9.28.22 NPC

Pittsburgh

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Courier Staff Writer

Have you ever been through some tough times in your life?

That’s where faith comes in.

People who have faith, a true belief in God, are the people that “push through,” said Russell By num, longtime member of Brown Chapel AME Church, on the North Side. Bynum and his wife,

Kathy, are also the co-own ers of Bynums Marketing and Communications Inc., and they decided to start an awards ceremony for Pittsburghers who exem plify faith and courage in the influential work they

do for others.

The annual “Circle of Courage” awards com pleted its 12th ceremony on Aug. 19 at the Double Tree Hotel in Monroeville, where nearly 200 people turned out to congratulate

the 17 honorees. The honorees were: Craig Dawson (media); Pastor J. Anthony Gilbert (reli gion and media); Andre L. Henderson (law enforce ment); Dr. Apostle Jer maine Horne (religion); Dr.

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Courier Staff Writer

The last words from hiphop rapper/activist David Banner that he asked the assembled crowd on Sat urday afternoon, Sept. 24, outside the Kingsley Center in East Liberty to repeat were, “My name is David Banner; I don’t care what you think about me, I just want you to...think.”

Think...about all of the things you can accomplish if you set your mind to it.

Think...about all of the money you’re wasting on vices and save that money to better your financial fu ture.

Think...about how people are planning to do things in the Black community that won’t be beneficial for the Black community.

Think...about how you’re going to raise your children

to be the best they can be.

Banner, who came to fame with mainstream songs “Get Like Me,” “Like a Pimp,” “Play” and others, has spent the last decade or so crisscrossing the country to educate the Black com munity on everything from the importance of voting, to the importance of uplifting each other. He has visited schools, prisons, commu nity centers—pretty much any and everywhere that he can spread his message.

Banner, sporting a 1 Hood Media hoodie, told the Pittsburghers that if each family in a Black neighborhood saved $100 per month, as opposed to spending it on something frivolous or unnecessary, there would be hundreds of thousands of dollars avail able to that community per

Kathy W. Humphrey (edu cation); Elaine B. Jenkins (health care); Turahn Jen kins (law); Nate Locklin (missions); Keith Murphy

thenewpittsburghcourier

by Rob Taylor

ALL OF THE CIRCLE OF COURAGE HONOREES FOR 2022. THEY WERE HONORED AT AN EVENT, AUG. 19, AT THE DOUBLE

TREE HOTEL IN MONROEVILLE. (PHOTO BY J.L. MARTELLO)

National polling reveals where all-important midterm races stand

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Senior National Correspondent

Less than eight weeks away, the 2022 midterm elections might prove the most consequential in de cades.

All 435 House seats are up for grabs, while 35 are available in the Senate.

With a low—but increas ing—approval rating, President Joe Biden hopes that his string of summer legislative victories and a widely unpopular and Re publican-driven Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade will catapult Demo crats to success.

Meanwhile, Republicans are counting on inflation, high prices, and the econ omy to sway voters in their direction.

Democrats currently have a slight edge in both houses of Congress, where the GOP needs only to flip one Senate seat to retake the majority.

Current polling varies based on who’s conduct ing it.

A CBS News Battle ground Tracker shows Democrats hold small ma jorities in the House and Senate.

It takes 218 seats to win control of the House, and the Tracker currently es timates that if the House elections were held to day, Republicans would see a net gain of 13 seats and hold 226 seats, while Democrats would win 209.

CBS’ Tracker noted that, in the Senate, Republi cans need a net gain of just one seat to flip con trol of the evenly divided chamber.

CBS News said it clas sifies 10 of the 35 races as battleground contests

—four are considered tossups (Arizona, Geor gia, Nevada and Wiscon sin); three are leaning in favor of the Republican candidate (Florida, North Carolina, and Ohio); and three are leaning toward the Democrat (Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire).

A New York Times/Sien na College poll found that “even as they struggle to persuade voters that they should be trusted on the economy, Democrats re main unexpectedly com petitive in the battle for Congress as the sprint to November’s midterm elec tion begins.”

The Times/Sienna re searchers reported that a surprising Democratic strength had been bol stered by falling gas pric es and Biden’s success at breaking through legisla tive gridlock in Washing ton to pass his agenda.

Democrats are also ben efiting from factors over which they had little con trol: the public outcry in response to the Supreme Court’s overturning of federal abortion rights and the return of former President Donald Trump to an attention-command ing presence on the na tional stage, the pollsters wrote.

Some of the key races in clude those in Georgia.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Democrat Sta cey Abrams are running neck-and-neck in their rematch of the 2018 nail biter.

A new Quinnipiac Uni versity poll showed Kemp at 50 percent of likely voters and Abrams at 48 percent. However, the poll noted a 2.7 percent mar gin of error.

The Georgia Senate race between incumbent Dem ocrat Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker isn’t as close, poll ing revealed.

Warnock currently has a 6-point lead over Walker, with the two scheduled for a debate on Oct. 14 in Savannah.

Fifty-two percent of like ly Georgia voters say they plan to support Warnock, while 46 percent called the Trump-backed Walker their pick.

Interestingly, the poll found that voters “over whelmingly said their minds are already made up.”

Ninety-four percent of respondents supporting a candidate in the race for governor say they have al ready decided whom they will vote for in November.

However, when it comes to the Senate contest, 96 percent of voters said the same, the pollsters report ed.

In Pennsylvania, Dem ocrat John Fetterman continues to lead Trumpbacked Republican Meh met Oz.

According to a Mon mouth University poll, Fetterman enjoys a posi tive personal rating of 47 percent favorable to 42 percent unfavorable.

The poll found just un der half of the elector ate will either definitely (32%) or probably (17%) vote for him in November.

Oz has a net negative personal rating of 36% favorable to 52% unfa vorable. About 4 in 10 will definitely (23%) or probably (16%) vote for him. Slightly more Penn sylvania voters say they definitely won’t vote for Oz (45%) than completely rule out Fetterman (38%).

Along with Georgia, rac es that will draw national interest include Senate contests in Arizona, Ne vada, Wisconsin, Colora do, New Hampshire, Ohio, North Carolina, and Flor ida.

Also, 36 states have gu bernatorial contests this year, including Texas and Florida, where contro versial Republicans Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis are overwhelming favor ites to retain office.

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

• SEPTEMBER 28

1785—Abolitionist and writer David Walker is born. Walker is best known for his powerful anti-slavery pamphlet “David Walker’s Appeal.” The “Appeal” was pub lished on this same day in 1829.

1833—Reverend Lemuel Haynes dies at 88. He was one of the leading Black veterans of America’s war for independence from England. 1868—The Opelou sas Massacre occurs. Racist Whites launch a terror campaign in St. Landry Parrish, La., resulting in the deaths of at least 200 Blacks. 1895—The National Baptist Conven tion is founded.

1991—Jazz Trumpeter Miles Davis dies in Santa Moni ca, Calif., of a stroke. He was 65.

• OCTOBER 2

1800—Nat Turner is born on this day in South Hampton, Va. The spiritually inspired Turner would organize and carry out one of the deadliest slave revolts in American history. His rebellion led to the deaths of 57 Whites including men, women and children.

1937— Famed attor ney Johnnie Cochran is born on this day in Shreveport, La. He was the lead-attorney in the 1995 murder trial which result ed in the not guilty verdict for football legend O.J. Simpson. In addition to Simpson, Cochran was involved in sev eral other high profile cases. He died on March 29, 2005 at the age of 67.

• SEPTEMBER 29

1784—First African American Masonic lodge is established by Prince Hall. Hall headed lodge number 459 and was referred to as the “Worshipful Master.” He would also become a leading figure in the struggle for African Americans rights during this early period in U.S. history.

1940—The first U.S. merchant ship commanded by a Black captain—Hugh Mulzac—is launched in Wilmington, Del. The ship is named the “Booker T. Wash ington.”

1962—President John F. Kennedy finally sends federal troops to force the integration of the University of Mississip pi.

1975—The nation’s first Black-owned television station—WGPR—begins broad casting in Detroit.

1979—William Arthur Lewis, eco nomics professor at Princeton Uni versity, becomes the first Black to receive a Nobel Prize in Econom ics.

2001—Mabel Fairbanks dies at 85. She was the first Black woman to be inducted into the Figure Skating Hall of Fame. She coached Olympic greats Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner.

• OCTOBER 1

1841—Fannie M. Richards is born. She becomes one of the nation’s early civil rights advocates as well as a prominent educator.

Phone: 412-481-8302

Fax: 412-481-1360

1868— John Mercer Langston (18291897) organiz es the nation’s first Black law school at Howard University in Wash ington, D.C. Largely forgotten today, Langston was a major Black political figure during his day. He was one of the nation’s first African American lawyers, elected political officials and he influenced Black education throughout the country. The town of Langston, Okla., is named in his honor.

1872—Morgan State College is found ed in Maryland.

1937—The NAACP awards the presti gious Spingarn Medal to Walter White for his work against lynching. The light com plexioned White had “passed for White” to gather evidence against terrorist orga nizations such as the Ku Klux Klan.

1960—Africa’s most populous na tion-Nigeria-declares its independence from colonial rule.

1966—The militant Black Panther Party is founded in Oakland, Calif., by Huey New ton and Bobby Seale.

1967—Thur good Mar shall is sworn in as the first Black justice on the United States Su preme Court.

President Lyn don Johnson had nomi nated him in part because of his dis tinguished career in the NAACP fighting to desegregate American institutions. Marshall had been the lead attorney in the historic Brown v. Board of Education case which led to the desegregation of the nation’s schools.

1986—The U.S. Senate imposes eco nomic sanctions on the then White mi nority government in South Africa. The sanctions were imposed only after the Senate overrode a veto of the measure by President Ronald Reagan. Reagan had angered Blacks and progressive Whites by favoring a policy he referred to as “constructive engagement” with the rac ist South African regime. Black majority rule was not achieved in South Africa until 1994.

• OCTOBER 3

1856—Journalist and fiery advocate for Black rights T. Thomas Fortune is born in Marianna, Jackson County, Fla. He was an orator, journalist and militant civil rights advocate. He attended school at Howard University in Washington, D.C., but later moved to New York City where he founded the New York Age newspa per. Fortune died in Philadelphia at the age of 71 in 1928.

1935—The then-independent East African nation of Ethiopia is invaded by fascist Italy in an attempt to join other European nations which had used military force to establish colonies in Africa and exploit its economic resources. Blacks throughout the world rallied to Ethiopia’s defense, in part, because the nation was viewed by many as the place on Earth where human life began. The U.S. effort was led by prominent Harlem, N.Y., minis ter Adam Clayton Powell Sr. 1949—One of the first Black-owned radio stations in America begins broad casting in Atlanta, Ga. The principal orga nizing force behind WERD was business man J.B. Blayton.

1995—Former professional football great O.J. Simpson is found not guilty of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman. The trial had been a national sensation. The verdict angered a majority of Whites. Polls showed that better than 80 percent of Whites surveyed felt Simpson got away with murder.

• OCTOBER 4

1864—What was to become the nation’s first Black daily newspaper began pub lishing on this day in New Orleans, La. Amazingly, the New Orleans Tribune be gan distribution while slavery still existed. It was founded by Dr. Louis C. Reudanez. It began as a tri-weekly but soon became a daily published in both French and English.

1969—Howard Lee and Charles Evers became the first Black mayors of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Fayette, Miss., respective ly. Evers was the brother of civil rights legend Medgar Evers who was murdered by Ku Klux Klan member Byron De La Beckwith on June 12, 1963.

1988—The Martin Luther King Jr. fed eral building is dedicated in Atlanta, Ga. It thus became the first federal building to bear the name of the slain civil rights leader.

LEMUEL HAYNES

MILES DAVIS

WILLIAM ARTHUR LEWIS

MABEL FAIRBANKS

JOHN MERCER LANGSTON

HUEY NEWTON and BOBBY SEALE

JOHNNIE COCHRAN

THURGOOD MARSHALL

DEMOCRATIC SEN. RAPHAEL WARNOCK (left) is hoping to retain office in his midterm showdown with Republican Herschel Walker. (Wikimedia Commons)

REV. MICHAEL STITT

Banquet speaker ‘compelled by love’ to aid Haiti

by Punya Bhasin For New Pittsburgh Courier

When the Rev. Michael Stitt was offered the chance to embark on a mission trip to Haiti in 2018, he saw it as a way to comply with the word of God.

“In the Bible, when it comes to missionary trips there are a number of ‘one another’ statements that Jesus used,” Rev. Stitt said, referencing that “we’re commanded to encourage one another, we’re commanded to help one an other, and we’re commanded to love one another.”

So, when this opportunity came to go to Haiti, he said he felt compelled to go to ful fill those “one another” state ments.

As he served in the nation’s mountainous and rural com

munities with the Function al Literacy Ministry of Haiti, or FLM Haiti, Rev. Stitt felt a sense of reciprocal love and connection to the people of Haiti. He wanted to encour age them and provide them with more hope through God’s word.

Rev. Stitt, who lives near Philadelphia, is the Senior Pastor at Saints Memorial in Bryn Mawr and is this year’s keynote speaker for the Pittsburgh-based FLM Haiti’s annual banquet on Oct. 22. The theme of the banquet is “Compelled by Love,” and Rev. Stitt said he plans to emphasize the idea of hope and faith, in response to the recent unrest in Haiti.

Because of all the ongoing social and political strife in Haiti, Rev. Stitt said, “I want to say that we have hope you

still can be encouraged that our God is incredible. We can still hold tightly to the promises that God has given us and continue to help one another.”

Reverend Stitt has a Bach elor of Science Degree in Lib eral Arts from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, where he concentrated on Business Management. He earned a Master of Theolog ical Studies from Pennsylva nia’s Eastern Baptist Theo logical Seminary in 2001.

He is a former member of Triumph Baptist Church in Sewickley, where he served as the assistant pastor lead ing the evangelism team and youth ministry. It was during Rev. Stitt’s time at Triumph that he came to know the Bishop Leon Pamphile, who is exec utive director of FLM Haiti.

Bishop Pamphile invited the minister to aid with the mis sion work in Haiti.

While on his mission trip in 2018, Rev. Stitt led a work shop for pastors in Haiti, teaching and explaining the role of being a pastor. He also engaged with physicians on the trip who provided medi cal services. Reverend Stitt himself worked in the clinic, handing out eyeglasses so

people could see and read better.

This was an especially ful filling task as it allowed Rev. Stitt to teach the Bible and have the local Haitians read along with him. When the mission trip was done, Rev. Stitt felt he had ministered to the physical, mental, emo tional, and spiritual needs of the people of Haiti.

His continued support of FLM Haiti is more crucial now as Haiti is experiencing an increasing amount of vio lence as the capital, Port-auPrince, and other areas are being overtaken by gangs.

Reverend Stitt said while he is saddened by the unrest, he is encouraged through his faith.

“The scripture says defend the weak and uphold the cause of the poor and the op pressed,” Rev. Stitt said. “Ev eryone is called to do that not only here in our own country, but also in other countries.”

(Editor’s Note: The banquet is Saturday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m., in-per son at the Comfort Inn Conference Center, 699 Rodi Road, Penn Hills. COVID-19 protocols will be prac ticed. For tickets, visit flmhaiti. org/newsevents or for more infor mation, call 412-784-0342.)

Pickett joins PennWest Council of Trustees

Larry C. Pickett has been appointed to the Pennsyl vania Western Universi ty (PennWest) Council of Trustees, the New Pitts burgh Courier has learned. Pickett served on the Coun cil of Trustees at Clarion University from 2009 to 2012 and was reappointed to serve again from 2018-2022.

Pickett, a 2012 New Pitts burgh Courier “Men of Ex cellence” honoree, is a Busi ness Innovator and Project Manager for the Business Innovation Office at Carn egie Mellon University. He is responsible for managing projects that support process improvement initiatives, in cluding system implemen tations at CMU. He uses statistical analysis, lean six sigma methodologies, and project management to pro vide expert services to com plex projects at CMU.

Pickett is a certified lean six sigma master black belt (CLSSMBB) and certified project manager. He leads projects from their original state to final implementa tion. He collects, analyzes, and communicates solutions using a variety of procedures to gather information about current and future state de velopments. He is a research contributor to Carnegie Mel lon’s Delphi Group where he performed COVID-19 data analysis and tracked pandemic symptoms. He currently serves as co-chair of the Project Management Center of Excellence (CoE)

at Carnegie Mellon Univer sity.

Pickett earned an MBA. degree with an emphasis in Management of Tech nologies from California University of Pennsylvania, an MS degree in Leader ship and Liberal Studies from Duquesne University and has a BA degree from Clarion University. He is a professional member of the American Society for Qual ity (ASQ) and a member of the Pittsburgh Chess Club.

Pickett is also a proud grad uate of Westinghouse High School, and a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Frater nity Inc.

The PennWest University Council of Trustees is com prised of 12 members who, except for the student mem bers, are nominated and ap pointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania, with the ad vice and consent of the Sen ate. The powers and duties of the Council include the establishment of academic programs and schools for consideration by the State System Board of Governors; review and approval of an nual operating capital bud gets, fees, purchases, and contracts; participation in university and system-wide strategic planning; review and approval of policies and procedures governing the use of university facilities and property; annual in spection of university facili ties; and the annual evalua tion of the president.

LARRY C. PICKETT

Disney in Florida hosting largest-ever ‘HBCU Week’ in October

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.—High school stu dents from across the Southeast and beyond will descend on Walt Disney World Resort next month for the largest-ever HBCU Week featuring a huge college fair, a parade of high-stepping marching bands, a fierce battle of the bands and a live ESPN broadcast.

A record number of high school students (more than 5,000) and Histori cally Black Colleges and University representa tives (nearly 50) will take part in the weekend event, October 7-9, 2022, when more than $10 million in scholarships are expect ed to be awarded, which would be another event record. Since 2017, more than 3,500 on-the-spot admissions have been of fered, along with more than $23 million in schol arships.

This is the first time in its five-year history that the HBCU Week Founda tion is hosting its annu al event at Walt Disney World Resort, which is expanding the founda tion’s ability to stage new and more high-profile activities for its attend ees. As a result, this year there will be a parade of HBCU bands down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park; a battle of the bands at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

along with the college fair; a live broadcast of ESPN’s First Take show featuring HBCU Week ambassador Stephen A. Smith and show host Molly Qerim; and several Lunch and Learn seminars for stu dents to gain educational and career insights.

Delaware State, Bethune Cookman, North Caroli na A&T, Winston-Salem State and Alcorn Univer sity will participate in the parade at Magic Kingdom and compete in the Battle of the Bands.

“We are pleased to share in the mission to highlight the rich history and cul tural significance of HB CUs, creating educational and, ultimately, career op portunities for students,” said HBCU Week Founder and CEO Ashley Christo pher. “Hosting this nation al event at Walt Disney World Resort helps ampli fy the mission of HBCU Week, attracting more parents and students throughout the country to our events and helps make an even greater impact in fostering opportunities for thousands of students.”

Disney’s involvement in HBCU Week is part of a relationship between HBCU Week Foundation and Disney on the Yard, an initiative focused on deep ening Disney’s engage ment with HBCUs. By working more closely with HBCUs, Disney aims to

continue building a longterm pipeline of Black em ployee talent through the development of student internships, mentorship opportunities, career and employee spotlights, schol arships and more.

“This event is an ideal collaboration in that it highlights Disney’s com mitment to supporting HBCUs and the mission of HBCU Week,” said Avis Lewis, Vice President Hu man Resources, Walt Dis ney Imagineering and Dis ney Parks International.

“We are pleased with the immense momentum we are seeing already, with unprecedented attendance at the college fair and a host of exciting events planned. We look forward to seeing students and parents from all over the Southeast enjoying this event and all the magic of Disney while they are here.”

Disney theme park ad mission and reservations are required for entry to Magic Kingdom Park for the HBCU Week band parade. Tickets are also required for the Battle of the Bands at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There is no admission charge for all other HBCU events.

(For more information about HBCU Week and for students to register for the College Fair, visit http://www.HBCUWeek. org.)

‘I just want you to...think.’

Hip-Hop activist David Banner comes to Pittsburgh

year which can be spent by employing others to act as a de facto security ser vice for the community. For starters, that would pro vide some jobs in the com munity.

“Sometimes we see the plight in our neighborhood and we think it’s too hard (to overcome it),” Banner said.

Banner then discussed how he’s been to Pitts burgh numerous times, and he can see the gentri fication happening. But he doesn’t think it’s over.

“Everybody has a plan for your neighborhood but you, in most cases,” Ban ner said, as the crowd re acted in agreement. “And

the neighborhood that you live in wasn’t your original neighborhood, it was the only neighborhood that they would let our people go to, and then they gon na come take that, too? I believe that the story of Jesus was not about Jesus coming back to save you; it was showing you that you could be God on Earth, too.

‘I’m going to come down and show you how to bear your own cross.’ These neighborhoods are our crosses, these children are our crosses.”

Banner’s visit to Pitts burgh was part of 1 Hood Media’s “People, Politics and Power” series of events that are held throughout the year. On a nice day to be outside, people were

able to get information on voting, meet candidates such as Democratic nom inee for House District 24 La’Tasha D. Mayes, help from the Allegheny Coun ty Public Defender’s Office with getting certain crimi nal records expunged, free

food, and a basketball tour nament, which was held inside Kingsley. A DJ spun records outside keeping people moving, too. “Think about all the re

DAVID BANNER AND MAYOR ED GAINEY

DAVID BANNER FROM A1

DAVID BANNER, THIRD FROM RIGHT, WITH MEMBERS OF 1 HOOD MEDIA. (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

SEE DAVID BANNER A7

‘I just want you to...think.’

Hip-Hop activist David Banner comes to Pittsburgh

sponsibilities of all the Black people and peo ple who were assisting Black people in the ‘60s,” Banner, the Mississippi native, said. “Imagine if that was a pitcher of

water, all the sacrifices our families made. That has been poured out...so when are we (in the pres ent) going to make some sacrifices so our children will have some water to drink out of? It’s our

responsibility to make some sacrifices so some thing different can hap pen. Pittsburgh, some thing is happening here and I hope Black people will be a part of it.”

Pittsburgh mayor Ed

Gainey was also in atten dance, and he was right on message with Banner.

“When you look at the definition of Black or African American, the definition should be, ‘the people of transformation and overcoming,’ because

since we landed here in this thing called Ameri ca, all we did was build the economy that they made money on, all we did was transcend the law that they said we couldn’t do. All we did was continue to overcome

everything that they put in front of us, and if our kids understood the power of where we came from, they wouldn’t want to be thugs and gang sters, they would want to be kings and queens.”

DAVID BANNER, DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE FOR STATE REP. LATASHA D. MAYES

DAVID BANNER WITH GABRIELLE WALKER AND STANFORD LYONS (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

Praise & Worship

412-441-3800

Worship.......10:00 a.m.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate informa tion, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We want to feature positive youth from our Pitts burgh church commu nity. Please mail their bio and photo to:

New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

us:

(education); Debbie Norrell (communications); Rev. Na thaniel Pennybaker (religion); Birdy Reynolds (missions); Ma lissa Seman (education); Dr. Rhonda Taliaferro (education and missions); Brittany Tonet (business); Brandon S. Thom as (social work); and Ricardo J. Williams (government).

“People look forward to the event,” Russell Bynum told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Sept. 26.

“It’s a recognition of people who are sometimes pioneers in their area or someone who’s taken an organization up to a higher lev el.”

While Russell Bynum laud ed each honoree for their tire less contributions to the Pitts burgh community, he noted the achievements of Dr. Humphrey, who, in March, made history as the first Black president of Car low University.

“She has been a person of faith,” Russell Bynum said of Dr. Humphrey, “and instrumental

in helping people get a higher education.”

Russell Bynum said that Dr. Humphrey had a belief in herself that she could make that type of history. “You have to have faith beyond yourself because being the first in that area in a region (Pittsburgh) that may not welcome you at that capacity says a lot,” Rus sell Bynum said. “Often, these people (the honorees) are work ing not only against what is go ing on in society, but their own mental blocks. When you talk about faith and courage, you’re

looking at yourself and saying, ‘How can I do this?’ Well, with God, all things are possible.”

The event also featured a motivational speech by Super Bowl Champion Darnell Din kins, music by The Healthy Village Learning Institute

Enyimnyam Drummers, a solo by Julia Smith and Kathy By num, a pinning ceremony for past awardees, and dinner. Pro ceeds from the ceremony go to BCC Ministries, a component of Brown Chapel AME Church.

BCC Ministries distributes food, blankets and other items

“JESUS IS THE STONE you builders REJECTED which became the CORNERSTONE. SALVATION is found in no one else, for there is no other NAME UNDER THE HEAVEN given to mankind by which we MUST BE SAVED.”

- Acts 4:11-12 NIV Quick view Bible

REV. WALKER SAYS: I pray that you have al ready accepted JESUS as your SAVIOR. John 14:6—Jesus said to him, I AM the way the truth and the life, NO MAN comes unto the FA THER, but by ME.

for those who are less fortunate on the North Side.

“We feel that people that are working from a faith compo nent often are willing to look beyond themselves,” Russell Bynum said, which is why the “Circle of Courage” awards dif fer from other honors. Bynum’s team makes sure that honorees have displayed a faith and cour age component. “They may have an obstacle that most people would give up on, but because they have a faith in God or be cause they feel they have a pur pose that’s beyond themselves...

many of these people have over come physical barriers, social barriers, and economic barriers to do what they’re doing.”

Russell Bynum added: “These people can go through the good times and bad times because they know that God will be with them no matter what.”

TURAHN JENKINS

BIRDY REYNOLDS

REV. NATHANIEL PENNYBAKER

KEITH MURPHY

RICARDO J. WILLIAMS

DEBBIE NORRELL

DR. RHONDA TALIAFERRO

The Steelers must get goin’ against the Jets!

:10—Let’s get right to it. It takes a big man to admit when he’s wrong. I am a big man... and I was wrong! I will now exercise my executive position and recount my Steelers’ winloss record from 11 wins to 9 wins... maybe, I hope, God save the Queen! Or, wait, God save the King?!

:09—To that point, here’s a few reasons for my re count - #1. We lost to New England and should have won. Likewise with Cleveland. #2. Here’s the upcoming lineup we have to face after the Jets on Oct. 2—Buffalo on Oct. 9, Tampa Bay on Oct. 16, Mi

ami on Oct. 23 and Phila delphia on Oct. 30...What, what, what!!!

:08—Go back with me just a few days ago vs. Cleveland, back on Thurs day, Sept. 22. It took 3 1/2 quarters to realize they have a 6-feet-6, 260-pound tight end on the team! OK, help me understand this one. You know you’re go ing to play the best run ning tandem in the NFL and that was your game plan... C’mon man! Last and not least, you’re going up against a career back up QB who knows his time is limited...with or with out T.J. Watt, bring the fire, man, all ya got, save nothing for tomorrow! Done and done.

:07—You have forgotten about Brittney Griner but we haven’t. Of course, the universal Wheels of Justice turn slowly but let’s get this thing in mo tion, people, before Russia turns upside down.

:06—BTW... What an imal is now faster than the fastest animal on

Earth, the cheetah? The Russian Retreating Sol dier high-tailing it back to Vlad’s backyard.

:05—It was just a matter of time and we knew he could do it. A tip of the cap to the great Albert Pujols for hitting home run No. 700. A very exclusive club that includes Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and, get this, it moves A-Rod the jerk back to 5th place all-time. Also, Pujols joins Hank Aaron as the only 2 players in baseball’s 150-year history with 700 home runs and 3,000 hits. That’s right kids, Albert and Hank and no one else.

:04—Hey Pittsburgh, we need ya more than we want ya. Please tune in to “Soul Take - Cham pions Live” sports talk show every Tuesday from 6 to 8p.m. at http://www. pghdsn.com and call in at 412-213-8995 or 412-8898319. You can also send us a text at 412-218-3888. Trust me, there’s plenty more of this craziness to be heard.

:03—Baseball, among all the major sports, is the most stat-driven—3,000 hits, 500 home runs, 300 pitching victories, a .300 career batting average. Add to that the number

100, as in your Pittsburgh Pirates careening toward another 100-loss season, now just a few losses from reaching that “plateau” for the second year in a row. And let us not forget the pandemic-shortened season of 2020 when the Bucs battled to the worst record in baseball, an ane mic 19-47, a .317 winning percentage, one of the worst in baseball history. Last place for the fourth straight year. Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and Pigpen could do better.

:02—Sidney Crosby, Ev geni Malkin, Kris Letang and the rest of the Pen

guins are on the ice as you read this and gearing up to make one final run at their fourth Stanley Cup win. If they can manage to stay healthy and also keep goalie Tristan Jarry in the upright position all season, especially in the playoffs, they may actu ally be able to win a firstround playoff series and make that run we’ve been expecting. That’s all I got.

:01—Still stuck on 60 home runs after this weekend, I think the Yankees’ Aaron Judge will finish with 64 home runs and become the alltime single-season home

run record-holder for the American League. And de spite Shohei Ohtani’s in credible season for the An gels, pitching to the tune of 14-8 with a 2.47 ERA and 203 strikeouts so far, plus hitting 34 home runs, 93 RBI and a .271 batting average, Judge should be the MVP because the An gels are terrible and in August when it seemed the Yankees might falter and fall out of the playoff race, Judge carried them on his back. Now they are a lock to win the AL East Division and a favorite to reach the World Series.

:00—GAME OVER.

UGLY IS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

Tomlin can’t do it all; QB must take most of the blame

There have been many opinions and theories re garding the recent trials and tribulations of the Pitts burgh Steelers Football Club. A few of the opinions have a few valid points while others are based on a few insidious “QAnon-Esque,” Mad Max theories. All this drama could have been avoided if, A) The Steelers had left Mitch Tru bisky blowing in the winds of Chicago and Buffalo; B) If the Steelers had left Mitch Trubisky blowing in the winds of Chicago and Buf falo; C) If the Steelers had left Mitch Trubisky blowing in the winds of Chicago and Buffalo….and D) If the Steel ers had left offensive coor dinator Matt Canada north of the border. Oh, Charlie Chan, so sorry. Charlie Chan thinks with the ice-cold, tundra-like Steelers offense, designed by Matt Canada, there is no way that coach Canada comes from the low er 48 states.

Matt Canada is a great quarterback guru, but not so great as an offensive co ordinator. Another conve nient scapegoat regarding the non-performance of the Steelers is as always, head coach, or head “goat” Mike Tomlin. The following are a few excerpts from the “fire side chats” that are throwing “logs of wisdom” into the fire place, fueling the terminate Tomlin talk. On June 22,

lin has the 12th-best odds to be the first NFL head coach fired in the 2022 season, ac cording to odds posted on Tuesday by BetOnline.com, proving that there is indeed a bet for every sucker. Tomlin has 16/1 odds to be fired first. He signed a three-year con tract extension last spring that will run through the end of the 2024 season. The Steelers haven’t fired a coach since 1968.”

Those comments may both be a sort of back-alley en dorsement and criticism of Coach T.

On September 22, Bob Quinn published the follow ing on www.steelernation. com: “The Pittsburgh Steel ers pay head coach Mike Tomlin $8 million per year to coach the team. He has had the position for 16 seasons and the Steelers have expe rienced every level of success and some bitter playoff fail ures under his leadership. The only thing that the orga nization and fans have been spared during his tenure is a losing season and that is no small achievement. He mas terfully maneuvered a career backup Mason Rudolph and practice squad quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges in 2019, and the team narrowly missed the playoffs.”

Quinn continued: “The of fense has struggled might ily in the first two weeks of the season. Fans and media observers are divided on the blame for the problems be tween Canada and Trubisky. The man who is responsible for keeping the ship sailing in the right direction is Tom lin and he does not seem to be considering a course cor rection.”

Quinn added: “To be clear,

this is not insinuating Tom lin should be on the hot seat. But if he mishandles the quarterback situation and in the eyes of the fan base ruins the chance for Pickett to be successful, that seat will get warm. Maybe he should take a drive through the neigh borhood of possible offensive changes that could be made. He does not have to stop and get out; Tomlin could just check out the scenery while he is still responsible for driving the car.”

I don’t care if you drive a Rolls Royce or a Maserati, if someone puts sugar in the tank, that ultra-expensive vehicle is going to be sit ting on the side of the road, with its driver, waiting on a tow truck. As former Unit

ed States President Nixon might say: “Let me make one thing perfectly clear.”

Matt Canada cannot deliver the ball to Chase Claypool, George Pickens, or Diontae Johnson. Mike Tomlin can not open a hole on the O-line for a running back or protect any quarterback when they drop back to pass. Coaches can only coach. They can’t play and coach the game as well or they would be defined as “player-coaches.”

My suggestion to all of the journalist-coaches, and fan-coaches out there: If you think you can do better, get on the sidelines and start coaching or get out on the field and start playing; don’t waste any more time, get to crackin’.

Alan Saunders published an article on steelersnow.com titled: “Steelers’ Mike Tom lin Inexplicably among First Coach to be Fired Odds.” Saunders wrote, “Mike Tom

THE STEELERS’ JAYLEN WARREN RUSHES AGAINST THE PATRIOTS, SEPT. 18. (PHOTO BY MARLON MARTIN)

WHEN WILL KENNY PICKETT BECOME THE MAN IN PITTSBURGH? (PHOTOS BY MARLON MARTIN)

Is your wallet recession-proof?

by StatePoint Media

NEW YORK—As infla

tion continues to put a strain on budgets, talk of an upcoming recession has Americans worried about their finances. Prices on everyday items continue to rise and consumers are trying to find ways to make their dollar stretch further while safeguarding their money against the poten tial challenges a recession may bring. The future may be difficult to predict, but preparing now can help consumers protect their financial health during a recession.

A recent Experian survey found that two in three U.S. adults are concerned about a recession occurring in the United States. Consumers are most worried about the affordability of routine expenses, with 73 percent concerned that the price of everyday items like gas, groceries and rent will con tinue to rise to a level they can’t afford. Meanwhile, 55 percent harbor supply chain concerns and 38 per cent are stressed about the affordability of big, planned purchases such as a home or a car.

As recession worries grow, more Americans are sizing up their finances to see where they stand. Only 48 percent are confident that they can financially handle a recession, and two in five believe that they’ll need to rely on credit to cover es sential and unexpected ex penses over the next three months. In fact, 27 percent have already increased their credit card debt with in the past three months. This trend is accompanied by additional anxieties: two in three survey re spondents are concerned to some degree that their credit score will negatively affect their ability to access credit in the next three months.

Being proactive is key to weathering financial

storms, yet less than half of consumers have prepared for a recession when it comes to their finances and credit. Those who have are finding different ways to do so: 49 percent have cut non-essential expenses like entertainment and vaca tions, 45 percent have cre ated a budget and 40 per cent have paid down debt.

While these are effective actions, there are other steps consumers can take to understand their credit history and safeguard their credit.

Consumers should check their credit report and cred it score regularly to know exactly where they stand in the event that they need to apply for credit, or simply to be better informed as they prepare to pay down their debt ahead of an econom ic decline. They can get a free credit report and credit score from Experian (Span ish-language credit reports are also available) as well as access to free financial tools, an auto insurance shopping service and credit card marketplace.

Those who need help in creasing their credit score can sign up for Experian Boost. This free feature enables consumers to add their monthly payments for cell phone bills, utility bills, rent and video streaming services to their credit his tory to potentially increase their FICO Score instantly. To learn more, visit experi an.com/boost.

“Inflation and recession fears are putting pressure on consumer’s finances, but proactively planning for the worst can help con sumers make it through potential challenges. Many consumers are already tak ing great steps to prepare, like creating a budget and paying down their debt, and we encourage them to utilize other available re sources and tools to help,” says Rod Griffin, senior di rector of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian.

Trying to build generational wealth? Start saving early

by Rasha Almulaiki

Michigan Chronicle

Economists have long lamented the shrinking of the American mid dle class. In Detroit, the economic crises of the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic and the per sistent instability of an accessible real estate market has exacerbated the strain on the growing socio-eco nomic divide between the top one percent and struggling majority.

In an economic climate that is steadily growing stronger, residents need to think about ways to build generational wealth to sustain them selves and the future of their family’s financial health.

Generational wealth is the priv ilege of passing down anything of monetary value from one generation to the next, whether it be cash, cred it, real estate or other material com modities.

When families are caught in a cycle of poverty and living just to get by, it can be difficult to plan investing in the future when your needs need to be met in the present, with no excess to build on.

Dr. Ranjan D’Mello, professor of finance at Wayne State University, spoke to the Michigan Chronicle on how Detroiters can begin securing their future.

“The idea is that you have to be

gin saving early,” said D’Mello. “For those that spend on things they don’t really need, there must be restraint and a long-term goal in mind.  “What the benefit of finance will show you is that the earlier you’re

start educating ourselves at a much younger age.”

For Detroiters, this advice may not seem all that accessible on the sur face as many are struggling to break from below the poverty line to make ends meet.

In 2021, Detroit Future City (DFC) released The State of Economic Eq uity in Detroit report as an analysis of the deep inequities that Detroit continues to endure and recom mendations on how to stabilize an evenhanded economic approach that meets residents’ specific needs.

One of the report’s components is assessing income and wealth build ing capacity of residents engaging in economic opportunities.

Several factors were found to im pact income and wealth creation, in cluding access to a quality education and gainful employment.

saving your wealth, it becomes eas ier to retire early and create wealth for your kids. You take X percent out of your money and keep it aside, in vest it, and then let this money grow over time. Having saving knowledge means taking time to learn about investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate. It’s important to also understand the tax implications of all of these things. We need to

Winter is coming

In the popular television series “Game of Thrones,” “Winter is coming” is a phrase that’s often stated throughout the show. “Winter is coming” has become an often quoted expression within our culture. I’ve seen it in memes. I’ve read it in articles. I’ve heard people say it.

In “Game of Thrones,” “Winter is com ing” has a few meanings. Its first definition means exactly what it’s describing, Winter is coming—it will be long nights coupled with cold and harsh weather. Be prepared! Its second meaning refers to vigilance. The expression “Winter is coming” means you never know what dangers may come your way. Times may be good now but good things don’t last forever. Enjoy the mo ment but stay vigilant. Keep your head on a swivel. Stay ready so that you don’t have to get ready. Anything can happen. Eventu ally something will. Be prepared! The third meaning of “Winter is coming” is a reminder to everyone that nobody is safe or comfort able for too long. There will be good days (summer) and bad days (winter). Life hap pens to us all. Be prepared!

In order to be prepared for winter (hard times), they’d work extra hard during the summer (good times) to ensure they had ample food, water, supplies, and other neces sities to get them through the winter (hard times).

I’m reminded of a scripture in Proverbs: Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Officer, or ruler, Prepares its food in the summer And gathers its provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, you lazy one? When will you arise from your sleep? A lit tle sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest, Then your poverty will come in like a drifter, And your need like an armed man.”

Since the onset of COVID, from a pure mon etary perspective, both the national economy and global economy has experienced some trying times. In the United States we’ve wit nessed stay-at-home lockdowns, business shutdowns, business closures, supply chain issues, production of goods and services halted, stock market collapse, low-interest rates, high unemployment, student loan forbearance, stimulus checks, PPP loans, and increased unemployment benefits. All of this has led up to the highest inflation rate we’ve seen in 40 years topping out at 9.1 percent. Inflated prices have caused us to spend more money while receiving less. We see it more readily at the gas pump and at the grocery store but we feel it with every dollar spent. If you manage to stay gainfully employed in this turbulent econ omy, but you feel like you have less discre tionary income despite not having increased your expenses, debt, or lifestyle—it’s because inflationary prices have reduced our discretionary income.

We’ve also observed the Gross Domes tic Product, more commonly referred to as the GDP, drop two consecutive quarters. The GDP is used to measure the size of the U.S. economy. It calculates all the goods and services produced in the U.S. When the GDP drops two consecutive quarters, by definition we are effectively in a recession. A recession is a contraction of the economy stemming from shrinking production and consumption, high unemployment and high inflation.

Economists are always reviewing var

ious economic indicators to get a feel for the pulse of the economy. When reviewing indicators such as the GDP, inflation, and employment to determine the state of the economy, economists are looking backwards or looking at things that have already hap pened. GDP, inflation, and employment in dicators are known as trailing or lagging indicators. They’re output measures of past performance.

In layman terms, winter isn’t coming. Win ter is here! We’ve been dealing with winter since March 2020. Winter has been camou flaged with low-interest rates, student loan forbearance, PPP loans, stimulus checks, increased unemploy ment checks, and other retained employee in centives to employers in an effort to keep the economy afloat. Those things that helped keep the economy afloat are a thing of the past. No more camouflaging.

Student loan forbear ance ends December 31, 2022. PPP loans are done. No more stimulus checks. Extended unemployment checks with an extra couple of hundred dollars in it have fallen by the wayside.

Jerome Powell is Chair of the Federal Re serve. The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States. They provide the nation with a safe, flexible and stable mon etary and financial system. Powell recently had a tough message for investors: “Tighten your seatbelts, because recession and unem ployment are coming!”

The Federal Reserve delivered its bluntest reckoning of what it will take to finally tame painfully high inflation: Slower growth,

However, closing the racial wealth gap is more of a complex process needed to reconcile systemic barriers in policy that have negatively affect ed Black and Brown communities over generations.

Economic policy analysts have identified several indicators to track the city’s current reality and poten tial for growth, including median household income.

The report shows the median

higher unemployment and potentially a re cession.

“The chances of a soft landing,” Powell said, “are likely to diminish” as the Fed steadily raises borrowing costs to slow the worst streak of inflation in four decades. “No one knows whether this process will lead to a recession or, if so, how significant that re cession would be.”

Powell said tighten your seatbelts because slower growth, higher unemployment and potentially a recession is coming. Sounds like “Winter is coming; Be prepared,” if you ask me! How do you prepare?

Income stability: Job stability isn’t what it used to be. These employers are only loyal to their shareholders and bottom line. Em ployees are categorized as an expense on the balance sheet. When profit margins get tight for employers, employees get laid off. It is important to develop skills and know how that is transferable to other employers and other industries. It’s equally important to develop multiple streams of income.

Conserve: We have zero dollars to waste. Every dollar should have a mission state ment. No mindless, wasteful spending. Every extra dollar not earmarked for bills and necessities should be funneled towards savings. In order to survive any potential income interruption from a primary job, there’s only two things you can bank on: In come from side hustles and money stashed away for a rainy day.

It’s just a season: Be it winter, recession, job loss, or hard times in general, stay en couraged knowing it’s only for a season. This too shall pass.

(Are you looking to Beat Debt, Boost Your Savings, or Make Good Financial Decisions? Contact me. Da mon Carr, Money Coach can be reached at 412-2161013 or visit his website @ www.damonmoneycoach. com.)

DR. RANJAN D’MELLO

Biden student debt forgiveness begins

Interested borrowers must act by Oct. 31

by Charlene Crowell

President Joe Biden’s re cent student debt cancella tion announcement elicited a diverse range of reactions— some congratulatory, others critical, and still others that seem unsure what to make of the unprecedented multi-bil lion-dollar effort.

Predictably, long-time edu cation and civil rights advo cates spoke to the need for additional reforms, while oth ers wondered about cancella tion’s impact on an already troubled economy. Families struggling with the rising cost of living and deepening student debt—have only a few months to make house hold budget adjustments be fore loan payments resume in January.

The good news is that of the 43 million people affected by the executive action, 20 mil lion borrowers will have all of their debt cancelled. Many of these borrowers incurred stu dent loans but dropped out of school, left with thousands in debt and lower earnings due to the lack of a degree.

Another 27 million people from working class back grounds who received Pell

grants are assured of up to $20,000 in debt relief.

But these actions do not resolve the structural mis match between the still-ris ing costs of college, limited family financial means to contribute to that cost, and the availability of financial aid other than interest-bear ing loans.

“We’ve all heard of those schools luring students with a promise of big paychecks when they graduate only to watch these students be ripped off and left with mountains of debt,” stat ed President Biden on Au gust 24. “Well, last week, the Department of Education fired a college accreditor that allowed colleges like ITT and Corinthian to defraud bor rowers…Our goal is to shine a light on the worst actors so students can avoid these debt traps.”

It seems like a perfect time for the Department of Educa tion to clean house of all the bad higher education actors —especially costly for-profit institutions that promise a lot but deliver little, and ac creditors that fail to do their jobs.

On August 30, following President Biden’s announce

ment, the Department of Ed ucation took action against another defunct for-prof it: Westwood College. This trade school lured unsus pecting students into costly debt from January 1, 2002 through November 17, 2015 when it stopped enrolling new borrowers in advance of its 2016 closure. The De partment found widespread misrepresentations about the value of its credentials for attendees’ and graduates’ employment prospects.

“Westwood College’s ex ploitation of students and abuse of federal financial aid place it in the same circle of infamy occupied by Co

rinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institute,” said Un der Secretary James Kvaal. “Westwood operated on a culture of false promises, lies, and manipulation in order to profit off student debt that burdened borrowers long af ter Westwood closed.”

Now, 79,000 Westwood bor rowers will benefit from $1.5 billion in debt cancellation, thanks to the Department.

Changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program rules will allow borrowers that would not otherwise qualify, to receive credit for past periods of re payment. Interested borrow ers and their families can get

more information on the pro gram’s information page, but they must act by October 31. Details on the time-limited offer are available at: https:// studentaid.gov/announce ments-events/pslf-limit ed-waiver.

But individual states must do their part as well. Across the nation, state revenues are flush with surpluses.

“I don’t think there’s been a time in history where states are better equipped to ride out a potential recession,” said Timothy Vermeer, senior state tax policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, a Washing ton, D.C.-based think tank. “A majority, if not all, of the rainy-day funds are in a real ly healthy position.”

Additionally, and accord ing to the 2021 edition of the annual State Higher Educa tion Finance (SHEF) report, short-changing higher edu cation funding at the state level will likely lead to worse, not better results. The report tracks enrollment trends, funding levels and distribu tions of state institutions

“Generous federal stimulus funding protected state reve nues and directly supported higher education, reducing states’ need to cut funding during the pandemic and short economic recession,” states the report’s news re lease. “However, sharp de clines in student enrollment and net tuition and fee reve nue signal continued upheav

al for public higher education revenues.”

Federal stimulus funding during the pandemic boost ed state education appropri ations, but only 8.9 percent of state aid to public institu tions in 2021 went toward providing student financial aid, according to SHEF. And without federal stimulus funds, state education ap propriations would have de clined by one percent in 2021 if full-time enrollment had held constant, according to the report.

“States vary in their rel ative allocations to higher education,” states the report. “Public institutions in some states remain primarily pub licly funded, but a growing proportion have become pri marily reliant on student tui tion and fee revenue over the last two decades.”

The report notes that while federal stimulus and relief funds are helpful, they can not be a replacement for long-term state investments, because stimulus funds are time-limited and often re stricted in their use.

If we want to end the stu dent debt trap, now is the time for citizens to challenge states to use their tax reve nue to do more for their own constituents.

(Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Respon sible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsi blelending.org.)

10-year-old Nigerian boy is ‘World’s Youngest Billionaire’

(Black Information Network)—A Nigerian boy owned his first mansion at age six, trav els around the world in a private jet, and is now said to be the world’s youngest billion aire, the Sun reports.

10-year-old Muhammed Awal Mustapha, known to his followers as Mompha Junior, regularly flaunts his lavish lifestyle to his nearly 15,000 Instagram followers.

In one post, Mustapha shows off his first car: a cream Bentley Flying Spur that his father purchased for him.

The 10-year-old dons designer clothes head to toe in another post as he poses in front of a red Lamborghini Aventador.

“Happy Birthday to me,” Mustapha wrote alongside the photo, per the Sun.

More cars are tied to the preteen influencer including a yellow Ferrari that can be seen parked outside of a luxurious home in Dubai.

The boy is the son of Nigerian internet ce lebrity Ismailia Mustapha, who is known to

ELECTRONIC

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

&

Electronic Bids will be received by the Allegheny County Airport Authority until 1:00 P.M. prevailing local time, November 9, 2022.

Due to the COVID precautions, the ACAA is modifying its typical bid opening process; the formal bid opening procedure will be conducted virtually – any/all firms submitting a Bid to the ACAA will be given special access to view the opening event. Once bidding is closed, any/all firms submitting a bid will be issued an Invitation (via email) to access the formal bid opening event via a live webcast. Bidders will also be notified of the results via an email within (24) hours of the Bid Opening event.

ACCESS TO BID PACKAGE DOCUMENTS:

ALL BIDDERS shall be required to provide a completed formal Bid Document Request application in order to acquire bidding documents for any/all of the above listed Project Numbers. No bidding documents will be issued prior to the Authority’s Construction Manager having a copy of a fully completed Request Application. Bid Document Request Applications can be obtained by sending a Request to the following email address:

TMPBids@flypittsburgh.com

On the Subject Line, include the following: “Bid Documents Request – Landscape Package”.

Once a bidder’s request has been received, provided it is complete, the CM will provide access for the bidder to access and download the bid documents through Building Connected, a web-based bid management platform.

A PREBID CONFERENCE –September 28, 2022 – 1:00 PM

The meeting will be a Microsoft Teams Meeting. To join the meeting the following number can be called (877) 286-5733 - United States (Toll-Free) – Conference ID 688 368 481#. Please email TMPBids@flypittsburgh.com to receive the link to join by computer.

A site visit will be conducted. Details regarding the site visit will be provided at the Pre-Bid meet ing. Note that no questions can be asked during this Prebid Meeting. Any/all questions must be issued to the CM as an “RFI”.

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFIs)

Any/all questions related to this project must be made in writing to the CM RFIs are to be sent to the CM via email to TMPBids@flypittsburgh.com

BID SUBMISSION

Proposals must be made on the Authority’s forms and in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and the “Instructions to Bidders”’.

Due to Covid precautions, ACAA will not be accepting any hard copy bids for this Project. Accordingly, Electronic Bids are the only form that the ACAA will accept. While the Instructions to Bidders will provide more details, for an Electronic Bid to be accepted in must be sent through Building Connected and it must be received by no later than the established Bid Date and time deadline.

OTHER ISSUES

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as determined by the General Wage Determinations issued under the Davis-Bacon and related Acts must be paid on these projects.

This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PAUCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PAUCP web site: https://paucp.dbesystem.com/

The Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of one hundred twenty [120] days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.

To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents visit www.flypittsburgh.com under “Business Opportunities”.

AUTHORITY

his million Instagram followers as the origi nal Mompha.

According to reports, the father made his millions from a bureau de change business in Lagos before moving into investments.

Mompha Sr.’s photos of his homes in Lagos and the UAE, his stays at seven-star hotels, and his luxury cars garner thousands of likes on social media.

He reportedly bought his now-10-year-old son’s first mansion for his sixth birthday in 2019.

“Congrats My Son on your New Home. Ur birthday Gift from Daddy,” Mompha Sr. said at the time.

The father also claimed that his son’s ac complishments should be celebrated sepa rately from his own.

“The youngest landlord who wears Gucci and still owns a house,” Mompha Sr. said on Instagram. “He deserves some accolades cos he has paid his dues in full.”

Start saving early

WEALTH

household income has wit nessed steady gains since a decline caused by the Great Recession of 2007-2009. As of 2019, adjusting for in flation, the median house hold income in Detroit was $33,970, which is nearly a $4,000 increase from 2010.

“Systemic barriers to wealth creation can be seen,” the DFC report found. “For example, in how home values appreciate at lower rates for African American homeowners than for white homeowners, challenges in getting a mortgage to pur chase a home and access to capital to start or expand a business.”

D’Mello’s addressed the economic inequities present in Detroit when it comes to building wealth over time.

The journey begins in in vesting in education.

“Education for young folks is the most fundamental change agent when it comes to moving your family for ward,” said D’Mello.

“One thing to look at is creating a business and investing in real estate in Detroit as it’s growing rap idly, is popular right now. Small businesses are a way to earn a living and have steady income to depend on. In real estate, there are a lot of cases where people are buying old, dilapidated houses and investing on re turns whether they fix and sell or rent out.”

Building generational wealth would not be readily possible without removing systemic barriers for the Black community.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

DFC’s report concludes six key markers toward a more economically equitable city:

• Improve educational outcomes at all levels.

• Improve access to afford able, quality health care.

• Increase the number and share of middle-wage jobs.

• Grow and strengthen middle-class neighbor hoods.

• Increase capital access and supports for minori ty-owned small businesses.

• Increase access to quali ty affordable housing.

“Younger generations have a head start when it comes to sustaining a better future and even those strug gling can begin at a small advantage,” said D’Mello. “Wealth creates wealth.”

NOTICE

RUNWAY SAFETY AREA 10-28

AT ALLEGHENY

Action: Notice of Availability for Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Runway 10-28 Runway Safety Area (RSA) improvements at the Allegheny County Airport (AGC) in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.

Agency: Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA), Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal, 4th Floor, Mezz, PO Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370

Summary: The ACAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) and Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) arising from implementation of runway safety area improvements for Runway 10-28 at Allegheny County Airport. The Final EA is consistent with FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, and with existing national environmental policies and objectives set forth in Section 101 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq. (NEPA), Council on Environmental Quality regulations, 40 C.F.R. Parts 1500-1508, the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and all other applicable special purpose laws. The Proposed Action will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment or otherwise include any condition requiring consultation pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of NEPA.

Supplemental Information: The Final EA responds to agency and public comments received by the ACAA and it updates the Draft EA, which was made available for public review and comment on February 27, 2022. The FONSI documents the FAA’s decision to implement the Proposed Action alternative as detailed in and supported by the Final EA. The Final EA and FONSI/ROD are available for review for 30 days at the following locations:

1) Online at https://flypittsburgh.com/allegheny-county-airport/runway-safety-areaimprovements-at-allegheny-county-airport-agc/

2) AGC’s Airport Office at 12 Allegheny County Airport, West Mifflin, PA 15122. Please call (412) 466-3026 to schedule a date/time to review the Draft EA.

3) ACAA will provide a hardcopy or flash drive of the Final EA and FONSI upon request. Please call (412) 476-2000 or email AGC.RSA.EA@gaiconsultants.com to request a copy of the materials.

For Further Information, Contact: [NSchubel@flypittsburgh.com] or to ATTN Nick Schubel, Allegheny County Airport Authority, Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal, 4th Floor, Mezz, PO Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370. Additional information about this project is available at the following website: https://flypittsburgh.com/allegheny -county-airport/runway-safety-area-improvements-at-allegheny-county-airport-agc/

Celebrity

TriceEdneyWire.com—Celebrity worship has been a part of the human condition for as long as we have been a part of the landscape.  I think we sometimes discount the depth of our involvement in the social elevation of those we think of as being heroes, talented, or special.  Celebrity worship —of both real and fictional characters —is the substance of which legends are made.  History is replete with its list of legends and there is no shortage of legends in the relatively short story of the United States.

Guest Editorial Pennsylvania voters: Register to vote for key midterm election

The Pennsylvania midterm election is Tues day, Nov. 8.

Pennsylvania voters will cast ballots for gov ernor and U.S. senator, among other elected offices.

Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat first elected in 2014, is unable to run for re-election due to term limit restrictions.

If Republican State Sen. Doug Mastriano wins, Republicans could control both the gov ernor’s office and the state legislature.

A U.S. Senate seat is open because Republi can Sen. Pat Toomey is retiring.

The winner will help determine control of the U.S. Senate. The race is expected to be among the most closely watched across the nation.

The high-stakes races for governor and U.S. Senate will be critical for Pennsylvania and the nation.

Polls show the races for governor and sena tor are tightening.

In the Senate race, Republican candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz appears to be gaining on Demo cratic candidate John Fetterman. After being down double-digits in polls from earlier in the summer, Oz has moved to within just a few percentage points of Fetterman. A new CBS poll showed Fetterman leading Oz, 52 percent to 47 percent, while a poll from the Trafal gar Group had Fetterman up, 48 percent to 46 percent.

In the Pennsylvania governor’s race, the lat est Trafalgar Group poll showed Mastriano is only two points behind Democrat Josh Shap iro. Shapiro is leading Mastriano 47.4percent to 45.4 percent, according to the poll.

Polls show that the races for U.S. Senate and governor could be close.

This means your vote could be critical to the outcome. But first you must be registered to vote.

To vote in the Nov. 8 election, you must reg ister to vote by Oct. 24.

According to the Philadelphia City Com missioners’ Office, you can register to vote through the Pennsylvania Department of State’s online application process.

Voter registration applications are also avail able at:

U.S. post offices.

Public libraries.

State liquor stores.

Other state government offices.

If you have any questions, please call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded 1910

Rod Doss

& Publisher

A. Broadus

to the Publisher

Like elsewhere, US celebrities range from adventurers and explorers, military and war heroes, statesmen/ women, scientists, inventors, and gi ants of industry.  We honor those who distinguish themselves in some special way.  Unquestionably, Americans hold a special place of regard for our athletes.  Because of excellence in their specific field of endeavor, we apply a generalized assessment of excellence as a measure of their character.  Unfor tunately, this is not always true.

How we treat celebrities after a so-called “fall from grace” has al ways been of interest to me.  In most cases, critics will attempt to weigh the immorality of celebrity infractions and measure the general interest in forgiveness.  Of course, the greatness of the celebrity determines the depth of critical interest and the willingness to forgive.  And then we have “the elephant in the room” of the dynamic of racial disparity in willingness to understand and extend forgiveness.

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. Commentary

Michael Vick was accused, convicted, and jailed of dog fighting.  The egre giousness of dog fighting cannot be denied but contrast his actions with Ben Roethlisberger who was credibly accused of rape.  One can debate the wickedness of either act—both are unconscionable, but I am of the opinion that crimes against human beings (women) are, at least, as atrocious of those against animals.  Vick effectively lost his career while Roethlisberger’s continued uninterrupted.

Most recently, the prurient interest of the media eye has directed our at tention to the improprieties of Boston Celtic head coach, Ime Udoka.  His relationship with famed actress Nia Long has only enflamed interest in his story of sexual infidelity and the violation of team policy.  Details of his improprieties are found in both print and electronic media and the imme diate response of his team has been a one-year suspension.

Contrast this with the recently disclosed news of former Green Bay Packer quarterback, Brett Favre, who has been verified as having received millions of dollars of funds earmarked for the benefit of low-income Mississip pi families.  It is understandable that

Brett Favre, a favored son of Missis sippi, famed collegiate and profession al athlete, and businessman would be well-connected politically, in the business community, and in academic circles.  For the streetwise, it is also un derstood that under-the-table deals are quite common in those circles.

The State of Mississippi is currently suing Favre alleging he misspent mil lions of dollars that had been allocated for welfare.  2017 text messages link Favre with former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryan in a scheme to funnel money intended to help low-income families to him through a nonprof it.  Favre used this money to help build a volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi where his daugh ter was a member of the team.

While the indiscretion of Udoka has been recently disclosed, they fill the media.  Mississippi filed suit against Favre in May yet related disclo sures seem limited and sketchy at best.  Udoka’s “sins” may have affected his team and personal relationships, but Favre’s “sins” impacted thousands of Mississippians who are helpless in their defense.

So what is the point of this obser vation on celebrity?  Celebrity and forgiveness are part and parcel of the larger fabric of racism that is pervasive in this nation. They are lenses through which some must analyze the jaundice of their perceptions.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams, President of the Dick Gregory Society, United Nations Peace Ambas sador.  (drefayewilliams.com; theickgregoryso ciety.org)

The 1982 march against dope, legacy and lessons

This past September 11, 2022 marks forty years, two generations since the Saturday, September 11, 1982 “March Against Dope” through Pittsburgh’s predominately Black Homewood neighborhood.

The 1982 March is part and parcel of the long historical struggles of African American people against illegal drugs that began long before the March and continue on today.

What is the legacy of these struggles?

After all, illegal drugs continue to plague the Black community. Pitts burgh’s Homewood is a prime example. Have these struggles all been in vain, hopeless?

No! They have not! Absolutely not! The legacy of these struggles is the invaluable lessons they hold for the Black Community today and tomor row.

Over the last 50 plus years, the Black struggle against dope may well be the most frequent persistent struggle in the national Black commu nity. The Pittsburgh Black community has led the struggle against illegal drugs in the city. It has initiated countless peace marches, prayer vigils, community meetings large and small, protest marches large and small, and other forms of struggles against illegal drugs. Check the pages of the New Pittsburgh Courier.

The March Against Dope was orga nized by the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Black independent Political Party (NBIPP) and the ad hoc Sep tember 11 Mobilization Committee.

Some 1,500 people were expected. The expected attendance from Homewood churches fell short and some 700 peo

Fred Logan Commentary

ple marched.

At the March, Homewood resident and community activist Willie “Bill” Norman called for a “No Dope Sunday.”

And later in April 1985, over 20 Pitts burgh area African American churches with, according to the Reverend Albert Pugh of Macedonia Baptist Church, a combined membership of well over 20,000 people participated in “No Nope Sunday”. Four years later in April 1989, some 500 church members par ticipated in a “No Dope Sunday” event at Homewood and Frankstown Ave nues. The Reverend W.C. Wentworth, the Reverend Canon Junius Carter, and Imam Mustafa Hassain played key roles in all of these events.

Pittsburgh NBIPP co-chair Malik Bankstown designed a “No Dope in Homewood” window poster that was sold to residents and Black merchants in the community. The 13th Ward Democratic chairman Euzell “Bubby” Hairston paid for a huge March street banner that was hung across Frank stown Avenue at Homewood Ave nue.  The Black community paid for all of the expenses for the 1982 March Against Dope: Black self-reliance in action!

The March organizers made a seri ous mistake and did not hold the first

follow up meeting until several weeks after September 11 and much of the community’s earlier enthusiasm had waned.

The Homewood/East Hills No Dope Coalition formed after the March never received or sought funding from public or private foundations. It wres tled with the perennial questions that confront Black coalition-building. Two of these are coalescing independent community-based organizations with community organizations that are branches of larger city-wide or coun ty-wide institutions, and coalescing organizations that are social service providers with community advocacy organizations.

The No Dope Coalition failed to pro vide on-going analysis, critiques and critiques of its activities or the evolu tion of illegal drugs across the USA.  The extreme lesson from this cannot be over emphasized.

Look back over the past 50 or so years and ask this important question: What has been the impact of the city’s official policies to the Black communi ty’s anti-drug struggles. Three exam ples are the Weed and Seed program, the COPS (Community Oriented Police) program, and the Boston Plan. And what does the long Black struggles against illegal drugs tell the Black community about the narco-gun violence that now plagues the Black community?

The brief commentary here does not even begin to do justice to the his torical importance of the legacy and lessons of the African American strug gles against illegal drugs and related narco-violence.

NBA’s response to Sarver investigation

by Marc H. Morial (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Sarver didn’t have his come-to-Jesus mo ment voluntarily. He was dragged there kicking and screaming. And he expected to find clemency there, at the spot where he exchanged his elite position for a dose of humility. But by pleading for a second chance, he was really fighting to keep his position of power. Sarver could very well mean it when he says he’s sorry, and he may make good on his pledge to emerge as a better man. Still, the forgiveness that he believes is his right does not come with the privilege of owning an NBA team.” – Candace Buckner

This week’s announcement that Robert Sarver has put the Phoenix Suns and Mercury up for sale is welcome news. The NBA and WNBA are well rid of his racism, misogyny, harassment, and abuse.

efforts to examine allegations of institutional racial and gender dis crimination and harassment at the Suns were hampered by poor human resources record-keeping, they made it clear that they “did not undertake to re-review individual employment claims or to conduct a comprehensive review of race or gender equity at the Suns.”  Such a review should be conducted—not only at the Suns but at every team.

Furthermore, Sarver’s decision to sell the teams presents an opportu nity for the league to diversify team ownership. While nearly three-quar ters of the NBA’s players are Black, Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan, is the only Black principal owner out of 30.

from a misogynistic or race stand point that would surprise me.”

The NBA’s investigation into Sarv er’s conduct, which concluded earlier this month, found that Sarver:

• repeatedly used the N-word, even after both Black and White employ ees told him he should not.

• used language and engaged in conduct demeaning of female employ ees.

• made crude jokes and inappropri ate comments about sex and anato my.

• engaged in workplace-inappro priate physical conduct toward male employees.

• bullied employees with demean ing and harsh treatment, including yelling and cursing at them.

Johnson Sales Director

But as the third NBA owner in eight years to sell a team after racist comments were brought to light— Donald Sterling of the LA Clippers in 2014 and Bruce Levenson of the Atlanta Hawks in 2015—the Sarver case signals a systemic problem.

Only a lifetime ban, as was imposed on Sterling, will demonstrate that the NBA truly strives to represent the values of equality, respect, and inclusion, as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver declared in a statement.

While investigators reported that

Sarver’s voluntary decision to sell the teams spares the league’s other owners from exercising their option to force a sale, just as they were spared from having to vote on Ster ling and Levinson. But they will have to vote to approve the sale, and they can demonstrate their commitment to diversity by insisting on minori ty representation among the new owners.

It’s been more than 10 months since ESPN published its scathing expose of the “toxic and sometimes hostile” workplace Sarver created over his 17 years as owner.  As one former Suns executive said, “There’s literally nothing you could tell me about him

Absurdly, the investigation found that Sarver—who is quoted in the report saying,  “I hate diversity” and “Why do all the women around here cry so much?”—was not motivated in this behavior by racial or gen der-based animus.

This finding reveals a disturbing lack of understanding about the very nature or racial and gender animus and the pervasive influence of both implicit and explicit bias at every lev el of society. To rely on an imperfect analogy, the absence of a “Keep out!” sign is not the same as a welcome mat.  And that’s a problem bigger than Robert Sarver.

The Justice System finally flexes its power

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—As a Republican pres idential contender in 2016, Donald Trump knew something most of us may have totally missed. Most people took it as a joke when Trump ad dressed an audience during a rally in Sioux Cen ter, Iowa and said, “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, okay, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, okay?” He totally understood the depth of devotion and loyalty supporters had for him. Little did we know at the time, there was some truth in his bold state ment. One of the strategies which propelled Trump’s popularity was to passionately defend “birtherism”, the long-held conspiracy theory that former President Barack Obama was born outside of the United States and hence should never have been elected. In doing so, it perpet uated a lie which had racial overtones while tapping into the hated-filled emotions of certain segments of the population.

From the passion fueling his support, an em bolden Trump actually believed he could literal ly break any rules and not suffer any major con sequences from voters or those in authority, He came to power by way of a lie, and he governed by way of lies. Now, we are starting to see the lies and fraud catch up with the prideful former president. In multiple ways, the judicial system is starting to flex its muscle by showing while Trump is a former president, he is still a citizen who must be held accountable like all other cit izens.

Dr. Oz’s gun-toting Fetterman ad will backfire

Political strategists understand that “people don’t vote for, they vote against”. The reverse psychology of campaigning is to get 51 percent of the electorate to vote against the oppo sition. Obviously, attack ads target specific groups to turn them against rivals, and the “race card” is one meth od of attack.

Pennsylvania’s Senate race is between Dr. Mehmet Oz, a TV person ality turned Republican office seeker, and the current lieutenant governor, Democrat John Fetterman.

A poll from Franklin & Marshall College showed Fetterman leading Oz by 13 percent. Other polls also have Fetterman up by double digits. About 11 percent of Pennsylvania’s voters are Black. It was speculated a high Black voter turnout would guarantee Fetter man edges Oz in a close contest.

But the Franklin & Marshall poll pointed out the percentage of nonWhite voters who had no preference between Fetterman and Oz was double that of White voters. The pollsters believe this large amount of indiffer ence from a minority group that votes 90-percent Democratic will hurt Fetter man and help Oz.

Instead of letting the indifference take its natural course, the Oz cam paign tried to encourage more of it.

Oz’s campaign spent half a million on a 30-second TV ad and a 15-second dig

J. Pharoah Doss Check It Out

ital ad to inform voters about a nineyear-old racial incident involving Fet terman. The TV ad stated that when Fetterman was the mayor of Braddock, PA, he chased down an innocent Black man (who was jogging) with a shotgun and falsely accused him of triggering a confrontation with the police.

The attack ad ended by telling the viewers Fetterman was reckless, risky, and wrong for Pennsylvania.

But the majority of Blacks don’t vote for the Democrats, they vote against the Republicans. So, when a Republi can plays the “race card”, Blacks know it’s not an attempt to be the lesser of two evils to gain their vote. Blacks automatically suspect that the Repub lican candidate is trying to discourage Blacks from voting at all, and the Re publican playing the “race card” will be accused of voter suppression, which is always worse than the racial misdeed of the Democrat.

Once Oz’s attack ad aired, Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, a Democratic organizer

in Philadelphia, told the media that following the primaries he predicted that the Republicans would weaponize the Fetterman incident to keep Black voters at home.

David A. Love wrote an opinion piece called: I’m a Black Philadelphia Voter. Oz is hoping that people like me stay home in November.

Love wrote, “This latest GOP strate gy and the underlying incident high lights two things. The first is the depth Republicans will go to suppress the Black voters they are not interested in winning over. Secondly, the campaign punctuates the fact that White people, Democratic politicians and purported allies of the Black community must own up to their mistakes and do bet ter.”

Love’s second point is mute because the Black jogger Fetterman falsely im prisoned with a shotgun supports Fet terman’s campaign and said, “It’s in humane to believe one mistake should define a man’s life. I hope [Fetterman] gets to be senator.” Therefore, all that remains is Love’s first point that the Republicans are up to their old racist tricks and are trying to disenfranchise Black voters.

Instead of Oz’s attack ad encouraging indifference, it will inspire more Blacks to vote, not for Fetterman, but against the Republican effort to “suppress” the Black vote.

The passing of the British Empire

David W. Marshall

Commentary

Last week, New York Attorney General Leti tia James announced a major lawsuit against Trump, the Trump Organization and his three adult children for a scheme to defraud banks and insurance companies. The state seeks to recover $250 million and severely restrict the defendants from conducting business in New York. The bully has met his match in the New York Attorney General who has proven to be no pushover. James also said at a news conference that she was referring the matter to the Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department’s Southern District of New York for potential criminal prosecution. While James declined to say whether she expects Trump to be criminally charged, most likely if he were an average citi zen he would already be behind bars.

When a president inappropriately uses intim idation, it can make a difference in overriding the government’s system of checks and balanc es. What Trump sees as criticism and political attacks, it is often attempts at holding him ac countable. Ted Cruz said Republicans don’t crit icize Donald Trump because he “punches them in the face” for it. The twice impeached presi dent has always been shielded from punishment for wrongdoing due to a lack of courage from members of his own party. Unfortunately, those with power and wealth can use their financial resources and political influence to escape or delay accountability. Trump’s “foot soldiers” are getting punished for their participation in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, but so far Trump and others with power have been free from any consequences. With judicial battles on multiple fronts, how long can Trump delay accountabil ity? The former president faces potential crim inal scrutiny from the federal government, the Manhattan district attorney and prosecutors in Fulton County, Ga, for a variety of issues –in cluding his finances, the Jan. 6 insurrection and his retention of sensitive government documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

It is obvious from the beginning Trump be lieved he was above the law. He still believes his devoted followers will ignore any lawlessness on his behalf and continue to promote his lies and bullying. He believes GOP lawmakers will continue to succumb to his intimidation while giving him political cover. He has confidence that judges who he has appointed to the feder al courts will be blind to the law, and will also do his bidding. Trump’s governing blueprint of dishonesty and deceit should not be stamped with approval by an intimidated Justice Depart ment who like many GOP lawmakers will hold back accountability due to politics. The lack of accountability to Trump will be the green light for future Trump clones such as the current gov ernor of Florida who would be more than willing to accept and carry out the blueprint. Fortunate ly, we are seeing signs of hope and confidence in our judicial system. Where the Trump-nominat ed U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon seemed intent on giving the Trump lawyers what they want in the form of a special master, the delay tactic appears to have backfired due to true jus tice being ultimately being enacted. The Trump team was mistaken in believing that former fed eral judge Raymond Dearie, as special master, would be an ally on their side.

Dearie did what any respectable judge would do, he quickly put an end to Trump’s stalling and nonsense. Meanwhile, a three-judge pan el from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, consisting of two judges appointed by Trump and one by Barack Obama unanimously granted the Justice Department a reprieve from Cannon’s order barring them from reviewing the documents with classified markings seized from Mar-a-Lago. The judges not only rejected Trump’s lawyer’s lack of arguments, but also Cannon’s acceptance of them. Trump along with members of his legal team, his supporters, GOP lawmakers and the nation as a whole need to see to real justice at work. Let’s hope it continues.

(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based or ganization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America. He can be reached at www.davidwmarshallauthor.com.)

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Queen Eliza beth II’s death at 96 has occasioned an outpouring of tributes and grieving across the world. Heads of state, including Joe Biden, mourn her passing. Common citizens have built mountains of flowers at her gate. The British football league even postponed its games for a weekend in her honor.

Crowned queen in 1953 at age 25 in the wake of World War II, Queen Elizabeth II served as the face of the British Empire, the head of not just a nation but a global empire which devolved into a global com monwealth. From her corgi dogs to her wardrobe choices to the family squabbles and scandals, Queen Elizabeth was a fixture – a symbol of stability in times of trouble.

Her commitment to her duties – howev er ceremonial – was praiseworthy. While as Queen in Britain her political opinions and preferences are by tradition masked, peoples across the world saw her as a source of solace and of concern. Even the reports of the racial tensions within the royal family did not disrupt that image.

Yet while we mourn the passing of the Queen, we should not mourn, as Harvard historian Maya Jasanoff has written, the passing of the British Empire.

“The sun never sets on the British Em pire” was once literally true. At its height in the early 1900s, the tiny British island ruled over 412 million people, nearly one-fourth of the world’s population at the time, and over 13.7 million square miles of territory, nearly one-fourth of the world’s territory.

Imperial nostalgia paints this as a picture of “White man’s burden,” the civi lizing force of Britain benignly ruling over

Jesse Jackson Sr. Commentary

its subjects. In fact, 65 countries have to date claimed independence from Britain – and many of these only after brutal resistance from the British. The first of the many revolutions against the empire was that of the American colonies. Our Declaration of Independence declared independence from the British crown, after detailing “a history of repeated inju ries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.” Our indepen dence was achieved only by force of arms.

Britain’s empire included many settler nations – like South Africa and Australia – that savaged indigenous populations to take their lands, their minerals and jewels, and too often their people.

In Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, Yemen, Ni geria, Ireland and more, popular indepen dence movements were met with violent suppression, mass arrests and often torture. In many cases, Britain invented the tactics that Americans grew to know – from counter-insurgency campaigns to detention camps, to systematic torture.

Even with the Queen presiding over the Commonwealth of Nations, 56 states largely former territories of the British Empire, a slow reckoning of this past has begun. In 2013, Kenyan victims of torture won a lawsuit providing them with damages. In 2019, survivors from Cyprus

achieved the same. Calls for reparations or for at least official investigation and apology for the horrors abound.

Just as U.S. school boards and legisla tures struggle with how to deal with its legacy of slavery – in textbooks, in official statutes, in public monuments – so too Britain now wrestles with how to think about and teach its history. Just as there has been a fierce reaction here, so too in Britain, xenophobes demand a continued whitewashing of the history of violence, oppression and economic exploitation.

In fact, coming to grips with the reality of the past is part and partial of changing to meet the challenges of the modern day. The Britain that once ruled much of the world now struggles to rule itself. With Brexit, it has left the European Union. With the growing movement toward Scottish independence, it faces dissolution within. It is heading into the worst economic crisis in decades – even as inequality reaches ever more obscene extremes, yet its financial center – the City of London – looks abroad not at home for its investments. Demagogues call upon the mythic past while failing to deal with the current grim realities. What is needed is a politics that brings people together in a national project of renewal. Imperial nostalgia, global adventure, the dominance of the financial elite stand in the way.

Queen Elizabeth II garners praise for her grace, her discipline, her commit ment. Her passing should mark not only the end of an age, but the end of a delusion. Britain will not be made great again by looking backward, but only by understanding the reality of its past, and creating a new future.

Living in the Sixth Region of Africa

(TriceEdneyWire.com) I had the privilege of attending and addressing the All African Diaspora Summit at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. Convened by Dr. Edward Bush, Pres ident of Cosumnes River College, a community college near Sacramento, California, the conference drew more than 400 attendees, many from the California Community College system but others from other colleges and universities in the United States and on the African continent. The key note speakers included Dr. Anthony Browder, Dr. Chike Akua, and me. We all pushed the envelope in defining education and how it must be redefined to respond to the needs of a global Afri can people. As Audre Lorde said, “The master’s tools will not dismantle the master’s house.” In other words, tradi tional, rote, European education will not empower Black people to embrace our destiny. Conventional wisdom certainly has its place, but another way of considering contemporary education is to reflect on Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s declaration that it took him 30 years to get Harvard out of him.

Visiting the African continent is a first step toward considering how conventional education has a brain washing effect. Connecting ourselves to the African continent is equally essential. That’s why I was honored to spend a bit of time with Dr. Ereika Bennett, the founder and CEO of the Diaspora Africa Forum (DAF). The Africa Union recognizes this organiza tion as the sixth region of Africa. The five established regions of Africa are North, South, East, West, and Central Africa. The sixth region is the Diaspo

Julianne Malveaux News Analysis

ra, the collection of 250 million African descendent people who live all over the globe. Thanks to ambassador Bennett (officially recognized as Diasporan Ambassador to the Africa Union), the DAF now has a flag and will soon have a national anthem. Bennett has been a tireless advocate for the viability of the African continent and also an advocate for diasporan interests on the conti nent, including the possibility of dual citizenship (which exists in Ghana), the right of abode, and the ability to do business and to invest.

Many African Americans recognize our ancestral roots, but we must do more than that. Dr. Toni Luck, an ac tivist and entrepreneur serving on the DAF board, says that we can support DAF, its efforts to build bridges be tween the US and the African conti nent, and educational efforts to support African youth. She suggests that we all need to expand our knowledge of the African continent, both in the past and today, and become advocates for Africa in the United States.

I agree with her. Even the least con scious person possibly owns a piece of kente cloth, a few cowrie shells, or Af rican-inspired clothing. However, when we get past that symbolic sentimen

tality, we might all ask ourselves what we have done for Africa lately. Wearing African garb on our bodies does not necessarily demonstrate that we are Pan African people in our minds.

I had the privilege of visiting the WEB DuBois Center in Accra, where Dr. DuBois is buried, and the DAF house is located. My visit to the DuBois Center, which I visit whenever I am in Ghana, is an opportunity for me to reflect on our roots and our need for reeducation. For example, I referred to the buildings at Elmina as “castles,” Dr. Browder reminded me that these should be described more as “dun geons” than castles. Indeed, when I considered the square footage of these odious edifices, most of the space was used to shackle, torture, murder, and export our people to the service of glob al predatory capitalism. Not castles, but dungeons and hell holes. As aware as I think I am, I needed my broth er’s perspective to remind me that we must always examine the lens through which we view the world and question whose lens we have adopted.

Hundreds of US educators had the opportunity through the Africa Dias pora Education Summitt to unpack western education and to consider its dismantling. Carter G. Woodson said it took him 30 years to get Harvard out of him. How long will it take for you to get colonialism out of you? Connecting with the Diaspora Africa Forum (DAF) might help. www.diasporaafrianforum. org. (Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, au thor and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA.)

VP OF ADMINISTRATION

Catalyst Connection, located in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood, is seeking a VP of Administration to lead our finance, accounting, contracts, IT, HR and facility functions. Interested candidates email resume to careers@catalystconnection.org

PRODUCT MANAGER

UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside seeks a Product Manager to work in Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County). Collaborate with the design and product teams to guide health care technology products through the complete product roadmap from concept to launch. Must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Product Management, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field, plus five (5) years of progressive product management, engineering or related experience working with Agile/Lean methods; curating product roadmaps with intelligible milestones; designing, implementing, and integrating complex modules; analyzing and documenting user needs and industry trends; identifying process efficiencies; developing web products and technologies; and programming basic functions. Telecommuting permissible. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 220003A5 in the “Search Keyword/ Job ID” field and click Go.

EOE/Disability/Veteran.

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Proofpoint, Inc. has a job opening in Pittsburgh, PA: Sr. Software Engineer [Req #P0307]: Work with others on the system design and delivery of scalable, secure and supportable enterprise software solutions for our customer facing platforms. Send resume to USimmigration@proofpoint.com.

Must include job title and req #P0307 to be considered

DATA ENGINEER L4 sought by Astrata, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA; telecommuting permissible. Bachelor’s or equiv., plus 5 years exp. Send resume to: Jamie Teasdale, Astrata, Inc., 6425 Penn Avenue, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, or email: teasdalej@astrata.co

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF FIREFIGHTER FOR THE ALTOONA FIRE DEPARTMENT Applications for Firefighter for the City of Altoona can be obtained from the Human Resources Office in City Hall at 1301 12th Street, Suite 400, Altoona, PA 16601; between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. For additional information and requirements, please visit www.altoonapa.gov/employment

Completed applications must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than NOON ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2022.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP.

SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a HIGH SCHOOL MATH SUBSTITUTE TEACHER Deadline 4:00 PM, October 14, 2022

Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org

COMPENSATION ANALYST

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Compensation Analyst to participate in the planning, implementation, and administration of Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s (PRT) wage and salary programs. Conducts analysis and interpretation related to the organization’s compensation programs. Participates in and interprets compensation surveys. Recommends changes to ensure the maintenance of company compensation objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Participates in administering the performance evaluation and merit program; assists in the development of new performance evaluation program and the implementation of supporting system.

• Uses HRIS system to manage several wage and salary processes, including but not limited to:

o Employee compensation, transfer, job title, and other types of changes

o Salary plans and structures within Peoplesoft foundational set-up tables for collective bargaining agreements

o Job code and position management information

o Researching and resolving compensation related issues

• Participate in transit industry and general industry compensation surveys.

Conducts market reviews of company jobs to determine market competitiveness.

Job requirements include:

• High School Diploma/GED.

• A BA/BS degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, or directly related field; five (5) years of human resources field including a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the planning and administration of compensation programs; or any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Ability to conduct quantitative analyses and interpret data including wage data, wage trends, and prepare spreadsheets to ensure adherence to compensation strategies.

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees and senior executives. Must be comfortable presenting programs to groups and members of senior management using complicated numerical analysis and present in an easy to understand way for individuals who may not be mathematically incline.

• Detail oriented and comfortable working in a fast-paced office environment; outstanding planning and time-management capabilities; and superior organization skills and dedication to completing projects in a timely manner.

• Ability to work in a diverse environment; experience working collaboratively with others; capability of adjusting priorities and deviating from routines.

• Knowledge and understanding of state and federal wage and hour laws.

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

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred attributes:

• Progress towards Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) Designation from the World at Work professional organization.

• Training and experience in Peoplesoft Human Resources Management System (HRMS)

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

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

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. 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 day to 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 Port Authority’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 Authority’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.

• BA/BS Degree in BusinessAdministration, Transportation, Planning or directly related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in scheduling, transit planning, asset management, customer service or related field.

• 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 Pittsburgh Regional Transit system and Allegheny County.

• Project Management experience.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Department Overview: The Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MWDBE) Program provides maximum opportunities for Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged business enterprises (MBEs, WBEs and DBEs) to participate in county contracts. The department certifies business enterpris es as disadvantaged (per Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 49: Parts 23 & 26) and provide services and resources to help them grow their business.

Office Clerk

Greeting clients; Answers the telephone, responds to inquiries, or routes phone calls and takes messages for office staff; Operates office machines such as photocopies and scanners; Performs data entry; Scans documents into document control system; Completes other administrative tasks as necessary. Must be proficient in Microsoft Windows and Office Suite.

Contract Compliance Specialist

The Contract Compliance Specialist will monitor contracts to ensure that MWDBEs are provided the maximum opportunity to obtain and perform on county contracts while in compliance with Allegheny County’s goals. The specialist will also provide outreach and technical assistance to the business community. In addition, the Contract Compliance Specialist will review and vet prime contractors’ MWDBE inclusion plans for various types of contracts (i.e., construction, services, supplies, etc.) . The specialist will monitor MWDBE commitments and utilization through contract completion, address, and monitor MWDBE concerns and assist in conflict resolution if necessary.

Residency: Must become a resident of Allegheny County within one (1) year of appointment.

Veterans’ Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.

Applicants must possess and maintain a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License throughout employment.

Please see career page for further information and eligibility requirements at: www.alleghenycounty.us/careers

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

The Community College of Allegheny County Board of Trustees will hold a meeting on October 6, 2022. The meeting will be held virtually beginning at 4:30 p.m. and streamed on CCAC’s YouTube page. A copy of the Board meeting agenda will be made available for review on the College’s website (www.ccac.edu)

Comments regarding items scheduled for action by the Board may be submitted via email to brichardson@ccac.edu by no later than 3:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting. Comments will be read into the record, up to a maximum of three minutes each.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Bid 1105 – Patio Replacement –Student Services Center –Allegheny Campus

A MANDATORY pre-bid meet ing and site-visitation will be held for the patio bid at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022. The assembly point will be the rear of the Student Services Center, 800 Block of Ridge Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Bid 1106 – Roof Replacement –Student Services Center –Allegheny Campus

A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting and site-visitation will be held for the roofing bid at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022. The assembly point will be the rear of the Student Services Center, 800 Block of Ridge Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

The Project Labor Agreement applies to both bids.

Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Thursday October 27, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

*SUPPORT STAFF OPPORTUNITIES*

GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT in Monroeville, PA is accepting applications for General Maintenance Worker, Staff Nurse (RN/LPN), Paraprofessionals, and School Police. For a complete job description, and how to apply, please visit our website at www.gatewayk12.org

• Human Resources/Personnel Tab

• Employment Opportunities.

Gateway School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To

We offer a comprehensive compen sation and benefits package. Inter ested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary require ments) and resume to:

Amy Giammanco

Employment Department

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

3399 of 2022. Gilbert Broxie, Admr. 10 Hearthstone Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or Robert C. Watson, Esq. 1239 W North Ave, PITTSBURGH, PA 15233

Estate of DEBORAH J. PROBST, Deceased, of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Estate No. 02-22-05737, Carol Steele, Administrator, 103 Longmount Drive, PIttsburgh, PA 15214 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE &

Estate

Estate

MR. RONALD

Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, Pa 15108

ADVERTISEMENT

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

BID PROPOSAL NO. 1104PRINTING OF CCAC COMMUNITY EDUCATION SCHEDULES

Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday October 4, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, contact Sherry Codispot at scodispot@ccac.edu.

LEGAL

LEGAL

The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, and sealed bids for the following prime contract bid with the Authority:

JOLLICK MANOR ASPHALT SHINGLE REROOFING PROJECT 100 SOUTH FRANKLIN STREET, CRUMRINE TOWER WASHINGTON, PA 15301

WCHA 2022-G1 CONTRACT A/E PROJECT 2262

A certified check or bank draft payable to the Washington County Housing Authority; a US Government Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids will be received no later than 11:00 AM EST, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022 at the Washington County Housing Authority, 100 Crumrine Tower, Franklin Street, Washington, PA 15301 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by the Housing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days prior to the contract award.

A Non-Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held starting at 11:00 AM EDT, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2022 onsite at Jollick Manor, 100 South Franklin Street, Crumrine Tower, Washington, Pa 15301.

Plans, specifications, and contract documents may be examined at these locations:

Bid Documents are being distributed, with twenty-four hour prior notice of pick-up, by F. L. Haus Company, 921 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, by phone (412) 231-7700 or fax (412) 231-7709 . All prime bidders are

REQUIRED to buy the full set of plans and specifications.Contact F. L. Haus Company for cost of plans and specifications. Free examination of said documents is available at the office of Canzian/Johnston & Associates LLC and Pennsylvania Builders Exchange.

Submit all required documents in a sealed envelope clearly marked:

WCHA JOLLICK MANOR ASPHALT SHINGLE REROOFING PROJECT

The work to be performed under this contract is a Section 3 Project under Provisions of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, and must, to the greatest extent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, Washington County residents. Particular attention is directed to requirements of Executive Order 11246,11625 and 12138, as well as Section 3 requirements, as set forth in the Specifications.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids for any reason(s) whatsoever and to waive informalities in the bidding process as the WCHA deems absolutely appropriate.

LISA STOKAN DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PORT

Electronic

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.rideprt.org).

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on October 12, 2022 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527) as well as through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following:

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

Name

Bid Number

1 B22-08-64 Cisco Wi-Fi and Switching Equipment

2 B22-09-76 Diesel Engine Oil

3 B22-09-77 LRV Batteries

4 B22-09-78A

Maintenance, Inspection, Testing and Certification of Fire Protection Systems

5 B22-09-79A On-Call Plumbing Services

6 B22-09-80A Fire Alarm System Testing and Certification Service

7 B22-09-81 Graphic Film and Pre-masking Tape

8 B22-09-82A Oil Fuel & Antifreeze Analysis Services

9 B22-09-85 On-Call Tree Cutting Service

10 B22-04-34R2 Crossarm Insulator Assemblies

To join by Microsoft Team video conference: • bit.ly/3pZUuQu

To join by Microsoft Teams call-in number: 412-927-0245 United State, Pittsburgh (Toll) Conference ID: 717 565 074#

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

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 am September 22, 2022, as well as through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conference.

To join by Microsoft Team video conference: bit.ly/3B6xaa8

To join by Microsoft Teams call-in number: 412-927-0245 United State, Pittsburgh (Toll)

• Conference ID: 746 826 1514#

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

Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by Pittsburgh Regional Transit 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/ Pittsburgh Regional Transit (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.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (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 Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a/ Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

SONNY BOY

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ACHA-1686, HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is seeking proposals from qualified developers as Housing Development Partners in the McKees Rocks Choice Neighborhoods Program. The selected partner will develop mixed-income and affordable housing in McKees Rocks, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The Developer(s) to be selected must have experience with low-income housing tax credits, HUD’s Choice Neighborhood program, mixed-finance and mixed-income housing development. The Housing Development Partner will join the McKees Rocks Choice Neighborhoods planning effort and help guide the Transformation Plan describing the vision and plan for revitalization of the Hays Manor property in McKees Rocks. The selected developer will be encouraged to offer creative development and finance options to advance the goals established by the future Transformation Plan. It is the intention of the ACHA to pursue a Choice Neighborhood Implementation (CNI) grant upon completion of the Choice Transformation Plan at the end of 2023. The selected housing development partner will be a lead partner in the implementation grant application.

AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Ed Primm, Senior Project Manager -Real Estate Telephone: (412)402-2465, E-mail: eprimm@achsng.com.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE IFB DOCUMENTS ON THE EPROCUREMENT

MARKETPLACE: 1. Access ha.internationaleprocurement.com (no “www”).

2. Click on the “Login” button in the upper left side.

3. Follow the listed directions.

4. If you have any problems in accessing or registering on the eProcurement Marketplace, please call customer support at (866)526-9266.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: No Pre-Bid Conference: If you have any questions regarding this IFB or any of the documents, use the “Question and Answer area in the eProcurement Housing Marketplace Website.

QUESTION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE Friday, October 7, 2022, 3:00 PM ET

HOW TO FULLY RESPOND TO THIS IFB BY SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL:

1. As directed within Section 3.2.1 of the IFB document, submit proposed pricing, where provided for, within the eProcurement Marketplace.

2. As instructed within Section 3.0 of the IFB document, submit One (1) Original copy of your “hard copy” proposal to the Agency Administrative Office.

PROPOSAL SUBMITAL RETURN & DEADLINE

* Thursday, October 27, 2022, 3:00 PM ET 301 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 (The proposed costs must be entered within the aforementioned eProcurement Marketplace and the “hard copy” documentation must be received in-hand and time-stamped by the Agency by no later than 3:00 PM ET on this date).

The Authority encourages responses from §3 business concerns, small firms, minority firms and firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. The Allegheny County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any and all submissions.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Frank Aggazio, Executive Director

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Companies who wish to be considered for the following:

SPRING GARDEN GRIT MANAGEMENT PROJECT PROJECT S-480

ALCOSAN is seeking experienced firms to provide the Authority with Engineering Services to design a grit management facility(ies) for the Spring Garden stream inflow. This procurement is described in greater detail in the RFQ located at https://www.alcosan.org/workwith-us/planned-and-active-bids.

An informational meeting will be held October 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the ALCOSAN Operations and Maintenance Building, Auditorium at 3300 Preble Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233. The information meeting is not mandatory; however, attendance is strongly encouraged.

Eight (8) hard copies of sealed Submittals and one (1) electronic copy, on a flash drive are required to be submitted to the ALCOSAN Procurement Officer no later than 2:00 PM on October 28, 2022. Late submittals will not be considered.

ALCOSAN intends to award the services to one firm to perform these services.

Allegheny County Sanitary Authority 3300 Preble Ave. Pittsburgh PA 15233

Attention: Suzanne Thomas, Procurement Officer suzanne.thomas@alcosan.org

All questions shall be submitted, in writing, to Ms. Thomas.

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Consultant/Firm. The Party selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women Business Policy are listed on the ALCOSAN website at www.alcosan.org.

Michael Lichte, PE Director of Regional Conveyance

ADVERTISEMENT

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

RFP 3134 –HOUSEKEEPING SUPPLIES

Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Thursday October 20, 2022

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

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

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

The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses. For more information, contact Leah Taylor at ltaylor3@ccac.edu.

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive Request for Proposals (RFP) for Wastewater/ Chilled Water Plant Operator at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and North Shore Riverfront Park Water Steps Operator. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The RFP may be obtained by contacting the Project Executive, Doug Straley- E-mail: dstraley@pgh-sea.com, Telephone: 412-393-0207.

This Advertisement applies to the following RFP:

Project: David L. Lawrence Convention Center and North Shore Riverfront Park

RFP Name: Wastewater/ Chilled Water Plant and North Shore Water Steps Operator RFP Available: Friday, September 23, 2022

Time/Date/Location for Non-Mandatory 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 6, 2022

Pre-Proposal Meeting:

SEA Office 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Time/Date/Location for RFP: 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 20, 2022

SEA Office 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE

CONTRACT NO. 1775

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1775 – Furnish and Deliver Lime . Proposals will be received until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at the office of the Authority and then shall be publicly opened and read via Microsoft Teams Meeting. Contact Kathleen P. Uniatowski for Invitation to Bid Opening Teams Meeting at Kathleen.Uniatowski@alcosan.org

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Proposals or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the successful bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. Bid Security is required and shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of $1,000.00.

To Obtain Contract Documents send request to Kathleen P. Uniatowski via email at contract.clerks@alcosan.org . Any questions regarding the Technical Aspects of the Project should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor at Benjamin.Heilman@alcosan.org or 412-734-6204.

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

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

LEGAL NOTICE

CONTRACT NO. 1776

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1776 – Furnish and Deliver Caustic Soda – Diaphragm Grade. Proposals will be received until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Thursday, October 13, 2022 at the office of the Authority and then shall be publicly opened and read via Microsoft Teams Meeting. Contact Kathleen P. Uniatowski for Invitation to Bid Opening Teams Meeting at Kathleen.Uniatowski@alcosan.org. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Proposals or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the successful bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. Bid Security is required and shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of $1,000.00.

To Obtain Contract Documents send request to Kathleen P. Uniatowski via email at contract.clerks@alcosan.org . Any questions regarding the Technical Aspects of the Project should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor at Benjamin.Heilman@alcosan.org or 412-734-6204.

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

America’s Best Weekly

315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Classifieds

412-481-8302 Ext. 134

E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com

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

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor