience. He holds an MBA from Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University. He has also completed executive education programs at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and The University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

Baiden is married, and a father of two daughters. He volunteers as a board member for the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS), a non-profit organization that provides affordable, high-quality orthopedic care to patients in Ghana and neighboring countries. He also enjoys traveling to different countries around the world and makes it a priority to sign up for a cooking class to learn more about the culture.

Class of 2021

Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

Bishop Loran E. Mann HONOREES

Byron T. Allen

Michael Barnes

Stanley Bell

Roy Blankenship Jr.

Thomas Burley

Johnnie Burton

Stephan Davis

Derrick Davis

Roger W. Davis, Ed.D.

Luther J. Dupree Jr.

Kelton Edmonds, Ph.D.

Vincent D. Elliott

George Fleming

Allan Francette

Robert B. Fulton

Eric Gibson

Damon Givner

Clyburn Halley

Chris Howard

Brent Jernigan

Elijha David King

Tayon Mitchell

Alton Mitchell

Kelly E. Morrissey

Justin Nwokeji

Shabaka Perkins

Anthony W. Pipkin

Michael Potter

Jace Ransom

Charles J. Reeves

Christopher W. Robinson

Ronald B. Saunders

Leland Scales

Ryan S. Scott

William Simmons, M.D.

Terry Smith

George C. Spencer Sr.

Mark Stuckey

Daniel Taylor

Shawn Thomas

Chester D. Thompson, DSc.

Curtis Upsher Jr.

Robert D. Walker

Thomas Washington Jr.

Rev. John C. Welch, Ph.D.

Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr.

Brandon White

Marlin Woods, CPC

Dante Works

Class of 2019

Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

WILLIAM E. STRICKLAND JR. HONOREES

AARON ALDRICH

KEVIN ALTON

ANTHONY ANDERSON

WAHAD ANSARI

BRANDON BAKER

EDDIE BELL

ISAIAH CRESENT BEY

PASTOR NEVILLE A. BROOKS

REV. DR. DARRYL T. CANADY

ANTHONY CARLISLE, PHD

BISHOP DONALD O. CLAY JR.

HARVEY COLE JR.

PARRISH DAVENPORT

AUSTIN A. DAVIS

CHARLES DESHAZER, MD

DONALD GRAY III

CHARLES GREER SR.

AKIL “ESOON” GRIFFIN

DEAVON HAMMONDS

BARNETT HARRIS SR.

REV. DR. JAMES H. HARRIS SR.

NELSON E. HARRISON, PHD

LEN HAWKINS

CAIN HAYES

DENNIS HENDERSON

LEONARD HOLT

ERIC HOWZE

REV. JAMES E. HUNT

ANTHONY JEFFERSON

REV. TORREY O. JOHNSON

WAYNE JONES

ROBERT M. JONES JR.

SHANNON LAWHORN

JEFF MALLORY

GORDON MANKER

BROTHER MARLON MARTIN

JOHNNIE MIOTT

WILLIAM MITCHELL SR.

BRANDON PHILLIPS

DARELLE A. PORTER

ORONDE SHARIF

JEROME TAYLOR, PHD

BERNARD TAYLOR JR., EDD

ADAM C. WALKER

DARRELL L. WARDEN

MARK WEIR

ERIC L. WELLS

ANTHONY WILLIAMS

DOUGLAS WILLIAMS SR.

RYAN D. WOOTEN

ANTOINE BAILEY

Program Manager, REACH Behavior Health Community Organizer, Neighborhood Resilience Project

Antione Bailey has worked as a Behav ioral Health Community Organizer for the Neighborhood Resilience Project, fa cilitating micro-community block inter ventions in the Hill District for the last four years. He also serves as an active member of the Public Safety Council in the Hill. In 2007, Bailey developed a citywide response to the rising tide of violence in Pittsburgh. Build ing upon a successful pilot program, Bailey combined community service, media tion, and leadership to ad dress inter-neighborhood rivalries and reduce violence during the summer months. Initially serving 200 young men in 10 neighborhoods, the program expanded to the county involving 25 neighborhoods and over 500

LONNELL BECOATE

Broker/ Owner

Becoate Real Estate Services, LLC

Becoate Property Management, LLC

Lonnell J. Becoate is the owner and broker of Becoate Real Estate Services, LLC, and Be coate Property Management, LLC. Becoate Property Management specializes in providing affordable housing throughout the Mon Valley. Becoate takes pride in main taining a professional and respectful rapport with its clients as well as providing its ten ants with decent, safe and sanitary housing.

The goal at Becoate Property Management is not only to continue to bridge the gap be tween the diminish ing public housing stock in Pittsburgh and the increasing amount of affordable housing complexes, but to help qualified and motivated tenants eventually become homeowners by con necting them with the programs that provide financial lit eracy and education, competent lenders, and the real estate profes

Bailey also convened a roundtable of over 30 young, non-traditional African American leaders as problem-solvers and mediators. Working with the roundtable, Bailey led several initiatives including registering disengaged individuals in Obamacare, assisting with registering over 400 youth and young adults for summer employment, conducting outreach and awareness information sessions in disenfranchised neighborhoods, and implementing alternative programs for 18-24-year-olds.

Bailey also established a culinary training and work experience program and construction skill preparation.

In addition to developing grassroots projects positively impacting a high-risk population, Bailey has extensive experience in mediation and conflict resolution, as well as training in mental health first aid and wellness planning.

LEGACY HONOREE

LOUIS ‘HOP’ KENDRICK

HONOREES

JOEL ACIE

VERNARD ALEXANDER

JOHN AYERS

BARATA BEY

HAROLD L. BLYE

KENYON R. BONNER

FRED BROWN

QUINTIN B. BULLOCK, DDS

BRIAN BURLEY

KEVIN CARTER

LLOYD CHEATOM

BRANDON D. CONEY

CHRISTOPHER

EDMONDS

FREDDIE FIELDS

REV. DR. WILLIAM R. GLAZE

DONTA GREEN

PHILIP GREENE JR.

ROBERT (JON) HAIRSTON

ANTHONY HAMLET, EDD

LEONARD HAMMONDS II

RAHMON HART, EDD

JERRY HARVEY

RICHARD L. HATCHER II

CARLTON HEYWOOD

TODD J. HOLLIS, ESQ.

JEROME JACKSON

ROBERT JAMES

Becoate graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon graduation, he was employed by Urban Settlement Services. It was this experience that sparked his interest in real estate and motivated Becoate to attend real estate school at night while working full-time during the day.

After successfully completing the program and becoming a Licensed Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson, he joined Robert Epps and the team at Choice Homes Real Estate in Penn Hills. The mentoring received from Epps would prove to be the determining factor in Becoate moving his career forward by obtaining his Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker License.

Outside of his interest in Real Estate, Becoate enjoys coaching youth football. It is a deep passion for him to be able to give back to his community through the youth. He often says, “I didn’t go to the NFL but getting that football scholarship really changed my life.” Encouraging the youth to exceed expectations and beat the odds is always on the forefront of his agenda.

As a Christian man, Becoate values God and family above football and real estate. He has been married to Tammy Becoate for 16 years and they have one son, Jarrett Becoate, who will be a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School this fall.

DONNIE KYTE

GABRIEL MEDLEY

RICKY MOODY

DAVID L. MOTLEY

VICTOR MUSGROVE

DAVID I. ODOM

EMIOLA JAY ORIOLA

KYLE PERDUE

ROBERT J. POWELL

DWAYNE RANKIN

RICHARD A. STEWART JR.

JAMES E. TAYLOR, PHD

JOSH TAYLOR

TERRELL THOMAS

DARRYL T. WILEY

PHILLIP K. WOODS, EDD

JAMAL WOODSON

AYODEJI YOUNG

JALAL BLACK SR.

Owner, Murphy’s Master Clean, LLC CEO, BreatheLife Mentoring

Jalal Black Sr. was born and raised in Braddock, and is a graduate of Woodland Hills High School. He is the current site supervisor for CURE Violence at Greater Valley Community Services. After overcoming setbacks because of bad decisions made as a young adult, Black has transformed himself into an advocate against violence, a youth mentor, and a small business owner.

As the owner of Murphy’s Master Clean, his company has provided its cleaning services to clients in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties since 2018.

Prior to his current position as a site supervisor at Greater Valley Community Services, he worked as a violence interrupter and outreach worker for the Office of Violence Prevention at the Allegheny County Health Department. Black’s passion and commitment to working with high-risk individuals who were likely to be involved in violence led him to creating BreatheLife Mentoring. BreatheLife’ s mission is to resuscitate morals, principles and family values which are seemingly non-existent and to inspire the youth to choose life over death.

Over the past 10 years, Black has been active in the community by working with the youth, volunteering as a football and basketball coach for the Braddock Tigers and Swissvale-Braddock Wolverines. As a member of Greater Valley Coalition Against Violence, Black has collaborated with numerous local organizations to help organize and participate in community events such as the General Braddock Basketball Tournament and Toy Drive, Infinite Mind and Body Youth Athletic Training Camp and the 1st Annual BreatheLife Mother’s Day Bash.  Black enjoys spending time with friends and family, exercising and traveling. A proud father of four, Black believes that fatherhood stretches outside of the walls of his own home, which is why he’s dedicated to being a strong male figure in the community.

DAY BRACEY

Founder, Barrel & Flow Fest Co-Host, Drinking Partners Podcast—Ed & Day In the Burgh

Day Bracey is a comedian, co-host of the award-winning Drinking Partners podcast, Ed & Day in The Burgh TV series, and founder of Barrel & Flow Fest. When he isn’t freelance drinking, he’s paying Black people and trolling bigots online.

Class of 2014 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREES

HONORABLE JUSTIN M. JOHNSON

HONORABLE LIVINGSTONE

JOHNSON

HONOREES

EMMAI ALAQUIVA

CASTER D. BINION

CECIL E. BRAZOS III

REGINALD E. BROWN, F.A.H.M.

COUNCILMAN REV.

RICKY V. BURGESS

BISHOP OTIS L. CARSWELL

WINFORD R. CRAIG

PARADISE GRAY

ELWIN GREEN

JEFFREY GRUBBS

PAUL TERRANCE HARPER, PhD

EUGENE E. HARRIS

GEORGE HOWARD

MELVIN HUBBARD EL

LANCE HYDE

BILLY JACKSON

CHARLES CHERNOR

JALLOH

KEVIN L. JENKINS

REV. THOMAS E. JOHNSON JR.

REV. CORNELL D. JONES

DARRYL E. JONES

R. BLAINE JONES II ESQ.

ABASS B. KAMARA

BRANDIN KNIGHT

BOB McCALL

EVERETT M. McELVEEN

NATE MITCHELL

RICHARD L. MORRIS

JOSIFANI MUNYIKA

MOYO BS, MS

K. CHASE PATTERSON

DR. CHENITS PETTIGREW JR.

CLYDE WILSON PICKETT

CURTISS E. PORTER, PHD

RICHARD G. PORTIS

JAMES REID

GREGORY T. ROGERS, JD

CHARLES A. SAUNDERS

PASTOR MICHAEL H.

SMITH, M.A.R., CPC

ERIC C. STRONG

J. T. THOMAS

PAGE THOMAS

FRANK C. WALKER II

WAYNE N. WALTERS

HOMER L. WALTON ESQ.

JESSE WASHINGTON

HONORABLE RALPH P. WATSON

DERRICK WILSON

REGINALD B. YOUNG

REV. GARY L. BROCK SR.

Senior Pastor, Narrow Way International Ministries

Owner, GLB Pest Control

Pastor Gary Lee Brock Sr., was born May 24, 1961, the fourth child of five sons to Evangelist Avis Brock and the Late John Isaiah Brock. He is a graduate of Penn Hills High School and Moody Bible College.

Pastor Brock has always been in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), where he has worked tirelessly from an early age. He sang in the choir, played the drums and organ as well as maintaining and overseeing the upkeep of the church. He has been the Superintendent of the Sunday School and the YPWW President. A true servant of God, Pastor Brock accepted Christ at the age of 13, and was delivering the unadulterated Word of God at the age of 15, while under the pastorate of Elder W. R. Shields, Morningside COGIC.

After the passing of Pastor Shields, Pastor Brock’s ministry expanded to Gate of Heaven, COGIC; The Faith Center COGIC and finally under the tutelage of Pastor D.J. Ewell, First Church of God in Christ, Beltzhoover. Upon the passing of Pastor Ewell, Bishop James Miles Foster appointed him Pastor and Shepherd of 1st Church

WADE BROWN

Paraprofessional, Mon Valley School Head Football Coach, Monessen High School

Wade Brown, a 1994 graduate of Duquesne High School, has worked for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit at Mon Valley School for 22 years working with special needs students from various spectrums. He has worked with autistic children to emotional support students ranging in age from 5-21. His job is very rewarding to him in the fact that it’s a different world from which most people see on a day-to-day basis. It’s a tough and special job that Brown loves to do to make a difference in the kids’ lives.

Brown also has coached the youth in football for the past 18 years on various levels. He started his coaching journey at Duquesne Youth Football Association, serving as coach for 14 years (2006-2019) and president for 8 years (2015-2022). He coached middle school football at South Allegheny for 3 years (2016-2018). He was an assistant at West Mifflin High School (2019-2020) and is now Head Coach at Monessen High School, which Brown feels is just as important and needed as his job working in the school.

Working with the youth has made Brown understand the importance of leading kids in the right direction, as he is proud to say what he does on a daily basis.

now named, Narrow Way International Ministries, COGIC, where he serves the Lord with his whole heart.

Pastor Brock has gifts of Prophecy, Preaching and Teaching the Right Word of God. He is actively involved in the community and has a heart for all of God’s people.  Pastor Brock has traveled many places preaching the Word of God, giving hope to the hopeless, helping each one understand their purpose and the promises given to them by God. He is very active in Beltzhoover, striving to build the Kingdom of God with those that fear the Lord. He continues to visit the sick and infirmed, praying for all those in need of a little more Jesus!

In 2001, Pastor Brock became the senior Pastor of The First COGIC, now Narrow Way International Ministries.

As of February 2014, Pastor Brock has entered into full-time ministry, having retired from Pittsburgh Regional Transit after over 28 years of service as an Urban Transit Operator.

Pastor Brock is the proud father of four children, grandfather (Pap-Pap) of 14.

Psalm 24:7 – “Lift up your heads, O ye gates! And be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.”

Class of 2012 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

AARON A. WALTON

HONOREES

LOUIS T. ALEXANDER

LARRY D. ANDERSON SR.

DAVID J. ATKINS

KEVIN BOLDING

TYYRONE BROOKS

ARCHIE L. BROWN

COACH WILLIAM BROWN

TONY BYERS PHD

WILLIAM M. CARTER JR.

JONAS CHANEY

CHARLES COOK

FREDERICK B. CRAWFORD

WAVERLY DUCK

ERVIN DYER

ERIC EWELL

BISHOP JOSEPH L.

GARLINGTON SR. PHD

JUAN GARRETT

PASTOR GREGORY

GREENE

STEVEN GRIFFIN

STANLEY HOLBROOK

CDR. ERIC HOLMES

RODNEY K. HOPSON PHD

ELLIOT HOWSIE, ESQ.

CALVIN L. JACKSON JR.

BRANDON R. JENNINGS

VINCENT O. JOHNSON

CHIEF CHARLES R. JONES JR.

FREDRICK O.

KENDRICK PHD

JOHN R. LAYMON JR.

REV. DR. LAMAR D. LEE JR.

BRACE S. LOWE

FREDERICK A MASSEY JR.

DARREN MCCORMICK

JESSE JAMES MCLEAN JR.

LINWOOD MITCHELL

LARRY C. PICKETT

CHARLES M. POWELL SR.

JULIUS LEE REDD

FREDERICK REDMOND

LARRY S. SMEDLEY

HARVEY JAMES SMITH JR.

KERRY A STITH

WILL THOMPKINS

DR. ROBERT L. THOMPSON

DR. MORRIS E. TURNER

EUSTACE UKU

CHRISTOPHAS WALKER

RICARDO J. WILLIAMS

DAVID A. YOUNG

AUBREY BRUCE CEO Urban Pulse Network

Aubrey Bruce, the Founder and CEO of Urban Pulse Network, has been a fixture on the sports journalism and entertainment scene since the mid-1970s. His journalism career began with the New Pittsburgh Courier and has spanned the better part of four decades. He has served as a correspondent for the publication covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates, as well as multiple NFL Super Bowls, NFL Pro Bowls, and MLB All-Star games and playoffs. In 1975, he founded Vision Agency and SeaStorm Sports & Entertainment Group, alongside the great New York City bassist, Christopher Dean Sullivan (formerly of Pittsburgh). The pair have singularly and collectively produced live performances and performed alongside such artists as George Benson, Chick Corea, Jean Luc-Ponty, Diane Reeves, Pieces of a Dream, Stanley Clark, George Duke, Al DiMeola, and Lenny White. Bruce was also the lead vocalist/frontman for D.T. & The Shakers featuring Cordell Dudley, the former lead guitarist for the late great rock and R&B icon, Betty Davis. The Shakers also featured saxophonist Steve Torok. Torok went on to become a future music director and arranger on

‘two’ musical reality hit television shows:

“The Voice’ and “American Idol.”

While booking acts through ABC Booking Agency in NYC, Bruce secured concert dates for the legendary jazz vibraphonist, Roy Ayers, and Ubiquity featuring the late great Pittsburgh trumpeter, John (squirrel) Mosley, pop/jazz vocalist Angela Bofill, jazz icon Chuck Mangione, saxophonist, Marion Meadows, SpyroGyra, War and Norman Connors.

At the ripe young age of 70, Bruce continues as a sportswriter, producer, and promoter.

REX A. BURTON III

Safety Supervisor

Pittsburgh Mercy

Rex Adrian Burton III started his career as Assistant Chief of Security for The Reubenstein Company at Parkway Center offices in Green Tree. In 1988, he was in charge of 28 safety officers at a ten-building campus. During this 20year career, Burton worked with Green Tree police in providing security, keying the locks, performing fire drills and providing safe environment to staff and consumers.

During these two decades, five beautiful daughters were born; Sontia, Clyne, Sondrea, Saadia and Sasha. After the complex was sold, he started working with Pittsburgh Mercy Behavioral for the past 15 years. His current role is safety supervisor with about 23 safety officers. This organization works with everything from mental health to alcohol and drugs. The organization also works with the homeless population to provide everything from support to housing and jobs in many cases. This job has let him share his positive energy with others as well as learning how to be stronger with God and treating each and every person with dignity and respect.  The Pittsburgh area is loaded with talent and the homeless population has shown him that there are

some hidden gems that need to shine if given the chance.

Burton’s hobbies include writing both poetry and songs and spending time with his two awesome grandchildren, Ona Lisa and Nassir. Burton’s parents are Rex Jr. and Sandra Burton along with his traveling nurse sister, Tawnya Criswell.

He’s also close to his brother, Keith (Rhonda) and cousin, Lashawn Burton, Faulk Executive director in Manchester on the North Side. Burton’s favorite saying when times get tough and challenging is from his Gram Burton: “This too shall pass.”

Class of 2011

Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

ERIC W. SPRINGER ESQ.

HONOREES

KENNY BLAKE

MEL BLOUNT

SCOTT L. BROWN

MARIO C. BROWNE

KIRK M. BRUCE

CARLOS T. CARTER

FRANK G. CHESTER

GREGORY JAMES

COLLIER SR.

JAMAAL CRAIG

CHARLES T. CURRY PHD

LEE DAVIS

FREDERICK DOUGLAS SR.

BARON ‘B.B.’ FLENORY

JOHN L. FORD SR.

AARON GIBSON

KEVIN GIBSON, MD

REV. GLENN G. GRAYSON SR.

EDWARD J. GREENE

L. C. GREENWOOD

UHURU HOTEP ED.D.

ROGER HUMPHRIES

KENNETH L. HUSTON

CHRIS IVEY

STEFFAN R. JOHNSON

THEODORE W. JOHNSON

HERBERT V.R.P. JONES

PHD

JOSEPH J. KENNEDY IV

ANDREW M. LEE

ALBERT MERRITT

TY MILLER

KENNETH J. NESBIT

SAIHOU OMAR NJIE

PAULO NZAMBI

GRADY ROBERTS JR. PHD

ANTHONY G. ROBINS PHD

ROBERT ‘ROCK’ ROBINSON

HON. WILLIAM RUSSELL ROBINSON

HOWARD A. RUSSELL JR.

PASTOR TIM SMITH

MARK CLAYTON SOUTHERS

RICHARD W. TAYLOR ESQ.

JOE WILLIAM TROTTER JR.

DWAN B. WALKER

KEVIN WATSON

GEORGE A. WEBB SR.

CHARLES WHITE

JOHN WILSON III

RICHARD WITHERSPOON

JASIRI X

IN MEMORIAM

JOHN ADAMS

DAVE EPPERSON

ARMON GILLIAM

EL GRAY

NATE SMITH

JEFF CAPEL

Men’s Basketball Head Coach University of Pittsburgh

Jeff Capel is entering his sixth season at the University of Pittsburgh after being announced as the 16th men’s basketball head coach in program history, March 28, 2018. Capel owns a 237-191 record as a head coach at Pitt (2018-present), Oklahoma (2006-11), and VCU (2002-06) with four NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight trip with Oklahoma in 2008.

Last season, Capel garnered ACC Coach of the Year as well as USBWA and NABC Dis trict Coach of the Year accolades after leading Pitt to a 24-12 record overall, including a 14-6 mark in ACC play. The Panthers won a pair of NCAA Tournament games, while setting school records for three-point field goals and free throw percentage.

He has been instrumental in the de velopment of 18 first-round picks in the NBA Draft during his coaching tenure, including 10 lottery picks. Capel has also recruited 23 McDon ald’s All-America selections and helped build six top-10 recruiting classes.

Capel also spent seven seasons at Duke University (2011-18), includ ing the final four seasons as associ ate head coach under Mike Krzyze wski. In that span, he helped guide

the Blue Devils to a 200-55 (.784) record, seven NCAA Tournament appearances, the 2017 ACC Tournament championship and the 2015 National Championship. In that time, Capel also helped secure commitments from 19 McDonald’s All-Americans as Duke signed a top-two class in each of the past five years, including the top class in 2014, 2015 and 2018.

Capel played a prominent role with USA Basketball during Krzyzewski’s last four years as head coach of the U.S. National Team. After serving as a court coach and scout for the squad in 2013, Capel was a staff assistant for the USA’s gold-medal effort at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain and the United States’ unprecedented run to a third consecutive gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Capel also has head coaching experience with USA Basketball. In the summer of 2010, he led a USA team, featuring NBA All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Bradley Beal, to the gold medal at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship in San Antonio, Texas. He was also an assistant coach for the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 2005 World University Games in Turkey.

ther of three children; Duane, Latesha and Donte and he is the grandfather of seven grandchildren.

Class of 2010

Honorees

LEGACY HONOREES

WENDELL G.

FREELAND ESQ.

ROBERT L. PITTS

ROBERT R. LAVELLE (POSTHUMOUSLY)

HONOREES

CURTIS AIKEN

KEVIN AMOS

JAMES J. BARNES ESQ.

JOHN BETTIS III

T. RASHAD

BYRDSONG

KEVIN W. CAMERON

ANDREW CHEESEBORO

JOHN J. CLARK

RYAN CLARK

ROBIN COLE

CLARENCE F. CURRY

ERIC DICKERSON

THOMAS W.

DOUGLAS

DARNELL DREWERY

DR. STEVEN EVANS

CARLO ANTON

FONTENOT

EDWARD GAINEY

LOUIS M. GOMEZ

HAROLD HAYES

TERRANCE HAYES

Bishop Lee C. Carter Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 22, 1955, to Hattie H. Hall and the Rev. L.C. Carter Sr., who later married Dorothea Bridges, affectionally known as Mother Carter.

He moved to Pittsburgh at a young age. Bishop graduated from Westinghouse High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Maryland and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He holds an associate and a bachelor’s degree in divinity from Erie Bible College where he is currently studying to earn his master’s degree in Theology.

Bishop Carter was ordained as a deacon at age 16 by his father, Rev. L.C. Carter Sr., who was the Founder and Pastor of the New Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Homewood. He was also Interim Pastor of New Grace from 2006 thru 2009.

Bishop Lee C. Carter Jr. served in the United States Armed Forces for six years and received the Army Accommodations Medal during Operation Steel Scorpion. He is a Vietnam Veteran and is proud to have served his country. Bishop worked for Greyhound for 14 years. He also worked for the United Parcel Service for 23 years and retired on August 1, 2015. Bishop is currently on the Executive Board of Faith and Blue, a national organization of police and clergy. He is married to Elder Ellen, and he is the fa-

Bishop Lee C. Carter Jr. was called to Pastor Lily Baptist Church in 1988 and remained there until 1999 when God touched him and gave him a vision. In January 1999, Bishop Carter became Pastor and Founder of the King of Kings Baptist Ministries. He first ministered from his home in Monroeville, and there were 15 people in attendance. Three months later the congregation moved into its present-day worship facility at 5169 Broad Street in Pittsburgh. The congregation has grown since its conception.

Bishop Lee C. Carter Jr. was the Western District Overseer for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of Pa. for 13 years. He was the 1st Assistant to the State Bishop for five years. In April 2015, Bishop Lee C. Carter was elevated as the State Overseer of Pennsylvania for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. On June 26, 2017, Bishop Lee C. Carter Jr. was consecrated and now serves as the Bishop for the State of Pennsylvania for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International.

Bishop Carter’s favorite scripture is II Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Bishop Carter does not just preach and teach the Word; He lives the Word!

NEDDIE C. HOLLIS

MSW, LCSW

SHELDON L. INGRAM

REED D. KIMBROUGH

ELIE KIHONIA

ROBERT KINDRED

R. DANIEL LAVELLE

REV. DR. LORAN E. MANN

ALEX MATTHEWS

DWIGHT MAYO

A. FULTON MEACHEM JR.

MAX F. MILLER

THOMAS A. MOTLEY

TONY NORMAN

LEON D. PAMPHILE

PHD

DARREN K. PARR ESQ.

ALAN D. PERRY

JAMES L. RICE

VICTOR A. ROQUE

WILLIAM T. SIMMON ESQ.

WINSTON M. SIMMONDS

TERRY M. SMITH

LYNN SWANN

JOHN TATE

FRANK L. TORBERT JR.

JOHN M. WALLACE JR.

PHD

LOUIS E. WALLER III

ROB WILSON

BISHOP LEE C. CARTER JR.

Pastor and Founder King of Kings Baptist Ministries

ROSS CHAPMAN

Chief of Operations and Park Equity Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Ross Chapman joined the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy as the Director of Park Operations and Civic Partnerships on November 8, 2021, and was then promoted to Chief of Operations and Park Equity. In this created role, Chapman supports the mission, vision, and overall advancement of the Parks Conservancy and provides strategic leadership on all matters related to creating and maintaining an excellent and inclusive park system.

Chapman is a Pittsburgh native who has worked for the City of Pittsburgh since 2010. He was initially hired into the role of Program Supervisor within the City of Pittsburgh’s Human Resources workforce development division and later promoted to Assistant Director. Most recently, he served as the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Before joining the City of Pittsburgh, Chapman worked for the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh as the Assistant Director of Exhibits. He has also worked within the University of Pittsburgh’s Physics Department. Chapman has a combined 25 years of experience in both the non-profit and public sectors.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree

SAM CLANCY SR.

Director of Varsity Letter Club University of Pittsburgh

Sam Clancy Sr. is in his 14th year directing the University of Pittsburgh’s Varsity Letter Club (VLC). In this capacity, Clancy is responsible for athletics alumni relations, engagement and connecting “Forever Panthers” with current Pitt student-athletes.

However, Clancy’s Pitt association and impact date back well before his current administrative career.

Considered one of the greatest athletes

MELVIN C. CHERRY JR., MSW

Field Assistant Professor University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

in Interior Design from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and recently completed Gold Belt Certification coursework in process improvement. For the last four years, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy as an ex officio member.

Chapman is passionate about his family, including his two young children, Mazie and Coleton, as well as traveling, hiking, and gardening. He currently resides in Morningside.

Melvin C. Cherry Jr. is a Field Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and is responsible for teaching and coordinating field experiences for the next generation of social workers. He also cultivates relationships and provides training for the School of Social Work community partners. Cherry has the great opportunity to serve BASW and MSW students. He is the field advisor for BASW students and the field and academic advisor for MSW students. He coordinates field experience for students interested in integrated healthcare, mental health, as well as generalist placements for first-year MSW and BASW students.

Cherry also serves as an adjunct professor at the Community College of Allegheny County, a position he has held for close to 10 years.

He is a proud native and resident of the Historic Hill District. He is an alumnus of Central Catholic High School. He holds a BA in Mathematics from Saint Vincent College, an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, and is an EdD candidate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education.

He is a member of Homewood AME Zion Church, member of the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons Golden Gate Lodge No. 33 and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.

Cherry first gives honor to God for all the many blessings God has done in his life; then his parents, Melvin Sr. and Rebecca for their hard work and dedication to shaping him into the man he is today.

Cherry’s greatest titles are husband and father. He is a devoted husband of almost 13 years to his loving wife, Latonia Cherry. Together, they have four children; Shataya (23), Melrina (9), Lehlani (5), and Melvin III (4). One of Cherry’s proudest moments as a father was awarding his oldest daughter, Shataya, with her BASW and MSW degrees from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

the city of Pittsburgh has ever produced, Sam “Bam” Clancy was a four-year basketball starter for the Panthers from 1977-81, averaging 14.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. He is the only Pitt player to score more than 1,000 points (1,671) and grab over 1,000 rebounds (1,362) in a career. His decorated basketball career earned him selection to the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame and Pitt’s All-Centennial Men’s Basketball Team (1905-2006). He additionally was named an Awardee of Distinction by the Pitt Varsity Letter Club.

Clancy was drafted by two different professional sports leagues: the NBA’s Phoenix Suns (1981) and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks (1982), the latter occurring even though he never played collegiate football. A proud native of the Hill District, Clancy starred at old Fifth Avenue High School, leading the basketball team to a state championship as a junior in 1976. Following Fifth Avenue’s closure, he went to Brashear High School and was a member of its first graduating class in 1977.

Clancy’s legacy was honored on June 24, 2023, when the City of Pittsburgh declared it “Sam Clancy Day” and unveiled a street sign, “Sam Clancy Way,” at the corner of Bedford Avenue and Roberts Street in the Hill.

Clancy presently resides in Oakdale with his wife, Terri. Between them they have five children: Sam Jr., Samantha, Samario, Evann and Samarcus. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Class of 2009

Honorees

RICHARD ADAMS

DAVID ALLEN

ROBERT ALLEN JR.

TODD ALLEN

DAVID ANDERSON

ERIC ANDERSON

JEFFREY ANDERSON

TONY ATWATER

RANDALL BACON

JOSEPH BAILEY SR.

PASTOR JASON BARR JR.

WILLIAM BATES

ROBERT BOULWARE

RANDOLPH

BROCKINGTON

RUSSELL BYNUM

FLOYD CEPHAS

RODERICK CRAIGHEAD

REX CRAWLEY

DR. REV. WILLIAM CURTIS

EVAN FRAZIER

RICHARD GARLAND

WILLIAM GENERETT JR.

SEAN GIBSON

CHARLES GLADNEY

LAURENCE GLASCO

REV. MARCUS HARVEY

WILLIAM HAWTHORNE

DAVID HOPKINS

DAVIE HUDDLESTON

RONALD HUNT

MICHAEL JASPER

JAMES JOHNSON JR.

RODNEY JONES

ERIC KELLY (Posthumous)

MARK LEWIS

MARC LITTLE

WILLIAM NEAL SR.

EDMUND NELSON

RONALD PORTER

REP. JOSEPH PRESTON JR.

MILTON RAIFORD

RAMON RUSTIN

CHARLES SANDERS

LUTHER SEWELL HOWARD

SLAUGHTER JR.

WALTER SMITH JR.

DEE THOMPSON

IRVIN WILLIAMS

OSCAR WORTHY

JUDGE JOSEPH WILLIAMS III

HENRY ‘HANK’ COMMODORE

Founder, Help the Needy Not the Greedy Supporter, The Youth Program

Hank Commodore, a native of Ford City, Pa., played basketball at Northwestern from 1967-71. He remains the school’s all-time male scoring leader with 1,865 points. He holds six other marks, including most field goals in a game with 17, most field goals attempted in a game with 33, most field goals attempted in a career with 1,770, most free throws in a career with 423 and most free

throws attempted in a career with 575. Commodore was MVP of the Roundball Classic in 1967 and starred at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Commodore was named to the second team all-Oklahoma Collegiate Conference squad in 1968-69, 1969-70 and 1970-71. He was an NAIA honorable mention all-American after his senior year. In addition, he signed a professional

Class of 2008

Honorees

ROBERT O. AGBEDE

basketball contract with the Carolina Cougars after he was selected in the 13th round of the NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Commodore signed with the Cougars before being drafted into the Army. Later, he became a national ping-pong champion and was nominated to try out for the Olympics.

After returning home from the Army, he eventually settled in as guidance counselor and basketball coach at Valley High School. It was those experiences, he said, coupled with his mother’s influence, that built into him, even in retirement, an urgency to share the idea of loving kindness.

Help the Needy, Not the Greedy was first started in 2007 and according to Commodore, founder and chairman, it has given away more than $3 million in furniture to those who are less fortunate. For more than 20 years, he began purchasing furniture from a local store and giving it out. Now he receives furniture donations from stores.

BRIAN A. COOK SR. Director of Communications & Marketing Central Catholic High School

Brian A. Cook Sr. is an Emmy-nominated international journalist and documentary filmmaker. He owns Golden Sky Media Company, a multimedia company specializing in video production and photography. An experi enced multimedia business owner with a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry, he is skilled in integrated marketing, news writing, editing, journalism, and public speaking.

Cook is President of the Pitts burgh Black Media Federation (Pittsburgh chapter of the Nation al Association of Black Journal ists), which won National Profes sional Chapter-of-the-Year honors in 2015 and 2017.

Cook is also a freelance journal ist with the New Pittsburgh Courier, 90.5 WESA, The Brookings Insti tution, WQED, NBCNews.com, and more, and is a professional sports photog rapher within the breadth of the National Football League.  He has also reported

from several national conventions and significant events, including the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony, Super Bowls 40 through 47, and the NBA All-Star Game, to name a few. He is an occasional television sports analyst covering the NFL and has covered the NFL since 2005.

Cook’s communications prowess landed him as the Director of Communications and Marketing for Central Catholic High School, of which he is a 1998 graduate, serving as the communications strategy and content lead while building admissions and marketing communications to the Pittsburgh region. His responsibilities include being Editor-in-Chief and lead writer for the school’s magazine publication, The Quadrangle, which has a circulation of 19,000.  Cook is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and most importantly, the proud father to Brian Cook Jr., who is the light of his life!

TY ALEXANDER

DR. CHRISTOPHER ALLEN

MALIK BANKSTON

NEAL A. BARCLAY

SAMUEL W. BLACK

MARK A. BRENTLEY SR.

OLIVER W. BYRD

F. DAVID COLEMAN

TERRY COLLIER

DR. LARRY E. DAVIS

RILEY DAVIS

JAMES C. DIGGS

DWAYNE DOLPHIN

EDMUND D. EFFORT, DDS

CHIEF NATHAN HARPER

FRANCO HARRIS

LEON HAYNES III

ROBERT HILL

DR. ALEXANDER JOHNSON

TIMOTHY H. JOHNSON

CLYDE B. JONES III

ROBERT D. JONES

REV. DR. HAROLD T. LEWIS

JERRY LOPES

GLENN MAHONE, ESQ.

ERIC K. MANN

GEORGE L. MILES JR.

CHRISTOPHER T. MOORE

THADDEUS MOSLEY

ALEXANDER NICHOLS JR.

SYLVESTER PACE

THEODORE ROBERTS JR.

VINCE SIMS

CHAUNCEY W. SMITH

GREGORY R. SPENCER

KENNETH SPRUILL

SAMUEL J. STEPHENSON

TIM STEVENS

ANDREW STOCKEY

WILLIAM STRICKLAND

MIKE TOMLIN

SALA UDIN

JW WALLACE

AARON A. WALTON

DeWITT WALTON

ALONZO W. WEBB JR.

DWIGHT WHITE (POSTHUMOUSLY)

JOHN M. WILDS

JUDGE DWAYNE D.

WOODRUFF

NICK M. DANIELS

Founding Artistic Director

D.A.N.A. Movement Ensemble (Dancers Against Normal Actions)

Considered to be a Pittsburgh pioneer in exploring race and sexual identity, Nick M. Daniels is the founding Artistic Director of the D.A.N.A. Movement Ensemble (Dancers Against Normal Actions) which he started in 1991 after attaining his BFA in Dance from Slippery Rock University. He reemerged after a 20-plus-year hiatus. Since returning in 2016, his choreographic style is inspired by African, modern  global  movement and contemporary styles based on pure raw emotion. His creativity often entices the use of self-realized soundscapes and video imagery. Through the years he has continuously developed and has toured nationally and abroad to favorable reviews and accolades including the FRESHWORKS Residency in 2023, The Young-Howse Theater Award for Movement Artist of the Year, a work commissioned by Nandanik Dance; and  the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Preserving Diverse Cultures Grant. This year brings on continued opportunities for Daniels in Europe, and Central and South America.

EMMANUEL RAMON DEANDA

Educator, Propel Schools

Emmanuel “Manny” DeAnda is a singer/songwriter/producer/performer/educator. Born in Pittsburgh and a graduate of Westinghouse High School, his music journey began locally in 1999 with the founding of the boy band “Crave.” The local success story consisted of himself and two of his former classmates. Crave had huge local success in Pittsburgh with the support from radio station WAMO, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and citywide support. This support pushed Crave to become the #1 selling R&B group of all-time in Pittsburgh. In 2007, Crave received the Key to The City

CRAIG DAWSON

Vice President & Podcast Host Soul Pitt Media

Craig L. Dawson is the Vice President of Advertising and Marketing for Soul Pitt Media Print and internet platforms. Renowned as one of Pittsburgh’s fore most advertising and marketing execu tives, Dawson is not only the esteemed host of the highly popular podcast, Soul Pitt Media Health and Business Report, but also serves as a marketing consul tant for Jonny Goood, the talented Bass player for Lady Gaga.

Throughout his career, Dawson has worked with prominent entertainers such as Jamie Foxx, Chris Tucker, and D.L. Hughley, as well as esteemed or ganizations like BET. Addi tionally, he has had the privilege of working alongside celebrated Pittsburgh Steeler greats including Barry Foster, Greg Lloyd, Yancey Thigpen, Earl Holmes and Casey Hampton.

presented by former mayor Luke Ravenstahl, as well as a proclamation annually recognizing July 21st as “Crave Day” in Pittsburgh. Emmanuel received national attention by joining popular boy band Pretty Ricky in 2008.

Touring the country and abroad, Deanda has made seven appearances on BET’s 106 & Park, The Monique Show in its inaugural season, as well as several music collaborations with major artists such as Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Keke Wyatt, H-Town and Jodeci to name a few. Deanda has worked for local community-based organizations The YMCA Lighthouse Project, 1Hood Media and is currently serving as a Creative Arts Educator for Hip-Hop on L.O.C.K. and Propel Schools. At Propel, Deanda serves as an instructor, teaching the scholars about the history of Hip-Hop, songwriting, music production and video production. Since Deanda’s arrival, HipHop on L.O.C.K. has been the most requested creative arts program within the Propel system.

Recently, Deanda has pivoted into entrepreneurship with the creation of 808 Musicc Productions, LLC. Deanda’s skills as a music producer, songwriter, vocal producer, and studio engineer will be the driving force for this independent business venture. Deanda will continue his legacy by impacting the youth through music and education.

Owner, 808 Musicc Productions, LLC

ANDREW DIXON, M.Ed.

Lead Science Teacher

LIFE Male STEAM Academy

DION DUPREE

Andrew Dixon, M.Ed, is the Lead Science Teacher at LIFE Male STEAM Academy. Originally from Lynchburg, Virginia, he graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and earned a master’s degree in secondary education from Chestnut Hill University in Philadelphia. He’s also a member of the Homewood Church of Christ. With 16 years of teaching experience, Dixon has had the opportunity to teach science in various locations throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

At the age of 15, his mother’s passing became a transformative moment that set him on a lifelong path of learning. This journey led him to become a teacher and advocate for young people, providing them with science education and supporting their social-emotional growth for success in today’s society. Dixon has been happily married to his wife, April, for nine years, and are Pittsburgh residents. Dixon’s passion lies in educating and inspiring young minds to become exceptional individuals.

Throughout his career, he has developed and implemented engaging and

comprehensive curriculum materials for a range of science subjects, such as biology, anatomy, and environmental science. Dixon says he’s well-versed in utilizing instructional design strategies to create effective online learning experiences. “One of my areas of expertise is project-based learning, where I have designed and facilitated hands-on activities to cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills among my students. I have successfully implemented the Engineering Design Process, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and develop practical solutions,” Dixon says.

In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Dixon has actively contributed to initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the teaching profession. He has also built strong relationships with external organizations, offering mentorship and networking opportunities to support teachers from underrepresented backgrounds.

As an educator, his goal is to equip students with scientific knowledge and life skills that will empower them to thrive in the modern world. “I believe in creat-

ing a brighter future by empowering the next generation. At LIFE Male STEAM Academy, I foster an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that encourages active participation and collaboration. Through hands-on experiments and real-world applications, I engage students and ignite their passion for science,” Dixon says.

Beyond academics, Dixon prioritizes students’ personal growth and social-emotional development.

“By providing mentorship and creating a safe space for open communication, I aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who are resilient and prepared for the challenges they will face,” says Dixon. “Teaching is a privilege, and I am wholeheartedly committed to making a positive impact in my students’ lives. With unwavering dedication and a genuine love for education, my aim is to inspire greatness in the next generation.”

CHRISTOPHER FLOYD, A.S.T., BA., MCJ., PhD

music from artists from all over the world.

Dupree also recently acquired his own television network under on Roku. Ur Vision Television can be seen in over 60 million homes through its partnership with Roku and Dupree utilizes his personal relationships with music executives, publicists, booking agents and music industry professionals to provide the highest quality of service for recording artists of all genres.

Dion Dupree is the owner operator of Grind Mode Management, LLC, which is an entertainment business management collective company focused on the creative process of exposing its clients to their respective consumers. Dupree is also the owner/ operator of Grind Mode Music Worldwide, which is a groundbreaking dig-

ital distribution, music marketing, placement and promotion resource center for independent artists.

He recently launched Grind Mode Radio LIVE, a web-based radio station that utilizes the power of live streaming on outlets such as YouTube and Instagram to cover topics and events in the community as well as breaking new

He also is the Executive Director of Grind Mode Multimedia Productions Incorporated, which is a non-profit organization that focuses on free arts entertainment education in music production, photography, videography, radio broadcasting and DJing for youth 10-18.

He recently accepted the position as the School-Community Liaison and Outreach Coordinator for the Penn Hills School District.

Christopher Floyd is the CEO of Rug Lab Carpet Cleaning, and CEO of Recon Trucking and Logistics.

He has numerous degrees. He attended community College of Beaver County, La Roche University, California University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a doctorate degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Human Services from Walden University. He currently sits on numerous criminal justice advisory committees in Pittsburgh. As the CEO of Rug Lab Carpet Cleaning, he oversees 134 employees. With Recon, he oversees 63 employees.

Floyd prides himself with helping offenders to reintegrate back into the community by giving them an opportunity for gainful employment.

Owner & Operator, Grind Mode Management, LLC

School-Community Liaison & Outreach Coordinator, Penn Hills School District

CEO, Rug Lab Carpet Cleaning CEO, Recon Trucking and Logistics

DWAYNE C. FULTON

Music Producer/Composer President, SOULYFE Entertainment

Dwayne Fulton is the founder and Chief Executive of Kingdom People Productions Inc., (1999) and SouLyfe Entertainment (2003).

He has produced and co-produced over seven musical projects moving well over 10,000 units to date.

In 2017, Fulton composed his first full-length opera with the Pittsburgh Festival Opera Theatre, “A Gathering of Sons.” This production was met with such success that the last performance was filmed and produced to be aired nationally on PBS four times in 2018. This production also won a Bronze medal in the 2019 New York Festivals and International TV & Film Awards.

In December 2018, Fulton composed his second full-length opera with the Trilogy Opera Company of Newark, N.J.

Fulton also composed the theatrical background music for a production in Pittsburgh called “Savior Samuel” with the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company in March 2019. In 2021, Fulton composed the music score for “The Martinsville 7” with Trilogy Opera Company that was submitted for a Pulitzer Prize.

Currently he is composing and arranging music for two musicals: “Shantytown; The Ballad of Father James Cox,” and

“Our Song,” a DEMASKUS production and an opera, “BUMPY, The Ballad Of Bumpy Johnson.”

Fulton is entering into movie scoring and soundtracks by scoring the music for a local movie in Pittsburgh, “House of Stones,” a Redwood Media Production (to be released in 2023). Fulton co-founded “The Mt. Ararat Baptist Church Community Center Arts Academy” (MACAC Arts Academy), where students age 10-18 will learn the various disciplines of the arts world, such as music, dance, stage performance, media, and studio recording.

ERIC HARPER Building Principal

Duquesne K-8 School

Eric Harper is a fiercely dedicated and impassioned leader and a devoted advocate of children. He has served as the Duquesne City School District’s principal since 2019. Under Harper’s leadership, the Duquesne City School District has orchestrated an unprecedented comeback story, returning seventh and eighth grade students and athletics programs over the past two years. Prior to their return, those students went to neighboring districts for over 10 years, as mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Harper has helped lead the Duquesne City School District’s creative, innovative approach to education.  For their efforts, the district was inducted into Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools. In 2022, Harper was chosen as a Pittsburgh Penguins MVP (Most Valuable Principal).

A McKeesport Area High School graduate, Harper attended the University of Cincinnati on a full football scholarship. He graduated from the College of Education with a Criminal Justice degree and a minor in psychology. Later on, Harper completed his master’s program in Administrative Education and received a principal certification (K-12) at Point Park University.

After graduating from the University of

Cincinnati, Harper worked as a therapeutic specialist for the Archdiocese of Greater Cincinnati’s St. Joseph Orphanage for two years.

Returning to Pennsylvania in 2001, he began a career as a vocational counselor for Pittsburgh Job Corps for several years.

Following the Pittsburgh Job Corps, Harper worked for several public schools within the Pittsburgh Public Schools system.

Harper has dedicated his services to the Duquesne City School District for over 15 years, having operated under several different job duties and titles, before becoming the school principal.

MICHAEL JAMES HARPER

Clinical Nurse Associate Primary Care VA Hospital, Pittsburgh

Michael James Harper graduated from Connelley Technical Institute as a Licensed Practical Nurse and Community College of Allegheny County Registered Nursing program. Harper currently works full-time at the VA Hospital of Pittsburgh as a Clinical Nurse Associate; part-time at General Medical Practitioners for Dr. Shipkovitz; and as needed at Corner View nursing home. As someone dedicated to the nursing profession, Harper spent 26 years working at Allegheny General Hospital in various capacities, including his last position as the Corporate Contracting Agent for cardiology and radiology. Harper has also served five years as the nursing manager for the Angelus Convalescent Center as well as a medical nurse for the Allegheny County Department of Corrections and as a drug and alcohol nurse for Pyramid Health.  Harper has received numerous awards for his outstanding performance in the medical profession. Some

PETE HENDERSON

Owner/ Chef

Delbert “Pete” Henderson, owner of Chace’s at Gabriella’s, is from the Hill District. He received his education at Brashear High School and at Community College of Allegheny County. His cooking career started under Eddie Owens of Eddie’s restaurant on Wylie Avenue. This is where he worked for many years, as well as some other well-known establishments in Pittsburgh. Henderson cooked for the famous Encore II Downtown, on Liberty Avenue, as a sous chef at just 17. Or Scotty’s Diner, DeLuca’s Café, Original’s (in Oakland), Asiagos (Johnstown, North Shore), Papa Js of Carnegie, South Side, and Downtown where he worked as sous chef or head cook at the named establishments.

Henderson is also a lifelong member of the North Side Elks Lodge 124 where he served many terms as chairman of the Trustee Board. He also has worked for Puccini Properties of Pittsburgh for 35 years handling apartment units in Shadyside, Oakland, Monroeville, and Murrysville which he maintained with high standards before leaving as Director of Property Maintenance.

Henderson is currently owner of Chace’s BBQ Catering Company and owner of Gabriella’s Gourmet on East Carson Street. Chace’s BBQ Catering Company is one of two catering companies in Pittsburgh in which he catered Uber executives and their technicians with 200 meals a day. Henderson is currently still putting in the hours at Gabriella’s and celebrating Chace’s 10th year in business.

of those awards include the Honorary Sunshine Peer Award, the Star Award, the Secretary for Excellence Award, the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADN) Manager award, and the Anna Ruth Holt Service Award. Additionally, Harper serves with numerous organizations throughout Pittsburgh, most recently serving as the correspondence secretary for the Pittsburgh Black Nurses and serving on the scholarship luncheon and membership committees for the organization as well. He also serves on the committee for the National Black Nurses association. Additionally, he is a member of the Northside Perry Hilltop Citizens Council and the VA Employee Association.

The church has always been a constant presence in Harper’s life. This is most evident in the previous role he held as the president of the United Holy Church Ushers and Nurses Guild for eight years, which serves Pennsylvania and Ohio, and advocates for good health in the Black church.

Currently, Harper serves on the Men’s Health Committee for the Allen’s Place Senior Prom and as the organist and administrator for his local church, First Church of God In Christ (COGIC), in Braddock. Harper’s philosophy and desire are to see men and women healthy and whole.

BONIFACE IGBA

Spiritual Development Coordinator/ New Initiatives

Auberle

make every effort to create an inclusive space/atmosphere where everyone he encounters feels loved, worthy, hopeful, belonged; that someone truly cares about them and that they have purpose and can contribute something to the world

Chace’s at Gabriella’s

RODGER JAY

Peer Support Specialist Foundation of HOPE

Rodger Jay was born on August 25, 1946, and raised in his early years on the North Side. His mother was June Jay and was married to Rufus Jay. Jay is the second of three brothers: his older brother, Ronald (deceased), and his younger brother, Darryl. Their father, Rufus, passed away in 1950 and Rodger Jay’s mother, June, remarried in 1956. As a result of this union, Jay gained two sisters, Lisa and Andrea. Jay’s parents are both deceased. Jay is the proud father of two grown children: Brandon Jay and the Rev. Khalima Jacobs, and the loving, doting grandfather of four granddaughters: Jessica, Khalima, Brandi and Torri. Jay and his wife, Linda, live on the North Side.

Jay led a wayward life, due to an extensive history of active drug and alcohol addiction, and he experienced several of the negative consequences of this lifestyle until he was 40 years of age. As his loving mother used to say, “A hard head makes a soft behind!” Some of these negative consequences included being shot in the head and nearly dying in a “drug deal gone bad” in the Hill District in 1985. Shortly thereafter, Jay spent 25 years in prison where he had the opportunity to practice the spiritual principles of a 12-step program with which he faithfully lives today.

ANTHONY MOCK

Owner/Master Jeweler, Mock & Co. Diamond and Jewelry Owner, Events On Ten

Anthony Mock is a native of Pittsburgh. With over 18 years of jewelry experience and one of the few master jewelers in Pennsylvania. Mock has studied and interned under multiple master bench jewelers, growing his craft and also refining the details of stone setting at New Approach School for Jewelers.

He has spent over 10 years in the wholesale loose diamond business. Buying and selling the best quality diamonds at the possible price for his customers. Making multiple connections with companies all over the world. Bringing the details and quality in getting the best diamonds for jewelry stores, now he brings the same passion to the retail consumer.

Having a passion for luxury jewelry and working for some of the most sought-after companies in the world, Mock knows how the finished product should look and feel for the customer. Whether the customer is spending a hundred dollars or a hundred thousand dollars, the finished product must achieve perfection.

GEORGE C. MCCLURE

Kidney Transplant Advocate Member, Board of Directors—National Kidney Foundation, Serving the Alleghenies

Since returning to the community in 2011, Jay has, and continues, to help hundreds of current and previously incarcerated individuals as a mentor and peer support specialist.

For the past two years, Jay has served full-time as a peer support specialist in the Aftercare Program at Foundation of HOPE, an interfaith non-profit providing resources, services, and support to individuals throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. His wisdom, wit, and pragmatic knowledge of the social and human services network enables him to guide hundreds of people annually to successful re-entry and recovery.

Jay’s personal mantra is: “For the longest time I was a part of the destruction of my community; now my mission is to be a part of the healing of my community.”

George McClure is a champion for kidney transplantation and health. McClure is a three-time kidney transplant recipient who uses his lived experience to serve others.   McClure is a kidney transplant advocate and patient health advocate who works in the community to bring awareness to kidney disease and health. McClure serves on the board of the National Kidney Foundation, Serving the Alleghenies, and works to support the mission and vision of the organization. McClure has a bachelor’s degree in management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. McClure worked for the University of Pittsburgh for 15 years as a senior-level research administrator before retiring in 2020. McClure is the father of two biological sons, two stepsons, and two stepdaughters.

McClure is a devoted and dedicated husband to his wife, Christine, and together they have three beautiful grandchildren.

CLAY MOOREFIELD

CEO, G.O.A.L.S. Oriented Training, LLC Co-Owner, SKNDP,

LLC

Clay Moorefield is a native of Ha zelwood and a graduate of Brashear High School. Moorefield was an honor student and went on to attend Cen tral State University on a partial ac ademic scholarship. After dropping out of college, Moorefield chose a life that would land him in federal pris on. He served two terms totaling 11 years. During his terms he received a certification in HVAC, took college courses from Glen ville State University, and became a certified personal trainer. The latter would turn out to be one of the great -

BRANDON F. MOSBY, F.D.

Brandon F. Mosby, F.D., is the Funeral Director and Owner of Samuel J. Jones Funeral Home where he’s led for over 15 years. His unwavering commitment to exceptional leadership and dedication to serving others with care has earned him a remarkable reputation.

Before embarking on his successful career in the funeral industry, Mosby made significant contributions as a schoolteacher with the Pittsburgh Pub lic Schools district.

In addition to his professional achieve ments, Mosby has also served as the President of the Pittsburgh Area Duffer Golf Organization and was also an ac tive member of the New Hill Dis trict Business Association demonstrating his com mitment to fostering eco nomic growth and com munity development in the Hill District.

Mosby is a proud graduate of both the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Education and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he is deeply connected to the community he serves. Alongside his loving wife, Sabrina, and their son, Lincoln, Brandon Mosby continues to reside in the area.

est decisions he made in his life. Personal training not only provides Moorefield with the ability to provide for his children and family, but it also allowed him to interact with and change the lives of many. He’s trained over a thousand clients in his 10 years in business, which re -

sulted in tons of pounds lost, a multitude of self-esteem raised, and three proclamations from the city and state.

Moorefield is co-owner of SKNDP, LLC, which stands for Success Knows Nothing Disrupts Purpose. This company focuses on shifting the mindset, educating others, and providing resources to individuals looking to change the trajectory of their lives. Being from the inner city and falling into the negative cycle that surrounds Black and brown communities, he understands the need to shift the way a large portion of this population perceives things. Moorefield attributes his mindset shift and positive

KHARI MOSLEY

Democratic Nominee, District 9

Pittsburgh City Council

Khari Mosley is the Democratic Nominee for Pittsburgh City Council in District 9. He is a tireless advocate, innovative problem-solver, and collaborative bridge builder with over 20 years of experience advancing progressive values and electing changemakers to public office.

He is the Political Director for 1Hood Media, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit focusing on arts, education, and social justice. He also serves as the director of the group’s sister organization, 1Hood Power, an advocacy group working on protecting voting rights, reforming the criminal justice system, and engaging new voters to participate in the civic process.

Mosley lives in North Point Breeze with his wife, Chelsa Wagner, an Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge, and their two sons, Thaddeus and Isaiah.

change to the religion of Islam. He says it makes him focus on his areas of growth and not allow what others think to cause him to behave outside of his character.

Moorefield is a father of three— Clay Jr., Calaya and Julian. He enjoys reading, staying fit, educating, and traveling.

Funeral Director and Owner

Samuel J. Jones Funeral Home

RICHARD NEWELL

Senior Loan Manager

Neighborhood Community Development Fund

Richard Newell was born and raised in Homestead and attended Steel Valley High School. He received a basketball scholarship to attend Slippery Rock University and played there for three seasons before transferring to Duquesne University. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he started his career in banking. Newell has 30-plus years of experience and has worked in commercial loan underwriting, retail banking, and commercial lending. He found his niche in commercial lending and excelled in it. Newell worked for PNC Bank as a business banker for the USX Steel and the Hill District branch offices. He was later promoted to Assistant Vice President in business banking while managing the low-to-moderate business loan goal for the SWPA market.

In that role he worked with branch staff and regional management to promote lending opportunities to businesses located in low-to-moderate income communities. During the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020, Newell started a new position as a Senior Loan Officer for the Neighborhood Community Development Fund, formerly known as the Northside Community Development Fund. Just recently he was promoted to Senior Loan Manager and the organization is expanding lending to small businesses throughout Allegheny County. In his current role he uses his strong community relationships and knowledge of commercial lending to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Newell provides business support and technical assistance to current and prospective clients. In addition, he markets loan products by attending and presenting solutions to clients during networking and community development events.

Newell was previously recognized as a KDKA Lift Up Award winner in 2005. In his spare time, he enjoys giving back to his community and supporting non-profit organizations in Allegheny County. Newell has sat on community boards in the past such as the Sickle Cell Foundation. His personal profile would describe him as a man of faith and purpose. He has an 8-year-old daughter named Mila whom he describes as his greatest blessing and motivation.

A native of Rwanda, Jean-Pierre Nsanzabera relocated to Pittsburgh in 2000 after receiving a four-year scholarship from La Roche University’s Pacem in Terris Institute. The institute was established in 1993 to bring students from war-torn and developing nations to study at the then-La Roche College. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2004, he later earned a master’s degree in engineering management at Point Park University. Nsanzabera’s commitment to excellence led to his being selected as a National Society of Black Engineers Board of Corporate Affiliates Scholar & Torchbearer.

Currently a Senior Architect within UPMC’s Information Technology Division, Nsanzabera’s responsibilities include managing the development, maturation, and integration of the organization’s cloud computing architecture.

As an active member of the Pittsburgh community, Nsanzabera takes pleasure in serving others. He serves on the board of Acculturation for Justice, Access, and Peace Outreach (AJAPO), a non-profit with the mission of empowering refugees and immigrants to become self-sufficient and integrated into the Pittsburgh community. He also volunteers with Light of Life Rescue Mission, previously served on the board of the La Roche University Alumni Association, and volunteered with Career Literacy for the Advancement of African American Youth (CLAAY) as a career mentor to middle and high school students.

Actively involved in local technology communities, he joyfully shares his technical expertise and provides guidance to aspiring individuals, particularly young people seeking opportunities within the tech industry.

Nsanzabera earned many awards. For example, in 2018 Global Pittsburgh acknowledged his positive impact on the greater Pittsburgh community by presenting him the Immigrant Community Advocate Award. In 2019, he received La

Roche University’s Distinguished Alumni Circle Award, which honors graduates who have achieved outstanding professional success and demonstrated dedication to community service. His commitment to excellence brought him recognition as a finalist for the Junior Achievement Young Professional Inspiring Success Award. His exemplary dedication and exceptional performance were recognized when he was honored with the 2022 Award for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES), a prestigious accolade bestowed upon UPMC employees who exemplify the organization’s core values and surpass expectations in providing care to UPMC patients, communities, and colleagues.

Nsanzabera enjoys national and international travel, participating in races organized for fundraising, reading, and cherishing moments with his wife, family, friends, and new acquaintances. He attributes his inspiration for volunteering to their contributions. Nsanzabera believes in paying it forward and remains committed to making a difference in the lives of others by actively participating in and positively impacting his community.

JEAN-PIERRE NSANZABERA

Senior Architect UPMC

DR. PHILLIP D. PALMER

Assistant Dean/Affiliated Faculty Duquesne University School of Science and Engineering

Dr. Phillip Palmer serves as the Assistant Dean in the School of Science and Engineering at Duquesne University. In this role, Dr. Palmer is involved in a myriad of activities ranging from recruitment and retention efforts directed at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, college in high school programs, alumni affairs, marketing communications, community engagement and outreach, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, student support services, and strategic planning for the school and university, respectively. He is also involved in undergraduate teaching via his faculty appointment

REV. RAYMOND PORTER JR.

Senior Grievance & Complaints Coordinator, Aetna, a CVS Health company

Executive Pastor, Potter’s House Ministries

Born and raised in Wilkinsburg, Rev. Raymond Porter Jr. accepted Jesus Christ into his life at the age of 10 and began to develop a deep burden for the things of God, which led him to accept his ministry calling at the age of 21. He then began to minister on college campuses, in the streets, prisons, detention centers, workshops and churches. He is a faithful member of Potter’s House Ministries (The Late Bishop Otis L. Carswell, Senior Pastor, Apostle Annette Carswell, Overseer) where he serves as Executive Pastor, and in the Company of 5-fold Leaders (Hebrews 4:11) He has also served as Pastor of New Members, The Presbytery Board, Evangelism Department Head, and a member of the Board of Directors. He was Licensed in 1997, Ordained in 2000, and Consecrated as a Pastor in 2002. He is also a 1999 graduate of the Potter’s House Fellowship Alliance (PFA) School of Ministry.

Rev. Porter is currently a Senior Grievance and Complaint Coordinator at Aetna (a CVS Health company), responsible for fully investigating and resolving oral and written grievances received for all products. The grievances may also: contain multiple issues and may

require coordination of responses from multiple busi ness units; ensure timely, customer focused response to complaints, both oral and written; and identify trends and emerging issues and report and recommend solu tions. Rev. Porter has also had the opportunity to assist in interviewing potential Grievance Coordinator can didates.

Rev. Porter is also a Senior Staff Sportswriter for Ur ban Media Today, where he is responsible for covering the Pittsburgh Steelers, University of Pittsburgh foot ball and basketball games, news conferences, locker room interviews, practices along with writing articles about local/national sports, and other news articles as assigned. Rev. Porter has also covered the first and sec ond rounds of the NCAA Tournament, part of the Selec tion Committee of the Black College World Series, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremonies, and has covered basketball games at Duquesne Uni versity, Robert Morris University, and is a member of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation.

He also is part of the Urban Media Today Talks Sports Podcast. In non-sports media activity, he has interviewed Kelly Rowland, Shanice Wilson, has been a guest writer for the New Pittsburgh Courier and served as a staff writer for The Mount (Mt. Ararat Bap tist Church) Magazine.

Rev. Porter is also an activist, as he has served and marched locally and in Washington, D.C. with the Black Political Empowerment Project/Election Protec tion, Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. He

RAY ROUNDTREE

Senior Vice President of Keystone Region Comcast

In January 2023, Ray Roundtree was named Sr. Vice President of Comcast’s Keystone Region, which serves customers across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. A 22-year veteran of Comcast, this appointment is a “coming home” to Pittsburgh for Roundtree as he served as VP of Finance and Business Operations in this region from 2006 to 2013. Since then, he held multiple leadership roles at Comcast in Florida and Washington D.C.

Roundtree is known for delivering solid financial results, developing cross-functional relationships, and driving process improvement. His broad experience includes running major markets and high-performing teams and he is known for a progressive style of leadership and business acumen. He played a key role in spearheading the company’s “Future of Work” working group to ensure that buildings were ready to welcome employees back to the office after the pandemic. He’s a dedicated supporter of diversity, equity

within the school. Overall, he is tasked with cultivating relationships regionally, nationally, and internationally to create a diverse educational environment that reflects the changing multicultural world in which we live. He has mentored and counseled various student groups including K-12, undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate, and postdoctoral fellows from a wide range of disciplines.

Dr. Palmer brings significant leadership through his academic, and professional experience in basic research, marketing, science education, outreach, academic career development, and diversity/inclusion related initiatives.

Dr. Palmer received his undergraduate degree in zoology and a master’s degree in nutrition and food science from Auburn University. He went on to receive his Ph.D. in biomedical science from Meharry Medical College.

Rev. Porter is happily married for 16 years to Rev. Nicol (Nikki) Porter, who is a 2022 New Pittsburgh cellence Honoree, proud parents of mond Porter graduate of School and

and inclusion, having served as Executive Sponsor for the company’s Black Employee Network (BEN) and co-lead of the Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council.

Roundtree is a proud Penn State graduate, where he played football for the Nittany Lions, and an even prouder dad to his son, Matthew.

DR. SIMEON SAUNDERS

Assistant Dean of Humanities, Mathematics & Social Science

Community College of Allegheny County

Dr. Simeon Saunders currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Humanities, Mathematics, and Social Sciences at the Community College of Al legheny County. As an ambassador for justice, opportunity, equity and inclusion, Dr. Saunders seeks to provide pathways for the under served and marginalized of West ern Pennsylvania. He has served as a higher education adminis trator and scholar-practitioner for over 15 years. During his time as an advisor and counselor at the University of Pitts burgh, Swanson School of Engineering, Dr. Saunders worked

LEIGHTON SEAWRIGHT

Leighton Seawright of Beaver, Pa., is the Director of Community Account Sales for Comcast’s Keystone Region. He leads field sales teams focused on acquiring residential customers in the multi-unit-dwelling and single-family space. His team builds strong relationships with customers in the community, ensuring their connectivity and entertainment needs are met. In addition to driving overall sales growth for the company, Seawright’s team works to bridge the digital divide for income-constrained families, promoting access to the Affordable Connectivity Program as well as Comcast’s Internet Essentials program to customers who qualify.

In his almost 25 years with Comcast, Seawright has held several leadership positions from call centers to tech ops to finance. He is known as an engaged leader who looks to pay it forward, developing others to fulfill their professional goals. He is an active member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, leading a team that focuses on employee engagement. He was the mastermind behind a new employee event series, The Art of Xpression, which explores the dimensions of diversity within the employee base. The first event looked at destigmatizing and celebrating the artfulness of tattoos. The second in this series will explore music.

Seawright is an active member of North Way Christian Community Church and has served as a mentor to young men through coaching football and basketball. He is a husband and father of four as well as grandpop to two granddaughters. His passions align with his core val-

to foster strong community and social, professional, and academic support for underrepresented male engineering students with his created support group, BROTHERHOOD, which stands for Brothers, Respecting, Open, Thought, Helping, Every-man, Reach, His, Own, Original, Dream. Through this organization and his various work as a mentor and student development advocate, Dr. Saunders helped hundreds of predominantly Black and Latino males excel within their academic and professional journeys. For his committed work to the male students at the University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering, Dr. Saunders was awarded the Wings to Succeed Award at the 2017 National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates

Dr. Saunders is passionate about

come better today than they were yesterday. His areas of expertise include mentoring, teaching, student development, community outreach, diversity and inclusion, and civic engagement. Servant leadership is his driving inspiration. He is active in his local community as he serves on the board of trustees at his local church, The Church in the Round, COGIC under the leadership of his pastor, Bishop Melvin E. Clark Sr. He also serves as a board member for the Family Life Center and as a member of the Beaver County Minority Caucus where he advocates for the support of local neighborhoods, families, youth, and progressive public policy.

Dr. Saunders is excited to continue the work for the greater Pittsburgh region and is honored by this special recognition with the other amazing honorees.

ues of faith and family. He is also passionate about fitness, food and football. During the warmer months you can find Seawright in his backyard whipping up a gourmet style meal on his grill for family and friends.

Director of Community Account Sales Comcast

JAMES A. SHEALEY

Managing Partner

OMNI Associates, LLC

James A. Shealey is the Managing Partner for OMNI Associates (OMNI) in Pittsburgh. OMNI is a strategic marketing company that develops creative concepts that inspire memorable and compelling messages for clients, helping them obtain sustainable competitive advantages.

An insightful and strategic leader, Shealey is skilled at establishing operational excellence within culturally diverse environments, translating conceptual models into specific growth strategies, and planning/executing multi-faceted business development campaigns designed to improve market share, gross

revenue, and EBITDA.

Shealey has shaped strategic organizational priorities at OMNI while improving competitiveness, eliminating complexity, and simplifying operations.

Prior to joining OMNI, Shealey developed deep accounting and financial management expertise through senior level positions in municipal budgeting, non-profit accounting, government contracting, corporate sourcing, executive management, and as an Adjunct Instructor, teaching Introduction to Accounting and financial accounting courses.

Shealey has also helped non-profit organizations facilitate periods of strategic

DR. PAUL DAVID SPRADLEY

Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Dollar Bank, FSB

With nearly 15 years of experience routinely advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts toward positive organizational and individual results, Dr. Paul David Spradley is a Certified Diversity Practitioner who is regarded as a thought leader and social engineer in his field. Dr. Spradley has been serving as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Dollar Bank since July of 2020. In his role, he supports the bank’s ongoing commitment to an inclusive culture through education, data analysis, and programming across the Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia markets.

Prior to joining Dollar Bank, Dr. Spradley co-founded the well-respected Diversity and Inclusion

training and assessment firm, www. CareBasedLeadership.org. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Dr. Spradley is a proud graduate of Pittsburgh Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Science in Instructional Leadership from Robert Morris University. In 2017, he received his Doctorate in Social Comparative Analysis of Education from the University of Pittsburgh where his research explored transformational practices of care by mentors who served Black adolescent males.

In the community, Dr. Spradley is Vice Chairof the URA’s Housing Opportunity Fund, President of the Pittsburgh Child Guidance Foundation Board of Directors, member of the PA Bankers Association Board, and President of the PA Diversity Council, Pittsburgh chapter. He is also a leader at The Simple Way Church Network.

Dr. Spradley is the proud father of young daughters Hannah Grace and Nia Hope... and in his spare time enjoys working out, training and competing in MMA and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, singing, acting, riding his motorcycle, exploring new places and foods.

BYRON STRIPLING

With a contagious smile and captivating charm, conductor, trumpet virtuoso, singer, and actor Byron Stripling has ignited audiences across the globe. In 2020, Stripling was named Principal Pops conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and his baton has led countless orchestras throughout the United States and Canada. As a soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Stripling has performed frequently under the baton of Keith Lockhart, as well as being the featured soloist on the PBS television special, “Evening at Pops,” with conductors John Williams and Mr. Lockhart. Currently, Stripling serves as artistic director and conductor of the highly acclaimed Columbus Jazz

transformation, and for-profit companies articulate a renewed corporate purpose as a strategic and business planning consultant.

Shealey serves on several local non-profit boards and is an active member of Mount Ararat Baptist Church where he serves on the Board of Trustees.

Shealey earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

Orchestra.

Since his Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, Stripling has become a pops orchestra favorite throughout the country, soloing with over 100 orchestras around the world including the Boston Pops, National Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and orchestras throughout Europe and Asia. He has been a featured soloist at the Hollywood Bowl and performs at festivals around the world.

An accomplished actor and singer, Stripling was chosen, following a worldwide search, to star in the lead role of the Broadway bound musical “Satchmo.” Many will remember his featured cameo performance in the television movie “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles,” and his critically acclaimed virtuoso trumpet and riotous comedic performance in the 42nd Street production of “From Second Avenue to Broadway.”

Stripling earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones and Frank Foster. He has also played and recorded extensively with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, and Buck Clayton in addition to The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and The GRP All Star Big Band.

Devoted to giving back, Byron Stripling supports several philanthropic organizations including The United Way and Homelessness advocate and The Community Shelter Board.

Stripling was educated at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. One of his greatest joys is to return, periodically, to Eastman and Interlochen as a special guest lecturer.

A resident of Ohio, Byron Stripling lives with his wife Alexis, a former dancer, writer and poet and their beautiful daughters.

Principal POPS Conductor

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

CARLITEZ THOMPSON Owner Royal Appearance Barbershop

Carlitez Thompson is the proud founder and owner of Royal Appearance Barbershop, LLC, and co-founder and co-owner of JKT Enterprises, LLC.

The barbershop was established in 2017 in his hometown of Clairton, however, he’s been skilled at barbering for over 20 years. JKT Enterprises, LLC, was established in 2020. The company manages

PHILLIP LEE THOMPSON JR.

& CEO

33 And A Third Media

Phillip Thompson, also known as Big Phill, discovered his passion for deejaying, music production, and filmmaking at a young age, just 15 years old. This early start allowed him to refine his skills and develop a unique style that would captivate audiences for years to come. After completing his education at Penn Hills High School, he embarked on a new journey by attending Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

Following his graduation from Rust College, Thompson returned to his beloved city of Pittsburgh. Fueled by his desire to share his artistic passion and knowledge with others, he began curating and deejaying events throughout the city. In the summer of 2000, he showcased his first film, “The Archives,” at the renowned Andy Warhol Museum. This documentary featured footage from the events he was involved in and served as a snapshot of the vibrant Pittsburgh Hip-Hop scene during that time.

From the early stages of his professional journey, Thompson recognized the value of mentorship and believed in its transformative power. He actively engaged in mentoring programs, utilizing his knowledge, experiences, and skills to guide and inspire young individuals. Whether it was helping to create manhood programs, coordinating the Lighthouse program, or teaching photography, music production, and video classes to youth, his commitment to empowering the next generation remained unwavering.

To consolidate his passions for film, music, and community outreach, Thompson established “33 And a Third Media.” Under this creative umbrella, he merged the power of visual and auditory storytelling to connect with and engage communities. Through this platform, he created meaningful content

walks of life together peacefully.

In recognition of his immense contributions to the City of Pittsburgh and his tireless efforts to promote unity through music, Thompson and his Union DJ crew were honored with a proclamation by the Mayor’s Office in 2022. This proc-

its residential and commercial properties through this partnership.

After graduating from Clairton High School, Thompson attended ICM School of Business where he earned his associate’s in Business Management. He later attended Barber School at CCAC.

Thompson recently transitioned to the discipline of insurance where he’s now the Director of Financial Services at Quantum Source Insurance Group. “It burdened me to see so many people that I know and love unprepared and without these key elements in place; particularly life insurance,” Thompson says.

Through his businesses, Thompson has

THOMAS R. WALKER JR.

Thomas “Randy” Walker Jr. is an exceptional individual whose remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the community, a true embodiment of excellence. His extensive service as a Veteran in the army, Air Force, and National Guard exemplify his commitment to the values of honor, duty, and selflessness.

had the privilege of making monetary contributions to Clairton athletic programs, as well as other youth programs in the community. “I highly believe in giving back and serving others, by way of involving myself with local church ministries that serve locally and internationally.”

Thompson currently is on the Board of Youth Opportunities Development (YOD) which is home-based in Clairton. Thompson says he’s a family man and “one that stands up for the community. It is my hope that I can continue to contribute to and educate families and our communities on the importance of legacy-building.”

and programs that entertained, educated, and inspired others.

Community outreach is a core component of 33 And a Third Media’s mission. Collaborating with non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and grassroots initiatives allows him to leverage the reach and influence of his art to make a tangible impact on society.

Several years ago, Thompson played a pivotal role in the formation of Union DJs, a unique collective of some of the best DJs in Pittsburgh. The Union DJs gained momentum over time and handpicked their members. A “Union” event provided a safe and unique experience that brought people from all

lamation served as a testament to the impact they had made over the years and the positive influence they had on the community.

By combining his love for music, film, and community outreach, Thompson utilizes 33 And a Third Media as a vehicle for artistic expression, social awareness, and community empowerment. Through his work, he strives to create a space where storytelling, music, and community engagement intersect, fostering a sense of unity, inspiration and positive transformation. With his unwavering dedication, Thompson continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the community as a whole.

Beyond his military service, Walker’s impact extends to the field of HVAC and affordable housing maintenance. With years of experience as a highly skilled tradesman, he has not only mastered the intricacies of his craft, but has also dedicated himself to uplifting others. Walker’s passion for empowering Black men in the maintenance profession is unparalleled. Through his tireless efforts, he has provided invaluable training, mentorship, and support, opening doors and creating job opportunities for countless individuals to forge successful careers in the trades.  As a member of the Professional Affordable Housing Management Association and recognized by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) as a certified supervisor, Walker has emerged as a distinguished leader in the realm of affordable housing and residential property management.

He has become a driving force behind the noble cause of ensuring that senior residents can age in place with dignity. Walker’s unwavering commitment to maintaining well-kept, affordable housing has transformed the lives of numerous individuals and families, fostering a sense of pride, stability, and security within communities such as the Hill District.  Walker’s relentless

pursuit of excellence and his advocacy for accessible, well-maintained affordable housing have earned him great respect and admiration. His passion and unwavering dedication are inspiring, serving as a guiding light for all those who have had the privilege to work alongside him.

Founder

Maintenance Supervisor

McCormack Baron Management

REV. GEORGE WILLIAMS

Pastor

First Baptist Church of West Mifflin

Pastor George Williams, pastor of the First Baptist Church, West Mifflin, is married to Rev. Avis A. Williams and they have three children; Leigh Williams, Cynthia Keller, and Annette Keg ley-Wells. They have two grands, Tamara and Ava’Leigh Wil liams.

He is native of Fort Motte, South Carolina.

He is a 1972 graduate of Denmark Regional Technical Center in electronic technology. Pastor Williams is a 1976 graduate of South Carolina State College with a degree in electrical engi neering technology. He is also a graduate of the Harty Bible School, and the American Baptist Theological Seminary, exten sion of Nashville, Tenn.

After 20 years of service at Westinghouse as a telecommunica tions analyst, Pastor Williams is now serving the First Bap tist Church of West Mifflin as a full-time pastor. He pastored Morning Star Baptist, Weirton, W.Va., from 1984 to 1989 and First Baptist of West Mifflin from 1989 to the present.

Former president of the Baptist Minis ters Conference of Pittsburgh and vicin ity, he served as chairman of sick visitation ministry, program chairman, and chairman of the evangelistic team. He

CURTIS YOUNGBLOOD

Giant Eagle

has also served in the Allegheny Union Baptist Association as president of the Congress of Christian Education, president of Clergy Ministry, and Lower Monongahela area vice moderator. For the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention, he has served as western region vice president of the Congress of Christian Education and Western Region area vice president of the clergy

Pastor Williams is the founder of Jericho Road Ministries Inc., the non-profit arm of the First Baptist Church of West Mifflin and the FBC school of ministry, a four-year school for ministers. Pastor Williams loves God, people, and the preaching of God’s word and his daily goal is to do the will of the one who has called him out of darkness into the marvelous light.

Curtis Youngblood has been employed by Giant Eagle for 25 years in various capacities. He worked his way up through the company, from a stock clerk, at age 16, to his current role as a store leader. Most recently, Youngblood has taken over an underperforming store, and has had a direct impact on customer service, team member morale, financial metrics, safety records, foods safety performance and operational audit compliance, all of which were underperforming prior to his managing that specific location.

He also mentors other Black leaders that are newer to their roles by talking to them, giving them advice and supporting them on their career journeys with all of the additional tools and resources that they need.

In addition to his day-to-day duties, Youngblood has also served on the Giant Eagle Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Committee for the last three years and participated in the company’s holiday turkey distribution.

Youngblood is a graduate of Peabody High School.

When he is not working, Youngblood enjoys giving back to the community and volunteering through several organizations, including the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and the Light of

Life Ministries. Also, for the past seven years, he has served as a football coach for the Shaler Area Little Titans (SALT) where was the head coach for the middle team, the 10 and under team, for two years; the 8 and under team for one year; and offensive coordinator for the first years. He is also a dedicated father of four children.

Store Leader