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MORE AFRICAN AMERICANS GETTING VACCINATED, BUT PACE NEEDS TO PICK UP, EXPERTS SAY

AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN were getting vaccinated against COVID-19 during the Homewood Community Health and Wellness Summit, Aug. 14. Now the push is on to get even more African American men and women in the Pittsburgh area vaccinated, especially those in the younger age groups. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Blacks in Allegheny County are 20 percentage points behind Whites in getting the vaccine

Happy 101st Birthday, Ms. Rosa Houston!

MS. ROSA B. HOUSTON’s 101st birthday was celebrated in an intimate setting, Aug. 21, at UPMC’s Canterbury Place senior nursing community. Born Aug. 20, 1920, in Fairfield, Alabama, Ms. Houston is a member of St. James AME Church, where Rev. Dr. James H. Harris is pastor.

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by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Chardae Jones, the mayor of Braddock for the past two and a half years, always sees the glass half full.

But even she was taken aback when she learned that a group of African American teens who were part of a summer camp in Braddock wanted no part of getting the COVID-19

vaccine.

“They don’t want it. They don’t want it,” a frustrated Jones told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Aug. 29.

“They don’t know what’s in it, they don’t understand it,” were some of the reasons students gave the coordinator of the summer camp, which were then relayed to Jones. “Now I’m at a point where I’m like, maybe I have to figure out

a way to come to them, and find another approach. Instead of talking at them, maybe just sit and talk with them.”

The eye has been on the Braddock area lately since the Allegheny County Health Department unveiled vaccine statistics by zip code, and the 15104 zip code, where Braddock is located, had the lowest percentage of residents with at least one dose of

the vaccine, at 42 percent.

Jones, though, pointed out that North Braddock and Rankin also are part of the 15104 zip code, so the low vaccination rate is not just a Braddock problem.

But overall, African Americans in Allegheny County continue to severely lag behind Whites when it comes to getting the COVID vaccine. Data from SEE COVID VACCINE A2

Wes Moore to speak in Pittsburgh, Sept. 29 Bestselling author, former CEO of anti-poverty force Robin Hood The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that combat veteran Wes Moore, a two-time New York Times bestselling author, former CEO of Robin Hood, one of the largest anti-poverty forces in the nation and Maryland gubernatorial candidate, will headline a speaker series at Neighborhood Academy, Sept. 29.

The event will be held both in-person at the school, 709 N. Aiken Ave., and virtually via Zoom. The in-person event will take place within The Neighborhood Academy’s Hans and Leslie Fleischner Indoor Soccer Field. Guests will be served a boxed dinner, hear Moore’s presentation, and engage in a Q&A. Author’s Circle VIP Guests will have the opportunity to meet Moore in person before the presentation. Virtual attendees will receive admission to Moore’s presentation and may submit questions from 7 to 8 p.m.

A Maryland native, Moore’s book, “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates” explores the lives of two Wes Moores

and the factors and choices that led one to a Rhodes scholarship, military service, and a White House fellowship; and the other to drug dealing, prison, and eventual conversion to the Muslim faith. Both share a gritty sense of realism about their pasts.

Moore’s latest book, “Five Days,” explores the uprisings in Baltimore in 2015 after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody through a kaleidoscope of perspectives and examines critical questions about the deeper causes of violence and poverty.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Wes Moore to our school for this special bi-annual event.

You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking discussion with such an impressive two-time New York Times bestselling author, such as Wes,” said Anthony Williams, head of school at The Neighborhood Academy, in a statement to the Courier.

“The Neighborhood AcadSEE MOORE A7

WES MOORE

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Black Beauty Lounge celebrates 49 years of business!

Brotha Ash checks in with the New Pittsburgh Courier to let the world know that the Black Beauty Lounge celebrated 49 years of business and serving the community in the historic Hill District on Saturday, Aug. 28!

Here’s more from “Brotha Ash,” Ashley G. Woodson: “Everyone from all over the city came out to pay homage to Roberta Brassell aka Ms. Bert. The celebration was huge with delicious food, D.J., karaoke and many people who showed love to the Black Beauty Lounge.

The Black Beauty Lounge is the longest running bar in the Hill District, setting a record of being the only establishment run by a Black female owner who stood the test of time for 49 years and counting. In 1972, the lounge was established under the ownership of Roberta Brassell aka Ms. Bert. This establishment has been honored to build relationships with many community members and stakeholders over the years. Roberta and her family are truly grateful for almost a half of a century of business in this community. The love and support of the years has been overwhelming and not taken lightly.”

IN THE PHOTOS: At left, it’s Roberta Brassell, aka Ms. Bert. At right, it’s Kimberly White, Roberta Brassell, Frank Terry, Melita Terry and Tracy Terry.

Offense wins fans, defense wins championships Steelers season begins on Sept. 12 at Buffalo The upcoming NFL season appears to be adding up to be “very eenteresting” as Shultz, the dummkopf sergeant of the German army on the television series “Hogan’s Heroes,” used to say when he was confused—which was generally always.

There are those diehard fans and supporters of the Steelers that have even suggested (mostly in private) that there may even be a Super Bowl LVI meeting between the Buccaneers and the Steelers somewhere in the cards of the Steelers’ 2021 season: please, fans and scribes alike, don’t play the slots in Vegas and don’t drink the Kool-Aid because it has a weird “sunny” like tinge to it.

The Steelers started their 2020 season similar to a volcanically red-hot furnace melting and forging opponents into what they wanted them to be; even in light of an injury-riddled starting offense, coupled

with a high school offensive game strategy, (and I do mean “offensive”) that former Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner put forth game after game. Fichtner was certainly an expert; well, an expert in predictability.

However, despite being depicted as the weekly “scapegoat” for the offense, the defense of the Black and Gold pressed on and at one point the team was undefeated at 11-0. The Steelers went on to win the 2020 AFC North Division title, by the skin of their chinny chin chin.

The Steelers’ opponent for the Wild Card round in last year’s playoffs was the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns marched into Heinz Field and unceremoniously defeated the Steelers and sent them packing with the Steeler nation again pinning the “tail of the donkey” on the defense for the Steelers’ sleepwalking, “Rumplestiltskin”-like performance.

One of the most blatant and unjustified criticisms of the Steelers’ 2020 season performance was that their defense could not get

allowing opponents to convert on third down chances at 37.71 percent. The big nasty “D” was even better in 2019 in not allowing op-

Inside Conditions

Aubrey Bruce off the field on third down.

Last year, the Steelers offense converted 42.86 percent of their third down opportunities: 43.08 percent at home and 42.61 percent on the road. In 2019 they only converted an atrocious 34.36 percent of third down possibilities.

Meanwhile, in 2020, the Steelers defense was ranked 6th in the NFL in

ponents to move the chains (36.36 percent).

The Kool-Aid promoting the Steelers’ offense as a “savior” may need a lot more sugar…you diggg.

Let an old scribe offer these thoughts up to you.

I say, I say, I say if the offense of the Black and Gold can avoid dummkopf picks and costly turnovers in their own territory and

if new Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada can construct a game plan and call a game according to the needs of his offense as a whole rather than attempting to appease and satisfy a select group of selfish players, this team has a good chance to make the 2021 postseason and beyond based on the projected performance on the defense alone.

However, Pittsburgh plays in the NFL’s “Piranha division” and two of their AFC North archrivals, the Baltimore Ravens and the Browns, were already boasting stout and blood-thirsty defenses and both teams have upgraded those defenses during the offseason.

However, even though the Steelers usually put a very competitive defense on the field, outside linebacker Bud Dupree opted for free agency for this season and signed with the Tennessee Titans and will not be there to help take the pres-

sure off of linebacker T.J. Watt. The Steelers opted to allow Dupree to go his own way. But will Watt be as effective as he was over the past few years when he was a tandem with Dupree?

The Steelers must now fill the sizable void of the loss of Dupree. I will not give credence to any of Dupree’s theoretical replacements or successors until they prove that they can command the attention and respect that No. 48 earned that oftentimes gave Watt a free shot to sack the opposing QB or to stop a running back in the backfield for a loss or no gain. All the romantic and theoretical hogwash about giving the young up-and-comers and free agent signings a chance to replace a proven starter as well as possibly creating a little more financial flexibility means nothing on paper. It must play out during this upcoming 2021 season.

Black vaccination rates need to increase, experts say THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER PUBLISHING COMPANY

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42% of African Americans in Allegheny County are at least partially vaccinated; for Whites, it’s 62% COVID VACCINE FROM A1

the county revealed that as of Aug. 14, just 39 percent of African American males 10 years of age and older were at least partially vaccinated, compared to 58 percent of White males.

For Black women in Allegheny County, they fare better with 43 percent of its population at least partially vaccinated, but a far cry from the 64 percent of White females at least partially vaccinated.

After Braddock, the zip codes with the next lowest vaccination rates are: 15110 (Duquesne area); 15233 (Manchester area); 15219 (Downtown, Hill District area); and 15132 (McKeesport area). All the areas have a significant number of African American residents.

Jones is part of that younger demographic that hasn’t been getting vaccinated as much as older populations. But at age 32,

Jones said she’s been fully vaccinated since April. She wants other younger people to buck the trend.

“I’m an optimist, and if that means I gotta go doorto-door and talk to people and ask them why they don’t want to get vaccinated, I will because it’s important. There’s already a health disparity out here, and now we’re just going to create a bigger gap. I understand why people are hesitant because of medical malpractices in the Black community, but right now is not the time to act on that.”

At one point, access to the COVID vaccine was a problem in Pittsburgh’s Black communities. But no more. Vaccine clinics have been popping up everywhere like summer thunderstorms, from Braddock to McKeesport, Homewood to the Hill, the North Side to the Rox (McKees Rocks).

CHARDAE JONES, MAYOR OF BRADDOCK Central Baptist Church in the Hill District, for example, still offers the vaccine on a daily basis, and Giant Eagle pharmacies are dishing out the vaccine via appointment.

“My best friend was

against vaccines, and I took her to get vaccinated,” Jones told the Courier.

“There was a lot of back and forth and a lot of debate about it, but she finally did it.”

On the other hand, she

knows someone “who’s never been vaccinated for anything in his life...and he got the COVID vaccine.”

It’s almost like a coin flip.

Some young people want it; others don’t. As for the older Black population, Jones said in Braddock, many of the senior citizens there have been vaccinated because the facilities had vaccinated its own residents.

Now, she said, if the younger end of the Black community can learn a little something from grandma and grandpa, the Black community in Pittsburgh would be that much closer to defeating COVID— hopefully for good.

“Life expectancy in Pittsburgh for Black people is seemingly lower than our counterparts already,” Jones told the Courier. “We don’t need to create our own hurdles.”

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Urban League gets $25,000 donation from Dynegy The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Dynegy, and its parent company, Vistra, recently announced a $25,000 donation to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, achieving status as an Urban League corporate ally.

The donation will directly fund the Urban League’s Black Female Leadership Development Institute and Center for Economic Self Reliance.

The Urban League’s Black Female Leadership Institute encourages African American young women to embrace leadership roles in their communities and practice self-care needed to maintain a satisfying life.

The Center for Economic Reliance is a service hub designed to foster individual career progression and improve educational outcomes.

This is Dynegy’s second donation to the Urban League. In October 2020, the company donated $50,000 toward the two programs as part of Vistra’s $10 million commitment to support organizations working for social justice and equity.

ESTHER BUSH, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, with Colin Fitzsimmons, Director of Government Affairs, Vistra.

NAACP demands Congress act on voting rights

DERRICK JOHNSON, NAACP PRESIDENT

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

With voter suppression laws taking shape in Texas, Georgia, Arizona, and just about every GOP-led state in the nation, NAACP President Derrick Johnson is pleading for Democrats and the White House to show a sense of urgency.

In a scathing op-ed, Johnson said, “we cannot out-organize voter suppression.”

“We organized in November to put people in office to address the issue of voter suppression. We did not organize in November to let elected officials off the hook to organize again and overcome a new hurdle. Voters did their job as citizens, and now they’re simply asking elected officials to do their job to protect our right to vote,” Johnson remarked.

Nearly six decades after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights activists led the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, that helped establish voting rights for millions of Black Americans, African American leaders again descended on the nation’s capital to demand Congress protect the rights.

Martin Luther King III, Yolanda King, Andrea Waters King, and others marched with more than 140 organizations and thousands of Americans on Saturday, Aug. 28, to advocate for eliminating the Jim Crow filibuster and passing three critical voting rights bills—the For the People Act, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Washington D.C. Admission Act. The mobilization comes just months after Black voters overcame significant barriers to the vote and organized their communities to change the course of the country — “and now ask that the White House and

Congress do their part to protect our democracy and stand on the right side of history,” the leaders said in a news release.

Martin Luther King III plans to appear on the National Newspaper Publishers Association live morning news program, “Let It Be Known,” to discuss the march and voting rights.

In his op-ed, Johnson declared that “voting rights shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Yet the contentious dispute on whether to defend every American’s right to vote has taken center stage in Congress, and for an unnecessary amount of precious time.”

He continued: “With time not on our side, there is no reason we should still be debating whether to pass a civil rights bill that will indubitably strengthen our fractured democracy by achieving the one goal our nation’s essence depends on—lending a voice to the people.”

Johnson contradicted Republican Congressman Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who infamously and erroneously stated that, “it is easier for eligible Americans to vote than ever before in American history.”

“State legislators around the country have introduced more than 400 bills that will make it more difficult for Americans to exercise their constitutional voting rights, and at least 18 states have passed such legislation,” Johnson wrote.

“Ingrained in these attacks on voting rights are generations-long patterns of discrimination targeting communities of color, particularly Black communities. The overwhelming evidence of voter suppression speaks to this truth: It is easier for privileged, eligible Americans to vote than ever before in American history.”

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The Homewood Community

FUN TIMES WERE HAD AT THE 2021 HOMEWOOD COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS SUMMIT, Aug. 14. Courier photographer J.L. Martello captured the afternoon event in pictures.

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Health and Wellness Summit

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ASSOCIATION CEO RASHAD BYRDSONG, top right, poses with this family at the Homewood Community Health and Wellness Summit, Aug. 14. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

DORIS KEITH-CLARKE, BARBARA LEWIS, CLAUDIA BARNES

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World War II Veteran Charles S. Wiggins dies at 103

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

CHARLES S. WIGGINS, a 1937 Schenley High School graduate, served in World War II. “He lived a fruitful life and gave back to his community,” said ASALH President Ronald Saunders. “He didn’t shift according to the weather. Mr. Wiggins was always one positive brother.”

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned exclusively that World War II Veteran Charles S. Wiggins, who many called the “consummate warrior” who “found goodness in everybody regardless of their occupation, regardless of their station in life,” died on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Aspinwall. He was 103.

Known mostly as “Uncle Charlie” to his family and friends, Wiggins migrated to Pittsburgh from Alabama as a child.

He later attended Rose Street School, Herron Hill Jr. High, and Schenley High School,. where he ran track and graduated from in 1937.

Wiggins was drafted into the Navy in 1944 and served mainly in a hospital unit in Dublin, Ga., tending to wounded soldiers, according to a 2017 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article.

In an interview on WQED-TV with Chris Moore, Wiggins said that when he returned home to Pittsburgh after the war, there were very few opportunities for him.

Wiggins became the first Black watchmaker in Pittsburgh, “but I couldn’t advance with it, because they wouldn’t accept me,” Wiggins said on WQED. He later got a job at the post office, and made watches at home and at the post office.

“We have to take what we get here and make a good life out of what we receive, so don’t give in, don’t give up,” Wiggins told Moore on WQED. “Keep plugging, and keep moving, and good things have to come out of what we end up with.”

“He was an extremely gentle, pleasant person who saw the good in everybody,” said Carol Koshal, Wiggins’ niece, in an interview with the Courier on Tuesday, Aug. 31. “He was generous, always giving a helping

hand. He didn’t believe that people would do him wrong. He believed people were good. He never saw a negative side in people.”

Wiggins was one of the founders of a sportsmen’s club in the Butler area so that he and other African Americans could safely hunt and fish, Koshal said. She said Wiggins also loved being a part of ASALH, or the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Pittsburgh branch. “Being a walking historian, due to his experiences, he fit right in,” Koshal told the Courier.

ASALH Pittsburgh’s president, Ronald B. Saunders, called Wiggins the “consummate warrior. He never let anything phase him whatsoever. He never had an unkind word to say about anything.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers were among the many organizations that honored Wiggins over the years.

He met many players in 2017 to celebrate his 100th birthday, received a custom-made Steelers jersey with the number 100, and announced a draft pick for the Steelers the following year.

Saunders said until Wiggins’ passing, he was the oldest member of ASALH in the country. “He lived a fruitful life and gave back to his community,” Saunders said. “He didn’t shift according to the weather.

Mr. Wiggins was always one positive brother.”

Wiggins’ funeral will be held at Church of the Holy Cross, 7507 Kelly St., Homewood, on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. His viewing is scheduled for the same morning, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kashol told the Courier that Sept.

8 would have been Wiggins’ 104th birthday.

Remembering Mr. Wiggins— an interview from 2019

by Alonna Carter For New Pittsburgh Courier

On a mild, August day in 2019, I had the opportunity and honor to sit down with Mr. Charles Sterling Wiggins at his home in Pittsburgh’s east suburbs.

I was intrigued by his fascinating biography… and was surprised to learn that he was one of the oldest members of ASALH. At 101, he still has an unwavering desire to continue learning about issues that affect African Americans and African American history. Moreover, Mr. Wiggins is living history, having been witness to many great chapters in the African American story, and in some cases even being part of them.

Charles Sterling Wiggins was born in Inverness, Alabama in 1917. His mother died when he was 3 years old, leaving his father to care for 5 young children.

The family lived on a rural farm, but Mr. Wiggins sought a better life for him and his children, and soon left the South to pursue employment opportunities, as many did at that time in the event called the Great Migration. However, the Wiggins family would not stay separated forever; in March 1928, Charles and his four other siblings were put on a train to Pittsburgh to reunite with their father. “…We came by train,” Mr. Wiggins told me, “the train left Alabama and then came to Cincinnati—that’s a route. And from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh.” Traveling alone and unfamiliar with the North or any place outside of their homeland, relatives put written tags on the children’s clothing in case they got lost or separated. Fortunately, they arrived safely and settled in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.

Mr. Wiggins recalls his first night in Pittsburgh: “Overnight, when I woke the next morning, it snowed some. I don’t remember snow in Alabama…it might have or maybe rained some…but I was overwhelmed with it (snow).”

He recalls with fondness, “To my mind, I thought when the snow was coming down, I thought it was diamonds blinking in the sun.”

Weather changes were something that was new upon arriving in Pittsburgh; however, abject poverty and racism were nothing new. For newcomers from the South, crowded homes where multiple families lived was the norm. Mr. Wiggins describes what it was like living on Hemans Street in the 1930s: “We lived on the ground level, which was street level, and above us was

CHARLES S. WIGGINS, with Alonna Carter, a New Pittsburgh Courier freelance writer and historian of the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Pittsburgh Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

another family. That’s how it… was crowded then… we had no electricity like they have today, we had no gas like they have today, no wash tub like they have today. We all had to heat the same water to take a bath in.”

Wiggins secured a job and married his wife in 1939.

However, World War II was looming in the background and Mr. Wiggins was soon to be caught up in it. I asked him if he chose to go to the military or if he was drafted:

not secure employment in any Downtown Pittsburgh department stores due to racism. He was later able to secure employment at the post office, where he established a career.

One of Mr. Wiggins most trailblazing events was

When it came to matters of education, the prejudicial attitudes of the North were sometimes on par with the South. As a teenager at Schenley High School Mr. Wiggins desired to be a doctor, even taking Latin, which was a commonly used language in the medicine world at that time. However, when he brought his goal to his guidance counselor, he was told to choose a different field that was more suitable for a Black man. Furthermore, although Schenley was an integrated school, Black students remained segregated in social circles and even were not allowed to use the school’s swimming pool.

After graduating, Mr.

“Drafted,” he says. “I didn’t choose it.” While serving in the Navy, Mr. Wiggins contracted rheumatic fever…a disease that proved fatal for many soldiers. As a result, he was not deemed fit for combat, and once he was on the mend, he was put to work in other areas, eventually leading him to be honorably discharged.

After leaving the Navy, Mr. Wiggins attended a horological school in Pittsburgh, where he was the only Black student in his class, with the goal of fixing watches. However, he encountered hostility in the program and in one instance was made to sit for his final exams twice.

Though he passed, he could

co-founding the Hunting and Sportsman Club in Butler, Pa. With 25 friends from the post office, Mr. Wiggins pitched in to purchase 39 acres of land to allow African Americans, who were barred from hunting clubs that were predominantly White, to hunt and fish as they please. The club is still in existence today, though the membership is much smaller than what it was when it was founded.

Throughout his extraordinary life, Mr. Wiggins has shown the fortitude and wisdom to strive in the face of racial adversity. I asked him what the secret to his longevity was.

“Everyone asks me what my secret is. You know what it is? Blessings.”

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

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

Worship Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church

“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

- Hebrews 13:1-2

Summer worship.......10:00 a.m.

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

REV. WALKER SAYS: We need to be mindful to be kind to everyone. How do they (World) know that We are a Christian? It’s by our LOVE. (Rev. A. Marie Walker is servant pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Wilmerding.)

Carrone Baptist Church presents a tribute to local breast cancer survivors

YOLANDA MURPHY is a breast cancer survivor.

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Carrone Baptist Church, 7119 Frankstown Ave., Homewood, is holding a tribute to various local breast cancer survivors with a special program titled, “Healed and Restored.”

The program will take place on Oct. 3 at 3 p.m.

Carrone Baptist said the goal is to shed light on breast cancer, with

October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Inspirational encouragement, critical support and hope via testimonies and musical selections will be provided to those who are or have been impacted by breast cancer.

The keynote speaker will be Yolanda Murphy, a breast cancer survivor who will share her story. Murphy serves as

an advocacy ambassador with the Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy.

For more information, call Monica Murphy at 276-806-3619.

Courier to receive ‘Service to Journalism’ award from Press Club of Western Pa., Sept. 28 During a ceremony that “honors the best journalism in Western Pennsylvania and surrounding counties in Ohio and West Virginia,” the staff of the New Pittsburgh Courier will be recognized for their service to the journalism industry.

At the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania’s 57th Annual Golden Quill Awards, to be held, Sept. 28, at the Rivers Casino Event Center, the Courier will be presented with the professional organization’s Service to Journalism Award.

“The New Pittsburgh Courier has been selected for the Press Club’s Service to Journalism award for a number of reasons,” stated Press Club President Hel-

en Fallon, professor emeritus, journalism, and former Honors Program director at Point Park University.

“First, for service to Pittsburgh’s Black communities as the newspaper has advocated for its readers to take the pandemic seriously. It has been on the forefront of first urging readers to wear masks and then get vaccinated. Before the crisis and since, the newspaper also has celebrated the achievements of Black citizens and addressed broader community threats such as gun violence.”

Courier Editor and Publisher Rod Doss said: “On behalf of the talented and professional New Pittsburgh Courier team, I

thank the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania for this special recognition of the Service to Journalism Award to be presented at the Golden Quill Awards ceremony.”

For more than 110 years, the Courier has been serving the Greater Pittsburgh area and, at one time, the country, with its national editions through its coverage of news that impacts the African American community, and its celebration of emerging leaders who are making a difference inside and outside the boardroom.

our Church Circuit weekly calendar!

- Ashley Johnson

Send info to: JEROME JACKSON, JOHN WALLACE

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the world through The Neighborhood Academy’s students’ eyes.

Previously featured speakers include Ron Suskind, author of “A Hope of the Unseen;” Isabel Wilkerson, author of “The Warmth of Other Suns;” Margo Lee Shetterly, author of “Hidden Figures;” and Mark Whitaker, author of “Smoketown.”

For more information and ticket purchases, visit https://www.theneighborhoodacademy.org/.

Students and veterans should contact Jonathan Winkler at 412-203-0158. All pro-

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! event in

Bestselling author, former CEO of anti-poverty force Robin Hood ty, particularly now since there is a national focus to address the socio-economic disparities that pose real challenges to equity and inclusion for all citizens,” said Blair William, VP, Finance at AllianceRx Walgreens Prime and The Neighborhood Academy Board Member.

The Nancy & Paul O’Neill Speaker Series has become a platform for renowned authors to present and share works that not only describe the Black experience in America, but also challenge everyone to see

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

We want to place your

Wes Moore to speak in Pittsburgh

emy has changed the trajectory of the lives of many teens in Pittsburgh for the better. Everything I understand about Wes Moore aligns with our mission.

We cannot wait for our students, our friends and our community to be inspired

by Wes’ story and words of wisdom,” said Annie Westbrook, Managing Director at CIBC US, and co-chair of the event’s Host Committee Member.

“Wes Moore’s story of grit, positivity, and success is inspirational to our students and the wider communi-

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

ceeds benefit student scholarships.

Established in 2001, The Neighborhood Academy is a faith-based, college preparatory, independent school whose mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty by empowering youth and preparing them for college and citizenship.

The Neighborhood Academy exists to provide a holistic college-prep education for students in grades 6-12 whose families demonstrate financial need.

“Everything I understand about Wes Moore aligns with our mission.

We cannot wait for our students, our friends and our community to be inspired by Wes’ story.”

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Afghan women: Unworthy of ‘The White Man’s Burden’

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Create a home office that works (Family Features)—Although a growing number of businesses are reopening their in-person office spaces, many are maintaining remote workforces or implementing hybrid schedules. While the shift signals steps toward more traditional, familiar work environments, it also presents some challenges.

If your temporary remote work schedule is headed for a more permanent status, or if you’ll be straddling both worlds indefinitely, it may be time to make some changes to ensure your home office is up to the task.

Do Your Research Before making any significant purchases, do some digging to learn all you can about the devices and equipment you’re considering, especially if you’re planning to create an efficient setup using smart technology. While many devices work well together, that’s not always the case. You should also be aware of the controls and how you’ll manage smart functions; choose the setup that’s most intuitive for you and fits best with your workflow.

Identify Unique Requirements A successful home office needs to reflect the needs of your particular job, so you may need special equipment or tools specific to your role. For example, 63% of desk-based workers said having to collaborate with colleagues virtually is either a challenge or major barrier to working remotely, with 24% saying it is a major barrier, according to a survey by HP. If your job typically relies heavily on collaboration, you’ll probably need a video conference setup.

Another common challenge: access to a printer. More than one-fourth of desk-based workers ranked having access to the office printer among the top three things they miss about the in-office ex-

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES perience.

If your home office isn’t already equipped with a printer or you need to upgrade, you may be wondering where to start. Convenience is more important than everything else in a home printer, according to survey participants. You may also agree with the 52% of remote workers who indicated that if they were considering buying a new home printer in the future, it must be easy to use, and a simple set-up process was a leading demand.

One convenient and simple option is the HP+ smart printing system, which is powered by a cloud-based ecosystem with enhanced security, productivity and sustainability features.

Start Small Establishing a wellequipped home office takes time and money. Identify the equipment and essentials you need to get started then create a wish list with other items you can add over time. As you’re setting priorities, remember it can pay to invest in quality products from the get-go. If you have to make repairs, or upgrade or replacement equipment, you may actually spend more in the long run.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HP Paired with an optional Instant Ink automated supplies replenishment subscription, an environmentally friendly solution

to ensure you never run out of ink or toner, the system offers a perfect solution for hybrid workers and small businesses.

Get a Strong Network At the office, you probably had an IT department responsible for keeping your network up and running. At home, you may still have some level of tech support, but your

home connectivity is likely your own concern. A good network starts with a quality router. You’ll also want to shop for an internet provider with the best speeds at a rate you can afford. Just be conscious of any restrictions on volume or speed that could hinder your ability to do your job.

Keep Security in Mind Smart devices collect a lot of information and because much of the technology is still so new, it’s relatively vulnerable to hackers. Get familiar with privacy settings on all your devices and adjust accordingly so you’re not divulging proprietary data or other information that could be used inappropriately.

Learn how to make your home office work for you at hp.com.

Tips for Finding the Right Printer Features: A basic printer simply prints documents, but if you need to also copy, scan and fax, there are many all-in-one models that offer those capabilities, as well.

Inkjet vs. Laser: If you normally print text with few images, opt for a laser printer. If your work involves a lot of graphics and photos, an inkjet printer may be a better choice.

Supplies: Depending on how much you print, you may go through a lot of ink, and the cost can add up.

Comparison shop to find the best ink prices, which brands offer features like recycling for used cartridges and whether you can access a subscription to ensure you never run out of ink or paper before a big deadline.

Cord Connections: Some printers require a wired connection to your computer while others can connect to your computer using Wi-Fi or an app like HP Smart App. Aside from personal preference, your decision may hinge on the space you have available.

Is it OK for a woman to give a man money? Which is king— cash or credit? Is he wrong for wanting to go Dutch on a date?

Is it ok for a female to give a man money? Well, it depends. Husband and wife are excluded. How hubby and wifey decide to divvy out money is their discretion. After all, as husband/wife you’re ONE economic unit.

Let’s be real. It’s a female’s nature to be nurturing, caring and giving. It’s the giving part we’re focused on here. I’ve observed women fail at trying to “build a man” so they opted to “buy a man.”

I’m reminded of a financial coaching session of a single mom who was struggling to make ends meet. I asked her if she was receiving child support. She responded yes and no. Puzzled? I asked her to explain. She said, money is taken out of his paycheck for child support but he makes me give it all back to him. I was flabbergasted!

I have countless other stories of women giving money to men to the detriment of their own financial well-being. A common one being a woman giving a man her tax refund to flip. I’m not talking about flipping a coin to see if it lands on heads or tails. I’m talking about flipping legal money into more money by way of illegal gains. The story always tends to end this way. He didn’t flip the money because he got tripped up.

I recall one female telling me that all of her financial demise was the result of her trusting her man, listening to her man, or helping her man. She cried as she shared the story about the car loan she co-signed for him and he didn’t make one payment.

Now she has a negative repossession trademark on her credit report. She told me how he got up early every morning to go to work for two weeks—but never received a paycheck because he was unemployed.

Understand that every gift is a sacrifice.

If you have it to give, without sacrificing

your financial well-being, it’s your prerogative. Do understand the difference between enabling and helping before parting ways with your hard-earned cash to anyone including your man.

“Hello, Damon. Which is king—cash or credit?” ~ Jennifer Damon says: I recall listening to a pastor preaching from the pulpit years ago. He stated, you can do all things through Christ…AND good credit.

Oh ye of little faith! I haven’t returned to that Church since!

How can credit be king when credit is nothing more than access to cash with a premium called fees and interest? The lending business at its core is in the business of selling money—CASH! You read that correctly. Lenders have an interest to make cash called interest off of credit they sell to borrowers.

Earlier today I was going back and forth with a young lady in my inbox about which is king—cash or credit. She thinks that credit is king. Her credit score is in the low 800 range. The max FICO score you can get is 850. Her goal is to achieve an 850 credit score.

I asked, if credit is king, then having an 800-plus credit score will make one rich or wealthy, right?

She responded, “assets create wealth.”

I said. I agree. Assets create wealth.

Which one is an asset—cash or credit?

She said cash but a good credit score can get you a loan at a good interest rate.

Credit = Loan = Liability: Cash is king!!

“Cash” me outside!

“Hello, Damon. A woman tells a potential date that she doesn’t believe in sex before marriage because she’s saving herself for her husband. He responds, that’s fine. He believes when they go out on dates they should go Dutch because he is saving money for his wife. She’s irate.

Is he wrong?” ~ Anonymous, from Facebook Damon says: I’ve been hearing a lot about Kevin Samuels lately. He’s a controversial YouTube sensation that is unabashed in telling women that they’re unworthy of the type of men they seek—high-value men.

I didn’t fully understand his agenda nor the fanfare he received up until I read this question. It finally clicked!

In the past before the feminist, independent women movement became culturally accepted, men worked and the women were stay-at-home caretakers. Women used sex as leverage to manipulate men. Men used money as leverage to manipulate women.

Fast forward to modern day: It’s harder for a man to manipulate a woman when she has her own “bag” (money). But a woman can still hold out.

Viewing things from that perspective, men have lost some leverage—their negotiating power to influence “independent” women to consistently do things or put up with things they don’t want to do or put up with.

We now have a popular culture of men led by Kevin Samuels bashing women with the agenda to put women back in

their so-called rightful place—subservient to men.

This culture gives credence to men earning six-figures or more as high-value men because high-earning men have the ability to be more selective. He can use his immense earning power/potential to influence and manipulate women. One problem with this logic is that less than 15 percent of American “households” earn more than $100,000 per year, let alone an individual male or female earning that much.

So you have the non high-value men (based on their definition) championing to garner high-value men selective benefits and privileges.

Here’s the irony: An independent woman will yield to a man who’s demonstrated an ability to lead—regardless of income!

To the question at hand? Is he wrong to suggest going Dutch? Is manipulation at play here?

Interesting play on his part. Men with money and potential want to ensure a female isn’t just after his money, resources and connections. He never said they couldn’t go on a date. That was her conclusion. He said they can go Dutch.

We think it’s acceptable for a woman to try and weed out men who just want sex versus men who want to build a solid relationship without any hidden agenda.

How do men with money, resources, and connections weed out gold-digging women versus women who want to build a solid relationship without a hidden agenda?

I’m not sure if his Dutch suggestion came from a petty place. However, I think it’s a clever move for men with money to weed out gold diggers.

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

BUSINESS

B2 SEPTEMBER 1-7, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Real Times Media expands with content creators Nathan, Taylor Real Times Media (RTM), a Detroit-based multimedia holding company, and the Michigan Chronicle are proud to welcome Account Director Jillian K. Nathan and Multimedia Producer Herbert Taylor III. Nathan brings with her nearly 15 years of experience in marketing communications. She has worked within the automotive and textile industries. Nathan holds an A.A.S. in Marketing and Advertising Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development from Bowling Green State University.

In her role prior to joining RTM, Nathan created and implemented a wide range of digital communications strategies. Tanisha Leonard, President of RTM360°, said “We’re very excited to have Jillian on board. Her depth of experience, knowledge and management capabilities will complement our growing team of seasoned

JILLIAN NATHAN, HERBERT TAYLOR executives.”

Taylor, who has a background as a performing musician and visual artist

ushers in his creative production flair. He was first introduced to visual storytelling through a mentor,

Cato Weatherspoon while in high school. Taylor studied Computer Information Systems at North

Carolina Central University.

Before officially joining RTM, Taylor worked for

marketing and advertising companies Jack Morton and Carat Media and worked as a freelancer in video production and editing. “Herbert has a keen eye for video storytelling and event production. He worked with us to create our widely successful first virtual 40 Under 40 celebration this year. I look forward to seeing his vision for our multitude of upcoming programs. I know our audience will be equally impressed with our new programming,” Leonard said.

RTM 360 is Real Times Media’s cultural marketing division and was launched in 2018. Real Times Media is also the parent company to Who’s Who In Black, Studio 1452, and five of the country’s most respected African American-owned news organizations, the Atlanta Daily World, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, the Chicago Defender, the Michigan Chronicle, and the New Pittsburgh Courier.

Minority Equality Opportunities Acquisition Inc., becomes first minority-led SPAC traded on NASDAQ, closes $126.5 million IPO On August 26, Minority Equality Opportunities Acquisition Inc. (“MEOA”) became the first minority-led special purpose acquisition company or SPAC listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“NASDAQ”), trading under the ticker symbol “MEOAU.” Led by Mr. Shawn Rochester, MEOA’s Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Robin Watkins, its Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, the blank check company will focus its business combination search and transactions on historically undercapitalized minority-owned/controlled businesses in various industry sectors across the country.

On August 30, 2021, MEOA closed its $126.5 million upsized IPO of units, which included the exercise in full by the underwriters of their over-allotment options. Each unit consists of one share of Class A common stock and one redeemable warrant, each warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A com-

mon stock and warrants are expected to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “MEOA” and MEOAW, respectively.

Sphere 3D Corp. (NASDAQ: ANY), a Toronto, ON, based virtualization and data solutions company, sponsored the SPAC. Jarvis Stewart, Chairman and CEO, HP Global Advisors, a Black-owned corporate development and strategy firm, advised Sphere 3D and its subsidiary that sponsored MEOA during the SPAC and IPO process.

“The mission and purpose of MEOA will help to catapult minority enterprise in this country,” said Mr. Rochester. “As a SPAC, we have the opportunity to not only help drive significant change and unleash superior performance but to also signal to the broader marketplace that there is tremendous value in companies and teams that have long been ignored.”

In addition to Mr. Rochester and Ms. Watkins, MEOA directors are majority-minority including, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, MIT economist and Dean, College of Ethnic Studies, Cal State Los Angeles, Mr.

SHAWN ROCHESTER, Chair- ROBIN WATKINS, Chief Finanman and CEO, MEOA. cial Officer, MEOA. Ronald Busby, Sr., President and CEO, US Black Chamber, Inc., and Mr. Patrick Linehan, Partner, Steptoe & Johnson.

To further demonstrate its commitment to racial equity and economic inclusion, MEOA engaged the Industrial Bank of Washington, one of the country’s preeminent Black-owned institutions, for its working capital banking needs during the SPAC and IPO process.

“I have long been a believer in MBEs and their untapped potential,” said Sphere 3D CEO Peter Tassiopoulos. “MBEs not only fortify economic diversity

across various industries but, given the opportunity, will strengthen the social fabric of America. Sphere 3D is proud to have played a role in MEOA’s initial public offering. MEOA’s management team and directors are uniquely qualified to position acquisition targets for exponential growth.”

A registration statement relating to the securities sold in the initial public offering was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 25, 2021. The offering was made only by means of a prospectus, copies of

which may be obtained from Maxim Group LLC, 300 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10022, at (212) 895-3500, or by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov. Maxim Group LLC acted as the sole book-running manager for the initial public offering.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Minority Equality Opportunities Acquisition Inc. Minority Equality Opportunities Acquisition Inc. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or

entities. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination target in any business, industry or geographical location, it intends to focus its search on transactions with companies that are Minority-Owned Businesses, such that, immediately following the completion of its initial business combination, the combined company would qualify as a Minority Controlled Business. In general, a “Minority-Owned Business” is a business at least 51% of the equity ownership interest in which is owned by one or more minority individuals who are United States citizens or legal resident aliens and both the management and daily business operations of which are exercised by one or more minority individuals (with a minority group member being an individual who is at least 25% Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native American), and a “Minority Controlled Business” is a business that would qualify for certification as a “minority business enterprise” by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.

Ready to switch wireless carriers?

Answer these 5 important questions first (BPT)—Changing your wireless carrier is an important decision. It’s also probably a lot easier than you think.

Before you make the switch, answer these simple questions to make sure you’re all set to change carriers, upgrade your wireless service, and potentially save a lot of money.

Are you free to go? While carrier contracts in the U.S. are quickly becoming things of the past, you still have to make sure you’re free and clear of any obligations to start up somewhere new without getting hit with penalty fees.

If you’ve bought a phone from another carrier, double-check to make sure you’ve paid it off in full, or else you may need to pay the rest of what you owe before you can cancel your service.

Will you need to buy a new phone, or do you have one already? Unless you’re bringing your own existing cellphone to your new network, you’ll need to buy one. You can either pay for the whole thing up front, or via monthly installments. These are payments you’ll need to factor in as you calculate how much you want to pay your new carrier each month.

If you plan to bring your own phone, make sure it’s unlocked and works on your new carrier’s network. When in doubt, give their customer service departments a call, or check for BYOD

(“Bring Your Own Device”) information on the carrier’s website. Nowadays, transferring your phone (and number) to a new carrier can be as simple as swapping out the phone’s SIM card.

Individual or family plan? Are you looking for yourself or for a group?

A shared plan or family plan, which splits the minutes, texts and data on your monthly plan among multiple phone lines, usually wind up being cheaper per month than going solo.

The downsides? You get a smaller amount of data for yourself, and you can’t predict how much everyone else on your plan will use. Carriers can also vary widely on how much they charge for adding extra lines to your account, so be sure to compare to find the best price.

Is low price something or everything?

How important is price to you? If you simply need the lowest rate, look for seasonal sales or promotional offers.

Some carriers will cut you a better deal if you bring your number over from a previous carrier or trade in your old phone. Occasionally, you’ll find a deal that pairs a specific phone model with a particular rate plan. And sometimes you’ll flat out find a great overall deal: Consumer Cellular, for instance, regularly receives top recognition in independent consumer surveys for its low-

priced, no-contract service as well as its top customer support.

How good is carrier coverage in your area?

The fanciest phone on the market won’t get you anywhere if you can’t get data or voice service. Ask your friends, colleagues and neighbors which carriers they use, and how good their reception and signal strength are where you work and live.

There’s no shortage of competition for your cellphone dollars these days.

By finding the right answer to these questions, switching won’t be hard: you’re sure to find a carrier that fits your needs, and at a price you’re satisfied with.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SEPTEMBER 1-7, 2021

B3

Don’t abandon the Christians in Afghanistan

Guest Editorial

Levels and degrees of bullying The problem of bullying seems to be escalating everywhere you look these days. Generally, when we think of bullying, we think about what happens on school playgrounds, in classrooms, and in restrooms among our youth. Truth be told, bullying takes place everywhere, on every level of society.

One of the definitions of bullying is the act of seeking to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable. Does this sound familiar? It is a hallmark of any society that has distinct divisions of power. The wealthy will always be able to bully those without economic wherewithal, and the politically powerful will also be able to do the same to the politically disenfranchised. It is the inequity between groups that sets the parameters for bullying to occur.

On school playgrounds, young people, both male and female, can fall prey to bullying. So-called nerds and those who are academically inclined very often face opposition from those who are less academically adept but are stronger physically. This is especially true in some Black communities where academic achievement is equated with “acting white.”

Many people think that the issue of bullying is a simple matter to contain if only school personnel would nip it in the bud. This is far from the truth, and bullying is one of the most intractable problems faced by schools. This is because the problem is seldom confined to the school environment.

There have been schools that have instituted schoolwide anti-bullying campaigns that have failed to significantly impact the problem. This is because a lot of what happens has its origins before or after school!

Schools don’t have jurisdiction in communities; they can only deal with issues that occur on school campuses. They can suspend or expel perpetrators for events that happen on school grounds, but cannot control what happens in the streets. The tentacles of the streets do reach into schools, but consequences are elusive when it comes to holding people accountable for what does not occur on school premises.

Now, one of the reasons that bullying will most likely be an ongoing problem in a lot of schools, even those with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, is because that same tendency toward bullying extends to the highest places in society.

People have watched as the police bully people, especially Black and brown people, with impunity. They have watched as husbands bully their wives in domestic violence altercations. They have observed transgender people being routinely murdered. They have observed how wealthy countries, i.e., colonizers, have run roughshod over less technically developed nations. They have watched dictators mistreat and exploit their subjects.

One of the biggest role models for bullying occurred in the United States during the past four years. The former president of the United States blatantly used the bullying tactic to such an extent that he held his entire political party almost in the palm of his hands. The result is that we have all observed how the political will of the GOP has been highjacked and has evolved to a level that American democracy is endangered.

The latest example of bullying is seen in Afghanistan wherein the Taliban has taken control of that nation. They are so feared that people are trying to flee the country in droves, leaving their possessions behind. Their fright is almost palpable; this is clearly because the people are familiar with their atavistic bully tactics.

Fundamentally, we can conclude that bullying is a natural characteristic of current humanity. It can be seen among preschoolers, on elementary and secondary school playgrounds, in oppressive workplaces, on national political and economic stages, and in boardrooms everywhere.

The problem will not be easily solved until humanity sincerely attempts to embrace the brotherhood tenets required for a successful world. This is why classroom bullying is such a tough row to hoe. The truth, however, is that the classroom is one of the best places to address the problem.

If young, impressionable minds can begin to demonstrate a higher level of human interaction as encouraged by enlightened teachers and school administrators, we just may see some progress toward the eradication of the problem of bullying.

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(Triceedneywire.com)—In places like Afghanistan the Christian Church faces persecution and death as the Disciples of Jesus Christ did under the Roman Empire.

St. Paul, the prolific writer of most of the New Testament, and St. James the brother of Jesus, were beheaded, a form of terror still used

by Islamic extremists today.

Christians – about 20,000 – in Afghanistan are facing the heightened threat of death as the Taliban takes control. The civilized world must not ignore their fate and use all the resources to aid them.

In the past, foreign Christian workers in Afghanistan have been murdered and many have fled the country. Many secret believers are trying to flee the violent and extremist views of the Taliban, but scores of Christians are too poor and cannot afford to leave.

Christian lives threatened Afghanistan churches must operate underground and remain invisible in a country where Muslims who change their faith are breaking the law and considered to have betrayed their communities. Already since Kabul fell, Christians are reporting that the Taliban has been threatening their lives.

There as elsewhere in several Muslim territories, to be exposed as a Christian risk being charged with apostasy, punishable by death

Dr. Barbara Reynolds

Commentary or imprisonment. In 2019, Reuters reported that the Islamic State released a video purporting to show its militants beheading 10 Christian men in Nigeria.

Relief organizations report that in May 2021, the Taliban bombed a Kabul high school, killing at least 85 people, mainly schoolgirls. The previous year, the Taliban staged a shooting at a maternity clinic, killing women, children, and babies.

Beheading propaganda Islamists beheading of its critics gained national focus with the murder of Daniel Pearl, an American journalist kidnapped and beheaded in Pakistan.

In 2012, Islamic militant groups such as al-Qaeda used beheading as a propaganda tool, distributing gruesome photographs and videos of the executions to media outlets and on the Internet.

ISIL, an extremist group in Iraq and Syria, staged mass beheadings of Syrian and Iraqi captives beginning in 2014 and used the threat of beheading to extract ransom

payments from some Western governments. Several British and American hostages reportedly were beheaded by ISIL. Historically, however, beheading is not the weapon of choice primarily of Islamic extremists nor the Romans who used it along with throwing Christians in cages with ferocious lions.

Ritual decapitation known as seppuku was practiced in Japan from the 15th through the 19th century.

The guillotine was used on criminals of ordinary birth during the French Revolution.

According to tradition, beheading by sword was introduced to England

by William the Conqueror in the 11th century but was stopped in 1747, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Today it is the extremist Islamic groups that continue beheading, a terrible gruesome form of murder.

Prayerfully, the United Nations, and all nations of the world will ban together to aid the Christians in Afghanistan. They cannot be left to fend for themselves.

(Dr. Barbara Reynolds is a former editorial writer and columnist for USA Today.

The author of seven books also has written for The Washington Post, Essence Magazine, Playboy Magazine and the Trice Edney News Wire.)

As COVID threatens another academic year, leaders play politics with students’ health and education (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“We cannot return to the classroom and do things the same as they have always been done and expect to see a different outcome. Instead, we must use this critical moment in education to radically rethink how programs, policies, and opportunities are designed and fiercely commit to prioritizing the communities most impacted by the pandemic and distributing resources accordingly.” – NWEA Center for School and Student Progress.

Across the country, students are embarking on what is certain to be a third consecutive academic year that is compromised or disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is unfortunate for all students, it’s especially dire for students of color and low-income students, who experienced the steepest setbacks as a result of interrupted instruction.

To make matters worse, students are being used as pawns by politicians more concerned with signifying partisan loyalty than with the health and education of public-school children. Twenty states have prohibited proof-of-vaccination requirements. At least eight states—Florida, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Iowa, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah—have imposed bans on school districts requiring masks. Florida and Arizona have gone so far as to threaten to withhold funding from districts that impose mask mandates.

As U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has pointed out, these policies represent discrimination against students who cannot attend school because of the risk to their health. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal preparing to launch investigations in states block mask mandates – a move the National Urban League emphatically supports.

It’s appropriate that Secretary Cardona recognizes pandemic-related educational disruption as a civil rights issue. As I testified earlier this year to the House Education and Labor Committee’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood Elementary and Secondary Education, Black children are more likely than their White counterparts to lack the internet access and the devices necessary to receive adequate remote instruction. This “homework gap” affects one in three Black, Latino, and American Indian Alaska Native students.

The effects on inequality have been stark. Research released last month showed students in majority Black or Hispanic schools ended the school year six months behind where they normally would have been in math, compared with four months for white students. Students in low-income schools were seven months behind.

“Put simply, the students who could least afford to lose ground relative to other students are those who were the most impacted,” wrote

the authors of a similar report that reached the same conclusions.

The educational research organization NWEA, which produced the report, offered several policy recommendations to support students’ health and well-being while at the same time expanding access to excellent educational opportunities.

These include: Re-engage for all students, with a focus on historically underserved students.

Continue to support access to remote learning technology for students and families.

Attend to physical, social, and mental health needs of students and families.

Measure student progress, rethink assessment systems, and use data to support recovery.

Support and train teachers and leaders.

Move from restarting to reimagining accountability and school improvement.

None of these goals are served by endangering the health and safety of students and their families with anti-mask and anti-vaccine policies, or by inviting even more learning interruption by withholding school funding. These misguided, politically-motivated and racially-discriminatory policies can only serve to widen the already-alarming racial achievement gaps. The National Urban League and our network of 91 affiliates across the country stand ready to work with states and school districts on policies that uplift all students and expand educational opportunities for everyone.

Three films highlight soul music’s role in Black cultural history (TriceEdneyWire.com)—In the past five weeks, I have seen three films that showcase and celebrate the contributions of soul music to the cultural history of Black people. “Summer of Soul” celebrates its contributions to the 1969 Harlem Arts Festival; “Respect” celebrates the key role of it in the life of Aretha Franklin who was, and for many still is, the Queen of Soul; “Ailey” celebrated its role in the life of Alvin Ailey, a master choreographer whose “Revelations” is one of the greatest artistic creations of the 20th century.

Alvin told me when I assisted him in the writing of his memoir “Revelations, the Autobiography of Alvin Ailey”, that “Revelations began with the music. As early as I can remember I was enthralled by the music played and sung in the small black churches in every small Texas town my mother and I lived in. No matter where we were during those nomadic years Sunday was always a churchgoing day. There we would absorb some of the most glorious singing to be heard anywhere in the world. With profound feelings, with faith, hope, joy, and sometimes sadness, the choirs, congregations, deacons, preachers, and ushers would sing black

A. Peter Bailey

Commentary spirituals and gospel songs. They sang and played the music with such fervor that even as a small child, I could not only hear it but almost see it.”

Aretha was equally “enthralled” by the black music she first heard when attending black churches as a small child. She absorbed it all and used that spirituality in all of her songs. This is clearly evident when hearing Jennifer Hudson brilliantly sing Aretha’s masterpieces in the film. Aretha also used that same powerful spiritual and communal spirit as a force for bringing black people together during the Civil Rights Movement.

The same intense feelings described

by Alvin and Aretha are also created by the singing of, among others, Ma-

halia Jackson, B.B. King, Nina Simone, Mavis Staples and Gladys Knight in the “Summer of Soul.” It was evident when watching and feeling the intense reaction of the thousands of black folks, from small children to senior citizens who attended the festival.

When attending the three films, it brought about precious memories since I attended the Harlem Arts Festival, assisted Alvin in writing his Autobiography as well as having seen “Revelations” at least twenty times through the years and attended at least a dozen Aretha Franklin concerts while living in Harlem.

Don’t’ get me wrong. The films were not flawless. Summer of Soul should have featured at least two songs by B.B. King and Gladys Knight. “Ailey” failed to note the major role played by Carmen De Lavallade in Alvin’s entry into the world of dance. Respect was hampered by occasional repetition that made it overly long. Still, if my eight grandchildren, ages eight to twenty-eight lived here in DC, I would take them as a group to see the films and then discuss with them the importance of soul music in our cultural history.

FORUM

B4 SEPTEMBER 1-7, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Afghan women: Unworthy of ‘The White Man’s Burden’ The most important right J. Pharoah Doss For the last several years, it has been common to hear or read some version of the following argument: “Education is the main civil rights issue of our day.”

As an article in U.S. News & World Report pointed out in 2016, this is one of the few major issues about which most Republicans and Democrats seem to agree.

Barack Obama affirmed this view while he was president, as did George W. Bush. While I don’t see or hear this argument as frequently today as I have in the recent past, I’m aware that many well-known individuals and organizations still use it.

To the extent that it is important to designate one societal problem as “the” civil rights issue of any given era — which is a notion about which I’m skeptical — I do not agree that education is the one that should hold such a status. (This is despite my belief that a high-quality education for all young people is exceedingly important to them and to our nation.) If any issue should be considered primus inter pares, it is the right to vote.

Before he was elevated to the Supreme Court, current Chief Justice John Roberts had to sit through Senate confirmation hearings. The late Sen. Ted Kennedy, a civil rights giant, asked Roberts about his views regarding the Voting Rights Act. Kennedy did so because Roberts was well known in political circles for being hostile to the act ever since he joined the Reagan administration as a young attorney. In responding to Kennedy, Roberts said, “(The right to vote) is preservative of … all other rights. Without access to the ballot box, people are not in the position to protect any other rights that are important to them.” (Roberts man-

Larry Smith

Commentary aged not to giggle as he uttered those words.)

I agree with the sentiment that Roberts expressed during the hearings, even though his rulings do not reflect his rhetoric. Further, as I’ve pointed out previously, Republican legislatures throughout the nation are engaging in Jim Crow 2.0 by passing laws that severely curtail African Americans’ right to vote. (Predictably, the Roberts-led Supreme Court is intent on upholding these discriminatory laws.)

For the last two decades, Republicans have continually perpetuated an earlier version of the Big Lie of 2020, namely that they want to prevent “voter fraud.”

The problem with that assertion is that it is fraudulent. Republicans’ own studies have shown that, out of more than a billion votes cast in the last couple of decades, there are only a few dozen examples of fraud. In many instances, the “violators” were unaware that they had engaged in fraud. Or, there were clerical errors or problems with data matching. The Brennan Center for Justice found that intentional voter fraud is between 0.0003 percent and 0.0025 percent of votes cast — bamboo splinters notwithstanding.

In short, Republicans understand that the danger is not that people (including undocumented immigrants) are going to vote illegally; the real problem is that more Americans tend to vote for the Democratic Party than for the Republican Party. For example, consider the 2018 mid-term elections. Overall, Americans cast 12 million more votes for Democrats than for Republicans, yet the latter held the Senate until the 2020 election. And even though Democrats re-took the House in 2018, they likely would have had won more seats were it not for Republicans’ gerrymandering and voter suppression tactics.

Further, given the results of the 2020 census, Republicans have vowed to continue egregious gerrymandering across the states. (I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge that Democrats have engaged in gerrymandering in years past. Still, the scope, scale and precision of Republican efforts are unprecedented.) In the powerful words of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “… the core principle of republican government … (is) that the voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.”

Fortunately, in a hopeful sign, the House of Representatives just passed legislation to strengthen the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which the Supreme Court has effectively gutted in the last decade. Now, it is up to the Democrats in the Senate to join them — even if that means shedding the filibuster.

(Many Democrats are loath to do that.)

If they fail to do so, African Americans should shed the Democratic Party.

Larry Smith is a community leader. Contact him at larry@leaf-llc.com.

At the start of the 20th century, an editorial cartoon illustrated Kipling’s poem, “The White Man’s Burden.” The poem expressed the grand idea of colonialism. The cartoon showed John Bull, the personification of Great Britain, and his counterpart Uncle Sam trekking up a steep hill made of boulders toward a gold statue. The boulders underneath their feet were inscribed with the words: Superstition, Cannibalism, Slavery, Oppression, Brutality, and Vice. The gold statue at the top of the hill held a sign that said: Civilization. John Bull and Uncle Sam were hunched over with huge baskets strapped to their backs. The baskets were filled with all their colonial subjects from Africa and Asia. The message was clear; John Bull and Uncle Sam carried the tribal people of the earth to civilization.

In plain English, the White Man’s Burden was to civilize the “uncivilized.”

Over the course of the century, The White Man’s Burden was rightfully condemned for its racism and White supremacy. By the end of the 20th century, the European powers lost their colonies, the Soviet Union collapsed, and the United States became the lone superpower.

Immediately, the United States embarked on its own version of The White Man’s Burden.

This time Uncle Sam policed the globe, spread democracy, and championed human rights. Critics of these activities claimed the United States was trying to remake the world in its own image and condemned these activities as “nation building.” Critics insisted “nation building” was too much, even for a superpower, to bear because “nation building” led to “endless wars” that were not worth

Check It Out the cost.

Critics also condemned “nation building” as colonialism in disguise.

In 2001, the United States invaded Afghanistan after 9/11, in order to topple the Taliban government and make sure Afghanistan was no longer used as a staging ground to launch terror attacks against the United States. In 2007, President Bush said, “Our goal in Afghanistan is to help the people of that country defeat the terrorist and establish a stable, moderate, and democratic state.” Bush also said, “Under the Taliban, women were barred from public office. Today, Afghanistan’s parliament includes 91 women. Under the Taliban, there were about 900,000 children in school. Today, more than 5 million are in school – about 1.8 million of them are girls.”

In 2021, President Biden withdrew U.S. forces in Afghanistan. During the withdrawal, Afghanistan’s government collapsed, and the Taliban seized control of the country. After these catastrophic events, Biden explained that the United States accomplished its military objectives 10 years ago, Afghanistan was no longer a vital interest, and withdrawal was overdue. Biden also reiterated that the mission in Afghanistan was not “nation building” or “creating a centralized

democracy.”

In a recent interview, Shabnam Nasimi, a British-Afghan political commentator and director of Conservative Friends of Afghanistan, disagreed with President Biden. Nasimi said the goal of the United States was to remove the terrorists and to “nation build.” If the former were the only goal, then Biden’s withdrawal wouldn’t be a betrayal to a new generation of Afghan women who never experienced living under Taliban rule. In the past 20 years Afghanistan made a lot of progress. That’s because the Afghan people welcomed democratization; it wasn’t being imposed. If Europe and the United States weren’t built in 20 years then, Afghanistan wouldn’t be fully developed either, especially since “nation building” had to be done from scratch. There was no infrastructure, no roads, no school system, and no health care system. If the United States stayed longer, 40 years, as they have done in other places around the world, Afghanistan would have had a chance to prosper and be an ally to the United States in a hostile region.

Currently, the United States has over 35,000 troops in Germany, over 12,000 troops in Italy, over 53,000 troops in Japan, and over 26,000 troops in South Korea. But maintaining over 2,000 troops in Afghanistan to prevent the Taliban from taking over the country and returning Afghan women to religious restrictions that rival slavery was too costly.

The interviewer told Nasimi he wasn’t convinced by her argument.

The interviewer might as well have said, “Afghan women are unworthy of The White Man’s Burden.”

Why are a few Dems blocking Biden’s bold recovery agenda?

(Trice Edney Wire)—This is the week that will tell whether Washington will act to address the growing crises that threaten our democracy. Across the country, COVID-19 is spiking once more, as the Delta variant proves ever more contagious.

Floods in the Northeast join flames in the Northwest, as extreme weather caused by climate change takes an ever-greater toll in lives and resources.

Our economy has only begun to recover from the COVID-19 recession, and it still does not work for most Americans. Low-income families struggle to find housing; young people are burdened with college debts; parents can’t afford child care; the old find health care ever more unaffordable. Now comes the test. Will a handful of conservative Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives join Republicans in blocking the progress we need? Will they join Republicans in sabotaging the program of the Democratic president?

As I write this from my hospital bed, they are still claiming they will block the way. Here’s the back story.

The Senate — somewhat miraculously — has passed both a bill to begin rebuilding our infrastructure with bipartisan support, and a budget resolution that would make a real impact on people’s lives in a party-line vote.

The former is modest — only $550 billion in new money over 10 years, focused on roads, bridges and water systems.

To gain Republican support, it pretends to balance the spending with revenues from accounting tricks, repurposing funds from other purposes and other gambits. The latter

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary — the budget resolution — is bolder in vision, providing a child allowance for middle and low income families, major investment in quality day care and pre-K, a serious first step in investments in meet the climate crisis, and major improvements in Medicare to make health care more affordable.

The budget resolution bill is also bolder in scope, spending $3.5 trillion over 10 years, balanced by revenues produced by asking the rich and the corporations to pay closer to their fair share in taxes. Not surprisingly, Republicans — who have pledged never to raise taxes on the rich and even oppose empowering the IRS to collect the taxes they already owe — unanimously voted against it. Now the House must pass the budget resolution — again in the face of united Republican opposition.

That will then unleash the committees to detail the exact programs, negotiate various compromises, lay out the revenue side and pass a budget to be negotiated with the budget passed by the Senate. With Democrats enjoying only a three-vote margin in the House, that requires House Democrats to unite as Senate Democrats did (and as Republicans do in opposition). Yet, somehow, a handful of

conservative Democrats have decided to get in the way. They demand that the House pass the smaller, bipartisan infrastructure bill immediately and say they won’t vote for a budget resolution until it does.

Why? They say speed is necessary to pass the infrastructure bill, but that’s just silly. The whole process will be done — if everyone stays on board — by October. They claim the triumph of bipartisanship is the way things should be done. But as the infrastructure bill showed, the only legislation able to gain Republican support will be too modest to make a real difference on climate and will do nothing to address the extreme inequality fostered by our current rigged tax system.

The Democratic holdouts also claim they are worried about the “price tag” of the budget resolution — although that bill provides real revenue to balance the spending, while the infrastructure bill fails to do so. At a time when the crises we face demand bold action, they prefer small. With extreme inequality undermining our economy and democracy, they cater to donors, not voters.

At a time when Republican obstruction forces Democratic unity if anything is to move, they prefer division. This week will tell. It is time for conservative Democrats to stop posturing and to start legislating, to stop dividing the party and to start getting with the program. One thing is clear: If they are successful in blocking Biden’s agenda, they will surely lay the groundwork for Republican victories in 2022.

Pennsylvania GOP senators, accept reality, move on

by Marty Flynn I need to respond to the Pennsylvania Senate Republicans calling for an investigation into the results of the 2020 election. To be honest, folks, I had a hard time deciding if I should even write this. It’s frustrating to have to respond to claims so absurd.

The Republicans are living in a fantasy world, and they want us to pay for their room and board. This is beneath us. It should be beneath them, too.

They claim that they are calling for this audit to “restore trust in our system,” while they are the ones actively trying to sow distrust. It’s like burning a house to the ground to restore trust in the fire department. They’re the ones destroying it!

The amount of evidence the Republicans are clinging to is precisely zero — it simply does not exist. All of the facts clearly show that the election results were fair and valid. Over 50 courts across the country, independently of one another, have examined these claims and found them to be completely baseless.

You may remember Rudy Giuliani leading the charge against the elec-

tion results. You may also remember that, as a result, his legal license was suspended in his home state of New York. His claims were found to be so patently untrue that he is no longer allowed to practice law.

Over a dozen Republican state senators won re-election in 2020, and not one of them questioned the integrity of those results. The exact same people who had no issue accepting the results of races they won are disingenuously crying foul at the outcomes of the races they lost. They are claiming that when they win, it’s fair, and when they lose, it’s rigged, ignoring the fact it’s all the same election, the same ballots, the same machines.

In my time as a boxer, there were fights I was certain I’d won only to be dealt a crushing and surprising decision. To accept a loss after preparing yourself for victory is no easy task, but it’s an essential lesson in humility and maturity. I believe that you learn more about yourself in defeat than in victory.

We’re certainly learning a lot about the senators right now. Instead of focusing on moving forward, helping their constituents bounce back and even thrive as our nation recovers

from this pandemic, their attention is on some delusional version of the past. Our job as senators, fundamentally, is to help those we were elected to represent. The Republicans are clearly not concerned with actually helping anyone.

Let’s be blunt about their motives here. First, they’re trying to indulge our previous president in his attempt to undermine President Joe Biden.

This is unseemly, sure, but sadly it’s what we’ve come to expect. It’s the second motive, though, that could have real consequences should this audit proceed. Suddenly, there will be a precedent set where the results of every single election could be disputed or outright ignored by anybody who doesn’t like how the vote turned out. This, it should not need to be said, runs completely counter to the foundations and ideals upon which this country was founded.

So please, senators, come to your senses, accept reality, move on, and put an end to this farce. The rest of us are trying to have a democracy here.

(Marty Flynn has represented the 22nd District in the Pennsylvania Senate since 2021.)

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by Qeexo (Pittsburgh, PA) to develop internal web application’s front & back end to support machine learning software pipeline used to produce commercial software libraries; perform Full Stack Development & Database Management; provide a pictorial and useful data structure analysis for Qeexo ML algorithms; etc.

Resume to: info@qeexo.com

MANAGER OF CORRIDOR PLANNING Port Authority is seeking a Manager of Corridor Planning to be responsible for the management of corridor planning projects for the Authority.

Advances the priorities of the long-range plan through corridor expansion planning projects. Assists the Section Manager of Planning with Departmental tasks, presentations, and community engagement. Responsible for personnel actions for Corridor Planning staff within the Planning Section, to include onboarding, training, development, and performance reviews.

Essential Functions: •Manages the daily activities of the Corridor Planning Team within the Planning Section of the Department. Establishes and aligns departmental and individual goals and objectives with corporate goals.

Evaluates performance and promotes growth through mentoring and development.

•Manages studies of major corridor planning with consultants, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of alternatives, environmental analysis, and administrative needs of carrying out work orders such as timelines, ensuring deliverables are met, and invoicing is accurate and timely.

•Manages the community engagement for corridor planning projects, in alignment with Agency values, in an inclusive and transparent manner.

•Manages the creation of, and interim updates for, long-range plans of the Agency.

Job requirements include: •Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Engineering, Transportation, Architecture, Urban Studies, Public Policy or directly related field from an accredited school (Directly related experience may substitute for education.)

•Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Transportation Planning, primarily in the area of mass transit or multimodal planning (Experience may be substituted by advanced education on a year for year basis.)

•Minimum of two (2) years of direct supervisory or management experience.

Demonstrated ability to read engineering design documents and conceptual plans.

•Demonstrated ability to draft work plans and projects for internal staff or consultants to carry out.

•Demonstrated ability to effectively present planning project information to Senior-level audiences such as Senior Staff or the Authority’s Board, as well as community, stakeholder, and public meetings.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of modern office software such as the Microsoft Office package.

•Understanding of the principles of GIS, CAD, VisSim, and other transportation planning applications.

•Ability to prioritize multiple complex projects.

•Valid PA driver’s license must be obtained within 90 days of starting the position.

Preferred attributes: •Master’s Degree in Planning, Engineering, Transportation, Architecture, Urban Studies, Public Policy, or directly related field from an accredited school.

•AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) Professional Certification.

•Knowledge of Allegheny County and the Pittsburgh region.

•Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite applications.

WESTMORELAND AND FAYETTE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR The Westmoreland and Fayette Development Director will lead the annual workplace and community fundraising campaign for United Way of Southwestern PA (UWSWPA) in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties. The Director is charged with growing and strengthening relationships with a portfolio of CEOS and Employee Engagement Champions at local and regionally based companies and organizations and leading the Donor Relations Team (three members) to raise funds to support the work of United Way. Based in the Greensburg office, the director will also support and/ or manage accounts as part of the UWSWPA campaign efforts with teams in the Pittsburgh and Butler offices. The Director will work closely with individual donors of all levels.

These relationships are meant to inspire greater and more consistent involvement with United Way and result in increasing generosity of time, influence, and money.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; 3-5 years of related management experience and 3+ years of experience with human service organization.

Visit our website at https://uwswpa.org/careers/ to view job description and apply for this position. Submissions will only be accepted electronically.

The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity, serving Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland, Fayette, and Armstrong counties.

GROW PITTSBURGH is currently seeking three people who are passionate about local food and social justice to join our team in these exciting roles: Community Garden Project Manager (full-time) to help build and support sustainable, independent community food gardens.

Development Coordinator (full-time) to help support the growth of our fundraising efforts with foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors.

Operations Manager (full-time) to manage key operations roles and systems, including human resources and executive assistance.

Learn more & apply at: https://growpittsburgh.bamboohr. com/jobs/?source=growpittsburgh Equal Opportunity Employer: Grow Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity/ expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or belief. We encourage a diversity of candidates to apply for the position.

PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY BROADCASTING OPEN POSITIONS Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting is hiring for several open positions!

Marketing, Engineering, Fundraising and more! Get details at www. pittsburghcommunitybroadcasting. org.

FACILITY CUSTODIAL SUPPORT STAFF at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

See full job description and application information at https://cathedralofhope.org/careers/.

Preferred start date is during October 2021 SHARING LOCATIONS POLICE DISPATCHER/ RECORDS CLERK – FULL TIME The Borough of West Mifflin is now accepting applications and resumes for a Police Dispatcher. Interested candidates can obtain a copy of an application along with a full job description and requirements at the Borough’s website, www.westmifflnborough.com or at the West Mifflin Borough Building, located at 1020 Lebanon Rd., West Mifflin. Applications and resumes can be mailed to: Borough of West Mifflin Attention: Borough Manger 1020 Lebanon Road West Mifflin, PA 15122 Or emailed to: web@WestMifflinPolice.com Deadline for applications and resumes will be 4pm, Friday, September 10, 2021.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Amy Giammanco Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 AGiammanco@portauthority.org EOE APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER - ALTOONA POLICE DEPARTMENT Applications for Police Officer with the City of Altoona can be obtained from the Human Resources Department of City Hall Monday through Friday between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30.

For additional information and application requirements, please visit the “Employment Opportunities” Quick Link on the City’s website at www.altoonapa.gov.

Completed applications must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than Noon on Friday, September 10, 2021.

Human Resources Department 1301 12th Street, Suite 301 Altoona, PA 16601 The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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MANAGER OF RAIL CAR MAINTENANCE Port Authority is seeking a Manager of Rail Car Maintenance to manage, coordinate, and monitor all light rail vehicle maintenance service delivery and administrative activities to ensure safe and reliable light rail vehicle operations.

Essential Functions: •Plans, directs, and manages the activities of the Rail Car Maintenance Department. Develops departmental goals and objectives in support of Port Authority’s operating plans, goals, and objectives.

•Directs and supervises activities within the Heavy Repair and Running Repair Departments. Meets regularly with assistant managers to review and resolve maintenance issues and problems.

•Manages department matters relating to hiring, promotions, transfers, evaluations, training, other personnel actions, and monitors standardized Port Authority programs such as health and safety, drug and alcohol, attendance, workers’ compensation, safety, and apprenticeship program as they relate to rail car and electronic maintenance.

•Develops, monitors, and maintains appropriate records for all light rail vehicle maintenance activities. Develops, implements, and monitors cost control initiatives, system and process controls, tracking methods, evaluation and measurement systems, and productivity enhancements.

Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •BA/BS degree in Electronic Engineering Technology, Electrical/ Electronic Engineering, or a directly related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

•Minimum of six (6) years of experience in rail car technology and maintenance.

•Minimum of four (4) years of management/supervisory experience.

•Professional and effective communication skills.

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

•A team player with a participative management style.

•Excellent interpersonal skills.

•Customer focused, well organized and results oriented.

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

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NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS September 1, 2021 City of Pittsburgh-Office of Management and Budget 414 Grant Street Suite 501 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2211 This notice shall satisfy procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Pittsburgh.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about September 20, 2021, the City of Pittsburgh will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to release Federal funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended for one (1) real estate project.

The development, Garfield Highlands, involves the new construction of single-family affordable rental housing to create (25) affordable housing units. Three (3) units will be made affordable to tenants at or below 30% AMI, thirteen (13) units will be affordable at or below 50% AMI, and nine (9) units will be affordable at or below 60% AMI. The 25 units are to be constructed upon lots that currently contain vacant land or abandoned housing.

The project is located on scattered sites on North Aiken Avenue, Rosetta Street, and Kincaid Street, located the City of Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood. The developer of the project is Garfield Highlands LP. The funding sources include $7,419,573 in 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity, $589,494 of Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program Funds, $187,820 of deferred developer fee, $540,000 of 2020 Housing Opportunity Funds, $36,393 of HOME 2018 funds, $95,173 of HOME 2019 funds, and $578,434 of HOME 2020 funds. The total estimated cost of the development is $9,446,887.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Pittsburgh has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at 414 Grant Street, Suite 501, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to: Whitney Finnstrom City of Pittsburgh, 414 Grant Street, Suite 501 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 255-2211 All comments received by September 17, 2021 will be considered by the City of Pittsburgh prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Pittsburgh certifies to HUD that William Peduto in his capacity as Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied.

HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Urban Redevelopment Authority to use development funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Pittsburgh certification for a period of fifteen (15) days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Pittsburgh; (b) the City of Pittsburgh has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Planning and Development Division The Moorhead Federal Building 1000 Liberty Ave.-10th floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 a.m. on September 21, 2021 and will be read at 11:15 a.m., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for Tele-Conference dial-in information for the Bid Opening), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)

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Bid Number B210869A

Bid Name Snow Removal Services - Park & Ride Lots

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

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 a.m. on August 31, 2021. Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for Tele-Conference dial-in information. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

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

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

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

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

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PUBLIC NOTICE OPENING OF WAITING LIST Effective Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. until Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 11:59 p.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will be accepting pre-applications online ONLY for the following Project Based Voucher Site Based Community: • Cornerstone Village – (one (1), two (2) and three (3) bedroom only) – 185 Larimer Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Not all households will be eligible for a one (1), two (2) or three (3) bedroom unit, as the age, gender and relationships of household members affect the number of bedrooms for which a household is eligible. Income and eligibility restrictions of the Housing Choice Voucher Program apply.

Pre-applications for Cornerstone Village will be accepted online ONLY at www.hacp.org and can be submitted from any computer, laptop or smartphone with internet access. No pre-applications will be accepted before 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 7, 2021, or after 11:59 p.m., Thursday, September 16, 2021. Printed pre-applications will not be available at any of the HACP properties or offices.

Position on the waiting list will be determined based upon date and time the completed pre-application is accepted by the on-line system.

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations to submit a pre-application can contact the HACP’s Disability Compliance Office at 412-456-5282. For those that are deaf or hard of hearing, you can also contact HACP at TDD: 412201-5384.

Additional information is available by contacting the HACP Occupancy Department at 412-456-5030 or by visiting our website at www.hacp.org.

This event is for Project Based Vouchers for Cornerstone Village ONLY and is completely separate from the HACP Housing Choice Voucher and Low Income Public Housing Programs.

CLOSING OF WAITING LISTS Effective Friday, September 10, 2021 at 12:00 p.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will close the following Project Based Voucher Program waiting lists: •Cornerstone Village - four (4) bedroom •Mellon’s Orchard - one (1) and two (2) bedroom No pre-applications will be accepted for these waiting lists after the closing date and time. Public Notice will be provided when the HACP determines to re-open specific waiting lists.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Allegheny County Economic Development recently issued a Request for ualifications (RFQ) for the Lender of a new Minority, Women, and Veteran Small Business Loan Program. This program will provide term loans, short term lending, and debt refinancing for minority, women, and veteran owned small businesses operating in Allegheny County. Due Date: Friday October 1, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more details and submission information, visit https://www.alleghenycounty. us/economic-development/bids/ bid-notices.aspx Contact (412) 350-1089 with questions.

The Housing Authority of the City Of Pittsburgh Occupancy Department 100 Ross Street – 4th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Urban planning/historic preservation/ architecture/landscape architecture/ transportation: Regional community/economic development organization requests ualifications relative to all or any of the following: evaluating and redesigning older low-moderate housing developments and landscaping to improve viability, master planning in distressed and/or historic neighborhoods particularly regarding vacant, abandoned and/or publicly owned properties, evaluating the reuse of underutilized structures, conducting market studies for residential and retail potential, completing traffic studies and designing transportation improvements. Also provide ualifications regarding working with multiple stakeholders and managing community processes, and minority and women-owned business participation.

Firms/individuals should send two copies of Qualifications by September 15, 2021 along with methods of compensation to: PO Box 232, Leetsdale, PA. 15056.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Requests for ualifications are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 on the following: e uest for ualifications 1 Project Manager – Ridge Avenue Projects Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1749 PRIMARY TANKS CONCRETE DECKING RESEALING AND REPAIRS Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1749 – Primary Tanks Concrete Decking Resealing and Repairs shall be received at the Engineering Department office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until 2:00 P.M., Prevailing Time, Friday September 17, 2021 and then shall be publicly opened and read. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held via a video conference call on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 1:30 P.M., Prevailing Time.

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority and women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible.

Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the Engineering office of the Authority. A non-refundable fee of One hundred dollars ($100) (no cash or credit cards will be accepted) will be charged for each set of Contract Documents received. Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Bid Price.

Contract documents must be purchased directly from ALCOSAN to qualify as an eligible bidder.

Any questions regarding the Technical Aspects of the Project should be directed to Beth Joyce, Project Engineer II, ALCOSAN via email to Beth.Joyce@Alcosan.org .

Any questions regarding the Purchase of Contract Documents should be directed to Kathleen P. Uniatowski, ALCOSAN, via email to contract. clerks@alcosan.org .

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Kimberly Kennedy, P.E. Director of Engineering and Construction ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1750 WORK BARGE DRY DOCK, INSPECTION AND REPAIR Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1750 – Work Barge Dry Dock, Inspection and Repair shall be received at the Engineering Department office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Thursday September 16, 2021 and then shall be publicly opened and read.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams Meeting on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., Prevailing Time. Prospective Bidders are encouraged to attend this meeting.

To receive an Invitation to Pre-Bid Meeting contact Kathleen P. Uniatowski at kathleen.uniatowski@alcosan.org .

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Proposals or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the successful bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible.

Bid Security shall be furnished with the Bid in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond equal to the Bid Price. Contract documents must be obtained directly from the ALCOSAN Engineering Department to qualify as an eligible bidder.

Any questions regarding the Technical aspects of the contract should be directed to John D. Findley, ALCOSAN, via email to ohn.findley alcosan.org Any questions regarding obtaining Contract Documents should be directed to Kathleen P. Uniatowski, ALCOSAN, via email to contract.clerks@alcosan.org .

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, to waive any informality in any Proposal and to accept any Proposal should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the Engineering office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Kimberly Kennedy, P.E. Director of Engineering and Construction

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ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA AUGUST 24, 2021 The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00PM and FROM 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, Wednesday, September 22, 2021 and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in Conference Room1, County Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, one half hour later, 11:30 o’clock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS GILL HALL ROAD LATERAL SUPPORT AT MOWRY DRIVE GILL HALL ROAD PLEASANT HILLS BOROUGH COUNTY PROJECT No. 5226-0003 As a prospective bidder please note the following general Project information regarding Pre Bid Information, Bidding Requirements, and Contract Conditions.

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

PRE BID INFORMATION: Purchase and/or view the Project Manual and Drawings at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. The non refundable charge for the Proposal and a disk containing the Specifications and Drawings is $107.00 including sales tax. The Contract Manager will accept only check or money order to the “COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY” in that amount and WILL NOT ACCEPT CASH OR EXTEND CREDIT. Prospective bidders may request to have bid documents mailed. An additional fee of $16.05 including tax, for handling costs for each requested proposal must be paid in advance. The fee must be received at the Office of the Contract Manager prior to the mailing of any documents.

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

BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: The County requires pre-qualification of bidders, including subcontractors, as specified in Section 102.01 of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania epartment of ransportation pecifications, Publication No.408, 2020 Edition, Change No. 2, Effective April 9, 2021 on this project.

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

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

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

The anticipated notice to proceed is October 25, 2021. The project completion will be 190 consecutive calendar days the from notice to proceed.

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

For technical questions contact Ken Urbanec, P.E., Project Manager, at 412-350-1278. For contracting questions contact the Contracts Division at 412-350-7646.

Chelsa Wagner Controller Allegheny County THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time September 14, 2021 and will be opened at the same hour in the administration building cafeteria: ROCK SALT & ICE MELT General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Purchasing Office, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, RM 349 Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools.org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links.

The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid.

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time September 14, 2021 and will be opened at the same hour in the administration building cafeteria: SWIMMING POOL WATER ANALYSIS General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Purchasing Office, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, RM 349 Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools.org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links.

The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid.

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR PURCHASE, INSTALLATION, CONNECTION, AND CONFIGURATION, OF ALL CAMERAS AND EQUIPMENT AT 8 SITES RFP #350-27-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Purchase, Installation, Connection, and Configuration, of all Cameras and Equipment at 8 Sites The documents will be available no later than August 23, 2021 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 AM on September 14, 2021. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 AM on September 14, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via oom meeting; on September 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 921 3466 1838 Passcode: 510639 +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.

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PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on October 1, 2021 (Please call David Hart at (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving at this location – all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals) and will be opened and read at 2:00 p.m. via teleconference at: (toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 and conference ID #4485786). Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bidders submitting bids via FedEx, UPS, USPS or other carrier must immediately provide tracking information to the assigned contract specialist via e-mail. Upon delivery, bidder will notify the assigned contract specialist with an e-mailed receipt. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award.

SUBWAY STATION ESCALATOR REHABILITATION CONTRACT NO. SYS-21-10 G CONTRACT NO. SYS-21-10 E The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor and materials for Escalator Installations at the Steel Plaza, Wood Street and First Avenue subway stations.

Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after August 30, 2021 at Authority’s offices at the following address (If you are picking up bid documents, please call David Hart at (412) 5665415 prior to arriving at this location - all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals): Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15.00 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods.

This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project.

In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262.

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: David Hart - Authority (412) 566-5415 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: David Hart email: DHart@Portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 a.m.

September 14, 2021

9:00 a.m.

September 15, 2021

Pre-Bid Conference will be conducted via teleconference at: Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour Contractors to initially meet at: Wood Street Station (Wood Street and Liberty Avenue) Pittsburgh, PA 15222

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER BEAVER, PENNSYLVANIA INVITATION TO BID The HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER will receive sealed bids, in duplicate, until 9:30 AM. (local time) on Thursday, September 0, 0 1 at the office of the Housing Authority of the County of Beaver, James F. Tress Administration Building, 300 State Street (Vanport), Beaver, Pennsylvania at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:00 A.M for the following: Sidewalk Replacement and Renovations Contract #1 Brodhead Apartments, AMP 5 Contract #2 712 12th Street 1215 & 1217 7th Ave Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania 15009 Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania,15009 at Francis Farmer Apartments, 274 Friendship Circle, Beaver, PA 15009 @ 10:00 AM at Francis Farmer Apartments, Community Room, 274 Friendship Circle, Beaver, PA 15009 Proposed forms of contract documents, including Plans and Specifications may be obtained by MAIL ONLY. Contractors MUST obtain copies of the documents from DELLIOTT Engineers, Inc., P.O. BOX 375, Zelienople, PA 16063 by first mailing $100.00 in the form of a check made payable to the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER for each set of documents so obtained. DEPOSITS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. Plans and specifications will be available on Thursday, September 2, 2021.

A certified check or bank draft, payable to the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER, U.S. Government Bonds or a satisfactory bid bond executed by the bidder and acceptable securities in an amount equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the bid, shall be submitted with each bid.

All required Contract Documents must be completed and submitted with the bid. The successful bidder will be required to furnish and pay for satisfactory performance, labor and material, and maintenance bonds of 100% with good and sufficient surety, and will be required to provide same within ten (10) days of contract award.

Prior to award of any contract the Housing Authority will conduct a pre-contract survey of a Bidder’s past performance. Consideration will be given to such matters as bidder’s integrity, compliance with the public policy, record of past performance, and financial and technical resources.

Invitation to Bid EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY REQUIREMENTS: The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally-assisted Construction Contracts.

The Contractor must insure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin. The work to be performed under this contract is subject Section 3 Compliance.

A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Brodhead Apartments Community Room, 712 12th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 The HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER reserves the right to reject all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. Award of this contract is contingent on funds available.

No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days subsequent to opening bids without the consent of the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER. HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER Michael D. Lacey.

Chairman Brian L. Yaworsky Executive Director

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Followed by: Steel Plaza Station (Ross Street and Sixth Avenue) Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (Steel Plaza site tour immediately follows Wood Street site tour) Followed by: First Avenue Station (First Avenue and B Street) Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (First Avenue site tour immediately follows Steel Plaza site tour) All participants must provide and wear safety vests and appropriate footwear; all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals. Tours will be conducted in limited group sizes and in the order of which bidders sign-in at the site. (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.)

1:30 p.m.

October 1, 2021

Bids Due Purchasing and Materials Management Department Please call David Hart at (412) 5665415 prior to arriving at the Heinz 57 location - all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals.

Bids submitted via Fed Ex, UPS, USPS or other carrier are sub ect to the notification requirements indicated above.

Bid Opening will be conducted @ 2:00 p.m. via teleconference at: Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786

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

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

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

Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids ARTICLE 2 – PRE-BID CONFERENCE A Pre-Bid Conference may be held with prospective Bidders to review the Bid Documents and generally discuss the Project. The time and place will be specified in the Advertisement. All Bidders are encouraged to submit their questions in writing to the respective individuals listed in the Advertisement prior to the time specified in the Advertisement for the Pre-Bid Conference. A response may be provided during the Pre-Bid Conference or by Addendum thereafter.

ARTICLE 3 – PRE-BID TOUR If a site tour is to be conducted covering the area(s) of the Work, it will be held at the date and time indicated in the Advertisement.

ARTICLE 4 – PUBLIC OPENING OF BIDS Bids will be publicly opened and announced at the advertised time and place set for such Bid opening.

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

The Courier isn’T jusT a newspaper. iT’s BLaCK hisTorY.

THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER SALUTES WAMO 107.3, ANOTHER MEDIA ENTITY IN PITTSBURGH THAT SPOTLIGHTS OUR AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY! Pictured above are, from left, back row: WAMO on-air talent Mike Dean, interns Tearl Grey and Jordan Butler, and WAMO operations manager Louis Wingfield. Front row: Interns Veonna King and Tassaun Nix. (Photo by Courier photographer Rob Taylor Jr.)

Is it OK for a woman to give a man money? Which is king—cash or credit? Is he wrong for wanting to go Dutch on a date?

If you missed it, check out Damon Carr’s column on page B1.

110 years and counting...

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.