9.11.24 NPC

COURIER EXCLUSIVE

Juneteenth event

Check sent to POISE Foundation, Sept. 10

by

Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned exclusively that the City of Pittsburgh Controller's Office sent a $125,000 check on Tuesday, Sept. 10, to the POISE Foundation, the fiscal sponsor of William B. Marshall's highly-popular Juneteenth Celebration, ending a monthslong saga between B. Marshall and the city over when he would

get the funding that Pittsburgh City Council allotted to his organization back in mid-June.

Patrick Cornell, Chief Financial Officer for the city's Office of Management and Budget, confirmed in an email to the Courier on Sept. 10 that the City Controller's Office confirmed the check was sent in the mail earlier in the day. It's unclear what day POISE will receive the check in the mail.

It comes on the heels of another $125,000 check that the city sent; this one to Bounce Marketing and Events, run by Fantasy Zellars. The primary difference was that Zellars was selected through an RFP (Request For Proposals) to put on the new, city-sponsored Juneteenth celebration. That celebration, held June 29, saw the city send

by

Stephanie Strasburg

PublicSource Courtney Carter’s 10-year-old brother, Duwayne, reached out to touch his mother’s arm as she watched people lay flowers on a white Ghost Bike in her daughter’s memory. A Barney doll and photos of the confident 9-year-old were attached to the white wheels and handlebars leaned against a Rosedale Street telephone pole in Home-

wood South, where Courtney was struck and killed by a car while riding her bike on Aug. 18. “We called her ‘Mama Bear,’” said Patricia Short, a nod to the way her daughter cared for her family and her classmates at Pittsburgh Faison K-5. A crowd of children from Courtney’s afterschool group at The Promise Center of Homewood and members of Pittsburgh’s bicycle community paused for a moment of silence before pulling out together for a bike ride through

the neighborhood in her memory. Staff from BikePGH was on hand to fit Courtney’s community members with helmets as the setting sun cast long shadows through the spinning bike wheels along the route. From the backseat of a car blocking traffic for the train of bikes, 3-year-old Antonio, who spent time with Courtney at The Promise Center, called to his grandma as they navigated intersections past people watching from their front porches.

Half a block from where Courtney was killed, her mother pointed to a leafy branch hanging down in front of a stop sign, one of the things she wants to see changed as she

Michael Jackson’s estate surpasses $2 billion

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Senior National Correspondent

Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to dominate the entertainment industry, with his various projects collectively surpassing $2 billion in global ticket sales. The King of Pop’s influence remains unmatched, from groundbreaking concert films to sold-out Broadway shows. However, beneath this glittering success lies a complex tale of financial recovery, legal battles, and persistent family strife.

In 2002, Michael Jackson signed a will that left nearly all his assets to his children through a trust while granting his mother, Katherine Jackson, a small interest during her lifetime. Crucially, the will endowed his executors— John Branca and John McClain—with broad powers to manage the estate, including the authority to sell its assets. This provision has proven to be pivotal, enabling Branca and McClain to rescue the estate from near financial collapse after Jackson’s untimely death in 2009, turning it from a half-billion dollars in debt into a multi-billion-dollar empire.

Branca, a towering figure in the entertainment law world, has been central to this remarkable financial revival. Often described as a “rock star” among lawyers, Branca’s career is defined by his representation of some of the biggest names in music, including the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Dr. Dre, and the Eagles. His work has secured record earnings for these artists and set industry-changing precedents that continue to shape the music business today.

Branca’s relationship with Michael Jackson began in 1980, and over the years, he became one of the most trusted figures in Jackson’s professional life. Known for his ability to negotiate landmark deals, Branca was instrumental in Jackson’s acquisition of the ATV Music Publishing catalog, which included the rights to many Beatles songs—a move that is still considered one of the most astute in music industry history. Michael Jackson once called Branca “the greatest lawyer of our time,” and the accolades he received from industry giants only reinforced this reputation. Marty Bandier, Sony/ATV Music CEO, and Chairman, has named Branca as the number one

publishing lawyer in the United States, while Carlos Santana referred to him as “the Shaman.”

Under Branca’s stewardship, the estate has seen a remarkable financial transformation since Jackson’s passing. Over the past 12 years, Branca has orchestrated deals that have generated a staggering $2.5 billion for the estate. These include high-profile projects such as Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT, the highest-grossing concert film of all time, and MJ The Musical, a Broadway sensation that has won four Tony Awards and continues to draw sold-out crowds in North America, London’s West End, and soon, in Hamburg and Australia.

In February 2024, Branca and McClain negotiated what The New York Times described as a ‘blockbuster deal.’ They sold a significant portion of Jackson’s music catalog to a joint venture with Sony for a staggering $600 million. This deal, while financially beneficial, was not without controversy. Katherine Jackson objected, arguing that Michael had expressly stated his assets should never be sold. However, a California appellate court ultimately upheld the executors’ decision, citing the broad powers granted to them in Jackson’s will. With unparalleled financial success, and conflict within the Jackson family, Branca and McClain have remained undaunted, focusing on preserving and expanding Michael’s legacy. Their efforts have been so effective that one observer noted, “They’ve taken such great care of the business of Michael Jackson that his heirs, his three children, will be able to feed a few dozen generations of Jacksons.”

Additionally, a source close to the estate said Katherine Jackson has been the recipient of more than $60 million since her megastar son’s death

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

• SEPTEMBER 11

1740— Was he America’s first Black doctor and or dentist? It is unclear but on this day in 1740 the Philadelphia Gazette carries a report of a “Negro” named Simon who was skilled in the abilities to “bleed and draw teeth.” During the colonial period, such a phrase was normally used in reference to doctors and dentists.

while Tito and Jackie have been among the most supportive of their younger brother’s executors, arguably the greatest and most organized estate in history.

The Jackson estate continues with its most recent project, the eagerly anticipated Antoine Fuqua biopic MICHAEL (2025), starring Jermaine Jackson’s son, Jaafar, as Michael, casting that again showed the executor’s willingness to spread the vast wealth. Still, Branca and McClain’s ability to navigate familial complexities while continuing to grow the empire Michael Jackson left behind has been a testament to their expertise and commitment. Michael Jackson’s legacy, built on groundbreaking music and iconic performances, remains untouchable in the public’s eyes. Yet, the story behind the scenes is one of careful legal maneuvering, enduring family discord, and the challenge of preserving a cultural icon’s legacy while ensuring the financial security of his heirs for many generations to come. Branca’s dedication to “fighting for artists’ rights” has protected the hitmaker’s legacy and set a standard for how artist estates should be managed, securing a lasting impact on the music industry and beyond. Branca and McClain’s major accomplishments:

Michael Jackson THIS IS IT—Highest grossing concert film of all time

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR—Top l0 Touring Concert Show of All Time

Michael Jackson ONE— Top Las Vegas Show

MJ The Musical—4 X Tony Award Winning

Broadway Musical

MJ the Musical—SoldOut North American Touring Show

MJ the Musical—SoldOut West End London

MJ The Musical Hamburg—Coming soon!

MJ The Musical Australia—Coming soon!

MICHAEL (2025)—The Most Anticipated Biopic Ever, Directed by Antoine Fuqua and Produced by Graham King, John Branca & John McClain

1851— In a fairly unusual development, a group of Blacks on this day in 1851 rout a group of slave catchers who had come to Christiana, Pa., to re-capture runaway slaves. One White was killed and a second one was seriously wounded.

• SEPTEMBER 12

1913— Track and field athletic legend Jesse Owens is born on this day in Oakville, Ala. Owens would achieve international fame when he won four gold medals at the 1936 summer Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. His feat helped undermine Adolph Hitler’s myth of Aryan or White superiority.

1977— One of the greatest unsung heroes of the struggle against then White-ruled South Africa’s system of racial suppression known as apartheid is murdered on this day by South African law enforcement officials. Steve Biko was a leader of the country’s Black Consciousness Movement. He believed that one of the most destructive attitudes undermining Black progress throughout the world was that Blacks were not truly proud to be Black.

1992—Dr. Mae Jemison becomes the first African American woman in space when she was launched from the Kennedy Space Center on this day as part of a joint U.S.-Japanese mission. Since resigning from NASA, the multi-talented Jemison has started a company which aims to improve health care in Africa. In addition to her native English, Jemison speaks Russian, Japanese and the East African language of Swahili.

• SEPTEMBER 13

1663— The first documented slave rebellion in America is set to take place. The revolt in Gloucester County, Va., involved Black slaves and White indentured servants. However, it was betrayed by a White indentured servant.

1885—Alain L. Locke , philosopher and the first Black Rhodes scholar is born. He became a professor at Howard University and one of Black America’s leading intellectual figures.

1962— In an event which demonstrated the tenacity of racism, especially in the South, Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett pledged to defy the federal government and block the court ordered admission of a Black man— James Meredith —to the University of Mississippi. He made his declaration during a statewide television and radio address. Barnett said he would go to jail to prevent integration, arguing, “There is no case in history where the Caucasian race has survived social integration.” Despite his talk, Barnett would eventually relent and Meredith (with the aid of U.S. Marshals) was allowed to attend the university.

1971— Approximately 1,500 state troopers are ordered by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller to storm New York’s Attica prison to break up a takeover of the prison by Black inmates demanding better conditions. When the dust settled, the storming of the prison resulted in the deaths of 32 inmates and 10 guards who had been held hostage.

1996— Pioneering rapper Tupac Shakur dies from his wounds after being shot in Las Vegas, Nev. He was only 25. Shakur has now become a near cult figure among rappers. His killers were never brought to justice.

• SEPTEMBER 14

1940— Blacks are allowed for the first time to enter all branches of the U.S. military when President Franklin D. Roosevelt, on this day, signs the Selective Service Act.

1973—Nasir Jones , known simply as Nas , was born in Queensbridge,

N.Y. Nas is well known for his 1994 debut album Illmatic, which many consider to be one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

• SEPTEMBER 15

1830— The First National Negro Convention takes place in Philadelphia, Pa. Top on the agenda were the better organizing of anti-slave activities and whether or not free Blacks should return to Africa.

1881— Inventor Jan E. Matzeilger is born in Dutch Guyana. He came to the United States in 1878 and by 1880 had patented a shoe lacing machine.

1889— One of Black America’s most outstanding poets, Claude McKay is born. He would become a leading figure during the Black Cultural Revolution known as the Harlem Renaissance.

1928— Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Julian Edwin “Cannonball” Adderley born in Tampa, Fla. Adderley is remembered for his 1966 single “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” He performed with Miles Davis, playing on the seminal Davis records “Milestones” and “Kind of Blue” before embarking on a successful solo career.

1963— In one of the most heartless terrorist attacks of the Civil Rights Movement, the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., is bombed by White supremacists and Ku Klux Klan members. Four little Black girls are killed. But instead of scaring African Americans into backing away from their demands, the act actually inspired the Civil Rights Movement.

• SEPTEMBER 16

1848— The French abolish slavery in all their territories. It would take a Civil War and another 17 years before slavery is abolished in America. 1921—Singer Jon Hendricks born in Newark, Ohio. He is considered one of the originators of vocalese, which adds lyrics to existing instrumental songs and replaces many instruments with vocalists. He is also considered one of the best practitioners of scat singing.

1925— Blues great B.B. King is born Riley B. King on this day in Itta Benna, Miss. King was an American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. He won a 1970 Grammy Award for the song “The Thrill Is Gone.” His version became a hit on both the pop and R&B charts. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. King died May 14, 2015 at the age of 89.

1933—“Emperor Jones” is released on this day by United Artists. It starred social activist Paul Robeson as Brutus Jones. It was the first Hollywood film with a Black leading man and a White supporting cast.

• SEPTEMBER 17

1787— The United States Constitution is approved but it includes three clauses allowing for the continuation of slavery even though it was supposed to be a document of freedom.

1861—Hampton Institute (now university) is founded. It has now become one of the nation’s leading predominately Black educational institutions.

1970—The “Flip Wilson Show” premieres on NBC television. It is the first variety show (in prime time) to star an African American male since the “Nat King Cole Show.” During its first two seasons, its Nielsen ratings made it the nation’s second most watched show. Wilson was most famous for creating the role of Geraldine Jones, a sassy, modern woman who had a boyfriend named Killer (who, when not in prison, was at the pool hall). Wilson popularized such catchphrases as “What you see is what you get” and “The Devil made me do it!”

1973— Illinois becomes the first state to honor Civil Rights Movement icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a state holiday.

MICHAEL JACKSON. (CREDIT: NNPA NEWSWIRE)

traffic calming upgrades like more stop signs and speed bumps that neighbors have asked for along the stretch of Rosedale.

The city’s Traffic Calming Requests page says the street is currently under evaluation for upgrades.

Mayor Ed Gainey increased the amount of funding for traffic calming projects in his 2024 budget by 136 percent, and passed a resolution with City Council emphasizing “Vision Zero” —a commitment to ending traffic fatalities and serious injuries. A 2019 study found that traffic calming measures reduced fatalities for all road users, not just bicyclists and pedestrians. Locally, crashes of all kinds—including those causing

injuries—dropped after the installation of Downtown’s bike lanes. “There are proven ways that the city can redesign our infrastructure to prioritize the lives of people and to prevent speeding,” wrote Julie Walsh, BikePGH communications manager, in an email to PublicSource. “When vehicle speed is one of the biggest factors in whether someone lives or dies from a crash, it is infinitely important to ensure we have the resources allocated to fulfill the many traffic calming requests the city receives from so many of our neighbors.”

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police announced an investigation of the crash, after which the driver was cooperative, but no update has been issued.

(Photos by Stephanie Strasburg/PublicSource)

BICYCLISTS RIDE ALONG ROSEDALE STREET in honor of 9-yearold Courtney Carter, on Sept. 3, in Homewood South. Courtney was a week away from starting the new school year at Pittsburgh Faison K-5, a few blocks away from where she was fatally hit. 3-YEAR-OLD

route

life of 9-year-old courtney carter. Antonio is a regular at The Promise Center of Homewood, where Courtney would visit outside of school.

KENNEDEY GOODSON, 10, sits on her bike beside a memorial honoring 9-year-old Courtney Carter, on Sept. 3, in Homewood South. Goodson and Carter both played after school at The Promise Center of Homewood.

DANIELLE DARR

R&B

MANYAH WRIGHT LOOKS ON AS ELI CARRON OF JUMBO FISH, JUMBO WINGS, JUMBO SHRIMP PREPARES HER MEAL...

PEACHIE SHIELDS (LIME GREEN OUTFIT), TARA DUCK (BLUE SHIRT) AND OTHERS DANCED ON STAGE WITH R&B STAR KEITH WASHINGTON

DJ WALKER, MO WALKER AND CHRIS WALKER READY TO DIG INTO THEIR MEAL FROM BIG DADDY’S CHICKEN ON A STICK, AT THE SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL 2024! (PHOTOS BY GAIL MANKER)

Courier exclusive: City sends

B. Marshall’s Juneteenth celebration

Bounce Marketing a check for the event on June 27, two days prior to that Juneteenth event.

B. Marshall has complained for months about that development, seeing as his Juneteenth event was June 14-16 at Point State Park and Market Square. Not only did he not get a check from the city two days before his event, but it’s taken all the way until mid-September for the city to cut a check for the POISE Foundation (and then facilitated to B. Marshall Productions).

During a press conference in August, B. Marshall blamed the city’s first Black mayor, Ed Gainey, for holding up the process of B. Marshall and the POISE Foundation getting their money.

stand why the city would, all of a sudden, start its own Juneteenth celebration, and then when the RFP went out for interested parties, B. Marshall applied but was not chosen—Bounce Marketing and Events was. B. Marshall has continuously said that the city, at least in 2024, never wanted to give him (through the POISE Foundation) the $125,000 that was essentially promised to him for his 2024 Juneteenth celebration. B. Marshall said it took an intervention by Pittsburgh City Council in mid-June to find an additional $125,000 to allocate to the POISE Foundation for Juneteenth, a few weeks after City Council had voted (not unanimously) to approve $125,000

“For 10 years we have supported Ed Gainey and all his endeavors,” B. Marshall said about the mayor. “We have put him up on our platforms and allowed him to speak to the community. We voted for him. We have given him money so he could be the mayor of Pittsburgh. We thought it would be a change. As it turns out,” B. Marshall said, “we feel as though Mayor Gainey is the one trying to stop these events that we actually do for the City of Pittsburgh and for Black people.”

B. Marshall said that while he doesn’t have a monopoly on Juneteenth celebrations in Pittsburgh, he couldn’t under-

to Bounce Marketing for the city-sponsored Juneteenth.

That's right—the City of Pittsburgh ended up spending $250,000 of American Rescue Plan dollars to support two separate Juneteenth celebrations that occurred Downtown, about two weeks apart.

In an exclusive interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier, Aug. 29, Cornell, Chief Financial Officer for the city's Office of Management and Budget, detailed the reason why Bounce Marketing received funding two days prior to its Juneteenth celebration. "It was the same sort of American Rescue Plan

agreement," Cornell told the Courier. However, "in negotiations between Bounce and law (the city's law department), the two parties agreed that as a smaller group, she (Zellars) needed access to the funds in advance. But there were also provisions in that agreement."

An example of those provisions was that a financial advance would be given to Zellars, "and you have 45 days to provide the proof of payment” to a performing artist, Cornell explained.

B. Marshall has maintained that the city never gives money to entities prior to an event taking place, even though that obviously was not the case in the Bounce Marketing situation.

The Courier has also learned exclusively that in the last two years that the city has provided the POISE Foundation (and then to B. Marshall Productions) with $125,000 for Juneteenth, it's taken at least a few months after the event for POISE to receive the money. In 2023, City Council approved the funding for B. Marshall's Juneteenth event in mid-April—the check was cut to POISE in October 2023, a period of about six months, or nearly four months after Juneteenth. In 2024, City Council approved the funding in mid-June —the check was cut to POISE in mid-September, a period of about four months, or nearly three months after Juneteenth. The POISE Foundation is tasked with obtaining all necessary receipts and invoices, etc., from B. Marshall pertaining to what was spent on Juneteenth from an artists/stage/ etc., perspective. Then the POISE Foundation sends that information to the city, which then has to go through a number of people to approve the invoices, get signatures, and ultimately get to the City Controller's office, which then prepares an actual check to be made and then mailed.

It's a process that doesn't happen overnight.

Now that the City of Pittsburgh has fulfilled

its obligation to B. Marshall and POISE on the $125,000, what's next? Will there be a city-sponsored Juneteenth event in 2025? Will there be money allotted in the 2025 budget to support a city-sponsored Juneteenth financially? And what organization would be chosen to put the event on if there is a city-sponsored Juneteenth and corresponding money to support it?

"We won't have access to the American Rescue Plan dollars the same way that we have for the past two years, so it's going to be dependent on what we can find from the city budget proper," Cornell told the Courier. However, "we have started proactively to figure out what next year's Juneteenth celebrations look like for the city as a city-sponsored event."

B. Marshall plans to forge ahead with his Juneteenth celebration, even if there is no money from the city to support him.

But then again, what does Pittsburgh's Black community think about all this? There is a definite divide in the Black community as to who supports B. Marshall's efforts and, in doing so, despises the perceived actions of the mayor, Ed Gainey, of trying to sabotage B. Marshall's event by either throwing a city-sponsored event and/or allegedly removing city funding of B. Marshall's event.

Then there are others who support the mayor's efforts and aren't too pleased with B. Marshall's actions in the media or otherwise.

City Councilman Khari Mosley, who voted to give $125,000 to Bounce Marketing for the city-sponsored Juneteenth and $125,000 to B. Marshall's Juneteenth, told the Courier exclusively on Sept. 10 with "full confidence" that "the mayor is extremely diplomatic and doesn't express the kind of pettiness that is expected in politics. Oftentimes politics can be a tough business, but the mayor has always, in my opinion, been open, been willing to work with people that have criticized him. And even though with some of the challenges that the city has had working with B. Marshall, I think it's evident in the fact that

B. MARSHALL

‘The mayor has no grudge. He is all about transparency and making sure that we follow all the procedures necessary... Mayor Gainey is not about destroying or harming anyone. As he has shown, he is a man about bringing people together, about safety, about welcoming, about having a thriving community, and you can't do that if you're not about working with people, and he has proven that.’

the mayor marched in the Juneteenth parade (sponsored by B. Marshall)."

Councilman Mosley added he's never seen any evidence "of the mayor being retaliatory or anything like that. The mayor has always been diplomatic and willing to work with people that have criticized him."

Mayor Gainey's press secretary, Olga George, told the Courier that Mayor Gainey would not "hold anything up" pertaining to funds that were allotted to the POISE Foundation to be given to B. Mar-

shall. "The mayor is in support of organizations that uplift the community," she said, Aug. 29. "The mayor has no grudge. He is all about transparency and making sure that we follow all the procedures necessary...Mayor Gainey is not about destroying or harming anyone. As he has shown, he is a man about bringing people together, about safety, about welcoming, about having a thriving community, and you can't do that if you're not about working with people, and he has proven that."

Important community resource fair coming to Thelma Lovette Y, Sept. 20

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Pittsburgh Mercy, one of the region’s largest social service nonprofit organizations, will host a free community resource fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, at the Thelma Lovette YMCA, 2114 Centre Avenue, Hill District.

The event will feature Pittsburgh Mercy and other community providers offering resources, support, and education in: Adult, child, and adolescent resources; Employment training; Forensic and legal; Housing resources; Mental health; Overdose prevention; Physical health and wellness; Substance use recovery, and more.

The event is organized and presented by Pittsburgh Mercy’s Service Coordination Department and underwritten in part by a grant from McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grantmaking foundation.

“Pittsburgh Mercy is excited to host this community resource fair at the

Thelma Lovette YMCA to provide our neighbors in the Hill District and surrounding communities and persons we serve with a diverse array of resources,” stated Diane Johnson, senior manager of Service Coordination at Pittsburgh Mercy, in a statement to the Courier.

“We have invited over 50 community partners and service providers to share resources such as baby wellness, immunization, physical health, and much more. Our goal is to have every attendee come away with information and resources that will help en-

rich daily life and empower them in the journey to well-being,” added Johnson. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Light refreshments will be provided while supplies last. Limited free parking is available first come, first served at the Thelma Lovette YMCA. Additional parking is available along Centre and Wylie avenues and neighboring streets. The site is also accessible by Pittsburgh

82, and 83.

MAYOR ED GAINEY

— OLGA GEORGE Mayor Gainey’s Press Secretary

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

Food Insecurity

This month’s Take Charge of Your Health Today focuses on food insecurity and the profound impact on our health—including a disproportionate burden on Black families. As you’ll read, Carlos Carter, head of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, and his team tackle this disparity head on.

Q: Carlos, the Urban League has been at the forefront of addressing food security and related supports. Would you share some of that history?

Carlos: Hunger and housing stability go hand in hand, so we’ve always operated an emergency food pantry (a pantry of last resort) that serves Allegheny County. Because of our location in downtown Pittsburgh, we can provide low-maintenance food products for unhoused people, as well as hygiene kits, diapers, and baby formula.

For many years, we’ve handled the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamp) outreach in Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Greene, Mercer and Washington Counties. The program works with community gardens in Homewood, with additional assistance from United Health Care, Presbyterian Senior Care, Bethesda Boy Scouts, Bidwell, and Giant Eagle. Together, we’ve executed an intergenerational gardening and healthy eating and cooking program.   At Westinghouse High School, we established an in-school snack cupboard and monthly food deliveries for families whose children attend the school.

Each year, we hold our Annual Thanksgiving Distribution (ATD), which features a health and human services fair. Supported by our partners, ATD provides holiday “fixins,” such as a vegetable box, gift card for a meat purchase—plus the opportunity to receive vaccines and eyeglasses, blood pressure and diabetes testing, dental exams, and mammograms. Community partners from Allegheny, Beaver, Lawrence, Greene, and Washington counties help us organize and serve over 900 attendees at the David Lawrence Convention Center.        It’s clear to all of us that food insecurity must be addressed on more than one level, so we support the federal farm bill, which assists Black farmers and contributes to SNAP, childcare food programs (such as outof-school meals for children), and senior food boxes.

Q: That’s a lot of good work! Food insecurity is also linked to economic injustice and negative mental, physical, and emotional effects. Would you highlight programs the Urban League offers to help address economic stability?

Carlos: Our Urban Senior Jobs Program and Urban Tech Jobs Program improve skills that helps clients obtain life-sustaining employment.

Our Opportunity Brokers focus on removing barriers to employment by offering to clients training and financial support for uniforms, daycare, transportation, and rent, if necessary.

Our Family Support Centers ensure that a household meets its living expenses and has food on the table for every member.

All this work with families is part of our initial assessment and guides our service plan. Whether it’s senior jobs, youth leadership, tech jobs, rental and mortgage assistance, or family support programs, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh provides methods to guide its clients toward a path of economic self-sufficiency. Our long-term goal is to stabilize our clients’ housing and employment—and develop a path to homeownership and generational wealth.

New study lays foundation for link between prenatal nutrition and healthier moms and babies

A critical issue that affects millions of people in our country is food insecurity. About 9 percent of White households suffer from it compared to 22 percent of Black households.

Food insecurity happens when a person doesn’t have regular access to enough nutritious food to meet daily needs, including lean protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and healthy fats. The condition can be especially hard on the health of pregnant people and their babies.

When people don’t have money, resources, or reliable places to get nourishing food, they suffer from poor nutrition, which contributes to heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and even obesity (from eating food high in saturated fat and refined sugar).

Food insecurity also impacts people’s mental health. Struggling to find and afford nutritious food can increase stress and depression and make existing mental health conditions worse. Over time, the strain of food insecurity can lead to a complicated and downward cycle of mental health challenges.

The marked difference between Black and White food insecurity is caused by economic disparities, systemic racism, and historical inequities, especially redlining. It’s resulted in a new term for food insecurity in marginalized communities: Food apartheid.

When someone is pregnant, the lack of steady, healthy nutrition not only jeopardizes their health, but also their baby’s. “Pregnant Black people who experience food insecurity are at a higher risk for complications like anemia, preeclampsia, and low newborn birth weight,” says Dr. Christine C. Call, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. “They also experience more stress, which raises cortisol levels and can

impact an unborn baby’s development.”

Dr. Call is lead researcher of Pitt’s AMPLiFY study. The study’s goal is to develop a survey of prenatal food insecurity that can be used in research and clinical settings. “Research about food insecurity during pregnancy is lacking,” Dr. Call says. “We’re hoping to change that, so we can study it and determine how it contributes to physical and mental health outcomes for pregnant people and their babies.”

AMPLiFY participants complete a 1-hour, 1-on-1 interview (online or in-person) and online surveys that ask about food insecurity, eating, mood, discrimination, and demographic characteristics. Total time is about 1.52 hours. The study is ongoing and participants receive payment for their time.

“AMPLiFY will give us the tools to design a meaningful and relevant survey that captures the food insecurity of pregnant Black people and their babies,” says Dr. Call. “We want to create a survey out of care for the people we’re representing —one that’s compassionate and respectful of their circumstances.”

With the right survey, researchers can begin to gather information that may help improve prenatal health. The info may even become a factor in helping to lower our country’s high rate of Black maternal and infant deaths, which is more than twice the rate of White mothers

and infants according to the CDC.

Understanding food insecurity is part of a bigger public health strategy to figure out and eliminate the root causes of Black maternal and infant mortality on a community level and nationally through policy changes.

“Research has taught us fundamental things about prenatal care, but we need more information specific to nutrition,” says Dr. Call. “One of the key things we do know is that it’s important to destigmatize food insecurity and reassure people that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately in our country, 1 in 5 Black people experience food insecurity on a regular basis.”

Dr. Call also notes the important role of trust between a pregnant person and their healthcare provider. “There’s a lot of healthcare system mistrust in the Black community based on historical harms,” she explains. “If you don’t trust the healthcare provider who’s asking you questions about your diet, how will you feel comfortable enough to ask for help with food?”

In the Pittsburgh region, Dr. Call encourages pregnant people to use resources that offer free nutritious food without judgement or stigma. “If you’re pregnant and experiencing food insecurity, please know you’re

not alone and it’s not your fault, especially in today’s economy where food prices have risen so sharply,” she says. Some of the resources include Adagio Health, which offers online sign-up for the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program, as well as an Eat Fresh Farmers Market program and free Pregnant & Powerful classes. There’s also The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s Food Finder Tool, Just Harvest’s food stamps/

SNAP, Feed Hungry Kids, and Find Healthy Food services and The Pittsburgh Study’s Family Resource List for support with child thriving and racial equity. For refugees and immigrants, there’s Hello Neighbor’s Smart Start program. Dr. Call also encourages family members and friends of pregnant people—as well as church and community leaders—to check in with them regularly. “It can be overwhelming and embarrassing to admit you don’t have the resources to get the food you need for a healthy pregnancy,” says Dr. Call. “Regular support from family and the community sends a powerful message to the person who’s pregnant that they and their baby are loved and cherished and don’t have to go it alone.”

Adagio Health delivers vital healthcare and education to diverse communities at no or low cost

A good neighbor in Western PA for over 50 years, Adagio Health offers health, wellness, and nutrition services and support. The nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization’s outreach now includes 62 counties across the state with care and services for approximately 115,000 patients and families. Among the programs and services provided by Adagio Health and its extensive network of providers and partners:

• Reproductive health care services and adult preventive care including vaccines and chronic disease screenings provided at low or no cost to approximately 35,000 patients in western Pennsylvania.

• Breast and cervical cancer screening services to nearly 6,000 patients in 62 counties across the Commonwealth.

• A WIC program for 9,000 parents, caregivers, and young children in rural western Pennsylvania.

• A nutrition education program for more than 50,000 Pennsylvanians— young children, teens, adults, and seniors.

• Food Cupboards that supply nutritious food to about 1,000 Adagio Health patients and clients in immediate need (followed by referrals and connections to local food banks).

• A Tobacco Prevention and Control program that serves approximately 3,700 adults and teens in western PA.

• Education services focused on understanding reproductive health, preventing unplanned pregnancies, and making healthy lifestyle choices for roughly 2,000 students. The services are evidence-informed, age-appropriate, and delivered one-on-one and in group and classroom settings.

Adagio Health is committed to pro -

viding safe, compassionate care to diverse populations with unique needs, including members of LGBTQIA communities, immigrants, and women who have served in the military.

In 2022, Adagio Health commis -

sioned the RAND Corporation to complete a first-of-its-kind needs assessment of women veterans in western PA, with a full report of the findings published in March 2023. Services at Adagio Health are designed to support individual patients and clients—and their families and communities. Studies show a woman with access to quality healthcare and affordable contraception is more likely to, on her own timeline, complete her education, get and keep a good job, financially support herself and her family, and invest in her children’s future.

The organization serves diverse individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds throughout western Pennsylvania and beyond. New programs include “Healthy Women For Life”—an Adagio Health initiative funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Services provided as part of this project are free to eligible patients. Project goals are intended to advance accessible and inclusive women’s health care, especially for pregnant and parenting women. Additionally, with funding from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, Adagio Health is leading a multi-county consortium focused on the prevention of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).

Adagio Health provides all its services through state and Federal government funding, as well as local foundation partners and partnerships with a variety of community organizations and other funders. For more information, visit Adagio Health’s website at adagiohealth. org.

CARLOS T. CARTER

DR. CHRISTINE C. CALL

The 2024 Circle of Courage Awards

MARTELLO)

HONOREE

HONOREE

HONOREE

HONOREE LATERESA BLACKWELL

Steelers play 'Old School Football’ in 18-10 win over Falcons

:10—Finally the NFL season has begun and our Pittsburgh Steelers are on top of the division with an 18-10 victory on the road over the flightless Atlanta Falcons, Sept. 8. It wasn’t pretty unless you like a defense that blanketed the Falcons and held them to 52 total yards in the second half and had three turnovers and winning the turnover battle, which is always a good sign leading to victory. As the old school cat and former defensive lineman, I loved it. The Steelers possessed the ball for almost 36 minutes compared to 24 minutes for the Falcons and the defensive line basically controlled the line of scrimmage, getting better as the game went on. The defense was pretty stellar and get a solid A. Well done, men.

:09—Game ball, of course, goes to Chris Boswell, he of the 6 for 6 field goals, 57, 51, 44, 56, 40 and 25 plus a key 43yard punt with about 3:30 left in the fourth quarter when punter Cameron Johnston was injured and now as we all know, lost for the season. Boswell has the highest percentage of made field goals over 50 yards in the history of the NFL and seems completely impervious to any pressure at all. Money. The man is money.

:08—Sticking to the defense, T.J. Watt was, as usual, an absolute beast on the field. His final stats only show 1 sack but we all know he lost 3 sacks due to poor officiating. For one, the most egregious, he clearly timed the one sack he was called offside on, replays showing the center bobbed his head, which should have been a penalty, and T.J. moved at the exact split second the ball was hiked and was in the backfield sacking Kirk Cousins so quickly the officials threw a flag

because they thought he couldn’t be THAT quick. WRONG! Officiating was awful across the NFL in Week 1 so expect nothing less. But Watt was all over the place, recovering a fumble, stuffing the run in the backfield, applying pressure again and again and again. I’m not sure

how he lost out on Defensive Player on the Year last year but if Week 1 is any indication, he is playing like a man on a mission to correct that.

:07—How about that secondary? Didn’t hear much from Joey Porter Jr.? Know why? They didn’t pass toward him at all, he’s just that darn good already. Donte Jackson? Interception. DeShon Elliott? Interception. Minkah Fitzpatrick? Leading tackler with 7 tackles, 6 of them solo tackles. They held Kirk Cousins, a blitz-killer with his quick release throughout his career, to 155 yards passing and a QB rating of 59.0. Tremendous work from the entire secondary.

:06—As for the defensive line, they held their own, won ugly across the line of scrimmage and wasn’t gouged for a huge run or three like they have been the last several seasons. Montravius Adams had a key sack and Cameron Heyward was solid as a brick wall, so with a tweak or two, they seem fine for now, a work in progress that can and will be better as the season continues. All in all, the defense seemed ready to go and I believe they are capable of bigger and better things.

:05—“We don’t live in our fears.” Oh really? Fourth and short, leading 15-10 with Chris Boswell ready to make it 18-10 and you go for it and get stuffed on a poor QB sneak call that lost a yard? C’mon man! Make it an 8 point game with your defense crushing it. I’m just saying.

:04—Does George Pickens look like a man ready to run up a 100-reception, 1,500-yard season? There’s no reason to not target him 15 times a game, I swear his hands are coated with Stickum. Look it up, youngbloods. And as for the offensive pass interference call he got, are you kidding me? He, in no way, pushed off on that play and he should have at least 36 more yards to add to his credited 85 yards receiving and 6 receptions. And another blown call, how is he down by contact on his 40-yard reception when he was clearly untouched?

Another 15 yards lost to poor officiating. Is there an eye test for all NFL officials before the season

starts?

:03—We’ve now reached the point where we talk about the O-Line and Najee Harris. Najee was Najee, steady, grinding out yards and ball possession one carry at a time, effective and at the end of the game, when the Falcons stuffed the line with 8 and 9 men he was still able to move the ball and run down the clock. The O-Line was/is a work in progress, a few injuries from what we want and need but they were able to help the Steelers rush for 137 yards and hold onto the ball when needed and keep the Falcons offense off the field. No touchdowns, can’t sugarcoat that, they have to put the ball in the end zone, the play-calling was well short of dynamic, too conservative and reminiscent of the past two seasons but I still give them both a “B” with room for improvement. Touchdowns needed though, no excuses.

:02—Justin Fields, 17-23 for 156 yards, no touch-

downs and no turnovers but also with 57 yards rushing, many on key third down plays. He fumbled the first play but had an error-free game, a major plus for him in his career, and steered the team in position for Boswell’s 6 field goals and should have had 7 field goals. It was enough for the victory, a 91.9 QB rating and when let loose a little, threw some rockets to George Pickens downfield. It was a managed victory because they didn’t open up the offense much so, although I’m encouraged. I also think if Russell Wilson is ready and healthy against the Denver Broncos, he will and should be the QB. The Steelers do need to open up the middle of the field with some slants to the slot receiver and some quick hitting passes to Pat Freiermuth. Why sign him to a new big contract if you won’t use him up the middle to open up the outside more for George Pickens? Seems counterproductive to the offense.

:

01—With punter Cameron Johnston out for the season, do the Steelers bring back Pressley Harvin and his mediocre punting ability? Hear me out, hold on, because he’s considered an absolute spot-on, expert field goal and extra point holder. Look, with Chris Boswell an absolute threat to score 3 every time from just about anywhere on the field, a great holder is a must. Do they live with the Harvin punting that can boom one punt 60 yards and the next three 35-40 yards? The trade-off might be worthwhile, I’m not sure who else is out there. Does anyone have Brad Wing’s phone number? Jordan Berry? :00—The Browns let Baker Mayfield, who led them to a playoff victory, go and signed DeShaun Watson to a gazillion dollars to be their QB. Good call, Browns management. GAME OVER.

The Golden Leg—Chris Boswell

ATLANTA—The Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face the Atlanta Falcons, Sept. 8. But reading the opinions of a few members of the Pittsburgh media pool, you would’ve thought they were alumni of Vinnie Boom-Boom High School in Stone Mountain High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. I recently wrote that Atlanta was going to regret the 180-million-dollar "welfare" check that Falcons owner Arthur Blank bestowed on QB Kirk Cousins in the offseason. At the same time, folks were running around ridiculing the bargain basement prices that the Steelers paid to retain the services of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. So far, is Kirk Cousins really appearing to be the Falcons version of a genuine 180-million-dollar quarterback? As Homey the clown used to say: “I don’t think so.” I am positive that Kirk Cousins was not the choice of the Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris. If so, why did the Falcons draft QB Michael Penix?

If monsieur Cousins was a QB in the Steelers QB room, at best he would be behind Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Hell, he might not even beat out Kyle Allen as the third QB. Hmm, I wonder what excuses the media are going to try to conjure up now for Kirk Cousins. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has the appropriate surname because it appears that he handed Cousins a check and allowed Kirk fill in the "blanks." Did Mr. Blank’s mind go blank

by making such a foolish and ill-advised decision?

That costly error in judgment may result in the ultimate case of buyer’s remorse for "the dirty birds.” Even the beginning of Kirk Cousins' career had questionable entitlement decisions made for Mr. Cousins' benefit. In the 2012 NFL Draft, Washington Commanders (formerly the Redskins) Head Coach Mike Shanahan drafted Robert Grif-

fin III in the first round. Shanahan also drafted Kirk Cousins in the fourth round. RGIII was the first overall pick in that year’s draft and was also the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner. However, as we all know, the specter of Kirk Cousins was always looming during the entire tenure of RGIII. From the beginning, Cousins was waiting in the wings to take over for RGIII. At the end of the day, the switch in QBs was blamed on the multiple injuries suffered by Griffin. Many pundits even said that the football IQ of Robert Griffin III was far less than the football intelligence of Kirk Cousins, even though RGIII had won the Heisman, ha! Eventually, Cousins was elevated to the "first chair" in Washington and his spin machine has been purring smoothly ever since. From the Commanders

to the Vikings to the Falcons, all of these teams have a glaring common denominator: Kirk Cousins got paid, paid, and more paid. After the Steelers/Falcons game had concluded, the Pittsburgh writers sounded more as if they were covering and rooting for "the dirty birds." Their criticism of Cousins was lukewarm at best. Yet, some of the boys from "Yinzer Blvd" were offering scathing criticism of Steeler QB Justin Fields writing things like, “the Steelers could not score a touchdown.”

Yes, that is true. But they scored 18 points. Andrew Vasquez posted the following: “To say the least, Justin Fields looked uninspired on Sunday. His rushing ability was as ad-

vertised, he protected the football (barely), but he didn’t do enough to help the Steelers put a single touchdown on the board.” Vasquez, are you for real? Less than minute before the first half was over, the Falcons scored a “garbage” touchdown giving them a 10-6 lead. Fields then led the Steelers down the field to score a field goal with almost no time on the clock to close out the half and cut the deficit to 10-9. The Falcons scored zilch in the second half. If Justin Fields played uninspired, then Kirk Cousins played “tired.”

However, Fields was a bargain-basement acquisition for the Steelers. On the flip side of the coin, Kirk Cousins, the 180-million-dollar man

under center for Atlanta, could only muster up 10 points and a lone touchdown which Atlanta scored as the result of a blown defensive coverage! Did Kirk Cousins perform as well as advertised? As far as I am concerned, when Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins, they got scammed, scammed and more scammed. Who got the better QB deal, was it the dirty birds or the men of steel? Folks were running around saying that “they hoped that Steelers running back Jaylen Warren remained injured.”

That is devious, dark, demonic, stinkin’ thinkin’, and yellow, yellow, yellow journalism. When Steelers punter Cameron Johnston was injured, my heart, as well as the

hearts of those around me in the press box, went out to that young man and his family. Instead of praying for Jaylen Warren and his family, folks are wishing him ill will because they have a player that they prefer to start instead of him. That is perverted and sick reporting. Remember a few years ago, kicker Chris Boswell was having a sort of difficult time? Remember, that’s’ when Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stuck with Boswell when all of the fly-by-night yinzer fans were ready to throw him on the scrap heap. Now they are anointing him with a "crown of pewter." If I were Chris Boswell, I would tell all of them where to go.

AT THE STEELERS GAME IN ATLANTA, IT’S MEL BLOUNT, LYNN SWANN AND JEROME BETTIS...(PHOTO BY MARLON MARTIN)

THE STEELERS’ NAJEE HARRIS WASN’T LETTING ANYONE STOP HIM ON SEPT. 8, 2024, AGAINST THE FALCONS. (PHOTO BY MARLON MARTIN)

Marsha Ambrosius to close out Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Sunday night, Sept. 22

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that popular vocalist, songwriter, producer and lyricist Marsha Ambrosius will close out the 14th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 8:45 p.m., outside on Liberty Avenue near the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Downtown. Her performance is made possible by generous support from The Wilson Group. Known as “The Songstress” for her fluid and formidable operat -

ic voice that is at home in any musical genre, Ambrosius has been at the top of the neo-soul game since 1997, as a founding member of the duo, Floetry, as a writer/ producer who worked for everyone from Alicia Keys to Michael Jackson, and as a solo artist. She just released her latest album, “Casablanco,” an 11-track soulful synthesis of quiet storm, soul, Hip-Hop and jazz. Along with producer Dr. Dre, and a 27-piece orchestra, Ambrosius’ epic recording includes samples

and melodic references from artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Duke Ellington, Nas, The Wu-Tang Clan and The Mary Jane Girls.

With her new Silver Screen-themed album “Casablanco,” Ambrosius will put on a jazzy show that crosses genres from bebop to Hip-Hop.

“Supporting the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival means supporting growth and tourism for our City of Pittsburgh. We believe in the mission of the August Wilson African

American Cultural Center and look forward to building a strong relationship with our great jazz fest,” said Derrick Wilson, CEO/Founder of The Wilson Group, in a statement. The Wilson Group is one of the leading providers in the workflow solutions industry in the nation.

Other performers at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival include Christopher Coles: Nine Lives Project featuring Sean Jones (10 p.m., Sept. 21, inside the AWAACC, special tickets required), Maysa (8 p.m., Sept. 20, inside the AWAACC, special tickets required), Robert Glasper (8:45 p.m., Sept. 21, outside the AWAACC), DJ Big Phill, Howie Alexander, Dan Wilson, Endea Owens, Shemekia Copeland, Cimafunk, Vanisha Gould, Emmet Cohen, Average White Band, Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band, Reagan Gray & Black Vitaminz, and Luedji Luna. Outdoor events begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept.

TRUMP’S PROJECT 2025 IS A THREAT TO BLACK AMERICANS

Project 2025 is Donald Trump and JD Vance’s plan to remake the federal government if they win. It would:

Use Civil Rights-era laws created to address discrimination to instead benefit white people – Axios, 4/1/24

Gut the Affordable Care Act, which will raise health care costs and threaten health care coverage for millions of Americans – AP News, 11/27/23

Cut Social Security and Medicare Americans have earned – Washington Post, 2/9/23

Ban abortion nationally – New York Times, 2/16/24

22. The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival for 2024 is co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, with generous support from the Mellon Foundation. The jazz festival has roughly 30 additional sponsors.

MARSHA AMBROSIUS

MAYSA

Six steps to help teens plan financially for the future

(Family Features)—For

teenagers, retirement may seem like a lifetime away, but it’s never too early to start saving for the future.

Because financial habits can be created at a young age, the sooner kids begin to save and learn about investing, the less likely they’ll face worries about money when they eventually stop working.

Teens are already thinking about retirement, according to the Achievement Teens & Retirement Survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Junior Achievement and MissionSquare Retirement’s Foundation.

Among young adults ages 13-18 surveyed, 83 percent have thought about their retirement and 78 percent believe they’ll be able to retire comfortably when the time comes. However, only 60 percent view retirement as living on investments and savings after leaving work, believing instead retirement could mean taking extended time off for travel, study, illness or taking care of family matters.

to save and invest can help teens get a head start on achieving a successful retirement.

by JP Morgan Chase

If you’re planning to get down on one knee, pop the question or make your relationship official in some other way, use this time to begin thinking about your finances. While talking about money can feel anything but romantic, the financial foundation you set before tying the knot can help you and your partner build together for a lifetime.

“Being in a committed relationship can change how you spend, save, invest and plan for the future. But financial compatibility between two partners is rarely achieved without discussing what money means to each of you, including the “money messages” you received growing up,” said Erika Shaw, matrimonial advisor at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. “Communication and transparency around money is critical to the health of any partnership, especially as life evolves.”

Here are some considerations as you plan your financial future together:

1. Determine how you’ll share expenses. Couples have different methods for managing daily finances. None are right or wrong—it all depends on each couple’s preference. Consider how much each partner earns and discuss how each of you will contribute to these expenses. Will you combine all your money in a joint account to pay expenses, or keep separate accounts and delegate responsibility for bills? Maybe you’ll consider a mix of both.

2. Be honest about any financial baggage. Any debts coming into the relationship—student loans, credit card debt or other financial liabilities—should

“This research shows retirement is more top-ofmind for teens than one might think,” said Tim Greinert, president of Junior Achievement USA. “While young people have given retirement planning some thought, it’s apparent they still need information on the best way to go about it.”

Because nearly half of U.S. households (46 percent) report having nothing saved for retirement, according to the Survey of Consumer Finances, taking steps early

by

Charlene Crowell

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—

As consumers struggle to cope with mounting debt, a new economic report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York includes an unprecedented glimmer of hope. Although debt for mortgages, credit cards, auto loans and more increased by billions of dollars in the second quarter of 2024, student loan debt decreased by $10 billion.   According to the New York Fed, borrowers ages 40-49 and ages 18-29 benefitted the most from the reduction in student loan debt.

In a separate and recent

1. Start now. The sooner you start, the longer you have to save and for investments to grow. Even though contributions may be small during your teens and 20s, it can make a dramatic difference in the long run.

2. Pay yourself first. Whether through a dedicated savings account or an employer’s retirement plan, set aside a set percentage of each paycheck. Then prioritize spending on what you truly need and want.

3. Invest what you save. Unless you save a lot, you’ll need to make the most of your savings by investing them to help them increase in value. According to the

independent finding, 57 percent of Black Americans hold more than $25,000 in student loan debt compared to 47 percent of Americans overall, according to The Motley Fool’s analysis of student debt by geography, age and race. Black women have an average of $41,466 in undergraduate student loan debt one year after graduation, more than any other group and $10,000 more than men.

This same analysis found that Washington, DC residents carried the highest average federal student loan debt balance, with $54,146 outstanding per borrower. Americans

survey, teens believed investing in stocks and bonds with the help of a financial advisor (45 percent) or researched online (38 percent), buying real estate or property (30 percent) and buying cryptocurrency or non-fungible tokens (15 percent) are among the best ways to save for retirement.

4. Find the right balance between investment risk and potential return. The ideal mix is one most likely to help meet investment goals with a level of risk you can handle. The longer you have to invest, the more risk you can likely take.

5. Spread savings across different types of investments. This helps you manage risk. As some investments go through rough stretches, others are

holding high levels of student debt lived in many of the nation’s most populous states—including California, Texas, and Florida.

The Fed’s recent finding may be connected to actions taken by the Biden administration to rein in unsustainable debt held by people who sought higher education as a way to secure a better quality of life. This decline is even more noteworthy in light of a series of legal roadblocks to loan forgiveness. In response to these legal challenges, the Education Department on August 1 began emailing all borrowers of an approaching

likely to hold steady or grow.

6. Stick with your investing plan. Avoid making decisions based on emotions or in an attempt to time the ups and downs of the market. Focus instead on meeting goals over time.

“The fact that so many young adults in the early stages of their careers are aware of a variety of investment strategies is encouraging news,” said Deanna Santana, president, MissionSquare Foundation. “Over the course of our lifetimes, investment approaches, the economy and our priorities will change, so planning for life after work is an ongoing necessity—for teens and adults alike.”

(Find more advice to plan for the future and achieve economic success at ja.org and missionsq.org.)

August 30 deadline to contact their loan servicer to decline future financial relief. Borrowers preferring to be considered for future relief proposed by pending departmental regulations should not respond.  If approved as drafted, the new rules would benefit over 30 million borrowers, including those who have already been approved for debt cancellation over the past three years.

“These latest steps will mark the next milestone in our efforts to help millions of borrowers who’ve been buried under a mountain

Many years ago, in the early days of my writing career, I met a woman named Clarice (pseudonym), a longtime subscriber to the New Pittsburgh Courier. Over the years, she reached out on occasion, not to ask financial advice, but to discuss the financial issues she observed in the Black community. She was deeply concerned about the financial habits of those around her and frequently suggested topics I should cover in my column. Through these conversations, I learned she had retired completely debt-free with over $500,000 in retirement savings—an impressive feat by any standard. Her story, rich with lessons about financial discipline, careful planning, and smart investments, serves as a roadmap for those striving to achieve financial independence. Here is her journey.

A Frugal Mindset from the Start Clarice’s money mindset was shaped from an early age by her parents, both of whom were savers. They instilled in her the importance of living below her means and avoiding unnecessary spending. Growing up, she adopted their habits, always making sure she had something set aside for “rainy days.” Her approach to spending was meticulous—she purchased almost everything at a discount, from groceries to big-ticket items like furniture or electronics. In essence, she mastered the art of delayed gratification, choosing long-term

financial stability over instant pleasure.

This frugality extended to her investment strategy. From the moment she was eligible, Clarice began investing in her company’s retirement plans. She recognized that building wealth was a long game and made steady, consistent contributions to her 401(k) throughout her career. Over time, those small contributions added up, ensuring that by the time she retired, she had amassed over $500,000 in savings.

Career Success Through Value and Relationships

Clarice spent over 40 years in corporate America, where she built a successful career and earned a comfortable living. She credits much of her success to two key factors: her willingness to go above and beyond and her focus on building relationships. She set herself apart by being able to do things others couldn’t—or wouldn’t. Whenever a challenging or less desirable task arose, Clarice was there to step in, making her an invaluable asset to her company.

This willingness to take on challenges led to multiple promotions over the years, allowing her to steadily increase her income. Clarice didn’t just rely on hard work. She understood that career advancement wasn’t just about what you know— it’s about who you know. She made a concerted effort to build and nurture relationships with influential people in her industry, from colleagues to mentors to leaders in her field. She believes that “your network grows your net worth,” and for her, this was more than just a saying. By developing a strong network of personal and professional contacts, she was able to tap into opportunities for advancement, business partnerships, and access to valuable resources that ultimately contributed to her financial success.

Avoiding Debt: A Pillar of Financial Freedom

One of the most striking aspects of Clarice’s financial journey was her absolute aversion to debt. She despised it. For her, debt was not just a financial obligation—it

was a burden that weighed heavily on her sense of freedom and security. She avoided credit card debt, car loans, and, perhaps most impressively, long-term mortgages. Unlike many homeowners who carry a mortgage for 15 to 30 years, Clarice never had a mortgage for more than five years. In some cases, she paid off her home in just one year. She achieved this by making large down payments, often upwards of 20 percent, which significantly reduced her mortgage balance. This aggressive repayment strategy allowed her to avoid the financial strain that comes with long-term debt and the anxiety many feel when making monthly payments over decades. Because she consistently paid off her homes quickly, she was never in a position where she “had” to sell one property to afford another. Instead, she would buy a new home while still owning her old one, and when she did sell, she used the proceeds to pay off the new mortgage. This cycle of smart buying and selling meant she was never financially burdened by her real estate investments.

Saving for Retirement: Starting Early and Staying Consistent Clarice’s approach to retirement savings was both simple and effective: start early, contribute consistently, and take advan-

AMONG YOUNG ADULTS ages 13-18 surveyed, 83 percent have thought about their retire-

ment and 78 percent believe they’ll be able to retire comfortably when the time comes.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

tage of employer-sponsored retirement plans. From the beginning of her career, she contributed to her retirement fund, even when the amounts were small. Over time, those small contributions grew into a substantial nest egg. By the time she retired, she had more than $500,000 in her retirement accounts, providing her with the financial security to enjoy her retirement without worry. Her advice to others is straightforward: “Start now. Start small if you have to, but the key is to start.” Consistency is crucial, and even small contributions can grow significantly over time due to the power of compound interest. By starting early and staying committed, anyone can build a substantial retirement fund.

Consulting: Staying Active in Retirement

Although Clarice has been retired for more than a decade, she hasn’t stopped working completely. Today, she does consulting work. This work keeps her mind sharp and provides her with an ad-

ditional source of income, though she stresses that the money isn’t the main motivation. For her, staying active and engaged is key to maintaining a fulfilling retirement.

Lessons from Clarice’s Financial Journey

Clarice’s story provides several valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve financial independence and retire comfortably: Live Below Your Means: Clarice was always mindful of her spending and avoided lifestyle inflation. Even when she earned more money, she kept her expenses low and prioritized saving over spending.

Avoid Debt: By steering clear of debt, Clarice freed herself from financial obligations that could have limited her ability to save and invest. This enabled her to retire without the burden of monthly payments.

Start Early: Consistent contributions to retirement accounts, even in small amounts, can grow significantly over time. Starting early gives you the advantage of compound interest. Build Relationships:

Networking and building relationships are critical to career advancement and financial success. Clarice’s ability to leverage her network opened doors and created opportunities throughout her career.

Stay Active in Retirement: Even after retirement, Clarice continues to stay engaged through consulting work, which provides both intellectual

stimulation and supplemental income.

Clarice’s journey is a testament to the power of discipline, planning, and strategic decision-making. Her commitment to living below her means, avoiding debt, and saving consistently allowed her to retire with substantial savings and financial security. Her story serves as a powerful example for anyone looking

to build wealth and achieve financial independence.

In an age where many Americans struggle to save for retirement, Clarice’s approach offers a refreshing reminder that financial freedom is possible with the right mindset and habits. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or nearing retirement, there are valuable lessons to be learned from her ex-

Say ‘I do’ to investing in your financial future together

be discussed, as they may impede your ability to buy a home, start a family or make certain career and life choices. Consider having an independent third party or financial advisor serve as a sounding board in your conversations.

3. Set your financial goals. Agreeing on your top financial goals and aligning your saving and investment strategies accordingly can get your marriage off to a strong finan-

cial start. What does your current lifestyle look like, and how might that change in the future? Do you want to save for a down payment on a home? Are there other large expenses on the horizon, such as a vacation or a car? Be specific about the timing, cost and priority of each of your financial goals.

4. Consider how future life changes might impact goals. Are either of you going back to school or changing careers? If you are considering children or already have children,

how would you approach childcare and educational decisions? Do you expect to care for aging family in the future? All these choices will impact your finances.

5. Have open discussions about past experiences.  Making your personal finances—past, present and future—an ongoing part of your life together can help you weather disagreements about money. Explore how your views on money were shaped by your upbringing and your family’s approach

to spending, saving and investing. Don’t shy away from talking through financial disagreements, as they often represent deeper divisions that can affect

your entire relationship. Countless money decisions await every couple. The sooner you begin talking about your finances—and financial expecta-

tions— the better equipped you both will be to plan your future together.

(Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.)

of student loan interest, or who took on debt to pay for college programs that left them worse off financially, those who have been paying their loans for twenty or more years, and many others,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

The draft rules would benefit borrowers with either partial or full forgiveness in the following categories:

• Borrowers who owe more now than they did at the start of repayment. This category is expected to largely benefit nearly 23 million borrowers, the majority of whom are Pell Grant recipients.

• Borrowers who have been in repayment for decades. Borrowers of both undergraduate and graduate loans who began repayment on or before July 1, 2000 would qualify for relief in this category.

• Borrowers who are otherwise eligible for loan forgiveness but have not yet applied. If a borrower hasn’t successfully enrolled in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan but would be eligible for immediate forgiveness, they would be eligible for relief. Borrowers who would be eligible for closed school discharge or other types of forgiveness opportunities but haven’t successfully applied would also be eligible for this relief.

• Borrowers who enrolled in low-financial value programs. If a borrower attended an institution that failed to provide sufficient financial value, or that failed one of the Department’s accountability standards for institutions, those borrowers would also be eligible for debt relief.

Most importantly, if the rules become approved as drafted, no related application or actions would be required from eligible borrowers—so long as they did not opt out of the relief by the August 30 deadline.

“The regulations would deliver on unfulfilled promises made by the federal government to student loan borrowers

over decades and offer remedies for a dysfunctional system that has often created a financial burden, rather than economic mobility, for student borrowers pursuing a better future,” stated the Center for American Progress in an August 7 web article. “Meanwhile, the Biden-Harris administration also introduced income limits and caps on relief to ensure the borrowers who can afford to pay the full amount of their debts do so.”

“The Center for American Progress estimates the interest waiver provisions would deliver relief to roughly 6 million Black borrowers, or 23 percent of the estimated number of borrowers receiving relief, as well as 4 million Hispanic or Latino borrowers (16 percent) and 13.5 million White borrowers (53 percent).”

These pending regulations would further expand the $168.5 billion in financial relief that the Biden Administration has already provided to borrowers:

•  $69.2 billion for 946,000 borrowers through fixes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

• $51 billion for more than 1 million borrowers through administrative adjustments to IDR payment counts. These adjustments have brought borrowers closer to forgiveness and addressed longstanding concerns with the misuse of forbearance by loan servicers.

• $28.7 billion for more than 1.6 million borrowers who were cheated by their schools, saw their institutions precipitously close, or are covered by related court settlements.

• $14.1 billion for more than 548,000 borrowers with a total and permanent disability.

• $5.5 billion for 414,000 borrowers through the SAVE Plan.   More information for borrowers about this debt relief is available at StudentAid.gov/debt-relief.     (Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)

DAMON

Charlene Crowell

STUDENT LOAN FROM B1

Guest Editorial

The only poll that really counts is on Election Day

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris continues to rise in the polls.

“Some polls show Harris performing better than President Joe Biden in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, though most still suggest a tight race,” reports the Associated Press.

Harris is ahead of Trump by 4 percentage points in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, 50 percent to 46 percent among likely voters in each state, according to recent surveys by the New York Times and Siena College.

The surveys, which were conducted Aug. 5-9, are the latest indication of a dramatic reversal for Democrats after Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race.

Favorable views of Harris have risen this summer, according to a new poll.

About half of U.S. adults—48 percent— have a very or somewhat favorable view of Harris, compared with 41 percent of adults who say they have a favorable opinion of Trump, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

It would not be surprising if Harris’s numbers were to receive a bump up after the Democratic National Convention this week in Chicago.

However, while Harris’ poll numbers appear to be rising now, they could change as the Democratic nominee faces greater scrutiny from the media and as she faces a barrage of negative advertising from the Trump campaign.

That’s why Harris is smart to remind voters that she is the underdog in the race and for supporters to keep working hard so they won’t become complacent by polls showing her in the lead. Democratic voters should also not become discouraged if future polls show her numbers slipping.

In October 2016, one poll showed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton leading Trump among likely voters by 14 points nationally. The billionaire businessman shocked America and the world, defeating Clinton and defying the polls.

In 2022, pollsters falsely predicted a “red wave” before the midterms turned out to be more of a red trickle. Democrats did better than history and pollsters would have predicted.

The 2024 presidential race is likely to be close, with the election outcome determined by voter turnout.

Smart politicians dismiss the importance of opinion polls and highlight the importance of polling day because in the end, “The only poll that counts is on Election Day.”

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher

A. Broadus

Do we have the courage?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Sometimes problems get to be overwhelming.  We give up because we allow ourselves to think there’s nothing we can do. While we want to resolve the problem, we throw it to somebody else to do something. I know how Black women used to respond to that.  Lord knows I wish they were here now, but we can read about the courage of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Diane Nash, Fannie Lou Hamer, Chisholm and so many more who handled the “impossible things!” They put their own lives on the line, and as Forever First Lady Michelle Obama said “DO SOMETHING!”

Our children shouldn’t have to get ready to go to a school they dread because doing so they might get shot! That can’t continue to happen. Where is our courage? Do we care enough about our children to tell everyone who is against gun security that “You will no longer put our children through this. This must end!”

If you can do nothing more than form a Gun Security Club, do it. If you must have a gun and you don’t know how to secure a gun, ask someone who knows before you buy it.  A man by the name of William McMurray invented a system called The American Rac can help you and he’s more than willing to do it. See www.TheAmericanRac.com for what you can do.

I am a member of the Board of

NEWSWIRE—As

NNPA

we approach one of the most consequential elections in recent memory, we must pause and consider the stakes. Economic inequality, criminal justice reform, diversity and inclusion, voting rights, and women’s reproductive freedoms are all under threat. These issues profoundly affect our lives, yet many still underestimate their importance. The truth is, we’re all on the menu, and there’s no room for complacency. In 2008, we united as a country, bringing an unprecedented wave of energy to the polls that made history with Obama’s election. We showed up because we believed in the possibility of a better, fairer America. It takes the same energy today, but the stakes are higher. This is now or never. We cannot afford to fail. Economic inequality is not just a talking point—it’s a growing chasm that affects every aspect of our society. The wealthiest Americans continue to amass fortunes, while too many people of color, working families, and young adults struggle to make ends meet. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this disparity in painful ways. While billionaires saw their wealth surge, frontline workers—disproportionately Black and Brown—risked their lives for minimal wages. If we don’t vote, we allow this imbalance to persist. We need leaders who will champion policies that bridge the gap, raise wages, and provide opportunities for all Americans—not just the wealthy few. The same urgency exists for criminal justice reform. We’ve all seen how broken the system is. The system persistently targets, arrests, and imprisons Black men and women disproportionately. We’ve marched and protested, but progress is still too

It was a brief illustration, within an important moment, during a major DNC convention. But the cause for celebration in my spirit came from the smile on Vice President Kamala Harris’ face as she reflected on the advice her father gave her as a child. While playing in a park she recalled how her father, Dr. Donald Harris, a world renowned and retired Stanford University Economics Professor, overruled her mother’s urges for caution as she ran while playing. She talked with adoration through slight crackles in her voice about how he taught her as a young child to be fearless. “My father would say, as he smiled” … ‘Don’t let anything stop you.’” She remembers the love in that smile as much as his advice.  In that moment I realized Kamala is a “Daddy’s Girl.” I could see it in her eyes and the brief smile she allowed to slip through while talking about him. There was a sense of relief in pride as she told that story. As if she’d been wanting to say it for a long time. The magnitude of this moment is in her eyes. Just as her sister looks like her mom. Kamala looks very much like her Dad. My sense is she acts like him as well. Maybe I can see it because I’m a “Daddy’s Boy.” My mother and I were close. She and my stepfather Henry Hardie raised me and my brother after my father Leroy T. Edwards Sr. died of a heart attack when I was four-yearsold. I love and loved them deeply. But even after death I’ve always

Directors of The World Conference of Mayors founded by the Hon. Johnny Ford who spent 32 years as Mayor of Tuskegee, Alabama and remains a member of its City Council. The current President (former police chief) is Mayor Jimmie Gardner of Pritchard, Alabama. Together they, along with thousands of others, have taken on the issue of gun security.  Recently, the WCM passed the following resolution after hearing J.D. Vance sound hopeless (or just not caring) stating that “Gun violence is a fact of life.” That was like saying there’s nothing we can do about it, but he’s wrong. If he thinks such tragedies as brutally murdering students, teachers, injuring and traumatizing many others are inevitable, we must show them it’s not! It’s absolutely disgusting! We must find the courage to fight and end gun violence. We have a clear choice on the ballot this November: We can elect Vice-President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, proven gun safety champions, or we can allow 4 years of inaction if Trump and Vance take back the White House.

The World Conference of Mayors passed the following resolution about something we can do that reads, “Resolved that the World Conference of Mayors urge our members to work to actively promote and support gun security in their communities, states and Federal level; as well as encourage Rep. Jerrold Nadler to resubmit his bill on the subject (HR-6596) and (SB-3407) and strongly urge their representatives at all levels to support it.”    We must stand up and show our courage to end gun violence.  Parents must secure their guns. They must not purchase long guns for any reason. Parents must vote against those who work against gun security. No child must have to go to school while fearing to go.  They’re our future leaders who will make decisions about our lives when we’re incapable of doing it. If Vance, Trump and those who vote and work against sensible gun laws won’t do it, let us do it! I’m making a special appeal to women who so often have been victims of gun violence from those who claim to love us. I know because I’ve been a victim while saving others. This is a personal issue. You can do something. Vote November 5th for those whose action saves children and against those whose inaction continues these tragedies.

(Dr.

slow. This election is our chance to push for real change. We need leaders who will implement reforms that end mass incarceration, hold law enforcement accountable, and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. Our voices, through our votes, can demand a justice system that works for everyone, not just the privileged.

Then there is Project 2025, an agenda that advocates for reversing progress, specifically in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI programs have played a crucial role in guaranteeing a seat at the table for people of color, women, and other marginalized communities. The opposition wants to gut these programs, labeling them unnecessary when they are, in fact, the bedrock of a fair society. Without mobilizing and voting, we risk losing decades of progress. The time for passive hope is over—this is the moment for active engagement.

And let’s not forget the ongoing assault on voting rights. The efforts to suppress our votes have intensified in recent years, mainly targeting minority communities. Voter ID laws, purging voter rolls, and limiting early voting are all tactics designed to keep us from the polls. If our votes didn’t matter, they wouldn’t be trying so hard to silence us. We must vote to preserve our right to vote, plain and simple. This election is not just about choosing a president—it’s about defending the very foundation of our democracy.

When it comes to women’s reproductive rights, the situation is dire. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has stripped millions of women of the right to make decisions about their bodies. This is more than a legal issue—it’s a moral one. Women, especially women of color, are bearing the brunt of this attack on bodily autonomy. We require leaders who will fight to restore these rights and ensure that women are not forced into dangerous, life-threatening situations. Voting in this election means standing up for women’s fundamental human rights nationwide. We cannot ignore the stark choice between a Donald Trump-led administration and one run by Vice President Kamala Harris. The Harris administration would continue to fight for the issues that matter— justice, fairness, and equality for all Americans. On the other hand, a Trump administration would take us backward, deepening divisions and undoing the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve. Vice President Harris represents America’s vision—a country where everyone has a fair shot and the opportunity to thrive. This is our moment. It’s not just about this election—it’s about the future of our nation. We need the same energy we brought to the polls in 2008. We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines or think someone else will handle it. We are the ones who must act. This is now or never—our future is in our hands, and it’s time to fight. All of us are on the menu. Let’s flip the script. Through collective action, we can change the course and ensure a future of equality, justice, and opportunity for everyone. We must prioritize voting for ourselves, our communities, and future generations to win.

had a special connection to my dad. I am his doppelgänger, so to speak. I look like him, talk like him, probably think like him and write like him. So does my son Justin Dennis. Denying either parental connection limits the sunlight under which we all live our lives. The light of and from a father and mother makes us who we are. Where we have pride in one and not the other exists a lasting void. When she talked about Dr. Harris, I saw something familiar as the “Daddy’s Girl” look flashed across her face. The expression as she told that story and her appreciation for his teaching her determination … ‘don’t let anything stop you’” is apparently practiced everyday in her life. Even on the stage his sense of fairness is front and center as she made sure all of her nieces and nephews were part of her inauguration and received their moment in the spotlight. There was no denying the love and admiration she has for her dad.

Much is made of her mother’s role in the Vice President’s and her sister’s lives. But it’s clear she is her father’s child. I want to see them together at the White House one day. It would be good for them both.

Good for the nation, too. Good for fathers left out of their children’s lives for whatever reason. Good for the estranged and for faithful fathers who can say more in brevity, silence and through their actions than many utter in a life time of words.

Imagine what being brought to the White House as the father of the Vice President and or the father of the President Elect of the United States would mean to him. Imagine what it would symbolize to the millions of men who look like her, as well as those who don’t, who’ve played major roles in the lives of their children but were shut out by family dynamics beyond their control.

Imagine what that small gesture of appreciation would say to the millions of fathers out there who did for their daughters and sons what her father got the chance to do for her in spite of likely intra family politics and cultural bias. Reconciliation always heals more than one wound. It is its own special kind of contagion. In the twinkle in her eyes I see a glimpse of a Daddy’s Girl. A peek, a sliver so to speak. But it is there and I’m glad she shared it with a world that needs to know how special both her parents are and were.

(Dennis Edwards is a Major Market Emmy and Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters Award Winning T.V. and WRVA Radio News Anchor, Investigative Reporter, Columnist and Pastor. He is a graduate of Virginia Union University and its Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology)

Dennis Edwards

E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society.)

Black America must go global to defeat Project 2025

As the U.S. presidential election draws near, it is imperative that Black Americans let their voices be heard about a crucial issue: The Christian supremacist movement driving Project 2025 is a highly racialized global operation intent on destroying the economic and social gains of Black people in America and Africa.

A 920-page policy mandate drafted by many of Donald Trump’s allies, including the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, Project 2025 outlines a sweeping plan to overhaul the U.S. government, centralizing power within the presidency.

In America, the objective of Project 2025 is to dismantle the infrastructure of the civil rights movement and annihilate Blackness as a political identity. The insidious tactics by far right conservatives include: driving voter suppression initiatives, ignoring gun violence in Black communities, promoting the heavy policing of Black bodies, ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, criminalizing reproductive health options, and demonizing trans people, which has a devastating impact on Black transwomen.

As a young boy growing up in Harlem during the 1970s, I vividly recall the rise of Christian nationalism as my mother watched daily episodes of “The Praise The Lord Club,” featuring TV evangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, the infamous couple whose sex and money scandals led to their downfall during the late 1980s. As a young child, I observed that the Bakkers only featured African Americans who were singers and dancers on their TV show.

More perplexing, they never expressed much interest in the problems that I saw every day, but they were routinely concerned about hunger and poverty in Africa. We lived across the street from a drug treatment center, and I was also exposed to the heroin problem plaguing our community.

Apparently, the Bakkers were not aware of this or any of the other realities impacting inner cities across the U.S. How could they see Africa and yet were blind to the plight of African Americans? At the age of 11, I knew that something was wrong with this picture, but I couldn’t quite square my mother’s trust in these characters with my questions.

Fast forward to 2024, and the impact of Project 2025 is already being felt across the globe. In Africa, the playbook is politicians “on the take,” working in partnership with willing clergy to create mass moral panic around “homosexuality,” distracting Africans from focusing on economic sovereignty as their core social concern. The intended outcome is to compromise democracy across the continent, siphoning Africa’s resources and permanently damaging the connection between Africa and African Americans.

It is no accident that an anti-homosexuality bill appeared in Ghana in the aftermath of the Year of Return in 2019 when the nation extended a global invitation for people of African descent to come home. More than 7,500 African Americans made the journey to Ghana, marking the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving in Jamestown, Va. Ultimately, this intentional separation of Black people globally is meant to deny the international call for reparations.

A colonized Christianity that muzzles social activism and promotes domestic African culture wars is evident, for example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It has 75 percent of the world’s cobalt deposit—the most essential ingredient in our basic devices, including our cell phones. But sadly, ruthless autocrats, self-interested ecclesiastical leaders, thirsty business executives, and foreign powers are all determined to control the distribution of Africa’s resources and the wealth that it can produce.

In Kenya, during the last three months, young people have built an anti-corruption movement to push back on government theft and excess. Still, protected by the influence of the country’s conservative evangelical Church, President Ruto is turning the military on these generation Z activists all while local media coverage has been categorically shut down.

Similarly, In Tennessee, Black Lives Matter protests have been uniquely criminalized. In Florida, the same has happened with DEI activities. Affirmative action for colleges has ended. In all of the aforementioned cases, the future progress of Africans and African Americans is being dramatically compromised by the Christian supremacist playbook.

Following the U.S. presidential election, it will be essential to plan for a long-term strategy to uproot the grip of Christian supremacy around the globe. First and foremost, Africans and African Americans must unite in building a faith-inspired, intersectional, pan African social change movement featuring young leaders.

If elected president of the United States, Vice President Harris would be in a key position to strengthen the tremendous progress the Biden administration made in building reciprocal bi-lateral relationships across Africa. Vice President Harris was well received during visits to both Ghana and Zambia and was critical in implementing the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022.   As president, she would be also be invited to partner with an alliance of pan-Africanists such as Interconnected Justice, The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, and The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries to combat the global implications of Project 2025 by centering African Americans as advisors on U.S.-Africa foreign policy; creating regular forums for progressive African and African American activists to connect; and recommitting to Biden’s U.S. policy to advance LGBTI rights globally as human rights.   (Bishop Joseph W. Tolton is President, Interconnected Justice +1-646-765-6960 Jtolton@icjustice.org)

Is there a progressive presidential transition Project 2025?

When Senator Kamala Harris faced two dozen other candidates in the 2020 Democratic primary, she competed hard against the others to attract the far-left wing of the party. Reid J. Epstein, a New York Times columnist, explained that Harris ran to the left since progressive ideas dominated the last competitive Democratic primary. Now, as she enters a tough general election, Republicans are bringing up her previous positions, and the Kamala Harris of four years ago is going to haunt her.

The Harris campaign is not concerned about their candidate’s progressive background. They pretend it does not exist.

The Harris campaign repositioned its candidate as a moderate former prosecutor who will combat corporate greed in order to build an “opportunity economy” for middle-class Americans, and they characterize their Republican opponent as a far-right ideologue who intends to dismantle American democracy by enacting the Heritage Foundation’s radical plan for America—Project 2025—which is a 900-page document that contains policy recommendations for the next president.

The Heritage Foundation is a think tank established in 1973. The Heritage Foundation’s founders believed that the think tanks that dominated public policy from the New Deal to the Great Society were overly liberal, so they founded Heritage to develop and recommend conservative public policy to elected officials. Heritage’s influence was at its height between 1980 and 2008. However, Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans are not ideological conservatives, so the Heritage Foundation has little influence over them.

The Harris campaign, on the other hand, intends to scare voters with numerous campaign ads warning about “Donald Trump’s” far-right Project 2025, and prominent organizations such as the Center for American Progress (CAP) have weighed in by providing the public with a comprehensive breakdown of Project 2025’s “dangerous” policies.

CAP published a series of academic essays, produced videos, and created a newsletter claiming to expose Project 2025 and the far-right assault on America. Ac-

J. Pharoah Doss Check It Out

cording to CAP, “The scope of Project 2025 is extensive, ranging from raising the cost of prescription drugs and restricting access to contraception to slashing funding for early childhood and K-12 education. The plan includes proposals to end civil rights protections, exploit the most vulnerable Americans, stop safeguards that protect clean drinking water, halt action to combat the climate crisis, and open the door to an unprecedented level of corruption at the expense of American democracy. Altogether, Project 2025 is a plan for a presidency focused on consolidating and holding on to power.”

Of course, CAP has the right to assess Project 2025, but given that CAP is aiding the Harris campaign and candidates are notorious for projecting onto their opponents what they are guilty of themselves, how much stock can voters place in CAP’s analysis?

To address that, we must expose CAP, just as CAP exposed the Heritage Foundation.

Former Democratic President Bill Clinton’s chief of staff, John Podesta, established the Center for American Progress (CAP) as a public policy think tank in 2003. Podesta founded it as a progressive rival to the conservative Heritage Foundation. Time magazine’s political reporter Michael Scherer wrote about CAP’s influence after Democrat Barack Obama’s election in 2008. He said, “Not since the Heritage Foundation guided Ronald Reagan’s transition in 1981 has a single outside group held so much sway.”

In 2011, Washington Post reporter Jason Horowitz wrote that CAP was “Washington’s leading liberal think tank, an incessant advocate for a broad progressive

agenda.” In 2013, Podesta left CAP to join Obama’s White House staff. Following Obama’s administration, Podesta led the 2016 presidential campaign to elect Hillary Clinton. Neera Tanden succeeded Podesta as CAP’s president and CEO. After Clinton lost the 2016 presidential election to Donald Trump, Tanden transformed CAP into the “central hub for Trump resistance” and the chief policy center for drastically transforming healthcare in America. Tanden left CAP in 2021, when President Biden appointed her as one of his senior advisors. Patrick Gaspard, the former head of the George Soros-run Open Society Foundations, was named CAP’s next president and CEO. Politico introduced readers to Gaspard in a 2021 article titled: The most influential think tank of the Biden Era has a new leader. This title indicates that CAP wields greater power in the Biden/Harris administration than the Heritage Foundation did in the Trump administration. According to the Politico report, “Gaspard’s current mission will be to take the reins of an entity that finds itself with new found power inside a political system that’s proven dysfunctional. CAP has fed more than 60 officials into the Biden administration, many in critical roles. It helped shape some of the legislative initiatives and executive actions that the president has pursued on topics ranging from immigration to inclusivity in government agencies.”

Politico also highlighted what critics of CAP found problematic: CAP has received significant donations from corporations such as Walmart and Google, as well as foreign governments such as the United Arab Emirates, leading to allegations of undue influence on its work on issues such as antitrust and US-Saudi policy. CAP and the Harris campaign are warning Americans about the Heritage Foundation’s Presidential Transition Project 2025, but Americans should be more concerned about CAP’s policy recommendations for the next democratic president because CAP will have more influence over Harris than the Heritage Foundation will have over Trump.

The Harris Labor Day Offensive

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—In an election year, Labor Day kicks off the official campaign season, and Vice President Kamala Harris kicked hers off with a bang.  She had rallies in Detroit, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh, all major cities in battleground states.  Joined by local elected officials in each place, vice presidential nominee Tim Walz in Milwaukee, and President Biden in Pittsburgh.  In Pittsburgh, flanked by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, teachers’ union leaders Becky Pringle (National Education Association) and Randi Weingarten (American Federation of Teachers), Harris gave a rousing speech that reminded us that we have organized labor to thank for the 8-hour workday, pensions, paid vacations and health care, worker benefits that have now become standard. Those benefits didn’t come without a fight, nor did the establishment of Labor Day.  In the late nineteenth century, the typical worker put in 60 hours a day, six days a week.   There were protests all over the country, and workers were derisively described as “anarchists” and “socialists” because they were prepared to fight for a living wage.  The most infamous collision happened in Chicago in an event known as the Haymarket Riot, or the Haymarket Massacre.  On May 4, 1886, police attempted to curtail a protest with violence against workers.  Someone, still unidentified, threw a bomb.  Seven police officers and between four and eight civilians were killed.

Dozens were injured. Eight radical activists were arrested, four were hanged, one committed suicide, and three were

pardoned.  They were described by many in labor as “martyrs”. For the next eight years the men were lionized and celebrated.  None had any connection to the bomb, but each was passionate about securing an eight-hour day.  In June 1894, Congress designated the first Monday in September as Labor Day, a federal holiday.   Union activism made Labor Day possible, and though most celebrate Labor Day as the last day of summer, the beginning of the football season, the return to school and to cooler days, and the beginning of the political season, few acknowledge the sacrifice of those unjustly convicted in the Haymarket riot as the genesis for this much anticipated holiday. Unions are still fighting for worker rights and predatory capitalist employers are still resisting the demand for fair wages and working conditions.  The minimum wage has not increased in more than a decade, and too many workers survive by working two minimum wage jobs.  Some employers cut corners on health care.  In this sweltering summer, many outdoor workers had no protection from heat that exceeded one hundred degrees.  At least 37 people died from heat in July.  Among those workers who made their transition in

August, city worker Ronald Silver died from heat exhaustion while collecting garbage in Baltimore.  There are no laws requiring employers to provide breaks in excessive heat.  Silver’s family is demanding answers and action from his death. Unions are the ones who establish health and safety standards in the workplace.  Unions are the ones who defend workers’ rights.  Vice President Harris embraced unions, even in the face of the union resisting activity that comes from the right.  Resistance to union activity makes it imperative to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, since labor rights have been eroded in the past couple of decades.  Income inequality was exacerbated during the COVID pandemic, and the emerging gig economy has left many workers with few protections.  Vice President Harris understands that unions are one of the ways that workers can get a better deal.

The Harris Labor Day offensive continues the momentum she picked up at the Democratic National Convention.  Her speeches were not just about enthusiasm and joy, but also about policy and substance.  Her ode to organized labor was a fitting kickoff to this phase of her campaign.  Her opponent has only countered with shade—slimy personal attacks and vitriol.  It continues to repel many voters.

Snark can’t stop the Harris momentum.  With labor at her side, victory is certainly possible.

(Dr. Julianne Malveaux is a DC based economist and author.)

Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Acts

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“As long as some among us are oppressed--and we are part of that oppression--it must blunt our faith and sap the strength of our high purpose. Thus, this is a victory for the freedom of the American Negro. But it is also a victory for the freedom of the American Nation. And every family across this great, entire, searching land will live stronger in liberty, will live more splendid in expectation, and will be prouder to be American because of the act that you have passed that I will sign today.”—President Lyndon B. Johnson, on signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Last week in Chicago, the National Urban League joined with the Brennan Center and Democracy SENTRY for a conversation on voting rights.

“One of the first things I want to do, should we have the presidency and keep the majority, is change the rules and enact both the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Act,” Keynote speaker Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. He later told reporters, “This is vital to democracy. This is not just another extraneous issue. This is the wellspring of it all.”

The sentiment was echoed by Vice President Harris in her acceptance speech, when she noted that among the “fundamental freedoms” at stake in the election is “the freedom that unlocks all the others: the freedom to vote.”

When the Supreme Court stripped the preclearance provision from the Voting Rights Act, Chief Justice John Roberts argued that “the conditions that originally

justified these measures no longer characterize voting in the covered jurisdictions.”

Within hours, lawmakers in Texas and Alabama proved how wrong he was, announcing they would move forward with restrictive voting laws that had been blocked under the preclearance provision.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would update the preclearance formula that Roberts called “outdated,” reinvigorating the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and strengthening legal protections against racially motivated voter suppression. Some changes would require preclearance nationwide, such as creating at-large districts or changing jurisdiction boundaries in places with large populations of color, imposing stricter documentation or ID requirements to vote, making it easier to purge voters of color from the rolls, or significantly reducing the opportunity to vote in communities of color.

Other provisions of the John Lewis Act include:

• Making Election Day a public holiday.

• Expanding voter registration, including

same-day and automatic registration.

• Expanding early voting and vote-bymail options.

• Requiring public announcement of voting changes at least 180 days before an election.

• Enabling the federal government to dispatch observers to polling places with a noted pattern of discrimination.

• Expanding restrictions on campaign spending by foreign nationals.

• Banning partisan gerrymandering.

• Make it a criminal offense to “corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote.”

Since the Shelby decision, states have added at least 100 restrictive voting laws. Voters in almost half the country will face new voting restrictions this fall.  And if the architects of the extremist Project 2025 agenda have their way, voting rights will be even further eviscerated. The Civil Rights Division of U.S. Department of Justice, which enforces civil provisions of the federal laws that protect the right to vote, would be eliminated.  The FBI would be prohibited from combating the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which has given rise to election-related violence and harassment of election workers.

Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Will we meet that anniversary proudly, having honored the promises of the Act? Or will those promises lie shattered at our feet?

Julianne Malveaux Commentary

Marc H. Morial

Bishop Joseph Tolton Commentary

CONDITIONS OF SALE

Effective with the August 3, 2020, Sheriff Sale of real estate and all such monthly public sales thereafter shall be conducted virtually through video conferencing technology or live streaming. ALL PARTICIPANTS OR BIDDERS MUST BE REGISTERED AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE SALE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE (VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON) AT THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SALES OF REAL ESTATE. REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S WEBSITE: SHERIFFALLEGHENYCOUNTY.COM. The Successful bidder will pay full amount of bid in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK OR CASHIERS CHECK at time of sale, otherwise the property will be resold at the next regular Sheriffs Sale; provided, that if the sale is made on MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024 the bidder may pay ten percent of purchasing price but not less than 75.00 in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIERS CHECK THE DAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SALE, e.g. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 2024, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:30AM AND 2:30PM IN THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. Failure to pay the 10% deposit will have you banned from future Sheriff Sales. And the balance in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIERS CHECK, on or before TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024, at 10:00 O’CLOCK A.M. The property will be resold at the next regular Sheriff’s Sale if the balance is not paid, and in such case all money’s paid in at the original sale shall be applied to any deficiency in the price of which property is resold, and provided further that if the successful bidder is the plaintiff in the execution the bidder shall pay full amount of bid ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH, OTHERWISE WRIT WILL BE RETURNED AND MARKED “REAL ESTATE UNSOLD” and all monies advanced by plaintiff will be applied as required by COMMON PLEAS COURT RULE 3129.2 (1) (a).

FORFEITED SALES WILL BE POSTED IN THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND LISTED ON THE SHERIFF OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY WEB SITE.

AMENDMENT OF THE CODE SECOND CLASS COUNTY NEW CHAPTER 475 THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 475, ENTITLED TAXATION IS HEREBY AMENDED THROUGH THE CREATION ARTICLE XII, ENTITLED, “SHERIFF SALES”, AND COMPRISED AS FOLLOWS: SUBSECTION 475-60: RECORDING OF DEEDS AND NOTIFICATION OF SHERIFFS SALES TO TAXING BODIES.

A. FOR ANY REAL PROPERTY OFFERED AT SHERIFFS SALE DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES AND PURCHASED BY A THIRD PARTY THROUGH SUCH SALE, THE SHERIFF SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FILING THE DEED AND, WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF FILING OF THE SHERIFFS DEED, PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE CONVEYANCE TO THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY OFFICE OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS. THE WRITTEN NOTICE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION SHALL INCLUDE THE DATE OF THE SALE, IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY SOLD BY BOTH ADDRESS AND LOT AND BLOCK NUMBER, AND THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INDIVIDUALS OR OTHER ENTITY THAT PURCHASED THE PROPERTY.

1OCT24

DEFENDANT LUCA CAROL CASE NO. MG-24-000164

DEBT $44,486.22

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, CITY OF PITTSBURGH-20th WARD:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2631 BELLINGHAM AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15216. DEED BOOK VOLUME 12687 PAGE 335. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0036-S-00068-000000.

2OCT24

DEFENDANT William J. Fulmer, Jr., Personal Representative of the Estate of William B. Fulmer a/k/a William B. Fulmer, Sr., Deceased, Helen J. Fulmer

$177,462.15 NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) The Law Office of Gregory Javardian, LLC

OF ATTORNEY(S) 1310 Industrial Boulevard, 1st Floor, Suite 101, Southampton, PA 18966

TELEPHONE NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Monroeville:

4OCT24 DEFENDANT KYLE SIX, NASTACIA SIX

NO. MG-22-001008

$168,968.25 NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C. ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 **************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (215) 627-1322 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, MU-

NICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 9600 FRANKSTOWN ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK 18718, PAGE 109. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 296-B-123

5OCT24

DEFENDANT KORY BOEHM ************ CASE NO. MG-23-000949 ********* DEBT $74,583.46

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)

SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (215) 627-1322

SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF WEST VIEW:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 134 GEORGETOWN AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15229. DEED BOOK 11948, PAGE 486. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 350-P-58.

6OCT24

DEFENDANT DEBBIE A. GDOVIC CASE NO. MG-23-001013 ********* DEBT $86,765.44 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C. **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (215) 627-1322

SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF TURTLE CREEK:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 408 CHARLES STREET, TURTLE CREEK, PA 15145. DEED BOOK 16850, PAGE 85. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 455-L-307.

7OCT24

DEFENDANT TRIPLE DS ESTATE LLC, DARRELL E.

JOHNSON AKA DARRELL JOHNSON

CASE NO. GD-24-001920

DEBT $96,115.93 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

**********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (215) 627-1322 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 21ST WARD CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1222 NORTH FRANKLIN STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15233. DEED BOOK 19005, PAGE 528. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 22-L-105.

8OCT24

DEFENDANT Charles McClellan & Sherri McClellan

CASE NO. MG-24-000154 ********* DEBT 101,275.22 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)

Dennis M. Blackwell, Esquire **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 223 4th Avenue, 9th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 391-5299

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of South Fayette, HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING HOUSE BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 632 MILLERS RUN ROAD, CUDDY, PA 15031. DEED BOOK VOLUME 19171, PAGE 371, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 325-L-36-0000-00.

9OCT24

DEFENDANT John Donatelli ************ CASE NO. GD-24-004703

DEBT 18,985.61

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-7650

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Reserve: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AS 3326 SPRING GARDEN ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15212. DEED BOOK VOLUME 10762, PAGE 523, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 78-E-236.

10OCT24

DEFENDANT Richard J. Filar and Maura K. Filar, CASE NO. MG-24-000170

DEBT $347,048.06 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-7650

*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION

******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Plum: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING HOUSE KNOWN AS 1170 BALKAN DRIVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15239. DEED BOOK VOLUME 12673, PAGE 353, BLOCK & LOT NO. 1104-K-305.

11OCT24

DEFENDANT L. Joyce Evans, AKA Lois Joyce Evans; Samuel E. Evans; The United States of America

************

CASE NO. MG-18-000095

********* DEBT $866,118.59

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)

Manley Deas Kochalski LLC

**********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) P. 0. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER

614-220-5611

SHORT DESCRIPTION

******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Marshall Township: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 113 Burry Avenue, Bradford Woods, PA 15015. Document Number 2004-32782, Deed Book Volume 12198, Page 405. Block and Lot Number 1657-L-00002-0000-00. • 12OCT24

DEFENDANT Carrie Smallwood; Charles R. O’Bryon, Jr. CASE NO. MG-24-000354 ********* DEBT $124,458.47

18OCT24

13OCT24

DEFENDANT DAWN RADOMSKY; KENT J. RADOMSKY ************ CASE NO. MG-22-000530 ********* DEBT $157,857.70

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Carolyn Treglia, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (844) 856-6646

SHORT DESCRIPTION In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF BALDWIN Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 5443 KEENAN DR, PITTSBURGH, PA 15236. Deed Book Volume 10461, Page 519. Block and Lot Number 0390-S-001090000-00

14OCT24

DEFENDANT CHAD A. HANLEY ************ CASE NO. MG-24-000275 ********* DEBT $161,192.06

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Carolyn Treglia, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (844) 856-6646

SHORT DESCRIPTION In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, SOUTH PARK TOWNSHIP Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1292 ARMSTRONG DR, SOUTH PARK, PA 15129. Deed Book Volume 18000, Page 539. Block and Lot Number 1008-F-002020000-00

15OCT24

DEFENDANT DEAN J. BERGSTEDT ************ CASE NO. MG-23-000726

DEBT $271,566.64

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Jeff Calcagno, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (844) 856-6646

SHORT DESCRIPTION

******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, SCOTT TOWNSHIP Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1761 BOWER HILL RD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15243. Deed Book Volume 18632, Page 476. Block and Lot Number 0195-M-002000000-00

16OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S) CITY OF CLAIRTON vs DEFENDANT MIRIAM MALETTA CASE NO. GD-23-014127 ********* DEBT $14,485.52 ***** NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 724-978-0333

*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION

******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, CITY OF CLAIRTON:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 508 SAINT CLAIR AVENUE, CLAIRTON, PA 15025. DEED BOOK 9850, PAGE 225. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 879-H-042

17OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S) EAST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES vs DEFENDANT CENTRAL AMERICA PRESERVATION

TRUST CASE NO.GD-21-002470 DEBT $8,851.24

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT

OF ATTORNEY(S) 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642

SHORT DESCRIPTION In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of White Oak:

and numbered as 1710

al Drive, McKeesport, PA 15131 AKA 1710 Educational Drive, White Oak, PA 15131. Document Number 2016-28803, Deed Book Volume 16534, Page 244. Block and Lot Number 0550-R OO109-0000-00.

THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYL-

COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOR-

OF MUNHALL:

ERECTED THEREON A DWELL-

BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS

ALBERTA STREET, HOMESTEAD, PENNSYLVANIA 15120 AKA 3014 ALBERTA STREET, MUNHALL, PENNSYLVANIA 15120. DEED BOOK VOLUME 14607, PAGE 443. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0132-H-00152-0000-00. 26OCT24

L. GRAHAM, ESQUIRE

OF ATTORNEY(S)

WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC

HADDON AVENUE, SUITE 201 WESTMONT, NJ 08108

TELEPHONE NUMBER

27OCT24

PLAINTIFFS BRENTWOOD BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT AND BRENTWOOD BOROUGH, vs. DEFENDANT RYAN TEMPALSKI CASE NO.GD 24-000461 ********* DEBT $16,411.77 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C.

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 412.594.3902

SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3017- 3019 GLENDALE AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15227. DEED BOOK VOLUME 15205, PAGE 5, AND DEED BOOK VOLUME 17294, PAGE 162, BLOCK AND LOT 137G-261

28OCT24

PLAINTIFFS SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT, vs. DEFENDANT CAROL J. CLARK ************ WRIT NO. GO 22-000971 ********* DEBT $20,471.70

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)

TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222 ************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 412.594.3902 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF SHALER:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESI-

DENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN ANO NUMBERED AS 121 BEECH STREET, GLENSHAW, PENNSYLVANIA 15116-2619, DEED BOOK VOLUME 13932, PAGE 387, BLOCK AND LOT 356-E-154

29OCT24

PLAINTIFFS MT. LEBANON SCHOOL DISTRICT, vs. DEFENDANT PAUL R. GARLITZ and MI-

CHELLE L. GARLITZ, Husband and Wife ************ CASE NO. GD 24-001796

DEBT $10,496.51

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 412.594.3902 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, MU-

NICIPALITY OF MT. LEBANON:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 249 NEWBURN DRIVE, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15216, DEED BOOK VOLUME 14535, PAGE 180, BLOCK AND LOT 99-D-110

30OCT24

DEFENDANT Harwood H. Dorman a/k/a Harwood H. Dorman, Jr. CASE NO. MG-24 000174 ********* DEBT $117,712.84 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) The Law Office of Gregory Javardian, LLC

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 1310 Industrial Boulevard, pt Floor, Suite 101, Southampton, PA 18966 **************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 215-942-9690 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION ********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Plum:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 328 CENTER NEW TEXAS ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15239. DEED BOOK VOLUME 4074, PAGE 113. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER. 851-R-211.

31OCT24

DEFENDANT Joel A. Demharter, ************ CASE NO. MG-23-000286

DEBT $192,311.25

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) The Law Office of Gregory Javardian, LLC **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 1310 Industrial Boulevard, pt Floor, Suite 101, Southampton, PA 18966

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 215-942-9690

SHORT DESCRIPTION ********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Harrison Township:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 209 ELBROOK DRIVE, NATRONA HEIGHTS, PA 15065. DEED BOOK VOLUME 17471, PAGE 502. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER. 1679-P-60.

39OCT24

32OCT24

DEFENDANT HATHERLEY BRITTIAN, SEAN MICKAIL AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF PENNY MICKAIL AKA PENNY L. MICKAIL, DECEASED ************

CASE NO. . MG-23-000124

DEBT $60,743.88

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET

PHILADELPHIA,PA 19106

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 215) 627-1322

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION

********************

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 27TH

WARD CITY OF PITTSBURGH:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1423 WOODLAND AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15212. DEED BOOK 16879, PAGE 439. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 45-E-8 l.

33OCT24

DEFENDANT TERRANCE L. CASSIDY

CASE NO. MG-23-000203

DEBT $199,176.62 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

**********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET

PHILADELPHIA,PA 19106

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 215) 627-1322

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF SCOTT:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 603 LINDSAY ROAD, CARNEGIE, PA 15106. DEED BOOK 17041, PAGE 120. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 143-A-52.

34OCT24

DEFENDANT ARGELIS CANDELARIO

CASE NO. MG-23-001088 *********

DEBT $101,136.40 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

**********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)

SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET

PHILADELPHIA,PA 19106

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 215) 627-1322

SHORT DESCRIPTION

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWN OF MCCANDLESS:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 8520 WITTMER ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15237. DEED BOOK 16656, PAGE 198. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 713-S-282.

35OCT24

DEFENDANT DIANE M. KUGLER

************ CASE NO. MG-23-000870

DEBT $40,703.88

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET

PHILADELPHIA,PA 19106

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 215) 627-1322

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION

********************

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF PORT VUE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 317 GUMBERT STREET, MCKEESPORT, PA 15133. DEED BOOK 10904, PAGE 302. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 383-S-288.

36OCT24

DEFENDANT JULIAN LAMAR SPARROW, SOLELY IN

HIS/HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF JOY SPARROW, DECEASED, FAYTHE L. WILEY, SOLELY IN HIS/HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF JOY SPARROW, DECEASED, JONATHAN LAMAR WILEY, SOLELY IN HIS/HER CAPACITY AS HE1R OF JOY SPARROW, DECEASED, CHARITY LYNN WILEY, SOLELY IN HIS/HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF JOY SPARROW, DECEASED

CASE NO. MG-23-001135

*********

DEBT $61,647.09 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Jeffrey R. Lalama, Esquire

OF ATTORNEY(S) Meyer, Unkovic & Scott, LLP 535 Smithfield Street, Suite 1300 Pittsburgh, PA 15222

TELEPHONE NUMBER 412-456-2876

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Plum: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1081 McALLISTER DRIVE, NEW KENSINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA 15068, DEED BOOK VOLUME 13162, PAGE 544. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0968-F00138-0000-00

40OCT24

DEFENDANT Frank Cimino Jr. CASE NO. MG-23-000590 ********* DEBT $196,298.08 ***** NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Dana Marks, Esquire ********************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden City, NY 11530

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 471-5100

SHORT DESCRIPTION

********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, and Borough of Coraopolis: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1302 VANCE AVENUE, CORAOPOLIS, PA 15108. DEED BOOK VOLUME 7627, PAGE 212. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER: 0342-P00185-0000-00.

41OCT24

DEFENDANT RONALD C. PALASHOFF ************ CASE NO. MG-23-000492 ********* DEBT $68,749.71

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Carolyn Treglia, Esquire

********************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100, KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (844) 856-6646

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 32ND WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 2630 IVYGLEN ST, PITTSBURGH, PA 15227. Deed Book 7885, Page 508. Block and Lot Number 0138-F-001140000-00

42OCT24

DEFENDANT ROBERT CAVANAUGH, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF MARYLOU CAVANAUGH aka MARY LOU CAVANAUGH AND IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES CAVANAUGH, DECEASED HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF MARYLOU CAVANAUGH aka MARY LOU CAVANAUGH; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER MARYLOU CAVANAUGH aka MARY LOU CAVANAUGH, DECEASED; SHAYNA CAVANAUGH IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JAMES CAVANAUGH, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JAMES CAVANAUGH, DECEASED HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF MARYLOU CAVANAUGH aka MARY LOU CAVANAUGH, DECEASED ************ CASE NO. MG-23-000014 ********* DEBT $15,256.74

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Jeff Calcagno, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100, KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (844) 856-6646

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, CITY OF DUQUESNE - 1ST WARD Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 417 WILLIAM STREET, DUQUESNE, PA 15110-1086. Deed Book Volume 6157, Page 757. Block and Lot Number 0305-D-000950000-00

43OCT24

DEFENDANT TRAVIS BUICK ************ CASE NO. MG-23-001119

DEBT $72,596.88

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Carolyn Treglia, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100, KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (844) 856-6646

SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 16TH WARD, CITY OF PITTSBURGH

Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 436 GORGAS ST, PITTSBURGH, PA 15210. Deed Book 16520, Page 344. Block and Lot Number 0032-A-003370000-00, aka 0032-A-00337

44OCT24

DEFENDANT MICHAEL JONES ************ CASE NO. MG-22-000226

DEBT $194,432.26

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)

45OCT24

DEFENDANT MATTHEW D. EVANS IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF ROBIN L. PARKER, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT. TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER ROBIN L. PARKER, DECEASED ************ CASE NO. MG-23-000064

DEBT $40,657.45

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Carolyn Treglia, Esquire ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100, KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (844) 856-6646 SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 26TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 2420 WILSON AVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15214. Deed Book 12488, Page 546 INSTRUMENT NUMBER 2005-19982. Block and Lot Number 0046-E-00209-0000-00

46OCT24

DEFENDANT Subhendra N. Mattagajasingh, Mamata Mohanty a/k/a Mamta Mohanty ************ CASE NO. MG-19-001065 ********* DEBT $59,825.58

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) The Law Office of

DEED BOOK 18982, PAGE 385. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 14-L-246.

$82,493.92

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC

**********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER

855-225-6906

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of West Mifflin:

Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 724 Laura Ave, West Mifflin, PA 15122. Deed Book Volume 8852, Page 399. Block and Lot 0238K-00178-0000-00.

DEFENDANT

50OCT24

TRACY CONTI AKA TRACY L WENGER, IN HER CAPACITY AS ADMINISTRATRIX AND HEIR OF MARY M WENGER;

L WENGER AKA KRISTIN L WENGER, IN HER CAPACITY AS EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL WENGER, DECEASED HEIR OF MARY M WENGER; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS, CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE, OR.INTEREST FROM OR UNDER MARY M WENGER; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS, CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER MICHAEL WENGER, DECEASED HEIR OF MARY M WENGER ************ CASE NO. MG-22-000816 *********

OF ATTORNEY(S)

Anschutz, Schneid, Crane &

PLLC

OF ATTORNEY(S) 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER

855-225-6906 SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 2nd Ward of the Borough of Crafton: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 77 N Linwood Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Deed Book Volume 10633, Page 47. Block and Lot 0069-S-00305-0000-00.

51OCT24

DEFENDANT EDWARD P. DESABATO, JR. C/O GIOIA MANGIS, POA CASE

53OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Carnegie VS.

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Carnegie:

Having erected thereon a two story frame house being known as 522 Hulton Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. Deed Book Volume 14300, Page 276. Block & Lot No. 102-A261.

54OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Pitcairn VS.

DEFENDANT Pitcairn Ambulance Association, Inc.

CASE NO. GD 23-000628 *********

DEBT $3,597.74 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION

********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Pitcairn:

Having erected thereon a two story frame house being known as 900 Creighton Avenue, Pitcairn, PA 15140. Deed Book Volume 13822, Page 319. Block & Lot No. 746-K-278.

55OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Woodland Hills School District VS. DEFENDANT Jose Melendez, Jr. ************ CASE NO. GD 23-014507

DEBT $5,831.10

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 **************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION ********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Turtle Creek:

Having erected thereon a two story brick house being known as 823 Maple Avenue, Turtle Creek, PA 15145. Deed Book Volume 18071, Page 595. Block & Lot No. 455-L-128.

56OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Dormont VS. DEFENDANT Edwards Realty & Associates LP ************ WRIT NO.: GD 22-003570 ********* DEBT $7,230.52

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) David L. Scherer, Esquire **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Dormont:

Having erected thereon a three family, two story brick house being known as 2739 Miles Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Deed Book Volume 14981, Page 134. Block & Lot No. 62-J-272.

57OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Township of Shaler VS. DEFENDANT Marcella Gebert, with Notice to Heirs and Assigns ************ CASE NO.: G.D. 22-014177

DEBT $2,820.08 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Shaler:

Having erected thereon a one and one half story frame house being known as 1213 Maple Street, Glenshaw, PA 15116. Deed Book Volume 2308, Page 516. Block & Lot No. 356-J-48.

58OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania VS. DEFENDANT Robert J. Kennedy & Victoria DeDonato ************ CASE NO.: GD 22-014552

DEBT $32,273.13

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION

ln the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Mt. Lebanon:

Having erected thereon a two and a half story

59OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania VS. DEFENDANT Mario Silipigni

CASE NO.: GD 23-001024

DEBT $9,314.07 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

**********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)

525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Mt. Lebanon:

Having erected thereon a two story brick house being known as 232 Sleepy Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Deed Book Volume 16649, Page 48. Block & Lot No. 140-A-32.

60OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Dormont VS. DEFENDANT Edwards Realty & Associates LP

WRJTNO.: GD 22-003569 *********

DEBT $4,229.86 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)

David L. Scherer, Esquire **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)

525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Dormont:

Having erected thereon a two story, four family brick house being known as 28382840 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Deed Book Volume 14947, Page 54. Block & Lot No. 62-N-227.

61OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Dormont VS. DEFENDANT

Edwards Realty & Associates LP ************ WRIT NO.: GD 22-003567 ********* DEBT $9.328.19

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)

David L. Scherer, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)

525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION

********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Dormont:

Having erected thereon a two story, four family brick house being known as 1441 Dormont Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Deed Book Volume 15244, Page 413. Block & Lot No. 98-C-325.

62OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Township of Shaler VS. DEFENDANT George L. Fong

************ CASE NO.: G.D. 22-013127 ********* DEBT $3,796.24

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

**********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)

525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION

******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Shaler:

Having erected thereon a one story frame house being known as 500 Glen Malcolm Drive, Glenshaw, PA 15116. Deed Book Volume 9844, Page 49. Block & Lot No. 285-E-14.

63OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Pine-Richland School District VS. DEFENDANT Jerry C. Kennedy, Jr. & Tammy L. Kennedy

CASE NO.: GD 23-011713

DEBT $8,757.32 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Richland: Having erected thereon a two story frame house being known as 241 Whitehaven Drive, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Deed Book Volume 9799, Page 334. Block & Lot No. 1666-J-7.

64OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT David Williams

CASE NO.: G.D. 21-011719

DEBT $5,502.70 ***** NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

**********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of

65OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT Shirley May Miklos, with Notice to Heirs and Assigns CASE NO.: G.D. 19-002070 ********* DEBT $5,320.20 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Elizabeth:

Being thereon vacant residential land known as Pineview Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Deed Book Volume 5440, Page 65. Block & Lot No. 1904-F-232.

66OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT Susan T. Zupancic ************ CASE NO.: G.D. 22-008423 ********* DEBT $5,702.84

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 **************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Shaler: Having erected thereon a one story brick house being known as 492 Seavey Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15209. Deed Book Volume 10051, Page 210. Block & Lot No. 166-K212.

67OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT James W. Winters

CASE NO.: GD 17-008222 ********* DEBT $5,636.29 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire **********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Etna: Having erected thereon a one and one half story brick house being known as 55 Vilsack Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15223. Deed Book Volume 16335, Page 261. Block & Lot No. 221-M-195.

68OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT Parei Ventures, LLC

CASE NO.: G.D. 24-000953 DEBT $2,788.73

*****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Glassport:

Having erected thereon a three story commercial apartment building being known as 600 Ohio Avenue, Glassport, PA 15045. Deed Book Volume 17726, Page 318. Block& Lot No. 558-B-14.

69OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S): Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania VS. DEFENDANT Edwards Realty & Associates, LP

CASE NO.: GD 22-014530

DEBT $7,864.78

*****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) David L. Scherer, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

**************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (412) 281-0587 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Mt. Lebanon: Having erected thereon a one story, three-family brick house being known as 950 Margaretta Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Deed Book Volume 15070, Page 505. Block & Lot No. 250-E-234.

70OCT24

and

15228.

&

72OCT24

(856) 724-1888

SHORT DESCRIPTION In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Ross Township: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 105 Donmor Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Deed Book Volume15219, Page 122, Instrument Number 2013-10351, Block and Lot Number 0281-S-00144-0000-00.

73OCT24 DEFENDANT GEORGE J. MERRICK ************ CASE NO.: GD-23-000195 DEBT $363,752.86 ***** NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) CHELSEA A. NIXON, ESQUIRE ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC 216 HADDON AVENUE, SUITE 201 WESTMONT, NJ 08108 ************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER (856) 858-7080

SHORT DESCRIPTION ******************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF SEWICKLEY: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 605 MULBERRY STREET, SEWICKLEY, PENNSYLVANIA 15143. DEED BOOK VOLUME 11716, PAGE 564. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0421-B-00265-0000-00. 74OCT24

DEFENDANT LAWl CAPITAL REAL ESTATE LLC CASE NO.: GD-23-009044 ********* DEBT $298,566.18 ***** NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) RIAN W

1042 HAYS LN, MUNHALL, PA 15120, DEED BOOK VOLUME 3923, PAGE 149, BLOCK& LOT NO. 179-P-131. 77OCT24

PLAINTIFF(S) South Allegheny School District vs DEFENDANT JEFFREY MAZZEI; AKA JEFF E. MAZZEI; A/KIA JEFF MAZZEI

80OCT24

A. DOLAN, II

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Jeffrey R. Lalama, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Meyer, Unkovic & Scott, LLP 535 Smithfield Street, Suite 1300 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 **************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER 412-456-2876 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of Pittsburgh, 7th Ward:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELL-

ING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 5804 WALNUT STREET, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15232, DEED BOOK VOLUME 11270, PAGE 6. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0085-B-00271-0000-00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meetings

PUBLIC NOTICE

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

The Professional Services Committee of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority will hold a special meeting for general purposes on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. prevailing time, in the Trefz Board Room at its offices located at 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233. Official action on the Committee’s recommendations will take place at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors at a later date. The public may view the meeting via livestream by visiting www.alcosan.org.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

SANITARY AUTHORITY

CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 5208 BROWN WAY, PITTSBURGH, PA 15224, DEED BOOK VOLUME 9763, PAGE 113, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 50-L-51

PARCEL 2: IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 10TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 116 N. EVALINE ST, PITTSBURGH, PA 15224, DEED BOOK VOLUME 13712, PAGE 422, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 50-L-282-A

PARCEL 3: IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 10TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH:

HAVING vacant land BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS N. PACIFIC AVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15224, DEED BOOK VOLUME 13063, PAGE 482, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 50-L-56

PARCEL 4: IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 10TH WARD OF THE CITY OF

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PITTSBURGH, PA SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

The Office of the Director of the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY will receive Letters of Interest with current SF 330 for professional services until 3:00 p.m. on September 27, 2024, for the following assignment:

COUNTY PROJECT NO. AA24-DSCF OPEN END STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES - AS NEEDED

The work and services which may be required under this Agreement encompass a wide range of structural engineering, structural analysis, environmental studies, and engineering efforts with the possibility of several different types of projects with short completion schedules being assigned concurrently. The anticipated types of projects include but are not limited to: bridge design, culvert design, design of lateral support projects, roadway design related to lateral support, surveying, drilling, field and laboratory testing for geotechnical investigations, design of repairs and maintenance plans for County structures. Design of maintenance for flood control and pollution control projects, bridge inspections and dam inspections, and construction consultation. The design of county structures may include required design from other disciplines including traffic engineering, highway engineering, land and soil survey, right-of-way, utility design and drainage design.

Estate of BERT ROY LINDSTROM, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No. 02-24-05637, Scott R. Lindstrom, Executor, 123 Shafer Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of DAVID RATTAY, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No. 02-24-05638 , Christina L. Ramsey, Administrator, 1717 Hathaway Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 or to TODD A. FULLER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of THOMAS E. WALSH, Deceased of the Township of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, No.: 02-24-05138, John W. Henry, Executor or to Robert S. Bootay, Atty, 6 Clairton Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

NOTICE OF SCHEDULED QUARTERLY MEETING

(Pursuant to the Act of July 19, 1994, P.L. #386, 65 P.S. 261) THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH-EQUIPMENT

LEASING AUTHORITY

BOARD MEETING SHALL BE HELD ON:

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. CITY COUNTY BUILDING, ROOM 646 (THE LEARNING LAB) PITTSBURGH, PA 15219

This meeting is open to the public to participate in person or via conference call at the following number: Call-in Number: 1-412-851-3584

Guest Passcode: 202 409 159#

EDGEWOOD BOROUGH PLANNING COMMISSION

shall meet on September 16 at 6:00 pm at 2 Race Street Pittsburgh PA 15218 to review a land development application submitted by the Woodland Hills School District concerning site work, landscaping, grading and driveway renovations at the Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy, 241 Maple Ave, PGH PA 15218, and any other matters that may come before the commission.

Rob Zahorchak Borough Manager

LEGAL AD

NOTICE IS HEREBY given the Emsworth Zoning Hearing Board has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, September 26, 2024, 7 p.m., prevailing time at the Emsworth Borough Building, 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15202, regarding the application from Eric Mueller for property at 368 Huntington Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, seeking a Variance to Emsworth Borough Ordinance Section 245.38C, setback relief for an outdoor kitchen. All those interested in the above hearing should be present at the above time and place and you will have an opportunity to be heard.

CATHY JONES Borough Secretary

WILKINS TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC BUDGET

MEETINGS:

The Wilkins Township Board of Commissioners shall meet at 5:30 PM on September 30, 2024; at 6:00 PM on October 28, 2024 and at 6:30 PM on November 13, 2024 for the purpose of discussing and preparing the 2025 Township Budget. The meetings will be held at the Municipal Building, 110 Peffer Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 and can also be accessed via Zoom. Visit the Township website for additional details: https://www.wilkinstownship.com.

The Green Committee of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority will hold a special meeting for general purposes on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. prevailing time in the Trefz Board Room at its offices located at 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233. Official action on the Committee’s recommendations will take place at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors at a later date. The public may view the meeting via livestream by visiting www.alcosan.org.

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR MOVING SERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE

IFB# 450-02-24 REBID

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

Moving Services Authority Wide

IFB# 450-02-24 REBID

The documents will be available no later than September 3, 2024, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on October 3, 2024. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 a.m. until the closing time of 10:00 a.m. on October 3, 2024, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.hacp.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Brandon Havranek

Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: 412-643-2890 Fax: 412-456-5007 brandon.havranek@hacp.org

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting on September 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Please see meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 833 2075 1945 Passcode: 355725 Dial-in: +1 305 24 1968 US (Washington D.C)

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

The engineering work and services that may be required under this contract include, but are not limited to: perform field surveys, plot topography and cross sections, laying out and obtaining core borings, perform laboratory soil testing and evaluation, prepare soil reports, develop erosion control details and narrative, develop hydraulic reports, prepare right of way drawings per DM-3 standards, investigate and determine utility involvement on the projects, provide value engineering reviews, develop traffic control plans with narratives and prepare documents ready to bid, including construction plans, specifications, estimates and all pertinent submissions and materials necessary for bid. Prepare applications and obtain approval for any required permits, which include but are not limited to: soil erosion and sediment control, storm water management, hazardous waste, surface water and ground water quality, surface water and ground water hydrology, wetlands, cultural resources, environmental (typically Categorical Exclusion) documents and General Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources permits. Reviews of Overside/Overload Vehicle Permit Loads may also be assigned to this contract. Prompt response for emergency design services may be required, as needed.

The engineering services and environmental studies identified above are the general work activities that can be expected under this Open-End Contract. The primary goal of this contract is to provide structural engineering and on call services and support for bridge and culvert repairs, as well as rehabilitation and replacement projects. All PennDOT and FHWA publications, specifications and standard design practices are to be used in the development of designs. A more specific and project-related Scope of Work will be outlined for each individual Work Order developed under this Open-end Contract. Each individual Work Order will be a maximum of $800,000.00. The Agreement will be for a period of 5 years, with projects assigned on an as-needed basis. The maximum amount of the Open-end Agreement will be $2,000,000.00. The agreement will be paid utilizing Cost-Plus Fixed Fee, Lump Sum, Cost per Unit of Work or Specific Rate methods of payment. Submit five (5) hard copies and one (1) electronic file in .pdf format of your Letter of Interest, current Standard Form 330 (SF 330) and Sustainability Profile to:

Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works County Office Building, Room 501 542 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTENTION: Michael Burdelsky, P.E.

Place five (5) copies of your Letter of Interest with required SF 330 and sustainability forms in a sealed opaque envelope with firm’s name, the title, the number of the Project, and the words “Letters of Interest” written on the front. If you mail the Letter of Interest, insert the sealed opaque envelope containing the Letter of Interest and SF 330 form inside a separate mailing envelope. The Director will receive Letters of Interest with a maximum page limit of five pages along with accompanying SF 330 forms and sustainability profile until the day and hour stated in this Public Advertisement. The Director will not consider any Letter of Interest received after the set day and hour and will return it to the addressee unopened. The firm is responsible for ensuring that the Director receives the Letter of Interest by the set day and hour. The County will use only SF 330 of firms responding with Letters of Interest to prequalify firms for consideration for these services. The County encourages responses from small firms, minority and women owned firms and firms that have not previously worked for the County.

The County will only accept the Sustainability Profile Standard Form. This form can be found at: http://alleghenycounty.us/DPWsolicitations

The County will preselect or short-list three firms for consideration for this Project assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Experience, Record, Size, Workload, Related Work and Sustainability Profile. By a Request for Proposal the Department of Public Works will notify the short-listed firms to submit proposals. The County will base final selection of a firm for this assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Oral Presentation/ Project Proposal, Organization, Design Ability, Experience, Special Criteria such as community involvement and other sensitive areas of Project development and Sustainability Profile.

The County’s minority business enterprise and women’s business enterprise goals for this Project will be 13% of the total price for MBE participation and 2% of the total price for WBE participation. Certification of MBEs and WBEs by the County is mandatory on or before proposal due date. Firms submitting a Letter of Interest must have their MBE/WBE participants in place and noted in their letter and/or SF 330 form information in order to be considered for this project.

The Director may reject any Letters of Interest/Proposals and may waive any irregularity in the Submission of Letters of Interest/Proposals. For further information contact Mike Burdelsky, P.E., Assistant Deputy Director, at 412-350-5914.

Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Work

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 19, 2024 and will be opened at the same hour in the administration building cafeteria: Professional Learning Resource Library

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

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

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on September 30, 2024 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)

BID NUMBER BID NAME

1 B24-09-88A Operators, Supervisors, Fare Collectors & Maintenace Uniforms

To join the bid opening through Microsoft Teams meeting on your computer, mobile app or room device Meeting ID: 226 156 383 742

Passcode: jcDeoe

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 806 058 138#

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 on September 12, 2024, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Meeting ID: 217 661 511 041

Passcode: 3PKFUD

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 548 526 316#

Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the PRT within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

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

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Wanted

ENTRY LEVEL FIREFIGHTER

The City of Altoona is now accepting applications for Entry Level Firefighters. Information and applications are available online at www.altoonapa.gov and in the Human Resources Department of City Hall at 1301 12th Street, Suite 400, Altoona, PA. Applications and applicable supporting documentation must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by Noon on Friday, September 20, 2024.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CITY OF WASHINGTON POLICE OFFICER

The City of Washington is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Requirements include but are not limited to:

- High School Graduate or Equivalent

- Must be at least 21 years of age - United States Citizen, - Must have current, valid PA driver license, - Must be ACT 120 Certified OR have completed ACT 120 Certification training AND have passed the final examination, upon hiring Applications can be picked up at City Hall, 55 West Maiden St. Washington, PA., City of Washington Police Station (56 W. Strawberry Avenue, Washington PA) or downloaded from the City of Washington website at www.washingtonpa.us.

Applicants are subject to the Civil Service hiring process, including background checks, drug testing, physical agility testing, written examination, oral examination, psychological and physical examination. Base (Entry Level: $50,913.88. After completion of service $65,274.20). Deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. on Monday September 23, 2024. The City of Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

URBAN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL is seeking positions for Special Education Teacher Student Success Advisor Co-Teacher

Please send all clearances and three references to jobs@urbanacademypgh.org

The University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social & Urban Research in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Financial Account Administrator that will provide financial research support infrastructure and training for original research. Apply at https://www.join.pitt.edu, #24006641. Please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and salary requirements. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEMS AND ACCESS CONTROL FOR THE NORTHVIEW MIDRISE

ARMDC RFP #2024-43-REBID

Allies and Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):

Request for Proposals (RFP) –Security Camera Systems and Access Control for the Northview Midrise

RFP documents will be available no later than September 3, 2024. Copies of RFP documents are not available for in-person pickup. Firms interested in responding may obtain a copy of the RFP documents from the Business Opportunities Section of the HACP Website, www.hacp.org. Prospective Offerors may register as vendors on the website and download the documents free of charge. A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom on September 19, 2024, at 10:00 A.M Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 882 3109 7514

Passcode: 465467

Dial in: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The deadline for the final submission of written questions is September 26, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. The deadline for submission of proposals is October 3, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. Proposals must be sent t

Brandon Havranek - Associate Director of Procurement

Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: 412-643-2890

Fax: 412-456-5007

brandon.havranek@hacp.org

PPG Industries, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, has work-athome Data Scientist position (w/ ability to telecommute w/approp. telecommuting sys.; remote worksite must be w/in commuting distance of Pittsburgh, PA for weekly trips to corp. office) responsible for utilizing machine learning, comp. vision, advncd statistical analysis, data mining, optimization, & data visualization mthds to drive prdct & service dvlpmnt as well as to make recommendations & provide insights into solutions thru agile teams & sprints. Apply online at careers.ppg.com.

Hitachi Rail STS USA, Inc., seeks a Senior Security Engineer to work in Pittsburgh, PA, to protect critical company information for confidentiality, integrity, and availability through the proposal and implementation of the Information Security Strategic Plan. Provide support to Hitachi Procurement Team to determine and onboard Cybersecurity and SCADA vendors. Apply at: https://careers.hitachi.com.

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 of 10:00 AM on October 3, 2024. Proposals may still be submitted electronically at the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/ request/gu1hUWNRPfYxgcd 26niN?oref=e and can still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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

Caster D. Binion, President & CEO Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation

ARMDC & HACP conduct business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR SPECIAL INSPECTIONS FOR THE NORTHVIEW MIDRISE

ARMDC RFP #2024-42 REBID

Allies and Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):

Request for Proposals (RFP)

– Special Inspections for the Northview Midrise RFP documents will be available on or about September 3, 2024 Copies of RFP documents are not available for in-person pickup. Firms interested in responding may obtain a copy of the RFP documents from the Business Opportunities Section of the HACP Website, www.hacp.org. Prospective Offerors may register as vendors on the website and download the documents free of charge. A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom on September 19, 2024, at 9:00 A.M

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 871 5583 1085 Passcode: 528312 Dial in: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The deadline for the final submission of written questions is September 26, 2024, at 9:00 A.M.

The deadline for submission of proposals is October 3, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. Proposals must be sent to:

Brandon Havranek - Associate Director of Procurement

Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: 412-643-2890

Fax: 412-456-5007

brandon.havranek@hacp.org

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 of 9:00 AM on October 3, 2024. Proposals may still be submitted electronically at the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/ request/etrIEHVoGLTSejqYEDz5 and can still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Caster D. Binion, President & CEO Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

MANAGER OF TRANSIT AMENITIES

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Manager of Transit

Amenities to manage the planning and development of transit amenities and service stops for Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT). Project Manager for major transit amenity related projects, such as Bus Stop Consolidation and Shelter Replacement and park and ride programs. Conducts inspections to ensure that all equipment, inventory, and facilities are maintained. Executes the dayto-day activities supporting the ACCESS paratransit contract including maintaining ACCESS related private carrier files. Manages the Transit Amenity Support Specialists and Timetable Courier.

Essential Functions:

• Manages the daily activities of the Passenger Amenity Support Specialists, Timetable Courier, and other staff as assigned. Provides direction on Goals and Objectives, and meets regularly with staff to deliver feedback on achievement of goals.

• Project Manager for major passenger amenity related projects, such as Bus Stop Optimization and Shelter Replacement programs to improve the customer experience. Manager for the Shelter Contract and is PRT’s liaison for City of Pittsburgh and municipal Transit Shelter Programs.

• Ensures transit asset (stop, shelter, and park and ride) inventories are kept up to date in conjunction with the IT Division and the Service Development Team. Responsible for assigning work for the development and dissemination of Bus Stop memos and other communication memos in the field and on the PRT’s website to keep operating divisions and the public informed of proposed and/or planned changes to these assets. Coordinates these communication activities with the appropriate representatives in the Communications Division.

Job requirements include:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Bachelor’s degree in transportation, business administration, public administration or related field from an accredited college or university. Directly related experience may substitute for education on a yearfor-year basis.

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in transit planning, customer service or related field. No certifications or licenses required.

• One (1) year of supervisory experience which may be substituted by two (2) years of Project Management or team lead experience that included staff workload management and budget.

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

• Customer focused, well organized, and results oriented.

• Professional and effective communication skills.

• Valid PA driver’s license or ability to obtain one. Preferred attributes:

• Knowledge of PRT transit system and Allegheny County.

• Project Management experience.

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

Stacey Tunie Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527

STunie@RidePRT.org EOE

SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to be responsible for managing engineering and construction activities related to mechanical aspects of Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT)’s systems, facilities, buildings, tunnels, subways, and light rail transit system. Ensures projects adhere to the scope, budget, and schedule as well as interface with consultants, contractors, and external stakeholder representatives. Prepares contract scope of work for and manages activities of outside architects, engineers, and contractors hired by Port Authority. Provides engineering and technical support and serves as subject matter expert in the maintenance and operation of various mechanical systems including drainage, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC), escalators, elevators, fire protection, safety, and related equipment.

Essential Functions:

· Performs all project management functions necessary to implement the design, construction, and closeout of funded capital projects within established scope, schedule, budget, and quality metrics. Provides guidance and assistance to PRT personnel on mechanical issues and activities pertaining to all capital projects. Provides support for state of good repair programs related to systems, facilities, buildings, tunnels, subways, and light rail transit system.

· Responsible for reviewing drawings, specifications, and contract provisions for compliance with PRT and outside agency requirements and standards in the preparation of construction and procurement documents. Reviews and coordinates drawings and specifications of mechanical systems to include drainage, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC), escalators, elevators, lifts, compressors, fire protection, safety, and related equipment in consideration of the impacts related to operational facilities, systems, and infrastructure.

Job requirements include:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction, or other field of Engineering from an accredited school.

· Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in managing projects, including design and construction of job-related work.

· Professional and effective communication skills.

· Valid driver’s license in any state or commonwealth with ability to obtain PA driver’s license within sixty (60) days of employment.

· Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

Preferred attributes:

· Registered Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the ability to obtain such registration through reciprocity within one year of appointment or Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from nationally recognized registration entity.

· Experience in construction and construction management.

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

Stacey Tunie

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

DIRECTOR OF DATA AND INFORMATION ANALYTICS

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Director of Data and Information Analytics to be responsible for the forward progression of for the Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s (PRT) use of analytics and data intelligence to inform business decisions and processes. Such Data Analytics activities include, but are not limited to Data Governance, Data Lakes, dashboards and data presentation tools, databases, data integrations, and Data Warehouses. In leading the Data and Information Analytics department, the position oversees various data and analytics centric roles and works in close conjunction with functional business and data analyst roles across the agency to solve questions using information, data, and analytics.

Essential Functions:

• Lead agency efforts to mature in information analytics utilization and incorporation into business processes.

• Collaborate with multiple teams to design, develop, test, implement and support solutions in data engineering and analytics.

• Maintain technical leadership, direction and oversight to build reliable and scalable data pipelines, data models and data visualizations.

• Mentor and provide guidance to members of yours and other teams and contribute thought leadership focused on the development and evolution of our data engineering and analytics capabilities.

Job requirements include:

• BS Degree in Data Analytics, Data Sciences, Information Systems or directly related field from an accredited school. Related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Minimum seven years of recent experience in design, development and delivery of data driven solutions and analytics; including at least three years as manager in data & analytics delivery.

Experience with human centered design research or similar methodologies to provide solutions to business questions.

• Experience transitioning data into insight and analytic-based tools such as dashboards and real-time information display.

• Experience with PowerBI, Tableau or other data presentation and analysis software

• Experience with data management platforms such as MS SQL Server, Oracle, or other cloud-based data storage.

• Expert ability in the use of Microsoft platform, including Microsoft 365. Preferred attributes:

• Master’s level degree in information science or business (MBA, MS, or similar)

• Internet/Intranet development experience.

AWARD SPONSORS

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS

PATRON SPONSORS

CHANDI CHAPMAN Celebrity Host

Chandi Chapman is an Emmy award-winning and two-time Edward R. Murrow-winning anchor/reporter for WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.

Chapman’s Mid-Atlantic Emmy wins and nominations have highlighted breaking news, weather, combating the heroin epidemic, confronting bullying in schools, fighting racial inequality and uncovering the culture behind our favorite cuisines. They have also focused on her community service and her skills as a writer.

When Chapman worked in Allentown, Pa., she was given a proclamation from the city for being the first African American female anchor at WFMZ-TV and earned two National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence Award on her story that illustrated how all races came together to fight discrimination in the 1940s. Chapman has won numerous Associated Press and state broadcast association awards, including Best TV Personality. She was one of the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Women of Excellence in 2021.

Chapman has held positions in the industry that include producing, editing, shooting, web producing, assignment desk duties and managing.

Chapman started working at WTAETV in Pittsburgh while finishing up her degree in communication at the University of Pittsburgh. There she worked on the assignment desk and produced newscasts. She’s excited to be back in

Beach, S.C., where she anchored several newscasts, learned to shoot and edit. She was on the investigative team and was an education reporter. Before coming back to her home state, Chapman was a morning anchor and consumer reporter for WTVM-TV in Columbus, Ga.

Chapman said the best part of being a journalist is “affecting others in a positive way and being able to find out valuable information and give that knowledge to those who would otherwise not have the chance to learn from it.”

While attending high school, Chapman was involved in numerous activities and clubs and held several pageant and scholarship program titles, including 1998 Lawrence County Junior Miss. Chapman was the first African American to hold the title of Lawrence County Junior Miss and the first person to win the talent portion doing martial arts.  Chapman has been the only person to win Lawrence County Junior Miss, Pennsylvania’s Homecoming Queen and place in America’s Homecoming Queen in the same year.

Chapman has been involved in Circles in Columbus, which is part of a national movement to end poverty and Girls Inc., which is an organization that helps young women, especially ones who come from low-income households.   She volunteers to host and judge programs from national organizations to local churches. Her volunteerism was also one of the reasons Chapman grabbed azine and was named one of the Top 25 Most Beautiful

room, Chapman enjoys cooking, traveling, watching mystery and comedy movies and practicing martial arts whenever she She’s been studying Tae Kwon Do since she was 6 years old and received her black belt when she was 9 years old and has studied

James Willie Anderson Jr.

Elder, King of Kings Baptist Church

CEO, Jiggity Marketing LLC

Demario Andrews

Site Director, Family Support Center

Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

Rev. William A. Baker IV

Discipleship Pastor

Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh

James M. Carter

Life Coach

Achieva

Kiel Chapman

Production Manager

PPG

Robert Cherry

Chief Executive Officer

Partner4Work

Bernard Clark Jr.

Head Football Coach

Robert Morris University

Micheal “Mike” Dean

Community School Site Manager

Pittsburgh Public Schools

Radio Personality, WAMO

J.E. Clark Delanois

Managing Director and Credit Division

Head of Private Banking

BNY Mellon

Chuck Durham

Business Diversity Manager

City of Pittsburgh

Dr. Shawn Keith Ellies, Cmdr., CPP, CPTED, CPD, PSA

Protective Security Advisor and Adjunct Professor

University of Pittsburgh

Rev. Brian Carswell Flannagan Sr.

Field Service Provider Solutions Specialist

Eastern Region

FedEx Corporation

Michael Lee Gay Sr.

Detective

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police-Intelligence Unit

Sam W. Gibson

Executive Director

We The People 412

Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam

Executive Director

Light of Life Rescue Mission

Nathaniel K. Goodson

CEO, The Promise Center of Homewood

Owner, Nate’s Landscaping & Hauling

Ricky Hardy

Program Manager,

Family Foundation Through Community Human Services

Owner, RH3 Commercial Cleaning LLC

Lance J. Harrell

Director, Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Master Builders’ Association of Western Pa., Inc.

Saint “Larry” Harris

Supervisor, South Pittsburgh Peacemakers

South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace

Mark D. Henderson

Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer

University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Chuck Herring

Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

South Fayette Township School District

Edgar G. Jackson Jr.

Owner

Hysyde Lounge and Excellent Care Professionals

Emmanuel D. Key

Owner

ZoliCare Enterprise LLC

Terence King

Teacher

Wilkinsburg School District

Michael A. Knight

Fiscal & Contracting Supervisor

City of Pittsburgh

Sebastian Lacy

Vice President of Equity & Culture

YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh

Majestic Lane

Chief Equity Officer

Allegheny Conference on Community Development

Mike Logan

Founder

Logans Heroes

Clyde D. Manns Jr.

Owner, EIT Basketball Training

Site Supervisor, Greater Valley ACTES

Kevin J. Miller

Chaplain and Dean

Imani Christian Academy

Pastor E. Keith Moncrief

Senior Pastor

Kingdom Light Ministries International

Bishop Marvin C. Moreland

Jurisdictional Bishop

Pennsylvania

Western First Ecclesiastical

Jurisdiction Church of God In Christ

James Myers Jr.

Senior Director, Business Investment

Allegheny Conference on Community Development

Michael C. Nelson

Senior Manager of Security Operations

Duquesne Light Co.

Michael J. Nichols

Retired, Public Works Laborer, City of Pittsburgh

Volunteer Reader, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Robert Poston

Youthbuild Supervisor and City Parks Manager

City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation

Timothy Powell

Clinical Director

UPMC

Johnathan D. Rideau

BU Mission Assurance Manager

Northrop Grumman

Shawn A. Shannon

Central Access Supervisor

Wesley Family Services

Alphonso Sloan

Retired Police Detective, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

Artist, Method Lab Studios LLC

Morton D. Stanfield Jr.

Senior Vice President of Community Development

Dollar Bank, Federal Savings Bank

Brian Vincent Starks

Marketing and Community Outreach Liaison

Pittsburgh Public Theater

Alfred B. Valentine

President

100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania

Wendell E. Wade Jr.

Vice President, Branch and Business Center Manager

PNC Bank

Dr. Evon Walters

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Community

Engagement, Community College of Allegheny County

Terrel R. Williams

Teen Outreach Program Manager

Homeless Children’s Education Fund

W. Eugene Wilson

Owner, Cloud 33 Premium Cigar Lounge

Basketball Coach

James D. Wimberly III

General Manager

Block by Block

Dr. Michael Young

Mellon College of Science Associate Dean for Diversity,

Equity and Inclusion and Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University

ROBERT HILL Legacy Honoree

Retired Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs, University of Pittsburgh

Robert Hill was born in St. Louis and raised in New York City.

As a child, he was inspired by the motion picture, “Around the World in 80 Days.” As an adult, Hill flew around the world in 30 days, encountering numerous adventures.

In business, he worked at the world headquarters of haberdasher Brooks Brothers and at United Airlines, both in Manhattan.

The calling to higher education was irresistible. From City University of New York, Hill moved to equal opportunity officer at the American campuses of Fairleigh Dickinson University.

At Syracuse University (SU), Hill prevailed over 114 other candidates for the position of vice president and special assistant to the chancellor for Affirmative Action, assuming the role while still in his 20s.

At SU, he established a high-octane Affirmative Action agenda to racially integrate the faculty, staff, and student body with talented men and women.

Hill also created an anti-sexual harassment policy under Title IX of the 1972 education amendments.

In 1983, Hill, as vice president for program development at SU, launched Coming Back Together, the first-in-the-nation Black and Latino all-alumni reunion program, and in 1987 kicked-off an accompanying scholarship fund drive.

Hill’s call as official communicator came when he emerged as the spokesman for SU as vice president for public relations. In that role, he handled the historic bombing of Pan American Flight 103, accounting for the death of 35 SU students.

After moving to Pennsylvania and California University of Pennsylvania (PennWest today), Hill became the Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, in 1999. During his time at the Uni -

versity, he oversaw branding and communications support for Pitt’s record-breaking billion-dollar fund raising campaign, crafted a commu nications plan for the university’s 225th anniversary, and launched a Pitt advertising presence at Pitts burgh International Airport. His staff won national and interna tional honors for their work. He remained in this role until 2013.

At Pitt, Hill created the popu lar K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month Program, planned and ex ecuted a celebration that marked the 50th anniversary of Pitt’s role in the development of the Salk polio vaccine, and helped to develop the award-winning exhibition, “Free at Last? Slavery in Pittsburgh in the 18th and 19th Centuries” at the Heinz History Center.

He also has mentored many stu dents, employees, and colleagues.

Hill earned a certificate in man agement development at Harvard University, a master’s degree in management from Manhattan Col lege, a Bachelor of Science degree in business from New York University, and an associate in applied science degree from Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Robert Hill has won numerous communications awards and, among others, has written opinion columns for USA Today, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and the New Pittsburgh Courier.

The New Pittsburgh Courier salutes the ‘Men of Excellence’ Class of 2024!

The New Pittsburgh Courier’s “Men of Excellence” awards recognizes local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are men who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and integrity. Time and time again, these men influence those around them to go beyond the norm and strive for greatness. They are champions of our eco -

nomic empowerment and diversity, the backbone of our business, religious and educational organizations, and driving forces in politics and service.

Together, let’s welcome our “Men of Excellence,” the Class of 2024!

Rod Doss Editor and Publisher

BACK ROW: COURIER GRAPHIC DESIGNER WARREN KING, COURIER SALES DIRECTOR ASHLEY JOHNSON, COURIER MANAGING EDITOR ROB TAYLOR JR. FRONT ROW: COURIER ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER STEPHAN BROADUS, COURIER EDITOR AND PUBLISHER ROD DOSS, COURIER OFFICE MANAGER ALLISON PALM.

Class of 2023 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

Glenn Mahone

HONOREES

Philip Austin

Edward Baiden

Antoine Bailey

Lonnell Becoate

Jalal Black, Sr.

Day Bracey

Rev. Gary L. Brock, Sr.

Wade Brown

Aubrey Bruce

Rex A. Burton, III

Jeff Capel

Bishop Lee C. Carter, Jr.

Ross Chapman

Melvin C. Cherry, Jr., MSW

Sam Clancy, Sr.

Henry ‘Hank’ Commodore

Brian A. Cook, Sr.

Nick M. Daniels

Craig Dawson

Emmanuel Ramon DeAnda

Andrew Dixon, M.Ed.

Dion Dupree

Christopher Floyd, A.S.T., B.A., MCJ, PhD

Dwayne C. Fulton

Eric Harper

Michael James Harper

Pete Henderson

Boniface Igba

Rodger Jay

George C. McClure

Anthony Mock

Clay Moorefield.

Brandon F. Mosby, F.D.

Khari Mosley

Richard Newell

Jean-Pierre Nsanzabera

Phillip D. Palmer

Rev. Raymond Porter, Jr.

Ray Roundtree

Dr. Simeon Saunders

Leighton Seawright

James A. Shealey

Dr. Paul David Spradley

Byron Stripling

Carlitez Thompson

Phillip Lee Thompson, Jr.

Thomas R. Walker, Jr.

Rev. George Williams

Curtis Youngblood

JAMES WILLIE ANDERSON JR.

Elder, King of Kings Baptist Ministries

CEO, Jiggity Marketing, LLC

DEMARIO ANDREWS

Site Director, Family Support Center

Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

Demario Andrews is an individual whose life’s work in human services began at an exceptionally young age. From the age of 13, Andrews’ commitment to improving the lives of others has been evident, shaping him into a dedicated and impactful figure in his field. His journey through human services is not just a career, but a lifelong passion, marked by numerous achievements and a deep-seated dedication to empowering youth and communities.

Raised in Worcester, Mass., Andrews’ early involvement in community service began with local youth agencies, where he volunteered his time and energy to support young people in need. His efforts did not go unnoticed; by his late teens, he had already made significant contributions to various programs, demonstrating a natural ability to connect with and inspire those around him. His dedication earned him widespread recognition, culminating in a prestigious honor when he was awarded the Key to the City of Worcester. This accolade symbolized the city’s appreciation for his tireless work and his positive impact on the community.

As Andrews transitioned into adulthood, his commitment to human services only deepened. His career path took him through several prominent youth agencies. From the Boys & Girls Club to the YMCA to several different youth centers, he honed his skills and expanded his influence. These roles allowed him to work directly with young people from diverse backgrounds, providing mentorship, guidance and support. His ability to relate to and motivate youth became one of his defining traits.

In each of these positions, Andrews demonstrated an exceptional capacity for leadership and innovation. He developed and implemented programs aimed at addressing various challenges faced by at-risk youth, including educational barriers, socio-economic hardships and mental health issues. His work was characterized by a

James Anderson Jr.  is the founder and CEO of Jiggity Marketing, an integrated marketing communications company established in 2015. Being connected to the Pittsburgh Gospel music scene for over 20 years, Anderson wanted to assist local artists behind the scenes so they could concentrate on their craft. It is the goal of Jiggity Marketing to turn “Vision to Reality.”

Anderson was born in the Homewood section of the city in 1974 to Rev. James W. Anderson Sr. and Barbara Anderson. He graduated from Westinghouse High School and attended Point Park University. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. Anderson has two beautiful daughters, Crystal and Bridgett.

Anderson has been a member of King of Kings Baptist Ministries for eight years. While at King of Kings, Anderson has been a very active head of the marketing ministry, Brothers Keeper mentorship program. He serves on the Board of The King’s Community Center, and he was ordained as an Elder in 2018.

In 2023, Anderson launched his own podcast, “Creative Conversations with JA.” The podcast gives a safe space for creatives and other public figures to talk about trending topics that affect the culture.

Anderson has a strong passion for youth. Through the Creative Conversations podcast, Anderson will be partnering with The King’s Community Center to establish a creative arts camp for youth ages 10-17. It is Anderson’s long-term goal to establish a creative arts academy for youth and young adults.

hands-on approach, ensuring that his initiatives were not only well-conceived, but also effectively executed and continuously improved based on feedback and evolving needs.

Currently, Andrews serves as a key figure at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, where he is a Project Manager for one of their Family Support Centers. In his role, he focuses on initiatives that address disparities and promote opportunities for underrepresented communities. His work involves collaborating with local organizations, developing strategic programs, and connecting people to resources that lead to equitable outcomes for all individuals.

Andrews’ journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to human services and his belief in the power of community.

Class of 2022 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

Tim Stevens

HONOREES

Will Anderson

Georin Aquila

Michael Jeffery Blackwell

Yardon Brantley

Brian E. Broome

John M. Burwell

Keith Butler

Damon Carr

Clifford “Sly Jock” Charlton

Derrick Lyndell Clark Sr. Eric Cofield

Hon. Kevin E. Cooper, Jr.

Chris Curd

Richard A. Eanes

James Edwell, Jr.

Jason England

Randy K. Ford

Richard L. Ford III

Rev. Craig L. Giles

Samuel L. Gill

Jay A. Gilmer, Esq.

Dexter Hairston

Donny E. Hamilton, Jr.

Mark Hutchinson

Rev. Andrew Jackson

Mark C. Johnson

Jason S. Jones

Tracy Kelly, Jr.

Adam “DJ Blakk Steel” Lewis

Owen J. Macklin, Sr.

Joseph McCain

Ronald Moncrief

Malcolm E. Nowlin

Nelson Nyirongo

Rev. Theodore E. Pugh, Sr.

Curtis Randle El III, MBA, AIFA

Carl Redwood, Jr.

Leon U. Rockymore

Ron Smiley

Pastor Michael H. Smith

Rev. Geoffrey E. Tate II

LaMarcus Thurman

Derrick L. Tillman

Donald C. Walker III

Anthony “Tone” Walls

Mike Warfield

Dr. Johnathan JeVon White

Jamar White, MBA

Rev. Dr. Richard W. Wingfield

Ashley G. Woodson

REV. WILLIAM A. BAKER IV

Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Continuing Education Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Discipleship Pastor, Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh

Rev. William A. Baker IV serves as Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Continuing Education, providing oversight of the PTS Neighborhood Collaborative.

A Pittsburgh native, Baker also serves on the executive leadership team and as the pastor of family life and discipleship at Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh, where he oversees more than a dozen ministries and a team of lay leaders. He also works as an adjunct professor of Black church history at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary and as an adjunct professor in the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Duquesne University. Reverend Baker also serves as assistant chapel preacher and chapel team member at Geneva College. Previously, he was the chapel director, theology teacher, and college career counselor at Imani Christian Academy. Reverend Baker is a graduate of Oral Roberts University (B.A., New Testament Theology) and of Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and is pursuing his Ph.D. in communication and rhetoric studies at Duquesne University. He is a Baptist pastor or-

dained at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, North Versailles.

He is most proud to be the husband of Denise H. Baker and the father of Uriah, Noah, William, and Simeon Baker.

JAMES M. CARTER

Life Coach

Achieva

James M. Carter is an educator, mentor and advocate with over 12 years of ex perience working with youth grades K-5 in Pittsburgh. A Larimer native, Carter earned his associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from CCAC, grad uating in 2024. In 2023, he received the prestigious CCAC Educational Foundation Scholarship for academic achievement, a testament to his com petence and success.

Carter currently works as an Ear ly Learning Program Engagement Specialist for Trying Together. Ad ditionally, he works with ReadyAI as an instructor in STEM education and has been featured for his work on EdSurge.com. Additionally, he has co-authored articles for Medium.com, and his work has been pub lished in the Journal of the Learning Sci ences. Carter previ ously worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional and Classroom Monitor for Propel Charter School, collabo-

to mentor students to success. Carter is mostitive role model to the youth he has worked with and

Class of 2021

Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

Bishop Loran E. Mann HONOREES

Byron T. Allen

Michael Barnes

Stanley Bell

Roy Blankenship Jr.

Thomas Burley

Johnnie Burton

Stephan Davis

Derrick Davis

Roger W. Davis, Ed.D.

Luther J. Dupree Jr.

Kelton Edmonds, Ph.D.

Vincent D. Elliott

George Fleming

Allan Francette

Robert B. Fulton

Eric Gibson

Damon Givner

Clyburn Halley

Chris Howard

Brent Jernigan

Elijha David King

Tayon Mitchell

Alton Mitchell

Kelly E. Morrissey

Justin Nwokeji

Shabaka Perkins

Anthony W. Pipkin

Michael Potter

Jace Ransom

Charles J. Reeves

Christopher W. Robinson

Ronald B. Saunders

Leland Scales

Ryan S. Scott

William Simmons, M.D.

Terry Smith

George C. Spencer Sr.

Mark Stuckey

Daniel Taylor

Shawn Thomas

Chester D. Thompson, DSc.

Curtis Upsher Jr.

Robert D. Walker

Thomas Washington Jr.

Rev. John C. Welch, Ph.D.

Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr.

Brandon White

Marlin Woods, CPC

Dante Works

KIEL CHAPMAN

Production Manager

PPG

For the last 20 years, Kiel Chapman has been working in the chemical engineering field in several locations across the country. Although he calls North Carolina home, he finds Pittsburgh to feel very similar to his home state with its friendly and supportive community. At a very young age, Chapman knew he enjoyed science and mathemat ics. As the youngest a single-parent man would et place in the his chemistry magazines. to pursue a his success try class and titions after North lina

ROBERT CHERRY

Chief Executive Officer

Partner4Work

As CEO of Partner4Work, Rob Cherry leads Allegheny County’s workforce development agency into the future. Cherry is a seasoned workforce development leader who came to the role and to Pittsburgh in 2021 from Milwaukee. Partner4Work researches local labor markets and connects employers and job-seekers to the needed resources. Under his leadership, Partner4Work also serves as the anchor organization for Pittsburgh’s federal Workforce Hub designation, helping to convene local leaders and federal designees around the topic and driving progress on action items. In March 2024, Cherry was appointed by the U.S. Department of Labor to chair the national Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship.

As a trusted workforce development and public policy executive with extensive experience providing professional leadership and direction, Cherry is committed to a thriving workforce. He is an active champion for businesses and job-seekers, implementing programs, policy initiatives and community engagement.

Under Cherry’s leadership, Partner4Work focuses on connecting funding, expertise and opportunities to develop a thriving workforce in the Pittsburgh area. The organization oversees workforce programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth, and plays a critical role in addressing the region’s workforce challenges through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. Cherry previously served as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in Wisconsin, managing six bureaus.

Before DWD, Cherry spent five years at Employ Milwaukee, the workforce development board serving Milwaukee County, in roles including Vice President of Planning and Development, Chief Development and Partnership Officer, and Director of Career Exploration. He is most proud of developing and implementing the Career Plus program that consisted of year-round com-

State University, Chapman stayed committed to helping others reach their goals through minority mentorship, as a resident advisor on campus, and through community service as vice president of the N.C. State chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. Chapman graduated from N.C. State University with dual bachelor’s of science degrees in chemical engineering and chemistry.

During college, Chapman developed a love for traveling and has visited over a dozen countries. While abroad he studied topics like high throughput automation at the Universität Rostock in Germany and art history in Vienna, Austria. Chapman also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in the Dominican Republic to help build houses and schools.

Helping others has always been a theme in Chapman’s life. A career in engineering has provided the means and opportunity for Chapman to help others through products and across different industry sectors such as pharmaceuticals, where he helped make asthma and diabetes drugs while receiving certification from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in fermentation technology. In New Kensington, Chapman showed leadership as a production supervisor at Philips Respironics for several years. Now at PPG in the specialty chemical department, Chapman helps make the photochromic dyes used in Transition lenses and OLED dyes used in cell phones and televisions.

A caring father and supportive husband, Chapman continues to find time to stay involved in his community by attending his local church, donating blood, mentoring youth in STEM activities, and practicing Tang Soo Do martial arts with his son and wife.

bined workforce training, subsidized improvement, and social-emotional development delivered to City of Milwaukee citizens ages 15-24.

Cherry spent his early career at the Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and the Center for Urban Population Health.

Class of 2019 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

WILLIAM E. STRICKLAND JR.

HONOREES

AARON ALDRICH

KEVIN ALTON

ANTHONY ANDERSON

WAHAD ANSARI

BRANDON BAKER

EDDIE BELL

ISAIAH CRESENT BEY

PASTOR NEVILLE A. BROOKS

REV. DR. DARRYL T. CANADY

ANTHONY CARLISLE, PHD

BISHOP DONALD O. CLAY JR.

HARVEY COLE JR.

PARRISH DAVENPORT

AUSTIN A. DAVIS

CHARLES DESHAZER, MD

DONALD GRAY III

CHARLES GREER SR.

AKIL “ESOON” GRIFFIN

DEAVON HAMMONDS

BARNETT HARRIS SR.

REV. DR. JAMES H. HARRIS SR.

NELSON E. HARRISON, PHD

LEN HAWKINS

CAIN HAYES

DENNIS HENDERSON

LEONARD HOLT

ERIC HOWZE

REV. JAMES E. HUNT

ANTHONY JEFFERSON

REV. TORREY O. JOHNSON

WAYNE JONES

ROBERT M. JONES JR.

SHANNON LAWHORN

JEFF MALLORY

GORDON MANKER

BROTHER MARLON MARTIN

JOHNNIE MIOTT

WILLIAM MITCHELL SR.

BRANDON PHILLIPS

DARELLE A. PORTER

ORONDE SHARIF

JEROME TAYLOR, PHD

BERNARD TAYLOR JR., EDD

ADAM C. WALKER

DARRELL L. WARDEN

MARK WEIR

ERIC L. WELLS

ANTHONY WILLIAMS

DOUGLAS WILLIAMS SR.

RYAN D. WOOTEN

BERNARD CLARK JR.

Head Football Coach

Robert Morris University

Bernard Clark Jr. enters his seventh season has head coach of the Robert Morris football program in 2024. Clark, a native of Tampa, was named the third head coach in program history on Dec. 19, 2017.

Prior to RMU, Clark spent four years at the UAlbany (2014-17), where he served as the assistant head coach and linebackers coach for the Great Danes before being promoted to associate head coach, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2015.While at Albany, Clark’s defense ranked ninth and finished in the top 20 in eight different categories the NCAA FCS in 2017. In his first season at Albany, Clark’s defense led the nation in turnover margin (+1.25) and fumble recoveries (20).

Clark began his collegiate coaching career at James Madison in 1998. He spent two seasons with the Dukes coaching the defensive ends before moving to Liberty, where he spent four years with the Flames from 2000-03, tutoring the linebackers and special teams.

As a player, Clark was a key contributor at linebacker for the University of Miami as they claimed national championships in 1987 and 1989.

As a sophomore, Clark was named the MVP of the 1988 Orange Bowl after help-

ing lead Miami to a 20-14 victory over Oklahoma and the national title.

A third-round pick by Cincinnati in the 1990 NFL Draft, Clark played two seasons with the Bengals as well as one year with the Seattle Seahawks. He also spent time in the Arena Football League with the Orlando Predators.

Clark was inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022.

In 2022, Clark’s first book was published—“Ascension: A Coach’s Guide to Becoming a Better Man, Father, and Husband.”

Clark and his wife, Tammy, reside in Clinton, Pa.

MICHEAL ‘MIKE’ DEAN

Micheal “Mike” Dean, a beloved radio personality for WAMO 107.3, has made significant strides both on the airwaves and in the community. Known for his dynamic presence as an emcee, Dean’s influence extends far beyond the radio booth.

A product of Perry Traditional Academy, Dean furthered his education at Edinboro University. It was there he began his radio career at WFSE-FM 88.9, which paved the way for an internship at WAMO-FM 106.7. Graduating in 2002, Dean swiftly transitioned from a board operator to a prominent on-air talent. Among his many career highlights, an impromptu interview with Timbaland stands out, a testament to his quick thinking and exceptional interviewing skills.

Dean’s commitment to the community is equally noteworthy. He started as a substitute teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Driven by a desire to make a more substantial impact on students’ lives, Dean applied for and secured a role as a Community School Site Manager. In this capacity, he continues to inspire and support the district’s youth, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to their growth and well-be-

Pittsburgh Courier Men of Excellence Honoree

CONGRATULATIONS

ing.

Mike Dean exemplifies what it means to be a community champion, seamlessly blending his talents in radio with his passion for public service.

Class of 2017 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

LOUIS ‘HOP’ KENDRICK HONOREES

JOEL ACIE

VERNARD ALEXANDER

JOHN AYERS

BARATA BEY

HAROLD L. BLYE

KENYON R. BONNER

FRED BROWN

QUINTIN B. BULLOCK, DDS

BRIAN BURLEY

KEVIN CARTER

LLOYD CHEATOM

BRANDON D. CONEY

CHRISTOPHER EDMONDS

FREDDIE FIELDS

REV. DR. WILLIAM R. GLAZE

DONTA GREEN

PHILIP GREENE JR.

ROBERT (JON) HAIRSTON

ANTHONY HAMLET, EDD

LEONARD HAMMONDS II

RAHMON HART, EDD

JERRY HARVEY

RICHARD L. HATCHER II

CARLTON HEYWOOD

TODD J. HOLLIS, ESQ.

JEROME JACKSON

ROBERT JAMES

DONNIE KYTE

GABRIEL MEDLEY

RICKY MOODY

DAVID L. MOTLEY

VICTOR MUSGROVE

DAVID I. ODOM

EMIOLA JAY ORIOLA

KYLE PERDUE

ROBERT J. POWELL

DWAYNE RANKIN

RICHARD A. STEWART JR.

JAMES E. TAYLOR, PHD

JOSH TAYLOR

TERRELL THOMAS

DARRYL T. WILEY

PHILLIP K. WOODS, EDD

JAMAL WOODSON

AYODEJI YOUNG

J.E. CLARK DELANOIS

Managing Director and Credit Division Head of Private Banking BNY Mellon

Joining BNY in March 2021, J.E. Clark Delanois collaborates with the Wealth Management business to implement the overall credit strategy and the related policies for Private Banking/Lending, ensuring credit quality and compliance with organizational policies and regulations, and plays a senior role in communicating with the regulators. Delanois is based in Pittsburgh

CHUCK DURHAM

Business Diversity Manager City of Pittsburgh

Chuck Durham’s career is a remarkable journey of dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to public service. With a degree from Duquesne University and over three decades of dedicated service to the City of Pittsburgh, Durham has crafted a legacy marked by transformative impact and inspirational leadership.

Durham began his career with the City of Pittsburgh as a Fiscal Auditor. In this role, he quickly demonstrated his exceptional ability to enhance financial performance through innovative strategies and a keen understanding of market dynamics. His efforts in this position were not just about driving revenue, but setting a standard of excellence that would shape his future endeavors.

Today, Durham serves as the Manager of Business Diversity, a role he undertook at the direction of Mayor Ed Gainey. In this pivotal position, he was given the significant assignment to create a diverse and welcoming city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. His mission: to increase representation by Minority, Women, Veterans, and LGBTQ+ businesses on city contracts.

Under Durham’s stewardship,

and has management responsibility for the Private Banking Credit Risk Team and Asset Recovery Team.

Delanois joined BNY Mellon from Northern Trust where he spent much of his professional career, most recently as the Senior Credit Officer of the Central Region covering six midwest states. His responsibilities included overseeing and managing the credit approval process and loan structuring of transactions, including the loan documentation unit, to high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners and managing the risk function for deteriorating credits.

Prior to 2013, Delanois held various senior-level positions and was instrumental in the company’s efforts to expand existing relationships and develop new lending and investment opportunities across various suburban markets for Wealth Management.

His experience includes time working at NBD Bank, now JP Morgan Chase, as a commercial lender, where he was selected to participate in a highly competitive formal credit training program as part of a two-year commercial lending training program. After successfully completing the program, he was placed on a commercial banking team, making commercial loans to middle market companies and real estate developers.

Delanois has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois Chicago, Graduate of Cannon Trust School for Trust I, II and III and Graduate of The Advanced Leaership Institute’s Executice Leadership Academy program.

Within his career, Delanois has been honored and awarded with: Chairman’s Absolute Quality AwardNorthern Trust 2012 & 2009; Signature Service Spirit Team Award—Northern Trust 2012 & 2009; Chairman’s Diversity Advocate Award—Northern Trust 2008; Inducted into the Alumni Leadership Academy— UIC Business June 2005; and honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award—UIC Business Alumni Association June 2001.

LEGACY HONOREES HONORABLE JUSTIN M. JOHNSON

HONORABLE LIVINGSTONE JOHNSON HONOREES

EMMAI ALAQUIVA

CASTER D. BINION

CECIL E. BRAZOS III

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

COUNCILMAN REV.

RICKY V. BURGESS

BISHOP OTIS L. CARSWELL

WINFORD R. CRAIG

PARADISE GRAY

ELWIN GREEN

JEFFREY GRUBBS

PAUL TERRANCE HARPER, PhD

EUGENE E. HARRIS

GEORGE HOWARD

MELVIN HUBBARD EL LANCE HYDE

BILLY JACKSON

CHARLES CHERNOR JALLOH

KEVIN L. JENKINS

REV. THOMAS E. JOHNSON JR.

REV. CORNELL D. JONES

DARRYL E. JONES

R. BLAINE JONES II ESQ.

ABASS B. KAMARA

BRANDIN KNIGHT

BOB McCALL

EVERETT M. McELVEEN

NATE MITCHELL

the city has made impressive strides in expanding the participation of diverse businesses in municipal contracting. His leadership has been instrumental in developing and implementing policies that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that these underrepresented groups are not only visible, but actively engaged in city projects. Durham’s efforts are driven by a profound belief in the power of diversity to drive innovation, strengthen the community, and ensure that all voices are heard and valued.

What sets Durham apart is his deep-seated passion for making a positive difference in the community. His career trajectory— from Fiscal Auditor to Manager of Business Diversity—is a testament to his ability to effect real change.

Durham’s story is a beacon of what can be achieved through dedication and a commitment to inclusivity. His career is a testament to the positive impact that one person’s dedication can have on a community, and his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift others for years to come.

RICHARD L. MORRIS

JOSIFANI MUNYIKA

MOYO BS, MS K. CHASE PATTERSON

DR. CHENITS PETTIGREW JR.

CLYDE WILSON PICKETT

CURTISS E. PORTER, PHD

RICHARD G. PORTIS

JAMES REID

GREGORY T. ROGERS, JD

CHARLES A. SAUNDERS

PASTOR MICHAEL H.

SMITH, M.A.R., CPC

ERIC C. STRONG

J. T. THOMAS

PAGE THOMAS

FRANK C. WALKER II

WAYNE N. WALTERS

HOMER L. WALTON ESQ.

JESSE WASHINGTON

HONORABLE RALPH P. WATSON

DERRICK WILSON

REGINALD B. YOUNG

DR. SHAWN KEITH ELLIES, Cmdr., CPP, CPTED, CPD, PSA

Protective Security Advisor and Adjunct Professor

University of Pittsburgh

Commander Shawn Ellies started with the University of Pittsburgh Police Department after graduating from the Police Academy in 1997. During his time at Pitt, he has served as patrol officer, shift sergeant, shift lieutenant, administrative lieutenant, commander of special emergency response team, commander of operations, and director of security. He currently holds the position of Commander of Pitt P.D. and Protective Security Advisor and teaches several crimi-

MICHAEL LEE GAY SR.

Detective

nal justice and law courses as an adjunct professor at Pitt.

Ellies also served in the United States Army for 23 years. He earned a doctorate degree in administration and policy studies from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, a master’s degree in public policy and management from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), and a master’s degree in leadership and management from Duquesne University.

Ellies is currently the president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and he has led the chapter through various national initiatives and local community service projects.

Ellies is a deacon and active member at the Shalom Apostolic Church, and he is devoted to his family. Each year through his resources within the university, he supports local churches and food pantries with food donations. He volunteers his time and expertise to families in need and non-profit organizations wherever the need arises.

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police-Intelligence Unit (Protection Detail)

Detective Michael L. Gay Sr., born January 1970 to the late Emanuel Gay and Sandra-Jo Sidney, is a 30-year veteran for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Officer Gay worked at Zone 2 (Hill District) as a beat officer, patrolman, then the Weed & Seed car. In October 2000, he became the Community Resource Officer at Zone 5 (East End). Unsure at first about the new assignment, Officer Gay went to work and began to build working relationships between the various community groups, school faculty and students, churches and business owners through-

REV. BRIAN CARSWELL FLANNAGAN SR.

Field Service Provider Solutions Specialist-Eastern Region FedEx Corporation

Reverend Brian Carswell Flannagan has made significant contributions, both professionally and as a ministry leader, within the Greater Pittsburgh community. Over his 11-year tenure with FedEx, Rev. Flannagan has demonstrated exceptional commitment and value across various roles. He began his career in 2013 as a Linehaul Specialist 2 and has since earned three promotions. He currently holds the position of Field Service Provider Solutions Specialist in the Eastern Region, where he is responsible for sourcing and educating businesses about the FedEx Ground Contracting Opportunity across five states.

In 2015, Rev. Flannagan became a licensed realtor in Pennsylvania and played a pivotal role in establishing an award-winning real estate business alongside his wife, Miadia. The Carswell Flannagan Real Estate Team has facilitated the purchase and sale of over 100 properties in Western Pennsylvania. The team is also dedicated to community enrichment through workshops and seminars on homebuying and financial wellness.

In 2017, Rev. Flannagan was ordained into Christian Ministry by the late Bishop Otis L. Carswell at Potter’s House Ministries of Pittsburgh, where he served diligently in various leadership capacities. In 2019, he began his role as a Chaplain for the historic Westinghouse Bulldogs football program, providing spiritual guidance, mentorship,

and encouragement to the next generation of men.

In 2023, Rev. Flannagan founded Agape Community Ministries, an organization dedicated to embodying and sharing the Agape love of God as described in 1 Corinthians 12:31. Agape Community Ministries aims to operate without geographical or demographic limitations, spreading the Agape Love of Jesus Christ.

Reverend Flannagan considers his greatest achievements to be his 11-year marriage to his wife, Miadia, and his role as a father to his son, Brian Jr. His profound passion for God, family, and community fuels his relentless pursuit of excellence.

out the 13 communities in the district. He became a certified driving instructor for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and was heavily involved with the creation of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Youth Program’s annual “Cops and Kids” summer camp.

He is currently serving on the executive protection detail for Mayor Ed Gainey. Officer Gay grew up in the Garfield community and has always had a special commitment to his neighborhood and the people who live there. Officer Gay is a proud graduate of the Peabody High School Class of 1987. He earned an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Gateway Community College.

In his spare time, Officer Gay dedicated most of it volunteering as a coach/mentor for the Garfield Gators Youth Sports (football), the men’s softball team (Garfield Gators), and as a board member for the Pittsburgh Softball Federation.

Officer Gay lives with his wife, Cheryl, is a father of six children (Aaron Sr, Lamont, Junay, Anyssia, Michael Jr., Michelle), and has 10 grandchildren (Aaron Jr., Briona, Theodore III, Jalaya, Za’Viyaha, A’Miyah, Ava, McKenzie).

Class of 2012 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

AARON A. WALTON HONOREES

LOUIS T. ALEXANDER

LARRY D. ANDERSON SR.

DAVID J. ATKINS

KEVIN BOLDING

TYYRONE BROOKS

ARCHIE L. BROWN

COACH WILLIAM BROWN

TONY BYERS PHD

WILLIAM M. CARTER JR.

JONAS CHANEY

CHARLES COOK

FREDERICK B. CRAWFORD

WAVERLY DUCK

ERVIN DYER

ERIC EWELL

BISHOP JOSEPH L.

GARLINGTON SR., PHD

JUAN GARRETT

PASTOR GREGORY

GREENE

STEVEN GRIFFIN

STANLEY HOLBROOK

CDR. ERIC HOLMES

RODNEY K. HOPSON PHD

ELLIOT HOWSIE, ESQ.

CALVIN L. JACKSON JR.

BRANDON R. JENNINGS

VINCENT O. JOHNSON

CHIEF CHARLES R. JONES JR.

FREDRICK O.

KENDRICK PHD

JOHN R. LAYMON JR.

REV. DR. LAMAR D. LEE JR.

BRACE S. LOWE

FREDERICK A MASSEY JR.

DARREN MCCORMICK

JESSE JAMES MCLEAN JR.

LINWOOD MITCHELL

LARRY C. PICKETT

CHARLES M. POWELL SR.

JULIUS LEE REDD

FREDERICK REDMOND

LARRY S. SMEDLEY

HARVEY JAMES SMITH JR.

KERRY A STITH

WILL THOMPKINS

DR. ROBERT L. THOMPSON

DR. MORRIS E. TURNER

EUSTACE UKU

CHRISTOPHAS WALKER

RICARDO J. WILLIAMS

DAVID A. YOUNG

SAM W. GIBSON

Executive Director

We The People 412

Sam W. Gibson can be described as an individual whose unwavering commitment to community service and advocacy has left an indelible mark on the local community. Gibson is a very transparent individual; he is the embodiment of dedication and reliability when it comes to serving the community. His extensive experience in government, non-profit agencies and private organizations showcases over a variety of skill sets that have contributed significantly to the well-being of the community.

REV. JERREL T. GILLIAM

Executive Director Light of Life Rescue Mission

Reverend Jerrel T. Gilliam is the executive director of Light of Life Rescue Mission, an organization dedicated to helping clients identify and address the root causes of homelessness and addiction. Under Gilliam’s leadership, the faith-based organization fosters a culture of safety and healing through a trauma-informed approach. Widely regarded as a thought leader, he has developed innovative solutions for homelessness, affordable housing, and community transformation.

Committed to making Pittsburgh a more welcoming place for those facing housing and food insecurity, Rev. Gilliam has successfully forged alliances with trusted community partners to provide comprehensive services to homeless women, children, and men throughout the city.

He is married to Dr. Shannah Tharp-Gilliam, and together they have seven children and two grandchildren. They reside in Pittsburgh.

As a single father and grandfather, Gibson has dedicated more than 20 years to mentorship, ranging from children and youth to the elderly, with a special focus on underrepresented populations. His passion for public service and community support is evident in every aspect of his work.

One notable example of Gibson’s commitment is his past campaign for Magisterial District Judge, demonstrating his willingness to step into leadership roles to effect positive change. Gibson currently serves as a board member for the Uhimwe Project, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ chapter of the NAACP Pittsburgh chapter, and lead deacon and head of security for his worship center.

He has actively participated as a board member for the Pittsburgh Pride Festival and holds a pivotal role as the first African American Communication Chair Board Member and Advisor to the President of The Steel City Stonewall Democrats. Furthermore, his role as a key community partner with P.A. United in the Southwest Pennsylvania area underscores his commitment to collaborative efforts for community improvement.

Gibson takes pride in his membership with the MAD DADS organization, where he has dedicated being the best role model he can be. His involvement in this organization reflects his dedication to addressing critical issues of drugs, gangs, and violence in Allegheny County through mobilization, training, and guidance.

Under Gibson’s leadership, We the People 412 has thrived as he served as the executive director for the past six years. The vision of this organization—a community and nation where civic engagement, education, and advocacy foster a society where the principles of democracy and equality thrive—is a testament to Gibson’s forward-thinking and progressive outlook.

Gibson envisions empowered individuals working together to build a better, more just world for all. His tireless efforts, strategic leadership, and collaborative spirit have earned him the utmost respect from those in the communuity.

Gibson wholeheartedly dedicates himself as an invaluable asset to any endeavor that seeks to create positive change and foster community growth.

Class of 2011 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

ERIC W. SPRINGER ESQ. HONOREES

KENNY BLAKE

MEL BLOUNT

SCOTT L. BROWN

MARIO C. BROWNE

KIRK M. BRUCE

CARLOS T. CARTER

FRANK G. CHESTER

GREGORY JAMES COLLIER SR.

JAMAAL CRAIG

CHARLES T. CURRY PHD

LEE DAVIS

FREDERICK DOUGLAS SR.

BARON ‘B.B.’ FLENORY

JOHN L. FORD SR.

AARON GIBSON

KEVIN GIBSON, MD

REV. GLENN G. GRAYSON SR.

EDWARD J. GREENE

L. C. GREENWOOD

UHURU HOTEP ED.D.

ROGER HUMPHRIES

KENNETH L. HUSTON

CHRIS IVEY

STEFFAN R. JOHNSON

THEODORE W. JOHNSON

HERBERT V.R.P. JONES PHD

JOSEPH J. KENNEDY IV

ANDREW M. LEE

ALBERT MERRITT

TY MILLER

KENNETH J. NESBIT

SAIHOU OMAR NJIE

PAULO NZAMBI

GRADY ROBERTS JR. PHD

ANTHONY G. ROBINS PHD

ROBERT ‘ROCK’ ROBINSON

HON. WILLIAM RUSSELL ROBINSON

HOWARD A. RUSSELL JR. PASTOR TIM SMITH

MARK CLAYTON SOUTHERS

RICHARD W. TAYLOR ESQ.

JOE WILLIAM TROTTER JR.

DWAN B. WALKER

KEVIN WATSON

GEORGE A. WEBB SR.

CHARLES WHITE

JOHN WILSON III

RICHARD WITHERSPOON

JASIRI X

IN MEMORIAM

JOHN ADAMS

DAVE EPPERSON

ARMON GILLIAM EL GRAY

NATE SMITH

NATHANIEL K. GOODSON

CEO, The Promise Center of Homewood

Owner, Nate’s Landscaping & Hauling

Raised in Penn Hills in the 1970’s, Nathaniel Goodson was providing community services by cutting neighbors’ lawns at age 9. Inspired by his parents’ work ethic, not only was he an entrepreneur, but he was also a Junior Olympian at this early age. He graduated from Penn Hills High School in June 1989.

Goodson has engaged in several business ventures over the past 20 years that have flourished, such as landscaping and hauling, a car wash and a food truck. Throughout his years, Goodson is known for his unwavering dedication

LANCE J. HARRELL

to his work and community. Goodson is an individual of exceptional character, with a strong drive to make a positive impact in the community. Over the past five years, Goodson had envisioned a new venture and in March 2022, he founded the Promise Center of Homewood, which is a non-profit located in Homewood.

Back in 2020, a pastor who worked for the Lutheran Church contacted Goodson, giving him first right of refusal to purchase the church, and along with the purchase was a “Promise” to use the building to continue serving the community. He saw the efforts that Goodson made to employ residents and contribute to efforts that supported the children.

Goodson grasped the opportunity gladly, selling some of his existing property to consolidate his efforts to purchase and renovate the former Lutheran Church. If there was a bump in the road, he hit every one of them, but he succeeded.

To date, the Promise Center of Homewood is located at 7825 Hamilton Avenue. It provides services for 50 to 65 youth ranging from ages 5 to 13, providing out-of-school time services covering literacy and homework assistance, arts and crafts, recreational activities and nutritious meals.

Director, Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Master Builders’ Association of Western Pa. Inc.

As the Director of Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania (MBA), Lance Harrell plays a pivotal role in shaping the construction industry’s future. In his role at the MBA, Harrell focuses on increasing minority participation within the union trades and MWDBE union contractors. Harrell is driving the Emerging Contractor Development Committee to help develop MWDBE contractors.

RICHARD HARDY

Program Manager, Family Foundations Through Community Human Services Owner, RH3 Commercial Cleaning, LLC

Richard F. Hardy is a Program Director for Family Foundations Early Head Start (Family Foundations) in Pitts burgh. Family Foundations provides early, continuous, intensive, and compre hensive child development and family support services to low-income families with children from birth to age 3.

As an infant and early childhood mental health expert with impact ful creativity, communication and leadership skills, Hardy specializes in strategic thinking that master fully aligns an organization’s work with its mission, vision and core be liefs.

Prior to joining Family Foundations, Hardy held various positions advocat ing for low-income and at-risk fami lies, and promoting the social-emotional health of infants and adolescents with an aim of positively impacting the trajec tory of children’s lives.

Additionally, Hardy is an innovative entrepreneur and business owner who relentlessly uses self-discipline, cre ativity, and evidence-based judg ment to grow his cleaning compa ny (RH3Commerical Cleaning, LLC) and other successful capital ventures.

Hardy is a proud member of the Prince Hall Free &

He firmly believes that exposure to the trades is essential for young people.

Inspired by the work of the late Nate Smith, Harrell passionately advocates for the education and inclusion of minority individuals’ participation within the union trades. In echoing Marian Wright Edelman’s words, Harrell believes, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” This belief in education’s power enlightens and gives hope for a more inclusive future.

Harrell has served as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Currently, he sits on the boards of Operation Better Block, the Young Preservationists Association, Industrial Arts Workshop, Reimagine Reentry, and Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh.

“A solid foundation is essential in construction; without it, the entire structure is compromised. The same principle applies to life—education is the foundation for success.”

Accepted Masons and an active member of Mount Ararat Baptist Church, serving on the Board of Trustees. Hardy earned his Bachelor of Science

Class of 2010 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREES

WENDELL G.

FREELAND ESQ.

ROBERT L. PITTS

ROBERT R. LAVELLE (POSTHUMOUSLY)

HONOREES

CURTIS AIKEN

KEVIN AMOS

JAMES J. BARNES ESQ.

JOHN BETTIS III

T. RASHAD

BYRDSONG

KEVIN W. CAMERON

ANDREW CHEESEBORO

JOHN J. CLARK

RYAN CLARK

ROBIN COLE

CLARENCE F. CURRY

ERIC DICKERSON

THOMAS W. DOUGLAS

DARNELL DREWERY

DR. STEVEN EVANS

CARLO ANTON FONTENOT

EDWARD GAINEY

LOUIS M. GOMEZ

HAROLD HAYES

TERRANCE HAYES

NEDDIE C. HOLLIS

MSW, LCSW

SHELDON L. INGRAM

REED D. KIMBROUGH

ELIE KIHONIA

ROBERT KINDRED

R. DANIEL LAVELLE

REV. DR. LORAN E. MANN

ALEX MATTHEWS

DWIGHT MAYO

A. FULTON MEACHEM JR.

MAX F. MILLER

THOMAS A. MOTLEY

TONY NORMAN

LEON D. PAMPHILE, PHD

DARREN K. PARR. ESQ.

ALAN D. PERRY

JAMES L. RICE

VICTOR A. ROQUE

WILLIAM T. SIMMON. ESQ.

WINSTON M. SIMMONDS

TERRY M. SMITH

LYNN SWANN

JOHN TATE

FRANK L. TORBERT JR.

JOHN M. WALLACE JR., PHD

LOUIS E. WALLER III

ROB WILSON

SAINT

‘LARRY’ HARRIS

Supervisor, South Pittsburgh Peacemakers

South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace

Saint “Larry” Harris has dedicated his life and career to community organizing for peace and social change.

Growing up in Beltzhoover and as a graduate of Carrick High School, Harris witnessed firsthand the devastating effect violence has on a community. From that early exposure, he committed himself to ending violence in South Hilltop neighborhoods.

In early 2016, Harris became program director of Voices Against Violence, where he successfully managed program operations and provided strategic leadership for workers. One of Harris’ greatest accomplishments

MARK D. HENDERSON

Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer

University of Pittsburgh

As chief information officer, Mark D. Henderson is responsible for the development, implementation and delivery of technology that supports the academic, business and research missions of the University of Pittsburgh and its more than 40,000 students, researchers, faculty and staff across five campuses. He oversees more than 300 full-time and 150 student staff members in Information Technology who are responsible for the university’s central IT functions and services —including academic systems, communication and collaboration, enterprise solutions, information security, IT professional services, personal computing, research computing, software distribution and technology infrastructure.

Henderson serves on the board of directors for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, as well as the Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research, Pennsylvania’s only statewide research, education and community network, which serves a collaborative community of more than 135 education, health care, economic development, library, government and public media organizations.

Henderson has more than 40 years of experience comprising both higher education and private sector information technology. Corporate appointments include Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Procter & Gamble and GE, where he worked as a leader in Global Shops IT Operations and Global Network Operations.

Henderson previously served as chief information officer at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There, he created and leveraged technologies to fulfill the university’s strategic plan, implemented efficiency initiatives, and partnered IT staff with faculty mem-

was fostering community connections and networks and driving collaborations with local organizations and businesses, making a tremendous and noteworthy impact on the lives of the youth and families in South Pittsburgh.

In 2019, Harris joined the South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace team and was quickly promoted to team leader for the South Pittsburgh Peacemakers. Their reputation and connections in the community provide them access to leaders and influential decision-makers in street organizations.

Before joining the Coalition, Harris served as the first president of the Beltzhoover Consensus Group and worked with Steel Smiling to help bring more awareness to the plight of inner-city youth while bridging the gap between community members and mental health support through education and advocacy.

Harris is also the CURE Program Supervisor for South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace’s Peacemakers, overseeing violence interrupters and outreach workers while maintaining operating schedules to provide effective coverage for key areas to achieve objectives. Harris is big on fostering positive employee relationships through communication, training and development coaching. Under Harris’ direction and tireless effort, the Peacemakers have made tremendous strides in reducing violence in the South Hilltop communities through intervention, mediation and mentoring to high-risk youth.

Harris holds an associate degree in science. He is also certified in adult and youth mental health First Aid. He is an avid chess player, enjoys basketball, youth mentoring, and has his heart in community development.

Class of 2009 Honorees

RICHARD ADAMS

DAVID ALLEN

ROBERT ALLEN JR.

TODD ALLEN

DAVID ANDERSON

ERIC ANDERSON

JEFFREY ANDERSON

TONY ATWATER

RANDALL BACON

JOSEPH BAILEY SR.

PASTOR JASON BARR JR.

WILLIAM BATES

ROBERT BOULWARE

RANDOLPH BROCKINGTON

RUSSELL BYNUM

FLOYD CEPHAS

RODERICK CRAIGHEAD

REX CRAWLEY

DR. REV. WILLIAM CURTIS

EVAN FRAZIER

RICHARD GARLAND

WILLIAM GENERETT JR.

SEAN GIBSON

CHARLES GLADNEY

bers to improve support and win research grants from government-based and private grant institutions. Prior to arriving at the University of Illinois, Henderson was interim vice president and chief information officer for information technology services at Case Western Reserve University. His other roles in higher education include serving as the interim vice president and chief information officer at the University of Maryland and director of infrastructure services at the University of Cincinnati.

Henderson grew up in Pittsburgh and earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration, with a concentration in information systems, at Xavier University in Cincinnati.

LAURENCE GLASCO

REV. MARCUS HARVEY

WILLIAM HAWTHORNE

DAVID HOPKINS

DAVIE HUDDLESTON

RONALD HUNT

MICHAEL JASPER

JAMES JOHNSON JR.

RODNEY JONES

ERIC KELLY (Posthumous)

MARK LEWIS

MARC LITTLE

WILLIAM NEAL SR.

EDMUND NELSON

RONALD PORTER

REP. JOSEPH PRESTON JR.

MILTON RAIFORD

RAMON RUSTIN

CHARLES SANDERS

LUTHER SEWELL

HOWARD

SLAUGHTER JR.

WALTER SMITH JR.

DEE THOMPSON

IRVIN WILLIAMS

OSCAR WORTHY

JUDGE JOSEPH WILLIAMS III

DR. CHUCK HERRING

Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

South Fayette Township School District

For three decades, Dr. Chuck Herring has been a trailblazer in education, championing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). As the DEIB Director at the South Fayette Township School District, he’s transforming the educational landscape by creating a culture where every individual is respected and valued.

Dr. Herring’s innovative approach tackles school-based trauma head-on. He educates colleagues on best practices and

implements restorative measures to support students who’ve faced challenges. His work goes beyond mere acceptance, actively celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures within the district.

But Dr. Herring’s impact extends far beyond a single school district. As one of the founders of SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment), he’s empowering students across Western Pennsylvania to create safe, culturally-responsive spaces in their schools.

This student-led organization, guided by the Handprints Heal Footprints framework, has blossomed into a regional movement under his leadership.

Recent accolades include being named one of PennWest Edinboro University’s Distinguished Alumni and receiving a Jefferson Service Award from Multiplying Good in 2024. These honors underscore Dr. Herring’s status as an internationally respected figure in education.

Dr. Herring’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to equity in education. His work continues to shape the future of learning, creating more inclusive and empowering spaces for students and educators alike.

EDGAR G. JACKSON JR.

Owner

Hysyde Lounge and Excellent Care Professionals

Born in Aliquippa and raised between Aliquippa and Atlanta, Edgar Jackson embodies the spirit of resilience, hard work, and entrepreneurial excellence. Aliquippa shaped Jackson’s early years and instilled in him the values that would later define his career.

Jackson’s journey began with his education at Aliquippa High School, followed by a transformative experience at Job Corps in Charleston, West Virginia, where he studied culinary arts. His passion for cooking was clear early on, but he was also influenced by the entrepreneurial spirit of his aunt and stepmother, both successful in the beauty industry. This dual interest led Jackson to South Hills Beauty Academy, where he made history as the first Black man to become a certified nail technician at the school.

Balancing his career in the beauty industry, Jackson returned to his first love—cooking. He further honed his culinary skills and became a sous chef at The Carlton, a prestigious Pittsburgh restaurant. But Jackson’s ambitions extended beyond the kitchen. He ventured into entrepreneurship, opening Ambience, a full-service salon on the North Side, which thrived for 13 years under his leadership.

His business portfolio today is a testa-

ment to his versatility and vision, with ventures that include The Lunchbox, a popular breakfast and lunch spot; Hysyde Lounge, a vibrant bar and grill; Excellent Care Professionals, a home healthcare agency; and All About You Realty & Services, which manages nearly a dozen properties for long-term and shortterm rentals.

Jackson’s impact extends far beyond his business ventures. He is a compassionate leader who employs over a hundred people and is deeply committed to uplifting the Black community.

The Rev. William A. Baker IV

Class of 2008 Honorees

ROBERT O. AGBEDE

TY ALEXANDER

DR. CHRISTOPHER ALLEN

MALIK BANKSTON

NEAL A. BARCLAY

SAMUEL W. BLACK

MARK A. BRENTLEY SR.

OLIVER W. BYRD

F. DAVID COLEMAN

TERRY COLLIER

DR. LARRY E. DAVIS

RILEY DAVIS

JAMES C. DIGGS

DWAYNE DOLPHIN

EDMUND D. EFFORT, DDS

CHIEF NATHAN HARPER

FRANCO HARRIS

LEON HAYNES III

ROBERT HILL

DR. ALEXANDER JOHNSON

TIMOTHY H. JOHNSON

CLYDE B. JONES III

ROBERT D. JONES

REV. DR. HAROLD T. LEWIS

JERRY LOPES

GLENN MAHONE, ESQ.

ERIC K. MANN

GEORGE L. MILES JR.

CHRISTOPHER T. MOORE

THADDEUS MOSLEY

ALEXANDER NICHOLS JR.

SYLVESTER PACE

THEODORE ROBERTS JR.

VINCE SIMS

CHAUNCEY W. SMITH

GREGORY R. SPENCER

KENNETH SPRUILL

SAMUEL J. STEPHENSON

TIM STEVENS

ANDREW STOCKEY

WILLIAM STRICKLAND

MIKE TOMLIN

SALA UDIN

JW WALLACE

AARON A. WALTON

DeWITT WALTON

ALONZO W. WEBB JR.

DWIGHT WHITE

(POSTHUMOUSLY)

JOHN M. WILDS

JUDGE DWAYNE D. WOODRUFF

EMMANUEL D. KEY

Owner

ZoliCare Enterprise, LLC

Emmanuel Key hails from Detroit, where his parents emphasize faith, service and education which led him to pursue Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry at Western Michigan University, where he was also a member of the football team.

His extensive career in corporate America spans over 36 years, where he gained expertise in coaching, sales, training, management, marketing, banking, and executive leadership.

Key retired from corporate America in April 2023. His role in medical device sales allowed him to coach vascular and cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and radiologists. This firsthand experience highlighted the severity of chronic diseases like diabetes. Key’s diagnoses of diabetes in 2015 challenged him to manage his health through diet and exercise, freeing him from medication dependence. As a lifestyle coach for pre-diabetes and diabetes, he now considers it his personal ministry to help others on similar paths.

Key founded ZoliCare Enterprise, LLC, in September 2023. The company officially launches in early 2025, with Key serving as a distributor of medical products.

Key’s commitment to the community extends beyond healthcare. He mentors through the 100 Black Men of America as the treasurer for the Western Pennsylvania chapter and as a Board of Directors member of MACAC (Mount Ararat Community Activity Center). Additionally, Key actively supports organizations serving the African American community and has coached various youth sports such as football, basketball, track & field and cross country.

Key is a devoted husband and father of three adult children.

Key’s dedication to health, mentorship, philanthropy, and family exemplifies the positive impact one person can make. He hopes his story serves as an inspiration for others striving to create meaningful change.

TERENCE KING

Educator Wilkinsburg School District

Terence King is a fifth-grade educator at Turner Intermediate in the Wilkinsburg School District. He has been teaching there for 21 years and is also a proud graduate of the former Wilkinsburg High School. King has always been about the children and demonstrating a compassionate desire to inspire and motivate them to discover their best selves. He believes that every child deserves a great education and should be afforded the opportunity to achieve at any level. He also believes that helping children discover a gateway to success is vital in their ability to become productive members of society.

During his tenure, King has been an active participant in various committees within the Wilkinsburg School District.

A consortium of universities involving Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), California University of Pennsylvania, Point Park University and CCAC utilized King as a research advisor on the committee Black Men Teaching, whose mission was to raise the percentage of African American males attending teacher preparation programs within the state of Pennsylvania. While on the committee, he became the commencement speaker at the upcoming graduation ceremony for the IUP Department of Education. King received his Bachelor of Education

MICHAEL A. KNIGHT

Fiscal & Contracting Supervisor

City of Pittsburgh

Michael A. Knight is an accomplished accountant with a robust background in both private and public finance sectors, currently serving as an Accounting Supervisor for the City of Pittsburgh. With over a decade of experience in government accounting, Knight expertly oversees multiple HUD grant funds, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency in financial reporting and grant management. His role involves supervising the preparation and execution of contracts, grant applications, and legislation, as well as providing fiscal oversight for sub-recipients.

Prior to his current position, Knight spent over six years as a Treasury Accountant with Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, where he managed the company’s daily cash position, performed cash forecasts, and oversaw bank reconciliations across multiple divisions.

Knight holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Clarion University, where he was actively involved as Vice President of the Accounting Club and a member of the football team. His commitment to community service is evident through his leadership roles in various youth athletic organizations, including co-founding the

from IUP and his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University. He loves spending time with his wife, Épryl (also an educator), his daughter, Aiyanna, and son-in-law, Kameron.

He is the proud son of John and Brenda King, long-standing community members in the district where he teaches. He is also a part of a long line of educators in his family. He truly loves and appreciates his brother (Chris), sister (Jewel), all of his other family members, friends, and the relationships that he has developed over the years.

North Side Youth Athletic Association and serving as Finance Director for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Youth Athletic Initiative. He has also volunteered for five years with the Steel City Kickers, where he has served as a coach, co-commissioner, and vice president of the organization. Recognized for his contributions, Knight has been honored with several awards, including the New Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40 Award, Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Award, and was a finalist for the Jefferson Service Award.

SEBASTIAN LACY

Vice President of Equity & Culture YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh

Sebastian Lacy, Vice President of Equity and Culture at YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh (YWCA GP), has extensive experience in Nonprofit Management, Human Resources, and DEIA. He leads the development, implementation, and oversight of the Center for Race & Gender Equity and Human Resources services and programs.

His leadership extends to directing advocacy and systems change efforts, particularly in race and gender equity. He developed and led internal and external advocacy efforts aligned with YWCA USA’s public policy priority areas, including economic empowerment, health and safety, racial justice, and civil rights. Lacy spearheads transformative projects such as the Monthly Action Conversation on Race, the 21-Day Racial and Social Justice Challenge, and team engagement events like the Global Week Without Violence, the Alzheimer’s Walk Challenge, Pay Equity, and Unite to Heal PA.

Before his role at YWCA GP, Lacy most recently served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager at Carnegie Mellon University for the Mellon College of Science (MCS), Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. During his tenure at MCS, he developed and oversaw their inaugural DEI program—the Empow-

MAJESTIC LANE

Chief Equity Officer

Allegheny Conference on Community Development

With over 20 years of experience as a social entrepreneur, municipal leader, and non-profit executive, Majestic Lane brings a passion and drive for innovative solutions, and planning grounded in equity. Lane serves as the Chief Equity Officer of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. In this role, Lane is responsible for the Conference’s efforts to advance economic opportunity and inclusion for the 10-county region of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Central to his work is his commitment to driving strategic growth and purposeful impact in the communities he services.   Lane previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and the inaugural Chief Equity Officer for the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Mayor William Peduto. In that role, he established the city’s first Office of Equity where he oversaw the administration’s efforts to ensure opportunity for all residents in the key areas of education, workforce development, safe & healthy communi-

ering Dialogue on Race and Diversity series—and redesigned MCS’s Diversity Statement. He also chaired the All-Gender Inclusive Restrooms Campus Initiative and was a member of the Benefits Committee that implemented staff parental leave. He was recognized as a champion for staff engagement in CMU spotlight articles “Lacy Energizes Staff Through Engagement” and “The Heart of a Champion.”

Lacy has an expansive 27-year career in Human Resources Management, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, encompassing nonprofit management, social services, healthcare, and higher education. He has over a decade of experience developing and managing progressive and innovative human resources business services, staff engagement, professional development and learning initiatives, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility programming.

He champions eradicating racism, adverse policies, biases, inequities, and discriminatory practices and is a passionate advocate for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) for women, underrepresented, marginalized, socioeconomic, and LGBTQIA+ communities. He is a change agent who addresses inequities in gender pay, housing, employment, education, social justice, and public accommodations.

Lacy curated Three Rivers Youth’s Nellie Leadership Awards and the Human Resources and Learning Institute and chairs the Voting Is Power Pittsburgh Regional Coalition. He has twice been a Vibrant Pittsburgh Index Champion. His leadership in human resources led him to be named Leader of the Year for the 2024 Engaging Pittsburgh: Innovative People Practices Awards,

presented by the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association. He has also been selected to participate in Leadership Pittsburgh XLI.

Lacy says, “My work is not just about eradicating racism, adverse policies, biases, inequity, and discriminatory practices. It reflects a deep-rooted and unwavering commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion across all organizational platforms and initiatives, fostering a culture of belonging and respect.”

ties, and digital inclusion. In that time, he reformed the Equal Opportunity Review Commission and increased spend by $2 million with Minority Women & Disadvantaged Business Enterprises with the City of Pittsburgh.

Lane has served as a director on several boards including the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Green Building Alliance, Repair the World, and Partner4Work, and is also a member of the Board of Fellows at the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics.

A sought-after thought-leader in his field, Lane has spoken at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of Newcastle (UK). Because of his leadership, he has been recognized with numerous awards celebrating his achievements in government, community development and economic development, including being named as a “City Innovator to Watch Post-Pandemic” by Bloomberg Cities Network and the 2022 Impact 50 award from City & State Pennsylvania.

Lane attended the University of Pittsburgh and currently resides in Pittsburgh.

MIKE LOGAN

Founder Logan’s Heroes

Mike Logan was born in Saint Clair Village, raised in Whitaker Projects in West Mifflin, and graduated from McKeesport Area High School, where he played football under the famed coach George Smith. He earned an athletic scholarship to West Virginia University. Logan assisted in many programs on campus and volunteered at the Mountain State Network. He made the Athletic Honor Roll in 1996 and had a Hall of Fame career at WVU which led him to be drafted into the NFL.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Logan in the second round.

In 2001, Logan was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, bringing him back to his hometown. He was elated to pursue his dream of winning a Super Bowl but also excited about the opportunity to provide resources for his

KEVIN J. MILLER

Chaplain and Dean Imani Christian Academy

friends and family. He achieved both goals, winning Super Bowl XL and starting his non-profit foundation, Logan’s Heroes. Heroes’ mission is to raise money and resources for educational programs that come from distressed and disadvantaged situations. He established relationships with educators from local schools. During the football season he would spend his only day off going to different classrooms, speaking to children. During the off-season, he would host pizza parties for the classes that had the best attendance, behavior, and grade point averages. His desire to help kids get on the right track was noticed by District Judge Kevin Cooper, who was also the Senior Pastor of Mulberry Community Church. Cooper had a truancy, education, and crime prevention program that Logan collabo-

rated with.

Logan attends Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh under the leadership of Senior Pastor Brian James Edmonds. He is a facilitator in a men’s Bible Study group and is a member of the New Disciples Ministry. However, his first ministry is that of his own home, which consists of his marriage to his beautiful wife, Jennifer Logan. He has five children; Trey, Mika, Mikhi, Reign and Kingston.

CLYDE D. MANNS JR.

Owner, EIT Basketball Training

Site Supervisor, Greater Valley ACTES

Clyde D. Manns Jr. is a versatile professional with a distinguished career in basketball coaching, player development, and community service. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Pittsburgh, Manns has dedicated his life to both the sport and the holistic development of athletes.

Currently, Manns serves as the Regional Lead Youth Development Coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the Community College of Allegheny County. In these roles, he oversees comprehensive basketball programs, organizing camps, clinics, and skill development sessions for young athletes ranging from 8 years of age and up. His work extends to mentoring high school athletes through the complexities of the recruiting process and providing individualized training for collegiate and professional players through his venture, Elite Individual Training (EIT).

Outside of coaching, Manns’ playing career in professional leagues like the IBL and USBL further enriches his coaching acumen, underscoring his deep understanding of the game and dedication to sportsmanship.

Recognized for his contributions to youth basketball camps and induction

into the Pittsburgh City League Hall of Fame and Ammon Recreation Center Hall of Fame, Manns remains committed to empowering athletes and making a lasting impact in his community. His tireless efforts in sports and social rehabilitation programs exemplify his holistic approach to mentorship and leadership, where he continues to inspire and uplift individuals to achieve their fullest potential.

Kevin J. Miller, an experienced educational leader, devoted father, and faithful husband, leaves an indelible mark on everyone he encounters across various settings—church, community, and work. His leadership by example sets a high standard, and over the past 25 years, he has dedicated himself to supporting men in need, helping them regain their footing. Miller’s selfless giving often goes unnoticed, as he humbly bridges gaps in people’s lives without seeking recognition.

Recently, completing his pursuit of an MBA, Miller continued to generously support OFAAFÖ (ONE FOR ALL ALL FOR ÖNE), a group of friends who continue to advance the “One For All All For One” lifestyle, an inspiration for Black excellence and pride, sharing his resources with unwavering kindness. Beyond that, he actively contributes to the local AAU basketball organization, Rise High Elite, and serves in the youth ministry at Petra International Ministries. Within the school system, Miller is a trusted leader. Teachers and coaches seek his advice when handling challenging situations. As a pivotal member of the leadership team at Imani Christian Academy, he approaches every encounter

as an opportunity to address all aspects of the school. Miller challenges others to give their all and then some, ensuring success for every student. His commitment elevates the standard for everyone who crosses his path. Miller consistently seeks innovative solutions to challenges. His forward-thinking approach benefits the entire school community. Moreover, Miller actively encourages parent involvement, fostering strong relationships between parents, teachers and students. Under Miller’s leadership, the athletic program flourishes. Collaborating with coaches, he not only develops their skills but also promotes Godly character and sportsmanship among students. Miller’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, leaving a legacy of excellence and compassion.

PASTOR E. KEITH MONCRIEF

Senior Pastor

Kingdom Light Ministries International

A native of Pittsburgh, Pastor Keith Moncrief is an anointed gift to the Body of Christ and Pittsburgh community. In 2010, Pastor Moncrief assumed the Senior Pastorate of Missionary Temple Ministries; now renamed Kingdom Light Ministries International, located in Pittsburgh.

As a spiritual leader, Bible teacher, gifted Psalmist and music producer, “Pastor Keith” displays a great pas sion for the Kingdom of God and believes in the power of The Word to transform lives. Pastor Keith committed his life to the Lord at age 17 and soon after, real ized that God had plans for him that encompassed a global reach.

In January 1974, he joined the Greater Pittsburgh Christian Temple where renowned pastor and founder Bishop Timothy Williams Jr. mentored his early years in the ministry. Pastor Keith attributes much of what he has learned about Levitical Protocol, Biblical music min-

istry, and true worship to his tenure at Christian Temple.

Endowed by God with the gift of music, Pastor Keith has traveled the world sharing Gospel music with a wide range of audiences. He founded The Gospel Family, an ensemble who toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe for over two decades. Pastor Keith is a resident clinician at the annual Gospel Connection choir workshop in Assisi, Italy. In 1981, Pastor Keith united in marriage and vowed to partner in life and ministry with his lovely wife, Deborah. They are the proud parents of Krystyn, Aryka, LaNelle and Charles. He has three amazing grandchildren, Christian, Sydney and Nia, who are the light of his life. Pastor Keith believes that continually seeking the face of God is key to staying synchronized with divine timing and seasons. He endeavors to attain ultimate destiny by utilizing his gifts and talents to glorify God.

BISHOP MARVIN C. MORELAND

Jurisdictional Bishop

Pennsylvania Western First Ecclesiastical

The ministry of Bishop Marvin C. Moreland has been touching lives for more than 35 years. Bishop Moreland was saved and filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost during a Spirit-filled revival that changed his life forever. Not long after, he accepted the sovereign call of God, to ministry, on November 27, 1983, under the leadership of his pastor and mentor, the late Dr. James A. Watkins. The anointing and gift of ministry was apparent on his life and he was ordained an Elder in the Church Of God In Christ Inc., in 1985. Bishop Moreland served

JAMES MYERS JR.

Senior Director, Business Investment Allegheny Conference on Community Development

James Myers is the Senior Director of Business Investment at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. He is responsible for cultivating and establishing relationships with prospective businesses, developers, investors, and entrepreneurs in the Pittsburgh region as well as nationally and internationally. Myers works collaboratively with elected officials, economic development organizations, and private industries on a wide range of legislative and policy issues. Also, he serves as a public representative at political, business, and community engagement events.

Prior to joining the Allegheny Conference, Myers was the Director of Community and Business Development at Riverside Center for Innovation, where he provided resources for small businesses. He led a pro bono partnership with Reed Smith to connect entrepreneurs to legal services. Myers spearheaded a merger with Riverside Center for Innovation and Urban Innovation21 to provide business development programming to startups and existing companies.

He has served on several boards in-

Jurisdiction Church Of God In Christ

faithfully and assisted in ministry at the Deliverance Temple Ministries Church Of God In Christ until the demise of his late pastor. Bishop Moreland began his pastoral ministry and was appointed as Senior Pastor of Deliverance Temple Ministries Church Of God In Christ in August of 1998. Under his leadership, Deliverance Temple has grown spiritually and numerically. His innovative approach to worship, delivery of God’s Word and his genuine love for people has caused the ministry to be a shining light and a beacon of hope in the surrounding communities.

In November 2023, Bishop Moreland was consecrated to the office of Jurisdictional Prelate by Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ, overseeing the Pennsylvania Western First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, presiding over the 35 churches that span from Erie to Johnstown.

Bishop Moreland was educated in the Aliquippa School District, Airco Technical Institute of Pittsburgh, California State University, Harty Bible Institute, Moody Bible Institute and Liberty University.

Bishop Moreland is married to his companion in ministry, Evangelist Charisse D. Moreland, and they are the parents of six children and 17 grandchildren.

cluding McAuley Ministries, Hill District Development Growth Fund, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Community Advisory Board, City of Pittsburgh Equal Opportunity Review Commission and Housing Opportunity Fund Advisory Board. Myers earned his B.A. in Business Management from Carlow University and is a graduate of CORO Center for Civic Leadership. Myers has a professional career path that extends to roles as an educator, advocate, coordinator, director, and consultant.

MICHAEL C. NELSON

Senior Manager of Security Operations

Duquesne Light Company

Michael C. Nelson, Head of Security at Duquesne Light Company, is deeply committed to ensuring the safety and security of the organization. With over 25 years of experience in the security industry, Nelson is known for his steadfast approach to tackling complex challenges and implementing robust security measures.

Throughout his career, Nelson has consistently prioritized comprehensive security solutions. He oversees all aspects of physical security, including access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection, ensuring strict adherence to compliance requirements.

Nelson’s dedication to professional growth is evident in his recent graduation from the 2024 Executive Leadership Academy cohort at The Advanced Leadership Institute.

Before his tenure at Duquesne Light Company, Nelson spent 21 years with the Pennsylvania State Police, where he developed his expertise in security management and honed his leadership abilities. His background in military service further reinforces his disciplined and integrity-driven approach to security.

In addition to his professional achievements, Nelson holds the prestigious Certified Protection Professional (CPP) cer-

ROBERT L. POSTON

tification from ASIS International, which recognizes him as board-certified in security management.

Nelson’s life outside of work is defined by his commitment to mentoring the next generation of security professionals and his active involvement in the community. A devoted family man, he values spending quality time with his loved ones and contributing to the community’s well-being.

A native of Pittsburgh, Nelson’s journey is marked by a blend of professional excellence and personal integrity.

YouthBuild Supervisor and City Parks Manager

City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation

Robert (Bob) Poston, a lifelong resident of the City of Pittsburgh, graduated from Peabody High School in 1971 and after graduation, he pursed a career as a draftsman at the Pittsburgh Institute of Technology (PIT). After graduating from PIT, Poston started his career with Wean Engineering and soon was transferred to their California location. While in California, Poston was in a horrific car accident where the vehicle he was riding in

MICHAEL J. NICHOLS

Retired Public Works Laborer, City of Pittsburgh Volunteer Reader, Pittsburgh Public Schools

From time to time, Michael Nichols will be out and about, maybe doing some shopping, when a kid will point to him.

“Mommy, he read to me,” the kid would say to his mother.

For Nichols, hearing that just makes his day. It makes him want to read some more to the kids. Thirty-two years later, he’s still reading to the kids at Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Nichols, a Pittsburgh native, grew up in West Oakland, and graduated from Schenley High School in 1979. In 1988, he joined the City of Pittsburgh’s Public Works department, and stayed there for 32 years before retiring in 2020. These days, he’s in his 33rd year of reading books—some lighthearted, some serious—to kids, many of whom are now adults. When Madison Elementary was open in the Hill District, Nichols read to students there.

Today, he reads to kids at Miller, Phillips, King, Morrow, and more. “It’s very important that more Black men come into the schools and read to the children often,” Nichols said. “Not just one day out the year, but every day.”

Nichols said if more Black men committed to some consistent schedule—once a week, once every two weeks—it would help the kids in more ways than one.

TIMOTHY POWELL

Clinical Director UPMC

was hit by a train. Miraculously, Poston survived and once stable, he returned to Pittsburgh where he opened his own business, Poston Contracting, which he operated for over 20 years.

As the oldest male sibling of eight, Poston has always been accustomed to looking out and taking care of others. In 1987, he began working for the Garfield Jubilee as an instructor and YouthBuild supervisor. YouthBuild is a federally funded program that partners with youth to build skillsets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood, and leadership. In his role as a YouthBuild instructor and supervisor, Poston has mentored and trained thousands of young people between the ages of 16-24.

In 2000, the City of Pittsburgh hired Poston to work at the Mellon Tennis Bubble, while still maintaining his fulltime role as the YouthBuild supervisor for the Garfield Jubilee. Nearly 25 years later, Poston is still a dedicated city employee and can be found doing what he loves every day, but especially on Saturday mornings, where he manages the children’s tennis clinics.

While Poston is proud of his accomplishments and his contributions to the community, his family and friends are what he cherishes most.

Timothy Powell has been an employee at UPMC health systems for the past 35 years, where he has performed in a few different roles as a nurse. With 33 years of experience specializing in

“To see a Black man in the school makes a very powerful impact in their lives,” Nichols said.

Nichols has overcome some challenges. His son, Robert, died just over a decade ago. Nichols also beat prostate cancer and COVID-19. He marches on. “I’m going to continue... under God’s will,” Nichols said.

cardiology as a bedside and procedural nurse, nurse manager, and director, his expertise thrives within the invasive and non-invasive cardiovascular patient care specialty.

Powell holds an associate degree in nursing from Community College of Allegheny County, Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Drexel University, and a Master of Science degree in Nursing from Drexel University. Additionally, through Drexel University he is certified in Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management.

In his current role, Powell has embraced the role of Clinical Director of Cardiology Services, in which he supports the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute Service Line and hospital patient services for UPMC facilities within the northern region of the City of Pittsburgh. Through his compassion and work ethic, Powell has also been recognized as a recipient of the Mary Ann Scully Excellence in Cardiology Nursing award given by the American Heart Association and UPMC.

In his spare time, Powell loves spending time with family, listening to live music, exercising, and traveling.

JOHNATHAN D. RIDEAU

BU Mission Assurance Manager

Northrop Grumman

Johnathan D. Rideau is an accomplished aerospace and defense professional currently serving as the Mission Assurance Aurora Site Manager for the INS Business Unit at Northrop Grumman. With over two decades of experience in engineering and quality management, Rideau has a proven track record of delivering critical projects that support national defense and global peacekeeping efforts.

Rideau earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2000 and later obtained a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010. His career began at COMPUNETIX, where he honed his skills

ALPHONSO

SLOAN

as a Customer Support and Field Engineer. He then joined BPMI, where he advanced through several key roles, including Senior Supplier Quality Engineer, Senior Project Engineer and Principal Quality Engineer, culminating in a management role focused in supply chain cyber and physical security.

Rideau then transitioned to Raytheon as a Senior Manager of Mission Assurance, before assuming his current role. His extensive expertise encompasses people leadership, project and program management, and mission assurance management. He is proficient in aerospace standard auditing, cybersecurity management, and continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean and Six Sigma.

Throughout his career, Rideau has been recognized for his significant contributions, including the successful launch of critical satellite programs and the establishment of a new aerospace hardware manufacturing facility. His leadership has been instrumental in rebuilding teams and ensuring the successful delivery of vital systems that enhance global defense operations.

Rideau’s commitment to excellence is underscored by his certifications as a Lead Auditor, Disaster Recovery Representative, and Quality Manager, along with his Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt designation. He continues to drive innovation and quality in the aerospace and defense sector, contributing to the safety and security of our nation worldwide.

Rideau enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, trying new foods, and collecting bourbon.

Retired Police Detective, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Artist, Method Lab Studios, LLC

Alphonso “Fonz” Sloan graduated from Peabody High School in 1989 where he excelled in art. In 1991, he attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1993. Also, in 1993 he applied for a position as police cadet with the City of Pittsburgh Police Department. In February 1995 he was hired with the department which was the start of a 29-year career. the beginning of a 29-year career. In 2006, “Fonz” was promoted to detective and was tasked with the formation of a graffiti unit to investigate vandalism within the City of Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Police Graffiti Unit was a success and resulted in the prosecution of hundreds of offenders in the 16 years that it was in existence. Sloan, along with his two partners, were awarded a National Fraternal of Police Merit Award for the arrest and successful prosecution of an offender who defaced 125 buildings and accumulated $700,000 in damages. He has worked with numerous youth and school programs to educate young people on the possibility of a career in law enforcement or a career in art/graphic design. Sloan has been an outspoken advocate against police brutality. Sloan created a program to engage

SHAWN A. SHANNON

Central Access Supervisor

Wesley Family Services

Shawn Shannon is a dedicated community leader, passionate mentor, and committed family man who has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. With a career rooted in youth advocacy and mental health support, Shannon’s journey began as an activities coordinator at a local facility for adjudicated youth, where he first discovered his calling to help adolescents navigate life’s challenges.

As a role model within his own family, Shannon has taken on the responsibility of mentoring his nephew and younger cousin, providing them with the guidance and support needed to thrive. This commitment to fostering growth and development extends beyond his family, as he has dedicated his career to helping others through his work at Wesley Family Services. Through his various positions within the agency, Shannon has played a crucial role in shaping the futures of many young people, offering direction and encouragement to those in need. Shannon has also made significant strides in addressing mental health issues among adults, providing essential support and resources to individuals struggling with their well-being. Shannon’s most impactful role was his involvement in the reentry program at

the Allegheny County Jail, where he assisted inmates in transitioning back into their communities.

Shannon is a loving husband and the proud father of two daughters and one son. His ability to balance his professional responsibilities with his family life is a testament to his character and the values he holds dear. Shannon’s life and career are marked by a deep commitment to helping others, and his contributions have made a lasting difference in the lives of those he has touched.

youth in healthy interactions and dialogue with police to reduce the possibility of a violent encounter with law enforcement.

In 2021, Sloan founded Method Lab Studios, LLC, where he works as an artist and graphic designer.

In his retirement, Sloan continues to volunteer his time as an artist, speaker and community leader.

MORTON D. STANFIELD JR.

Senior Vice President of Community Development Dollar Bank, Federal Savings Bank

As a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, Morton Stanfield is proud of his work to build a community where young people can flourish and make an impact. When many of his peers left for opportunities in other cities, he chose to stay and become a leader, driving our region forward and investing in our future so that more of our youth choose to stay.

As the Senior Vice President of Community Development and Community Reinvestment Act Officer for Dollar Bank, Stanfield is responsible for the execution of community development initiatives across Dollar Bank’s footprint, including Western Pennsylvania, Northeastern Ohio, Virginia, and Western Maryland. Over his more-than-18-year career in the banking industry, Stanfield has held roles in retail banking and corporate lending.

Stanfield is a graduate of Carlow University, where he was named a 2022 Carlow Laureate honoree—an award granted to alumni whose work, thought and action demonstrate the highest standards of professional accomplishment and leadership. He is also a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking, the Wharton Executive Leadership Program, the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Advanced School of Banking, Leadership Pittsburgh Class XXX, and The Advanced Leadership Institute at the CMU Tepper School of Business.

ALFRED B. VALENTINE

President

Black

Alfred B. Valentine currently serves as the President of 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania. Valentine is a 15-year member, and he was a past chairman of Economic Empowerment, where he revamped the financial lit eracy program and coached the Dollars & Sense team at multiple national confer ences.

He retired from PNC Bank in Pittsburgh as an Assis tant Vice President, Branch Manager, responsible for leading a branch team to use PNC’s wide range of services making banking easier and helping business and con sumer customers achieve their financial goals. For over 20 years, he was a sales leader at Pfizer Inc.,

Stanfield serves on the board of directors of several community organizations, including as Vice Chair of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, the Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund, the Mount Ararat Community Activity Center, Neighborhood Allies, and Bridgeway Capital. Morton was born and raised in the East End of Pittsburgh and currently resides in Highland Park. In his free time, Stanfield enjoys reading, working out and spending time with his family and lifelong childhood friends. Stanfield is also a proud member of the Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc.

BRIAN VINCENT STARKS

Marketing and Community Outreach Liaison

Pittsburgh Public Theater

Brian Vincent Starks is currently the Marketing and Community Outreach Liaison for Pittsburgh Public Theater, responsible for print and digital collateral distribution at events in the city, Allegheny County and online groups identified by Pittsburgh Public Theater. While attending Peabody High School, Starks was given an apprenticeship by the Pittsburgh Black Theater Dance Ensemble. He has an extensive acting resume, including film and television roles on “New York Undercover” and “All My Children.” He has been featured in American Express, Kodak and K-Mart commercials. He has also starred in stage productions of “The WIZ” in Connecticut, “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the New Hazlett Theater and August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running,” “A Raisin in The Sun” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Harlem” at the Pittsburgh Public Theater.

Starks has been a mentor all of his adult life, starting as the founding member of The Mechanical Wizzards Breakdancing group in the early ‘80s. He formed the group training young men and women from the community in Chicago and Pittsburgh.

He also taught accredited Breakdancing classes for the New York City

WENDELL E. WADE JR.

Vice President, Branch and Business Center Manager PNC Bank

Board of Education at Robert F. Wagner High School. Upon moving back to Pittsburgh, Starks has continued to mentor youth at community-based programs as the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club. At the Pittsburgh Public theater, Starks has led tours and mentored atrisk youth by sharing how acting and the arts is a positive outlet for expression and growth that can transfer to other areas of their lives.

Starks also provides community service to the elderly living in Homewood senior homes with transportation and life care support.

He is a proud father of three (Jonathan, Jocelyn and Cullen) and grandfather of six and counts his life a living testimony from God—to be a blessing of community service and loving support to others.

where he excelled as an award-winning manager for over 11 years honing his leadership, mentoring, and strategic planning skills.

Valentine earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Point Park University. He is an avid golfer and Steelers fan and has combined his two loves by planning annual trips that allow them to attend a game and play rounds of golf. That has developed into a national group of Black men networking year-round. He also enjoys entertaining family and friends and is known for preparing wonderful meals.

Valentine is a resident of the North Hills area of Pittsburgh. For over 30 years he has been Jill’s husband and the proud father of Domonique.

Wendell E. Wade Jr. is a native Pittsburgher and a lifelong resident of the Beltzhoover community. Coming from a large family with an emphasis on structure and achievement, Wade has always been driven to show up every day, follow instincts and approach his work with a strong ethic and will to be successful.

After graduating high school from Perry Traditional Academy, Wade went on to Norfolk State University to pursue a degree in Mass Communications and Business. While attending NSU, Wade set his sights on a career in the radio and television business. To that end, Wade spent time studying and working as an intern in places like the ABC affiliate WVEC-TV and WNSB 91.1 Norfolk State Broadcasting. Wade was instrumental in producing the very first Hip-Hop mix show in the history of Norfolk State Public Broadcasting.

As time progressed, Wade decided to study real estate sales and he earned a realtor license in the state of Pennsylvania. While studying and practicing real estate sales and agency, Wade also accepted two roles simultaneously at

WPXI-TV (Channel 11) as a part-time studio camera operator and at PNC Bank in the Inside Sales Department. Currently, Wade manages PNC’s Miracle Mile Branch and Business Banking Center, located in Monroeville. Wade is passionate about working with small businesses and has won many accolades during his tenure at PNC Bank.

DR. EVON WALTERS

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement Community College of Allegheny County

Dr. Evon Walters currently serves as the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). His 28 years of experience in teaching, research and executive leadership includes being a 2003 Fellow of the American Council on Education. In 2020, he was the recipient of the prestigious Paragon Award for new Presidents,

W. EUGENE WILSON

Owner, Cloud 33 Premium Cigar Lounge

By day, W. Eugene Wilson works for a real estate/property management firm. By night, he owns Cloud 33 Premium Cigar Lounge. A graduate of Wilkinsburg High School, known as a student-athlete in the sport of basketball, Wilson went on to receive a full athletic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He had an excellent career there, scoring over 1,200+ points and graduated with a bachelor’s in English/Writing. He then went on to receive his master’s from Point Park University in Athletic Leadership. He was also a head basketball coach for high school boys, including Wilkinsburg, Westinghouse, Baldwin, Ringgold and Woodland Hills.

Wilson is happy to claim that he has helped more than 30 student-athletes play basketball on the collegiate level, through his high school and AAU program DTP Elite. “Helping our youth step outside the box and create opportunities for themselves are what’s important to me,” he said. “We focus on

where he was one of 28 community college presidents who were recognized by the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society.

Over the past six years, he has presented nationally and published multiple articles highlighting the central role of community colleges in workforce development and student access/success. Highlighted within these presentations and publications has been some of CCAC’s groundbreaking initiatives that he has spearheaded. Much of these initiatives involved partnerships with local and national entities on issues associated with workforce development, enrollment management and increasing post-secondary access/success to the region’s historically under-represented and economically disadvantaged population.

A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., he is married to Rhonda Walters, who is the Vice President for Talent Acquisition at the Allegheny Conference. They have a son, Evon Jr., who is a senior in the North Allegheny School District.

TERREL R. WILLIAMS

Teen Outreach Program Manager

Homeless Children’s Education Fund

Terrel R. Williams is currently the Program Manager for the Homeless Children’s Education Fund’s Teen Outreach Program. His role is managing the Teen Outreach Program, creating opportunities for students affected by homelessness and housing instability, establishing relationships with post-secondary programs, and creating a continuum model for high school students to establish a lucrative career.

Williams was born and raised in the Hill District. He graduated from Schenley High School in 1999 and sought out to make a name for himself.

As the author of “Salvation of a Street Poet” and “Ballads of a Street Poet,” Williams spent time reading, studying, and writing before entering Carlow University to attain a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Master of Education.

Before securing a position at HCEF, Williams spent time working in the Children’s Youth & Family services department of DHS (Department of Human Services).  His primary goal was to assist foster care youth with life-changing experiences and opportunities to grow academically.

JAMES D. WIMBERLY III

General

Manager, On-Street Services

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

In his private time, Williams is a family man. When asked about his energy to serve, he said: “As long as I have my wife and kids, I can walk through fires.”   Williams is a servant seeking ways to spread awareness of the importance of faith, love and charity.  As a member of Macedonia Church in the Hill District, Williams has worshipped and worked with the Macedonia Teen Youth Ministry and devoted his life to Christ.

growth and development of the individual through a team aspect.”

After 11 years as a coach, he decided to follow another passion, which includes golf and cigars.

“Understanding that you only get one life, why not go after the things that make you happy—my wife, family, cigars and golf?”

In 2023, he opened Cloud 33 Premium Cigar Lounge, located in the Penn Hills Shopping Center. This was a thought for over 10 years and finally came to fruition in April 2023. He takes pride in providing a mature and sophisticated experience at his lounge.

“Our goal is to make everyone comfortable and create enjoyable experiences.

We are looking forward to what the future holds as we embark on this new journey. We would like to thank all the supporters for Cloud 33, and we will continue to deliver and BE PREMIUM.”

James D. Wimberly is currently a General Manager with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, managing on-street services through the Partnership’s Clean and Safe Program. In his role, he oversees and manages the on-street teams who service the Pittsburgh Downtown Business Improvement District.

Wimberly came to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership with over 30 years of management experience. Prior to joining the PDP, Wimberly spent 29 years in the millwork industry with The

Empire Company. He spent 19 of those years as a Field Service Manager, covering territories in Eastern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and several states in the northeastern U.S. Wimberly originally hails from Detroit, and relocated to Pittsburgh in March 1995 due to a promotion with the Empire Company. He completed his education online at Kaplan University with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In 1996, he joined Friendship Baptist Church in Manchester, which later relocated in the East End and became Inner City Ministries. Wimberly was ordained into the Deacons Ministry in May 1998. He preached his initial sermon and was licensed in September 2019, and then enrolled at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. At PTS, he obtained a Graduate Certificate of Urban Ministry through the Metro Urban Institute, of which he was an MUI Student Fellow. He entered the Master of Divinity program. In May 2024, he graduated with a Master of Divinity.

Over recent years, Wimberly has received several certificates for personal and ministerial enrichment, as well as a proclamation from the City of Pittsburgh in 2019 for expressions in arts and culture.

DR.

MICHAEL YOUNG

Mellon College of Science Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences Carnegie Mellon University

Dr. Michael Young is an Associate Professor of Mathematical Scienc es and the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Mellon College of Science at Carnegie Mellon University. In his role as Associate Dean, Dr. Young collaborates closely with departments and units to develop and implement policies, pro grams, and training initiatives that enrich the academic and professional experiences of students, staff, and faculty. His primary research interests lie in Discrete Mathematics, fo cusing on graph theory and combinatorics.

At CMU, Dr. Young leads several programs aimed at pro moting diversity and inclusivity in the sciences. He oversees the Summer Scholars Program, which provides undergradu ates from institutions nationwide the opportunity to engage in research and receive mentorship over the summer. He also developed and oversees the Data Analytics for Science Immersion Experience (DASIE) Workshop, a collaborative effort between CMU, Dow, PPG, and Accenture, designed to introduce students from Historically Black Colleges and Uni versities and other minority-serving institutions to data an alytics and connect them with industry experts.  Dr. Young is at the helm of the ASCEND Mentor Net work, a national initiative supporting the Nation al Science Foundation’s ASCEND Postdoctoral Fellows in the fields of astronomy, chemistry, material science, mathematics, and physics. Additionally, he serves as a mentor and ad visor to the Tartan Scholars Program and the Rales Fellows Program, both CMU initiatives that provide resources aimed to unlock the full scientific potential of their scholars.

Throughout his career, Dr. Young has launched numerous national initiatives and held various leadership positions to address race and inequity in education, including the Designing for Equity by Thinking in and about Mathematics project with Pittsburgh Public Schools. He has been instrumental in recruiting and mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral scholars of color through organizations such as the Mathematicians of Color Alliance, the Center for Minorities in the Mathematical Sciences, and Mathematics Enrichment through Diversity and Learning (MEDAL). Currently, he is leading a national study examining departmental policies and practices that foster supportive environments for graduate students from underrepresented groups in the mathematical scienc -

Before joining CMU, Dr. Young was a tenured faculty member in mathematics at Iowa State University, where he was appointed by the governor to serve on the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Florida and both his Master’s and Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Young now resides in Highland Park with his wife, Simone, and their daughter, Leila.

The University of Pittsburgh is proud to sponsor the Pittsburgh New Courier Men of Excellence.

Congratulations to Robert Hill, Shawn Ellies and Mark Henderson