New Pittsburgh Courier 1-1-20

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Pittsburgh Courier NEW

Vol. 111 No. 1

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JANUARY 1-7, 2020

Black women in the spotlight

$1.00

Family of Romir Talley, shot by Wilkinsburg police, wants answers

ROMIR TALLEY, shown in this photo with his mother, Latasha.

HONOREES JACQUELINE JONES-MITCHELL AND DR. RANDI CONGLETON were among the African American women recognized for their professional and personal contributions to the Pittsburgh region at the Courier’s “Women of Excellence” luncheon, Dec. 12.

(Photo by J.L. Martello)

Courier’s ‘Women of Excellence’ event a sellout affair

by Rob Taylor Jr.

recognized as the Legacy Honoree at the Dec. 12 Courier Staff Writer event at the Wyndham Bill Peduto was in Spain Grand Hotel, Downtown. additional Black one day, and in Pittsburgh Fifty women were honored as the next.

He wasn’t going to miss a “Women of Excellence,” woman he calls his mentor with their professional and being honored in front of personal contributions to nearly 600 people at the the region lauded.

Peduto, the mayor of New Pittsburgh Courier’s 2019 “Women of Excel- Pittsburgh, stood in front of the crowd and discussed lence” luncheon.

Valerie McDonald Rob- how he had found a mentor erts, who became the first in McDonald Roberts when African American wom- he was getting his feet wet an elected to Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh politics. McCity Council in its history, Donald Roberts, after servamong other “firsts,” was ing as a Pittsburgh Public

Schools board member, progressed to Pittsburgh City Council in the mid-‘90s.

“I found a mentor, and I found someone who showed me how to do it right,” Mayor Peduto said. “Someone who is able to have grace under pressure. Somebody who is able to find ways where the people are divided and polarized on both sides, to find common sense and help to bring people together. Somebody who was ferocious when it came to those that had been left behind, and those that never got a fair share.”

McDonald Roberts, however, as she took the podium, said she never wanted to be “ferocious.”

Up until the late 1980s, she was not a Pittsburgh household name. She was working in the private sector, as a chemist, microscopist, medical technologist and math and chemistry instructor.

Doesn’t exactly sound like public service.

But she found herSEE EXCELLENCE B10

Police say he was shot and killed only after firing a shot at police; family wants complete transparency

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

The family of Romir Talley wants answers.

While Allegheny County police said that Talley, a 24-year-old Black male, fired a shot towards a Wilkinsburg police officer during a chase, prompting the officer to return fire, striking and killing Talley on Dec. 22, the family isn’t satisfied with that explanation.

“Romir has been painted to be an aggressive and violent young Black man, but he was a beautiful, bright young man that the system failed,” Latasha Talley, Romir’s mother, said in a statement read by attorney Todd J. Hollis to the media

on Dec. 24. “My heart is broken. Our family wants justice.”

County Police said Wilkinsburg officers responded to reports that a man with a gun was threatening another person near the intersection of Penn Avenue and Wood Street.

Wilkinsburg police found a man whom they thought matched the suspect’s description about two blocks away from the intersection.

After a chase, Talley was pronounced dead at the scene just after 1 a.m.

The most recent vigil for Talley took place on Dec. 29 near an alley in Wilkinsburg where Amber Sloan, a local community activSEE TALLEY B9

Woman claims she was falsely arrested as she recorded a traffic stop in North Braddock

by Rob Taylor Jr.

fication, to the surprise of Booker, who, after debating why she needed to show him I.D., agreed to park closer to the curb, even though she felt she was already parked legally. Right before the video ends, the officer

Courier Staff Writer

On Aug. 19, Keaira Booker pulled over near the side of the road to record a traffic stop being performed on a Black male driver by a White North Braddock police officer, which is within her civil rights.

But it was Booker that became the victim, according to a federal complaint filed on Dec. 20.

The lawsuit claims that Booker was falsely arrested, including the use of excessive force.

Booker’s video captured Sgt. Larry Butler approaching her for what he said was Booker parking LOCAL ACTIVIST KEAIRA BOOKER has filed a lawsuit against illegally and blocking traffic. members of the North Braddock police force. (Photos by J.L. On the video, Sgt. Butler can be Martello) heard asking Booker for identi-

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“If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million.

And in this case, that video tells the entire story.”

TODD J. HOLLIS, ESQ.

TODD J. HOLLIS, ESQ., attorney for Keaira Booker.

J. Pharoah Doss asks

can be heard attempting to remove Booker from her vehicle.

Booker, 23, of North Braddock, was eventually charged with disorderly conduct, SEE ARRESTED A3

Racism as a publicForum health crisis in 2019?

B6 Forum B7

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JANUARY 1-7, 2020

NATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

REP. JOHN LEWIS at All Awards at Newseum in Washington, D.C on Nov. 18, 2014. The Master of Ceremonies was Bob Schieffer. (Photo: LBJ Library, Photo by Emily Clack/Wikimedia Commons)

Civil Rights icon Congressman John Lewis announces cancer diagnosis

by Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

“I am going to fight it,” read a statement from Rep. John Lewis on the evening of Dec. 29.

“I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God’s grace I will be back on the front lines soon,” he added. Lewis announced on the last week of 2019 that he has been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer.

The news sent shock waves through the political community on the left and right and prompted many to reflect on what Lewis’ life has added to American history.

“While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis, doctors have told me that recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable in many cases, that treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were, and that I have a fighting chance,” Lewis continued in his statement.

The Georgia Congressman and civil rights icon was first elected to Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District in 1986.

In a year that sadly saw the end of the lives of Congressional Black Caucus co-founder John Conyers of Michigan and revered Baltimore Congressman Elijah Cummings, Lewis’ diagnosis was particularly jarring.

At a time when the country is in need of moral authority many reflected on the diagnosis as a wake-up call.

“John Lewis is one of our great American heroes who reshaped our American

Dream into one billions more, at home and abroad, finally felt included them also. His is a priceless gift which leaves us forever in his debt. It’s been said that honest public service is the rent we pay to live in America. He pays his rent better than most everyone else and, hopefully, will remain in Congress long after he beats this cancer, no easy thing as he knows. His guts as a college student inspired me to integrate the campus elective politics of my college and later to help Wilder when no one else in VA who looked like me would. In a country struggling to make Dr. King’s a reality for so many far too long, we simply can’t afford to be without John Lewis. There are too few of such icons left,” wrote Virginia political legend Paul Goldman. Goldman was incremental in electing America’s first African American Governor, L. Douglas Wilder.

“John Lewis is a giant—an icon of the civil rights movement, a leader in Congress and one of the kindest people I know. I’m praying for a speedy and full recovery. We need you making good trouble in the halls of Congress,” wrote Freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.

“Our hero. Our shining beacon and standard. Praying for Rep, John Lewis and his family. And for us all,” wrote attorney Sherrilyn Iffill, President of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

(Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail. com and on twitter at @LVBurke)

BLOODY SUNDAY—In this March 7, 1965 file photo, state troopers use clubs against participants of a civil rights voting march in Selma, Ala. At foreground right, John Lewis, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, is beaten by a state trooper. The day, which became known as “Bloody Sunday,” is widely credited for galvanizing the nation’s leaders and ultimately yielded passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (AP Photo/File)

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Week of January 1-7 January 1 1804—Jean Jacques Dessalines proclaims the independence of Haiti from France. The island nation, after the United States, becomes the second independent republic in the Western Hemisphere. The chief slogan of his independence speech was “Live free or die.” The Haitian war of independence had actually begun in August of 1791. The leader and greatest hero of that war was a former slave who worked as a carriage driver—Toussaint L’Ouverture. As a general, L’Ouverture was comparable to, and in some respects superior to, America’s George Washington and France’s Napoleon Bonaparte. However, under the ruse of discussing peace, L’Ouverture was tricked into traveling to France where he T’OUSSAINT LOUVERTURE died in prison in April of 1803. The Haitians nevertheless prevailed over the French under the leadership of Dessalines and he was able to declare independence on this day in 1804.

1854—Lincoln University becomes one of the first institutions of higher learning for Blacks in America when it is incorporated as Ashmun Institute in Oxford, Pa., on this day in 1854.

1863—The Emancipation Proclamation becomes law. Like many of the pro-Black measures taken by President Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation, while welcomed by Blacks, reflected many contradictions. First of all, it only freed slaves in the South—an area of the country over which Lincoln at the time had no effective control. Further, it did not free slaves in the Border States.

And even in the South, it exempted from nominal freedom slaves in 13 parishes in Louisiana, including New Orleans; 48 counties in West Virginia; and seven counties in Virginia, including Norfolk.

1997—Kofi Annan of Ghana becomes the first Black Secretary General of the United Nations.

1997—The notorious Robbens Island off the coast of South Africa, the prison that held legendary Black freedom fighter Nelson KOFI ANNAN Mandela for 27 years, was converted into a museum.

January 2 1831—William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879), one of the great White heroes of Black history, begins publishing the anti-slavery newspaper, The Liberator, in Boston. Garrison was a fiery and strong-willed abolitionist who believed in the “immediate and complete” end of slavery. Thus, he ran afoul of not only the pro-slavery crowd but also those anti-slavery activists who favored a gradualist approach to the problem. He was so militant that he was imprisoned for libel because of his criticism of a merchant involved in the slave trade and at one point the state of Georgia offered a $5,000 reward for his arrest and conviction. According to Garrison, when it came to fighting slavery he was opposed to “timidity, injustice and absurdity.” His oft-repeated slogan as editor of The Liberator was, “I am in earnest; I will not equivocate; I will not retreat a single inch; and I will be heard.”

1837—The first National Negro Catholic Congress is held in Washington, D.C. 1898—Brilliant scholar Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander is born. She was the first Black woman to receive a doctorate in economics in America. She accomplished that feat in 1921 at the University of Pennsylvania at the age of 23. Later she earned a law degree and in 1927 became the first Black woman admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. She came from a distinguished family of educated and accomplished Blacks. She died in 1989.

1915—One of America’s most prominent historians, John Hope Franklin, is born. Perhaps his best known work on Black history SADIE TANNER is “From Slavery to Freedom.”

MOSSELL ALEXANDER 1954—Oprah Winfrey, talk show queen and Black America’s first recognized billionaire, is born in Kosciusko, Miss. (There is some debate. Winfrey may have been the second Black billionaire after Black Entertainment Television founder Bob Johnson.) Winfrey retired from the “Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011 and started her own network named OWN. January 3 1621—The first Black child is born in America. He was named William Tucker and he was born on a plantation in Jamestown, Va. His parents were Anthony and Isabella, who were among the first group of Black indentured servants (later slaves) brought to the American colonies in 1619. Indentured servants could work off so-called contracts and become free. But after 1619, all Africans brought to America were classified as slaves and only Whites were treated as indentured servants. (There is some dispute over the year of William Tucker’s birth. But it appears he was born in 1621 and Baptized in 1624.)

1966—One of the most tragic and senseless events of the Civil Rights Movement occurs. Sammy Younge Jr. is shot and killed in Tuskegee, Ala., by White service station attendant Marvin Segrest for using the “Whites Only” restroom at the service station where Segrest worked. Younge was a 21-year-old Tuskegee Institute student and civil rights activist.

January 4 1777—Prince Hall, founder of the first Black Masonic lodge in America, petitions the Massachusetts legislature for funds to allow free Blacks to return to Africa. The petition was rejected and SAMMY YOUNGE JR. Hall went on to become a major leader in Boston’s Black community, as well as develop a nationwide influence by helping develop Black Masonic temples around the country.

1901—C.L.R. James is born on the West Indian island-nation of Trinidad. James is one of those not well known figures who greatly influenced radical Black intellectual thought from the 1930s to the 1970s. He was a Marxist who traveled the world advocating socialism and influencing developments in the Caribbean, the United States and England. James died in 1989.

1920—The legendary National Negro Baseball League is organized in Kansas City, Kan., by the “father of Black baseball,” Rube Foster. It is not widely known that under the 6’4” Foster’s leadership, not only did more than 4,000 Blacks get a chance to play professional baseball during the days when they were not allowed to play in the White-controlled major leagues but the Negro Baseball League became one of the largest Black-owned businesses in America. The teams represented Black communities and had major followings. They had names like the Pittsburgh Crawfords, the New York Black Yankees, the Birmingham Black Barons, the Chicago American Giants and the Atlanta Black Crackers. One of the unforRUBE FOSTER tunate side effects of integration was the destruction of many Black businesses. Thus, when the White leagues broke the color barrier and hired Jackie Robinson in 1947, the Negro Baseball League gradually began to decline. Most of the teams were gone by 1960.

January 5 1911—Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is formed at Indiana University. It goes on to become one of the nation’s leading Black Greek-letter organizations.

1931—World famous choreographer Alvin Ailey is born in Rogers, Texas. During his life Ailey created more than 70 ballets. He died in 1989.

1943—Agricultural scientist George Washington Carver dies. Carver was renowned for his ability to develop new uses from everyday products. Indeed, he developed more than 300 products from the peanut and the sweet potato. He spent his professional career at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and was nicknamed the “Wizard of Tuskegee.”

Carver is credited with helping to revolutionize American agriculture.

January 6 1820—The first organized return of a group of U.S. Blacks to Africa takes place. Records indicate that between 85 and 90 free Blacks boarded a ship in New York Harbor on this day for return to the “Motherland.” Ironically, the ship was named the “Mayflower to Liberia.” However, the Blacks actually went to British controlled Sierra Leone and, along with former British slaves. helped to found that nation.

1968—Movie director and screenwriter John Singleton is born in Los Angeles, Calif. Singleton is perhaps best known for his directing of the controversial movie “Boyz N The Hood.” For the film, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director, becoming the first African American and youngest person to have ever been nominated for the award.

1993—Famed Jazz musician John Birks “Dizzy” JOHN SINGLETON Gilespie dies. He was an outstanding trumpeter and band director who also helped to create Bebop Jazz.

January 7 From 4th Century AD—Ethiopian Christmas—known as Ganna—is celebrated on Jan. 7. Ethiopian Christianity was much closer to the Christian Coptic Church of Egypt and as a result never incorporated many of the dictates of the early Roman Catholic Church. Thus, a plausible argument can be made that Ethiopian Christianity is more pure (or less corrupted) than that which emerged from the early Christian Church in Europe. Regardless, the best scientific speculation is that Jesus was born neither on Dec. 25 nor Jan. 7. The most probable month of his birth is April.

1891—Zora Neale Hurston is born in Eatonville, Fla. She became one of the central figures in that great African-American cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. She excelled as a writer, folklorist and anthropologist.

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

JANUARY 1-7, 2020

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Black Women For Positive Change donates gift bags to Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the advocacy organization, Black Women For Positive Change, recently partnered with Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church on the North Side to donate gift bags to the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

Reverend Dave McFarland of Allegheny Unitar-

ian Universalist Church said that domestic violence is the number one reported incident for Pittsburgh’s North Side police station.

Diane Powell, with Black Women For Positive Change, said that sometimes, the holidays can be a trigger for more domestic violence incidents. “Holiday spending can strain a family’s limited budget, lead

DIANE POWELL, right, with Laniah Young, Drew Hines and Dr. Nancy Hines, with the gift bags that were given to the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

DREW HINES, LANIAH YOUNG, DR. NANCY HINES, DIANE POWELL, REV. DAVE MCFARLAND

to arguments and erupt into physical violence,” she said. “Family members who overindulge in alcohol or drugs can disrupt family celebrations. Violence

and emotional abuse can force an individual to flee the home and seek shelter with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and a child in their arms.

This donation drive is one way our organization can work to combat violence and assist survivors as they get out of violent situations and rebuild their

lives.”

The Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh’s 24-hour hotline telephone number is 412687-8005.

Woman claims she was falsely arrested as she recorded a traffic stop in North Braddock ARRESTED FROM A1

blocking a roadway, refusing to provide I.D., and resisting arrest.

But on Nov. 7, the citations were dismissed. Booker’s attorney, Todd J. Hollis, at a Dec. 20 press conference announcing the suit, said he believes the charges were dismissed because Booker’s video recording proved she did nothing wrong.

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million, and in this case, that video tells the entire story from our perspective,” Hollis said.

“The fact of the matter is that we value our civil servants,” Hollis added. “The job that they do in our community is admirable and rightly so. However, when our civil servants use their authority under the color of law to harass and falsely penalize our citizens, they, too, must be held accountable. It is in that realm that we have filed this lawsuit.”

In addition to Sgt. Booker, the suit names the North Braddock police chief, Isaac Daniele, for signing off on the citations.

“If the chief allowed this citation to go through, then clearly the chief needs some training as well,” Hollis said.

Booker thought her father was the person who was in the vehicle that was stopped by Sgt. Booker.

Even though it turned out the man was not her father, Booker, as a self-described community activist, continued to record the encounter.

Nothing out of the ordinary occurred at the traffic stop between Sgt. Booker and the unidentified Black male who was stopped— but Booker couldn’t believe that she would be the one being accosted and arrested.

She said she felt “violated” and “embarrassed” by Sgt. Booker’s actions on that Aug. 19 night.

“He (Sgt. Booker) violated her fourth amendment right against search and seizure, he violated her first amendment right to properly record a police officer interaction,” Hollis said at the news conference. “When is the last time that any of you who got a parking ticket was arrested because of it?

What police officer needs your identification in order to ticket your car? What police officer needs to pull you out of your car to give you a citation? So clearly, that was retaliation.”

Hollis said retaliation and abuse of power claims are also part of the suit.

“No matter how welltrained a person is, when they just want to abuse their power, when they need to be authoritative in a sense of control, that’s just the way they’re going

“No matter how well-trained a person is, when they just want to abuse their power, when they need to be authoritative in a sense of control, that’s just the way they’re going to operate. And I think Sgt. (Larry) Butler clearly showed that he just wanted to exert his power.”

- Brandi Fisher, president and CEO of the Alliance for Police Accountability

KEAIRA BOOKER wipes away tears after describing the events that transpired on Aug. 19, when she claims she was falsely arrested by North Braddock police Sergeant Larry Butler. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) to operate,” said Brandi Fisher, president and CEO of the Alliance for Police Accountability. “And I think Sgt. Butler clearly showed that he just wanted to exert his power.”

Fisher added: “We cannot intimidate citizens not to record us, and I think that is what he (Sgt. Booker) did. He intimidated her.”

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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

JANUARY 1-7, 2020

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

‘Black women can do anything. We’ve proven that time and time and time again.’

- Tarana Burke

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE HONOREES—Natalie S. Tyler, Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, Ph.D., Valerie McDonald Roberts, Dr. Tyra Good, Dr. Ruthie Rea, Nicole Narvaez Manns.

HONOREE AMANDA NEATROUR, right, with her mother, Pat.

HONOREES SONITA BELL, LISA SYLVESTER, TIMIRA RUSH

HONOREE REV. TALEETA L. CANADY, with husband, Rev. Dr. Darryl T. Canady.

Introducing…

The Courier’s Women of Excellence Class of 2019

HONOREES BETHANY CRISWELL, TRISHA GADSON, Ph.D., SIMQUITA R. BRIDGES, DONNA ALLEN-ROSEMOND

All Photos by Courier Photographer J.L. Martello

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

JANUARY 1-7, 2020

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‘Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.’

- Michelle Obama

HONOREE DENA LAMAR, center, with daughter, Kennedy, and husband, Marty Lamar.

HONOREE BETH CRAWFORD, center, with cousins Vicki Scott, left, and Josie Robinson.

HONOREE LISA EPPS, with family.

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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

JANUARY 1-7, 2020

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

HONOREES LATOYA JOHNSON-RAINEY, NICOLE NARVAEZ MANNS, MAISHA HOWZE

HONOREE JACQUELINE JONES-MITCHELL, with her mother, Susan Jones, and William Mitchell.

HONOREE SIMQUITA R. BRIDGES, with her daughter, Ashley, and husband, Reginald Bridges.

CLASS OF 2019

HONOREE DR. RUTHIE REA, with husband, Korey.

HONOREE ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH, Ph.D., with husband, Donald Smith.

HONOREE TONI MURPHY, with Mike Taylor.

PATRON SPONSOR—The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation table

HONOREE TRICIA SHELTON, with husband, Charles.

HONOREES JUDITH WOODSON MCNEIL, BETHANY CRISWELL, TIMIRA RUSH

PATRON SPONSOR—The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing table

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

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The New Pittsburgh Courier Table

CELEBRITY HOST—Michelyn Hood

COURIER EDITOR AND PUBLISHER ROD DOSS

PATRON SPONSOR—Port Authority of Allegheny County table

AWARD SPONSOR—The UPMC table

BENEFACTOR SPONSOR—The Connective Rx table

STANDING, FROM LEFT: Real Times Media CEO Hiram Jackson, Courier Managing Editor Rob Taylor Jr., Courier Editor and Publisher Rod Doss, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Courier Photographer/videographer Brian Cook Sr. Seated, from left: Courier Assistant to the Publisher Stephan Broadus, Celebrity Host Michelyn Hood, Courier Advertising Coordinator Ashley Johnson, Courier Graphic Designer Kathleen Bradley Yocum.

PATRON SPONSOR—Pittsburgh Technical College table

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JANUARY 1-7, 2020

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DONNA ALLEN-ROSEMOND Family Law Attorney, Neighborhood Legal Services

SONITA BELL Owner, Sonita’s Designs, LLC

JOANNE BOYD Clinical Research Coordinator, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

SIMQUITA R. BIRDGES Asst. Chief Deputy Attorney General, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

REV. TALEETA L. CANADY Minister of Congregational Care, Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church

AURELIA CARTER Family Support Supervisor, Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services

ELAINE COLE Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration

INEZ COLON, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Chief Human Resources Officer Port Authority of Allegheny County

Women of Excellence—Class of 2019

DR. RANDI CONGLETON Asst. Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Chatham University

BETH CRAWFORD Founder/CEO, You Are Covered Project Talent Acquisition & Retention Coordinator, Pressley Ridge

BETHANY CRISWELL Co-Owner/Operator, Coston Funeral Homes

SUSAN DOPICO Owner/CEO, Hands-2-Help Senior Services Inc.

WILLA DOSWELL Tenured Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh

LISA EPPS Fire Inspector/Fire Prevention Officer, Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire

KATHRYN FITZGERALD Administrator, Petra International Ministries

KIMBERLY FRANCETTE Owner/CEO, Francette Insurance Group Broker, New York Life

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

TRISHA GADSON, Ph.D. CEO, Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center Inc. (FACE)

DR. TYRA GOOD Professor of Education, Chatham University Founder, Good Knowledge Connections, LLC

MAISHA HOWZE Administrator, Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Services Owner, In Touch Consulting, LLC

PHYLLISS JOHNSON Youth Connection Coordinator, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

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ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH, Ph.D. President/CEO, Pittsburgh Technical College

SHARON R. H. HIGGINBOTHAN, Ph.D. Chief Operating Officer, Bethlehem Haven

LATOYA JOHNSON-RAINEY Owner, A Hair Boutique

DR. DAWNDRA JONES Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services, UPMC McKeesport and UPMC East hospitals

Women of Excellence—Class of 2019

JACQUELINE JONES-MITCHELL Supervised Independent Living Supervisor, Ward Home Inc.

FRANCES JORDAN Executive Director, Homewood Community Ministries

CARLEEN KING, MBA Proprietor, Carmi Soul Food Restaurant

DENA LAMAR Regional Vice President—Great Lakes Region, Advance Auto Parts Inc.

NICOLE NARVAEZ MANNS Founder/Owner, Nikki’s Magic Wand

SHARON MCINTOSH Youth Summit Coordinator, Greater Pittsburgh Coalition Against Violence

JUDITH WOODSON MCNEIL Director of the Diversity Business Resource Center, Riverside Center for Innovation

ANGELA MIKE Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), Pittsburgh Public Schools

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JANUARY 1-7, 2020

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

TERRI MINOR-SPENCER President, West End P.O.W.E.R.

TONI MURPHY Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Comcast’s Keystone Region

AMANDA NEATROUR Interim Director of Women’s Leadership & Mentorship Program, Robert Morris University

EVELYN NEWSOME Associate Employee Relations Representative, Port Authority of Allegheny County

DR. JOYLETTE PORTLOCK Executive Director, Sustainable Pittsburgh

DR. RUTHIE REA Principal, Arsenal PreK-5, Pittsburgh Public Schools

CAMILA RIVERA-TINSLEY Director of Education & Frick Environmental Center, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

TIMIRA RUSH Talk Show Producer, KDKA Radio/Entercom

Women of Excellence—Class of 2019

TRICIA SHELTON Professor, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

AMBER SLOAN Executive Director, #MadeIt

CHARLISE SMITH Founder/Executive Director, Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment (W.A.V.E.) Founder and CEO, CWisdom Management, LLC

JUEL THOMAS-SMITH Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, CCAC Boyce Campus

TAMMY T. THOMPSON Executive Director, Circles Greater Pittsburgh

NATALIE S. TYLER Director of Pharmacy Operations & Strategy, ConnectiveRx

LISA SYLVESTER News Anchor, WPXI-TV

FLO TAYLOR Local Community Activist

RAMONA RUTH WILKES Service Coordinator, Pittsburgh Mercy

JUDY WRIGHT Point of Care Coordinator, UPMC Mercy

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THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER’S WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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JANUARY 1-7, 2020

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

THE LEGACY HONOREE

Valerie McDonald Roberts

A True Trailblazer

VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS is truly a woman of “firsts.” The first African American woman elected to Pittsburgh City Council in its history. The first African American elected to a Row Office in the history of Allegheny County as County Recorder of Deeds. There are countless people in our region that call Mrs. McDonald Roberts a trailblazer, a mentor, a friend. It’s only fitting that Mrs. McDonald Roberts was the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Women of Excellence 2019 Legacy Honoree—her longevity, accomplishments and professionalism are unmatched.

VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS, with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. In 2014, Mr. Peduto appointed Mrs. McDonald Roberts to serve as Chief Urban Affairs Officer of the Bureau of Neighborhood EmVALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS, with husband, Theodore Roberts Jr., right, and Courier Editor and Publisher Rod Doss. powerment.

CONFIDENT EMPOWERING SUCCESSFUL

VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS, the Courier’s Women of Excellence 2019 Legacy Honoree. For additional Women of Excellence photos, see page B10.

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report New traditions Christmas 2019 is in the books and I hope it was a merry one for you.

My holidays are getting better after I vocalized to friends that I often spend holidays alone and I also decided that I would venture out and try new things. When my mother was alive I would never leave Pittsburgh during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

She passed in 2015 and that was the year I introduced new traditions into my life. It wasn’t so smooth at first; you know, old habits are hard to break. I realized that family is not always related by blood, now I have friends who are like family and invite me for the holidays.

It’s nice to be expected for Thanksgiving.

For the last five years on Christmas morning I join a friend for breakfast. Each year we select a place to go.

The first year it was rather difficult finding the right restaurant.

This year we went to the Omni William Penn and I think this will be our location for the next few years. They have a breakfast in the Terrace Room that begins at 7 a.m. and a buffet in the lobby beginning at 10 a.m. Keep in mind this is not like having breakfast at Denny’s or Bob Evans, the buffet in the Terrace room is $23 while the lobby buffet is $55, but the atmosphere is so worth it. The Omni William Penn is one of oldest and beautiful hotels in the city. It’s classy and well-appointed for the holiday. The Christmas tree was beautiful and there is a replica of the hotel made out of gingerbread. The area is great for an impromptu photoshoot. I like to get dressed up for Christmas day. You know how that goes, if you look good you feel good.

After breakfast I went to visit some friends and deliver a few gifts. If I go to someone’s home on Christmas or otherwise I rarely go empty handed. Remember that gift drawer that I have talked about? I usually pull something from the gift drawer or buy a gift especially for that person.

Just a reminder; this is the time of year to replenish your gift drawers or closets. If you are looking for Christmas items try to get them at 75 percent off or more.

There are a lot of things you can purchase that will work all year-round.

Select wisely. Write a note to self, “don’t buy anything you don’t need just because it’s marked down.”

This year I decided not to buy any additional Christmas decorations and anything that was not used would be donated. OMG, I can’t believe how much surplus that I have, strings of lights and decorations that I used to use at my day job. Time to pack up this stuff and give to someone that can use it. Or perhaps I should save these items for a yard sale and include the clothes that I no longer need now that I’m not working each day. It’s amazing what I don’t wear any longer.

New traditions are in effect.

COMMITTEE WITH HONOREE—Rev. Dale Snyder, Presiding Elder, Rev. James McLemore, Linda Burleigh, Evan Frazier, Ashley Johnson, Frances Hipps, Janet Spencer and Greg Spencer

Bethel AME celebrates 211 years

FIRST LADY AND PASTOR—Yolanda Spencer and Pastor Dale Snyder Sr.

by Debbie Norrell

Church celebrated their 211th church anniversary on Nov. 23, at the DoubleWith the theme, “This tree by Hilton in MonroFar by Faith” Bethel Afri- eville. With gala chairpercan Methodist Episcopal sons Linda Burleigh and Lifestyles Editor

Janet Spencer and program chairs Ashley Johnson (Courier advertising coordinator) and Frances Hipps, the occasion was celebrated with an evening of dining, honoring, musical selections and a just a little electric slide at the end.

The honorees have both been instrumental in projects reviving the Hill District community. The honorees included: Marimba Milliones—president and CEO of the Hill Community Development Corporation and Evan Frazier—senior vice president of Community Affairs for Highmark.

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest church of color west of the Allegheny Mountains. Reverend Dale

COMMITTEE WITH HONOREE—Rev. Dale Snyder, Ashley Johnson, Marimba Milliones, Linda Burleigh, Frances Hipps and Janet Spencer

Snyder Sr. is the pastor and Yolanda Snyder is first lady. The church was organized in 1808 in a small home in the Downtown area, they received their

first charter in 1818 and their first church was in an alley on Way Street in Downtown Pittsburgh. Today the church resides at 2720 Webster Ave.

HOLLY FRAZIER AND EVAN FRAZIER (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

Satin and Soul steps into 10 years

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

The Satin and Soul Urban Ballroom Dancers held their Tenth Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 21, at the Edgewood Country Club. You may ask, “What is Urban Ballroom?” According to some sites, “urban ballroom dancing is a smooth and graceful dance that combines Greystone, Hand Dance and Cha-ChaCha all in one dance.” It is danced to R&B, jazz and neo-soul music. It is a partner dance where the leader and partner face and emSATIN AND SOUL LEADERS—Charlene Robinson and Robert Rob- brace one another. inson (Photos by Debbie Norrell) Robert Robinson of Satin and Soul said members and supporters of the Satin and Soul Urban Ballroom Dancers get together once a quarter for a “$10 Holla” and they also host bowling and Luau’s throughout the year as well as a Monday stepping class at Wilson’s Nite Out.

SATIN AND SOUL MEMBERS—Tracie Tucker, Kim Randolph, Darryl Daughtry and Harriet Wilson

STEPPING...

STEPPING...

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

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JANUARY 1-7, 2020

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

PERSONAL FINANCE 5 reasons why you need a financial plan before a recession (StatePoint)—With speculation swirling that the U.S. economy is heading for another recession, you might be wondering what you can do to protect yourself from feeling the pinch of a slowing economy.

Experts agree that proactive and prudent financial planning is key to avoiding emotion-driven decisions and maintaining a long-term orientation during times of turmoil. Those who already have a financial plan should take the time to reo-evaluate its goals and strategies to ensure it can withstand a dramatic market decline. If you do not have a financial plan yet, take the initiative to start putting one together. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can provide you with guidance on creating and maintaining a comprehensive financial plan in place before a recession.

•Know Where Your Finances Stand.

When markets are in turmoil and you are feeling scared, your personal situation should guide your decisions.

The first step in developing a financial plan is to figure out where you stand, which includes getting a thorough understanding of your cash reserves, consumer debt and current retirement contribution level and savings.

•Balance Fear and Greed. Bull markets can make investors more hopeful that gains are perennial, leading them to assume too much risk. Conversely, when the market drops, fear takes SEE CASH B3

E.R. SPAULDING, CEO of BlackWoman Startup, a Chicago-based company created as a support system for Black women business owners who wanted to achieve above-average business ownership success. They are doing this through coaching, training, customized programming, systems development, innovation, integration and automation, recognized these disturbing facts, and determined to help address it.

BlackWoman Startup:

Working to close significant revenue gap of Black woman-owned businesses Although Black women are being lauded as the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., their earnings are not on par with their white counterparts.

In fact, according to American Express, women-owned businesses generate an average of $143,000 a year. However, for women of color, revenue averages have dropped from $84,000 in 2007 to $64,000 in 2018. Conversely, white women business owners’ revenues rose from $181,000

to $212,000.

E.R. Spaulding, CEO of BlackWoman Startup, a Chicago, IL-based company created as a support system for Black women business owners who wanted to achieve above average business ownership success. They are doing this through coaching, training, customized programming, systems development, innovation, integration and automation, recognized these disturbing facts, and determined to

help address it.

“I’m a true believer that powerful people ask powerful questions and the information found in the 2018 State of Women Report by American Express, helped me to ask different questions,” said Spaulding, the chief operations officer and a partner in the 200,000-member strong BlackCEO Business Network, along with SEE BLACKWOMAN B3

How to build an emergency fund First come up with an amount you can afford to save and put toward an emergency fund every month. Consider saving this money in a separate account to help you stay focused on building those savings and avoid spending it. Automatic deposits can make saving easy. For help figuring out what to pay first, check out resources from the Hands on Banking financial education program.

2. Reduce your spending.

If you need to change your spending so you have enough money to put aside, start by reviewing your expenses—large and small. For example, the total cost of dining out may be larger than you think.

With the average household spending $3,365 a year on eating out, cutting just two meals out a month (meals on average

The Federal Reserve Board reported recently that 40 percent of people in the U.S. said they would have trouble covering a $400 emergency. Now think back to the last time you had an emergency or unexpected expense. Maybe it was a car repair or medical bill or even paying all your bills until you found a new job. Were you confident you had enough money to cover it?

Setting aside hundreds or thousands of dollars for an emergency—and not using it—can seem like a challenge when you have bills and other responsibilities. But building an emergency fund can be done in phases over time, and you can make small changes now to get start growing your fund. Every dollar you save now can help cushion when the next emergency happens.

1. Open and set up automatic deposits to a savings account.

SEE FUND B3

Will proposed CRA rule help or hurt Black America?

Civil rights groups cry foul as OCC urges public comments Amid the tinsel and garland celebrating the holiday season, two important federal financial regulators are planning how the future financial needs of low-and-moderate income (LMI) communities—including neighborhoods of color—will be met. In an effort to “modernize” the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) on December 12 the board of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) endorsed a proposed Notice of Public Rulemaking (NPR) offered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).

The rulemaking move has also triggered forceful and diverging views from a host of organizations, lawmakers, and even a member of FDIC’s board. The effects of such a financial regulatory change bring potential impacts on bank branch locations and services, as well as the types and quality of credit and investment that will be conveniently available.

From its enactment, CRA was intended to provide an enforcement provision that supported earlier civil rights laws. The law also made a federal commitment to underserved communities—both urban and rural. Even so, over the years, CRA has been contentious for deposit institutions rated for compliance, and consumers who continued to claim that access and quality financial services were in short supply.

According to OCC’s Joseph Otting, the 2019 proposal is the result of 18 months

of work by staff from greater ecoand comments Charlene Crowell nomic opportunifrom more than ty. The proposal 1,500 stakeholdis an important er groups with step in modernfour improveizing CRA, but ments: it is not the final 1.

Clarifying one,” wrote Otwhat counts as ting for AmeriCRA credit, recan Banker. quiring agencies But apparently to publish a list the large stakeof qualifying activities; holder groups OCC consulted with has yet 2. Preserving some assessment areas to include the U.S. House Financial Ser-

Commentary

MAXINE WATERS

MARTIN GRUENBERG

and creating others to better reflect significant concentrations of deposits; 3. Assessing what portion of a bank’s retail lending is targeted to LMI consumers; and 4. Improved reporting with transparency and timeliness.

In a recent op ed, Comptroller Otting also added a sense of urgency.

“Every month this proposal is delayed prevents billions of dollars more from helping reach communities that could benefit

GROVETTA GARDINEER

vices Committee.

“He thinks that he has the authority to do this without having to interact with us and no matter what he thinks, we think we have a responsibility to make sure that CRA is doing what it was intended to do,” said Congresswoman Waters, chair of House Financial Services.

As Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, Congresswoman Waters sought but has yet to schedule OCC’s Otting to testify before the committee.

Additionally, she is one of several House Members who want the 60-day comment period doubled to 120 days to better allow public input.

According to OCC, a meeting is still being planned; but no date has yet been finalized.

Additionally, one FDIC board member, Martin Gruenberg issued a statement of opposition to the proposal during its December 12th meeting, criticizing the proposed one-ratio measurement, noting existing “credit deserts”, and the lack of consideration of a bank’s efforts to provide affordable products and services LMI consumers and those without bank accounts could access. “[T]his is a deeply misconceived proposal,” noted Gruenberg. “It would establish a CRA evaluation framework relying on a single metric approach that would allow a bank to concentrate its CRA activity in as little as 50 percent of its assessment areas, disinvest in the other 50 percent, and still receive a satisfactory or even outstanding CRA rating.”

Similar concerns came from a coalition of civil rights, consumer protection and housing industry advocates that included the NAACP, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., National Fair Housing Alliance, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and others.

“The proposed rules are inconsistent with the law, plain and simple,” said the leaders. “It invites a return to discrimination against communities of color and low-and-moderate income neighborhoods —a destructive, decades-old process known as redlining that the law was designed to end forever.”

SEE PROPOSED B3

BUSINESS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BlackWoman Startup BLACKWOMAN FROM B2

founder, Trevor Otts. “The answers to these questions revealed that Black women in business who were moving from employee to entrepreneur, were barely making it, because the average Black woman in business was earning only about $24,700 a year as of 2017,” she continued.

“This helped me to see that the narrative was incomplete and that Black women business owners needed a life raft,” Spaulding said.

A successful business consultant, with a corporate background in project management, operations, and cultural development, Spaulding at one point also found herself in a challenging financial situation which negatively impacted her first company. However, with the help of caring business mentors, she was able to turn her circumstances around. As a result, she says that she created BlackWoman Startup to not only offer affordable, practical and proven success strategies for Black women business owners, but also be a supportive and effective resource.

“Marketing Camp powered by BlackWoman Startup is an intensive training ground committed to helping high achieving women transitioning from careers, move into cash flow positive businesses and marketing effectively is a major part of that,” shared Spaulding. “Our Marketing Camps, which typically only accepts 30 highly-motivated people per quarter, is designed to help Black women business owners build systems to help power their business success for the next 10 years, and we believe in the results and value of what we’re offering so much, for the first time, we’re allowing women to name their own price to attend,” she said.

Among the comprehensive marketing training mechanisms to be offered during the power-packed BlackWoman Startup Marketing Camp, will be CRM Management and set up; social media marketing and marketing automation, online billing platforms and systems; squeeze page and landing page design and set up; creating Facebook and YouTube Ads; video marketing and more. Successful business owners skilled in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns, will be providing training including the Evergreen Revenue Model, the PPSA Decision Making Matrix, the Influencer Launch and Automation Mastery.

“I remember that feeling of only having $20 to my name and someone stood in the gap to help me and didn’t judge me, and I want to pay it forward,” said Spaulding. “Our programs are here to help Black women business owners, while holding them accountable to the greatness within them,” she said.

(For more information on BlackWoman Startup Marketing Camps or to register, go to: https://blackwomanstartup.com/marketingcamp/)

Build emergency fund FUND FROM B2

cost $12), saves around $288 a year. Another quick way to cut spending is to cancel any memberships and subscriptions you use infrequently or don’t need. Reviewing and cutting your expenses doesn’t have to be a sacrifice, but rather a chance to adjust your spending and saving in line with your priorities.

3. Find ways to make extra cash There may be opportunities for easy income in your garage, closet, or old storage areas: consider selling old— and unwanted—stuff for a quick stack of cash that you can put in your emergency fund savings account. Online auction sites and marketplaces can help sell your stuff or just use the traditional yard sale. Other work opportunities, whether extra hours or one-off projects, can help bring in extra money to build your emergency fund plus support other financial goals.

4. Save “extra” money Have you received a tax refund, gift, bonus, or raise recently? Consider putting that extra cash into your savings account. Remember—keeping it out of reach of your checking account means it’s harder to spend and there’s a higher chance of saving it.

5. Create a savings challenge You might have started with a smaller savings goal so your fund could grow little by little. Challenge yourself to make a bigger deposit like $50 next month instead of the $25 you deposit on a monthly basis. Then make the same goal again in a few months or even increase it a little. Any amount you contribute is a step in the right direction.

By their nature, emergencies happen when you don’t expect them, but planning for them just in case can help you handle them. That’s why an emergency fund is there.

If you do have to tap into your emergency savings, that’s what it’s for, but get back on track by committing to building it right back up.

Have you received a tax refund, gift, bonus, or raise recently? Consider putting that extra cash into your savings account. Remember—keeping it out of reach of your checking account means it’s harder to spend and there’s a higher chance of saving it.

Proposed CRA rule PROPOSED FROM B2

“We should be holding banks—especially those rescued during the 2008 housing crash with taxpayers’ dollars— more, not less, accountable for their obligations to the law and our country,” added the leaders.

Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, interested parties and organizations can file public comments. According to Grovetta Gardineer, Senior OCC Deputy Comptroller, 85 percent of all CRA activity is supervised by OCC and the FDIC. “We are not trying to undermine the importance of local branches,” said Gardineer. “We’re looking to ensure access to financial services but refocus needs of LMI communities. This is really making sure that banks do more…Constructive comments help us.”

But for Nikitra Bailey, an EVP with the Center for Responsible Lending, the efforts by OCC and FDIC should be to strengthen-not-weaken CRA through modernization.

“CRA was created to undo the injustices created by the horrific practice of redlining and its modernization effort must center the people, families, and communities most harmed by it. Unfortunately, today far too many underserved LMI communities remain credit starved,” said Bailey. “The fundamental goal of any new reform must be to ensure that hardworking families, including families of color, have access to sound and affordably priced credit, safe and responsible mortgages, small dollar consumer credit, and auto loans.”

What happens over the coming months will reveal whether access to sound and affordably priced credit remains a wish or becomes a reality.

(Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s communications deputy director. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.)

JANUARY 1-7, 2020

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Black spending power demands corporations to show more love and support for Black culture (Trice EdneyWire.com)— African Americans want more for themselves and from corporate America, and they express it with their dollars as they move through the consumer journey, from brand awareness to purchase, as revealed today in Nielsen’s 2019 Diverse Intelligence Series (DIS) Report on African Americans.

It’s in the Bag: Black Consumers’ Path to Purchase explores the non-linear and uniquely technologically driven road that African Americans follow to make purchasing decisions, which ultimately maximizes both online and in-person shopping options. This path highlights several differences in shopping behavior and purchasing when compared to the total U.S. population.

The report also includes deeper insights into how culture, socio-economics and business influences how, why and what motivates African American spending in a special co-authored section by advocate and media commentator Angela Rye, CEO and Principal of Impact Strategies.

“At 47.8 million strong and a buying power that’s on par with many countries’ gross domestic products, African Americans continue to outpace spending nationally,” said Cheryl Grace, Nielsen’s Senior Vice President of Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement and co-creator of the DIS Report. “This year, we wanted to help brands and marketers understand the multi-faceted process that Blacks take to buy the products they buy. There are several drivers, but culture is at the center of them all.

Further, with their love for technology, they are much more savvy and conscious consumers. They are as we say, ‘woke.’ They pay attention to how companies are speaking to them. As they spend more, they want more for themselves and from the brands they support.”

Dating back to 2011, this is Nielsen’s ninth report highlighting the media consumption, purchasing habits, lifestyle interests and economic advancements of African Americans. It is the third in a theme, released by Nielsen this year following the comprehensive purchasing processes of Asian American and Latinx consumers. Key takeaways from It’s in the Bag: Black Consumers Path to Purchase include: African Americans are welcoming recipients of advertising across all channels. However, while the trends of the Black buying power and over-indexing in spending continue to increase, companies’ investments to advertise to them have decreased.

•African Americans are more likely than the total population to agree that advertising provides meaningful information on most platforms, including mobile (42 percent higher), television (23 percent higher), radio (21 percent higher) and the internet (18 percent higher).

•Advertising spend designed to reach Black consumers declined 5 percent between 2017 and 2018.

Physical appearance reflects a sense of cultural pride and self-expression in the Black community.

This is evidenced by the top spending priorities for African Americans from everyday soap to luxury handbags.

•African Americans outspend the total market on personal soap and bath needs by nearly 19 percent ($573.6 million).

•Men are making an impact with grooming habits, outpacing the total market by 20 percent on toiletry items.

THIS BLACK SANTA in CVS stores across the country is one way that corporations appear to try harder to reach African Americans and other consumers of color. But levels of active advertising with Black media that reach Black consumers remains disappointing.

•Blacks are 20 percent more likely than the total population to say they will “pay extra for a product that is consistent with the image I want to convey.”

•They are also more likely to say they shop at high-end stores including Saks Fifth Avenue (63 percent), Neiman Marcus (45 percent) and Bloomingdales (24 percent).

While online shopping grows, African Americans continue to head to physical stores for the personal touch and feel experience—but with more discerning eyes.

•More than half (52 percent) of African Americans find in-store shopping relaxing, compared with 26 percent of the total population.

•55 percent of Black consumers say they enjoy wandering the store looking for new, interesting products.

•When shopping, African Americans are more influenced than the total population by store staff (34 percent more likely), in-store advertising (28 percent more likely) and merchandising (27 percent more likely).

The “for us by us” trend of Black-owned brands is profoundly impacting the African American path to purchase and consumer marketplace. Black consumers support brands that align with their lifestyles and values.

•African Americans dominate the ethnic hair and beauty aids category, accounting for almost 90 per-

cent of the overall spend.

•42 percent of Black adults expect brands they purchase to support social causes (16 percent higher than the total population).

•35 percent of African American shoppers are more likely to agree, “when a celebrity designs a product, I am more likely to buy it.”

•Procter & Gamble (P&G) is the largest advertiser in African American media, spending more than a half-billion dollars ($544.3 million). Five of the top 20 baby care category products come from P&G’s Pampers and Luvs brands.

Soul food drives African American consumers’ top grocery purchases. These consumers are also passionate about the environment, wanting to buy safe, locally sourced food items.

•African Americans outpace the general market on: Quaker grits ($19 million); Louisiana Fish Fry ($11 million); Glory Greens (frozen and fresh, $9.5 million combined) and Jay’s Potato Chips (nearly $2.7 million).

•61 percent say produce is the most important category to buy local, followed by bakery and prepared foods (56 percent), eggs (55 percent) and dairy (52 percent).

•Blacks over-index the total population concerned about food safety issues: antibiotic use in animal production (by 20 percent); artificial ingredients (by 19 percent) and GMO crop de-

velopment due to climate change. The biggest worry is rising prices due to trade tariffs (68 percent Blacks vs.

56 percent total population).

“Nielsen continues to unearth undeniable data and insights that highlight both the agency and power of Black consumers, and the plethora of opportunities that exist for companies that are focused on nurturing and empowering how they move through the world,” said Jonathan Jackson, former 2019 Nieman-Berkman Klein Fellow in Journalism Innovation at The Nieman Foundation for Journalism and member of Nielsen’s African American External Advisory Council.

Nielsen uses U.S. Census data to determine population estimates that inform its U.S. panels and its understanding of consumer behavior. Given the rapid diversification of the U.S. population, an accurate census has never been more important. That’s why Nielsen has signed on as a 2020 Census Official Partner with the U.S. Census Bureau, and utilized census data to show the economic and demographic impact of African American consumers. This is the second time the company has leveraged this partnership for the Diverse Intelligence Series, after the 2019 Latinx consumer report, released in August.

(Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from Nielsen)

5 reasons why you need a financial plan PROPOSED FROM B2

over and makes them want to sell everything. A financial plan helps you to avoid impulsive actions and balance market highs and lows.

•Manage Your Cash. A should financial plan ensures that you do not put money you know you will need in the short term at risk. Money you anticipate needing within a year or so should be kept in a safe place, like a checking, savings or money market account, a short-term Certif-

icate of Deposit (CD) or a bond.

•Maintain a Diversified Portfolio. One of the best ways to prevent emotional swings is to create and adhere to a diversified portfolio that spreads out your risk across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, cash and commodities.

•Take a Break from the Bad News. Once you have assessed your personal situation and made some choices, it’s smart to tune out from the constant news

coverage. The drumbeat of bad news can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts, like “I am never getting this money back,” or “I will never retire.” Psychologists say such thought can distort reality, disrupt thinking and erode performance.

To find a CFP professional who can help you prepare a financial plan, visit letsmakeaplan.org.

However dire a crisis may seem, having a long-term financial strategy will keep you on tract to achieve your financial goals.

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JANUARY 1-7, 2020

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Crime after crime

Commentary

On beauty queens, Black QBs and Wakanda

by John N. Mitchell In all likelihood, you are going to spend the rest of your life having Wakanda moments—experiences that inspire pride that is unique to African Americans.

So far, December has been loaded with moments like this. For the first time in history, five Black women simultaneously held the crowns of Miss World (Toni-Ann Singh, Jamaica), Miss Universe (Zozibini Tunzi, South Africa), Miss America (Nia Franklin), Miss USA (Cheslie Kryst) and Miss Teen USA (Kaliegh Garris).

This is big news considering that Black women were prohibited from competing in the Miss America pageant until the 1940s, the first Black contestant didn’t compete until 30 years later, and the first Black woman (Vanessa Williams) wasn’t crowned until 1983.

That’s 62 years after the “bathing beauty revue” was first held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Sure, many of you knew Black was beautiful all along and didn’t require ratification from those who historically have done whatever they could to suppress this notion.

And let’s be honest: Sadly, there are some in the African-American community—you might be one of them—who simply don’t feel that they are legitimized unless they receive that confirmation from mainstream America.

The NFL, celebrating its 100th season, also recorded a notable first this month.

For decades, the quarterback position had been mostly set aside for dashing, 6-foot-4 White dudes. Many were ascribed a certain level of heightened intellectualism for no other reason than their demography.

This trope of White domination has been vanishing for the last few decades. And earlier this month, for the first time in league history, all three of the AFC quarterbacks in the Pro Bowl—Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) and Deshaun Watson (Houston Texans)—are African American.

As with the beauty, so with the brawn, I assume that most didn’t need confirmation that Black men can put in stellar performances in reaching the postseason as quarterbacks.

While these are nice stories, they are mostly baubles and trinkets.

Sure, it feels good to talk about these things inside nail salons and barbershops—places where style is of more value than substance.

But they are false signs of progress.

What are the chances that your daughter will grow up to be Miss Universe, or that your son will be the star quarterback for an NFL team?

Especially when pageant preparation and football training can cost thousands of dollars, and the average net worth of white families is still 10 times that of the average Black family (pretty much the way it has been since the Civil Rights Movement).

President Donald Trump claims truthfully that the Black unemployment rate is the lowest it has ever been. What this means for most Americans is that there is a much greater likelihood that more are working in underpaying jobs and forced to work a second job to make ends meet.

You might know a few African Americans with good jobs in banking, but the odds are that you know fewer today than you did 10 years ago.

A 2017 report from the Government Accountability Office says the proportion of African-American managers in financial services companies is smaller now that it was more than a decade ago, and it continues to shrink in a supposedly robust financial market.

So, enjoy the Pro Bowl and all those young African-American quarterbacks who have revolutionized the way the quarterback position is played. And feel free to marvel at the audaciously beautiful and talented Black and Brown beauty queens because, yes, they are special.

But remember that they don’t really represent the attainable.

The chances of your son or daughter joining their ranks are slightly smaller than the chances of your next Powerball ticket being a big winner.

Don’t get the real work confused with Wakanda.

(The opinions expressed in this column are the writer’s. They do not represent the opinions of The Philadelphia Tribune.) (jmitchell@phillytrib.com - 215-893-5732)

Founded 1910

Commentary After Crime.

He’s insane. Narcissistic. Can’t help himself. Crime After Crime. When he falls, well, the cops, they will be waiting. Crime After Crime. (Trump boldly says ‘Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails.’” (Reporter says, ‘If Russia, if China, if someone else offers information on an opponent should they accept it or should they call the FBI?” Trump says, “I think you might want to listen.” To be clear, Trump goes on with, “China, should start an investigation into the Bidens.” He chooses Putin instead of the CIA. Crime After Crime. Reducing his debt load by demanding lower interest rates, Secret Service to hide his quid pro quo.

Hosting summits at Mar-A-Lago.

He’s a con man, a crook. That’s our President. Crime After Crime. Pardons dangled to White House aides to break the law. Grammar mangled. He’s a grifter, a crook. That’s

our President. Crime After Crime.

He’s insane. Narcissistic. Can’t help himself. Crime After Crime. When he falls, well, the cops they will be waiting. Crime After Crime. Crime After Crime. Crime After Crime.”

The song and video (available on Facebook) end with 45 sitting down and a prison door smoothly slamming as the melody closes out. Like a child learning their ABC’s sometimes folks need a melody with catchy lyrics to learn and fully understand. The multitude of crimes, both high and low perpetuated and or facilitated by Donald Trump are staggering. Even this song with all of its verses will most likely have additional lyrics to later be worked in, or a Crime After Crime part two. America is a nation of laws, however, that very cornerstone of our democracy is full-on under attack. The real damage caused can not simply be sang away. As my dear friend, Dick Gregory would say, “wars are not fought by entertainers, wars are fought by soldiers”. It is time for this government to enact the checks and balances granted to them by the Constitution. How long?

We can and must do better. For those who remain unclear, I invite them to sing along to Crime After Crime.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is the national president of the National Congress of Black Women.)

Hate crimes demand more action (BlackPressUSA)—“If this incident was motivated by hate, which news reports indicate, then this is another incident in a long line of violent incidents targeting the Jewish community. This hatred is a disease and right now we are experiencing an epidemic. Leaders must lead and call out hate wherever and whenever it rears its ugly head—regardless of politics.

This is about principle.”—Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and national director, Anti-Defamation League For the third time in just over a year, the nation is reeling in the face of a deadly mass shooting that appears to have been motivated by anti-Semitism.

Earlier this week, a man and woman killed a police detective near a Jersey City cemetery and then stormed a nearby Jewish market, shooting and killing three people there. The two were killed in a subsequent shootout with police.

The suspects have been linked to a religious sect that includes factions designated as anti-Semitic hate groups. In the stolen van they were driving, investigators found a note that contained anti-Semitic and anti-police sentiments. Similar sentiments were found in social media posts linked to the suspects.

Terrifying trend In April of this year, a gunman opened fire in a San Diego synagogue on the last day of Passover, killing a 60-year-old woman and wounding three other people, including a rabbi and an 8-year-old girl.

Shortly before the attack, the gunman posted an anti-Semitic and racist manifesto on social media, citing conspiracy theories, expressing ad-

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal

ry, the arc seems especially long.

Leaked emails recently revealed that one of the president’s closest advisors, Stephen Miller, has cited and promoted white nationalist ideologies and conspiracy theories about “White genocide,” the criminality of immigrants, and the reviled eugenics movement.

Congressional response to the emails has been almost nonexistent.

Higher than recorded Meanwhile, personal attacks motivated by bias or prejudice reached a 16-year high last year, according to the FBI. More than 4,300 attacks on people, motivated by racial or religious hatred, were recorded by the FBI. State and local police forces are not required to report hate crimes to the F.B.I., and as many as half the victims of hate crimes never file a report, so the actual number of hate-fueled assaults is significantly higher than the official record.

Love and protect Lately it seems that the atrocities and outrages of racism and intolerance are falling too fast and too frequently to respond appropriately.

But we must not lose sight of our ideals as Americans—as brothers and sisters and parents and neighbors— to love and protect one another.

Let your elected representatives know that these incidents call for responsible gun reform, holding social media companies accountable for dissemination of hate speech, and a moderation of their public rhetoric.

And join us in our prayers for the victims and their families.

miration for the gunmen who perpetrated the anti-Muslim killings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Six months earlier, in Pittsburgh, 11 people were killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue. That shooter, too, deeply enmeshed in anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on social media.

These acts are part of a horrifying three-year trend that has coincided with a spike in course and heated racial rhetoric in political discourse.

It is one that demands action on several fronts, including gun policy, moderation of social media terms of service, and a sweeping reexamination of racial and religious intolerance.

Rise of violence As a child of the Civil Rights Movement and the leader of the nation’s largest racial justice organization, I have witnessed the recent rise of white nationalism with equal parts dismay and a sickening sense of familiarity.

Our nation’s history is sullied with racial and religious intolerance and violence. What has sustained us, as famously expressed by Martin Luther King, Jr., is that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

(Marc Morial is president and CEO of the In this particular period of histo- National Urban League.)

A sharp tongue cuts from the inside out (NNPA)—Growing up, I was never a student of the Bible even though I grew up surrounded by the best kind of Christians there were: the lovefilled family kind.

I believe I am now being constantly moved by the Holy Spirit (I hope) to see the simplicity in the scripture I now study. As such, I am finding myself gravitating to ministers, pastors and saints as they dissect in sermon and prayer the incredible power of the tongue; yes, that small but dangerously lethal weapon housed in one’s mouth.

Without any biblical perspective, history confirms the ability of deceit-filled eloquence to entice weak men to murder, married women to stray, prideful men to war and socalled peace-loving folk to slaughter.

On a daily basis, a reckless tongue can sear forever the spirit of an innocent child, a wanting spouse, a true friend or a caring co-worker. Evil oratory moves men and women to do evil things.

But oh, how powerful, how wonderful is a well-intentioned ‘thank you’, a sincere ‘I’m sorry’ or a genuine ‘I be-

James Washington

Spiritually Speaking

keep a rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless…”

I submit to you that if you compare the words of Jesus Christ to any demagogue, you will find that Jesus’ words repulse with great power all hatred, gossip, rumor and even innuendo. It is impossible to claim to love God without loving Jesus as the living Word of God. Saying so merely confirms the truth in this case that the spoken Word will indeed set one free.

“Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:14. I’m told God hates a liar and loves the truth. Remember there is no cure for hurt feelings except an honest spoken apology.

Hurt feelings fester and infect a person.

Think before you speak. And please don’t take my word for it. “He who guards his lips, guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”

Proverbs 12:3.

May God bless and keep you always.

lieve in you.’

James 3:10 tells us that the tongue wields the power of life and death.

Having been the target of ill-intended criticism, and out of momentary anger or hurt having tried to destroy the souls of many I held dear, I know firsthand that James is so right.

I have been trying to correct this character flaw by being as deliberately uplifting as possible, thinking of myself as a vessel of the living God first before I speak and remembering that man was made in God’s own image and cursing any man is tantamount to cursing God. (James A. Washington is a father, husband, Could it be that James 1:26 holds a key to salvation? “…If anyone consid- Christian, writer, entrepreneur and the owners himself religious and yet does not er/publisher of the Dallas Weekly.)

The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to:

Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

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John. H. Sengstacke

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Letters to the editor for publication

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—A few nights ago I was scrolling through thousands of unread emails trying to get caught up since I had been offline for awhile traveling and attending my brother’s funeral. My mind drifting into that deep state of thought we recoil to when we lose a loved one. I figured getting online for a bit would clear my head. Suddenly I heard a beautiful sound, it was the angelic voice of Jen Houston singing a song with words by Elliott Stein called “Crime After Crime.” The song’s instantly recognizable melody was Time After Time, the chart-topping hit by Cyndi Lauper. The young woman singing the song gave a great review of why Donald Trump had to be impeached. Even the most loyal Trump lovers should understand.

The words went like this. “Lying about everything; don’t matter if it’s small or big. Trying to solicit other countries to do election rigs. Taxes unpaid. Net worth not so high. Money laundered. Crime After Crime; conflicts of interest like trademarks in China. (Ivanka Trump filed at least 8 last year.) Sexual harassment like grabbing vaginas. Spilling intelligence, putting spies at risk, obstructing justice. He’s a thug. He’s a crook. He’s our President. Crime After Crime. When he’s gone, well, the book, they will throw at him. Crime

Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com

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Plan, lead, direct, develop, and coordinate HR policies ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the organizations mission and talent strategy. Full description and to apply: https://bit.ly/2rXMuoR

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR OPERATIONS

at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Serves the church by providing administrative support to operational units of church and their related committees. Proven financial, administrative and desktop publishing skills required. TO APPLY: Send resume to Wil Forrest, Director of Church Operations, at wil@coh.net or 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Preferred application date is before February 1 and preferred start date is March 1.

LIBRARY AIDE (Part-time)

The Borough of Wilkinsburg’s Public Library is accepting applications for the position of Library Aide (Part-time). Applications and Job Description are available via the Borough web site and at Borough Offices located at 605 Ross Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 during business hours. Wilkinsburg residency preferred. The wage range is $10 – $11 per hour. Application period closes on January 10, 2020 at 4:30pm. Must pass all required background checks. Wilkinsburg Borough is an equal opportunity employer.

Donn R. Henderson, Borough Manager ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the 2020 annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Allegheny County Housing Authority will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2020 in the Authority’s Boardroom located on the 12th Floor, 625 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. The meeting will be preceded with a meeting of the Finance and Audit Committee at 9:15 a.m., followed by the Board’s review of the agenda for the annual meeting and other general matters at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend these meetings.

Notice of Regular Meetings Notice is hereby given of the regular monthly meetings of the Board of Directors of the Allegheny County Housing Authority for calendar year 2020; all meetings to be held in the Authority’s Boardroom located on the 12th Floor, 625 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. On the dates listed below, the Finance and Audit Committee will meet at 9:15 a.m., to be following by the Board’s review of the agenda and other general matters at 9:30 a.m.

The Board of Directors meeting will commence at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend the committee meetings, agenda reviews and regular Board meetings.

February 21, 2020 March 20, 2020 April 17, 2020 May 15, 2020 June 19, 2020 July 17, 2020 September 18, 2020 October 16, 2020 November 20, 2020 December 18, 2020 Frank Aggazio, Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania In Re: The Condemnation by the County of Allegheny of a Certain Parcel of Land, in the Borough of Jefferson Hills, Allegheny County, Owned by B. Leslie Bickerton and Eoline Bickerton, Husband and Wife, required to stabilize the slope above Worthington Avenue and below Gilmore Drive.

GD 19-16058 (“Condemnee”), B. Leslie Bickerton and Eoline Bickerton, Husband and Wife, tax parcel identification number 880-F-50, a permanent wall easement consisting of 4,564 square feet and a temporary construction easement consisting of 17,641 square feet, as depicted in the Plans - Miscellaneous Book 180, Page 56, estimated just compensation: $2,000.00.

TO: B. Leslie Bickerton and Eoline Bickerton, Husband and Wife, their heirs, personal representatives, successors or assigns: Take notice that a Declaration of Taking was filed November 15, 2019 at the above referenced general docket number.

Name and Address of Condemnor: Allegheny County, (“County”) 101 Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Authorizing Statute(s): Article IV, Sec. 2 and Sec. 6 of the Allegheny County Home Rule Charter, Article VII, Sections 701.02 and 703.07 of the Allegheny County Administrative Code and the Act of 1953 July 28, P.L. 723, Art. XXVI, Section 5601, et seq.

Authorizing Ordinance: Ordinance No. 36-18-OR, enacted October 23, 2019. The Ordinance may be examined at the Offices of Condemnor, noted above.

Condemnation Description: The purpose of this condemnation is to acquire property for the purpose to stabilize slope above Worthington Avenue and below Gilmore Drive in Jefferson Hill Borough, Allegheny County.

Statement of the Condemnation: Condemnee’s property identified on the Viewers’ Plan marked as Exhibit “B” to the respective Declaration of Taking, filed at the above referenced general docket number, has been condemned as of November 15, 2019. The title acquired by the County is a permanent wall easement and a temporary construction easement interest, including all interests of every record owner thereof or any party claiming an interest therein, in the area labeled “Required Wall Easement” and “Temporary Construction Easement” areas on Exhibit “B”. Plans showing the property condemned may be inspected in Condemnor’s offices noted above and are also lodged of record in the Allegheny County Department of Real Estate, at the above referenced Plans Miscellaneous volume and page number. Just compensation for the condemnation is secured by the County’s power of taxation, which is deemed pledged as security of the payment of damages as, shall be determined by law.

Challenging the Condemnation: If Condemnee wishes to challenge the power or the right of County to appropriate the condemned property, the sufficiency of the security, the procedures followed by County or the Declaration of Taking, the Condemnee must file preliminary objections within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.

Howard M. Louik, Attorney for Condemnor LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

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Estate of ALEX S. SIMON, a/k/a ALEX STANLEY SIMON, deceased, of Pittsburgh No. 029700087 of 1997. Alex S. Simon IV, Adm. Or to c/o Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of ALEX S. SIMON, a/k/a ALEX S. SIMON III, deceased, of Pittsburgh No. 021804238 of 2018. Alex S. Simon IV, Adm. Or to c/o Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of BLANCHE MICHALSKI, deceased, of 425 Hammond Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15204 No. 02-19-00870 EXECUTOR Edward R. Michalski, 2504 Dunstan Drive, Columbus, OH 43235 or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Welling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

Estate of PAMELA GATTS, deceased, of 126 Meridan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 No. 0219-07201 EXECUTOR JOSHUA D. GATTS, 200 Cowan Street, Apt. 316, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Welling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

Estate of SALDAMARCO, YOLANDA Deceased of Ross Township No. 0758 of 2019.

Ralph J. Saldamarco Exec., 102 Carriage Hill Rd., Glenshaw, PA 15116 or to Michael J. Saldamarco, Esq., Ste. 100, 908 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh, PA 15229.

MARGARET GONGAWARE of 1983 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 No. 6519-2356. ADMINISTRATOR JOSHUA J. GONGAWARE 1533 Alabama Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Welling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Birmingham Towers, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

Estate of JOHN P. STETOR, deceased of Pittsburgh No. 021004082 of 2010. John M. Stetor, Adm., or to c/o Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C. 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

PATRICIA L. MARHEFKY, deceased, of 407 Vista Lane, Murrysville, PA 15668 No. 65-191161 Executor Lloyd A.Welling, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Welling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Birmingham Towers, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

Estate of BOYLES, GERTRUDE ANNA, aka BOYLES, GERTRUDE A. of Monroeville, No 06643 of 2019. Elaine R. Junio, Exec., 706 Cherry Tree Way, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066 or to Michael J. Saldamarco, Esq., Ste. 100, 908 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh, PA 15229.

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NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR PROJECT-BASED VOUCHER & GAP FINANCING PROGRAM 2019 RFP #600-39-19

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, PA, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Essie Mae Carver, deceased, Case No. 7045 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on November 18, 2019, a Petition was filed

by Lauran Webb, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Essie Mae Carver, deceased, in the real estate located at 913 Bryn Mawr Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, and determine that fee simple title is in Lauran Webb. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Lauran Webb will seek an Order adjudging that Decedent’s title is in herself.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, PA, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Yvonne Anne Utz, deceased, Case No. 7043 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on November 18, 2019, a Petition was filed by Gregory Utz, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Yvonne Anne Utz, deceased, in the real estate located at 373 Main Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15201, and determine that fee simple title is in Gregory Utz. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Gregory Utz will seek an Order adjudging that Decedent’s title is in himself.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on January 22, 2020 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)

Bid Number Bid Name 1 B191198A Coach Radiator Assemblies 2 B1912103A On Call Plumbing Services 3 B1912104A Janitorial Supplies - Paper

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

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am January 8, 2020 at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation.

The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.

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

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

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

To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals for the following: Project-Based Voucher & Gap Financing Program 2019 The documents will be available no later than December 30, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., January 31, 2020 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 January 10, 2020 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213, on January7, 2020 until 2:00 P.M. local prevailing time for: Pgh. Brashear H.S. Locker Room Renovations, Phase 1 General, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Grandview PreK-5 Window/Exterior Door Replacement and Masonry Restoration General, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Greenfield PreK-8 Restroom Renovations General, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Abatement Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on December 9, 2019 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time January 21, 2020 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: REFUSE CONTAINER SERVICE-REBID General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pgh schools.org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links.

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

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

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

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ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR

Professional Physical Capital Needs Assessment (PCNA) & Energy Audit Services for the Manchester Redevelopment ARMDC RFP #2020-30 The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Professional Physical Capital Needs Assessment (PCNA) & Energy Audit Services for the Manchester Redevelopment The documents will be available no later than December 30, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 a.m., January 23, 2020 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 January 9, 2020 11:00 A.M. The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation strongly encourage certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

ARMDC has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

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

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

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed proposals will be received by the Municipality of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, at the Purchasing Office, located at 102 Duff Road Pittsburgh PA 15235, 10:30 A.M. prevailing time, Wednesday January 15, 2020, and will be publicly opened immediately thereafter in the Council Chambers, at the Government Center, 102 Duff Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15235, for the furnishing of all labor and material (as required) for: DEMOLITIONS – Penn Hills 2019 Package Number 13 1272 Blackadore Avenue 174-D-161 1280 Blackadore Avenue 174-D-165 1293 Blackadore Avenue 173-S-229 1295 Blackadore Avenue 230-N-002 7490 Chadwick Street 173-M-280 246 Columbia Avenue 173-R-161 248 Columbia Avenue 173-R-159 7513 Columbia Avenue 173-L-191 7515 Columbia Avenue 173-L-189 1143 N Wheeler Drive 174-D-86 This project is funded 100% with Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds.

This project will be financed with assistance from HUD; and therefore, it is subject to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, which gives preference in hiring to low and very-low income persons.

Specifications may be obtained at the Administration/Purchasing Office (412)342-0360, Government Center 102 Duff Road Pittsburgh PA 15235 for a non refundable fee of $25.00.

Potential bidders with hearing impairment requiring information on this project can call the State Relay Office at 1-800-654-5984 to contact the Municipality.

Proposal must be on Standard Proposal Forms in the manner therein and be enclosed in a sealed envelope bearing the name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to the Purchasing Office and marked: “Demolitions – Penn Hills 2018 Package Number 12”.

Proposal must be accompanied by a certified check drawn upon a National or State Bank and made payable without conditions to the Municipality of Penn Hills, in an amount not less than ten (10) percent of the proposal, or a Bid Bond, and be delivered to the place and hour named.

The Municipality reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Attention is called to the Federal requirements regarding employment, non-discrimination, safety and State regulations.

The Municipality reserves the right to award this solicitation on an itemby-item basis or lump sum basis, whichever is in the best interest of the Municipality The Municipality reserves the right to remove any property from the demo list before actual demo takes place.

Scott Andrejchak, Esq. Municipal Manager

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The thriving system of convict labor (TriceEdneyWire.com)—As 2019 ticked to a close, the screamingly outrageous headlines have not slowed. Every day there is something, whether it is a flurry of presidential tweets or yet another Republican spouting off about something or other. Who would have thought, though, that amid the Christmas holiday we would learn that billionaire candidate Michael Bloomberg is using convicted prisoners to make calls for his campaign?

He will say he did not know. Or, that “anybody” might have made a similar mistake.

After all, subcontracting is the name of the predatory capitalist game. That’s how a convict labor exploiter can bid to pay $7.25 an hour for a job that might pay $11 or $12 an hour on the open market. However, the prisoners will see nothing like $7.25 an hour. Try paying these folks just a dollar an hour or so.

The subcontractor, who pays the incarcerated just a dollar for a fair wage, would have to pay ten times that in the regular job sector.

Someone who was not exploiting convict labor couldn’t compete with the low pay prisoners are earning.

Those who own stock in these prison labor companies are getting their profits, too. The companies who subcontract with prisons are making three or four times what they might earn if they used general labor. The use of convict labor is one of the cruelest illustrations of the evils of predatory capitalism. Predatory capitalists extract surplus resources by tilting the rules of the game to favor capital instead of labor. People who are working full time are getting pennies to the dollar in the name of “crime and punishment.”

So, here’s the Bloomberg story. The three-

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary term mayor of New York contracted with a firm to make phone calls for his fledgling campaign. The women, incarcerated at a facility in Oklahoma, are obliged to say they are calling for the Bloomberg campaign.

They don’t have to disclose that they are incarcerated. Anyone receiving a call is given the impression that they are being called by a campaign volunteer, not an exploited worker.

Oklahoma limits the amount of money an inmate can make to $27 a month. This money may go for things like phone calls, snacks, or other “prison comfort.” If Pro Com, the company that runs the prison work, says it pays $7.25 an hour for prison labor, but inmates can’t earn more than $27 a month, who wants to bet that these prisoners are working just four hours to reach their maximum monthly pay? Or is Oklahoma paying them a dollar or so an hour, and profiting from their work by keeping the rest of the money?

In this twenty-first century, we are mired in a 19th century predatory convict labor system. Inmates aren’t only making phone calls for Bloomberg’s campaign. They are also making furniture for state office buildings, processing motor vehicle requests, and being used as low-cost substitutes for workers who might be fairly paid. The worst of it is that the work inmates are doing does not guarantee them a job post-incarceration. Instead, their “experience” opens no doors for any future opportunities.

Mike Bloomberg should have known better than to subcontract with an exploitative company, but he is probably not the only one doing it. Subcontracting is the norm these days, but few ask who is doing the subcontracting. Top label designers have low-paid women stitching their garments. Call centers can contract with low paid workers in their communities, or they can save 70 percent by contracting with convict labor. This practice is not only a wake-up call for Mayor Bloomberg, it is also a wake-up call for anyone who is playing in the subcontracting space.

Lots of people like to play “woke” and economically progressive. But if your “woke” and cost-cutting ways sideline the people who work for you, then you aren’t actually “woke”, you are just a predatory capitalist, placing profits over people. Economic justice and profit maximization may be incompatible.

After he was outed, Mayor Bloomberg said he and his campaign did not know that Pro Com, had contracted with the convict labor providers, and he moved to sever the relationship quickly. Good for him, but Bloomberg is smart enough to ask questions before contracting—not a great move for a candidate who seems to have more money than sense.

African Americans are nearly half of those incarcerated in this country, despite being just about 13 percent of the population. This incarceration is a throwback to enslavement when Black folks got major penalties for minor offenses. The convict labor system, especially, oppresses Black people, and the Bloomberg case makes it all too apparent.

Convict labor is exploitation and an abomination. It makes black bodies a profit center for capitalistic exploitation. Companies like Pro Com must be held accountable, but so should the many others who thrive on contract labor. It is time to put an end to this exploitation. Instead of throwing billions into his long-shot campaign, why can’t Michael Bloomberg spend a billion or two stopping convict labor?

(Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator.)

The danger of the ‘ethno-nationalist’ state ( N N PA ) — O n e of the most com- Bill Fletcher Jr. mon features of right-wing populist and fascist movements is the demand for ethnic and/or racial purity.

During the course of the 20th century we saw it in its most egregious forms in colonial and White minority regimes in the global South, and in the Nazi-led persecution and, later, Holocaust against the Jews.

Ethnic regimes were largely ignored in the mainstream media of the global North until the early 1990s, even when troubling events, such as genocide in Burundi, were unfolding. It was only with the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s and the Rwanda genocide (1994) that it became more than apparent that another wave of ethnic cleansing and ethno-nationalist regimes were unfolding.

What are ethno-nationalist regimes?

They are political systems that quite openly privilege the alleged rights of a given ethnic or so-called racial group.

Apartheid South Africa was certainly an example of a long-running such regime. But the Rwanda genocide when right-wing Hutus went to war to openly eliminate Tutsis (and those Hutus who allied with Tutsis) using the pretext of a civil war, was yet another example.

Right-wing populist leaders such as Donald Trump in the USA, Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel and Narenda Modi in India are quintessential examples of leaders who promote ethno-nationalist regimes. Contrary to early 20th century fascists and 19th century “scientific racists,” they do not rely on the rhetoric of racial superiority or inferiority in justifying their politics. Rather they argue either the incompatibility of different racial/ethnic groups and/or that the specific racial/ ethnic group which they claim to represent has been, allegedly, aggrieved

Commentary

over the years.

The situation in India at this very moment is illustrating the evolving and serious dangers of ethno-nationalist regimes. The political forces around Modi and his political party—the BJP—have been promoting anti-Muslim rhetoric and practices for years. Their objective is nothing short of eliminating the secular basis of India and replacing it with a Hindu ethno-nationalist state. The recent legislation advanced

by Modi and passed in Parliament that offers citizenship to refugees from neighboring countries UNLESS they happen to be Muslim demonstrates the depths of depravity of such regimes. It is, therefore, not surprising that India is exploding.

Netanyahu is a close cousin—politically speaking—of Modi’s. He and his party—the Likud—have always aimed to eliminate the Palestinian presence from not only the occupied Palestinian territories, but from Israel itself. But it is not only the Palestinians that Netanyahu, et.al. wish to eliminate. The language of the regime when it comes to other alleged outsiders is particularly provocative and echoes that of Hindu fascists in India in describing undocumented immigrants, in the case of Israel, as “infiltrators.”

Right-wing populism and ethno-nationalism have become major parts of the global political landscape. It is not only the appearance of Donald Trump; nor is it just Britain’s Boris Johnson.

It has emerged, like chicken pox, in numerous places. And, if one is not careful, it can emerge even within the ranks of the oppressed when, in desperation, we sometimes seek to distinguish ourselves from some “Other.”

(Bill Fletcher Jr. is the executive editor of globalafricanworker.com and the former president of TransAfrica Forum.)

Racism as a public health crisis in 2019?

May 5, 2018 was or, and to train the bicentenni- J. Pharoah Doss their employees al of the birth of on how racism Karl Marx. There impacts resiwere commemdents…Finally, orative events they hope to enheld worldwide. courage other Throughout 2018 local, state, and there was a renational officials newed interest in to recognize racMarx’s theory of ism as a public scientific socialism and his critique of health issue.” capitalism.

Milwaukee County officials were enNow, suppose the University of Cal- couraging. ifornia-Berkley released a study to In August, Ronnie Dunn, associate coincide with Marx’s bicentennial professor of urban affairs at Clevecelebration, and the study detailed land State University, created Projthe long-term effects of capitalist ex- ect 400. Throughout the year Project ploitation on marginalized workforc- 400 held a conference, a Call to Action es across America. Suppose, the study Summit titled 400 Years of Inequality, compared the material, mental, and and an arts festival. The Call to Acphysical well-being of the marginal- tion Summit examined the notion of ized to the majority population and racism as a public health crisis. Dunn concluded that capitalist exploitation said, “Structural racism is not going contributed to disparities in wealth, to be eradicated in our lifetime, but depression, and substance abuse, this is the appropriate time to make a which correlated to disparities in in- concerted effort to have the important fant mortality rates and shortened conversations.”

In the same month, Kansas City the life expectancy of the marginalized. Then, based on the data, 20 Councilwoman Melissa Robinson American city councils, whose econo- drafted a resolution to declare racmies have historically suffered from ism a public health crisis due to the deindustrialization, decided to de- disparities in life expectancy between clare capitalism a health crisis in an Black men and White women. The effort to start a national conversation resolution had two objectives. 1). To about America’s fractured market start a conversation about the impact of racism on public health. 2). Estabeconomy.

A lot of people would be sympathet- lish a comprehensive plan to address ic to the sentiment, but they wouldn’t inequalities that leave Black men vulnerable to early deaths. take it as a serious course of action.

In October, Madison’s city council Now, 2019 had its own historical significance. It was the 400th anniver- signed on to Wisconsin Public Health sary of the arrival of Africans to the Association’s resolution declaring racJamestown colony in 1619. The New ism a public health crisis. According York Times Magazine published, the to WPHA there has been growing rec1619 Project, a collection of essays ex- ognition that racism independently amining the lingering effects of slav- impacts health outcomes.

In December, Pittsburgh’s city counery in modern America.

In June, Milwaukee County officials cil declared racism a public health declared racism a public health crisis. crisis. Their decision was based on a Inequality.org reported, “Milwaukee study done by the University of Pittsis one of the most racially unequal burgh called Pittsburgh’s Inequality cities in the county, coming in at No. Across Gender and Race. The study 2 last year on a list of ‘The worst cit- pointed out for every dollar White ies for Black Americans’ by 24/7 Wall men earn, White women earn 78 Street, a financial news site. The re- cents, while Black women earn 54 port blamed Milwaukee’s discrimina- cents, and Black women are five times tory housing policies throughout the more likely to live in poverty than 20th century for the city’s current in- are White men. White life expectanequity …By declaring racism, a pub- cy is eight years longer than Blacks, lic health crisis, Milwaukee County and death rates from cardiovascular officials are committing to put racial disease and cancer are much higher equity at the core of all city proce- among Blacks.

Once again, a lot of people will be dures, to advocate for policies that improve health in communities of col- sympathetic to the sentiment, but…

Check It Out

Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor, New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.

JANUARY 1-7, 2020 B7

Glenn Ellis

Black Health

How and why we age (TriceEdneyWire.com)—It saddens me (as I grow older myself) how many people are struggling with accepting old age. Much of our society is filled with folks, young and old, who see aging as a negative aspect of life. Our society discards those who have reached old age, and we are inundated with promises and potions that have us fixated on staying young.

We are programmed to die; aging is the outcome of this programming, and it is no secret that the human body changes over time. Both genetics and lifestyle play a huge role in how we age.

We all age (if we live long enough), but seldom do we think about the process that takes place that takes us from the vibrant, youthful, and energetic creatures we used to be, to the sedentary and limited beings we become in old age.

There are those in the scientific and medical community who are advocating that aging should be treated as a disease. Aging is defined as the progressive accumulation of damage to your cells, tissues and organs, leading to disease and death. According to one study, this dreadful process starts at 24 years of age, at least for the brain; it could be a bit later.

Aging is nothing more than the natural wear and tear of the body’s component parts. It’s inevitable, and endlessly intriguing. While many age-related changes cannot be prevented, a lifestyle that includes exercise and a well-balanced diet will slow or minimize many problems related to aging.

As we age, our body’s organs and other systems make changes. These changes alter our susceptibility to various diseases. Researchers are just beginning to understand the processes that cause changes over time in our body systems. Understanding these processes is important because many of the effects of aging are first noticed in our body systems.

No single process can explain all the changes of aging. Aging is a complex process that varies as to how it affects different people and even different organs. Most Gerontologists (people who study aging) feel that aging is due to the interaction of many lifelong influences. These influences include heredity, environment, culture, diet, exercise and leisure, past illnesses, and many other factors.

Since 1900, average U.S. life expectancy has risen from 47 to 79. A lot of those gains come from a lower infant-mortality rate: A century ago, 1-in-10 babies born in the U.S. died before age 1, while today that figure is 1-in-170. But longevity gains in later years have also been substantial.

Most people are scared, indeed, terrified of old age because they feel that aging is characterized by a progressive loss of essential body functions that they have learnt to take for granted over the years; for instance, loss of vision, hearing, teeth, memory, intelligence, sexual drive, muscle strength and vigor. However, it needs to be emphasized that you can become old healthily; remember that old age does not necessarily mean progressive deterioration or susceptibility to a plethora of ailments!

Fortunately, aging doesn’t have to be a downhill slide. Older people have the reputation of being more mature, experienced and thoughtful. Whether or not you become wiser as you grow older, you are likely to become farsighted for sure! Farsightedness, one example of aging, is a change in vision that’s a normal part of aging. It is caused by a gradual hardening of the eye’s lens, which impairs your ability to see up close.

Your optometrist may recommend a pair of non-prescription reading glasses or prescribe bifocals for you.

Never think of age as being anything but just a number. There are some things in life we have no control over, such as when we were born. Age is no more than a circumstantial detail, like the color of your eyes, or the names of your parents; it does not define who you are. Aging is inevitable, growing old is avoidable. Expressed differently, one is never too young to be old or die, but one is never so aged as to become old.

If we live long enough, we will age. Just like the flowers, trees, bees, and all other living species on earth. It is up to us to accept aging as another stage of the life cycle - nothing more. Too many of us become despondent, depressed, and feel worthless.

Just make the best of whatever you have to work with in old age. Remember, healthy aging is not just about preventing problems.

It’s also about spotting them and addressing them before they get worse or drag down the rest of your health and independence.

Dying is not just an event that happens to us at the close of our lives. It is our purpose for being. We begin to die the very day we are born and live all our life towards death.

Sure, we may get sick as we age, but we can get sick at any stage of life. Illness and aging need not go hand in hand. If you take good care of your body in the “morning”, it will take good care of you in the “evening” of your life.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

(The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Glenn Ellis, is Research Bioethics Fellow at Harvard Medical School and author of Which Doctor?, and Information is the Best Medicine. Ellis is an active media contributor on Health Equity and Medical Ethics.

For more good health information visit: www.glennellis.com)

B8

JANUARY 1-7, 2020

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

RELIGION/METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

JANUARY 1-7, 2020

B9

Praise & Worship “Even though there are a lot of questions that we don’t know the answers to, the main thing is there’s a family that’s hurting, a family that needs support, love and resources.”

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

East Liberty Presbyterian Church

- Rev. Dorothy Stubbs Pastor, New Evangelistic Ministries, Wilkinsburg

Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

www.cathedralofhope.com

Family of Romir Talley, shot by Wilkinsburg police, wants answers

Worship on Sunday: Journey Worship...........8:45 a.m.

Sanctuary Worship...........11 a.m.

Taize -Wednesdays.........7 p.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue

Police say he was shot and killed only after firing a shot at police; family wants complete transparency TALLEY FROM A1

ist, told the crowd that the shooting of Talley actually took place. That information, Sloan said, is not being properly disseminated across local news outlets— she said media reports are making it appear as though Talley was shot in an open area near Penn Avenue and Wood Street.

“Even though there are a lot of questions that we don’t know the answers to, the main thing is there’s a family that’s hurting, a family that needs support, love and resources,” said Pastor Dorothy Stubbs of New Evangelistic Ministries in Wilkinsburg. “We understand that we need each other to survive. So we come out here today because we understand that here’s another man that’s lost…we come out in a positive way to say to the fami-

ly, what can we do to help?”

“This is yet another example of needed police oversight,” said Olivia Bennett, an Allegheny County Councilwoman. She told the crowd at the vigil that she will continue fighting for a county-wide citizen police review board, “so we know that our police officers are working under one single standard.”

County Police, not Wilkinsburg Police, are handling the full investigation, which is ongoing. The name of the Wilkinsburg Police officer who shot Talley multiple times has not been publicly identified.

Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett said she’s confident the police officer in question followed proper protocol.

Hollis, at the Dec. 24 news conference, said he believes there’s surveillance video of the encoun-

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

Read us online! at... www.newpittsburgh courier.com Since our next breath comes from not mother or father, but a unseen source we all need truth and a narrative that isn’t false-we also need real humility and balance. Consider the following as books and Google are concerned.

‘The Price for their Pound of Flesh’–A book that deals with the value of the enslaved, from the womb to grave, in the building of a nation. A beacon book by author Ms. Diana Ramey Berry.

Also, ‘What the Eyes Don’t See’– By Dr. Mona Hannah Attisha, that deals with environmental damage to minorities.

Also, before 1492, people of color ruled the world since the Garden of Eden-see ‘The Story of Moors in Spain’, by Stanley Lane Poole.

Google-East African diaspora in the Indian Ocean and then ask where else in the world people of color ruled with longevity and dignity.

It must be said what we once did, we will no doubt do again on behalf of all humanity.

One Creation—One Human Family—According to all Holy Books correct.

A prodical son, Kenneth Owens-El AKA Ismail El Amin Pittsburgh, PA

ter, which, if there is video, has not yet been made available to the public.

He also said Latasha Talley, Romir’s mother, “is willing to accept whatever that truth is” of what exactly transpired early Dec. 22.

“Whether that truth is good or bad, she’s willing to accept it.

But she wants the truth, she needs the truth.”

www.quaker.org/pghpamm/

ROMIR TALLEY

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar!

Send info to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219 Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

B10

METRO

JANUARY 1-7, 2020

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Courier’s ‘Women of Excellence’ event a sellout affair

HONOREES DR. RUTHIE REA, DR. TYRA GOOD, ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH, Ph.D. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

HONOREE RAMONA RUTH WILKES, right, with Mark Forbes.

EXCELLENCE FROM A1

self dissatisfied with her daughter’s reading curriculum and decided to “go on the inside,” as she said, to make changes, by becoming a school board member.

She served five years total on the board, including one as president, before being elected to Pittsburgh City Council in 1994.

“I did not want to pursue being the first of anything,” McDonald Roberts said onstage. “I did not want to undertake fights, I did not necessarily want to be in the public eye. I did not want to grace the newspapers…that was not the background that I had. But that is the course that God set for me.”

McDonald Roberts added: “I am only a tool, that is it.

He (God) told me, ‘I want you to be a tool, I want you to be a servant.’”

The morning began with a private reception for the honorees, of which they mingled, some catching up on old times, others meeting for the first time.

Honorees Sharon McIn-

tosh and Sonita Bell certainly didn’t meet for the first time at the event— they are mother and daughter. McIntosh is the youth summit coordinator for the Greater Pittsburgh Coalition Against Violence; prior to that role, she was a science and social studies teacher. Bell is the owner of her own boutique and has her own fragrance line, Jewell by Sonita’s Designs.

Around noon, the ballroom doors were opened, and people took their seats in anticipation of the event’s beginning. Reverend Dr. Darryl Canady, pastor of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church and husband of honoree Rev. Taleeta L. Canady, gave the invocation prior to the food being served.

Thereafter, celebrity host and KDKA-TV (Channel 2) television personality Michelyn Hood brought to the stage Mayor Peduto, Courier parent company Real Times Media CEO Hiram Jackson, Courier Editor and Publisher Rod Doss and Courier Advertising

WPXI CHANNEL 11—Managing Editor/Assistant News Director Tracie McKinney, anchor and Women of Excellence Honoree Lisa Sylvester, anchor David Johnson.

HONOREE TIMIRA RUSH, right, with Courier Circulation Coordinator Brenda Hill.

Coordinator Ashley Johnson.

Around 1:15 p.m. came the moment most in the crowd was waiting for—the presentation of the awards to the honorees.

One by one, the honorees’ names were called. They came to the stage, were greeted by Doss, and were handed their Women of Excellence award.

When the last honoree

HONOREES AMANDA NEATROUR, FLO TAYLOR was announced, the crowd watched a video presentation by Courier photographer/videographer Brian Cook Sr. on McDonald Roberts. When the video concluded, McDonald Roberts

HONROEES REV. TALEETA CANADY AND FRANCES JORDAN, with members of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church.

took the stage to a standing ovation.

And when she finished her speech, she exited the stage and towards her seat—to another standing ovation.