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Keyva Clark heads Peduto campaign

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Pittsburgh Women speak on issues, the movement

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Womens History Month A9

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Vol. 108 No. 12

Two Sections

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MARCH 22-28, 2017

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Mayor releases Pittsburgh Resilience Strategy

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE—Rashad Byrdsong is part of the community effort bringing 38 affordable rental homes to Homewood with 46 percent MBE inclusion and job development. (Photo courtesy Ma’at Construction)

‘Real’ community development

38 affordable rental houses ready by fall in Homewood

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Thanks to a creative arrangement among developers, builders, contractors, nonprofits and the community, 38 affordable rental houses are now under construction in Homewood—and six of these are being built entirely by Community Empowerment Association Rashad Byrdsong’s Ma’at Construction.

“We’re the co-general contractor with Mistick,” said Byrdsong. “So, in addition to the six we’re doing, we are doing the interior drywall and trim on all the others. We also have eight trainees from our building trades program working at several sites.

So, we are way past the (U.S. Department

“We’re very proud that we’re actively investing in the community, and able to bring high quality housing to the neighborhood along with job training and hiring.”

BEN KELLY Oxford Development

of Housing and Urban Development) local hiring requirement.”

The HUD requirement applies because

the funding for the development comes from an $11 million low-income tax credit.

And the project won the funding because of its inclusive and cooperative application.

“We’re very proud that we’re actively investing in the community, and able to bring high quality housing to the neighborhood along with job training and hiring,” said Ben Kelly of Oxford Development. “We’ve reached 46 percent MBE inclusion, and exceeded HUD Section 3 hiring targets too.”

The cooperative nature of the development goes even further, Kelly said, with the city and Urban Redevelopment AuSEE RENTAL A5

Dems endorse incumbents Peduto faces two challengers

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Though he beat city Councilwoman Darlene Harris by more than 100 votes in the race to win the Allegheny County Democratic endorsement, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto will still face her in the May 16 Primary Election—but not alone.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Dean

of Students Rev. John Welch is remaining in the race despite not seeking the endorsement.

“It’s time for someone new who isn’t tied to the political machinery,” said Welch.

Harris, who has served as District 1 Councilwoman since Luke Ravenstahl was appointed mayor in 2006, took an early shot at Peduto’s frequent travel saying she’ll be a “full-time” mayor.

PEDUTO

WELCH

HARRIS

“I won’t be flying around all over the place,” she said.

The County Democratic Committee also endorsed Sheriff Bill Mullen who faces a primary challenge from retired city police Det. George Satler. It also endorsed three

With the release of its ONEPGH report, Mayor Bill Peduto says Pittsburgh now has a “resilience strategy” to help the city face any number of natural or man-made challenges that may arise moving forward.

The city, along with public and private sector groups, and assisted by the RAND Corporation, developed the strategy’s holistic approach to overcoming 21st-century challenges over the course of several months as part of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative, which Pittsburgh joined in 2014.

While much of the report focuses on fighting global warming and generating local energy with “green” initiatives like relying on solar and hydroelectric power––it SEE MAYOR A5

Republicans fumble on Obamacare replacement

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Every year since they resumed control of the House of Representatives, Congressional Republicans have passed legislation repealing the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Now, when they could actually get such a proposal through the U.S. Senate and signed by a Republican president, they—or at least House Majority Leader Paul Ryan—have instead crafted Ryancare or Trumpcare, which both parties have called the bill worse than the original—though for different reasons.

When he rolled it out, Ryan said it would improve quality price and coverage—it doesn’t. It would eliminate the Medicaid expansion, which has since enrolled about 20 million people—meaning they, and about four million others forced to purchase plans or face IRS fines because their old ones were deemed noncompliant.

As to price, seniors, on average are looking at large increases, as they make up

SEE DEMOCRATS A5

SEE FUMBLE A5

CYF work more than just a job

by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier

Employment as a caseworker with the Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families is far more than just a job.

It’s far more than just removing children from homes. This is an important fact to understand because lay people often equate caseworkers with removal of children. The mental picture is often that MULTIPLE TASKS—One of the many tasks during the day for Elice Royster, Department of Human if a pensive looking White Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families caseworker, is calling to arrange family meetings. woman hovering in the (Photo Courtesy of CYF) background clutching her

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purse while two brutish looking police officers are tearing a screaming toddler who is kicking and flailing out of the arms of a cursing screaming wailing mother.

While that work does involve protecting children from abuse and neglect, it also involves strengthening families who are involved in child welfare in Allegheny County. The overall purpose and goal is to “fix” families, restore them, and to make the family environment a whole and healthy one for all concerned, with a focus on the children.

What is true about the job are a few things shared by

Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick

some caseworkers featured in a video on the DHS web site: Elise Royster, intake specialist said, “This is not a straight 9–5 job; it’s not like you come in at 9 a.m., get to your desk do your work then get up and leave.

“Everyday is different; many times you have to be prepared to respond to emergencies; and your “office” is not always your office. You may be in court, you may be conducting some kind of community meeting and certainly you may be driving around.

Driving around can be a big SEE CYF A4

Mal Goode said, ‘Courier portrays Black positiveness’ Forum B4

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INTERNATIONAL

MARCH 22-28, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Nobel laureate Derek Walcott, This Week In Black History Caribbean poet, dies at 87

by Guy Ellis and David McFadden Associated Press Writers

CASTRIES, St. Lucia (AP) —Derek Walcott, a Nobel prize-winning poet known for capturing the essence of his native Caribbean, died Friday on the island of St. Lucia. He was 87.

“Derek Alton Walcott, poet, playwright, and painter died peacefully today, Friday, March 17, at his home in Cap Estate, Saint Lucia,” said a family statement. It said the funeral would be held in St. Lucia and details would be announced shortly.

The prolific and versatile poet received the Nobel Prize in literature in 1992.

The academy cited the “great luminosity” of his writings including the 1990 “Omeros,” a 64-chapter Caribbean epic that it praised as “majestic.”

“In him, West Indian culture has found its great poet,” the Swedish academy said in awarding the $1.2 million prize to Walcott.

St. Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said flags throughout the island would be lowered to half-staff to honor Walcott, one of the most renowned figures to emerge from the small country.

“It is a great loss to Saint Lucia,” he said. “It is a great loss to the world.”

Walcott, who was of African, Dutch and English ancestry, said his writing reflected the “very rich and complicated experience” of life in the Caribbean. His dazzling, painterly work earned him a reputation as one of the greatest writers of the second half of the 20th century.

With passions ranging from watercolor painting to teaching to theater,

DEREK WALCOTT (Getty Images/File) Walcott’s work was widely praised for its depth and bold use of metaphor, and its mix of sensuousness and technical prowess. He compared his feeling for poetry to a religious avocation.

Calling the poet “the great lyric voice of the Caribbean,” Soviet exile poet Joseph Brodsky, who won the Nobel literature prize in 1987, once complained that some critics relegated Walcott to regional status because of “an unwillingness...to admit that the great poet of the English language is a Black man.”

Jonathan Galassi, president of Farrar, Straus & Giroux who was Walcott’s friend and longtime U.S. publisher, praised the poet as “the great lyric voice of the Caribbean.”

“He was a brilliant thinker about human predicaments, historical and personal, really the last English language poet with the gift to match what feels like 19th century ambitions,” Galassi said.

Walcott himself proudly celebrated his role as a Caribbean writer.

“I am primarily, absolutely a Caribbean writer,” he once said during a 1985 interview published in The Paris Review. “The English language is nobody’s special property. It is the property of the imagination: it is the property of the language itself. I have never felt inhibited in trying to write as well as the greatest English poets.”

Walcott was born in St. Lucia’s capital of Castries on Jan. 23, 1930 to a Methodist schoolteacher mother and a civil servant father, an aspiring artist who died when Walcott and his twin brother, Roderick, were babies. His mother, Alix, instilled the love of language in her children, often recit-

ing Shakespeare and reading aloud other classics.

In his autobiographical essay, “What the Twilight Says,” he wrote: “Both the patois of the street and the language of the classroom hid the elation of discovery. If there was nothing, there was everything to be made. With this prodigious ambition one began.”

Walcott once described straddling “two worlds” during his childhood in St. Lucia, then a sleepy outpost of the British empire.

“Colonials, we began with this malarial enervation: that nothing could ever be built among these rotting shacks, barefooted backyards and moulting shingles; that being poor, we already had the theater of our lives. In that simple schizophrenic boyhood one could lead two lives: the interior life of poetry, and the outward life of action and dialect,” he wrote.

Early on, he struggled with questions of race and his passion for British poetry, describing it as a “wrestling contradiction of being white in mind and black in body, as if the flesh were coal from which the spirit like tormented smoke writhed to escape.” But he overcame that inner struggle, writing: “Once we have lost our wish to be white, we develop a longing to become Black.”

At 14, he published his first work, a 44-line poem called “1944,” in a local newspaper. While still in his teens, he self-published a collection of 25 poems. At 20, his play “Henri Christophe” was produced by an arts guild he co-founded.

He left St. Lucia to immerse himself in literature at Jamaica’s University College of the West Indies.

In the 1950s, he studied in New York and founded a theater in Trinidad’s Portof-Spain.

For much of his life, Walcott, who taught at Boston University for many years, divided his time between the United States and the Caribbean.

Although he was best known for his poetry, Walcott was also a prolific playwright, penning some 40 plays, including “Dream on Monkey Mountain” and “The Last Carnival,” and founding theaters such as the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre.

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Week of March 22-28 March 22 1492—Alonzo Pietro sets sail with Christopher Columbus as he begins his famous journey to find a new trade route to China, but accidentally “discovers” the Americas. Pietro was one of Columbus’ navigators. He was known as “il Negro”—The Black.

March 23 1916—Marcus Garvey arrives in the United States from Jamaica. He would go on to build the largest Black nationalist and self-help organization in world history—the Universal Negro Improvement Association. The UNIA owned everything from bakeries to a shipping line. It would develop chapters throughout major cities in the U.S., Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. “Garveyism” emphasized racial pride, economic MARCUS GARVEY empowerment, Blacks doing for self and the establishment of a powerful Black nation in Africa to give protection to Blacks throughout the world.

1942—Scholar and political activist Walter Rodney is born in Georgetown, Guyana. Rodney would become one of the leading intellectual forces behind the worldwide Black Nationalist and Pan-Africanist movements of the 1960s and ‘70s. He was a brilliant scholar who traveled widely and among his major writings was the book “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.” He died in a car bombing in Guyana in 1980.

March 24 1837—Blacks in Canada are granted the right to vote. Most of these Blacks had escaped from slavery in America.

2002—Halle Berry becomes the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress. She won for her role in the movie “Monster’s Ball.” She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Movie/Mini-Series for “Introducing Dorothy HALLE BERRY Dandridge” in 1999. Berry was born on Aug. 14, 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio, to an African-American father and a Caucasian mother.

March 25 1931—Ida B. Wells Barnett dies. Barnett was one of the leading Black female activists in America for over 30 years. Born in Holly Springs, Miss., she became a crusading journalist against racism and injustice with her Memphis, Tennessee-based newspaper—“The Free Speech and Headlight.” When a prominent Memphis Black man (and friend or hers) was lynched in 1892, she launched a national campaign against lynching. In 1909, she became a member of the Committee of 40 which laid the foundation for the organization which would become the NAACP. But she later sided with scholar W.E.B. IDA B. WELLS BARNETT DuBois when he accused the NAACP of not being militant enough. Barnett would also later join with White suffragettes in demanding that women be given the right to vote.

1931—The “Scottsboro Boys” are arrested and accused of raping two young White women—a crime which evidence suggests (then and now) never occurred. However, the saga of the nine Scottsboro Boys (young Black men aged 12 to 20) would stretch out over a period of nearly 20 years in a series of trials, convictions, reversals and retrials. The racism of the period was so thick that even when one of the young White women recanted and admitted that no rape had occurred, an all-White AlaSCOTTSBORO BOYS bama jury still found members of the group guilty and sentenced them to death. The convictions were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court and more retrials and new convictions followed. Eventually, either by paroles or escapes, all the Scottsboro Boys would leave Alabama prisons. The last one died in 1989.

1942—Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul” music, is born in Detroit, Mich.

March 26 1831—The founder of the African Methodist Episcopal ARETHA FRANKLIN Church Church, Richard Allen, dies at age 71 in Philadelphia, Pa. As its first bishop, Allen set the AME Church on the path to becoming the first Black religious denomination in America to be fully independent of White control. He, in effect, chartered a separate religious identity for African-Americans. He also founded schools throughout the nation to teach Blacks. This includes Allen University in Columbia, S.C. 1944—Singer/Actress Diana Ross is born in Detroit, Mich. She headed the most popular female signing group of the 1960s—The Supremes.

1950—Singer Teddy Pendergrass is born in Philadelphia, Pa. For a period, Pendergrass was the leading sex symbol in R&B music. However, an automobile accident on March 18, 1982 left him paralyzed from the chest down.

DIANA ROSS Pendergrass died Jan. 13, 2010.

March 27 1924—The sensational Jazz singer Sarah Vaughn was born on this day in Newark, N.J. 1970—Mariah Carey was born on this day in Long Island, N.Y. Her parents are of Irish/African-American/ Venezuelan background. Carey came to prominence after releasing her self-titled debut studio album “MariTEDDY PENDERGRASS ah Carey” in 1990; it went multiplatinum and spawned four consecutive number one singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Under the guidance of Columbia Records executive and later husband Tommy Mottola, she continued booking success with followup albums “Emotions” (1991), “Music Box” (1993), and “Merry Christmas” (1994), Carey was established as Columbia’s highest-selling act. In 1998, she was honored as the world’s best-selling recording artist of the 1990s at the World Music Awards. She married actor/comedian Nick Cannon in 2008.

She lists Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder as her favorite singers.

March 28 1900—The British demand the Ashanti Golden Stool. Ironically, the Ashanti had been one of the tribes which had actually benefited from MARIAH CAREY slavery by capturing and selling their fellow Africans. But when the slave trade ended, the British turned on the Ashanti in a bid to colonize the Gold Coast (now Ghana).

In an apparent attempt to demoralize and humiliate the Ashanti, the British demanded that they turnover one of their greatest symbols—the Golden Stool. The demand led to war. The Ashanti were led by Queen Yaa Asantewa. Her fighters kept the British at bay for several months. But with superior fire power, the British eventually prevailed.

1972—The two surviving Soledad Brothers are found not guilty by an all White jury in the alleged killing of a White guard at the California prison. The other Soledad Brother, revolutionary writer George Jackson, had been killed during an August 1971 Marin County Courthouse escape attempt, which also led to charges against college professor and communist Angela Davis.

Davis was also eventually acquitted.

1984—Dr. Benjamin Mays dies. The president of Atlanta’s Morehouse College had been one of the leading Black educational figures in America during the 20th QUEEN YAA ASANTEEWA century.

NATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MARCH 22-28, 2017

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LOVING V. VIRGINIA—In this Jan. 26, 1965, file photo, Mildred Loving and her husband Richard P. LEGENDARY JUSTICE—This Aug. 22, 1958 file photo shows Thurgood Marshall outside the Supreme Court in Washington. AP Photo, File) Loving are shown in Virginia. (AP Photo, File)

From bedroom to boardroom, Supreme Court is in your business

by Nancy Benac Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)— Quick, name a Supreme Court justice. OK, name three. One of the current justices, Stephen Breyer, once noted wryly that their names are less well-known than those of the Three Stooges.

But from the time Americans roll out of bed in the morning until they turn in, the court’s rulings are woven into daily life in ways large and small.

So pay attention as Congress prepares to take up the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to join the high court: The influence of the court’s nine justices is hard to overstate.

“From the air you breathe and the water you drink to the roof over your head and the person across from you in bed, the Supreme Court touches all of that,” says Elizabeth Wydra, president of the Constitutional Accountability Center.

A walk through daily life on the lookout for Supreme Court fingerprints: PILLOW TALK It starts when your alarm goes off. Perhaps you glance over at your spouse.

The Supreme Court has had a big say over the decades in who can marry whom: In 1967, it ruled in Loving v. Virginia that laws banning interracial marriage were unconstitutional. And the Loving ruling helped lay the foundation for the court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges that nationalized the right for same-sex couples to marry.

RINSE AND SPIT Consider the water you swish when you brush your teeth: The high court has repeatedly taken up cases related to the Clean Water Act to try to resolve confusion over which waterways are protected by the law—with important implications for drinking water supplies. This is still a live issue: President Donald Trump is working to undo former President Barack Obama’s attempt to shield more waterways from pollution under the law, and more court cases are surely in the offing.

CALIFORNIA RAISINS What’s for breakfast?

A court ruling with your raisin bran?

Yes, the Supreme Court deals with raisins. The justices were at the center of a property rights dispute that ended with a 2015 ruling in Horne v. Department of Agriculture that found unconstitutional a Depression-era program that let the government seize a portion of raisin farmers’ crops to help keep prices stable.

HIT THE BOOKS— PUNCH THE CLOCK Time for work and school.

The makeup of the student body at your child’s school is tied to the court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954 that unanimously declared it unconstitutional to have separate public schools for Black and White students.

In more recent years, the court has ruled repeatedly on how to ensure disabled students get a “free appropriate public education” under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

And it has helped define what kind of school choice is allowed.

What to wear? The Supreme Court even goes there. Last year, the court took up a trademark dispute over cheerleader uniforms, debating matters of stripes, zigzags and chevrons and what makes a cheerleader look slimmer or curvier. Look for a ruling on Star Athletica v.

Varsity Brands this spring, with implications for the whole fashion industry.

At work, the constitutionality of minimum-wage laws and health and safety regulations dates to New Deal-era Supreme Court rulings. It was a 1937 case, West Coast Hotel v. Parrish, involving hotel chambermaid Elsie Parrish, that paved the way for the court’s ruling that Washington state’s “Minimum Wages of Women” law was constitutional. Later court rulings bolstered protections against racial discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.

While past court rulings helped to boost union clout, future action could threaten their power. Last year, the court split 4-4 in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association on whether unions representing government employees can collect fees from workers who choose not to join. The tie upheld the collection of “fair share” fees from nonmembers, but the question is widely expected to make its way back to the court once the vacancy created

by Justice Antonin Scalia’s death is filled.

PRIME TIME After work, maybe you kick back to watch TV. How you watch—and what you see—could be influenced by the court. For one thing, a 2014 court ruling in ABC v. Aereo put the kibosh on a company that let people watch and record broadcast TV online for $8 a month on tablets, phones and other gadgets. The court said the company had violated copyright law by taking the broadcasters’ programs for free and essentially reselling them.

What do you see on TV? If it’s campaign season, thank—or blame—the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling for an explosion in political advertising by outside groups after the court threw out parts of a 63-year-old law prohibiting corporations and unions from running ads for or against political candidates.

HOME RULE When it’s finally time to turn in for the night, consider that the house you live in—and what it’s worth—could be affected by the Supreme Court’s handiwork. The court is frequently called on to interpret the anti-discrimination Fair Housing Act. This term, it is considering Bank of America v. Miami and Wells Fargo v. Miami, in which the banks are challenging the city’s right to sue them for predatory lending practices that led to foreclosures and declining property taxes and property values.

And hope you can hang on to that house. In 2005, the court ruled in Kelo v.

New London that cities can take away people’s

homes to make way for shopping malls or other private development. The court gave local governments broad power to seize property to generate tax revenue. More than 40 states have since taken steps to amend their eminent domain laws to protect property rights.

FOR THE RECORD The eight justices currently on the court are: John Roberts, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

As for the stooges, over time, six men cycled in and out: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard, Shemp Howard, Joe Besser and Curly Joe DeRita.

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION—This May 8, 1964 file photo shows Linda Brown Smith standing in front of the Sumner School in Topeka, Kan. The refusal of the public school to admit Brown in 1951, then nine years old, because she is Black, led to the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas.

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the “separate but equal” clause and mandated that schools nationwide must be desegregated. (AP Photo, File)

OBERGEFELL V. HODGES—In this April 28, 2015, file photo, plaintiff Rev. Maurice Blanchard, of Louisville, Ky., makes heart with his hands behind plaintiff James Obergefell of Ohio, right, as they stand outside of the Supreme Court in Washington following a hearing on same-sex marriages. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)

BROWN V. BOARD 60TH—In this May 13, 2014, file photo National Education Association staff members from Washington joining students, parents and educators at a rally at the Supreme Court in Washington on the 60th anniversary Brown v. Board of Education decision that struck down “separate but equal” laws that kept schools segregated. (AP Photo)

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METRO

MARCH 22-28, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Work is more than just a job for CYF caseworkers

TEAM WORK––Kathy Young and Elice Royster are discussing a child abuse report in preparation for Elice to conduct the home visit.

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big part of the caseworker’s job.”

The DHS is currently working to increase its visibility and is engaging an ongoing process of recruiting new caseworkers. An important aspect of the recruitment of new caseworkers is first to remove the myths surrounding the job, one being that caseworkers have upwards of 50 caseloads each—this is not at all the true, said Lisa Ford who handles many administrative matters around

the work of CYF. “It was many, many years ago when we were looking at those numbers, at this point it is much lower, like 15-20,” Ford said.

“It is important to understand that the job of a caseworker is not for everyone.

Fast paced and challenging and requires a specific skills and competencies to be 100 percent effective.”

“This work is demanding because our goals and objectives of serving and protecting children does require often the ability

to think on your feet; but by far it can be the most rewarding work you can imagine,” said Kelly Dillard, a lead in the recruitment of new workers. “Applying is a process, but we are here to help. There is an online application, but along with that is a requirement that applicants must take the state civil service exam,” she said.

Because of the nature of the work, dealing with delicate situations, impacting the lives of families, the process to become a full-fledged caseworker is somewhat involved. This is necessary in order to assure that the “right” people get in place,” Royster said.

The individual who will be a caseworker for CYF should hold a bachelor’s degree in social work, which is the preferred, or if not then the candidate should have a degree in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, child and family studies, or human services. These degrees prepare individuals for the work that they do. Without the degree one should demonstrate 12 hours of university work in one of those fields.

The newly hired caseworker goes through 6-8 weeks of training that includes curriculum developed by the University of Pittsburgh, visitations into the six regional offices across the county, meeting people and supervisors and shadowing

ONE OF MANY JOB FAIRS––Kelly Dillard, Department of Human Services employment specialist, is discussing casework career opportunities with Isaiah Johnson, an Edinboro University student. season employees.

There are county and state levels of certification to be achieved.

“The tract for new employees is that they are hired as a caseworker 1, after six months of county probation you move to caseworker 2.

And it requires a total of 18 months to become a state certified caseworker 3,” Ford said.

Caseworker trainees (during the first six months) under the general supervision of a casework

supervisor are responsible for working with a family from the point the family is referred to DHS/CYF until they are no longer involved with the agency.

Other core responsibilities include: Participating in conferencing and teaming to help families with their plan goals including safety and self-sufficiency; Providing crisis intervention where appropriate and presenting case facts and testimony in Children’s Court.

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

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LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

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Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Payroll and HR Management Software RFP# 650-04-17

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Payroll and HR Management Software RFP# 650-04-17 The documents will be available no later than March 20, 201 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., April 7, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 1 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 2 , Pittsburgh, PA 1521 .

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 30, 2017 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.

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

Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh ACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title II, the Fair ousing Act, Section 5 4 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1 3, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA uman Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

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

Proposals bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on April 12, 2017 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s ein location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 252 ), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) B160431AR Aerosol Spray Coatings B161092AR Air Brake Compressors-Coach B161097AER Underground Traction Power Cable No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 5 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am on March 28, 2017 in Port Authority’s Public Meeting Room (345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening.

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

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

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

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

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

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT

Separate sealed Bids for the ork as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) ein 5 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222 252 until 1:3 p.m. on April 1 , 2 1 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non responsive and therefore ineligible for Award.

AVALON LOOP RETAINING WALL AND COLLIER GARAGE SLOPE STABILIZATION CONTRACT NO. SYS-17-04 The ork of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials, tools, equipment, supervision, and incidental items necessary for the construction of a soldier pile and lagging retaining wall and a soil embankment at the Avalon Bus oop. ork at the Avalon Bus oop also generally consist of, but not limited to, milling and overlay of existing pavement and construction of new pavement.

The work of this project also includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials, tools, equipment, supervision, and incidental items necessary for the construction of a Soil Nail Slope Stabili ation Treatment at the Collier arage Facility.

Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after March 2 , 2 1 at Authority’s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department ein 5 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 252 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of 15 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CAS ), payable to Port Authority of Allegheny County. No refunds of payment will be made.

Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods.

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

Authority, in compliance with 4 Pa.C.S. 3 3, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses ( DBs ) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 4 Pa.C.S. 3 3, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the ork, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 5 52 2.

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: David art Authority (412) 5 5415 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or facsimile to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: David Hart email: DHart PortAuthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: : AM March 3 , 2 1

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

Pre Bid Site Tour immediately following the Pre Bid Conference.

Bus transportation provided to Collier arage sites. Attendees must supply and wear safety vest and appropriate footwear. isit Avalon oop site at your convenience.

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

Pre Bid Conference Port Authority of Allegheny County ein 5 Center 5th Floor Board Room 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 252 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended)

1:3 p.m.

April 1 , 2 1

Bids Due Purchasing and Materials Management Department

Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids

Employment of minorities with CYF is an essential element in providing support and services for African American families. “In our city; they still represent a greater percentage of children in the system than their White counter parts.

At the same time it can translate to a career and daily work where you as an employee keeps on “giving”.

The challenges, requirements, and level of intensity that comes with the territory anytime you are dealing with a vulnerable population do not outweigh the reward in being able to meet the bottom line of protecting children and empowering families,” Ford said.

Along with this, for all the effort in choosing to be a caseworker as a career, there are very tangible and generous benefits package that come with this work as follows: comprehensive medical benefits, dental and vision; defined benefit pension plan; CWEL Master’s program tuition reimbursement; and public service loan forgiveness after 10 years.

(For more information on how you can become a caseworker with Allegheny County Department of Human Services, http:// www.alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/Careers/Professional-Opportunities/SCSC-Application-Process.asp or call (412) 350-5701.)

Community Calendar Steel City Codefest

MARC 31 APRI The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh has announced the fifth annual Steel City Codefest (Codefest) will be a week long event, with optional evening work sessions during the City of Pittsburgh’s Inclusive Innovation eek. Codefest begins with a kickoff event from 5 p.m. on Friday, March 31, at Alloy 2 , located at 1 South Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. It concludes with an event celebrating inclusive tech advancements, guest speakers, and awards from 4 p.m. on Friday, April , at the Ace otel, 12 S. hitfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 152 . For more information, contact ennifer ilhelm, Manager, Innovation and Entrepreneurship 412 255 5 jwilhelm ura.org.

Free Homebuyer Workshop

APRI 5 The Mon alley Initiative and the Braddock Economic Development Corp. ill host Buying our Own ome: ou old the ey will be held at :3 p.m. April 5 at The Overlook, 41 A Overlook ay in Braddock, on the old UPMC Braddock ospital site between Braddock Avenue and olland Avenue. onathan eaver, a housing counselor with Mon alley Initiative, will talk about the steps that first time homebuyers should consider. ight refreshments will be served. To register, call 412 4 4 4 , extension 4 , or email jweaver monvalleyinitiative.com.

Art and Music Open House

APRI 2 The Community College of Allegheny County will host an Art and Music Open ouse, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at est all, directly across form the Foerster Student Services Center, Ridge Avenue on the North Side. Attendees can explore the Art, Music and Theatre departments, as well as the state of the art equipment housed in CCAC’s newly renovated and historic est all.

The open house will be followed by a show of student artwork in the gallery, as well as vocal, instrumental and theatrical performances by Allegheny Campus students.

Scholarship Application Opportunity

Through APRI 2 The National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2 1 1 academic year. In its third year, the NBFA Scholarship Program will award scholarships of up to 5, to African American farmers or dependents of African American farmers who plan to enroll or who are enrolled in agriculture related study at an accredited two year or four year college, university or vocational technical school. For more information, please visit the FCA US C media site at http: media.fcanorthamerica.com.

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MARCH 22-28, 2017

A5

Republicans fumble on ACA replacement CONTINUED FROM A1

RESILIENT FAMILY—This is the vision the ONEPGH strategy wants to achieve for Black Pittsburghers; happy, healthy and enjoying a clean, green environment. (Photo courtesy ONEPGH)

Mayor releases Pittsburgh Resilience Strategy CONTINUED FROM A1

includes putting hydroelectric generators on the Braddock and Emsworth locks and dams–it also looks at addressing what Peduto said was the region’s greatest failing–equity.

“As we were putting this together, the greatest shocks we saw involved inequity,” he said. “We need quality Pre-K for all our children, housing employment–Pittsburgh has to be a city for everyone, and that hasn’t always been the case.”

Page 15 of the 60-page report looks at “endemic stresses that impact Pittsburghers.” All of them are racial inequities. It notes that African Americans who were segregated into certain neighborhoods by redlining–neighborhoods largely neglected when it came to infrastructure maintenance and renovation–and remained stuck there by due to educational and employment inequi-

Democrats endorse incumbents CONTINUED FROM A1

incumbent—and unopposed—city council members: Dan Gilman, Danny Lavelle and Theresa KailSmith.

In the contested race for retiring Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak’s District 4 seat, the committee endorsed Anthony Coghill. He will face off against Mark Johnson, Gary McBurney and Ashleigh Deemer, Rudiak’s chief of staff. Cletus Cibrone-Abate is the lone Republican seeking the seat.

As with city council, the committee endorsed incumbents Sylvia Wilson, Terry Kennedy and Carolyn Klug, as well as former city Councilman Sala Udin, who is seeking the seat being vacated by Thomas Sumpter.

To fill the two vacancies on Common Pleas Court, the committee gave the nod to attorneys Patrick Connelly and David Spurgeon.

To vote in the Primary you must register with either the Republican or Democratic Party. The last day to register is April 17. Absentee ballots will be mailed beginning May 2 and must be returned May 12.

ties, now face the additional stress of rising housing costs due to nearby development.

The “snapshot” of inequity includes employment data showing a 12.2 percent unemployment for Black men, compared to 5.1 for White men; education data showing only 37 percent of Black PPS students are reading proficient, compared to 71 percent of White students; housing data showing that while home prices increased 59 percent across Allegheny County, housing prices in Lawrenceville increased 369 percent; and safety data showing between 2010 and 2015 there were 94 homicides in five majority Black neighborhoods and zero in the majority White neighborhoods across the street (Penn Avenue.)

The report lays out action strategies to remedy these, and other stresses including: •improved mental and physical health, and wellbeing; •improved access to healthy affordable and local food; •investing in safe neighborhoods; •eliminating barriers to opportunities for education and employment; and •developing, attracting and retaining the best and most diverse talent to the

workforce.

Resilient Cities is a $100 million program. ONEPGH was supported by a $200,000 grant. In addition, the city is receiving $5 million in technical and financial resources over five years for signing a pledge with the organization. As required by the Rockefeller Foundation, part of the money has been used to hire Chief Resilience Officer Grant Ervin to coordinate the strategy.

The first steps, he said, would be to host community meetings at the neighborhood level; to work with RAND on a way to measure progress; and to identify investment opportunities associated with activities identified in the strategy.

“Building resilience is really about helping each other,” he said.

Peduto agreed, saying it will take the cooperation of a broad range of partners including the business community, nonprofits, universities and neighborhoods themselves.

“This is a clarion call to all, to everyone, that there is a piece of the solution for you, whether it’s tackling affordable housing or pre-K education for all of our 3- and 4-year-olds,” he said. “We can’t do it alone as a city government. It requires everyone.”

most of Medicaid’s customers. It increases costs for almost everyone–except the top 2 percent who can afford Cadillac care anyway. They would get a tax break.

Pennsylvania Democrats in every branch of government assailed the GOP package.

“Under Trumpcare, middle class families will see their premiums go up, older Pennsylvanians will face an age tax and fewer Pennsylvanians will be insured,” said U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.

“President Trump promised not to touch Medicaid and Medicare, yet Trumpcare would mean cuts in nursing home care for seniors, fewer services for individuals with disabilities and a shaky financial footing for Medicare, which will open the door to the Republican scheme to end the guaranteed benefit of Medicare by turning it into a voucher program.”

Governor Tom Wolf agreed.

“This plan does not fix the Affordable Care Act—it would just delay the Republican plan to cut coverage for nearly a million Pennsylvanians, including those who were able to access quality, affordable healthcare after I expanded Medicaid two years ago,” said Wolf.

“It will eliminate healthcare coverage for middle class families while encouraging insurance companies to increase ex-

ecutive salaries. This is a bad plan that would leave thousands of Pennsylvania seniors and families unable to afford access to basic medical care coverage.”

The ACA, however, is not living up to its promise of affordability. Several states have already approved double-digit rate increases for 2017, including, for example, more than 30 percent in Pennsylvania, more than 40 percent in West Virginia and more than 50 percent in Minnesota.

As of August, 16 of Obamacare’s 23 state exchanges had failed and major insurers are also dropping out. Aetna dropped out last year and Humana announced in February it would leave at the end of the year.

So, while many agree something must be done, they also agree that Ryancare isn’t it. Republican U.S. Sens. Rand Paul and Ted Cruz have declared it DOA in the senate.

“Failure is not an option. If Republicans take this opportunity and blow it, we will rightly be considered a laughing stock,” Cruz said. “We have the opportunity to do an enormous amount of good. Now, we could screw it up. We could very easily screw it up.”

As of this writing, Ryan is said to be “tweeking” the bill to get enough votes to push it through the House. It remains to be seen whether that tweeking works.

Affordable rental houses ready by fall CONTINUED FROM A1

thority assembling and selling the properties, Operation Better Block promoting the homes and assembling lists of prospective renters, and joint venture partner Chuck Powell Consulting LLC helping pull the pieces together.

“With his background as the former director of Diversity Affairs and Community Outreach with the URA, Chuck has been a great asset and a great resource for us in helping us reach our MBE goal,” Kelly said. “The mayor’s office has been very supportive, as has Councilman (Rev. Ricky) Burgess and (state Rep.) Ed Gainey–they all helped make this project possible. It was a big team effort.”

The houses, built by S

& A Homes, are a mix of two- and three-bedroom single-family units, some of which are fully handicapped accessible located on Susquehanna, Tioga, and Northumberland Streets, and Panky Way. NDC Property Management–the same firm that manages the Homewood Station senior housing building–will rent the homes to families with incomes under 50 percent of the Area Median Income. Some will be ready for occupancy by the end of May, the bulk will be completed by summer’s end.

Per the tax credit agreement, the homes will remain rental units for 15 years. After that they will be made available for sale– at well below market rate– with the occupants getting first crack. And because

Oxford wants these homes to contribute to the community, Kelly said they are being built with high-quality materials including brick and masonry siding. And the entire development also includes rain water abatement infrastructure that will prevent nearly all runoff from even entering the city sewer system.

Byrdsong said this really is “community development.”

“They don’t have this model nowhere else–where nonprofits and for-profits work together, support local and Black businesses, provide workforce development and major MBE inclusion–this is a great model for investing in our community,” he said. “So, when you talk about ‘real’ community development–this is it.”

ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

A6

MARCH 22-28, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Cover To Cover

‘Madame President’

by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier

Your friends follow what you have to say.

Whether on social media or otherwise, they listen to you and understand, ask your opinion, seek your wisdom, and look to your lead. With them, you live a good life.

Have followers like those, as you’ll see in “Madame President” by Helene Cooper, and you can change the world.

“This child will be great.”

Roughly translated, that’s what a local prophet said about Ellen Johnson when she was born in Liberia in October, 1938. Those words were repeated in praise and in sarcasm as Johnson grew up, but no one had any idea then how right the man would be.

Though illiteracy was very common in Liberia, Johnson’s parents strove to educate their children in a manner befitting their up-

per-class status. Johnson expected to go to Europe for college but when her father fell ill, she knew that college would no longer be possible. Instead, she married Doc Sirleaf, a man several years her senior.

The babies started coming almost immediately; shortly after their fourth son was born, Sirleaf and her husband seized an opportunity to go to America, to Wisconsin for college. Leaving her children was difficult for Sirleaf, but it wouldn’t be the last time. It would, however, be a few years before she’d leave her abusive husband.

By then, she was working for Liberia’s Treasury Department and it was obvious that there were problems. Politically and socially, things had been shaky for some time, in part because of a two-tiered society that wasn’t functional anymore.

Sirleaf attempted to continue working in-place but her connection to Liberia’s controversial president Tolbert made her vulnerable, so she applied for a job in America with the World Bank.

It, and that she was a native Liberian, probably ultimately saved her life.

In 1980, following the government’s overthrow and Tolbert’s murder, Sirleaf continued being vigilant while working for the new President as well as for World Bank. She knew she could do more if she stayed in-country during Liberia’s civil war, but her eventual outspokenness was consequently perilous: for her rebellious actions, she was jailed in 1985, which outraged the country’s market-women.

They helped get her released. It would be two decades before they’d get her elected.

Whew. Reading “Madame President” very well could wring you out.

Starting with birth and a basic history of Liberia, author Cooper takes us through a half-century of turmoil with a woman that, considering what surrounded her, possessed grit and guts. (“Madame President: The Extraordinary Journey of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf” by Helene Cooper, c.2017, Simon & Schuster, $27/$36 Canada, 336 pages.)

Candy Coated Artwork by Chris Norman

by Paige Mitchell

KST’s Alloy School

THROUGH MID APRIL— The Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s Alloy School is a weekly program offering the following classes: Pre-Ballet, Intro to Ballet, Hip Hop, Creative Movement, Contemporary Movement, West African Movement, Yoga, and Acting, all lead by professional instructors. There are classes available for children and classes intended for all ages, where the whole family can participate! Register now! There are only four weeks remaining this session. All classes are pay what makes you happy!

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Are you one who has a sweet tooth? Do you enjoy popular candies and treat such as Skittles, M&M’s, and marshmallows? What if I told you that you could put your movie theatre treats to different use, and create a work of art?

Well, Pittsburgh based artist Chris Norman did just that! He decided to put his creative genius to the test, and designed jaw-dropping pieces of art. His ‘Candy Coated’ art exhibit is on display at Level Up Studios until April 1, featuring a self-portrait made of marshmallows; the legacy of Trayvon Martin, showing Trayvon’s photo brought to life with the use of skittles, and many more!

Norman, surprisingly was no art major. He graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, magna cum laude in 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration.

He was a triple major in Finance, Accounting, and Business Administration.

But prior to that he attended Pittsburgh CAPA as a Visual Arts Major.

He realized his passion and deep-rooted creativity at a very young age.

“I have always loved art and I was lucky to be encouraged by my parents at a very young age (around age 5-6) to focus on it seriously. My dad, Tony Norman, was fantastic with drawing and writing and introduced my twin brother and I to the beauty of Marvel comic books before we could even actually read them. He had a big collection and we would take stacks of the comics and just flip through to see the coolest illustrations that we could find. I thought it was so cool to see these detailed images of exotic heroes and villains who exist in a realm outside of the physical limits of the world we live in.

Like many other boys in the 90s, we were fascinated with comic books, cartoons, and anime characters that we saw on TV and in video games,” Norman said.

Reaction to Norman’s “Candy Coated Art” has been incredible thus far.

“Candy Coated was a natural direction to go in for a theme since most of my pieces are made from candy of some sort; marshmallows, Skittles, and M&Ms,” Norman continued. “The idea to start making portraits out of candy was spontaneous the first time I did it with the marshmallows. I could re-create any image I wanted using a grid technique and the only thing I needed were small, individual units to fill the spots for

Wilkinsburg benefit concert

CHRIS NORMAN color. Since I didn’t have any money I had to do more with less and find something super cheap with a bunch of individual pieces.

“I went to Giant Eagle and saw that they had big bags of generic, Easter colored marshmallows for just $1! I grabbed a bunch and started my self-portrait project, not knowing if they would last or anything, just kind of going for it. I thought it was really cool and different and I loved the surprised reaction people would have when they saw it.

“Since it’s a strange medium, people get all close up to it and really check it out which any artist can appreciate. From there I decided that my goal was to keep the theme going and eventually have enough pieces to show together in a sort of candy-art show.”

Norman’s art gallery is one of a kind, and if you haven’t had a chance to see it be sure to go check it by April 1.

“I think it is important for people to come and see the new Penn Avenue, generally,” he said. “Honestly, Black art gallery and studio owners have a strong and growing presence on the block and are the bridge for young people in the neighborhood to be introduced to art and creative culture.

People don’t know how many events are down here that they would genuinely like, and the art that comes with it is a great introduction into something new.”

(To keep up with Norman and his candy coated art pieces be sure to follow him on Instagram @cnorman412.)

Emmy winning filmmaker to release 2 projects Nationwide (BlackNews. com)—Emmy award winning independent filmmaker, Dante James announced the formation of Black Pearl Media Works, LLC. The multi-media production company has received partial financing for two projects; a feature length documentary, “God of The Oppressed” and a series of dramatic short films, “In Our Own Words.”

“It has taken many years to marshal my own resources and cultivate a relationship with an investor who understands the importance of resources from Black financiers,” James said in discussing the challenges facing Black filmmakers. “We believe this approach will shield projects grounded in our history and culture from the ‘filters’ that often come with resources from entities outside of our community,” James said. “For many years, I made films for PBS, however as a Black man, independent filmmaker

March-April

DANTE JAMES and activist coupled with the challenges Black people face I’m committed to making the strongest, and most creative statements possible in my films. For me that was not possible with PBS. I’m not criticizing PBS or rejecting resources from outside our community but artistic and editorial control is a prerequisite.

My new projects are representative of my desire to explore humanity through

the lens of the Black experience ‘unfiltered’ by the dominate culture.”

In Our Own Words “In Our Own Words,” presents a creative chronicle of the African American experience through short stories by iconic and lesser-known black writers, some of whom could not get past the publishing ‘filters’ they encountered.

The concept for the series is grounded in self-defini-

tion paired with concerns regarding the degrading, shallow images of African Americans,that are too prevalent in corporate controlled media. Unfortunately, many of these images are created by Black people.

“Now with new means of distribution, liberated black filmmakers have opportunities to redefine the images of Black people. Too often the view of black life is demeaning and perverted to the point that it has become the perception of who we are and that perception is literally and figuratively destroying us. More accurate definitions of who we are can be found in our literature,” James said.

Black writers have defined their own world, moving beyond the traditional definitions often imposed on them. The short stories of In “Our Own Words” will be selected by outstanding African American literature scholars, Maryemma Graham, PhD. and Joycelyn Moody, PhD.

MARCH 23—The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents the 14th Annual Community Engagement Concert for the community of Wilkinsburg, “Spring Into Music,” at 7 p.m. at Wilkinsburg High School.

A family-friendly evening of music led by Assistant Conductor Andrés Franco. All proceeds from the tickets sales directly benefit the music programs in the Wilkinsburg School District. To date, the Pittsburgh Symphony’s community concerts have raised more than $75,000 for the district’s music programs.

José Can Speak

March 25—At KST, Presented by Café con Leche. Written and directed by Linda Nives-Powell, award-winning writer of Yo Soy Latina! the monologues in José Can Speak explore the lives and relationships of Latino men from the perspective of Latinas.

SUN DRIED TOMATOES

March 31-April 2—Presented by Dreams of Hope Join Dreams of Hope at KST’s Alloy Studios for SUN DRIED TOMATOES, a new play created and performed by the theatriQ Youth Ensemble.

KST’s Alloy School

Now through April 8 KST’s Alloy School is a creative and non-competitive community where learning is guided by professional dancers and master teachers. Our curriculum is designed to teach students fundamental skills in a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.

We welcome you to participate in warm ups with your student and observe what they’re learning. The season ends with a special dance party showcase at Kelly Strayhorn Theater where students show family and friends what they’ve learned, followed by KST’s Let’s Move!

ATC FACE OFF

APRIL 1—Presented

by Alumni Theater Company ATC FACE OFF is Alumni Theater Company’s annual one night battle for the esteemed title of ATC Audience Favorite! The crew will put their talents on display and throw down in this intense competition of song, dance, scenes and spoken word. Your vote decides the winner!

Lights Out

APRIL 1–15—The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, 937 Liberty, Third Floor, presents “Lights Out” By Steve Hallock, directed by Cheryl El-Walker. A power outage that stalls a Pittsburgh trolley in a tunnel beneath Mount Washington on a late Friday night leads to a set of encounters among a train of strangers that spark fear, accusations, confessions, guilt, and love as the riders share thoughts of wisdom, philosophy, music and religion, mixed in with a few drinks and some jazz and blues riffs. Tickets to this show only are $22.50, with no ticketing fees or surcharges.

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

A7

MARCH 22-28, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Coming soon...

I just met a young lady that recently moved to Pittsburgh with her husband and children.

I believe she said she had lived in Iowa at one time. She was surprised how much there is to do in Pittsburgh. She and her family elected to live north of Pittsburgh and they selected that area for the school system. I was happy to see that her sorority sisters were showing her around the city.

For those of you who still don’t know what is going on in the city, I thought I would give you a preview of some events coming soon. If you love the arts, please check out the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Dance Theatre of Harlem featuring Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra at the August Wilson Center; performances run through March 26. I went to the premiere party and the private performance, I know this is something that you’ll really enjoy.

If you love going places where you can wear your beautiful outfits, put this on your list. As a matter of fact, get dressed just for the heck of it. You will feel better. Don’t let the fact that so many people dress down influence your style.

The next two events I want to share with you are annual events. On April 1, The Homewood AMEZ Church Senior Missionary Society will host its Annual Tea at the church, located at 724 N. Homewood Ave., in Homewood. So many ladies have beautiful hats in their closets and nowhere to wear them. This event requires a $15 love donation. I enjoy this event each year. The following weekend, the Black Association of South Hills (BASH) for Women will present their scholarship fundraiser at the Double Tree by Hilton Meadowlands Hotel in Washington, Pa. So many people ask me about this event after it is over and say they never know when it is going to take place. It is always well attended and I have seen some of the largest 50/50 prizes won at this event. They have great vendors and put on a good presentation that often includes a fashion show. Tickets can be purchased for $40 via their website www.bashforwomen.com.

There are a lot of events coming up and I will tell you about a few more, next week. If you are reading this, you already know. Enlighten your friends. Tell them to read the newspaper and stop blowing past the television commercials.

Another thing that has been on my mind in the last few weeks is that a few people have come up to me and asked me if the New Pittsburgh Courier still exists. A few even asked while I had a camera in my hand. I guess they thought I was taking pictures for myself and not for the paper. Yes, we are still around and there are dozens of locations where you can pick the paper up. You can even get a subscription and have it delivered to you. I am going to start carrying subscriptions cards again; when you see me, ask for one. We would love your business.

(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)

SUPPORTERS—Ashley Johnson and Sharnay Hearn Davis

LOVE THAT HAT

IN THE WHIRL—Brian and Brittini Burley

MAKING A DIFFERENCE—Krista Voda and Phil Kelley were another one of the couples featured in Whirl Magazine.

An Evening of Influence

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

Emmai and Patrice Alaquiva are big believers in giving back and paying it forward. They were recently recognized in Whirl Magazine as one of 12 couples who are making a difference. On March 9, at Bar Marco, the Alaquivas celebrated that honor and presented “An Evening of Influence.” They invited the other couples as well as their friends and family out for a great evening of fun and fundraising for two organizations near and dear to their hearts. In three hours, more than $4,000 was raised to benefit Baptist Temple Church and East End Cooperative Minis-

LET’S DO A SELFIE—Patrice and Emmai Alaquiva with Candi Castleberry Singleton.

BACK TO BACK—Chris Moore and Minette Seate try. Patrice and Emmai spoke about how both entities had shaped their lives and their reason for shining a light on their community.

Emmai is the president and CEO of the Emmy Award-winning full service multimedia company Ya Momz House, and is also one of the directors of the Daytime Emmy Award-nominated “Gamechangers” on CBS-TV. Patrice is the associate director of College Counseling at Winchester Thurston School and a writing instructor for F.A.M.E. (Fund for the Advancement of Minorities in Education).

With UPMC as title sponsor, music by DJ Selecta and Shayla Hawkins as event planner, it was a grand evening.

LINE DANCE KING AND CAMERA QUEEN—Roland Ford and Dayna Delgato

STYLISH TRIO—Sandra Cooper, Jerry Thorpe and Kelley McNeil

MAKING A DIFFERENCE—Charlie Batch and Latasha Wilson Batch with Patrice and Emmai Alaquiva.

SUPPORTERS—Tamara Torbert and Shayla Hawkins, the event planner for the evening.

A VERY SMART COUPLE—Damon and Alecia Young (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

RELIGION

A8 MARCH 22-28, 2017

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 12:00 P.M. 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

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

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

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

New Destiny CME Church 1018 Bidwell St. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-231-7882 Rev. Kornelus Neal, pastor The Rt. Rev. Marvin Thomas Sr., presiding bishop Sunday School....................................9 A.M. Morning Worship Service............11:00 A.M.

To have your church included in the Praise & Worship section contact Ashley Johnson at 412-481-8302 ext. 128 for ad rates.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community

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Toolkit for Black church leaders to help reduce unplanned pregnancy WASHINGTON, D.C. (BlackNews.com)—For many in the African American community, the Black church has historically been a place where tough community issues are addressed, and that is why The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (The National Campaign), Values Partnerships, and prominent faith leaders nationwide have teamed up to provide important resources to Black clergy focused on early and unintended pregnancy.

Newly developed resources that are available include free videos, fact sheets, tips, and other information to help church leaders learn about these issues and bring them to their congregations in meaningful ways.

“The Black church has always been a powerful force for good and is uniquely situated to provide information, support, and guidance on relationships, sex, contraception, and childbearing,” said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO, The National Campaign. “As a national organization committed to serving all women, we welcome this partnership with VPI and Black clergy leaders nationwide.”

Although the teen birth rate for young Black women in the United States has declined 49 percent in the past decade and 73 percent since peaking in 1991, it is still the case that roughly four in 10 Black girls get pregnant before the age of 20. Among Black women of all ages, 64 percent of pregnancies are described by women themselves as unplanned. Research shows that having an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager or in one’s young adulthood has a huge impact on a woman, her partner, her family and her community.

“The Black church and teen and unplanned pregnancy project from VPI and The National Campaign comes at a critically important time,” said Joshua DuBois, Founder/CEO, Values Partnerships. “The African American church has been at the forefront of social change for generations and this is a

moment where the church can rally around teen and unplanned pregnancy and make real progress on behalf of teens, women, and entire families.”

Among those who lent their expertise to this project and appear in the videos are Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield and First Lady Kristy Sinkfield of Payne Chapel AME Church in Nashville, Tenn.; Rev. Que English of the Bronx Christian Fellowship Church in New York City; Dr. Yvonne Bennett of Hallelujah Christian Fellowship Ministries in Union, N.J.; Rev. Kip Bernard Banks Sr. of East Washington Heights Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.; Bishop Darren Ferguson of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Arverne (Far Rockaway), N.Y.; Rev. Derrick Harkins of the Union Theological Seminary in New York City; and Rev. Tony Lee of Community of Hope AME Church in Hillcrest Heights, Md. Reverend Sinkfield’s advice for his colleagues is to “stop being afraid or ashamed or whatever it is about dealing with the realities of human beings being sexual beings. Have that conversation and create safe ground in the life of

the church.”

“When our kids come to church they just want someone to love and care about them. And out of that love and care emerges conversations about things that are important to them,” First Lady Sinkfield agreed.

“The Christian church really has no option but to pay attention to teen and unplanned pregnancy. It’s happening right in our houses of worship so if we don’t pay attention to it, that means that we’re saying that we’re not doing our job,” said Rev. English.

“Teenage and unplanned pregnancy is definitely an issue that impacts our communities,” said Rev. Lee. “The church needs to deal with the issues of the day and issues that impact people. The church should be a place where people can come not just for the answers to their problems but to be able to talk through the challenges of their lives.”

“The role of the church should be to keep an open mind,” said Rev. Dr. Bennett. “Have seminars, invite people in that have expertise in this... let it be an open subject.”

VPI’s DuBois noted, “We’re so honored that some of the top faith lead-

ers from across the Black church have contributed to this toolkit based on their years of experience and desire to make an impact on these issues.”

The videos address topics such as what churches can do and what scripture says.

The fact sheets, tips, and videos available at www.

TheNationalCampaign.org/ blackchurch were developed in response to a The National Campaign Black Clergy Convening in 2015.

About The National Campaign: The National Campaign is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families by preventing teen and unplanned pregnancy. Please visit us at www.TheNationalCampaign.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

About Values Partnerships: Values Partnerships (@VPIConsulting) uses the power of community and faith-based partnerships to solve problems and change the world. We take on causes and clients we believe in—and then we work to build grassroots partnerships and advocacy campaigns to advance goals, and mobilize customers, constituencies and audiences worldwide.

Stella Awards on TV One

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

Church Circuit Lent Fish Fry

EVERY FRIDAY—First AME Church, 177 Mitchell Ave., Clairton, will host its Lent Fish Fry every Friday in March, and on April 7 and 14. Fish Dinners and Sandwiches/$8 and $6. Eat in or take out; fun and fellowship together. Call 412233-5837 for information. Rev. Linda Moore is pastor.

Trinity AME Fish Fry!

EVERY FRIDAY IN MARCH—Trinity AME Church, 2700 Wylie Ave., Hill District, will host its Fish Fry. For more information, call 412-621-9750.

(Pre-orders are available.)

Spiritual Retreat

MARCH 31—The Mercy Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Program, part of Pittsburgh Mercy and Trinity Health, serving in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, will host a two-day, overnight, spiritual retreat called “Listening and Becoming Free,” starting at 4 p.m. at Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., in Allison Park, Pa. For more information, contact Amy B. Armanious at ParishNurse@ pittsburghmercy.org or 412232-7151.

International Prayer Breakfast

APRIL 1—Mercy Acts International will host its Second Annual Prayer Breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Double Tree Hotel, 101 Mall Blvd., Monroeville.

The guest preacher will be Rev. Glenn Grayson, Wesley Center AMEZ; Rev. Barbara Gunn, Mt. Caramel Baptist Church, will be the minister of ceremonies; and Brendan Williams of Kingdom Light Ministries International will be the psalmist. For more information, call 412-338-1447.

C.U.B.A. Praise

APRIL 1–The Geneva College at Center For Urban Biblical Ministry Senior Class presents C.U.B.A. Praise at 4 p.m. at Unity Baptist Church, 420 Fifth St., Braddock, Pa. Worship leader will be Darnell Drewery. For more information call: 412-247-9010

Priscilla Shirer Simulcast

GOSPEL ARTISTS KIRK FRANKLIN, TAMARA MANN AND JONATHAN McREYNOLDS

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

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

(CHICAGO)—Central City Productions announced select performers for the 2017 Stellar Awards. Hailed as an “epic night in gospel music,” this year’s Stellar Awards will return to the Las Vegas Orleans Arena on Saturday, March 25.

The telecast will premiere on TV One Sunday, April 9 at 7 p.m. with encores at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. In addition, the Stellar Awards will air in national broadcast syndication on 170 stations in over 150 markets around the country from April 15–May 7.

Set to take the stage this year with powerful worship performances are Tamela Mann, Shirley Caesar, Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Bi-

zzle, Canton Jones, Da’ Truth, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, Travis Greene, VaShawn Mitchell, Tasha Cobbs, Doug Williams, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson and Da Chozen Brothaz.

Stellar Awards Founder Don Jackson will bestow special honors upon gospel legend, Spencer Taylor (of the Highway QC’s) this year’s recipient of the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award honoree, the legendary Rev. Clay Evans.

Stellar Honors Hall of Fame inductees include Fred Hammond, Mississippi Mass Choir and Dr. Leonard Scott.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards Pre-Show is scheduled for Friday, March 24 to showcase non-televised awards winners including superstar Harvey Watkins Jr. (of the Canton Spirituals) the recipient of the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award. Among the artists performing that evening are: C. Ashley Brown-Lawrence, Micah Stampley, Janice Gaines, Latice Crawford, Myron Butler, Charles Butler & Trinity, The Wardlaw Brothers, Kinsmen and the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University.

Also, the Stellar Gospel Radio Awards & Showcase will be held on Saturday, March 25, honoring top ra-

dio stations and announcers serving urban gospel music audiences. Performers include: Zacardi Cortez, Ted Winn, Cheryl Fortune, Luther Barnes, Enon Tabernacle Choir and Brian Courtney Wilson. Tickets for each event can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.

Some of the biggest names in gospel are being added to the growing list of performers and presenters appearing in this year’s show.

Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates about the greatest night in gospel!

The Stellar Awards show taping is open to the public, with ticket prices ranging from $50-$200 at www.ticketmaster.com.

APRIL 8—The women of Bethany Baptist Church, 7745 Tioga St., will host the Priscilla Shirer Simulcast from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Call 412-2410677, for more information.

Catholic/Lutheran Prayer Service

APRIL 4—Because of the heavy snow forecasted for March 14, the Catholic-Lutheran prayer service to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, previously announced in the March 7 news release, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m. in St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, Munhall.

(For church news or events please send one paragraph with who, what, when, where and why, 2 weeks in advance with a contact person and phone number to newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com)

New Pittsburgh Courier

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

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MARCH 22-28, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Pittsburgh women speak on issues, the movement VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS Chief Urban Affairs Officer, Office of Mayor William Peduto “The critical responsibility of caring for children, spouse/significant other, family members, aging parents and the general func-

tioning of the household (that includes, education, transportation, quality housing) has always fallen upon the woman without the status, credit and acknowledgment deserved.

This often makes it difficult for women to reach job and career potentials with attached earnings according to their true talents.

African American women have been the definition of strength, resiliency, resourcefulness, intelligence and peace. I personally don’t recall, as a child of the ‘50s or ‘60s, my family or immediate community’s involvement in the fight for women’s rights, simply because Black men and women were busy fighting for basic equality of African Americans on so many fronts (jobs, housing, education, recreation).

As women are the backbone of our communities, women of all colors and faiths must work effectively together, now and in the future, to strengthen and straighten the back.”

JESSICA RUFFIN Director, Social Justice Institutes, Carlow University

“’Black Girl Magic’ celebrates the beauty, power and resilience of Black women. I often think of all the amazing Black women in my life, and this phrase is something that I use daily to celebrate their hardearned accomplishments.

Unfortunately, their work can not overshadow the work that still needs to be done. The recent Data Snapshot on the ‘Inequities Affecting Black Girls in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County,’ (according to Dr. Sara Goodkind,) reminds me of how critical it is for us to not just view ‘Black Girl Magic’ as a tool for celebrating our accomplishments, but rather a reminder to reach back and tell our girls where they come from and what they are capable of.

Black women have always played a critical role in recognizing and standing against injustice, but this report is another reminder that we are not always the primary beneficiary of our efforts.

Join me and be intentional in looking out for and supporting movements that support Black women and girls.”

MAURITA BRYANT Assistant Superintendent, Allegheny County Police Department “I have to relate my response to my experience with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. I joined the police force in 1977 under the fed-

by Ashley Johnson For New Pittsburgh Courier

eral consent decree, which mandated that for every White male hired, one Black male, one White female and one Black female had to be hired. Black females were at the bottom of the list and that stigma followed us long past our initial hire date.

Many supervisors felt or assumed that Black females were inferior to males and White females, therefore we were the last to be considered for any type of assignment... As the years passed, and the department became more progressive, Black females carved their way into positions, either by rank or specialized skill; we earned individual respect partly because of our expertise and contributions to the department, or because of the positive working-relationships we formed over time. However, in the minds of many cynics, the stigma of the quota system still rears its ugly head, because no matter how hard you worked, or what you’ve accomplished in your career, its perceived that any promotional opportunities given to Black females has to be related to a quota system. Black females have had to work twice as hard, pulling themselves up from the depths of discrimination and gender-bias to continually prove they are more than qualified to handle the tasks and responsibilities placed before them...

Although, Black females have been faced with more challenges than most, they have persevered and have made numerous contributions and inroads to the advancement of the law enforcement community.

African American have always had a sense of fairness about them and in many instances where there was a semblance of injustice or unfair treatment, they spoke up and tried to influence outcomes through reasoning or by addressing inappropriate behaviors. There have been many African American women whose shoulders we stand upon, because they were the pioneers who paved the way for us to achieve the advancements and accolades we enjoy today. These proud women were mentors and role models who taught us to have faith, to believe in ourselves and our abilities, to lead by example, and to always reach back and empower someone else.

The role I would like to see women play in the future is one of true equality. Where neither the color of your skin, your gender, your gender-identity, or your culture will impact the diversity of thought that she brings to the table. Many innovative ideas are stifled because females have no voice at the table, no influence to change archaic-thinking and no access to resources or opportunities to create positive change. Over time,women have learned to “work around” chauvinists to achieve results. They let men think it was their idea. Ideally, I would like to see women appreciated, recognized and respected for their contributions.”

LA’TASHA MAYES Founder and executive director, New Voices for Reproductive Justice “Black women face a political time that desperately needs our voices, experiences and leadership while simultaneously oppressing us based on our race and

African American women have a long history of having to fight for justice and equality. Whether it was fighting for freedom, to vote, to make decisions about their own bodies, for quality education, to have a seat at the corporate “table” and receive the same pay as their male and White female counterparts, or, in more recent years, the right to not have their children’s lives taken away by excessive force and senseless violence, there has always been a struggle to overcome. To generalize what was so poignantly summed up by Oprah Winfrey’s character, Sophia, in the movie “The Color Purple,” all our lives we “had to fight.” And although African American women have made great strides, as so well portrayed in the box office hit and award-winning film “Hidden Figures,” there is still so far to go.

The New Pittsburgh Courier asked several African American women who work diligently in Pittsburgh’s private and public sectors to overcome these obstacles, their thoughts on the women’s movement, today, and role that African American women will play in achieving true justice and equality.

port or encouragement of another women that help open the door. We cannot forget that’s how we made it. This is a concept that if we all embrace it, our communities and world can be better. African American women must model the change.”

KIKI BROWN Personality, WAMO 100 and CEO, Nice 2 Media Marketing & Promotions, LLC “In my opinion and with my personal/professional experiences, I feel women STILL aren’t taken seriously. We have passion and it’s mistaken as being “too emotional.” If we’re the boss, and we have strong demands or high expectations of our employees,

QUESTION: Although women, especially African American women, have come a long way in the fight for justice and equality, there is still work to be done. What do you think are some of the issues that women currently face? What role do you think African American have played in the movement to achieve true justice and equality? And what role would you like to see them play, in the future?

gender. Our issues vary, yet, our interests remain the same––health and well-being for ourselves, our families and communities, and the liberation of Black people.

Reproductive Justice centers key issues for Black women and it prioritizes our leadership; organizing; and advocacy on sexual and reproductive health, including abortion access, LGBTQ rights, access to healthcare particularly Medicaid, ending gender based violence, mass incarceration and environmental justice. Black women face the threat of violence, at all times, and when we go missing, are brutalized by the police and die at the hand of our intimate partners; the silence is deafening. Economic stability requires equal pay, living and family sustaining wages and paid maternity leave and sick days and the dismantling of institutional racism and sexism that disproportionately impacts Black women.

Black women always resist and survive. We build our own movements, like Black Lives Matter, that change the world and confront White supremacy.

During this time, we must love, support and trust Black women.”

MARISA WILLIAMS “African American women have always been on the front lines fighting for justice and equality, even when we weren’t the direct benefactor of the fight. Today, it’s not just one dimensional issues that we face, our issues are multifaceted. It’s not just equal pay

and jobs; it’s being denied healthcare and educational opportunities. It feels like we are fighting for civil rights that our mothers

and grandmothers fought for, and won, years ago.

Shouldn’t all of these just be human rights? What makes us less entitled to them than anyone else?

Living in ‘hostile territory’ is not new to Black women, but it doesn’t make it right.

Black women will continue to lead the way in holding our political leaders accountable. If they won’t do what the people elected them to do, Black women will rally to replace them.”

MONICA D. LAMAR Principal, Pittsburgh Dilworth Pk-5, and president, Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “Women will still face the issue of sexism (prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination against women based on sex). This is an issue that women leaders face and I continue to challenge in my career. I have experienced sexist comments, and prejudice from both men and women. Af-

rican American women are going to have to return to the idea/concept of ‘when I climb the ladder, I will take others with me!’ African American women have never been able to make it without the sup-

we’re considered ‘the bitch.’

We aren’t paid the same salaries in most industries and that’s still shameful and embarrassing in 2017.

We ALMOST had a woman in the White House (keyword: ALMOST) and we fell in LOVE w/ our past first lady. So, how come we can admire them, but not appreciate them or respect them (us) in the right way?

More people have registered to vote. We have exercised our rights to march for freedoms of equality and for a long time, we neglected those rights due to ignorance and fear. We play a role because we’re now presidents, congressmen/ women and judges. We are community leaders, and strong men and women who realize it’s more important to stand for something than to fall for anything.

We have a long way to go, but as long as we continue to fight the good fight, it’s a point of accomplishment for our people and our justices that will be made one day. To look at where we’ve come and see today where we are, it’s a huge accomplishment.

In the future, I’d like for there to be more higher positions being held by African Americans. I’d like for us to care more about OUR SAFETY. Protest about OUR violence; not just that of a Black man being gunned down by a police officer! We have to respect that ALL LIVES DO MAT-

TER (even ours). Making a T-shirt and marching down the street when a police officer kills a Black man, but remaining silent when a Black man kills another, makes no sense to me! As a mother of a young Black man, I need for MY COMMUNITY to look after and protect my son as if he were their’s. I want for our businesses to support one another. There is money to be made and we can all make it. Let’s stop being greedy and selfish; keeping it all to ourselves. It’s not how we grow together. That’s what I want to see play out in the future. Is it realistic? I think so. My parents raised me to be more optimistic when it comes to my life and the lives of those I care about. So why not?”

SABRINA SAUNDERS MOSBY Executive Director, Strong Women, Strong Girls Black women have always been the backbone of critical movements, yet, we do not profit from the movement at the same level of commitment that we give. Although I see more Black women in leadership roles, where they are decision makers or the greater Pittsburgh community

is lifting them up for the great work that they do, many people and organizations that profit from or talk about empowering the Black community and Black women, seldom make good on their promises. As a Black woman, I am all too familiar with the history of our struggle, but I also understand and have experienced survival as a Black woman. I think we can all agree that it’s about time for more Black women to thrive.

For our region to advance, Black women need to have a seat at the table as decision makers. Black women must continue to demonstrate our collective power by working collaboratively and intentionally across the issues. It’s important for Black women to support and help develop leaders who will champion our needs and address critical concerns for Black women and our families.

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MARCH 22-28, 2017

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

2017 NEED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS (Photos by J. L. Martello)

50 youth receive NEED scholarships important for the Black community because, a lot of times, we don’t have the resources and the network to empower our children; it is difficult for single, or even two parent, homes to afford the cost of educating our children at the best.”

“I thank God for NEED because they kick in doors and knock down walls so that our children can get a better education, allowing our kids to not just reach for the minimum, but they can go to the maxim,” Lawton said. NEED offers several programs, such as its scholarship/grant programs; historic Black college and university educational campus MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT––NEED President and CEO tours; access to college and Marcia Sturdivant, Ph.D., giving remarks.

PROUD PARENTS—Father Lenell Jones, scholar Talona Jones and mom, Darlene McGraw. career education program; workforce diversity inand CEO of NEED, gave re- going to attend. ternship program; African

by J.L. Martello marks of thanks for the supMaia Rhodes from McK- American male mentoring For New Pittsburgh Courier porters, and praise and en- eesport, who has a 4.3 GPA initiative; and STEM proThe Negro Educational couragement of the scholars. and has been accepted to grams for the youth. NEED Emergency Drive, better The theme was “Celebrating multiple colleges, said, “I can help children during know as NEED, hosted their Pittsburgh Genius.” am enjoying communica- their whole high school and “The first thing you have tions; I want to be a teacher college careers in many dif54th annual scholarship benefit dinner at the Wynd- to do to be a genius is to and go into education be- ferent ways. ham Grand Hotel ballroom, believe that you are and I cause I feel that it’s needed Also, NEED recently March 5. Fifty youth schol- would encourage every par- in the Black community. We began a new mentoring ars received scholarships ent to tell your child that need better teachers.” program called The Genthrough NEED that ranged ‘you are so smart, you are Many of the event’s at- tlemen’s Club, where they brilliant you are a genius,’” tendees were proud parents work with middle school from $1000 to $5000 each.

There were private and Marcia Sturdivant, pres- of the scholars, like that of students from Penn Hills corporate scholarships as ident of NEED, reminded Sequoya Simpson, Camille Entrepreneurial Charter well as matching scholar- everyone during her re- Simpson-Pryce’s mother.

School to prepare them for ships. The Wyndham ball- marks.

“Camille has always been college.

This year’s scholars have my genius, she has always room was filled with about “We know the challenges 600 people, everyone from been accepted to many dif- been hard working, very these youth face everyday, friends and families of ferent colleges all over the well disciplined and is very however, if you support scholars to supporters and country, such as Morgan responsible,” Simpson said. them, believe in them, NEED staff. Attendees cel- State, University of Ken- “It is very important that and show and give them ebrated each scholar as tucky, Alabama State, Pitt, NEED does this because options, then they will they took their walk, one by Penn State and many oth- these kids need a chance achieve,” Sturdivant said. one, through the ballroom ers. Some have even been and you never know where “We are very thankful for MOTHER & DAUGHTER—Mom Sequoya Simpson with scholar accepted to more then one they are coming from or the financial support we Camille Simpson-Pryce. to the stage.

Many speakers, from the school before making their how hard it has been for get from corporations, the dinner chairs to the president decision on where they are them.” people who are giving priSimpson-Pryce, who is go- vate scholarships in their ing to Howard University name and all those who where she will study biolo- make small contributions gy and pre-med to become a as well, we are thankful OBGYN, said, “I didn’t think and we just can’t thank evI was going to get the schol- eryone enough.” arship, but then I got it and Explaining some of the iswas super excited. It was the sues that youth may face first scholarship that I ap- once in college, Sturdivant plied for and got, so I thought, said, “Kids will be in the ‘if I could get this one I could first weekend of college get other scholarships.’” and some are calling back She talked about how im- saying, ‘I need a book or I portant it is for NEED to do don’t have the meal money,’ this by saying, “If kids had or asking general questions more people to push them to about how to navigate or actually do better, I believe what should I do here? Or they would have a chance about some social issues. and with NEED, they give You can’t imagine how sigpeople who don’t have it nificant some of those dolthe opportunity to better lars are or what it means themselves and make them to give. It could mean the feel like they can become difference between a child something in life. It’s so going or not going to higher CO-CHAIRS—The dinner co-chairs Marc and Berniece Nyarko. awesome and seeing people education or it could mean MOTHER & DAUGHTER—Scholar Joshalyn Copeland and mom Pamuela Lawton. who are something makes a if a child finishes or not findifference and is eye open- ishes college. I can’t think ing.” of a better investment.”

(To find out more about NEED, Pamela Lawton, mother of scholar Joshalynn Cope- call 412-566-2760 or go to their land, said, “NEED is very website at www.needld.org.)

FAMILY—Mom Carra D. Spence, left, and 8-year-old sister, Alexandria Spence, center, with scholar Serenity Spence.

MOTHER &DAUGHTER—Mom Marjif Hicks and scholar Maia Rhodes.

MOTHER & DAUGHTER—Mom Lisa Sandling with scholar Taris Sandling.

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

Overtime B7

MARCH 22-28, 2017

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Under Trump, unemployment rises for Black workers

by Freddie Allen For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—During President Donald Trump’s first full month in office, the Black unemployment rate rose as the White unemployment rate fell, according to the latest jobs report.

Key employment indicators show that Black workers lost ground in February.

The unemployment rate for Black workers increased from 7.7 percent in January to 8.1 percent in February. The labor force participation rate, which is the share of the population that is employed or looking for work, ticked down from 62.4 percent to 62.3 percent in February. The employment-population ratio, which is the

Five steps to improve your financial life

Did you know that there are many easy, everyday opportunities to save more, spend less, and gain greater peace of mind about your finances? The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants highlights a few that you can put to work immediately.

Make savings automatic Setting aside money for the future is always a good idea, but you’re more likely to do it if you make automatic contributions to savings. This task can be easy with mobile apps that allow you to set a budget for spending and saving and that track your progress toward your goals. Remember to do some online research to find the best savings account interest rates. Not sure where you’ll find the cash to save? Start by contributing just a small amount and see how it can add up over time.

Do a financial review Once you’ve set up automatic savings, don’t forget to review all your investment choices at least annually to ensure they still meet your needs. For example, if your income has gone up recently--or if you have a child who’s getting closer to college-it may be time to increase the amount you’re setting aside for the future. As you get closer to retirement, you may want to pump up your contributions to an IRA or other tax-advantaged savings vehicle and adjust your investment choices depending on your goals and your risk tolerance. Review your investment accounts, too, to see how they’ve reacted to market swings, if they’re still performing well, and if they’re on target to help you reach your goals.

When you have outstanding credit card debt, assess your accounts regularly to see if you can find a lower interest rate or pay off your balance sooner.

Don’t overlook company benefits Are you taking advantage of your employer’s matching contribution to a workplace retirement plan? Will using an employer sponsored flexible spending account or health savings account help lower your medical costs? Do employees qualify for discounts on travel or retail purchases? Does the organization have financial literacy or wellness programs? Don’t miss out on the range of valuable benefits that many companies offer that can save you money or provide useful financial planning or health information.

Redeem your rewards Choose a credit card that offers rewards SEE FIVE B2

share of the population that has jobs, also declined for Black workers from 57.5 percent to 57.3 percent in February.

Meanwhile, the White unemployment rate inched closer to 4 percent, decreasing from 4.3 percent in January to 4.1 percent in February. The labor force participation rate and the employment-population ratio for White workers also improved.

The jobless rate for White men 20 yearsold and over dipped below 4 percent in February (3.8 percent). The labor force participation rate for White men slipped from 72.1 percent to 72 percent and the employment-population ratio for White men increased from 69.2 percent in January to 69.3 percent last month.

The unemployment rate for White wom-

en 20 years old and over decreased from 3.9 percent in January to 3.7 percent in February. The labor force participation rate and the employment-population ratio for White women also showed gains in February, which indicates that White women were able to join the labor market and find work at higher rates last month compared to January.

Black men fared worse than other adult groups in the job market last month.

The unemployment rate for Black men over 20 years old increased from 7.3 percent in January to 7.8 percent in February. The labor force participation rate slipped from 68.1 percent in January to 67.8 percent in February. The employment-population ratio also declined, falling from 63.1 percent to

62.5 percent in February, the biggest decline for any adult group that month.

Not only did the unemployment rate for both Black men and women 20 years-old and over move in the opposite direction to their White counterparts, the share of Black men and women that looked for jobs and found work decreased from January to February.

Before his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump often questioned the Labor Department’s monthly jobs report, but when the latest report was released on March 10, White House officials expressed their enthusiasm about the results.

During the press briefing after February’s SEE UNEMPLOYMENT B2

Herman to address SHARE 2017

by Diane I. Daniels

the MWDBEs with the corporations in this region.” Anticipating that this year will be a great success she is pleased A major reason--according to former U.S. Secretary of Labor that the number of corporations parAlexis Herman--for regional minority-, woman-owned and ticipating has increased from last disadvantaged business enterprises to attend the March year as well as the invited number 30 SHARE 2017 event is to reap the opportunity and benof MWDBEs. efits it will offer.

A new addition to this year’s “It’s a time where you have businesses, diverse supevent is Herman’s presentation pliers, advocacy organizations and government officials and the panel discussion with all in one place,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for all of Herman and Moriarty moderatPittsburgh to participate in the transformation taking ed by Hayes-Freeland. Previousplace inside the city in a more inclusive way. During my ly the networking among particpresentation, I’m going to discuss the benefits of incluipating organizations and the sion, the benefits of being at the table and the benefits of one-on-one match making seshaving diverse suppliers that impact the bottom line that sions have been the highlight. helps a company grow. When a company grows, a commuAs former U.S. Secretary of nity grows and as a result its citizens grow, the businesses Labor and currently chair and grow and it makes for a stronger more vibrant inclusive chief executive officer of New community.”

Ventures, LLC, Herman, Bill Peduto, Mayor of Pittsburgh; Rich FitzHerman possessgerald, Allegheny County Executive; Arlinda Moriares a wide view on ty, CEO of Moriarty Consultants; Lynne Hayes-Freeembracing innoland, CEO of LHF Communications and members vation and entreof the Pittsburgh business community will join topreneurship and gether at the Rivers Casino, 777 Casino Drive on the brings considerNorth Side for SHARE 2017, a collaborative suppliable knowledge er diversity event designed to promote economic deand experience velopment opportunities for MWDBEs. in helping underWith the goal of SHARE 2017 to bring togethstand the current er the region’s top corporations, institutions global labor picand MWDBE suppliers Toni Silva, Director of ture. She says a Supplier Relations, UPMC says it is important thread throughout for the executives of the region to gain a bether career has been ter understanding of supplier diversity, its imlowering barriers portance and how it can help the region grow. and focusing on in“The leadership of the corporations have to get clusion. involved and understand why SHARE is so sigHer three-fold mesnificant and why it makes sense for us to have sage to business ownALEXIS HERMAN this event every year to introduce and match ers as they operate in the 21st century and next four years is what she calls the three Es; to stay enlightened, engaged and encouraged. “Pay attention to what’s going on and get the facts for yourself. Stay enlightened to the real facts and do your homework. Know the issues and stay engaged,” she said pointing out that being engaged is part of our history and what makes democracy work. “We can’t afford to checkout or dropout.” The third “e” she described as staying encouraged. “Things are changing and in the mist of it all people don’t know what to think. But you can’t lose hope. You have to find ways to stay encouraged.”

A Mobile, Ala. native, Herman describes herself as never forgetting from which she came; as having a strong belief in the Lord and one who has spent her whole life trying to make a difference for others. After being appointed

by President Jimmy Carter at the age of twenty-nine as the youngest director of the Women’s Bureau in the history of the Labor Department in 1992, she became the first African American woman to serve as an assistant to the president as the Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. In 1997 under former President Bill Clinton’s administration, she was sworn in as Secretary of SHARING KNOWLEDGE—A reputable business owner in the region, Arlinda MoriarSEE HERMAN B2 ty, CEO of Moriarty Consultants is a panelist for the March 30 SHARE 2017.

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Peduto pushes growth for all at PowerBreakfast

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Saying the city is seeing its first economic growth in multiple generations--the latest example being Ford, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and an “anonymous Silicon Valley investor” putting more than $1 billion into autonomous vehicle development, probably at the old LTV site in Hazelwood--Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto added that it must benefit everyone.

And he’s taking steps to see that it does.

“This is happening, because of tech spin-offs from CMU, and now Pitt is beginning to do the same thing with bio-med,” he said. “But to make sure it’s growth for all, we have to bake that into the cake from the beginning. We have to be proactive—and part of that is changing the rules” And part of that, Peduto said, involves changing the way the city awards contracts--making sure small- and minority-owned busi-

nesses are in on the process. The city’s Beacon system, which automatically alerts vendors who have signed up to bid opportunities in their areas of expertise, has boosted minority- women- and veteran-owned business contracting to 25 percent.

“The first contract--to clean our senior centers--went to a Blackowned firm,” he said. “Now $44 million out of $205 million has been awarded to minority vendors instead of a few favorite sons that had had them for years. We’ve spread it out, and we’ve gotten better talent and better results.”

Peduto also noted that before her untimely death, Deborah Walker had presented him a blueprint for increasing minority hiring in city jobs subject to Civil Service requirements, which he will be implementing.

He also said legislation would be introduced requiring city council to hear about minority participation levels on contracts reviewed SEE PEDUTO B2

PARTNERS—Chamber Board Chair Samuel Stevenson and President and CEO Doris Carson Williams pose with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto after his address at the African American Chamber’s PowerBreakfast.

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MARCH 22-28, 2017

BUSINESS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Peduto pushes growth Unemployment rate rises CONTINUED FROM B1

by the Equal Opportunity Review Commission before voting on approval.

Peduto’s remarks weren’t entirely rosy, however, he noted that President Trump’s first budget proposed, not just cutting, but eliminating the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods program--which has financed all the city’s recent public housing renewal--and its Community Development Bloc Grant program.

“It’s devastating,” he said. “Even the TIGR grants, that we got to do infrastructure in the Hill around the arena site--gone.”

He also noted that the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (now permanent) director has his hands full, and the city has narrowed it choice for a parent to manage the system down to four contenders.

“Right now, one out of every two dollars it pays out is for old debt--so it is on the way to bankruptcy,” he said. “Not only that, but 40 percent of the water produced never even gets to a meter--it’s just gone.”

If it operated at its designed capacity, he said, the city could sell the surplus to neighboring municipalities.

Many of his initiatives are incorporated in the recently released Pittsburgh Resilience Strategy report, which as the preface states, is a guide “to create conditions in which every resident can flourish in the

face of challenges and every community can effectively respond and recover in any circumstance.”

“What we found in putting that together is that our greatest issue is inequity--we need quality pre-k programs, and in housing we must make sure we don’t become San Francisco,” he said. “We need to have development while making sure retirees

HOLDING THE FORT—African American Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Doris Carson Williams highlights upcoming events ahead of Mayor Bill Peduto’s address at the March PowerBreakfast meeting. aren’t forced out of their homes because its tax burden increased 300 percent. Look at the report, get involved. Find your niche.”

Herman to address SHARE 2017 CONTINUED FROM B1

Labor and the first African American ever to lead the United States Department of Labor. During her tenure as a member of the President’s Cabinet she also served as a valued member of the National Economic Council. She is a recipient of more than twenty-five honorary doctorate degrees from major colleges and universities around the country, is a former trustee of her alma mater, Xavier University of Louisiana and continues to lend her expertise and talent to a vast array of corporate enterprises and nonprofit organizations.

Moriarty Consultants, a full-service home health care business operates in the Pittsburgh region as well as Connecticut, Ohio, Georgia and Mississippi. The business is listed as the third largest minority own firm and ninth largest owned firm in the 2015-16 Pittsburgh Business Times Book of Lists. In business since 2000 and the owner of several establishments, Moriarty’s concern is that small businesses and MWDBEs get their fair share. “This is a tough region for minorities to do business,”

she said. She concurs with Herman that in today’s business climate entrepreneurs have to be enlightened, engaged and encouraged. They also suggest that entrepreneurs pay attention to the fundamentals of business by knowing their market place, having a strategy and plan for how they want to maintain and grow the business, to have a network of support and advocates around to help champion the business and to have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of what it means to operate.

In its third year, the SHARE event created by UPMC, grew out of a 2013 effort to increase economic opportunities for minorities by the Corporate Equity and Inclusion Roundtable, led by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Tim Stevens, president of the Black Political Empowerment Project. In 2014, UPMC followed with its own attempt to match its MWDBE vendors to other regional corporations that might need their services.

The goal is to further promote the economic growth and development of MWDBE suppliers in the region.

CONTINUED FROM B1

jobs report was released, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked if President Trump believed that February’s jobs report was accurate.

Spicer answered, “[President Trump] said to quote him very clearly, ‘They may have been phony in the past, but it’s very real now.’”

Laughter was heard audibly in the White House Press Briefing Room.

Even as the White House appeared to be claiming another victory on the jobs front, Ben White, the chief economic correspondent for POLITICO and a CNBC contributor noted that February’s big jobs number was very similar to 2016 and 2015.

“Hard to see any Trump bump in these numbers.

Nearly identical to last two Febs. Feb. 2015: 238K Feb 2016: 237K Feb. 2017: 235K,” White tweeted.

Others said that February’s jobs report was just a continuation of President Obama’s policies.

In a statement about the latest jobs report, Michael Madowitz, an economist for the Center for American Progress, said that the current Labor market trends originating in the Obama years continued this month, with 235,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate decreasing slightly to 4.7 percent.

“Since the employment recovery began in February 2010, we’ve added nearly 16 million jobs, and the steady tightening of the labor market has finally started to deliver wage growth for workers, increasing

2.8 percent over the past year,” Madowitz said in the statement. “These statistics show that the economy has continued to build on the foundation and success of the past few years and tell the story of the economy far more accurately than the Trump administration’s focus on the 30 large companies in the Dow.” Madowitz continued: “In his first 49 days in office, President Donald Trump has discussed loosening oversight in financial markets, which may force the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to prevent financial bubbles. Rolling back protections, updating overtime standards, and endangering Americans’ retirement savings have delighted Trump’s Wall Street and corporate base but are cold comfort for the American worker.”

In a statement about the February’s jobs report, Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., said that President Trump inherited a growing economy from his predecessor.

“President Trump claimed he was handed ‘a mess’ by the Obama Administration, but we know that is not accurate,” said Scott. “Under President Obama the unemployment rate was cut in half while GDP and median income rose.”

Scott quickly pivoted to the embattled Affordable Care Act, adding that the Republican bill to repeal and replace the ACA would cause millions to lose their insurance, force families to pay more for fewer protections, defund Planned Parenthood, and give huge tax cuts to people in the top 1 percent.

As tax day approaches, get your benefit statement online

by Tom Winschel

For New Pittsburgh Courier

need a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, simply go online and get an instant, printable replacement form with a my Social Security account at www?socialsecurity?gov/ myaccount.

If you already have a my Social Security account, you can access your online account to view and print your SSA-1099 or SSA1042S. If you don’t have a my Social Security account, creating a secure account is very easy to do and usually takes less than 15 minutes.

Keep in mind, your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Visit www?socialsecurity?gov/planners/ taxes.html if you have other substantial income.

Securing today and tomorrow doesn’t have to be difficult, and Social Security continues to improve our customer service with easyto-use online features. Find out more about what you can do online at www?socialsecurity?gov.

Social Security is with you through life’s journey, putting you in control of your finances and future.

With this in mind, we have made getting a replacement Social Security Benefit Statement even easier. Now you can instantly print or save a replacement any time you want.

That’s control!

The Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA1099 or the SSA-1042S, is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits.

It shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year so you know how much Social Security income to report to the IRS on your tax return.

An SSA-1042S is for a noncitizen who lives outside the United States and received or repaid Social Security benefits last year. (Tom Winschel is Social SecuIf you currently live in rity District Manager in Pittsthe United States and you burgh, Pa.)

Five steps to improve your financial life

CONTINUED FROM B3

you can use, whether that means cash back, travel, or some other type of reward.

Find the card that gives you the best rewards for the purchases you make and offers easy redemption. In making your selection, watch out for high annual fees. Their costs could erase the card’s benefits. Be sure to redeem your rewards rather than letting them expire or go unused. A recent survey found that few Americans actually take advantage of these perks to save on airline travel and hotels.

Protect your documents Many important documents are critical to our financial lives. That’s why it’s important to store them—including your

will, bank and investment account information, and insurance policies, among other documents—in a disaster-proof location that will be easy to access in case of emergency. Make sure that your loved ones know how to find the documents and have whatever keys or passwords they’ll need to access them.

Consult your CPA When you set up a personal meeting with your local CPA, you receive expert advice on a wide range of financial topics, and get insights that can help you enhance your financial life.

Turn to your CPA for help with all your financial concerns. To find a CPA in your area or for more financial tips, visit www.picpa.org/ moneyandlife.

BUSINESS CALENDAR Business Lenders Workshop

MARCH 29—Chatham’s Women’s Business Center with the support of Duquesne University SBDC and Allegheny County Economic Development is hosting a “Meet the Lenders” Workshop, 8:30 to 11 a.m., One Chatham Center, Suite 900, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. ocal nonprofit lenders will be part of a panel discussion explaining their loan programs, interest rates or fees, how long it takes to get approved, eligibility requirements and what lenders look for in a business.

The panel discussion will be followed by individual sessions with lending representatives to talk about specific financing needs. The event is free, but registration is required. Call 412-365-1153 for more information.

Supplier Diversity Event

MARCH 30--SHARE 2017 is organized by a committee of supplier diversity representatives from UPMC, PNC, CONSOLEnergy, Highmark, Rivers Casino, EMSDC, Allegheny County MWDBE Department, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania and the Women’s Business Enterprise Council. It is a collaborative event to promote economic opportunities for minority-owned, woman-owned and other diverse businesses in the region. The Honorable Alexis Herman, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, will serve as the keynote speaker. The event is limited to pre-registered diverse suppliers.

Free Homebuyer Workshop

APRIL 5—The Mon Valley Initiative and the Braddock Economic Development Corp. Will host “Buying Your Own Home: You Hold the Key” will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 5 at The Overlook, 416A Overlook Way in Braddock, on the old UPMC Braddock Hospital site between Braddock Avenue and Holland Avenue. Jonathan Weaver, a housing counselor with Mon Valley Initiative, will talk about the steps that first time homebuyers should consider. Light refreshments will be served. To register, call 412-464-4000, extension 4008, or email jweaver@monvalleyinitiative.com.

Business Energy Efficiency Grants

THROUGH APRIL 15—The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has to $1,000,000 of grant funding available in the 13th year of the Commonwealth’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program for small businesses that adopt or acquire equipment or processes that promote pollution prevention and/ or energy efficiency projects.

Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or procedures. Funding is eligible for those costs incurred between July 25, 2016 and June 30, 2017. For more information, contact the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office at 1 772-5160.

Training Event

APRIL 27—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents Before You Sign: Effective Commercial Lease Agreements, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Rockwell Hall Room 108, 600 Forbes Avenue, Uptown. Topics include: How to review a commercial lease; How to determine a fair rental rate per square foot; What items are included in the lease as opposed to being the tenants responsibility; What is an Estoppel Agreement, and What is a Punch List. Cost: $25.

For more information, call 412396-1633.

Invention Showcase

JUNE 13 to 15—INPEX, the country’s largest inventor showcase returns to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center with an opening night party and a rooftop Beer Garden networking event at Sienna Mercato. Both are open to exhibitors and business attendees. For the complete schedule and to register, visit www. inpex.com

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MARCH 22-28, 2017

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Katie Johnson set example as a quiet leader

Guest Editorial

A king-size wrecking ball in fighting bigotry A Republican congressman says America can’t restore “our civilization with somebody else’s babies” and warned of a liberal effort to destroy Western civilization through immigration.

On Twitter March 12, U.S. Rep. Steve King of Iowa paid tribute to a Dutch politician who opposes immigration and has spoken against Islam.

King, who has served in the House since 2003, said Geert Wilders “understands that culture and demographics are our destiny. We can’t restore our civilization with somebody else’s babies.”

In an interview on CNN, King said he stood by his remarks.

King said, “I meant exactly what I said,” and noted that he delivers the same message to countries in Europe.

“We need to get our birth rates up or Europe will be entirely transformed within a half a century or a little more,” King said.

When asked whether he is promoting a kind of White nationalism, King said the debate was not about advancing a particular race but rather advancing American culture and Western civilization.

“This is an effort on the left, I think, to break down the American civilization, the American culture and turn it into something entirely different. I’m a champion for Western civilization,” he said.

The congressman’s remarks promote bigotry and must be strongly denounced by President Donald Trump and GOP leadership.

AshLee Strong, a spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul Ryan, said the congressman from Wisconsin took issue with King’s comments.

“The speaker clearly disagrees and believes America’s long history of inclusiveness is one of its great strengths,” Strong said of Ryan, who has led House Republicans since 2015.

Jeff Kaufmann, chairman of the Iowa Republican Party, also took issue with King’s comments.

“First of all, I do not agree with Congressman King’s statement,” Kaufmann said in a press release. “We are a nation of immigrants, and diversity is the strength of any nation and any community.”

U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), who was born to Cuban exiles who fled Fidel Castro’s regime in the 1960s, asked King via Twitter: “What exactly do you mean? Do I qualify as ‘somebody else’s baby?’ #concernedGOPcolleague” Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a civil rights leader in the 1960s, says the United States is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, appearance and languages.

“Rep. King’s statement is bigoted and racist. It suggests there is one cultural tradition and one appearance that all of humanity should conform to,” Lewis said. “These ideas have given rise to some of the worst atrocities in human history, and they must be condemned.”

This is not the first time King has promoted bigotry. At the Republican National Convention in 2016, King questioned contributions to civilization by nonwhites. In 2013, he described children in the country illegally as having “calves the size of cantaloupes because they’ve been hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert.”

King’s remarks on immigration are similar to the views of White nationalism, the belief that national identity is linked to the White race and its superiority to other races. White nationalists celebrated Trump’s promises to crack down on illegal immigration and ban Muslims from entering the United States, as well as heralding his presidential victory as a chance to preserve white culture.

David Duke, the White nationalist and former Ku Klux Klansman who called President Donald Trump “by far the best candidate” during the campaign, praised King’s comments.

King’s disgusting views must be denounced in clear terms.

A spokesman for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is right to ask Ryan and the rest of Republican leadership to decide whether “White supremacy is welcome in the GOP ranks.”

“Republican Congressman Steve King’s vile racism has no place in decent society, much less in the U.S. Congress,” said Drew Hammill, a top aide to Pelosi.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded 1910

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

Ulish Carter

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

I first met Katie Everette Johnson in the mid ‘70s, just after I switched from sports to news. One of my first assignments was to cover a community meeting in the Hill District dealing with the Crawford-Roberts proposal.

The Crawford-Roberts proposal is what turned out to be the Crawford housing complex in the lower Hill, some 20 or 30 years later. The city had proposed to replace public housing, city blighted lots and anything else in the lower Hill, starting around Kirkpatrick Street, with new houses both for rent and ownership, which sounded great, but the community was concerned that once all the old housing was removed none or very little of the new housing would be affordable to the people moved out or Black people as a whole.

I went there expecting to hear Harvey Adams and some of the other activists shouting out demands as to what must be done to create affordable housing. Yes, the affordable housing issue is nothing new; it has been around for a long time.

But after the people from the City Planning Office spoke, followed by the loud people, a small woman spoke quietly and politely, and everybody stopped and listened, even Harvey.

She voiced her concerns that if the city didn’t make provisions for Hill District residents, and low- and middle-income to live there, it would simply be urban removal all over again. That these houses would simply be what most people expected them to be–starter homes for young executives in Downtown Pittsburgh before they moved to the suburbs.

She made it very clear that the Hill needed this development badly, not just in the Lower Hill, but all over; it served no real purpose if Black people weren’t able to take advantage of it.

That woman was Katie Everette Johnson and this was the first of many other meetings where I saw her. She wasn’t as loud as most of the men, but she was just as effective if not more.

Crawford-Roberts was eventually changed to the Crawford Square housing complex, where there’s a certain percentage of public housing, a percentage of rental and a percent-

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’ age of ownership. Some of the rental property is Section 8 and others are at market rates. The same for the houses for sale, some market and some subsidized. The vast majority of the residents are Black. What percent previously lived in the Hill I don’t know? No she didn’t get all she wanted, but she made a big difference.

She wasn’t always seen, but she was always working in the background to correct the problems of racism. No she never shouted people down, because when she spoke everyone would shut-up.

When you talk to people about Pittsburgh leaders, very few mentioned Katie until the past 5 or 10 years, but she has been out there quietly opening doors for Black people well before she was called Miss Katie. She knew streets just as well as the smoky rooms as well as corporate and political boards, and she worked at all levels to make sure Black people got their fair share.

Katie Everette Johnson will be missed. *** How the fight to kill the Affordable Care Act is affecting Pennsylvania...Gov. Tom Wolf speaks out Governor Wolf and two of his cabinet members explain how Pennsylvanians will be hurt if the Affordable Care Act is replaced by the Republican backed American Health Care Act. He stated that Pennsylvania’s uninsured rate is currently at 6.4 percent, the lowest in history.

Stating that more than one million Pennsylvanians whose healthcare coverage will be significantly affected by the proposed legislation.

“Without a significant federal investment, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians will lose health care coverage. The state would have to find $2.2 billion to cover the costs of

just those in the Medicaid expansion category, a cost we simply cannot absorb without devastating cuts to other critical programs,” said Gov. Wolf.

“The majority of the people who will be affected are working people who do not have access to affordable coverage through their employer.”

“We will be forced to make decisions about whom we can afford to cover, what services we will be able to continue to cover and what rates we will be able to pay providers,” said Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas. “With one in four Pennsylvanians over the age of 60 in the next few years, we will find it difficult to provide the same level of care to seniors and vulnerable persons––like those with disabilities.”

Another component of the plan includes the health insurance exchange. The nearly $1 billion in tax credits Pennsylvanians used to help pay for health insurance from the federal exchange would be lost and replaced with tax credits that are based on age instead of the current subsidies that are based on need.

“At the crux of all of this is the fact that older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income people will be most negatively impacted,” said Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller.

“The AHCA would create plans with slimmer benefits and larger out of pocket costs like deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. This would shift the majority of costs to consumers when they try to access care, which would disproportionately impact people who have significant health needs and low- and middle-income individuals who would not be able to afford significant health bills—something fewer Pennsylvanians struggle with due to the ACA. “The ACA is providing lifesaving access to health care to more than a million Pennsylvanians. It needs to be repaired—not replaced.”

I’m in total agreement with the governor. The ACA deductibles are too high and need to be reduced, with both parties working together to reduce cost across the board.

Instead of making it a Republican vs. Democratic issue, let’s fix it for the people.

(Ulish Carter is the managing editor for the New Pittsburgh Courier.)

From the Cold War to the Culture War (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“…culture and demographics are our destiny.

We can’t restore our civilization with somebody else’s babies.”—Steven King , R-Iowa, March 12. 2017 “Individuals will contribute differently, not equally to this civilization and society. Certain groups of people will do more from a productive side than other groups of people will.”— Steven King, R-Iowa, March 13, 2017 Recently, I had a conversation with the brilliant, insightful, activist and human rights soldier Ms. Ruby Sales during which she said, “My son, White supremacy has moved us from the Cold War to the culture war. I want you to write about that.” Being the good “son” that I am, when Ms. Sales tells me to do something, I try my best to follow her directions.

It is as though she saw this coming. Ms. Sales was able to synthesize her lifetime of commitment to the struggle of Black people, Dr. King’s “Where Do We go From Here Chaos or Community,” Dr. Ronald Walter’s “White Nationalism Black Interests,” the election of our 45th president and predict Congressman King’s clear articulation of his xenophobic, racist and White supremacist world view. Ms. Sales has seen it all and while disappointed, is not surprised (we had our discussion before King made his indefensible remarks).

At the end of WWII the relationship between former allies, the United States and Soviet Union reverted back to the clash of ideologies that had existed before the war. Differing economic, political and social structures based upon Capitalism vs. Communism brought the two military powers into a state of political hostility called the Cold War. It lasted from 1945 until the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Many of the international conflicts such as the battle over Cuba, Vietnam, and the struggle for independence of many countries in Africa were proxy cultural wars being fought by White colonial/imperialist powers in countries inhabited by people of color.

On the domestic front, the fear of Communism led the American government into periods of panic such as the Red Scare during the 1920’s and the Second Red Scare of the 1950’s.

During the Second Red Scare, Senator Joseph McCarthy, R-Wis., engaged in the politics of “Red-Baiting,” a witch-hunt designed to identify and ferret out any suspected Communist or Communist sympathizer within the US government and American society. It’s interesting to note at this juncture Trump’s mentor, Roy Cohn was a top-aide and henchman for McCarthy. At the age of 23 Cohn was chief counsel to McCarthy during the

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III

Commentary infamous McCarthy Hearings.

Taking his cue from the Second Red Scare FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover used “Red-Baiting” to undermine and subvert the Civil Rights Movement and its leaders. Hoover created the Counter Intelligence Program or COINTELPRO to “prevent the rise of a Black Messiah” that could “unify, and electrify, the militant Black nationalist movement.” Hoover used the fear of the “Red-Menace” and alleged Communist influence to attack Malcolm X, The Black Panther’s, The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, SCLC, SNCC, Dr. King and his advisors such as Bayard Rustin and Hunter Pitts “Jack” O’Dell.

Now that the Soviet Union has collapsed and the Cold War has ended, America, the sole remaining superpower faces a new foe. That foe is the “browning of America”. According to the Milken Institute, “Between 2015 and 2030 there will be an absolute decline in the size of the White population under age 65. And even among seniors, racial minorities will begin to gain.” As Dr. Ron Walters wrote in White Nationalism Black Interests, “…a dominant sector of the White majority seems to have lost confidence in the promise of America as a liberal democratic state and has been recoiling from this vision…the White majority is proceeding to concentrate economic and social power within its own group, using its control over the political institutions of the state to punish presumptive enemies. The targets of this punishment have been Black, Hispanic and other non-White communities.”

It’s not a coincidence that congressman King tried to justify or rationalize his White nationalist comments by saying on CNN, “I’ve been to Europe and spoken on this issue and I’ve said the same thing as far as ten years ago to the German people and any population of people that is a declining population that isn’t willing to have enough babies to reproduce themselves.” The concept of nationalism finds its genesis in Western Europe. Again Walters, “…the idea that the racial/ethnic majority would dominate the state was an integral part of the context from which European ethnicities emerged to establish control over America.” Once in

America, these White ethnicities coalesced and “established a privileged social status which has expressed its dominance over non-White groups and over the major institutions of American society.” This Trump and King White nationalist politics is also playing itself out with Deerk Wilders in Denmark, Marine Le Pen in France, Dirk Driesang in Germany to name a few.

It’s also important to note here the reluctance if not inability of modern-day Black Republicans to call Congressman King out for the White Supremacist that he is. Their collective silence is deafening. This is in no way intended to question their “blackness;” that’s ridiculous. There’s another point that needs to be made.

There are two controlling principles in Republican ideology; smaller government and individual freedom, liberty and self-actualization. Any success in the struggle of Black people to be recognized as human and to be afforded human rights has always been based on the success and hard work of the collective, not the individual. Furthermore, the defense and validation of those rights has always required the three branches of the government to legislate, validate and defend those rights. Most Black Republicans are not going to risk alienating themselves from their benefactors and placing their personal positions in jeopardy by advocating positions that benefit the collective. Asking those who subscribe to a small government individualistic ideology to defend the collective, for as nice as it would be and should be, is asking a bit much.

So, from Trent Lott, R-Miss., waxing nostalgic about Dixiecrat and late Senator Strom Thurmon, ‘’I want to say this about my state: When Strom Thurmond ran for president, we voted for him. We’re proud of it…” to Trump’s “You have people come in and I’m not just saying Mexicans, I’m talking about people that are from all over, that are killers and rapists and they’re coming to this country,” …to Congressman King’s “You cannot rebuild your civilization with somebody else’s babies…” we see what Dr.’s King and Walters warned us about, “White Backlash” or the “politics of resentment.” It is exactly what Ms. Ruby Sales asked me to write about, a shift in focus, ideology and rhetoric away from the Cold War to the White supremacist, xenophobic culture war.

(Producer/host of the nationally broadcast call-in talk radio program “Inside the Issues with Wilmer Leon,” on SiriusXM Satellite radio channel 126. Go to www.wilmerleon. com or email: wjl3us@yahoo.com. www.twitter.com/drwleon and Dr. Leon’s Prescription at Facebook.com)

B4

MARCH 22-28, 2017

It’s too early to panic over 45s budget (TriceEdneyWire.com)—If you happened to have voted for the 45th President, you may be feeling a little spat on, right about now.

The man who said he wanted to take care of the little people, those who were forgotten by the elites, now wants to cut programs that affect these working class people, ranging from Legal Aid to Meals on Wheels to housing assistance to job training. He would cut the Environmental Protection Agency by more than 31 percent, leaving more than 3000 workers in the cold. Many of his other budget provisions will call for federal reductions-in-force, and these chaotic RIFs may cause instability in some government agencies, since workers can appeal their RIF, or bump other workers out of their jobs.

These 45 cuts are not being done with scalpels or knives, but with machetes; with his budget making his position on the culture wars clear. He would entirely eliminate the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and National Public Radio. The Department of Housing and Urban

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary Development will get $6.2 billion cut, and even though the Department of Education will get a 12 percent cut, $1.4 billion dollars are slated to support private schools through school choice. HBCU programs have not been cut, but many of the programs they depend on, including work-study programs, have been cut. It’s an ugly budget, but it’s the budget that Trump promised, a budget that “puts America first with a $54 billion increase in Defense spending, and $2.6 billion for the wall that Mexico is supposed to pay for.

We need to rail against this budget even as we tease out its odious details, but we also need to realize that it is too early to panic. Why? Congress still has to pass this budget. Though Republicans control the House of Representatives and the Senate. I can’t believe they have all lost their minds. There are physicians among those elected Republicans who must surely understand the value of the medical research 45 has threatened to cut.

There are educators who understand the importance of summer Pell grants. There must be environmental Republicans who will fight the cuts of the EPA and the cessation of other climate change research. These are Republicans who need to step up, and they are the ones who must be lobbied.

There will be lots moaning and groaning, teeth-gnashing and horror about this budget. But there ought also be resistance. There will be hearings, and those who resist ought to be attending those hearings. Members of Congress will be visiting their districts, and resisters need to be there to confront them about this budget. 45’s budget is nothing but a request. It is not a fait accompli, and it won’t be unless we roll over and accept this madness.

Our 45th President exhibits an unusual inability to understand our governmental system of checks and balances. He seems to think that he can unilaterally declare a policy change. He wants to get rid of the Environmental Protection Agency. Does everyone? He wants to put more money into private schools. Are there members of Congress who would resist? It is time for Republicans of conscience (are there any) to step up and say that it’s not okay to stop Meals on Wheels. It’s not okay to damage our environment.

It’s not okay to cut off funds for medical research. All of us need to speak up!

People have marched, and both women and immigrants have stayed home to express their resistance. The presentation of this warped budget offers another opportunity for resistance, and the very future of our nature depends on this resistance. It is unfathomable that these Bible-thumping Republicans will turn their back on children, the elderly, and those who desperately need job training to contribute to the economy. The key to altering this budget process is resistance.

(Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education. For more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com)

FORUM

Mal Goode said, ‘Courier portrays Black positiveness’ I have grown weaAvenue between the ry of the every day addresses 7614 to 7628 Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick reading and watching there are four existing a constant flow of businesses, a cleaners, Black persons being beauty salon, printing the highlight of the company and a record negative incidents. and computer repair Our children too frestore. The cleaners quently, yes our sons is named Strong’s and daughters, grandCleaners, operated children and too many and owned by the fifth adults. It is enjoyable when I am able to generation Justin Strong. Its very existence write about Blacks in a positive light, and is a tribute to the dedicated, hardworking, we should not wait until February Black committed Black persons who never underHistory Month. stood or entertained the thought of quitting I could write about an untold number of or giving up. I personally avail myself of positive events that have appeared in the their services, and they are a complete first Pittsburgh Courier in my lifetime, but I class clothes cleaning operation. Let’s put would prefer to focus on one that I will alin context the significance of five generaways remember. One day an elderly Black tions: great great grand daddy, great grand woman stepped off the bus and I happened daddy, grand daddy, daddy and now Justin, to open the door so she could enter the whose location is 7620 Frankstown Ave. office and she asked who was in charge? I A couple doors away at 7614 Frankstown introduced her to the receptionist and she Ave. is another Black owned business, said, “My grandson is my first to graduate Dorsey’s Records and computer service. from high school and has been accepted It is operated by Neil Dorsey and his son by a college; what would it cost to tell in Markus Dorsey, third generation. Over the the Pittsburgh Courier?” The receptionist years when the giant record companies with a big smile replied that it does not surrounded them I asked them how did cost anything, those are the kind of events they survive. The response was they were we delight in publishing. The grandmother tops in the gospel records and persons just cried and sat down, and I congratufrom in state, out of state and everywhere lated her and her grandson and it bought patronized Dorsey’s. It bought to mind as to mind what Mal had said. I will always we talked about an old record that I play remember that day in the Crawford Grill. often, “There must be a God somewhere.”

There were some persons making negative I asked him about his background and he remarks about the then Pittsburgh Courier. explained he graduated from West Virginia Mal Goode, one of my limited number of College and served three years in the U.S. heroes responded by stating, “Once again Army and upon his honorable discharge there are those of you that are confused, went to work in his father’s business which the Pittsburgh Courier is a newspaper that has existed for 70 years at its present highlights the positive actions of Black per- location. Mr. Dorsey explained to me that sons, the daily papers focus on the negative service businesses have not been affected actions.” by persons buying and shopping on line.

The media too frequently carries stories Two perfect examples he used as service about the percentages of Blacks particularwere selling records and cleaning clothes. ly males with prison records and the perI never knew his father, but I know he centage is too high for a number of reasons, would be extremely proud of his son and but the same media never carries a story grandson. They have carried on in a first about the overwhelming percentages of class manner knowledgeable, courteous and Black males that have no prison record. professional.

I can recollect hundreds of Black persons I have on numerous occasions discussed with no extended education that owned the issues that have devoured the business businesses in Allegheny County and communities in Homewood and have been provided for their families. They bought impressed with their responses. However homes, other investments, sent family I am confounded by the established fact members to college and these were the that those in the alleged seats of power years that they received no government have excluded these two businessmen. aid, no special programs, but in spite of They have placed persons in positions to they survived and thrived. enhance business who have absolutely no This week’s column will close with two background, particularly have never met a examples of positive Blacks still in business payroll. I close this week’s column with conin spite off. gratulations for job well done for the four Homewood is often in the daily news businesses on Frankstown Ave between because it loses 52 families a year and has 7614-7628.

(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New an unbelievable number of vacant housPittsburgh Courier.) es and lots, etc. However, on Frankstown

To Tell The Truth

Are Boko Haram’s female suicide bombers underpaid?

Last week I wrote how Words like “just” and moral outrage and mor- J. Pharoah Doss “only” are not finanal opposition are not the cial facts. There’s no same. One example I such thing as “just” gave was protesting the ex-amount or “only” exdraft was not the same amount. The price is as opposing war. Now, a the price. Those terms recent Newsweek headare interjected to make line about Boko Haram, it a matter of social justhe Nigerian based Istice by suggesting the lamic terror organizapayment is too low for tion, makes it necessary to point out how the service rendered and it’s immoral not to economic outrage and moral outrage are not pay more. the same either. Economic outrage appears This 14-year-old girl and her friend were moral on the surface, but it often ignores the told by Boko Haram to detonate their exactual moral issue. plosive vests in a crowded place in the city.

Now, we’ve all heard about someone who They wore the vest for three days before was shot and killed over a small sum of mon- entering the city. The police spotted them ey. I can recall an incident when the dis- and ordered them to remove their vests. The puted amount was $150, but what disturbed 14-year-old girl removed the vest, but her me more than the desperation of the shooter friend refused and the police shot her dead. was the economic reaction to the deed.

But according to Newsweek’s headline Appalled by the amount, most people said, we’re suppose to believe that the moral issue “Over 150 bucks!” Or they questioned, “Why here is how little the teenage girl was paid? would you kill someone over chump change?”

This is an economic outrage if Boko Haram or “He (the shooter) threw his life away over is compared to Saddam Hussein. that?”

Congressional investigators said Saddam The moral failing of the shooter was he val- Hussein diverted money from the U.N. Oilued the purchasing power of $150 over hu- for-Food program to pay millions of dollars man life. But the reaction to the deed was to families of Palestinian suicide bombers not directed toward this moral failing. who carried out attacks on Israel, each famThe quotes were economic outrage. ily received $25,000.

These people sounded like the victim would But Boko Haram can defend their selves still be alive if the shooter conducted a cost against this comparison by saying they just benefit analysis and concluded the reward started using female suicide bombers over was too low for the risk. (But what if the the past couple years. Their suicide proamount was $150,000, would the reward be gram is still in its developing stages. But at worth the risk?) least they paid the actual suicide bombers, Now, Newsweek’s headline said: Boko Ha- and they are giving females opportunities ram paid would-be teenage suicide bomber beyond being sex slaves. ‘less than $1’. The first sentence of the artiThe sad part here is that for Boko Haram, cle mentioned: Boko Haram militants paid this is actually a moral argument. Newsher just 200 Naira ($0.64) to blow herself up week can’t make the same claim unless they in a city in North East Nigeria. really believe the moral issue is that Boko This is also economic outrage with the ap- Haram’s female suicide bombers are underpearance of morality on the surface. paid.

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New PittsNotice the writer said: Paid her “just” 200 burgh Courier.)

Naira

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

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

James Clingman

Commentary

Do we love ourselves?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Our greatest challenge as a people is to love and value ourselves. Self-love is the key and necessary factor for loving others and being willing to work with them, share with them, and trust them. We fall short on self-love in that we help, support, and advocate for others over ourselves. We trust others more than we trust our own people; we help them create wealth without creating wealth for ourselves. Self-love would lead us to create our own wealth, and motivate us to multiply and channel that wealth through our businesses and institutions.

If we loved ourselves we would not hold our businesses to a higher standard than we do others. We would use the same measuring rod for every business, and not continue the decades-long boycott against Black businesses by Black people because, “I tried one and they messed up, so I’m never going to use a Black business again.” If we loved ourselves no one would have to beg us to support Black businesses. We would be seeking out, searching for, and running to our them with cash in hand.

If we loved ourselves we would not sell or buy bootlegged copies of DVD’s like “Hidden Figures,” “Black Friday,” or copy our books, infringe on our copyrights, and use other intellectual properties produced by our brothers and sisters for our own profit. We would understand that they must make a living and a profit from their own work, and when they do that, honestly and professionally, we should rejoice in their success and rally to support them by purchasing their products, because we know they will return some of their profits our overall cause.

If we loved ourselves, we would not tolerate a government that makes light of our past and present oppression. In fact, the government would not dare dismiss us and play “politricks” on us if we loved ourselves. In fact, we would get the same or even more support than the LGBT community gets when they feel like they are discriminated against. We must organize ourselves, be unapologetic about who we are, and be willing to sacrifice for one another, like they do, in order to be taken seriously though.

If we loved ourselves corporations would standup for us the way they do for other groups when they are being mistreated. They would know that if they did not support us and speak against our mistreatment they would not continue to receive the billions they get from our purchases. We must show that we have the power to move them to a genuine and proactive concern for their Black consumers, and turn away from their “depraved indifference,” to borrow a term from Bob Law. If we loved ourselves, as a group it would be no problem for us to leverage our dollars and our votes to empower ourselves economically and politically.

We would invest our dollars in our own projects, our own corporations, and our own businesses. We would turn away from politics as usual by changing our party affiliation to “NPA,” No Party Affiliation, and vote according to our “permanent interests.” If we loved ourselves we would not allow politicians, preachers, and self-appointed or establishment-appointed Black folks to sell us out and still call themselves “our leaders.”

If we loved ourselves, our children would have an excellent education. We would not settle for less. We would take up the gauntlet of educating them ourselves by being the first voice they hear reading a book to them; we would instill in them a thorough knowledge about and appreciation for themselves and their ancestors. Parents and other relatives would be their primary role models.

If we loved ourselves we would find ways to keep our families together.

Our communities would be stronger and safer. We would desire a better life for ourselves as a people and then use our God-given gifts to make that happen. Collectively, we would place ourselves first and see to it that we are never taken for granted or ignored-and if that did happen, we would fight back with the weapons of choice these days: dollars and votes. Most of all, we would take responsibility for our security, our sufficiency, and our own success by working together with trust, respect, and love.

Dr. Earl Trent, Pastor of the Florida Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., wrote in his book, “A Challenge to the Black Church,” that Blacks are taught to “love everybody, especially Whites and other groups,” but we are not taught to a greater extent to love ourselves first.

Of all the elements needed for a people to have true and total liberation, the most critical is love of self. Even the Bible says to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” not instead of yourself.

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

B5

MARCH 22-28, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

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FANNY EDEL FALK LABORATORY SCHOOL University of Pittsburgh 4060 Allequippa Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261 www.falkschool.pitt.edu

Teaching Position Announcement Falk School, a coeducational school affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is currently seeking teachers in several disciplines for the 2 1 2 1 school year.

Librarian Falk School has an opening for one ibrarian. Specific duties include collaborating with peer librarian to: Collaborate with teachers; create an environment that is conducive to active learning, resource based instruction, and collaboration; evaluate, promote, and use technologies to support teaching and learning that provide access to resources.

A Master’s Degree in an accredited library and information science program is required. Pennsylvania state school librarian certification a plus and strong consideration will be given to candidates with experience working with school-aged children. Experience with Makerspaces and making pedagogies highly desired.

Mathematics Teacher Falk School has an opening for one Mathematics teacher.

Candidates should have successful teaching experience in middle or high school mathematics classrooms. The educator filling these roles will be responsible for continuing to develop a program that features progressive ideas about mathematics instruction.

Middle or high school teaching experience with a Master’s Degree or equivalent coursework are required. ighly creative work experience in the field of mathematics is an asset.

For complete position announcement and for full consideration for either of these positions please upload personal materials to http:// www.education.pitt.edu/faculty search.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EEO AA M F ets Disabled.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ocal overnment Academy ( A), a non profit organi ation that develops excellence in local government through education, is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organi ation’s long term strategic direction, oversee program development and implementation, drive fund development efforts, shape communications, and manage daily operations. ey Qualifications: 5 years of non profit, management-level experience including leading fundraising efforts; 5+ years of local government management operations administration; B.S. in Business, Public Administration, Planning or similar area of study. Please email resume to:

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drea@localgovernmentacademy.org

WPXI-TV FULL TIME DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

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MEETING

The ousing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s March Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2 1 . The board meeting will be held at 1 :3 a.m.

2 Ross Street, 13th Floor herrett Room, Pittsburgh, PA 1521

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

Community College of Allegheny County A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on: April 6, 2017 4:00 p.m. Board Meeting CCAC Allegheny Campus Byers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Education of the School District of Pittsburgh shall conduct a Special Legislative Meeting on Tuesday, April 4, 2 1 , at 5:3 pm for the purpose of general business. This meeting will be held in Conference Room A located at the Administration Building, 341 S. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Copies of this Notice have been prominently posted.

Dr. Anthony Hamlet Secretary LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of HILDA S. BALOG, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, anuary 25, 2 1 No. 2 1 1235, inda E. atson, c o udith A. ehnowsky, Attorney, 2 Evergreen Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 152 412 21 441 Estate of JOHN R. SIEBER, deceased of O’ ara Township, PA No. 2 1 11 1, oan . Sieber, Executrix, 3 Fox Chapel Road, Apt. 2 4, Pittsburgh, PA 1523 . R.M. Entwisle, III, eorge T. Snyder, Attys., 125 1st Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Estate of VINCENT J. COLOSIMO, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 1, 2 1 No. 2 1 12 1, Tiffany McDowell c o udith A. ehnowsky, Attorney, 2 Evergreen Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 152 412 21 441 Estate of JAN JAY EGER, deceased of McCandless, No. 21, of 2 1 Thecla M. Spiker Eger, 1 3 South illa Dr., ibsonia, PA 15 44 or to Michael . Saldamarco, Esq., Ste. 1 , Perry , Pittsburgh, PA 1522 Estate of CARRIE E. UNDERWOOD, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, No. 14 of 2 1 . arland . alker, r. Executor, 515 N. Mathilda Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, Attorney, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsurgh, PA 15233 Estate of WILLIAM D. MORGAN, deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No. 2 1 , Pamela Sue Morgan, Executor, 4 Bowman Road, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15 1 or to: ROBIN . RARIE, Atty; BREN O E FU ER, C, 4 1 ashington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15 1

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NAME CHANGE

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No 1 2 15 Term, 2 1 In re petition of Albert A ick for change of name to imberly M. ick. To all person interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authori ed the filing of said petition and fixed the 2 th day of April, 2 1 , at :45 A.M., as the time and the Motions Room, City County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for. Bruce S. elman, Attorney for Petitioner, 42 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1 1, Pittsburgh, PA 1521 . 412 2 2

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Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE

OPENING OF THE FOLLOWING WAITING LISTS: •DOUGHBOY SQUARE APARTMENTS PROJECT BASED VOUCHER TWO-BEDROOM UNITS •DINWIDDIE STREET HOUSING PHASES 3 AND 4 PROJECT BASED VOUCHER FOR ONE, TWO AND THREE-BEDROOM UNITS Effective Friday, March 31, 2 1 , the ousing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh ( ACP) will open waiting lists for limited numbers of units at the listed locations.

Not all households will be eligible for a one, two, or three bedroom unit, as the age, gender and relationships of household members affect the number of bedrooms for which a household is eligible. Income and eligibility restrictions of the ousing Choice oucher Program apply.

Not all units at these locations are served by these waiting lists; additional units with different requirements may be available directly from the location’s management office.

Effective Friday, March 31, 2 1 , the ACP will only be accepting pre-applications in person. Pre-applications can be obtained at the ACP Occupancy Department, 1 Ross Street, 4th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 1521 . Persons with disabilities requiring accommodation to submit a pre-application can contact the Disability Compliance office at 412 45 52 2. For those that are deaf or hard of hearing, you can also contact ACP at TDD: 412 2 1 53 4. Position on the waiting list will be determined based upon the date and time stamp received once the completed pre-application is submitted to the Occupancy Department.

Additional information is available by contacting the ACP Occupancy Department at 412 45 5 3 .

These events are for Project Based Vouchers at Doughboy Square and Dinwiddie Street Housing ONLY and are completely separate from the HACP Housing Choice Voucher and Low Income Public Housing Programs.

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

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PUBLIC NOTICE

RE-OPENING OF THE COMBINED WAITING LIST FOR SKYLINE TERRACE, LOFTS AND LANDINGS AT BENTLEY, AND ADDISION TERRACE PHASE 3 TWO, THREE AND FOUR-BEDROOM SITE BASED WAITING LIST Effective Friday, March 31, 2 1 , the ousing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh ( ACP) will re open the Skyline Terrace two, three and four-bedroom waiting lists for all families that require, and qualify for, a two, three or four bedroom bedroom unit. The Skyline Terrace waiting list is a combined waiting list for the Skyline Terrace, ofts Landings at Bentley and Addison Terrace Phase 3 communities.

Not all households will be eligible for a two, three or four bedroom unit, as the age, gender and relationships of household members affect the number of bedrooms for which a household is eligible. Families of various si es can qualify for two, three and four bedroom units, but some restrictions apply. Families may have no less than one person per bedroom and no more than two persons per bedroom.

Children of the same sex, under the age of 1 , share a bedroom. Children of opposite sex share a bedroom until the oldest child reaches the age of three.

Effective Friday, March 31, 2 1 , the ACP will only be accepting pre-applications in person. Pre-applications can be obtained at the ACP Occupancy Department, 1 Ross Street, 4th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 1521 . Persons with disabilities requiring accommodation to submit a pre-application can contact the Disability Compliance office at 412 45 52 2. For those that are deaf or hard of hearing, you can also contact ACP at TDD: 412 2 1 53 4. Position on the waiting list will be determined based upon the date and time stamp received once the completed pre-application is submitted to the Occupancy Department.

Additional information is available by contacting the ACP Occupancy Department at 412 45 5 3 .

This event is for the Skyline Terrace, Lofts and Landings at Bentley and Addison Terrace Phase 3 communities ONLY and are completely separate from the HACP Housing Choice Voucher and Low Income Public Housing Programs.

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

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorpporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with respect to a corporation which was incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporation law of 1 . The name of he corporation is Shaffer eating ospitality roup, Inc.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Sports Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for DLCC Cooling Tower Improvements (trade package) as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to Linda Mihalic. Email lmihalic pittsburghcc.com; Telephone 412 325 1 .

Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below.

Bid Package Name: D CC Cooling Tower Improvements Bid Package Available: March 15, 2 1 Approximate alue: 5 , Time Date ocation for Pre Bid Meeting: 1 : a.m., Monday, March 2 , 2 1 , Sports Exhibition Authority, 1 1 1 th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Time Date ocation for Bid: 1:3 p.m., Monday, March 2 , 2 1 , SM , David . awrence Convention Center, 1 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222

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

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on April 4, 2 1 , until 2: P.M., local prevailing time for the following: Pittsburgh Langley K-8 Foundation aterproofing Classroom Renovations eneral, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Primes Documents available: March , 2 1 Pittsburgh Phillips K-5 Restroom, obby Safety Renovations eneral, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Primes Documents available: March 1 , 2 1 Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase at Modern Reproductions (412 4 ), 12 Mc ean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 1521 between : A.M. and 4: P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual. e are an equal rights and opportunity school district.

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Allegheny County Department of uman Services (D S) recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Family Emergency Shelter. Proposals are due by: 3 p.m. Eastern Time on April 24, 2 1 .

For more details and submission information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/ Human-Services/Resources/ Doing-Business/Solicitations(RFP/RFQ/RFI).aspx.

Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Allegheny County Department of uman Services (D S) recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Recovery ousing. Proposals are due by: 3 p.m. Eastern Time on April 24, 2 1 .

For more details and submission information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/ Human-Services/Resources/ Doing-Business/Solicitations(RFP/RFQ/RFI).aspx.

Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERNIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS (ACM) IFB# 300-10-17

The ousing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh ( ACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERNIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS (ACM) IFB# 300-10-17 The documents will be available no later than March 2 , 2 1 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 1 : a.m. on April , 2 1 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 1 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 2 , Pittsburgh, PA 1521 , at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 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 30, 2017 10:00 A.M. The ousing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

ACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title II, the Fair ousing Act, Section 5 4 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1 3, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA uman Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

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CLASSIFIEDS

MARCH 22-28, 2017

LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERNIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS PAINTING VACANT UNITS IFB# 300-11-17

INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERNIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS PAINTING VACANT UNITS IFB# 300-11-17 The documents will be available no later than March 20, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on April 7, 2017 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 Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 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 30, 2017 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.

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

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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS FOR VARIOUS UNITS IFB# 300-09-17

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS FOR VARIOUS UNITS IFB# 300-09-17 The documents will be available no later than March 20, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on April 7, 3017 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 Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 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 30, 2017 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.

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

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

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitations, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time April 11, 2017. Bids must be received in the hands of and clocked in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered.

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR Masonry Repair PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA80 All Bidders interested in submitting a bid in response to the solicitation for PWSA80 Masonry Repair are invited to attend a Site Visit on March 27, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.

EST. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held immediately following the Site Visit. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Bidders to ask questions. Bidders shall meet promptly at 10:00 a.m. at PWSA’s Central Warehouse, located at 202 26th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. and INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR 1-1/2” & 2” WATER METERS PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA81 All bids must be submitted in accordance with these solicitations that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to cjuratovic@pgh2o. com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be directed to Jim Tracey, Contract Specialist, via e-mail: jtracey@pgh2o.com, no later than April 4, 2017.

The Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sexual preference, sex, or national origin.

The bidders will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity.

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the opening of the bids.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any bid or bids. The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of bidders prior to any award and to award contracts only to contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work.

ROBERT WEIMAR, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Separate and sealed Proposals will be received at the Office of Procurement, Allegheny County Airport Authority, Department of Procurement, Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370 until 1:00 P.M. prevailing local time, MAY 10, 2017, and bids will be publicly opened and read by the Airport Authority in Conference Room A, Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370, one half hour later, for the following: ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PROJECT NUMBER 8G1-16 REPLACEMENT OF DEICING PAD C PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A pre-bid conference will be held in Conference Room A, Fourth Floor, in the Landside Building, Pittsburgh International Airport, at 10:00 a.m., on APRIL 6, 2017.

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

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

The non-refundable charge for the Bid Documents and a Disk containing the Plans and Specifications is $150.00; mailing can be arranged for an additional $75.00 charge.

This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PA UCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PA UCP web site: http://www.paucp.com The Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty [60] days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.

To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents visit www.flypittsburgh. com under doing business with us – business opportunities or call 412472-3543 or 412-472-3779.

Christina A. Cassotis Chief Executive Officer ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SONNY BOY

LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Bids/Proposals

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Document Imaging Software Support, Configuration, and Consulting Services RFP #200-13-17

CITY OF PITTSBURGH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION AND ENGINEERING ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA REQUEST FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES STATEMENTS OF INTEREST (SOI)

INVITATION TO BID WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Document Imaging Software Support, Configuration, and Consulting Services RFP #200-13-17 The documents will be available no later than March 20, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M., April 7, 2017 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 30, 2017 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s has revised their website.

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

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

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

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received by the Upper St. Clair Township School District in the Administrative Offices, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 until 11:00 am, prevailing time, April 5, 2017, and will be opened at the same hour.

Bids are requested for various supplies including: Art, home economics, industrial arts and lumber, music, physical education, science, and theatre.

Instructions along with specifications may be obtained upon application at the office of Mr. Scott P. Burchill, Director of Business & Finance, at the above address.

Upper St. Clair School District reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Scott P. Burchill, Secretary BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

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

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on April 4, 2017, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for the following: Pittsburgh Colfax K-8 Restroom Renovations Asbestos Abatement Prime Contract Project Manual and Drawings are available for purchase at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable.

Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

The Office of the Director of the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive Statements of Interest and Qualifications from experienced firms for preliminary engineering services until 4:00 p.m., on April 14, 2017, for the following: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT SIGNALS PHASE 3 PROJECT CITY OF PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY COUNTY BTE PROJECT NO. 02501 MPMS NO. 28180 Project consists of traffic signal upgrades at ten intersections in the City’s Central Business District as follows: Forbes Avenue and Armstrong Tunnel, Centre Avenue and Sixth Avenue, Ross Street and Sixth Avenue, William Penn Place and Oliver Avenue, William Penn Place and Sixth Avenue, William Penn Place and Seventh Avenue, Liberty Avenue and Fifth Avenue, Liberty Avenue and Seventh Street, Penn Avenue and Fifth Avenue, and Penn Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Project also includes an expansion of the fiberoptic system in the North Shore.

A full description of services and general requirements for submissions can be found on PennDOT’s ECMS web site: http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ ECMS/ GO TO SOLICITATIONS – CONSULTANTS – ADVERTISEMENTS – CBD SIGNALS PHASE 3 – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION OR L00263 All candidates must be a current registered Business Partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and must read and acknowledge “General Consultant Candidate Requirements and Information for City of Pittsburgh Sponsored Federally Funded Transportation Projects” before submitting a Statement of Interest. See web site: http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/ finance/General-ConsultantRequirements-for-CICA.pdf Consultant teams must comply with Section 177A.02 Equal Employment Opportunity Practice and Goals of the City of Pittsburgh, Code of Ordinances.

The City will be using the modified consultant selection process for securing the professional services.

The anticipated Notice to Proceed is December 1, 2017.

All questions and answers are required to go through ECMS’s “Questions and Responses” Forum.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) ADVERTISEMENT

The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh is soliciting Proposals from qualified respondents to provide Uniform Services as more fully described in the RFP document.

The RFP document will be available Tuesday, March 21, 2017 after 10:00 am EST on the Authority website at www.pittsburghparking. com. Printed copies may also be obtained at the Authority main office located at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

A pre-proposal meeting will be held at the Authority’s main office on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 10:00am EST. Teleconference calls will be permitted. Details to dial into the meeting are in the RFP. Submitted proposals are required to be in the Authority’s possession, in the form of four (4) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy, clearly marked and sealed by 3:00 pm EST on Monday April 3, 2017

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

The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, sealed bids for a single general prime contract with the Authority as follows: TRASH COMPACTORS REPLACEMENT Crumrine Tower, Washington, PA 15301 & Nathan Goff Jr. Apartments, North Charleroi, PA 15022 A certified check or bank draft, payable to the Washington County Housing Authority, a U.S. Government Bond, or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids will be received no later than 1:30 PM/EST ON TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017 at the Washington County Housing Authority, 100 Crumrine Tower, Franklin St., Washington, PA 15301 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Bids will be held by the Housing Authority for a period of not to exceed 60 days prior to contract award.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held: 10:00 AM/EST ON TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2017 Crumrine Tower Community Room, 100 Crumrine Tower, Franklin Street, Washington, PA 15301 Proposal Forms and a complete set of Contract Documents (Drawings and Specifications) are on file at the office of: Builders Exchange of Pittsburgh, 1813 N. Franklin St., Pittsburgh, PA. 15233, 412-922-4200 F. W. Dodge Corporation, 600 Waterfront Drive, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, 412-330-2200 Proposal Forms and a complete set of Contract Documents may be obtained by submitting payment and a written request to the office of Mavrovic Architects PC, 5001 Baum Blvd., Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, Ph: 412-687-1500; Fx: 412-687-7909. Bidder requesting Contract Documents shall stipulate format preference as either a paper copy or CD with PDF file(s).

A non-refundable fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) in the form of a business check or money order made payable to the Architect will be required and includes the cost of printing, handling, and standard USPS postage.

An additional non-refundable fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) is required if overnight shipping is specifically requested by the Contractor.

Neither the Washington County Housing Authority nor the Architect assumes any responsibility for delays or losses as a result of shipping the documents. At the Contractor’s request, arrangements can be made to pick up Contract Documents at the printer’s location for paper copy or at the Architect’s location for CD copy.

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

The Washington County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding.

STEPHEN K. HALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier

B7

MARCH 22-28, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

Yada, yada, yada. I have become quite depressed in regards to many of the “know-it-alls” that are sure that they are in the loop when it comes to the 2017 draft selections of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

There are bloggers, joggers, sloggers and foggers that in their minds may possess an imaginary source that gives them a leg up on Pittsburgh’s current 2017 draft class. However, many of these geniuses aren’t even comfortable setting up their own dates.

As a matter-of-fact, many of them are thrilled and get more kicks out of discussing football than having dinner and a drink unless the liaison was setup

Inside Conditions…Mockery by needadate.com.

That being said, there was a mid-1980s song titled, “When Boys’ Talk,” by the group InDeep. I am not going to quote the entire song but some of the lyrics went something like this: “You shot your mouth off boy, And now you know I’m the talk of the town.

You shot your mouth off boy you been spreadin’ those rumors around. You shot your mouth off boy, and now I find that I’m not alone. You shot your mouth off boy and then it’s something I should have known. When boys talk, they don’t talk politics.

When boys talk, they talk about their kicks.” When the Steelers lost the 2017 AFC championship game to the New England Patriots, there was one glaring

AUBREY BRUCE deficiency that was displayed and exploited last season as well as the previous several seasons. The secondary of the Steelers was almost non-existent and the pass rush had a sort of molasses vibe to it.

When the Steelers or any other defense decides to

employ a “zone” defense against any of the elite “master surgeon “quarterbacks” of the NFL, most of us can see those quarterbacks on the sideline when their defense is on the field opening up boxes filled with cans of “whoopass” to take with them when their offense gets back on the field.

The Steelers should trade up, or do anything that they have to do to put some “stick-em” on their hands and grab a top cornerback who has been a corner since midget league and not throw him into the fire but “make him the fire.” Pittsburgh needs an athlete that will cause opposing wide receivers to have a serious meltdown just at the thought of preparing to line up against

him. Pittsburgh needs a cornerback that will make the NFL change into the NFFL (National Flag Football League).

Man to man defense has to be changed into the “man-handler’s defense.”

If we keep shooting our mouths off just to be seen and heard, the real and vital needs of the Pittsburgh Steelers will never be addressed and the team will always be just above average. There can be no more “prevent” defense for Pittsburgh because in the end the only thing that it prevents is winning. There is an old misnomer that was coined by a Great American, Benjamin Franklin. This saying has been practiced by and repeated and used by many NFL defensive coor-

dinators over the past 50 years, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Well in the case of NFL defensive strategies, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of losing.”

Safety “zone” defenses have evolved into “demilitarized” zone defenses that quarterbacks rocket propelled grenade-like arms protected by tank-like offensive lineman, drip saliva at the thought of facing a weak zone defense.

The Steelers had better be foaming at the mouth at the prospect of getting a top corner or they will be a mouthwatering tidbit for the NFLs top defenses.

(Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)

Bell tops Steelers’ free-agent signings (AP)—The Pittsburgh Steelers remained the same as this years’ NFL free agency is underway.

Here’s an alphabetical list of players who are eligible.

Contract status will be updated as necessary.

Veteran defensive back and Pittsburgh native Darnelle Revis wants to finish his career with the Steelers, so it remains to be seen if the Steelers grant him his wish.

In the first round of free agency signing, the Steelers had no noted outside names but took care of their own especially with the signing of Le’Veon

Bell. Many are calling for the Steelers to either sign a big name defensive back or trade up to get a better defensive back in the draft.

The list of Steeleers: Le’Veon Bell, running back: Unrestricted free agent.

(UPDATE: The Steelers put the franchise tag on Bell. He will get a one-year tender equal to the average salary of the NFL’s five highest-paid running backs.)

Chris Boswell, kicker: Exclusive rights free agent.

(UPDATE: Signed 1-year deal to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Anthony Chickillo, line-

backer: Exclusive rights free agent.

(UPDATE: Signed 1-year deal to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Ross Cockrell, cornerback: Restricted free agent Jordan Dangerfield, safety: Exclusive rights free agent. (UPDATE: Signed 1-year deal to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Knile Davis, running back: Signed 1-year contract to join Pittsburgh.

(Played for Green Bay and Kansas City in 2016.)

B.J. Finney, center: Exclusive rights free agent. (UPDATE: Signed 1-year deal to stay with Pittsburgh.)

L.J. Fort, linebacker: Ex-

Sayers has been diagnosed with dementia KANSAS CITY, Mo.(AP)— Relatives of Pro Football Hall of Famer Gale Sayers say the Chicago Bears legend has been diagnosed with dementia.

His wife, Ardythe Sayers, told the Kansas City Star that her 73-year-old husband was diagnosed four years ago and she blames Sayers’ football career. He played for the Bears for seven seasons starting in 1965 after setting records at the University of Kansas.

Ardie Sayers and the rest of the family had made no secret of his condition, but hadn’t shared it publicly. In 2013, he asked to withdraw a lawsuit filed against the National Football League and a helmet maker that claimed they failed to prevent repeated head injuries. The lawsuit contended that Sayers claimed he suffers headaches, occasional short-term memory loss and other cognitive deficits because of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Sayers is regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history. The “Kansas Comet” played his entire career with the Bears, pil-

GALE SAYERS ing up 4,956 yards rushing in his 68-game career and was voted to four Pro Bowls. Sayers scored 22 touchdowns and 132 points in his first season, both then-rookie records.

Ardie Sayers recently determined that it’s important that his situation be known and understood to dispel false impressions.

While she considers Sayers physically healthy “as a horse” and notes he is working out with a trainer several days a week, she

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—You already know by now that the Dice had its final roll of the season last week as they fell to a talented, determined and revengeful Pine-Richland team by a score of 58-47. I was unable to make the game so I don’t have all the details, but questions are being asked as to why emerging star guard Jahi Ogbonna didn’t start the game, especially after coming off such a great performance against North Hills in the previous game. Stay tuned.

I’ll get ya some answers. That being said, congratulations to the Taylor Allderdice squad for a great season. The best to the seniors as they go on to college and continue their student athlete careers. :09—You can mark your calendars now for the 4th Annual Pittsburgh City League High School All-Sports Hall of Fame Inductions. The very strong, almost definite, more than likely tentative scheduled date is set for Saturday, Oct. 21. #1 – The first three years standing room only sell-out crowd should tell you all you need to know about getting ready. #2 – Now is

added, “That brain controls everything, Doesn’t it?”

His brother, Roger Sayers, said in a phone interview from Omaha, Nebraska, that it’s “tough” to “build memories all your life, and the next thing you know you don’t remember anything.”

While family and friends were attributing his increasing forgetfulness to the normal aging process, others recognized vulnerability.

“You have people who have a little less moral stature than you would like to see in society,” Roger Sayers said of people the family realized had taken advantage of his brother in various ways.

Ardie Sayers has been moving her husband home from a facility he’d been staying in for the last few months. She added, “I felt like I could do better here— give him more attention, give him more of the things he needs. I don’t want him to be just sitting around doing nothing.

“No, he’s still got a lot going for himself, and I don’t want him to forget it.”

clusive rights free agent Xavier Grimble, tight end: Exclusive rights free agent.

(UPDATE: Signed 1-year deal to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Cobi Hamilton, wide receiver: Exclusive rights free agent. (UPDATE: Signed 1-year deal to stay with Pittsburgh.)

James Harrison, linebacker: Unrestricted free agent. (UPDATE: Signed 2-year contract to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Chris Hubbard, guard: Restricted free agent Justin Hunter, wide receiver: Signed 1-year contract to join Steelers.

(Played for Miami and Buffalo in 2016.)

David Johnson, tight end: Unrestricted free agent.

(UPDATE: Signed 2-year contract to stay with PittsCopyright 2017 by The Associ- burgh.)

Steven Johnson, linebackated Press

Overtime

LE’VEON BELL er: Unrestricted free agent.

(UPDATE: Signed 1-year contract to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Jarvis Jones, linebacker: Unrestricted free agent.

(UPDATE: Signed 1-year contract with Arizona Cardinals.)

Landry Jones, quarterback: Unrestricted free agent. (UPDATE: Signed 2-year contract to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Ricardo Mathews, defensive end: Unrestricted free agent Roosevelt Nix, fullback: Exclusive rights free agent.

(UPDATE: Signed 1-year contract to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Coty Sensabaugh, cornerback: Signed 2-year contract to join Pittsburgh.

(Played for L.A. Rams and N.Y. Giants in 2016).

Shamarko Thomas, safety: Unrestricted free agent

your time to nominate the than this one…D-line: Joe best of the best to be inductGreene, Dwight White, L.C. ed. #3 – Call or text 412Greenwood, Ernie Holmes.

628-4856 your top male or Linebackers: Jack Ham, female City League legend Jack Lambert, Robin Cole. for consideration.

D-backs: Mel Blount (The :08—And I’m still telling Rule Changer), J.T. Thomya to go see “Get Out.” I’ve as, Mike Wagner and Donseen it twice and might go ny Shell. C’mon man, four again. I’m trying to tell ya! rings, count ‘em!

But you don’t want to lis:04—Ya’ll know Kevin ten.

Cameron right…you know :07—The only thing that “The Professional’s Professuper star D-back hasn’t sional.” done is go to the Rooney Well, we’re at his fabulous office and say sign me up! house shooting pool the He’s all but said playing other night…what? None here would be a dream of your business where he BILL NEAL come true. C’mon Steelers, lives. Just listen. Anyway, do something I want sometimes. yours truly made it to the semi-finals of :06—I’m sure I don’t have to tell you the single elimination home grown tourthis, but I guess you know that New En- nament, but that’s not the story. Ya’ll gland has re-booted as if they lost know I got stick! The story here is a tip the Super Bowl. Remind you of anybody? of the hat to the Aliquippa native for reelYep, the ‘70 Steelers. Drafting the best tal- ing in that steel town competitive edge ent and throwing waves of it at ya! and conceding a questionable call to his :05—Speaking of them, I’m still wait- partner Terrence Brown for the champiing for you to give me a better line-up onship. Now that’s how a host should roll

Lawrence Timmons, linebacker: Unrestricted free agent. (UPDATE: Agreed to 2-year contract with Miami Dolphins.)

Fitzgerald Toussaint, running back: Exclusive rights free agent.

(UPDATE: Signed 1-year contract to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Alejandro Villanueva, offensive tackle: Exclusive rights free agent Cody Wallace, center/ guard: Unrestricted free agent Greg Warren, long snapper: Unrestricted free agent. (UPDATE: Signed 1-year deal to stay with Pittsburgh.)

Markus Wheaton, wide receiver: Unrestricted free agent (UPDATE: Signed 2-year deal with Chicago Bears) DeAngelo Williams, running back: Unrestricted free agent

and the wings were good too…what? :03—If you just woke up and you’re trying to hold onto that lie that your bracket is still good, Villanova is good and Louisville just bit the dust. See-ya!!! :02—Cid the Kid Crosby has a natural hat trick, now only second to Mario. And he’s not done with Jagr, the ageless wonder, and the desperate Florida boys. (You didn’t know I knew that stuff huh?…Me neither, but if you write long enough, it just flows. :01—Look, I can’t say a lot here because I have to do some background work the Savoy/Courier brotherhood, but know this, Friday, March 24th is the who’s who black tie affair and you don’t want to miss it. And starting Friday, March 31st and every Friday, we’ll be “Stompin at the Savoy” 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. - Dress to Impress - $10 cover – cash bar – cash kitchen – slim menu – valet & street parking – “D.J. Mighty Man,” prizes and surprises – first come first seat…and Pittsburgh’s most beautiful women. Call 412-628-4856, 412292-1753 for information – A.B.N.P.B. Production. ~ GAME OVER ~

B8

PEOPLE

MARCH 22-28, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Bike Pittsburgh presents Women and Biking Forum

VICTORIA ROBINSON On Saturday April 1, Bike Pittsburgh will host the 4th Annual Women and Biking Forum presented by Dollar Bank. The forum will be held at the Ace Hotel Ballroom from 10 a.m-3 p.m.

The forum will feature guest keynote speaker Victoria Robinson, the Black

Girls Do Bike’s first “Shero”—who grew her Florida chapter from nothing to a community of over 200 people committed to creating an inclusive cycling movement for women of color. The goal of the Women and Biking Forum is to lower the barriers to

MAKE SURE BIKES ARE IN GOOD REPAIR (Photos courtesy of Bike Pittsburgh) bicycling for all women and those who are gender non-conforming.

Women of all ages and skill levels will have a choice of a variety of workshops. These range from learning the basics of bike mechanics, getting around town comfortably and con-

fidently, methods to access athletic bike events, or becoming a stronger advocate for safe cycling.

Forum registration includes the day’s events of workshops and a keynote speaker, lunch, and a post-forum celebratory bike ride. Bike Pittsburgh

will also be offering a women’s-only City Cycling class the following day to practice on-bike skills and strategies for confidence building and safety. From navigating traffic patterns to effective braking methods, this class is intended for riders who

know how to ride a bike, and are looking for instruction on how to operate it safely on city streets.

(To register for the event see BikePGH’s online event page http://bikepgh.org/forum or call the BikePGH office at 412325-4334.)

Keyva Clark heads Peduto campaign

BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION—Sasebo, Japan Capt. Jeffrey Ward, center, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), and representatives of the ship’s Heritage Committee participate in a cake cutting following an African American/Black History Month celebration on the ship’s mess decks. Bonhomme Richard, forward, deployed to Sasebo, Japan, is serving forward to provide a rapid-response capability in the event of a regional contingency or natural disaster. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeanette Mullinax/Released)

KEYVA CLARK Keyva Clark has been selected as the campaign manager for Mayor Bill Peduto re-election is campaign.

“Our team reflects and deeply believes in a city that is diverse and inclusive—a Pittsburgh that works for everyone.”

They also love the city and are working together to help keep Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,” Peduto said.

Taking her first position in this role in a campaign, Clark recently served as a regional field director for For Our Future—a progressive organization that

supported progressive candidates in Allegheny County. Her campaign experience also includes stints with city council and state assembly races in the DC area. Clark was formerly a Pittsburgh Coro Fellow, where she focused on regional and equitable development.

Through her Coro experience, she was deeply immersed in each of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods.

Other members of the team are Chazz Aden, Fatema Juma, Symone Saul, Cameron Cochran, Julie Hallinan and Tara Jerry.