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Lockett beating plea deal blasted VOL. 107, NO. 8

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FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Five drunken rednecks leaving a country music concert in May, accost a Black man on the subway because they wanted the beer in his cooler, then one throws him onto the subway tracks and KEN GAULT when he gets back up, beats On probation him unconscious. All of it caught on Port Authority security video—and all five arrested at the scene. How many go to jail?

So far, none.

Upon leaving the courtroom after four of the five were given probation, the victim Kevin Lockett said if it were five Blacks beating a White guy, they’d all be MATTHEW going to jail.

RYAN KYLE LAPLACE “It wouldn’t happen like that Jailed and being held for sentencing On probation the other way around,” he said. “Nobody would be going home. Nobody would be getting 100 hours The deal: •Charges of aggravated assault, conspirof community service.”

Even Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Man- acy to commit robbery, ethnic intimidation ning was aghast the leniency of the plea and disorderly conduct against Ken Gault bargain, but he accepted it nonetheless. and David Depretis are dropped in ex-

DAVID DEPRETIS On probation

“It wouldn’t happen like that the other way around. Nobody would be going home. Nobody would be getting 100 hours of community service.”

KEVIN LOCKETT KEVIN LOCKETT

change for a —Manning required the service to CHRISTOPHER be done in a Black comLAPLACE munity, or serving On probation Blacks; •Matthew and Christopher LaPlace pleaded no contest after charges of ethnic intimidation were reduced to conspiracy to recklessly endanger a person, aggravated assault was reduced to simple assault, and robbery

charges were reduced to theft. They too were sentenced to make restitution, 100 hours of community service in a Black neighborhood, and probation—one year for Matthew, six months for Christopher.

Only Ryan Kyle—the one who beat Lockett so badly he required reconstructive surgery on his broken cheekbone and eye socket, as is still undergoing vision therapy—will do SEE LOCKETT A4

Bruce Kelley Sr. bond Pitt student conducts study on reduced, hearing delayed Black women’s eating habits

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

The good news is Bruce Kelley Sr.’s $300,000 straight bond has been drastically lowered by Wilkinsburg Magistrate Kim Hoots.

The bad news: even at the reduced rate of $25,000 his family cannot afford the bond, and he will remain in the Allegheny County Jail until his preliminary hearing, which was postponed

until March 3 because a prosecution witness was unavailable.

Kelley Sr., 60, faces several charges including aggravated assault, resisting arrest, interfering with officers, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Even though it is still a straight bond, Attorneys Blaine Jones and Ernest Sharif called the reduction positive as they left Hoots’ SEE KELLEY A4

by Ashley Johnson Courier Staff Writer

In the Black community food is everywhere—at family celebrations, church events and even work events—and can be hard to stay away from. In a culture where, as children, one is often taught that they must, “clean your plate,” whether full or not, it can also be hard to establish healthy eating habits as an adult.

A University of Pitts-

burgh School of Social Work doctoral candidate is working to change that mindset and equip African American women with the tools needed to live a healthier lifestyle. Through her Appetite Awareness Training pilot program, which is an eight-week program, funded through Magee Women’s Research, that focuses on obesity and eating disorders among African American women, Rachel Woodson Goode is teaching women that by listening to

their bodies they can overcome their challenges with food.

Goode, who had her own history of battling weight, said she designed the research study after putting together her own weight loss plan that included a recipe of spiritual faith and recognizing the body signals for hunger and fullness.

“Through prayer, and (after) failing and trying so many diets, I realized what I really needed to do was

l e a r n RACHEL WOODSON h o w GOODE to eat, not what (to eat),” she said.

“And so through my own personal process, eventually, once I figured it out and got the hang of it, I realized not only did I lose the weight, but I was feeling more free around food, which is something I had never felt with my other diets.” She lost 70 pounds and decided to go SEE PITT A4

Wheatley, Gainey win endorsements, still face opposition

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

As the Primary Election season heats up, state Reps. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill District, and Ed Gainey, D-East Liberty, have already issued defeats to their opponents, having won the endorsement of the Allegheny County Democratic Party.

Though endorsing incumbents

in a presidential election year is not uncommon, it was not a forgone conclusion for Wheatley, who has had to win without the endorsement before. Not taking any chances, he submitted more than four times the 300 signatures required on his nominating petition for re-election, handing in more than 1,200.

Though he beat three opponents for the Party nomination—Jessica

REP. JAKE WHEATLEY

REP. ED GAINEY

Wolfe, Mark Brentley and Aerion Abney they have until Aug. 1 to file as independents and oppose him in the November General Election.

Brentley, a former school board representative from the North Side, has run for the seat in the past. Wolfe, a social worker from Allentown is running for the first time.

But Abney may be the fly in

Wheatley’s ointment. He used to work in Wheatley’s office and now as a program officer for the Poise Foundation, oversees distribution of casino funds to development efforts in the Hill District.

Gainey, only had one opponent in his endorsement battle, perennial candidate and civil rights activist Will Anderson. Attorney Todd ElSEE ENDORSED A4

45 cents: A community under siege

by Phillip Martin For New Pittsburgh Courier

JEROME JACKSON, executive director of Operation Better Block in Homewood. (File Photo)

Pittsburgh Courier NEW

To subscribe, call 412-481-8302 ext. 134 or FAX 412-481-1360

(This is part 2 of a 3 part series) It may appear to be just another day in the neighborhood of Homewood— people going to work, cars driving by and children walking to school, some of them with parent or older siblings. Yes, it seems to be just another day in Homewood, just like the days in many other neighborhoods.

However if one takes a closer look, the tragic neverending presence of danger

The home in Homewood looms large over this neighborhood that has been plagued by open drug sales, prostitution, poverty and shootings.

Children and adults have to walk through streets to school, work or to the store that expose them to sights similar to a television show where the bad guys hang out on the corner and being in the wrong place at the wrong time may cost them their lives.

Day after day it appears that nothing changes except the faces of those who find themselves somehow transported to a place to feed drug habits, hire a prostitute, sell drugs or shoot someone. The days in Homewood are often filled with an atmosphere of despair. Or so it may seem to those who do not live in this once diverse, thriving community.

But, Homewood is still full

of people who live their lives just like millions of others who live in the United States, working, raising their children, shopping or visiting with friends, just like on “Leave it to Beaver,” or “The Cosby Show.” Although the problems these residents face cannot always be wrapped up in 30 minutes, their lives are reasonable happy and promising. Visitors can knock on many doors in the evening and witness families eating dinner, playing SEE COMMUNITY A4

James Clingman says

Hillary and Bernie discover and re-discover Black people Opinion A6

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This Week In Black History

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

BROOKLYN PROTEST—Protesters attend a rally in the Brooklyn borough of New York Saturday, Feb. 20, in support of a former NYPD police officer Peter Liang, who was convicted of manslaughter for the 2014 shooting death of Akai Gurley, in a housing project stairwell. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

Asian-Americans rally in NYC, around U.S. over officer’s conviction

by Julie Walker and Michael Balsamo Associated Press Writers

NEW YORK (AP)—About 10,000 protesters, some holding signs and other chanting, rallied in New York on Feb. 20 in support of a former police officer convicted for fatally shooting an unarmed Black man in a darkened stairwell in a public housing building.

The protest in Brooklyn over ex-officer Peter Liang’s manslaughter conviction in the 2014 shooting of Akai Gurley was one of about 30 taking place around the U.S., organizers said. About 2,000 people marched in Philadelphia, according to Philly.com, and about 150 gathered in Ann Arbor, Mich., according to The Ann Arbor News.

“No scapegoat! No scapegoat!’’ protesters in New York shouted as the crowd descended on Cadman Plaza, just outside the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. They carried signs declaring Liang’s prosecution “selective justice.’’

The 28-year-old Liang, who was fired immediately after a jury convicted him earlier this month, faces up to 15 years in prison.

He testified that the shooting was an accident, firing his gun after being frightened by a noise.

Many of his supporters say they believe Liang is being scapegoated because of anger over other police shootings in New York and

Elaine Effort

across the country and that he has been treated unfairly because he is Asian-American. Prosecutors argued that Liang’s actions were reckless and he shouldn’t have had his gun out or the finger on the trigger. They also said he did nothing to help Gurley as he lay dying on the floor.

“We’re here today to let people know that ChineseAmericans count as well,’’

years.’’

A few dozen people held a counter-protest in New York on Feb. 20, held across the street from the larger protest as officers with plastic handcuffs and batons stood between them.

Soraya Soi Free participated in the counterprotest. She argued that Liang was clearly not a scapegoat because he was tried by a jury of his peers,

“We’re here today to let people know that Chinese-Americans count as well. It is a tragedy that Akai Gurley was shot and killed…But this tragedy’s been compounded by another tragedy, that Peter Liang, in an accident, is going to go to jail for up to 15 years. We’re here today to let people know that Chinese-Americans count as well.”

PROTESTER DON LEE a candidate for New York’s state Assembly from lower Manhattan said protester Don Lee, a candidate for New York’s state Assembly from lower Manhattan.

Lee added, “It is a tragedy that Akai Gurley was shot and killed...But this tragedy’s been compounded by another tragedy, that Peter Liang, in an accident, is going to go to jail for up to 15

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and she did not approve of the protest supporting him.

“This protest is definitely an insult to Akai Gurley’s family,’’ she said.

Liang was convicted Feb. 11 on manslaughter and official-misconduct charges.

He is scheduled to be sentenced April 14.

Liang’s attorney, Robert Brown, attended the Brooklyn rally and said the community’s support was “very uplifting’’ to Liang.

Brown said he is making motions to have the verdict set aside.

Besides the protests in New York, Philadelphia and Michigan, organizers said rallies took place in dozens of other cities in the U.S. on Feb. 20, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.

(Associated Press writer Karen Matthews contributed to this report.)

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The Week of Feb. 18-24 February 24 1864—Rebecca Lee Crumbler becomes the first African-American woman to receive a medical degree.

Born in 1833, she graduated from the New England Female Medical College. Prior to becoming a doctor, she had worked as a nurse in Massachusetts for more than six years.

1868—The U.S. House of Representatives voted 126 to 47 to impeach President Andrew Johnson. Johnson had run afoul of a group of pro-Black legislators known as the Radical Republicans because of his opposition to full citizenship rights for former slaves. He survived being ousted as president by one vote in the U.S. Senate. As far as historical speculation goes, it would have been much better for Black rights and the course of Black history if Johnson had been ousted. His opposiPRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON tion to full rights, including voting rights, for Blacks helped lay the foundation for the un-doing of Reconstruction and the many gains Blacks had made during that period.

1966—Kwame Nkrumah is ousted in a military coup as president of the West African nation of Ghana. This was another event which changed the course of Black history for the worse. Nkrumah, educated at the predominantly Black Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, had been a major intellectual and pragmatic force for Pan-Africanism and worldwide Black unity. From the time he became the first president of Ghana in March 1957, he had worked tirelessly for international Black advance and world peace. His ouster left a void which after 40 years has not been filled by any other African leader. Nkrumah died in 1972.

January 25 1851—The first Black Women’s Rights Convention is held in Akron, Ohio. The keynote speaker was anti-slavery activist Sojourner Truth.

1966—Constance Baker Motley becomes the first AfricanAmerican woman appointed to a federal judgeship. She takes KWAME NKRUMAH the bench in the Southern District of New York. Motley was a major civil rights hero helping win several important cases during the 1950s and ‘60s. Among the cases was the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which desegregated the nation’s schools. She worked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and helped Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in several of his legal battles. Born in 1921 in New Haven, Conn., Motley died in 2006.

1980—Black Entertainment Television, the first Black owned company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, begins broadcasting from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. While still Black programmed, BET is now owned by media conglomerate Viacom.

February 26 1920—Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) founds the first nationally organized celebration of Black American history (then called Negro History Week), which was first celebrated on this day in 1926. Woodson scheduled the week to coincide with the birthdays of Civil War President Abraham Lincoln and Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass. However, in 1976, Negro History Week was expanded into the current day Black History Month. For his efforts in promoting knowledge of Black historical achievements Woodson became known as the “Father of Black History.” In explaining the need for the celebration, Woodson once said, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes CARTER G. WOODSON from the teaching of biography and history.”

1964—Heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay changes his name to Muhammad Ali after rejecting Christianity and joining the Elijah Muhammad-led Nation of Islam.

February 27 1748—This is the probable birth date of Prince Hall—the “Father of Black Masons.”

Hall was a veteran of America’s war of independence from England, founder of the first African-American Masonic lodges and one of the most prominent Black leaders of his era. The charter for the first Black Masonic lodge was granted on Sept. 29, 1784. It was known as African Lodge #459 of Boston.

1869—Congress adopts the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution making it illegal for the U.S. government or any state to “deny or abridge” the right to vote “on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude.” This was one of the so-called “Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th & 15th)” which essentially ended slavery, made Blacks full U.S. citizens and guaranteed the right to vote.

1872—Charlotte E. Ray graduates from the Howard University Law School becoming the first Black female lawyer in the United States. It also appears that she was the third female lawyer of any race. She was admitted to the Washington, D.C., bar the same year she graduated. But racism and sexism prevented her from making a living as a lawyer in the nation’s capital, so she moved to New York and got a job with the Brooklyn school system.

February 28 1708—One of the first recorded slave revolts in American history takes place on Newton, Long Island (New York). Seven Whites are killed. In retaliation, two Black male slaves and one Indian male slave were hung, while one Black female slave was burned alive.

CHARLOTTE E. RAY 1879—A date considered by many to mark the beginning of the great “Exodus of 1879,” when thousands of Blacks begin fleeing racism, violence and economic exploitation in the South for new lives in the Midwest, especially Kansas.

One of the most prominent organizers of the exodus was former Tennessee slave Benjamin “Pap” Singleton. An estimated 20,000 Blacks took part in the exodus. They were driven in part by the Homestead Act which promised free land. But by 1880, efforts had already begun to curtail the movement of Blacks to the Midwest. In 1881, Pap Singleton was hauled before a Senate investigative committee looking into his role in the exodus.

1989—Philip Emeagwali is awarded the Golden Bell Prize for solving one of the 20 most difficult problems in computer science. The prize is widely considered the “Nobel Prize of Computing.” The feat of the Nigerian-born computer scientist involved, at the time, the world’s fastest computer computation—a staggering 3.1 billion calculations per second. He figured out how oil flows underground and thus better enabled companies to extract it.

March 1 1739—The British government is forced to sign a peace treaty with the Jamaican Maroons. The Maroons were escaped slaves or, to put it another way, Africans who refused to be slaves. When the Spanish lost Jamaica to the British in 1665, they freed many of their slaves and called them Maroons or “wild.” The Maroons set up villages, were frequently joined by other escaped slaves and eventually began to wage a highly successful guerrilla war against the British. Under the terms of the peace treaty, the Maroons were designated a free people and given 1,500 acres of land.

1780—Pennsylvania becomes perhaps the first state to abolish slavery. There is some confusion about the effective dates of the laws passed during this period, MAROONS which called for the gradual elimination of slavery. The honor of being the first state to ban slavery may actually go to Vermont.

1875—Congress enacts the first Civil Rights Bill. It granted Blacks the right to equal treatment in inns, on public transportation, in theaters and places of amusement.

However, with the end of the progressive Reconstruction period, Jim Crow laws were passed throughout the South which largely ignored the Civil Rights Bill. African-Americans did not regain most of the rights granted in 1875 until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

1927—Entertainer and political activist Harry Belafonte is born Harold George Belafonte on this day in Harlem, N.Y., to Jamaican immigrant parents. Belafonte developed an early flair for entertainment and in the post-World War II period, he came one of the most popular vocalists in America and made Calypso popular throughout the nation. In 1959, he became the first African-American to win an Emmy. However, from the 1960s forward he mixed his entertainment career with active participation in the Civil Rights Movement and other social causes. He has been a frequent critic of Republican conservatism and conservative Blacks. In 2002, he was accused of labeling Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice “house niggers” for their support of President Bush’s right wing domestic and foreign policies.

1967—On this day in Black history, the U.S. House of Representatives expelled flamboyant and outspoken Black New York Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. from Congress for allegedly misappropriating funds. However, in June 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the expulsion unconstitutional and Powell returned to Congress, but without his seniority. He lost his seat to current Representative Charles Rangel in 1970 and Powell died on April 4, 1972. During his most powerful years in Congress, Powell headed the House Labor and Education Committee and used his powers to help pass a wide range of civil rights and progressive social legislation.

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FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

Community Calendar

Pitt student conducts study on Black women’s eating habits CONTINUED FROM A1

Symposium/Gala FEB. 25—Stop the ViolencePittsburgh will host Pittsburgh’s Black Honors Symposium & Gala at 7 p.m. at the Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. This event will honor a few of the African Americans who have made contributions to the Pittsburgh community since 1755. The evening’s honorees are Alma Speed Fox, retired Judge J. Warren Watson, Mark Brentley, Roger Humphries, Rev. Victor Grigsby, Ralph Proctor, Valerie McDonald Roberts and Bishop Loran Mann. Reservations are required. For more information, email bmarshallproductions@yahoo.com.

Painting with a Purpose FEB. 26—Naomi’s Place Housing Inc. will host Painting with a Purpose from 7-9 p.m. at Painting with a Twist, 2525 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville.

Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.paintingwithatwist.com.

Celebration Dinner FEB. 27—Classic Events! will host its 5th Annual Black History Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. at Hosanna House, 807 Wallace Ave., Wilkinsburg. The dinner with the theme, “Salute to the Black Church,” highlights the historical and significant contributions the Black church holds within the community. There will also be a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Emanuel AME Church shooting in South Carolina. For more information, call Ralph Watson at 412-7232414 or email yourclassicevent@gmail.com.

NEED Scholarship Dinner MARCH 5—NEED will host its 53rd annual Scholarship Dinner at 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Hotel, 600 Commonwealth Place, Downtown. The theme is “Their Education Matters.” This event celebrates the corporate, academic and community partnerships that make it possible to give generous contributions. Fifty high school students will be awarded scholarships. KDKA’s Lynne Hayes-Freeland will serve as the mistress of ceremonies and a reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required. For more information, call 412-566-2760 or email abrettholle@needld.org.

Transit Fare Proposal Hearing MARCH 8—Port Authority of Allegheny County will host a Public Hearing on its Transit Fare Proposal from 3-7 p.m. at University of Pittsburgh, Pitt Alumni Hall, Connolly Ballroom, Fifth Avenue, Oakland. The board is considering a policy that would replace the current multizone system with a single zone that would cost all riders $2.50 with a ConnectCard, regardless of their destination; eliminate the free Downtown zone; instate a 25 cent surcharge for riders paying with cash; and more. For more information, call 412-5665187.

Pancakes in the P.M. MARCH 10—East End Cooperative Ministry will host its 8th Annual Pancakes in the P.M. from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Pamela’s Diner, 60 21st St., Strip District.

The event benefits the Have a Heart Hunger Campaign. For more information, call 412-3615549 or visit www.eecm.org.

Political Lunch MARCH 11—New Voices Pittsburgh will host its Women of Color Political Lunch from 12-2 p.m. at the Jeron X. Grayson Center, 1852 Enoch St., Hill District. This event is part of its Women of Color HERStory Month Celebration. The lunch will feature guest speakers, Jessica Byrd, Glynda Carr, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, state Representative Patty Kim and more. For more information, visit www.newvoicespittsburgh.org.

Black Arts Grant Application Deadline ONGOING—The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments are accepting applications for its Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh grant. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 29.

This grant program is designed to help build the careers of individual artists; increase the sustainability of cultural organizations that focus on Black art; build community awareness; and more. For more information, call Nicole Henninger at 412-3942617.

(To have items listed on Community Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or email: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

METRO

back to school and do more research.

According to statistics from the “Health of Black or African American non-Hispanic Population” section on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website (www.cdc.gov), between 2009-2012, approximately 57 percent of nonHispanic Black or African American women 20 years and over were obese compared to approximately 33 percent of White women.

During Goode’s latest eight-week study, which ended last December, 17 participants were given a health assessment; attended focus groups that discussed their past weight loss experiences, relationships with food, etc.; completed weekly-logs about their meals and when they

ate; and were taught the biological signals of hunger and fullness.

Although Goode is still conducting the study and does not have final results as of yet, she said she has received positive feedback, thus far. According to her, she said participants have reported feeling in control of their eating and weight loss, and overall, that they have gained the ability to “make healthy eating choices.”

She said the second round of the study may take place next year.

Amber Pace, of Penn Hills, participated in one of Goode’s three Appetite Training sessions, and said the program helped her tremendously and that she would recommend it to others.

“Now, I have control over

my food. My food is not controlling me anymore,” Pace said. “It’s okay to eat. It (the program) wasn’t about what you’re eating, it’s about how much you’re eating, and that you’re actually eating when your body is telling you it’s ready to eat and stopping when your body is giving you that queue.”

Pace said what hit home the most, for her, was the first thing that Goode covered. “When you’re born God gives you the ability to know when to eat and when not to eat. And that is the most-simple way to think of the entire appetite study.”

She said the fact that the training program isn’t just another dieting program, but that it helps one to learn why they eat and then uses that to establish healthy habits, is what makes it more appealing.

Participants learn the difference between eating until your full and binge eating.

But it is not only what the program teaches, but how it’s taught, according to Pace, that makes the difference. She said because Goode has been where the participants are, she has a passion that really shines through. She described Goode as being positive, supportive and caring.

Pace, who reports losing 5 pounds during the session, said the program has not only helped her, but her family as well. Growing up, she too was raised in a household where one is expected to “clean their plate” and realized that she was passing that onto her children. Since learning to “retrain her brain,” Pace now starts her family off with

smaller portions. If they want more after, then it is okay. She does not force them to eat.

Passing on what her participants are learning is just one of Goode’s goals for her study. She said her ultimate goal is to “help women, and eventually men, to establish a weight loss ministry, with a faith-based approach, to help participants really feel free around food and to be able to have a healthy relationship with food and be in control of their eating efforts.

Goode will begin a new session on Thursday, April 7 at the Hill House Association at 7 p.m. and welcomes interested African American women to attend.

(For more information on the Appetite Awareness Training study, call 412-383-8028 or email rlw22@pitt.edu.)

45 cents: Homewood community under siege CONTINUED FROM A1

video games, helping children with their homework and enjoying their lives.

Yes, from some news reports, one can get the impression that the people living there condone the lifestyles of those who grab the spotlight away from all of the attributes this community has to offer. Homewood has many resources other communities can only hope for. There are restaurants that serve everything from a great breakfast to BBQ, small grocery stores that are stocked with merchandise such as bread and milk people often need but do not wish to have to catch a jitney, private owner cab or bus to get to the big supermarkets to purchase them. There is the Alma Ellery Health Center, the Homewood campus of Community College of Allegheny County, and the African American Music Institute, many within walking distance of the residents who use these facilities.

Businessman Sarouk Salik, 75, who has owned a hardware store in Homewood for more than 30 years, also had another store in the East Hills area that is now closed. When asked how he felt about Homewood being labeled as one of the most dangerous paces to live in the city with one of the highest homicide rates, Salik said, “I do not feel very good about hearing that.”

He said that he once lived in New York City and finds the people in Homewood are much friendlier than there. “Even the young people here are friendly,” he said.

Then there are the churches. It would seem that there are houses of worship on every other corner. Many of the churches not only supply their parishioners with spiritual guidance but also with other services such as the Homewood Salvation Army’s Social Services and Career Center to Shiloh Baptist Church Tuesday and Thursday feeding program. The churches in Homewood have always been a staple and heart of the community.

There was a time when

Wheatley, Gainey endorsed CONTINUED FROM A1

liott Koger is also looking to unseat Gainey as an independent. He last ran against Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

On the national scene just as she did in 2012, Janis C. Brooks is challenging veteran incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pittsburgh, for his 19th District congressional seat. Brooks is the director of Citizens to Abolish Domestic Apartheid, which has worked to assist at-risk youth and families since 1990.

there was every type of business you could think of in Homewood: shoe repair and flower shops, high-end clothing stores as well as a G.C. Murphy’s and John’s Bargain Stores. And, two grocery stores, including a Giant Eagle on each end of the neighborhood, allowed the residents of Homewood to work and shop in their own backyards.

When asked if the violence has affected his life or business, Salik said, “It has not affected me personally; however, it may cause other people to not come into the neighborhood to shop because of the reputation Homewood has.”

Salik, who employs three people, says he is keeping his business in Homewood and intends to pass the business on to his children.

However, the early 1980s layoffs caused by the steel mills closing, where many of the men worked, the young well-educated graduating from college — many of which were the first of their families to do so — and moving to the suburbs, and the introduction of crack cocaine dealing as a way of earning income, the neighborhood went from a work economy to a drug sales one.

Seemingly forgotten by city government, the neighborhood is littered with empty lots, abandoned buildings and shuttered storefronts. Many of the community members say promises made to them by Mayor Bill Peduto, city Councilman Ricky Burgess and state Rep Ed Gainey is the same old tired rhetoric.

An Aug. 15 community meeting hosted by Rashad Byrdsong, 66, CEO of the Community Empowerment Association was attended by many concerned residents.

Jerome Jackson, 53, who has worked at Operation Better Block as its executive director for five years, raised the issue of how to improve community safety.

He believes that should be at the forefront of any conversation concerning Homewood.

“We need to work together to make the community safe for everyone,” Jackson said. “No one is going to make our community safe but us.”

Jackson said that one way to keep the children safe is by having adults on every street corner to keep them safe while they go to and from school. “People do it in other communities in other neighborhoods. We can do it here,” he said.

However, Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay, 58, who also attended the meeting with several other officers, believes that moving the Zone 5 Police Station, which serves Homewood as well as the surrounding communities,” which was once located in East Liberty but was moved to its current location on Washington Boulevard in 2008, will help. It is one of several stations McLay wants to move back to the neighborhoods.

Homewood is on his list of possible station sites. “In my ideal world, many of the stations would be in the business district of the

neighborhoods they serve,” he said.

He would like to have a community room in the station for meetings and other community activities.

McLay is also making efforts to reach the young people in Pittsburgh in order to improve their relationships with the officers in their community. “There are always meetings with middle-age people talking about the issue many communities face; however, we need to engage the youth of the city because they often know the answers to the communities’ problems better than we do,” he said. He hopes to develop youth advisory councils throughout the city in order for them to have their voices heard.

So how do the youth feel about living in this neighborhood? Is it really as bad as it has been portrayed to be? Some of the students of Homewood’s Westinghouse Academy do not think so.

Tory Conyers, 14, who is

in the eighth grade said, “If you just stay out of the way and are not in a gang you can survive, but if you are in a gang, nine out of 10 times (you) will not.” He said that he knows people who are in gangs but he has never been approached to join one.

When asked what he wants to do in the future, Tory said, “I want to go to college.”

However, Lashay Wagner who lives in East Liberty but attends Westinghouse High School has a different view of the school environment. “There are fights there every day,” she said. “I hate that school.”

Tyil Turner, 14, who lives in Homewood but goes to Clayton High School on the North Side, said he has been around violence all his life. “But it really makes me feel bad,” Tyil said.

He said he is not afraid to walk the streets at night.

When asked about his future, he mentioned he

In the Feb. 17-23 Edition “Black Fives: Basketball before integration” exhibit is no longer on display at the New York Historical Society. The story was geared toward the history of Black basketball before Blacks were allowed into the White pro leagues.

CONTINUED FROM A1

that one person assaults him, actually puts him on the tracks. The other guy is standing there and won’t let him come up. The other three just kind of stand around,” said Zappala. “The guy that hurt him will go to the penitentiary, and that’s a significant step.”

Zappala is in the midst of a run for state attorney general, and this move could prove troublesome with Black Lives Matter advocates, especially when one of the defendants who received leniency, Depretis, is the son of the Baldwin borough mayor.

Zappala is also dealing with two other incidents that could color reaction to his candidacy: refiling charges against Pittsburgh police officer Stephen Matakovich for

his brutal arrest of a drunken teenager last summer, and ruling on whether the shooting of Bruce Kelley Jr. by Port Authority police officers last month.

Attorney Todd Hollis said more needs to be done in Lockett’s case; the plea deal that let those men walk away with slap on the wrist is “an insult to every decent person who lives in this city.”

“I won’t comment on the District Attorney’s actions, other than to say I believe more should have been done.

There has to be consequences for anyone who acts with such reprehensible and callous behavior,” he said.

“Though he has not hired me, I have contacted Mr. Lockett and expressed my desire to assist him further if he chooses.”

would like to go to the NFL or start his own business.

Tayvion Adams, also 14, goes to South Hills Middle School, and he echoes the feelings his friends have about the neighborhood. “I am not afraid to live in Homewood. It is fine with me,” the young man who wants to play college football and make money said.

Tory is resigned to the environment in this community as a whole. “I cannot change it. I can only change myself. It is what it is,” he said.

Correction

Lockett beating plea deal blasted any jail time. But even his charges were reduced.

Instead of attempted murder, Kyle was allowed to plead to aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation and conspiracy to commit robbery. His sentencing is scheduled for May 16. He will likely serve between three and six years in prison.

District Attorney Stephen Zappala said the prosecutors in the case were hampered by the lack of audio, and the fact that everyone—including Lockett—was intoxicated. Lockett’s recollection was further limited by the beating. He repeatedly testified that the men shouted racial slurs at him, but was unable to say who shouted what.

“You can see from the video

Kelley Sr. bond reduced, hearing delayed CONTINUED FROM A1

court Feb. 19.

“We’re happy with the outcome,” said Jones. “We came here understanding the government wanted a postponement and our thought process immediately shifted to the bond.”

Sharif said reducing the excessive bond was appropriate.

“He’s not a flight risk,” said Sharif. “We don’t believe he is a danger to society at large. So, we think it’s fair.”

Kelley Sr.’s charges stem from a Jan. 31 encounter with Port Authority police that left his son, 37-year-old Bruce Kelley Jr. dead.

According to police, both men were drinking at a gazebo on PAT property near the East Busway. There was a confrontation during which the officers pepper sprayed and tried to Taser Kelley Jr., but the Taser’s leads could not penetrate his coat.

Kelley Sr. jumped in and struck one of the officers, a female, allowing the two to flee temporarily.

He was recaptured shortly thereafter. His son, however, continued to resist officers’ attempts to arrest him. Port Authority surveillance video shows him occasionally flashing a small knife while eventually being followed by up to 10 officers, who tried and failed to bring him down, again using Tasers and batons thrown at his legs.

The video does not show officer Brian O’Malley releasing his dog Aren, the younger Kelley defending himself and fatally stabbing the dog, nor O’Malley and a

second officer firing a total of 12 rounds into Kelley Jr. In the days that followed, anger grew as Aren was given a hero’s funeral procession through the city, while the Kelley family struggled to pay for a funeral, even as Kelley Sr. languished in jail.

The officers involved in the shooting remain on paid suspension pending the outcome of an internal investigation, and one

by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala into whether or not the shooting was justifiable.

The incident has prompted several activist groups to call for the elimination of using police dogs on people, and for police to add more less-than-lethal options to their arsenals. The Citizen Police Review Board scheduled a special meeting on exploring those options Feb. 23.

Members of the Alliance for Police Accountability will also be at the Port Authority’s regular meeting Feb. 26, and will voice their concerns about police procedures, tactics, training, and the use of dogs against people.

Sharif said his client is “holding up well” and appreciates the community support he’s received.

Black Lives Matter activist Dale Vann, who attended Kelley Sr.’s hearing, said he wants to see justice for his son.

“It’s a life that should not be taken,” he said. “And we can’t come up with these flimsy excuses to justify murder.”

(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

METRO

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

A5

Chromos Eyewear gives free glasses to Miller students

HOME WORK SO MUCH EASIER—Working hard wearing her new glasses is Kashmir Rivers

CLEAR VISION—Doing her work in class wearing her new glasses is Myleah Macklin.

When families are unable to make ends meet, proper eye care for their children can be unaffordable.

As a result, students have difficulty learning because they can’t see the chalkboard clearly.

Eventually, many of these kids give up and never fulfill their potential.

To reverse this trend, over the past year, Chromos Eyewear has been providing Pittsburgh Public Schools students in need with free eye exams and glasses to help them see a brighter future.

To date Chromos Cares™ has helped more than 100 PPS students.

Recently PPS Superintendent Linda Lane, PPS superintendent, and Mayor Bill Peduto presented new eyeglasses to students at Miller K-5 African Academy in the Hill District.

National NAACP head speaks at Highmark Highmark Health welcomed Cornell Brooks,

president & CEO of the NAACP, as its special

CORNELL BROOKS president & CEO National NAACP. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

EVAN FRAZIER, vice president Highmark with opening remarks.

guest speaker during the organization’s celebration of Black History Month.

Brooks addressed an audience of approximately 150 Highmark employees and regional leaders including Mayor Bill Peduto, the African American Chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams, Highmark Health President and CEO David Holmberg, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO Esther Bush, and many others.

Sponsored by Highmark Health’s Black Network Business Resource Group and the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, the event highlighted the 2016 national Black History Month theme of Hallowed Grounds—recognition of the communities created during centuries of migration by African Americans and their deeply embedded imprint on the narrative of the American past and present. Brooks focused on the importance of Inclusion in his remarks.

DORIS CARSON WILLIAMS introduces keynote speaker.

NEW GLASSES—From left: Myleah Macklin, Maliea Williamson , Kenyatta Leviege Delouve and Kashmir Rivers.

TEAM WORK—In yellow is Kemora Frank, in light blue is Makenzie Pollard, and in dark blue is Jourdyn Evans. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

A6

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OPINION

Helping people find jobs

Guest Editorial

GOP tries for supreme injustice against Obama The unexpected death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia sparked an immediate declaration from Republicans that the next president should nominate his replacement.

The speed at which Republicans pushed partisan politics into the national conversation before the nation had a chance to react and mourn Scalia’s death is astonishing and unseemly.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (RKy.) and Republican presidential candidates immediately said that the responsibility to nominate Scalia’s replacement should fall to the winner of the 2016 election and not to President Barack Obama.

This is an outrageous declaration.

Obama has pledged to nominate a replacement in “due time,” which is his right.

Obama will remain as president until January 2017. He has the constitutional right to nominate Scalia’s replacement. The Republican-controlled Senate should give his nominee a fair and impartial hearing. It would be a dereliction of duty for the nation to go for so many months without a replacement.

For the good of the nation, the Senate should act and confirm a qualified nominee and stop playing politics.

Unfortunately considering today’s overly contentious political climate this is wishful thinking unless President Obama and American voters pressure Republicans to act.

The Republicans’ reaction to the death of Scalia adds even more weight to the decision voters will make in November’s general election.

The prospect of Obama’s successor nominating a Supreme Court justice immediately after taking office is another factor for voters to consider when evaluating the contenders.

Scalia was a hero of conservatives during his nearly 30 years on the Supreme Court, and opponent to many civil rights and progressive causes. He openly ridiculed claims made by university administrators that building a diverse student body or maintaining student diversity in classrooms served an educational or greater social purpose.

Scalia argued that requiring nine Southern states, all with a history of discrimination, to “pre-clear” changes to voting procedures with the Justice Department is now needless interference with “state sovereignty.”

The Supreme Court now is divided between four liberal and four typically conservative justices.

With three other justices older than 75, the next president could have other vacancies during his or her tenure, even if Obama fills Scalia’s seat.

Voters should take this in consideration when choosing the next president.

Pittsburgh Courier NEW

Founded 1910

Rod Doss

Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher

Allison Palm

Eric Gaines

Office Manager

Advertising Manager

Ashley Johnson Associate Editor

Managing Editor

Jeff Marion Circulation Consultant

John H. Sengstacke Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’

blind, to vote him into office.

John Kasich, 7.6 and Ben Carson, 7.2 are staying in the race. Kasich will probably do well in the midwestern states, but Carson, I don’t know? Now they travel to Nevada. Trump should win big in Nevada.

Hillary Clinton beat Bernie Sanders 53-46 in Nevada keeping that race tight. They now go to South Carolina where Hillary is expected to win big.

But that may not happen. Results will be after our press time.

I’m still waiting for a state with some Blacks and Latinos in them. So far South Carolina is the only one. I really have a problem with this system of allowing small segregated states to have so much power in determining who our next president is going to be. By the time it gets to the larger more integrated states it will have been decided in many cases. For example on the Republican side there were nine now there are five. Actually three. Oh, I don’t believe in the media theory that Carson, Bush, and Kasich voters will not go to Trump. When they drop out he will get his share of those votes, because he is the front-runner and more people are taking him seriously and will vote for him now because they will not be wasting their vote.

Much of the Media is asking Sanders how he’s going to pay for his programs of Free Health Care, and Free Education? But if you listen to the Republicans talking about military spending, are they really going to cut spending or simply switch it from domestic spending on Social Security, Medicare, Education and other programs to boost military spending and of course the Mexican border wall in which they are willing to spend whatever. I don’t know why Carson’s staying in. I don’t know what issue he’s trying to focus on or what point he’s trying to make because he’s not doing a good job in the debates of making his point.

robbing and killing because he has a job. It also helps in that instead of him begging and stealing, with a job he can now contribute to the community by paying rent, buying clothes, food and supporting other retail businesses. It also helps his family because now they have a father in the home to help guide and direct them, instead of behind prison bars.

Jail is supposed to be a correctional institute, not a lifetime punishment facility, for most.

Many people are asking how long will Bruce Kelley Sr. stay in jail and why was the bail so high? The $300,000 straight bail was excessive for what he was being charged with.

He didn’t kill the dog, his son did. And he has no previous history of violence behavior.

It appears that the Judge over reacted in this case just like the police officers did.

Brandi Fisher is to be commended for keeping the issue of the son being killed by over reacting police; that no man should die because they were drinking in public. *** Donald Trump has done it again. He won in South Carolina by a large margin 33 percent, to 22 percent for Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz who finished in a virtual tie.

After receiving only 7.8 percent of the votes Jeb Bush stepped out. After the condition of this country when his brother left office, as well as the Iraq (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the war, I don’t understand how he expected the people, no matter how New Pittsburgh Courier.)

Hillary and Bernie discover and re-discover Black people

by James Clingman (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—One thing is for sure: Black folks are enjoying this latest political mating dance with Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. Sanders is discovering Black people in South Carolina and Georgia, and Clinton has reopened the “leading Blacks” vault to rediscover their loyalty and willingness to present her to the Black electorate one mo’ time, y’all.

Sanders, after years without doing anything specific for the 1 percent Black population of his state, much less for Black people in general, has now discovered, and some would say rediscovered, his love and concern for us. In the vast majority of cases it is really a case of Black people discovering Sanders, because most Blacks knew absolutely nothing about him prior to a few months ago, but for Ed Schultz and Black folks’ penchant for watching MSNBC. Sanders started out by traipsing up to Harlem, cameras in tow, of course, to sip tea with Sharpton at a popular Black restaurant. I am sure that boosted his “street cred” bona fides with Black voters.

Uncle Bernie then goes to MLK’s alma mater, Morehouse, and tells thousands of Black folks how much he loves them now and how much he will do for them—now. It’s almost like he is waking up from his five-decade “I marched with MLK” respite and discovering that Black people exist and, yes, they are important to court because he cannot win without them. He is pulling out all the condescending platitudes to get the Black vote, and Black folks are lovin’ it.

Hillary, far more knowledgeable and adept at getting Black voters, reached into her bag of politricks and pulled

out an old, tried-and-true, sleight of hand tactic. She met with the Great Triumvirate of Black “civil rights” leaders, folks who will hurt you if you get between them and a TV camera, to subliminally suggest she is “down with the bruthas.” Sitting at a table with Marc Morial, Al Sharpton, and a guy Black folks have yet to discover, the NAACP’s Cornell Brooks, was her springboard to vie for the Black vote.

Mama Hillary called on old stand-by Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., to tell Black folks that Sanders has no street cred because Lewis “never met him” back in the days of fire hoses, dogs, and billy-clubs. (Maybe Lewis had a concussion back then and simply forgot.)

Hillary then got members of the Congressional Black Caucus to endorse her, a monumental victory that will surely bring home the ultimate victory. After all, we cast from 93 percent to 95 percent of our precious votes for Barack in both elections, and he won.

Why not the same thing this year for Clinton?

Black folks are discovering and being discovered by Bernie; we are also being rediscovered by Hillary.

And while we are making political campaign ads, going to rallies and cheering for the Democratic candidates, as Gil Scott-Heron said in reference to Richard Nixon and the Republicans, “All is calm and quiet along the white sands of San Clemente.” In today’s political world that simply points to the Republicans continued strategy of ignoring Black people by saying absolutely nothing on our behalf or in support of issues that specifically pertain to Black voters. But why should they? We are “all in” for the Dems.

Hype is meaningless unless it is accompanied by real accountability and

substantive results. If the Black vote is so important and so precious, as we like to say, then why is it literally given away for a song and a dance or a rousing speech? Saying how bad it is for Black people is not doing something about it. Glad-handing and hobnobbing with two or three leading Blacks is not doing anything to elevate Black people to a state of economic empowerment - and not even political empowerment. Feeling our pain and walking in the streets with us does nothing to alleviate that pain or stop the injustices we suffer.

It is embarrassing to see our people fawning over folks who, when they get what they want from us, will return to the political status quo. If that were not true, we would have seen huge benefits by now. It’s always, “this time it will be different” when it comes to Black voters.

One practical question to ask candidates who are running around our neighborhoods, churches, and college campuses seeking our votes: “How much campaign money have you spent with Black-owned media, i.e. newspapers, radio?” That’s just one of many acts of reciprocity and the bare minimum of what we should demand. If they do as the current POTUS did in 2012, spend one-tenth of 1 percent with Black media, don’t support them until they increase that amount, and then move on to the next demand. Stop allowing them to use and insult you, and stop slobbering over this latest discovery process; Black people have been in this country since the show started.

(Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce, is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people.

He can be reached through his website, blackonomics.com.)

Maryland restores voting rights of ex-offenders

by Marc H. Morial

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Ulish Carter

“The greatest public program the government can provide minorities is a job,” President John F. Kennedy.

This was a great statement by former President Kennedy back during the 1960s and it stands true today. Especially since we never got the 40 acres and a mule. The problem is that most programs have not provided jobs or the training for a good paying job, which makes two of the groups we covered recently stand out. One is NEED, which is working to help college students with their finances so that they can finish college to get a good paying job. It’s too bad more Blacks are not contributing to NEED and other groups like them so that they can contribute more to the students.

The other group is the Hill House Association job placement program headed by Donald McKeever and Sharnay Hearn. Hill House Executive Director Cheryl Hall-Russell is to be commended for seeing that the program wasn’t as effective as she would like it to be and made changes to make it more effective. Employment is the most important problem in the Black community, hopefully Hearn and McKeever with support from Hall-Russell will move it out front in helping not only Hill District residents find good paying jobs but Blacks throughout the Pittsburgh area. *** Governor Wolf office has announced a record decline in Pennsylvania prisons. There are a lot of reasons but one that sticks out is the decline in prisoners returning after they have been released. The main reason for this is a program started several years ago in prisons to make sure all inmates who were going to be returning to the streets, were not only trained how to do a job but the prison worked with businesses in the community to help them by giving them a job.

This helps everyone. It helps the prisoners, but it helps the community by keeping this man off the streets

(GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—“Apart from being a fundamental democratic right, voting is essential to a formerly incarcerated citizen’s rehabilitation.

Ex-felons who have been released from prison, and are living in our neighborhoods, are a part of our community. These individuals who have paid their societal debts are unduly barred from being fully re-integrated back into society by being denied the right to vote. These restrictions serve only to further alienate and isolate millions of Americans as they work to regain normality in their lives.”—Rep. John Conyers, April 10, 2014 A wrong has been made right in the state of Maryland.

In a long overdue reversal led by the state’s legislature, ex-offenders in Maryland—citizens who have done the proscribed time for their crime—will automatically regain the right to vote once they have been released from prison. Prior to this vote, Maryland required all individuals with past felony

convictions to complete all terms of their probation and parole before their access to the polls could be restored through what many described as a lengthy and confusing process.

The previous policy, which disproportionately impacted communities of color, was unduly punitive; delaying and denying men and women who paid their debt to society and completed their prison sentences the quintessential right of any citizen who lives in a democracy. Such tactics of voter disenfranchisement must not be tolerated or become an acceptable policy option in a nation that professes to be governed by democratic tenets.

Once the Maryland bill becomes law, an estimated 40,000 men and women currently on felony probation or parole will have their right to vote restored—many of them in time to vote for their local and national leaders, including our nation’s new president.

While there is much to applaud, we must recognize that this victory is a drop in the proverbial bucket.

Today, in the United States of Amer-

ica, almost 6 million citizens are effectively locked out of the democratic process because of laws that disenfranchise citizens convicted of felony offenses. Maryland now joins 13 other states, plus the District of Columbia, in immediately restoring the voting rights of ex-offenders upon their release. There are nine states that permanently bar certain ex-offenders from voting at all. Two states, Maine and Vermont, do not restrict voting rights to any citizen with a criminal conviction, even those still in prison, but this is a battle that must continue to be fought around our nation.

Among other benefits, voting promotes public safety. When we allow citizens to fully re-integrate back into society that must include more than securing employment or housing. While those pursuits and others are important, civic engagement can establish a vested interest in the well being of the communities where ex-offenders make their homes, work and pay taxes.

America should not be in the business of denying the right the vote.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Only Democrats compromise on court appointments (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—President Obama has announced that despite threats from Republican leaders, he plans to nominate someone to fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of Antonin Scalia.

I hope he ignores the advice of Vice President Joe Biden who wants him to select someone who isn’t staunchly liberal.

Biden said, “...my advice is, the only way we get someone on the court, now or even later, is to do what we’ve done in the past...we have to pick somebody, as the president will, who is intellectually competent, is a person of high moral character, is a person who is demonstrated to have an open mind, and is a person who doesn’t come with a specific agenda. “...the idea that we’re going to go in and decide we’re going to pick an, I don’t know, a new Justice Brennan, I don’t think that’s going to happen.

That’s not how the system works.”

That’s not how it works for Democrats. And it doesn’t work because they are such wimps when it comes to standing up for their beliefs.

You have never heard nor will you ever hear a Republican talk about not nominating any judge because he or she is too conservative. In fact, they have made a point of putting right-wing reactionaries on the court: Clarence Thomas, John G. Roberts, Samuel Alito, Anthony M. Kennedy and, of course, Antonin Scalia.

Yet, Democrats—and only Democrats—feel compelled to appoint less doctrinaire justices in order to appease Republicans who oppose them at every turn. That’s a one-way street to nowhere.

Conservatives have created a vast network through The Federalist Society “dedicated to reforming the current legal order.” From establishing chapters on every law school campus, to arranging internships with like-minded lawyers,

George E. Curry

Commentary

FORUM

A big man who is genuinely concerned A couple of ingly more cyniweeks ago I re- Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick cal and suspiceived a phone cious and all of call from Phylthem become lis Brown, a suspects of lady who is a being persons dear friend of who speak with mine, and a perfork tongue son with whom (liars).

The meeting I have the utlasted about most respect.

She asked me had I ever met the two hours and I asked him numerous Mayor of Braddock and my response questions such as can you raise any was no. She said, “You know he is run- money? Can you build a statewide orning for the United States Senate.“ I ganization? Do you run to win? Can said I know, but presently I am leaning you win? We discussed his upbringtoward the former admiral Joe Sestak. ing, educational background and my Phyllis continued by suggesting that I last question to the senate candidate should meet the mayor and I agreed. I was a double question why do you had seen the mayor on television, read run? What is the difference between about his accomplishments in the you and your two opponents?

Mayor John Fetternman’s answer newspaper and knew that physically he was a big man, but upon meeting was as sincere and genuine as any rehim in person and talking and ex- sponse I have ever heard from a pubchanging views about numerous issues lic servant. He said, “I came to Bradit became apparent to me how big dock more than 10 years ago and instantly realized the plight of the Mayor John Fetterman really is.

In my 84 years I have met persons Braddocks of this great nation and it from every walk of life—liars, excep- is my utmost commitment to improve tionally good liars, big persons who the quality of life for all of them. He were small in statue, eloquent speak- concluded by saying thru his efforts ers, those who have speech impedi- Braddock may not be what it use to be ments, rich and poor persons, trust- during the steel mill years, but thank worthy and those who were not, White God it’s not what it was 10 years ago. persons we could count on and colored “Yes as a senator I will declare war on persons that we could not, those reli- the conditions that create the Bradgious leaders who preach Jesus and docks of the nation.” those who serve the devil and last but As I left the meeting with the mayor not least those elected officials, who of Braddock I no longer was leaning put their arms around you and state toward the admiral, because I was you can count on me. Yes I have met truly impressed with the genuine sinthem all. Over the years I have heard cere big man Mayor John Fetterman.

(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributhe political speeches and the promises and I have become increas- tor to the New Pittsburgh Courier.)

To Tell The Truth

College majors and income disparities

and screening potential judges for Republican presidents, The Federalist Society is leaving its right-wing imprint on the courts.

To their disappointment, David Souter was nominated to the Supreme Court by President George H.W. Bush, but ended up siding with liberals on the bench. “No More Souters” became the boisterous chant of disappointed conservatives.

Though they are arch-conservatives, Chief Justice John Roberts and Anthony Kennedy have been sharply criticized by conservatives for certain votes. Roberts provided the deciding vote to uphold the legality of the Affordable Care Act and Kennedy voted to legalize same-sex marriage.

The Washington Times noted in September, “As a precursor to the upcoming Republican presidential debate, a conservative group is starting a campaign push to get the candidates on the record about how they would approach Supreme Court nominations. “‘Demand justices with a proven record of upholding the constitution. We can’t afford more surprises,’ a narrator says in the first advertisement by the Judicial Crisis Network, which features the faces of Justices John Roberts and Anthony Kennedy and retired Justice David Souter, all Republican picks to the court.”

The narrator added, “On the most important issues, the Supreme Court decides. The next president could appoint a new majority to last a generation.”

Selecting a progressive to replace Scalia would shift the balance of the court, which is now tilted 5-4 in favor of conservatives. And the next president may get two or more additional appointments.

All of the remaining Republican candidates for president are contending that President Obama should not appoint a replacement for Scalia, which would leave his seat open for a minimum of 11 months. And, according to FactCheck.org, critics of Obama are distorting the history of the Supreme Court to make their argument.

“Let’s take Cruz’s statement first,” FactCheck.org states. “He’s right—or close to right—that it has been 80 years since a Supreme Court nominee was ‘nominated and confirmed in an election year.’ It has actually been 76 years.

But here’s the missing context: There have been only six outstanding court vacancies in an election year since 1900, and in every case the vacancy was filled.”

Rubio said on “Face the Nation” (Feb. 14): “...There’s been precedent established over 80 years that, in the last year, especially in the last 11 months, you do not have a lame-duck president make a lifetime appointment to the highest court on the land.”

Again, that is not true.

FactCheck.org stated, “In fact, this is the first time in at least 116 years that a Supreme Court vacancy occurred in a lame-duck president’s final year in office. The chart above also shows there was only one lame-duck president—Reagan— who had a vacancy to fill, but that vacancy occurred when Reagan had more than a year in office. Rubio said the precedent extends only to a president’s last year ‘especially in the last 11 months,’ which would only cover Obama.”

Republican front-runner Donald Trump, who has dismissed Chief Justice John Roberts as “disgraceful” and a “disappointment,” named Clarence Thomas as his favorite Supreme Court justice.

Critics notwithstanding, President Obama plans to nominate a judge to succeed Scalia. It would be the height of cowardice to shy away from nominating a progressive to the nation’s highest court.

Sometimes adjust their calstatistics are J. Pharoah Doss culations durtreated like ing his terms in scriptures. office, because They’re acrecently I read cepted without “African Ameriquestion and cans are gradurepeated reating from colgardless of aclege at a historcuracy. ically high rate During the according to 1990’s one statistic was quoted more new research.” than John 3:16. It stated more Black Good news right? males were in prison than in college.

Not exactly, it was underneath a This prison/college ratio was accom- headline that read: Blacks choose lowpanied by the disparity in annual cost wage college majors. I cringed after of inmate/public school student. reading the headline and rememThe latter figure was emphasized to bered the section in Malcolm X’s autoprove the state prioritized incarcera- biography when he was told he should tion suggesting the prison/college aspire to be a carpenter because law ratio was intended and past patterns wasn’t a realistic field for a Negro. of racism remained modern.

Now progress is to the point when When the data was filtered through Black students won’t be discouraged preexisting beliefs of racism the gen- from unrealistic fields they’ll be eralization was alarming. But were steered away from low-wage majors. there really more Black males in Great. prison than in college?

Guidance counselors will explain the A prison is defined as a building in new research, “Blacks are overreprewhich people are legally held as a sented in service fields. These lowpunishment for a crime they have paying majors are of high social value committed or while awaiting trial. but low economic value. There are (Contrast definition of penitentiary: A long-term economic consequences for prison for people convicted of serious those career choices. crimes.) And a college is defined as a There’s a $4 million gap in lifetime unit of a university, furnishing earnings between an early childhood courses of instruction in the liberal educator and a petroleum engineer. arts and sciences, usually leading to a Overall, Black college graduates have bachelor’s degree. (The emphasis less savings and disposable income here is on the four-year requirement.) than their White peers.”

Based on these definitions a statistiThe new research also stated, “Another cian could easily include Black males factor is the type of colleges that African awaiting trial in a county jail and ex- American’s attend … Most Blacks gradclude Black males in a community col- uate from two-year colleges or open-adlege. Then when prison age (18 and up) mission four-year universities…Most of and the traditional age of a full time those institutions offer a limited number bachelor degree candidate (18-24) is of majors and lack resources.” factored in the statistician simply has The researchers advise steering more Black males in prison to count.

Black students toward STEM (sciThe statistic may be a mathematical ence, technology, engineering, and fact due to terminology but it has no math) to reverse the trend. basis in reality. So the conspiracy was So income disparities are stressed in the calculation and both sides of between “low-wage” college majors the political spectrum turned the and STEM majors as an economic instatistic into scripture to preach to centive to influence Black career their respective cults. choice, but at the same time the new At a 2007 NAACP forum presiden- research indicates the correlation of tial candidate Barack Obama said, institutional racism in Black/White “We have more work to do when more income disparities isn’t necessarily young men languish in prison than the causation. The researchers didn’t attend colleges and universities intend to point that out.

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New across America.”

I guess President Obama issued an Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahexecutive order for the statisticians to doss@blogspot.com)

(George E. Curry is President and CEO of George Curry Media, LLC. He is the former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA. He can be reached through his Web site, georgecurry.com.)

You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.

Commentary

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

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

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Lee A. Daniels

Commentary

The Supreme Court battle (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—It was no surprise the January 13 death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia immediately provoked a right-wing frenzy that’s raised the prospect of a constitutional crisis at the highest level of government.

At stake is whether the Court will continue to be dominated by the 5-to-4 conservative bloc—of which Scalia was the harshest voice—or swing to a new 5-to-4 liberal majority.

The certainty that President Obama this week will nominate someone who is not a conservative to replace the arch-conservative Scalia has not only undermined the “liberal disaster” rulings widely expected in several significant cases before the Court this term. It would also make unlikely a future Supreme Court’s approving more of the conservative movement’s legal agenda on such issues as abortion rights, affirmative action, voting rights and protections for workers.

That’s why it took only moments after Scalia’s death became known for Republican Party leaders and wannabe presidential candidates to show—again—they’re “conservative” only when it suits their purposes.

When it doesn’t, they readily throw the Constitution on the closet shelf and support the most outrageous proposals, the most radical schemes.

So, hoping the November elections will produce a Republican president, conservatives from all corners quickly put on their “Party of No” robes and declared President Obama should shirk his constitutional duty and not nominate anyone to fill the Supreme Court seat Justice Scalia had occupied for nearly three decades. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the Senate Majority Leader, thundered that if Obama ignored the demand, he would refuse to allow a Senate vote on the nominee.

The conservatives’ ostensible argument was that, this being a presidential election and the last year of President Obama’s tenure, he should leave bringing the court back to full strength to the next president.

“The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice,” McConnell intoned—thereby ignoring both the Constitution’s directive and the fact that the president and the Senate represent “the people.” Fellow Kentuckian Rand Paul, fresh from his inept GOP presidential primary campaign, provided the week’s comic relief by declaring Obama should forego nominating a new justice because, given that the court considers issues of presidential power, the president has a “conflict of interest” in the matter.

In fact, for all the shock of Scalia’s sudden death, one might say Republicans have been “practicing” for this moment since the 2014 mid-term elections gave them control of the Senate—and its committee chairmanships.

As the New York Times reported last week, in the intervening year the president has been able to fill only one vacancy on the country’s 12 regional federal courts of appeal. The reason: Republican senators have junked the tradition of approving ahead of time his nominees for judgeships in their states—thus preventing him from sending nominations to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.

Such commentators as Paul Waldman wrote this showed the Republican political establishment’s become not just reactionary in its ideology but also amoral about timehonored traditions of American politics.

“Shut down the government? You bet!”

Waldman wrote, describing the GOP’s Obama-era behavior. “Filibuster every bill [Democrats propose] Sure! ...Bring America to the brink of defaulting on its debt? Why not! And every incentive Republican members of Congress have pushes them to be more uncompromising, more reckless, and more pure in their opposition to anything and everything any Democrat wants.”

(For a number of reasons, that scenario is far less likely to be put into play by Democrats against a Republican president.)

The GOP’s stalling gambit was so patently absurd a few Senators last week began to twist this way and that under the weight of public outrage and a slew of critical newspaper editorials about exactly what their position on an Obama nomination was.

But there’s little doubt the GOP’s anti-anything-Obama-says-or-does posture will hold as his naming a nominee opens the next stage of what is the climactic Republican effort to damage the Obama presidency. A CBS News poll found that 82 percent of Republicans oppose Obama’s exercising his constitutional duty and presenting a nominee to the Senate (77 percent of Democrats support it).

That fact and the vicious civil war raging among the party’s various factions means that for the GOP presidential candidates, and every Republican officeholder up for reelection this November and for the GOP as a party, the Supreme Court battle is a fight for survival.

Time will tell whether some critical number of Republican Senators commit to doing their duty as members of America’s national government. As President Obama said last week: “The Constitution is pretty clear about what is supposed to happen now. ... Now, this will be a test. One more test, of whether or not norms, rules, basic fair play can function at all in Washington these days.”

(Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist based in New York City.)

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FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Prince George’s County child porn scandal rocks parents

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

by Linda Poulson Special to the AFRO

(NNPA)—About 700 parents, guardians, and students packed the Judge Sylvania Woods Elementary School in Glenarden, Md., on Feb. 11, seeking answers about the arrest of a school aide for child pornography and sexual abuse allegations.

According to Prince George’s County Police, Deonte Lavell Carraway, 22, taped at least 17 child victims ranging from 9 to 13 years old. Police are still searching for more victims. Detectives also uncovered about 40 videos showing the victims performing sexual acts on each other or alone at the direction of Carraway. He was arrested Feb. 6 after admitting to conducting child pornography and is being held on a $1 million bond.

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

NATIONAL

“I think it’s very disappointing that something like this has happened in this school. We are a very close knit community, and the fact that someone was able to do this to so many of our citizens is very disappointing,” said Jody Ann Bradley, a mother of a fourth grader at the school. “I’ve seen him around and never thought that this would happen.”

Lessons for students regarding “personal safety” will begin the week of Feb. 22, according to a letter distributed to attendees before the meeting. The letter also said that school counselors are available to students and parents. A guide on child abuse and parent neglect was also distributed.

According to a school official, 26 cameras will be installed in addition to the 18 cameras in the school. A task force will also

DEONTE CARRAWAY (Courtesy Photo)

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be developed to make policy changes in the school. “It’s important to note that every PGCPS employee goes through a proper screening process before they are hired,” the letter said. “The safety of our students is a top priority for PGCPS.” A statement by the county’s public school’s said the establishment was “shocked” by the allegations.

Civil lawsuits have been filed against the county’s public school system and the school’s Principal Michelle Williams, who is on administrative leave because, according to news reports, she did not act when teachers expressed concerns about Carraway. “Unfortunately the more we keep looking, the more we’re finding, and broader the whole matter seems to be getting,” said David Simpson, an attorney for the family of an 11-year-old victim.

Last of ‘Angola Three’ inmates released, thanks supporters Woodfox’s brother, Michael Mable, said his brother was doing well, and taking life one day at a time: “He’ll think about tomorrow, tomorrow. It’s a whole new process.’’

The other Angola Three inmates were Herman Wallace, who died a free man in October 2013, just days after a judge granted him a new trial in Miller’s death, and King, who was released in 2001 after his conviction in the death of a fellow inmate was overturned.

King was at the jail Friday and said he still remembers what it was like when he was released in 2001.

“The first moments seemed sort of surreal,’’ he said. “You wake up and pinch yourself and wonder if you are actually free.’’

by Michael Kunzelman and Kevin McGill Associated Press Writers

ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (AP)—The last inmate of a group known as the “Angola Three’’ pleaded no contest on Feb. 19 to manslaughter in the 1972 death of a prison guard and was released after more than four decades in prison, raising a clenched fist as he walked free.

Albert Woodfox and two other men became known as the “Angola Three’’ for their decades-long stays in isolation at the Louisiana Penitentiary at Angola and other prisons. Their cases drew condemnation from human rights groups and focused attention on the use of solitary confinement in American prisons.

Officials said they were kept in solitary because their Black Panther Party activism would otherwise rile up inmates at the maximum-security prison farm in Angola.

Woodfox consistently maintained his innocence in the killing of guard Brent Miller. He was being held at the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center in St. Francisville, about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge. He was awaiting a third trial in Miller’s death after earlier convictions were thrown out by federal courts for reasons including racial bias in selecting a grand jury foreman.

Woodfox, who turned 69 on the same day he was released, spoke to reporters and supporters briefly outside the jail before driving off with his brother. Speaking of his future plans, he said he wanted to visit his mother’s gravesite. She died while he was in prison, and Woodfox said he was not allowed to go to the funeral.

As to whether he would have done anything differently back in 1972, Woodfox responded, “When forces are beyond your control, there’s not a lot you can do. Angola was a very horrible place at the time and everybody was just fighting to survive from day to day.’’

In a press release earlier on Feb. 19, Woodfox thanked his brother and other supporters who have lobbied over the years for his release.

“Although I was looking forward to proving my innocence at a new trial, concerns about my health and my age have caused me to resolve this case now and obtain my release with this no contest plea to lesser charges. I hope the events of today will bring closure to many,’’ he said.

He had been twice convicted of murder and pleaded no contest on Feb. 19 to manslaughter and aggravated burglary.

At the time of Miller’s killing, Woodfox was serving time for armed robbery and assault. Inmates identified him as the one who grabbed the guard from behind while others stabbed Miller with a lawnmower blade and a hand-sharpened prison knife.

The star witness, a serial rapist who left death row and was pardoned by the Louisiana governor after his testimony, died before the second trial.

Woodfox was placed in solitary immediately after Miller’s body was found in an empty prison dormitory, and then was ordered kept on “extended lockdown’’ every 90 days for decades.

A “no contest’’ plea is not an admission of guilt, and Woodfox has long maintained his innocence. But it does stand as a con-

viction, and Woodfox was freed after being given credit for time served.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said the plea deal was “in the best interest of justice,’’ and was reached with the cooperation of Miller’s family.

Landry won re-election last fall against former Attorney General James “Buddy’’ Caldwell, who had adamantly opposed Woodfox’s release. Woodfox’s lawyer said the plea was the result of “tough negotiations’’ with Landry.

Woodfox made his first public appearance at an event in New Orleans with Black Panther Party members and supporters on Feb. 19. Dressed all in black, with gray hair, he looked both overwhelmed and physically tentative with a quiet, stunned joy in his eyes. The event turned into a celebration party with cheers, happy birthday wishes, hugs and emotion. He embraced supporters, friends and the other Angola Three member still alive, Robert King.

But he kept his remarks short and declined an interview request by The Associated Press.

“I hope you understand that I’ve been through a terrible ordeal and I need a little time to get my footing so I don’t make a fool of myself,’’ he said.

In addition to visiting his mother’s grave, George Kendall, one of Woodfox’s lawyers, said his future plans include getting a full medical checkup. Kendall said Woodfox has had numerous ailments, including a form of hepatitis, and has lacked quality medical care during his imprisonment.

Lawyers would not say where Woodfox went on Feb. 19, citing concerns for his safety. Parnell Herbert, a boyhood friend of Woodfox’s, said it was unclear where Woodfox would end up living but that he would likely spend his time advocating for prisoners and doing “positive work in the community.’’

“I think he’s a better man than he was when he went to prison, simply because he’s an older man, a wiser man,’’ Herbert said.

NEW YORK (AP)—Harper Lee, the elusive novelist whose child’s-eye view of racial injustice in a small Southern town, “To Kill a Mockingbird,’’ became standard reading for millions of young people and an Oscar-winning film, has died. She was 89.

Lee died Feb. 19, publisher HarperCollins said in a statement. It did not give any other details about how she died.

“The world knows Harper Lee was a brilliant writer but what many don’t know is that she was an extraordinary woman of great joyfulness, humility and kindness. She lived her life the way she wanted to—in private—surrounded by books and the people who loved her,’’ Michael Morrison, head of HarperCollins U.S. general books group, said in the statement.

For most of her life, Lee divided her time between New York City, where she wrote the novel in the 1950s, and her hometown of Monroeville, which inspired the book’s fictional Maycomb.

“To Kill a Mockingbird,’’ published in

1960, is the story of a girl nicknamed Scout growing up in a Depression-era Southern town. A Black man has been wrongly accused of raping a White woman, and Scout’s father, the resolute lawyer Atticus Finch, defends him despite threats and the scorn of many.

The book quickly became a best-seller, won the Pulitzer Prize and was made into a memorable movie in 1962, with Gregory Peck winning an Oscar for his portrayal of Atticus. As the civil rights movement grew, the novel inspired a generation of young lawyers, was assigned in high schools all over the country and was a popular choice for citywide, or nationwide, reading programs.

By 2015, its sales were reported by HarperCollins to be more than 40 million worldwide, making it one of the most widely read American novels of the 20th century. When the Library of Congress did a survey in 1991 on books that have affected people’s lives, “To Kill a Mockingbird’’ was second only to the Bible.

FREE MAN—Albert Woodfox, right, raises a clenched fist as he walks out of the West Feliciana Detention Center with his brother, Michael Mable, left, in St. Francisville, La. (Travis Spradling / AP)

Harper Lee, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ author, dead at 89

(Associated Press reporters Cain Burdeau and Rebecca Santana in New Orleans contributed to this story.)

New Pittsburgh Courier

Black Girls Rockʼ at Faison B6

‘Love Yourself:

LIFESTYLES FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Urban League Sunday

at Wesley Center AMEZ B2

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Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Reruns gone wild How many “Sanford and Son” reruns can I take? No more, none, zilch; I’ve had it. I’m tired of the junkyard, the father and the son. It seems like every time I turn on BET or TV One all I see are “Martin,” “Goodtimes” or “Sanford and Son.” From time to time I do run into “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Moesha” and “The Jeffersons,” but there are so many other sitcoms that could be featured. Why not show them?

It seems like we have been watching George and Wheezy since the beginning of time. I was just checking a list of the top Black sitcoms and the top 10 are the ones being shown the most.

Ok, I get it. Go with the winners. But the other 15 were also good shows.

How about showing “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” “Different Strokes” and “Roc?” It’s Black History Month, how about some “Julia” reruns? I would love to see that show again.

There are some Black shows you can only catch real late at night or early in the morning. I got up early to do some work one day and caught an episode of G. Garvin featuring Black restaurants in Harlem and New Orleans. Now that is something I would like to see more of. And his cooking show, what happened to that show? I thought it was excellent. I even bought his cook book.

There were some new sitcoms that did not catch on. “Love that Girl” was good in the beginning but then Tatiana Ali, who played the younger sister on the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” left the show. The first season was really funny.

I mean like laugh out loud funny. Once Ali left the show it became silly.

I have to give “Blackish” a try from what I see on the award shows, people must like it. But will I like it? Readers you have to let me know. I really liked Tracy Ellis Ross on “Girlfriends,” that was one of my favorite shows. I wish they would do a “Girlfriends” reunion with the entire cast. Speaking of girlfriends I really enjoyed— “Living Single.” I was disappointed when they did a reunion show and Queen Latifah did not show up. I don’t know if she was filming a movie, or what, but I think she could have found one day to film that reunion. The rest of the cast showed up, but I guess they were not that busy. What do I really miss? You guessed it— “The Cosby Show.” I guess there is not one network that wants to touch that show with all of the accusations. I have been looking through bins at discount stores and cannot find “The Cosby Show” anywhere. I have to find it for my collection. I’m going to put it right next to “Amos and Andy.” I’ve been trying to watch “Born Again Virgin” and “Zoe Ever After,” they are not too bad. Both have their moments. “Zoe Ever After” is produced by Pittsburgh’s own Jimmy Tripp Haith. Give it a try.

(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)

AT THE PRE RECEPTION—Lyle Humphrey, Kathy Humphrey and John Wilds

ENJOYING A GREAT EVENING—George Spaulding, Julie Seavy and Crystal Ware

Play ‘Misty’ for Me

by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer

SUPPORTERS—Ingrid and Lawrence Glasco (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

PLANNING COMMITTEE—Lisa Garland, Ashley Liska and Amy Janocha

PLANNING COMMITTEE—Pam Connley, Kenyon Bonner and Crystal Ware

One of the most influential jazz pianists of all time was born in Pittsburgh on June 15, 1921. His name was Erroll Garner.

His best known composition, “Misty,” is a lush ballad that has been recorded by hundreds of vocalists over the years.

“Misty” was featured in the Clint Eastwood movie, “Play Misty for Me.” On Feb. 11, at Alumni Hall, the University of Pittsburgh presented their annual K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month program. This year’s feature was “The Lasting Legacy of the Great Errol Garner.” Despite the cold evening, there was a large crowd on hand to enjoy a reception and an exciting program. Kathy Humphrey (senior vice president for engagement, chief of staff and secretary of the Board of Trustees for the University of Pittsburgh) served as a vibrant mistress of ceremonies and introduced University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, the Afro American Music Institute Boys Choir, and a video and musical tribute to Erroll Garner. The live musical tribute featured Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Geri Allen, Victor Lewis on drums and former Erroll Garner bassist, Ernest McCarty Jr. Many said they did not want the evening to end.

Garner died of lung cancer in 1977 at age 55. He is buried in Homewood Cemetery. In 2015, Sony Music Entertainments Legacy Recordings released a new Garner album, “The Complete Concert by the Sea,” by Pitt Jazz Studies Director and pianist Geri Allen. The Grammynominated album features previously unreleased tracks and never before ERNEST McCARTY JR.—Former member of the Erroll Garner Trio. heard interviews of the Errol Garner Trio.

Garner’s professional materials were recently given to Pitt’s University Library system. The materials were assembled by the late civil rights advocate Martha Glaser, who was Garner’s longtime agent and manager. A new exhibition of the Garner materials is currently open in the lobby of the William Pitt Union throughout February. Pitt jazz students who studied the archive last term helped to select the materials for PATRICK GALLAGHER—University of Pittsburgh chancellor the display.

SUPPORTERS—Deryck Tines, Cecile Springer, Pam Johnson and James Johnson

READY TO CELEBRATE ERROLL GARNER—Ed Galloway, University of Pittsburgh Head of Archives, and Fern Brody, interim director of the University of Pittsburgh Library System.

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RELIGION

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Praise & Worship

Church Circuit

HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Black History Month Celebration

FEB. 26—The Rachel Randall Education Department of Pentecostal Temple COGIC, 6300 East Liberty Blvd., East Liberty, will host its annual Black History Month Celebration. The Theme will be “Celebration of the Family.”

During the weekend-long event, there will be a Family Movie Night with a showing of “War Room,” followed by an evening that will focus on celebrating families on Feb. 28.

That evening will include a special presentation to honor those couples that have been married more than 50 years. For more information, call 412-361-7000.

2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8787

“Be Encouraged”

Elder Christopher C. Thompson Power Hour Sabbath...............8:15 A.M. Sabbath School........................9:00 A.M. Divine Worship......................11:00 A.M. AYS One Hour Before Sunset Prayer Meeting Wednesday......7:30 P.M.

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141

Spiritual Lecture

Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & Noon Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) Noon www.stbtmchurch.org

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com

SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

FEB. 26—Salaam Aliakum will host “The Guide to Spiritual Development” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA, 7140 Bennett St., Homewood.

The lecture, given by Abdul Hakeem Saalih, will include topics, COMBINED CHOIR—The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh hosted its Urban League Sunday at Wesley Center AMEZ Church, located such as: What is spiritual developat 2701 Centre Ave., in the Hill District. The evening’s special guests were Rev. B. DeNeice Welch of Bidwell Presbyterian Church and the ment, and its benefits and extent; Pittsburgh Combined Male Choir, under the direction of Rev. Deryck Tines. Pictured above, the Pittsburgh Combined Mass Choir singing what is the path to spiritual develone of its several selections. (Photos by J.L. Martello) opment and how it’s identified; obstacles to achieving spiritual development; and more. There will also be a question and answer session. For more information, email saalih2000@yahoo.com.

Urban League Sunday at Wesley Center AMEZ

6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School Worship Service Wednesday Night Bible Study

9:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

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

For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature

FEB. 27—Triedstone Baptist Church, 18 Harriet St., Rankin, will host a Pre-Anniversary Prayer Breakfast at 9 a.m. The theme is “Called to lead, leading with love. As you serve with faithfulness you light shines before others.” This is the kick-off event for the 12th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration of Rev. Nathaniel and Rev. Terri Pennybaker. The guest preacher will be Rev. Patricia Rucker. For more information, call 412-271-3000 or email triedstonebaptist@comcast.net.

Friendship Luncheon

116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community

Prayer Breakfast

ESTHER BUSH, president & CEO of the Urban League, addressing the audience.

KYSHIRA MOFFETT, president of the Urban League of Young Professionals, reading the scrip- JAMES HALL leading “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” ture.

FEB. 27—New Birth Baptist Church, 406 W. Grant St., Duquesne, will host its Friendship Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The last Saturday of the month, members of New Birth invite the community from the tri-state area to a delicious lunch, a clothing giveaway for the needy and an enlightening discussion. For more REV. GLENN GRAYSON giving information, call 412-466-2229.

the welcoming prayer.

Black History/ Legacy Luncheon

FEB. 27—Park Place AME Church, 215 E. Tenth Ave., Homestead, will host its 11th Annual Black History and Legacy Luncheon at 11 a.m. at the Comfort Inn Conference Center, 699 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills. The theme is “An Extraordinary History and Incredible Future.” This event is to celebrate the African American heritage and the recognize their contributions to the nation and world. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Eric Brown and Darieth Chisolm will serve as the mistress of ceremonies. Reservations are required.

For more information, call Evelyn Franklin at 412-464-9732 or email gigfranklin@aol.com.

Black History Celebration

REV. B. DeNEICE WELCH, senior pastor of Bidwell Presbyterian Church, giving the keynote address, “The Economics of Love.”

JUDGE DWAYNE WOODRUFF giving the closing remarks.

Woodruff is the chairman of the board of directors.

REV. CHRISTOPHER THOMPSON, pastor of Hillcrest Seventh-Day Adventist Church, giving the benediction.

FEB. 28—Jerusalem Baptist Church, 123 Steuben St., West End, will host its Black History Celebration at 11 a.m. The event REV. MARIE KELLY giving the will include a reception, program and soul food fellowship. African offering prayer. attire is optional. For more information, call 412-921-0822.

Breaching the Barriers

MARCH 5—The A.D.A.M. and E.V.E. Ministries of New Birth Baptist Church, 406 W. Grant St., Duquesne, and the Faith & Freedom Coalition of Pennsylvania will host the Breaching the Barriers Regional Gathering from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, 17 Cochran St., Duquesne. The theme is “Joining People of Faith with Cultural Values.” The event, which will be hosted by Lenny McAllister, Pittsburgh television and radio host, will feature words from Rev. Bill and Dr. Deborah Owens, Rev. Dean Nelson, state Rep. Dr. Rick Saccone and others. Light snacks will be served. For more information, call Bobby Hassain at 412406-2229 or email nbbc.duq.pa@ gmail.com.

our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to:

Vendor Fair

MARCH 5—Bethel AME Church, 2720 Webster Ave., Hill District, will host a Business Vendor Fair from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This is an opportunity for individuals to support small businesses while networking and shopping. For more information, call 412-6832160.

New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com A PACKED HOUSE

(To have items listed on the Church Circuit, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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Tuskegee Airman’s death brings back memories

by Michael B. Rose For New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh is mourning the loss of one of the sewickley Seven: A group of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen from the area famous for their service as the first African American squadron of pilots during World War II. Second Lieutenant Mitchell Higginbotham, died Feb. 14 of natural causes, he was 94.

Mitchell Higginbotham was born on March 2, 1921 in Amherst, Va., to Plinkam L. Higginbotham and Hester Higginbotham. He has a younger brother, Robert, who also became a member of the U.S. military.

Mitchell Higginbotham joined the U.S. military in the summer 1942. He subsequently was accepted into the Tuskegee Army Airfield Class TE-44-K from which he graduated on Feb. 1, 1945, with a commission as a Second Lieutenant. Higginbotham became one of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen when he was assigned to the 477th Bombardment Group. He served on active duty through the end of World War II; in 1946, he left active duty but continued as a member of the U.S. Army Air Force Reserves.

He initially flew fighter aircraft but eventually moved up to flying B-52s.

Mitchell Higginbotham’s younger brother, Robert, also joined the military during World War II two years after his older brother; however, Robert Higginbotham became a pilot for the Navy Air Corps.

Mitchell Higginbotham was one of 100 Black servicemen who were arrested for attempting to enter an officers club reserved for White officers. This event became known as the Freeman Field Mutiny; it is widely seen as a key moment in the path towards full integration of the U.S. Armed Services.

Following his years of active duty, Mitchell Higginbotham went to work for the Los Angeles Airport Advisory Committee, working as a registrar at the Pittsburg Airport. He also served as a probation officer for nearly thirty years.

People may also know the Tuskegee Airmen stories from the movies “Redtails” and the HBO movie, “The Tuskegee Airmen.” Nationally there were about 300 designated original Tuskegee airmen or DOTAs as they call themselves that saw combat starting from March 7, 1942, when the first class of 5 graduated to the end of the war in May 1945. Much as the 54th Massachusetts was formed with the cream of the crop from Black free society 80 years earlier for the civil war, the Tuskegee Airmen were no different. If the first Black fighter squadron was to be created, it had to be a success.

An example was Lt. Dave Wiley, graduate of Oliver High school top of his class, and recipient of a scholarship in engineering at Pitt.

He was being vetted to work on the Manhattan project when he found out about the 99th squadron being formed and enlisted.

“Western Pennsylvania had a good deal of the Tuskegee airmen,” said Regis Bobonis, chairman and founder of the Sewickley Tuskegee Memorial Project.

“Western Pennsylvania set the record with 55 Tuskegee Airmen having roots here,” Bobonis said. Army Air Forces’ 332nd Pursuit Group but also in the 447th Bombardment Group. Fighting 99th Pursuit Squadron.

“A lot were Courier News Boys, so they were well versed on society and the world abroad,” he said. “The largest group came out Pittsburgh, 22 out The Hill District, 14 out of Homewood, 4 from The North Side, 5 from Westmoreland County, 5 from Washington County.”

Bobonis said his statistics and information is all copyrighted from his book, “Black Pilots, Red Tails.”

“My job of research was made easy by George Barbour who really sat down with Black pilots in western Pennsylvania. My claim to fame is I did the head count to see how many came out (from where).”

LENA HORNE

PIN UP GIRL— The Pin Up Girl was very popular during World War II and the most popular among Blacks of the time was actress/singer Lena Horne. Above the beautiful Horne was also the “Pin Up Girl” for the Tuskegee Airmen. Above Horne with some Tuskegee Airmen.

She had Pittsburgh roots in that she married Pittsburgh Attorney Louis Jones. They lived in Schenley Heights and had two children.

(Photos supplied by Regis Bobonis)

MITCHELL AND ROBERT HIGGINBOTHAM

LT. EDWARD HARRIS, still resides in Trenton, New Jersey. His high test scores also enabled him to go straight from Schenley High School into flight training as a Tuskegee Pilot. He became the wing man for Lieutenant Charles “Chappie” James, the man who became the U.S. Air Forces’ first African American Four Star General. Harris was called back during the Korean War and became the first Tuskegee pilot to become Command Pilot of a B-29 Bomber with an all White crew. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying multiple combat missions.

ROSA ALFORD was the lone female in the Western Pennsylvania study. She worked her way through Tuskegee Institute earning a degree in Home Economics and working as a Flight Line technician in the Tuskegee Airmen program. She went on to earn her Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Michigan and until her retirement served as a counselor at the New Brighton High School, Beaver County, Pa. LT. ROBERT MONROE JOHNSON, son of Luther Johnson, the celebrated family photographer of the Hill community. Johnson became the youngest pilot commissioned in the Tuskegee Pilot Training program. He graduated from Fifth Avenue High School at age 17. His math and science scores were so high that with his parent’s permission, Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force completing all his training as a fighter pilot three months before his 18th birthday—the legal age officers can receive their commissions. He was later to lose his life in an advanced combat training accident.

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In April of 1943 the fighting 99th joined the 332nd fighter group and arrived in Casablanca. They had two assignments: perform proper escorts for the bombers and to help capture back the African mainland.

The legend of the 332nd fighter squadron has taken on mythical proportions, meaning some myths have been propagated and allowed to stand the test of time.

There is a scene in the movie where the tape shows a pilot single handedly blowing up a German destroyer with nothing but a machine gun, the logic being that a bullet pierced the ammunition magazine and blew it up. Bobonis said that never happened. In the movies, it was said The Tuskegee Airmen never lost a bomber. On March 24, 1945, during the war, the Chicago Defender said that no bomber escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen had ever been lost to enemy fire, under the headline, “332nd Flies Its 200th Mission Without Loss;” the article was based on information supplied by the 15th Air Force, but according to Bobonis this reputation started in early 1944 during an escort mission of B-24s to Berlin without a bomber lost. Future senator, and democratic presidential nominee George McGovern happened to be the lead bomber. In reality, the total number of bombers lost was 27 by the 332nd. By comparison, the average number of bombers lost by the other P-51 fighter groups of the Fifteenth Air Force during the same period was 46. By all comparisons it is still a brilliant combat record especially considering they encountered and shot down 3 experimental German jet planes.

In total, 68 DOTA pilots were either killed in action or reported missing in action. At least 30 were shot down and taken prisoner.

Ninety-six Distinguished Flying Crosses; 14 Bronze Stars; 8 Purple Hearts; 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses; and 714 Silver and Gold Cluster Air Medals.

Sixty-two years went by before they were recognized. On March 29, 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were collectively awarded a Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol rotunda. The medal is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution.

Sewickley, Pa., dedicated a memorial to the seven from that municipality where Mitchell Higginbotham’s name will likely be added.

Also, an exhibit was established at Pittsburgh International Airport in Concourse A. The Higginbotham brothers were co-chairs of the Tuskegee Airmen of Western Pennsylvania original memorial campaign. Robert Higginbotham is still alive.

(Ulish Carter contributed to this story.)

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FREE PARKING! MAJOR JAMES WYLIE, a graduate of Pittsburgh’s Oliver High School and the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Engineering, majored in physics. He became a member of the original Tuskegee 99th Pursuit Squadron, was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals for daring do as a highly decorated Tuskegee pilot who flew multiple combat and bomber escort missions over North Africa and Europe.

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Cover To Cover

‘The Ballad of Emmett Till’ tells deeper story

‘The Invisibles’ by Renee P. Aldrich

by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier

If the walls could talk, imagine what they’d say.

They’d reminisce about family meals, holidays, celebrations and romance, take sides in arguments, and watch children grow.

If those walls could talk, they’d tell of triumph, disappointment, beginnings, and endings. And, as in the new book, “The Invisibles”

by Jesse J. Holland, they’d talk of freedom and history.

When Barack Obama moved into the White House in 2009, he was, by far, not the first black man to live there. From the beginning, as soon as America had a president, there were slaves residing in the Executive Mansion; in fact, says Holland, “ten of the first twelve presidents [were] slaveholders at some point in their lives.”

When George Washington fought in the Revolutionary War, his “favorite” slave, Billy Lee, went with

him so it was natural that Washington would bring Lee to New York, to the first presidential mansion. Lee reportedly loved New York but when he suffered physical disabilities, Washington summarily replaced him, sending him back to Mt. Vernon where Lee was later one of a handful of slaves who comforted Washington as he died.

As a child, Oney Judge was brought up to learn sewing at Martha Washington’s knee. Years later, Washington would say that she thought of Judge as a “surrogate daughter,” but she was more than willing to give Judge away in order to keep her enslaved. Judge, by the way, was one of a few slaves known to have escaped from a president.

Thomas Jefferson brazenly took a slave to France, where slavery was disallowed; the slave, who was the brother of Jefferson’s “concubine,” Sally, did not try to escape.

When Dolley Madison fell on hard times after leaving the White House, her husband’s former slave gave her money. Andrew Jackson kept slaves in the White House stables; they were jockeys and Jackson loved racing ponies. James Monroe spoke out against slavery, even as he owned slaves. Andrew Johnson possibly had a “’colored concubine.’” And just one ex-slave of a president was “honored by a holder of that office.”

Wow. Please practice saying that word—“Wow!”—because you’ll need it even more when you start reading “The Invisibles.”

In just under two-hundred pages, author Jesse J. Holland packs so many interesting stories, so many jaw-dropping facts that, even though there were small errors and minor repetition, I very much regretted this books’ shortness. Holland’s storytelling skills have a way of making a reader hungry for more, and the tales he tells are surprising and even inspirational. (“The Invisibles: The Untold Story of African American Slaves in The White House” by Jesse J. Holland, c.2016, Lyons Press, $25.95/ higher in Canada, 226 pages.)

For New Pittsburgh Courier

The murderers of 14 year old Emmett Till, J.W. Milan and Roy Bryant, would have had the world to believe that he was just some troublesome, pathetic tragic, ill bred “boy” from the north who was either insolent, simply fresh, or just ignorant enough to whistle at a White woman behind the counter of the store.

But in her beautifully crafted biopic, ‘The Ballad of Emmett Till,” Ifa Bayeza” dispels any such notions, instead telling a story of a delightful, determined, driven young man. Committed to his mother, anxious to be part of his family heritage, and therefore excited for his trip south to spend time with them.

This riveting piece had a two-week run from Feb. 5, to 14, as part of the New Horizon Theater’s 20152016 season. It reveals a depth of character in this young man which belied his 14 years; and provides the mostly sold out audiences a birds eye view into his being. He was adored, spoiled by his mother and grandmother, valued by his relatives, and despite a slight speech impediment, was filled with personality that resonated with his peers and members of the opposite sex. And what’s more, he saw himself as a champion.

The performance gave voice to Bayeza’s story, through music, some dance, and poetic dialogue laced with humor in some places.

The audience met a family not unlike some of our own, who had hope for their young man. Telling a tragic tale, of a mother’s heartache and an uncle and aunt’s anguish; Bayeza captured the essence of a young man who was neither pathetic nor tragic and who continued to champion for himself to the end.

The actors in this production were fully immersed into their roles, with special emphasis on the fact that all except for the role of Till played multiple parts.

Dominique Briggs, played Till’s grandmother, a male cousin from Mississippi, Uncle Mose’s wife, and one

SCENE FROM PLAY of Till’s girlfriends back home: Camille Lowman played Till’s mother, a male cousin in Mississippi, and the White woman Emmett was accused of offending: Corey Lankford and Sam Lothard were both brilliant in multiple roles as well.

Transitioning between

characters was outstanding very smooth; no confusion and no blending of the roles.

The task of transforming seasoned actor, Jonathan Berry to a 14 year old Emmett Till may have seemed unimaginable, but it happened. Berry totally embodied this role, at no point

did it seem that here is a 44-year-old man trying to “act” like a teen; thus giving even more credibility to this production in that all the other roles revolved around this character. Berry expertly became this effervescent man-child and was wrapped in the charac-

ter for two hours, until the after-production dialogue/ discussion with the audience where he shared “I truly felt we were all called for our roles, I didn’t know why, but I was just trying to move in that calling.”

It was under the exquisite direction of Dr. Lundeana M. Thomas that all the components came together to create one of the most compelling productions of New Horizon’s Theater Company to date.

Moreover, in the wake of the senseless repeat killings in this country of yet one African American Male after another; since the killing of Trayvon Martin to Tamir Rice, and all those in between, through this piece Bayeza gave us a vivid reminder that each one of these young men murdered senselessly were more than just victims in a news story. And while their killers, too, would also have us think of them also as merely trouble making blights on society, thereby justifying the brutish acts of their deaths. Instead, as with Emmett Till, they were multi-dimensional people with adoring families, and hope and aspirations and a heart for living.

In each of our young men, there was a piece of Emmett Till, delightful to a mom, driven, excited by family and life, and each one seeing himself as a champion.

The New Horizon’s season continues beginning May 26 with “From My Home Town,” written by Lee Summers and Director by Eileen Morris.”

Latasha Marie ‘Imprint’ release party

by Paige Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier

One of Pittsburgh’s very own up and coming R&B Artists’ Latasha Marie held her Everything For Brub “Imprint” release party at the Pittsburgh Winery.

Roughly 200 people gathered Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. to hear the 23-year-old perform her hit singles, “Cry For Help” and “Kick It” along with other songs.

“On this night, history was made,” sister Latia Lee said.

Latasha hit the stage twice during the evening, showing off her lyrical talents while keeping the crowd on their feet applauding and dancing.

She had a live band entertaining in between performances while motivational speaker, Prince Donnell traveled to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia to take the stage as her opening act.

He delivered a speech entitled, “Being Different Makes a Difference.”

“Being different makes a difference. In order to elevate you sometimes have to separate. Accept being different as a blessing and not a curse,”

LATASHA MARIE WITH BAND

PRINCE DONNELL AND LATASHA MARIE

he said.

“The event was great, and Latasha’s performance was absolutely amazing. We really appreciate the support and all those who came out,” Latasha’s manager Michael Carroll said.

Latasha also performed songs, “Neo Soul” and “What Am I Supposed To Do.” “Shout out to everyone that came out to support me and the release of “Imprint.” Tonight was a celebration,” she said.

“Imprint” is available on Souncloud, Spotify, and more.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

February Thursday 25 Black History Month Exhibit Citiparks presents its “A History on Film: A Tribute to African American Contribution to Film” Black History Month Exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the City-County Building, Lobby, 414 Grant St., Downtown. Through Feb. 29, the exhibit will depict the evolution of the roles that Black actors and actresses have played from the 1910s to present day.

It will salute the first African Americans to win Oscar and Emmy Awards. For more information, call 412-255-8983.

Friday 26

“Spooky Interaction” The University of Pittsburgh presents “Spooky Interaction” at part of George Lewis in Residence at 8 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh, Bellefield Hall Auditorium, 315 S. Bellefield Ave., Oakland. Through Feb. 27, pioneering composer, musicologist and trombonist, George Lewis, will present a variety of activities.

“Spooky Interaction” is a live performance that features Lewis, Nicole Mitchell, Michael Dessen, Francis Wong, Geri Allen and Lewis’ Voyager interactive music-performance software.

The event is free. For more information, call 412-624-7529.

Saturday 27 ‘Madea On the Run’ Tyler Perry presents “Tyler Perry’s Madea On the Run” at 2 p.m. at the Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District.

This outrageously funny stage play is about Mabel Simmons and her trouble with the local authorities. With no where to turn to while she hides from the police, she volunteers to move in with her friend Bam who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. While there, Madea gives Bam’s family the makeover they need so desperately. The show will run Feb. 26-27. On this day, there will also be a 7 p.m. performance.

For more information, visit www.trustarts.org.

Jeff “Tain” Watts Quartet Kente Arts Alliance presents the Jeff “Tain” Watts Quartet Live in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty.

With his explosive power blinding speed and mastery of complex rhythms, and time signatures, jazz drummer Jeff “TAIN” Watts brings to Pittsburgh a rare sense of elegance, gritty street funk and more. His quartet includes himself, David Budway, Troy Roberts and Yunior Terry Cabrera. For more information, call 412-322-0292.

Sunday 28 “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” The Cohen & Grigsby TRUST PRESENTS Series presents “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” at 5:30 p.m. at the Byham Theater, 101 6th St., Cultural District. Daniel of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” from the Fred Rogers Company and PBS Kids, will invite the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore their much-loved neighborhood of make-believe. There is also a 2 p.m. performance. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.

Monday 29 Savoy Jazz Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz Mondays from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere by some of the city’s most talented jazz performers. The featured performer will be The G3 Trio featuring George Heid III, Brett Williams and Jeff Grubbs. The attire is business casual. For more information, call 412-2810660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.

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Johnson applauds FCC universal set-top box vote SILVER SPRING, Md./PRNewswire/— Robert L. Johnson, chairman of RLJ Entertainment and founder of Black Entertainment Television commends the Federal Communications Commission for voting favorably for a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to unlock the set-top box.

This rule-making will give consumers the choice to purchase universal set-top devices that can combine traditional cable programming with streaming video content in an integrated user interface that puts all content on equal footing and brings an end to

mandatory, expensive cable boxes.

“I applaud the Federal Communications Commission for today’s favorable rule-making. The universal set-top box, unlike the leased cable box, will increase consumer choice, save consumers billions of dollars from monthly lease bills, and can combine traditional cable programming with streaming video content that puts content on an equal footing,” Johnson said.

“I personally want to thank Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, the Commission’s only African American member, for joining FCC Chair-

Open Mic Night There Is Hope Suicide Prevention presents an Open Mic Night from 7-10 p.m. at the Homewood branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 7101 Hamilton Ave., Homewood. This Open Mic Night, held in memory of the late Tyler “Ty” Lewis and to bring awareness to suicide and mental disorders, will include poetry, mime dance, spoken word and more. For more information, call Makala Williams at 412606-0625 or LaShawn Mills at 412-969-7354.

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

man Tom Wheeler and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel in supporting the universal set-top box proposal. I also commend Commissioner Clyburn for her leadership on launching a Notice of Inquiry to focus on what role the FCC can ROBERT L. JOHNSON play in increasing diversity of content across all media platforms.”

RLJ Entertainment has two proprietary digital streaming channels with exclusive and niche-focused

Black Film Festival holds national video competition PRNewswire—Back for its second year, McDonald’s USA and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) invite emerging filmmakers to enter McDonald’s “My Community” Video Competition.

Filmmakers are challenged to create one 90-second video that illustrates McDonald’s 365Black mantra, “Deeply Rooted in Your Community.” Aspiring filmmakers nationwide are encouraged to enter their best, original submissions by 11:59 p.m. EDT, April 15, for their chance to win the grand prize.

Three finalists will be selected to attend the 20th annual American Black Film Festival in Miami, June 1519, and have an exclusive opportunity to be mentored by critically-acclaimed film director Malcolm D. Lee (“The Best Man;” “The Best Man Holiday;” “Barbershop: The Next Cut”), who will provide finalists with invaluable film industry tips and advice.

The submissions will be judged by a panel of industry experts and the top three short videos will premiere at the highly-anticipated 20th anniversary festival. Submissions will be

Without a doubt, this competition is a catalyst for introducing undiscovered talent to the industry-atlarge,” said Jeff Friday, A B F F founder and CEO. “I look forward to returning as mentor to the finalists in the McDonald’s ‘My MALCOLM D. LEE Community’ critiqued on creativity, im- Video Competition,” said plementation of concept Malcolm D. Lee. “There is and quality. One finalist so much great talent out will take home the grand there in the film industry prize—a film equipment and it’s always inspiring to package valued at $2,500 connect with them and and an opportunity to have hopefully do my part to suptheir video featured on port the next generation of prominent websites, includ- great filmmakers.” ing McDonald’s 365Black.com and other media entities. More information about the competition can be found at www.abff.com.

“We are proud to partner with McDonald’s on bringing this opportunity to emerging content creators.

Fats Domino special Fats Domino was one of the most popular rockers of the 1950s and early 60s.

His achievements and record sales during that time were rivaled only by Elvis Presley. With his boogie-woogie piano playing rooted in blues, rhythm & blues and jazz, he became one of the inventors, along with Presley, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard of a revolutionary genre of music, rock ‘n’ roll.

In celebration of Fats Domino’s 88th birthday, THIRTEEN’s American Masters presents “Fats Domino and The Birth of Rock n’ Roll,” premiering nationwide during Black History Month on Friday, Feb. 26 at 10 p.m. (ET) on PBS. The one-hour documentary traces how Fats Domino’s brand of New Orleans rhythm and blues morphed into rock ‘n’ roll, appealing to Black and White audiences alike. Actor Clarke Peters narrates.

Fats Domino was born Antoine Domino Jr. on Feb. 26, 1928. He was the last of eight Domino children and the only one of his siblings born in New Orleans. His journey from a poor childhood in the Lower Ninth Ward to a key figure in rock ‘n’ roll is told using vintage performances of Domino and his band interwoven with reminiscences of fellow architects of rock ‘n’ roll.

Among those interviewed are producer/songwriter/bandleader and longtime collaborator Dave Bartholomew, who co-wrote and produced most of Domino’s hits; J&M studio owner, engineer and producer Cosimo Matassa, who was involved in creating rock ‘n’ roll recordings by Domino, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Lloyd Price and many others; and saxo-

FATS DOMINO phonist Herb Hardesty, a mainstay of both Domino’s and Bartholomew’s bands.

As a child, Domino liked to tinker on the family piano.

His life was changed forever when his sister married Harrison Verrett, a New Orleans musician (banjo player), who taught him how to play the piano and introduced him to the music scene. Domino wanted to play the piano so much that he quit school after fourth grade, and worked in a factory in order to perform in local nightclubs.

Among Domino’s musical influences were boogie woogie piano players Meade Lux Lewis (Boogie Woogie), Pete Johnson (Low Down Dog), and Amos Milburn (Bad, Bad Whiskey); and singers Big Joe Turner (Low Down Dog) and Louis Jordan (Caldonia).

While playing in the Ninth Ward clubs, Domino met Billy Diamond, a local bandleader and bass player, who invited him to play in his band at the Hideaway Club in New Orleans. It was Diamond who gave him the nickname “Fats”— even before Domino made a record—after the great piano player Fats Waller.

content—AcornTV (British mystery and drama) and UMC—Urban Movie Channel (urban-themed programming)—that are available on a variety of platforms but would be better accessed if consumers could also find these and other streaming channels on their set-top boxes.

“Minority programmers, who have traditionally had their voices in media restricted by distribution gatekeepers who have controlled access based on either a lack of appreciation of diversity or misguided beliefs that there isn’t economic value in minority content will now have the chance to have their programming viewed. Minority programmers are simply seeking an opportunity to have their content seen and their voices heard.”

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FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

PEOPLE

SPECIAL GUESTS—Shandia Booker, organizer; Asia Broughton, honoree; Tina Acsu, music teacher; and Brittny McGraw, the event emcee. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

‘Love Yourself: Black Girls Rock’ at Faison On Valentine’s Day love was in the air at Pittsburgh Faison! The school held its 2nd Annual Love Yourself event, to celebrate and empower their fourth and fifth grade female students.

“Love Yourself: Faison Black Girls Rock” gave students the opportunity to learn more about self-esteem, self-care and selflove.

The event featured multiple speakers, a Real Talk.

Girl Talk panel discussion and a fashion show featuring popular middle school looks. Additionally, while accompanied by a positive adult female, each girl explored a variety of stations on multiple topics including: self-esteem, hair and nails.

The event also featured a dessert table and a photo booth to capture the fun.

Staff from prospective middle schools were present to mingle with families as they prepare for next year’s transition.

The day concluded with a special presentation through song featuring LoRen Knight. The mistress of ceremonies was Brittny McGraw. Other speakers were Pittsburgh Public Schools Director of Professional Development Allyce Pinchback, Retired PPS Teacher Beverly Reynolds and Pittsburgh CAPA 10th Grader Ciarra Sing.

The Real Talk. Girl Talk panelist were Executive Director of the Will Allen Foundation Alexis Maddox, Pittsburgh Obama 6th Grader Ciena Caldwell, Pittsburgh CAPA 10th Grader Nia Arrington,

Founder and Chief Destiny Officer of The Kismet Life Lachelle Binions, and Founder and Executive Director Cultivating Resilient Youth Nikkia Ingram.

Love Yourself gives girls at Pittsburgh Faison, their mothers and important women in their lives the opportunity to learn about healthy communication during the teenage years.

Attendees also received tips on how they can positively impact the community. The overall goal was to partner with community agencies, businesses and prominent female role models to provide the young women with the tools and information needed to make a seamless transition to middle school.

(Information courtesy of Pittsburgh Faison.)

THINKING POSITIVES—These three young ladies are putting words on their mirrors so that every time they look into the mirror, a positive message is displayed.

A PACKED HOUSE—The hallway at Faison School was packed with activities for the girls.

JADA BROWN, a 1st grader, creates her mirror.

SIENNA RAIFORD, a 6th grader, makes a floral pen.

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What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?

(NNPA)—Time is one of those magical dimensions of the human experience. At certain instances it seems like there is not enough of it. And at others, it seems like the moment lasts forever. The intellectual and emotional experience in the passage of time is one of those unique aspects about being human that sets us as a species apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. Since were are blessed with that perception we should engage it and contemplate ways in which to make time an ally in our quest for personal and societal growth.

One of the interesting things for me, looking back over the past decade or so, is how quickly our business has grown. And yet, as I look back, it seems that a lot has remained the same. I still get up at the same time almost every morning. I rise well before the sun, usually starting off my day at around 4:30 in the morning with a prayer and call to my folks in South Carolina. I then arrive at the gym just before five a.m., and work out for about an hour before arriving at my office at precisely 7 o’clock. The end of my day is similarly bounded. It is exceedingly rare that I get in bed any later than 9 p.m.

And so as I look back on my work life, it is apparent that while our business has expanded and we have been able to manage an increasingly complex or- Armstrong Williams ganization, we aren’t necessarily spending more time doing it. Time has gone from being our enemy in the early stages of running a company, to being our friend today. Why is that?

In some respects, it comes down to how we conceive of ourselves in the marketplace. If you consider yourself an employee, you are looking at time as a finite resource. You expect to arrive at work on time, to leave on time, and be paid on time. You essentially are tying your income to a fixed, linear relationship with time. But entrepreneurs view time much, much differently. For one thing, the entrepreneur’s perception of time is not linear, it is pivotal. For example, as an entrepreneur I am willing to spend a lot of my time not directly earning income. I spend it building relationships with key allies and future business associates. I give time to worthy causes and public issues that I support. And yet I see these activities as worthy investments of time because of the potentially outsized payoffs in the future. Two hours on the tennis court or having dinner with a key ally could potentially lead to opportunities to make millions in the future.

This is admittedly a difficult concept for many people with the employee mindset to grasp, let alone put into practice. The reason for that is that the entrepreneurial mindset exposes us to uncertainty. There is no guideline or formula or time-table that dictates when an idea or a relationship will bear fruit. That can be frightening to some people. But my entrepreneurial mindset is guided by a deep faith and belief in the laws of creation. I know for a fact that if you sow, you shall reap. I believe that in life there are definite seasons, and that the pattern is inexorable. The spring precedes the summer, which precedes the fall and the winter. In the spring one plants, and in the fall one harvests. In the winter, one relies for sustenance upon the storehouse of goods harvested in the fall that grew from the seeds planted in the spring.

It is somewhat counterintuitive to tell someone with an employee mindset to save some of their seeds and use them to plant a new crop. They are accustomed to having their needs taken care of by their employer. But we are experiencing a new economy in this country where jobs no longer offer either the degree of certainty of the financial rewards they once did. No longer can one rely on working the same job for one’s whole career. People need to become more entrepreneurial these days to survive. But what they don’t often realize is that doing so requires using mental and psychological tools that may be unfamiliar to them.

One of the major tools, to which we have already alluded, is the relationship with time. But another psychological skill is managing customers and clients. In a situation in which one is an employee, one essentially has only one customer or client. And the relationship with that customer is

Commentary

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ECONOMIC SUMMIT—Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., left, makes remarks during the 18th Annual Rainbow Push Wall Street Project Economic Summit as Steve Ballmer former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on. (Rainbow PUSH Coalition)

Wall Street project seeks to close opportunity gaps in business

by Don Terry Special to the NNPA News Wire

For Chicago-based investor and philanthropist John Rogers, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s annual Wall Street Project in New York City is a must-attend event.

The three days of seminars and speeches in the Big Apple every winter is a chance for Rogers, the son of a Tuskegee Airman, and other African American businessmen and women to share notes and strategies on how to break into, survive and ultimately thrive in the largely White world of Wall Street by gaining access to capital.

But for African Americans, Wall Street is riddled with potholes. Many of the country’s major hospitals, universities and other institutions with

huge portfolios to invest “have never worked with Black firms,” Rogers says. “They have never had their ‘Jackie Robinson moment.’”

Even now, with a Black man in the White House, Wall Street, Rogers says, can feel like “modern day Jim Crow.”

Reverend Jesse Jackson, the founder and president of Rainbow PUSH, created the Wall Street Project nearly 20 years ago to spark that “Jackie Robinson moment” by providing an opportunity for participants to hear from and meet some of the biggest names in finance and politics. It was at this conference where Rev. Jackson first introduced Rogers, chairman of Ariel Investments, to the CEO of General Motors. Today, General Motors is one of Ariel’s largest clients.

“There is no talent deficit,” Rev. Jack-

son says. “There is an opportunity deficit.”

This is the conference’s 19th year and will be held from Feb. 16 through Feb. 18 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. This year’s lineup of heavy hitters includes John Thompson, CEO of Microsoft, Sheila C. Johnson, founder and CEO, Salamander Hospitality and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television and United States Senator Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. There will be panels on “Corporate Finance and Equity Syndicates,” “Corporate Board Diversity,” “Global Economic Expansion Opportunities” and “Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Reconnecting and SustainSEE WALL C2

Book reveals top quotes from Black millionaires (BlackNews.com)—Successful Black business owners have been saying a lot over the years, but perhaps we haven’t been listening. And so one new e-book reveals exactly what they’ve been saying!

Published by Urban Ebooks, its called Top 365 Inspiring Quotes From Black Millionaires and Billionaires (exclusively available for just $2.99 at www.urbanebooks.com), and its the first publication ever that features famous and inspiring business quotes solely from African American millionaires and billionaires. Readers can not only benefit from their priceless advice and wisdom, but also the valuable life lessons that they share.

According to federal statistics, African American business owners continue to increase in numbers but most have just 1-2 employees, and generate revenues of less than $50,000 a year. Even worse, 1 in every 5 Black-owned businesses fails within five years. It was those devastating statistics that became the motivation behind publishing and releasing Top 365 Inspiring Quotes From Black Millionaires and Billionaires.

The book features famous quotes from: •Bob Johnson, founder of BET and first ever Black billionaire •Oprah Winfrey, founder of OWN and first Black woman billionaire SEE BOOK C2

Davin promotes inclusive development at Chamber Breakfast

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

DENNIS DAVIN (Photo by J.L. Martello)

For Dennis Davin, his appearance at the most recent PowerBreakfast meeting held by the African American Chamber of Commerce was like old home week. He got to reconnect with people he’d worked with as the head of economic development for Allegheny County, and before that, for the City of Pittsburgh.

He also got to reconnect with chamber members, and let them know that now, as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Community and Economic Development, he and Governor Tom Wolf are working toward greater minority and small business inclusion in contracts with the commonwealth.

“I want to echo the governor’s remarks when he was here (at the chamber’s annual luncheon in December) that we are making significant strides in removing barriers and leveling the playing field. His executive order on minority and small business procurement charged us to do something about it,” said Davin.

“But we have to look beyond contracts and procurement to determine what community agendas are and

change (development program) guidelines to match.”

On the big-picture scale, Davin noted that Philadelphia is doing great. It is seeing an influx of young people and entrepreneurs, and has a vibrant night life now primarily because New York City has “out-priced” itself.

Davin, however, said he and his team are planning to refocus development efforts to the community level from the big-picture approach favored by the previous administration. That will require some retooling and even elimination of some of the department’s programs, especially those that lack the flexibility to meet the needs of specific communities.

“I don’t want to have programs, just to have programs,” he said. “We need to streamline.”

Davin said one of the programs that has been successful, will—hopefully— become more successful if it is expanded per the governor’s wishes.

“The governor has proposed tripling budget for Keystone Innovation Zone Tax Credits—to about $25 million per year,” he said.

The KIZ tax credits are designed to assists early-stage companies gain their footing. The day before his

PowerBreakfast appearance, Davin’s department announced the approval of $18 million in KIZ funds for young companies throughout the state. More than $1.7 million was awarded to companies in Pittsburgh.

“One of the problems is there needs to better marketing of the region’s workforce, facilities—like the airport and the job Christine Cassotis is doing,” he said. “Delta just announced daily direct flights to Los Angeles.

Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office was ecstatic.”

That prompted chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams to acknowledge former Pittsburgh Councilman Sala Udin who told the audience that he had forwarded the forms required for any business interested in providing services to the company that will soon begin filming August Wilson’s “Fences,” starring Denzel Washington.

She also announced several upcoming events, including a members’ workshop on access to capital, Feb. 23 and another on supply chain management, Feb. 23. She also said Mayor Bill Peduto is scheduled as the speaker for the March PowerBreakfast on March 18.

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Book reveals top quotes from Black millionaires CONTINUED FROM C1

•Daymond John, founder of FUBU and star of ABC’s Shark Tank •Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam and Phat Farm •Tyler Perry, actor, director, playwright and filmmaker •David Steward, founder and CEO of World Wide Technology which makes $2 billion a year •Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio and TV One •Magic Johnson, NBA legend and founder of Magic Johnson Enterprises •Sheila Johnson, cofounder of BET and founder Salamander Hotels & Resorts •Jay-Z, founder of Rocafella Records and Rocawear Apparel •Percy “Master P” Miller, founder of No Limit Records •Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records and Sean Jean Apparel •Will Smith, actor, rapper, and co-founder of Overbrook Entertainment •Madam C.J. Walker, first female self-made millionaire in America

Here are a few sample quotes from the book: “I got my start by giving myself a start.”—Madame CJ Walker “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”—Will Smith “You’re not in the music business unless you have a hit record.”—Master P “The thing about using other people’s money is they’re going to set the rules.”—Tyler Perry “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”—Oprah Winfrey Great tool for both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs The insight and knowledge from these successful African American business owners can be used to help readers so that they too can be successful in business, build their own empires, and create your own destinies. It’s a great book for both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. All in all, the book features 365 different quotes.

That’s one quote for every day of the year!

(For more details and/or to purchase the book, visit www.urbanebooks.com)

Wall Street project CONTINUED FROM C1

ing Relationships with Wall Street.”

There will also be two international sessions, featuring high ranking U.S. and foreign government officials. “Global Economic Expansion” will feature panelists from different industries from across the globe, including Akwasi OpongFosu, Minister of State, Office of the President of Ghana and the keynote speaker, H.E. Eucatio Bakale, Minister of Economy, Planning & Public Investment, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. That panel will be followed by “The South Africa—US Business Forum” with Florizelle Liser, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa, Mzwandile Masina, Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade & Industry, South Africa and Elizabeth Thabete, Deputy Minster, Department of Small Business, South Africa.

The Wall Street Project uses Operation Breadbasket’s model of research, education, negotiation and reconciliation to challenge Corporate American to end its shameful, multi-billion dollar trade deficit with minority vendors and consumers. “Unless we knock on the right doors, the doors

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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Grass Cutting and Landscaping Authority Wide RFP #300-03-16

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Grass Cutting and Landscaping Authority Wide RFP #300-03-16 The documents will be available no later than February 14, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., February 26, 2016 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/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 Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 February 29, 2016 2:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACPʼs 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.

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES RFP#2016-11

Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC), the nonprofit real estate development instrumentality of The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), hereby request responses from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Construction Management Services (“CM”) RFP #2016-11 The documents will be available no later than February 22, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., March 21, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Last day for all written questions will be Monday, March 9, 2016 until 2:00 P.M. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/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 200 Ross Street, 9th Fl. Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 March 2, 2016 2:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACPʼs 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.

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

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Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15203, on March 15, 2016 until 2:00 p.m., local prevailing time for: Allderdice, Colfax, Gifted Center, Greenfield, Linden, Minadeo, Perry and Student Achievement Center Wireless Access Upgrades Electrical Prime Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on February 16, 2016 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 nonrefundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

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will not come open,” Rev. Jackson says.

Sadly, the Wall Street Project has often been a voice in the wilderness. Richard Manson, CEO and president of SourceMark, a medical and surgical supply company, says, “Had we listened and taken action” 19 years ago when Rev. Jackson started pushing for more engagement with Wall Street, more awareness of the street’s vast power, “I think we’d be a lot better shape than we are now.”

For Rev. Jackson, the Wall Street Project is part of “the fourth stage of our struggle” for freedom and equity. The first stage was surviving the horrors of slavery, a 242-year sojourn. The second was “the

season of Jim Crow and lynching when 4,500 African Americans were lynched.” The third stage was fighting for and winning the right to vote.

Those stages of the struggle left Black people “out of slavery, out of Jim Crow, with the right the vote” and almost “starving to death” because “we were denied access to capital.”

“We are free,” Rev. Jackson says. “But not equal. Effort and excellence means a lot.

Inheritance and access means more.”

Access and opening doors is what the Wall Street Project is all about.

“We have never lost a battle we fought,” Rev. Jackson says. “And we have never won a battle we did not fight.”

Successful entrepreneurs CONTINUED FROM C1

not generally subject to change—for better or for worse. But when you are an entrepreneur and the world is potentially your customer, you have to pay extra close attention to the creation and exchange of value.

Getting paid as an entrepreneur requires an extreme degree of concentration and emotional strength. You are not getting an automatic payment sent to your account on regular intervals. No, an entrepreneur often has to confront his client to make sure the payment is received. Doing this effectively requires both bold-

ness and tact. It is not for the faint of heart. But the trade off is that if you are successful in managing this client-oriented relationship, you are in the driver’s seat in terms of how much you can earn from your time and effort. This is why entrepreneurs are willing to sacrifice the certainty and security of working for someone for the uncertain and potentially infinitely rewarding job of charting their own course.

(Armstrong Williams is the manager/sole owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and Executive Editor of American CurrentSee online Magazine.)

BUSINESS CALENDAR

Supply Chain Program FEB. 25—The Business Institute of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host its Supply Chain Program workshop from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Ave., Downtown. This workshop on Supply Chain Management will teach how to significantly grow both the revenue and profitability of one’s small or midsized business. Attendees will learn what a supply chain is, the concept of integrated supply chain, developing a framework to identify and understand the links of one’s supply chain, and more. Registration is requested

by Feb. 23 and a box lunch will be provided. For more information, call 412-392-0610 or email information@aaccwp.com.

Advancing Entrepreneurship in the Mon Valley FEB. 25—The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence and the University Center for Social and Urban Research, and the Small Business Development Center will host the Advancing Entrepreneurship in the Mon Valley Workshop Series from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Library of Homestead, 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. This workshop, titled “The Second Step: Developing a Business Plan,” will help individuals develop a business plan, a tool successful business owners use to guide their businesses’ growth. Registration is requested. For more information, call 412-624-3095 or email iee@innovation.pitt.edu.

MyBusiness Growth MARCH 2—The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University will host its MyBusiness Growth Series at 9 a.m. at Chatham University, Woodland Rd., Shadyside. The topic is “Getting and closing the sale.” Facilitator Mj Callaway, sales retention expert, MjC & Company and Rock More Sales, will provide strategies for sales success, utilizing the skills that she’s honed to close more than $14 million a year in front-end contracts for a national company as well as her extensive speaking and consulting experience.

Registration is required. For more information, visit www.chatham.edu/cwe

Get to Know Your Customers MARCH 2—The Creative Technology Network in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University will host its DIY Business Building Workshop Series at 11:30 a.m. at the Pittsburgh Technology Council, 2000 Technology Dr., Pittsburgh. The topic is “Get to Know Your Customers: Easy Steps to Move from Awareness to Conversation.” Attendees will learn to power conversations between customers and their target audiences. Registration is required. For more information, email Lindsey Bradley at lbradley@pghtech.org.

Pension Workshop MARCH 3—The Small Business Council, along with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber, will host “The Pension Time Bomb: Is Your Business Prepared?” at 8 a.m. at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, 100 Cranberry Woods Dr., Cranberry. This session, presented by Pa. Auditor General Eugene DePasquale and state Representative John McGinnis, will teach attendees how unfunded $8 billion municipal and $50 billion state pension liabilities will affect one’s business, and what one can do about it. Registration is required. For more information, call Eileen Anderson at 412-3421606.

MyBusiness Growth Series MARCH 16—The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University will host its MyBusiness Growth Series at 9 a.m. at Chatham University, Woodland Rd., Shadyside. The topic is “Building Your Business and Protecting Your Brand: Legal Issues for Growing Businesses.” Facilitators Lisa Goddy, Esq., Tracy Zihmer, Esq., Karen Anspaugh, Esq., Kathlen Kuzhicki, Esq., and Kristy Kochosky, Esq. will discuss risk management, legal structure, brand protection for growing businesses, and more. Registration is required. For more information, visit www.chatham.edu/cwe (To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier

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FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

BOYS CITY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS—Allderdice boys celebrate their third straight City League Championship. (Photos by William McBride)

City League champions

JAMES JACKSON of Allderdice throws down two of his 28 points MICHAELA PORTER of Obama Academy scored 23 points to lead TIM JACKSON of Allderdice drives on Trez Jones of Obama Acadin the Dragons 74-47 win over Obama Academy in the City League the Lady Eagles to a 64-33 win over Allderdice in the City League emy in the City League championship game, Jackson scored 10 Championship game. championship game. points in the Dragons win.

CITY LEAGUE GIRLS CHAMPIONS—The Obama Academy girls won their third straight City League championship with a 64-33 win over Allderdice.

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FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SPORTS

Dragons roll past Obama for 3-peat

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier

cess is due, in large part, to head coach Buddy Valinsky, the man behind putting this team together and keeping the egos in check.

Valinsky, was an all-state basketball player in high school who played in the national RoundBall Basketball All-Star game. He got into coaching, in large part, because he had a large competitive athletic itch for

and I think I was 4-foot-6 in the first grade and most of my classmates were 3-foot something and I could remember thinking how I could believe somebody could be under 4-foot,” said Pugh. “I love basketball but my favorite sport is soccer.”

The Allderdice Dragons are chasing history. Everybody else in the state is chasing the Dragons.

team in the last 60 years.

Maybe the best.

“I feel good because we’ve Allderdice (23-1) is the No. now won games in Atlanta, 1 team in the city, the No. 1 Philadelphia and West Virranked Class AAAA team ginia,” said coach Buddy in Pennsylvania and just Valinsky. “I don’t want to might be the greatest team sound cocky, but this team in City League and WPIAL is making a believer out of history! me.”

A crowd that included City Who else faced New CasLeague legend Sam Clancy, tle, Lincoln Park, Imhotep Will Herndon, Jason White, Charter, Academy Park, Rock RobinMars, Central son, Kirk Catholic, Bruce, Will H e m p fi e l d , Macon, Dap Beaver Falls, Porter, Chuck Wheeling Park, Franklin, St. Plus X Shawn ThompCatholic in the kins, Dr. Rahsame season? mon Hart and That would Jennifer Bruce be none.

Scott watched “If I coached as Allderdice against this etched their team and ran a name in the box-and-one history books (defense), I by beating don’t know who Obama on Feb. I would box.

20 at the PeWe have so tersen Event many unselfish Center. players. The It didn’t take Jackson twins, long for Ramon, Jordan Allderdice to Rawls, Timothy put a stranglePugh,” said hold on the coach Buddy rhythm of the Valinsky.

“I game, and the played in high three-time city school for league defendAllderdice in ing champs did 1978 and we so with auwent pretty far, thority as they Frank “Happy” scored the first Dobbs and 18 points of Derek Moore the game. were sophoJames Jackmores. I played son is to high against Fifth school basketAvenue’s Sam ball what C l a n c e y, Floyd “Money” Warner MackM ay w e a t h e r JORDAN RAWLS, of Allderdice, controlled the boards with 8 rebounds in the Dragons win over lin and Puffy was to box- Obama Academy. (Photos by William McBride) Kennedy.

I ing—the best c o a c h e d player pound for pound. years that he hasn’t been The three-time defending against the 2007 Schenley James Jackson came out able to scratch—until now.

City League champions team and most City League hot in the first half and Valinsky demands aca- have been so dominant that teams tend to play zone, but scored 24 of his game high demic excellence from his they could have defeated a we play man to man. We are 28 points and he, Jordan team, and Tim Jackson, lot of college teams. And so quick and can get some Rawls, Tim Jackson and Ramon Crieghton, James unless opponents start fig- points in transition. It’s good Dajuan “Above the Rim” Jackson, Dajuan Dugger, uring out a way to slow to be mentioned with some Dugger entertained fans Jordan Rawls and Timothy down James Jackson, of the all-time great teams.” with high-flying, acrobatic Pugh will all play sports in Ramon Creighton, Timothy Looking at regular seadunks and athleticism. college.

Jackson and one of the son history, it’s hard to Allderdice coasted to halfPugh is 6-foot-9 and will state’s most potent offense, make an argument that time with a 41-12 lead and be going to Harvard Uni- they could be the best team anybody topped them. So played the JV’s in the sec- versity to play soccer. His in Southwestern PA history move over Simmie Hill, ond half and won by a final success on the soccer field, by the time they are done.

Sam Clancey, Billy Owens, of 74-47 over Obama (14-7). the court and in the classIt’s hard to compare era’s Kenny Durrett, Dick DeThe Big Three senior room hasn’t been easy. An but if you combined sheer Venzio and make some guard Ramon Creighton average day for Pugh destruction with quality of room on the PIAA Mount and twins Timothy and means waking up early and competition and throw in Rushmore for 2016 James Jackson have car- going to bed late. the fact that it had as good Allderdice Dragons. ried the Dragons over the This much is indisputable, “I started playing basket- a regular season run as any last three seasons. Its suc- ball when I was 4 years old City League or WPIAL nobody played better.

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Obama Lady Eagles: city’s new gold standard

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier

Facing a steep challenge, Allderdice girls basketball team wanted to go into Saturday’s City League championship game against Obama loose and confident despite the decided underdog role.

The Lady Dragons squad attempted to slow down the Eagles lethal attack at both ends of the court.

Allderdice only trailed by 22-19 at halftime, and they hoped to close the gap coming out in the third quarter.

But Obama, the defending City League champion, didn’t allow the Dragons to trim the deficit.

Obama Academy (20-4) defeated Allderdice (11-13) 64-33 at the Petersen Event Center.

With a burst of speed, Michaela Porter split defenders and scored a game high 23 points. Porter rarely sees a shot as impossible and her ability to endure, survive and perhaps even relish punishment and pain.

Porter leads Obama’s stat sheet, but those are not the most impressive numbers the 6-foot junior posts. No, that would be her team No. 1 ranking in the city over the last three years.

“I wear number 20 to honor my pops, Dap Porter, because that was his num-

TAYLOR STEWART, of Obama Academy, grabbed 13 rebounds and scored 9 points in the Lady Eagles victory.

KENNEDY BOWENS, of Obama Academy, lays in two of her 12 points in the Lady Eagles win over Allderdice.

Overtime

ber,” said Porter. “We have everybody back from last years team and we hope to get a rematch again with Penn Hills.”

Kennedy Bowens scored 12 points, Dalaysa Askew chipped in 9, Taylor Stewart banged home 9, Rakeyla Little 4, Trese Williams 3, Ronnay Simmons 2, An’Drea Williams 2 for the Eagles. “The Greyhound” Aujanae Givner lead Allderdice with 9 points.

“I got a great coaching staff with Darelle “Dap” Porter, a Pittsburgh legend, and Devon Alexander from McKeesport,” said head coach Monique McCoy. “The coaches said at halftime, team it’s time to turn it up 1000. And that’s what they

did.”

Pittsburgh long known as a prep football powerhouse that sees players advance to major college programs and the professional ranks, Obama is home to the best girls basketball team in the city. The latter may not get the same amount of hype throughout Western Pennsylvania, but the team gets plenty of love in the hallways and classrooms of Obama Academy High School.

Allderdice will play Thursday, Feb. 25, at Clarion against the District 9 champion in a class AAAA preliminary-round game and Obama will face the WPIAL runner-up in the first round.

JACQUET L. BAZEMORE

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

IN MEMORY OF: GRAND MASTER JACQUET L. BAZEMORE #U.S. Marine Corps. Special Forces #World Heavyweight Kickboxing champion #United States Karate Hall of Fame “Champions Aren’t Born, They’re Made…Through Desire, Determination and Dedication!”

HOO-RAH!!!

Inside Conditions…Silent star

by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

On Feb. 19, I was doing my normal email check when I came upon the email from the Pittsburgh Steelers informing the sports world that the All-World Steelers tight end was riding off into the sunset of lore of Pittsburgh Steelers legend.

Even though Heath Miller has become a tad slower over the last couple of years, as a blocker he was almost like a Sherman Tank in pads and as a pass receiver there were times that he reminded me of Raiders’ NFL Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff without the entire La Brea Tar Pits slathered all over his hands, arms and legs. ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler quoted Mike Tomlin regarding Miller.

“It would be selfish of me to view it in any other way other than a great deal of admiration and appreciation for having the opportunity to work with Heath for nine of the 11 years he has done it,” Tomlin said.

Miller as usual was just as gracious in retirement as he was during his performing days on the gridiron.

“I will always cherish and value the special bonds that I formed with my teammates. It was truly an honor for me to take the field with them,” Miller said. “I am also appreciative of my entire family and all of the coaches who helped me along the way. Additionally, I want to thank Steelers Nation, the best fans in the NFL!” When Miller entered the end zone with the football, there were no Irish jigs, break dancing, ballet pirouetting or booty shaking being performed by him to commemorate scoring a touchdown.

Other than spiking the pigskin, if an official was nearby, he would just hand him the football and make an un-ceremonial exit to the sidelines.

As far as my personal experience with Miller is concerned, in victory or defeat he would usually

AUBREY BRUCE stand tall by his locker room stall, enduring and accommodating the most asinine questions from some of the media that oftentimes seemed as if they might have taken a short nap during the game.

Over the past few days, I have talked with a slew of Steelers fans the majority of whom expressed sadness, disappointment and in a few cases expressed anger. I am not second guessing anyone.

Not Steelers GM Kevin Colbert or Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, but I will always wonder if they should have kept Miller on the sidelines for just one more year, even at a reduced salary if for nothing more than to be a leader and mentor to Steelers 5th round pick tight end Jesse James, who appears to maybe being headed for stardom as well. Miller may have slowed a bit physically, but as far as his deciphering the game and reading defenses is concerned, he surely remains as sharp as a tack.

Miller did not run his mouth, but he would run over an unsuspecting defensive back or linebacker if they blinked just for a moment. We should all celebrate Miller for his actions because he ultimately made the journey to excellence easier for everyone around him.

(The source for this story was espn.com) (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741.

Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)

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POWER offers a full range of gender-responsive, trauma-informed treatment and support services just for women. We are seeking an experienced Director of Clinical Operations who is responsible for overseeing all of POWERʼs treatment and support and services and for developing and implementing the organizationʼs programs and lines of business. Successful candidates will have an LCSW, or MBA with at least 3 years in non-profit administration.

POWER values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Please visit our website power-recovery.com to apply.

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MEETING

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will hold its February 2016 Board of Commissioners meeting on THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2016.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 10:30 A.M. 200 Ross Street, 13th Floor Wherrett Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

Community College of Allegheny County A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on: March 3, 2016 4:00 p.m. Board Meeting CCAC Allegheny Campus Byers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate Notices

Letters have been granted on the estate of each of the following decedents to the personal representative named who request all persons having claims against the estate of the decedent to make known the same in writing to him or his attorney, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment to him without delay:

Estate of ISAACS, HELEN, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 378 of 2016, Helen Mazzeo, Adm., or to c/o Matthew J. Beam, Scolieri Law Group, 1207 Fifth Avenue, suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Estate of PERLINGER, WILLIAM H., deceased of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, No. 02-15-07468, Nancy Fugh, Executrix, c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Estate of HAINES, RICHARD L., deceased of Pleasant Hills, No. 02-16-00604, Charles H. Weber, Executor, 5030 Dana Drive, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 or to R.M. Entwisle, III, Atty., 125 1st Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS DIGITAL MARKETING ADMINISTRATOR

Carnegie Mellon University, H. John Heinz III College seeks Digital Marketing Administrator in Pittsburgh, PA to lead our web/digital marketing team. Duties will include: (i) overseeing web/digital and social media strategy development and implementation, aligning them with business priorities across the university; (ii) managing online branding, communications, and campaigns through the website, including overseeing video production; (iii) building the online community and implementing email marketing to attract new students; (iv) employing search marketing techniques to ensure search engine optimization; and (v) working with staff members to solve technical issues, including troubleshooting code, fixing programming errors, and resolving web server issues. Requirements: Masterʼs degree in business, marketing, technology, information systems management, or related field. Two years of experience providing web content delivery. Experience must include: (i) traditional and digital marketing; (ii) web page design; (iii) coordinating web projects involving multiple stakeholders; (iv) working or academic experience with CMS software, CSS, HTML, HTML5, XML, JavaScript and ASP.NET; (v) foundational web development technologies including HTTP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Servers; (vi) SQL; (vii) designing, developing, and managing databases and writing queries and stored procedures for performance and scalability; (viii) SEO/SEM for high volume websites; and (ix) analytic platforms including Google Analytics and email analytics.

Mail resume to Emily Marshall, Carnegie Mellon University, H. John Heinz III College, HbH 1107A, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

LANDSCAPERS AND ENTRYLEVEL PAINTING POSITIONS

Seeking landscapers and entry-level painting positions for a Property Management Company in the Pittsburgh area. Must be reliable & a team player with a valid driverʼs license.

Health insurance, 401K, holiday & vacation pay is offered. Please email/fax the following to kmyers@ahrco.com or 412-687-9875 when applying: Resume & 3 references.

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is searching for an innovative thinker who can develop and implement a university-wide integrated marketing and branding initiative that will strategically position IUP in all of its competitive marketplaces.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to create a branding/marketing campaign that has resulted in elevating the organization as a leader in relevant marketplaces. Required skills include superior communication skills, expertise in forecasting trends based on data, conducting environmental scans, market research and analytics, and experience leading change.

To view the description and apply for this position, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com /careers/iupedu All offers of employment are contingent upon confirmation of work eligibility and satisfactory completion of pre-employment background checks.

IUP is an equal opportunity employer M/F/H/V and is a member of the State System of Higher Education.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notices

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT AND PUBLIC HEARING HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH AMENDMENT TO THE 2016 MOVING TO WORK ANNUAL PLAN

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is a participant in the federal Moving to Work Demonstration Program (MTW). The 2016 MTW Annual Plan takes the place of the Capital Fund Annual Statement, Five Year Plan and the PHA Annual Plan normally required under the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA).

An amendment to the 2016 Moving to Work Annual Plan will be available for review from February 19, 2016 to March 19, 2016, at the HACP Executive Office, 200 Ross Street, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219; the HACP Web Site www.hacp.org; and at HACP Management Offices. Copies of the annual plan and plan amendment may also be obtained by contacting the HACP Executive Office at 412-456-5012.

HACP is seeking public review and comments on a proposed amendment to the FY 2016 MTW Annual Plan concerning HACPʼs plans for disposition and or mixed finance development of St. Clair Village, potential disposition of vacant properties located at Kelly Street in Homewood and Cove Place in Hazelwood and possible redevelopment of the Manchester mixed income property.

Written comments for the Amendment to the 2016 Annual Plan must be addressed to MTW Annual Plan Comments at the address above and must be received by close of business (5:00 p.m.) on March 19, 2016.

Public hearings to receive comments will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at 200 Ross St., 9th floor HACP Board Room.

Persons with disabilities requiring assistance or alternative formats, or wishing to submit comments in alternative formats, can contact the HACP ADA/504 Coordinator at 412-456-5020, Extension 2504; TTY 412-201-5384.

Estate of PERRY, JEANNE B., deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, No. 02-16-00455, Jane Perry, Executrix, c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Estate of ALBERT, MILDRED, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 02-16-00637, Richard Albert, Executor, c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Estate of HARRINGTON, MS. GERALDINE R., deceased of 7327 Green Meadow Drive, Imperial, PA 15126, Estate No. 02-16-00654, Ms. Sandra Schultz, 7327 Green Meadow Drive, Imperial, PA 15126, Executor, c/o Max Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate of HERMAN, ANNA, a/k/a HERMAN, ANNA R., deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, No. 02-16-00567, Todd T. Jordan, Administrator C.T.A., Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Robert B. Wolf, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Estate and 2014 Restatement of Irrevocable (formerly Revocable) Trust of LHORMER, BARRY, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, No. 02-15-07133, Janet R. Markel, Executrix and Janet R. Markel, Trustee c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Estate DOUGLAS, HARRISON F., deceased of Allegheny County, No. 02-14-07393 of 2014, Jeannine Hucks, Admin., 8214 Nimick Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 or to Allegheny Law Group, LLC, 816 5th Avenue, Ste 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Estate of FOWNES, SALLY K., deceased of Harmar Township, No. 02-16-00765, John T. Fownes, Jr., Co-Executor, 115 Douglas Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 and Henry C. Fownes, III, Co-Executor, 211 Carriage Court, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 or to R.M. Entwisle, III, Atty., 125 1st Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

BUSINESS CORPORATION

Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for a business corporation which has been incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporation Law of 1988. The name of the corporation NUTRI FARMACY, INC.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

BUSINESS CORPORATION

Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for a business corporation which has been incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporation Law of 1988. The name of the corporation DV ENTERPRISES, INC.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT INVESTOR AND/OR NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT INVESTOR AND/OR CONSTRUCTION LENDER RFQ #2016-10

Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC), the nonprofit real estate development instrumentality of The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), hereby request responses from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investor and/or New Markets Tax Credit Investor and/or Construction Lender RFQ #2016-10 The documents will be available no later than February 15, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., March 11, 2016 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/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 200 Ross Street, 9th Fl. Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 March 1, 2015 11:00 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.

HACPʼs has revised their website.

As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and login, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

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

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

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FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2016

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Video Audio Training (Rebid) RFP#800-02-16

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Video Audio Training (Rebid) RFP#800-02-16 The documents will be available no later than February 21, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., March 11, 2016 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/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, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 March 3, 2016 10:00 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.

HACPʼs has revised their website.

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

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

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT Port Authority of Allegheny County MONTOUR CHURCH ROAD SITE TAX PARCEL NUMBER 412-M-50 TOWNSHIPS OF ROBINSON AND NORTH FAYETTE, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR PURCHASE OF SITE

Port Authority of Allegheny County (Port Authority) is seeking responsive bids to a Request for Bids for Purchase of Site (Site RFB) from interested and financially capable individuals, developers, companies and/or firms to acquire an approximately 7.76 acre parcel of vacant and graded land that fronts Montour Church Road in the Townships of Robinson and North Fayette, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (the Site) from Port Authority.

Port Authority is fee simple owner of the Site, and it has identified the Site as excess property. Accordingly, Port Authority is seeking bids to sell the Site to the bidder that submits the highest responsive offer, with the minimum asking price for the Site being $845,000.00. In the event of receipt of multiple responsive bids of equal dollar values, Port Authority will provide those responsive bidders submitting bids in equal monetary amounts with the opportunity to submit best and final offers to acquire the Site.

The Site RFB will be available on or after 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 on Port Authorityʼs website at the following link: http://www.portauthority.org/paac/ CompanyInfoProjects/DoingBusiness/Property Offerings.aspx.

For a hard copy of the Site RFB, please contact the following: Michael J. Cetra Assistant General Manager of Legal & Corporate Services/ General Counsel Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Direct Phone: (412) 566-5245 E-mail: MCetra@PortAuthority.org.

This bid process shall be conducted in compliance with and subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

If you have any questions about the Site and/or the Site RFB, please contact Mr. Cetra by no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 17, 2016.

Bids are due by 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday, April 18, 2016. Please note, however, that Port Authority reserves the right, in its sole and exclusive discretion, to keep this Site RFB open and continue to receive and consider offers for acquisition of the Site if a responsive and responsible bidder is not identified as a result of the bid opening on April 18, 2016. Instructions for the proper content and timely submission of bids are contained in the Site RFB. Port Authority reserves the right, in its sole and exclusive discretion, to reject any or all bids.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS IFB#300-16-16

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS IFB#300-16-16 The documents will be available no later than February 22, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 A.M., March 11, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

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

Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, March 3, 2016 11:00 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.

HACPʼs 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.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES AT BEDFORD HOPE CENTER, DEVELOPMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES CENTER (DOC) AND CREATIVE ARTS CORNER (NORTHVIEW) IFB#550-10-16

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): JANITORIAL SERVICES AT BEDFORD HOPE CENTER, DEVELOPMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES CENTER (DOC) AND CREATIVE ARTS CORNER (NORTHVIEW) IFB#550-10-16 The documents will be available no later than February 22, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 P.M., March 11, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

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

Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, March 3, 2016 1:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACPʼs has revised their website.

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

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

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ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, Purchasing Department, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233(412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 959 – Building Envelope Renovations at Visual Arts Center – Allegheny Campus A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting and site visitation will be held at 9:30a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. The assembly point will be the front of the Visual Arts Center, corner of N. Lincoln Avenue at Galveston (behind Graybar Electric), Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at which time they will be publicly opened.

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

The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at h t t p s : / / w w w. c c a c . e d u / B i d RFP_Opportunities.aspx. It will be each vendorʼs responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

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

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

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

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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR FLEET VEHICLE REPAIR CHEVROLET IFB#300-15-16

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): FLEET VEHICLE REPAIR CHEVROLET IFB#300-15-16 The documents will be available no later than February 22, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., March 11, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

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

Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, March 3, 2016 2:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACPʼs 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.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed bids will be received for the Mars Borough Clay Avenue Park Improvements, will be received in the office of Benjamin Holland, BUTLER COUNTY CONTROLLER, FLOOR 5, COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 124 WEST DIAMOND STREET, whose mailing address is P.O.BOX 1208, BUTLER, PA 16003, on or before 4:00pm, March 4, 2016.

All Bids must be plainly marked Bid Mars Borough Clay Avenue Park Improvements.

All bids will be publicly opened and read at the Public Agenda Setting Meeting of the Butler County Board of Commissioners on March 9, 2016 at 9:30am, in the Commissioner Public Meeting Room located on Floor 1 of the County Government Center, Butler, PA 16003.

Bids will be received for the following: Park Improvements - CDBG Improvements Bid CDBG Improvements Package includes, but is not limited to: removals, erosion and sedimentation control, concrete paving, fencing, concrete stairs with handrail, placing topsoil and seeding.

Park Improvements - Playground Improvements Bid Playground Improvements Package includes, but is not limited to: site preparation, furnishing and installing a two-bay swing set, sliding board, 4seat spring rocker, playground surface edger and protective playground surfacing.

A certified check or bank draft, payable to the County of Butler, negotiable U.S. Government Bond (at par value or a satisfactory bid bond) executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in an amount equal to at least ten percent (10%) of the total bid of this project (Base bid and all alternates), shall be submitted with each bid.

The successful bidder will be required to submit a 100% performance bond, a 100% labor and materials payment bond and a 10% maintenance bond. Should a bidder desire to submit a bid for more than one package, they can do so provided they are submitted independent of one another in separate envelopes.

Portions of this project are funded by CDBG funding. Therefore, all work is subject to the Davis-Bacon Wage Rates and federally required MBE/WBE, Section 3, and nondiscrimination practices.

Bids must be submitted on the forms furnished herein. Bid packages are available through Accu-Copy Reprographics (724) 935-7055). Contact Accu-Copy to complete a Bid Registration Form and to submit a non-refundable deposit of $30.00. Sets can be mailed, if requested, at the bidderʼs expense.

The project Landscape Architect is Pashek Associates, 619 East Ohio Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; contact John Buerkle. All questions must be emailed to Pashek Associates, with “Mars Borough Clay Avenue Park Improvements** clearly indicated in the subject of the email. No questions will be received or responded to by phone. AH questions must be submitted prior to March 1,2016, by 3:00pm. No questions will be addressed after that date and time.

A copy of the Bid Documents will be available for review at the office of the Butler County Park and Recreation Department, 184 Alameda Park Road, Butler, PA 16001, during regular business hours.

Butler County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Bids, or any part of a Bid, and to waive informalities, and to award the Bid in the best interest of Butler County. No Bid may be withdrawn for thirty (60) days following the scheduled closing time for the receipt of Bids.

BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie Osche, Chair Kim Geyer Kevin Boozel Attest: Gerald Patterson Director of Administration/Chief Clerk

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) ADVERTISEMENT 2016

The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh is soliciting Proposals from qualified professional firms to perform a detailed survey of an existing freight elevator to determine its condition and potential for use at the Mellon Square Parking Garage and as more fully described in the RFP document.

RFP Packets will be available Monday, February 22, 2016 after 3:00 pm on the Authority website at www.pittsburghparking.com and also at the Authority main office located at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held at the Authorityʼs main office on Monday, February 29, 2016.

Prospective bidders are required to submit three (3) copies of the proposal and one (1) electronic copy of the proposal, in a clearly marked and sealed envelope by 3:00 p.m. E.S.T. on Friday, March 11, 2016.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR VACANT UNIT PAINTING FOR PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS IFB#300-17-16

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): VACANT UNIT PAINTING FOR PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS IFB#300-17-16 The documents will be available no later than February 22, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., March 11, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

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

Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, March 3, 2016 10:00 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.

HACPʼs has revised their website.

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

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

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315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication