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America’s best weekly Black Bottom Film Festival 2017

Entertainer A6

Foster among 9 Shady Side National Merit Scholarship finalists

People A10

WPIAL playoffs roundup

Sports B7

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Vol. 108 No. 10

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Published Weekly

MARCH 8-14, 2017

POISE releases Neighborhoods of Choice report

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

While Pittsburgh is frantically seeking solutions to the employment, transportation—and particularly—affordable housing issues facing low-income African Americans throughout the city, it is simultaneously trying to recruit and retain millennial, middle-income Blacks to create a diverse culture and fill the increasing number of financial, tech, healthcare and en-

“We don’t often hear from the Black professional class—they do exist here, but as you can see from the report, it is spread so thin that it is almost invisible.”

MARK LEWIS POISE president and ceo

ergy jobs going unfilled for lack of skills.

A report recently released by the POISE Foundation indicates that it needs pay more attention to this population, if it wants them to stay here.

African American Neighborhoods of Choice is a research group formed by community development practitioners Karen Abrams, Majestic Lane and Knowledge Hudson SEE POISE A4

MARK LEWIS

Daniels named to MWDBE Hall of Fame

$1.00

14 of 19 homicides Black lives

16-year-old among autogenocide rate of 74 percent

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writers

February’s youngest homicide victim was a 16-year-old Black male. Its youngest killer was an 18-year-old who, along with three other Blacks no older than 20, beat a Somali cab driver to death for his money.

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff writer

As a model of success herself, and for her years of supporting and promoting the achievements of Black businesses and entrepreneurs—often in the pages of the New Pittsburgh Courier— the Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Governmental Committee has named Diane Daniels to its hall of fame.

“Diane is just so involved throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County and so supportive of our committee, we felt DIANE DANIELS she deserved to be celebrated for all she’s done,” said Kim Evans, Committee vice chair.

“All the nonprofits, women- and minority-owned businesses she’s spotlighted, her works speaks for itself.”

The enshrinement took place during the committee’s celebration of its 20th year in existence at its 16th annual conference at the Rivers Casino. Daniels said she was honored to be recognized for her efforts.

“I have always enjoyed attending, and covering the event and the people and businesses there,” SEE DANIELS A5

THE WELCOME TABLE—Standing, from left: Olivia Blackburn, DaJanae Archie and D.J. Kyles. Seated, from left: Rebecka Sharp, Randi James and Ricquel Cottrell. (Photo by Jackie McDonald)

Young adults create program to guide community youth

by Jackie McDonald For New Pittsburgh Courier

A newly organized group of young adults in the city of Pittsburgh who are calling themselves RNDRT (Reaching New Dreams and Recognizing Talents) recently held a rally at the Wyndam Hotel, in Oakland, to help guide and direct young people in a positive direction.

The group, led by youth leader Gregory Coleman, endeavors

to host youth and young adult focused events throughout the city in hopes of influencing or shifting their dreams and talents in a positive direction. Coleman said they seek to clarify to young people that partying is great, but only a temporary experience.

While listening to the backdrop music provided by Tevin Bell, the young people had the opportunity to acquire information from Carlow University Admissions Counselor David L. Gordon and

Nathaniel M. Brown, who is president and CEO of 5A Elite, a Youth Empowerment group that promotes holistic wellness.

“I Am Black Excellence” Tshirts were available for purchase at the welcome table. The young adults and teens in attendance at the free of charge gathering experienced impacting success stories, testimonies, spoken word performances and musical entertainment from their peers.

(See photos on A5)

Opera, Gibson Foundation promote ‘The Summer King’

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

At the end of April, the Pittsburgh Opera will bring to life characters like Cool Papa Bell, Gus Greenlee, and the Pittsburgh Courier’s own Wendell Smith as it stages the world premiere of the original opera about the life of Negro League Baseball legend Josh Gibson, “The Summer King.”

To promote the historic production, the Josh Gibson Foundation and the Pittsburgh Opera recently held a series of community events highlighting the production, including stops in the Hill District and Homestead, where Josh

Gibson played, and at the Pittsburgh Project near where Josh Gibson grew up on Charles Street.

The events included panel discussions with opera and foundation members, a video greeting from composer Daniel Sonenberg and performances by some of the actors in the production, including Alfred Walker, who plays Josh Gibson.

“A lot of you may not know that the Pittsburgh Opera has been around 78 years and this is the first ever world premiere. That alone is historic and to have an opera based on an African American male here in Pittsburgh is historic MAKING IT HAPPEN—From left: Moderator and executive director of the Pittsburgh Project William Thompkins, Sean Gibson, Christopher Hahn and Alfred Walker actor. (Photo by J.L. SEE GIBSON A4 Martello)

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The New Pittsburgh Courier has compiled these grim statistics for seven years because if Black lives truly matter, then the community must stop the autogenocide that annually takes far more lives than racist police. It will continue to do so.

Last month, there were 10 homicides in Allegheny County.

Seven of those victims—including one killed five years ago and just identified—were Black.

To put it into perspective, last month’s number reflects that 70 percent of the homicides were Black lives.

SEE HOMICIDES A4

Rashad Byrdsong honored at Black History celebration Rashad Byrdsong, president and CEO of Community Empowerment Association, was the 2017 recipient of the Homer S. Brown Spirit Award at the Annual Black History Month celebration given by the Homer S. Brown Division of the Allegheny County Bar Association on Feb. 28.

This award is presented to an individual or organization who has exhibited leadership qualities, as well as a commitment to the promotion of equality and the advancement of justice among the African American community.

The Spirit Award allows the HSBD to seize the opportunity to honor accomplishments of those who have positively affected African Americans in every area of endeavor throughout history.

Byrdsong is nationally known for his innovation in building coalitions. An advocate for social justice, he is devoted to generating tangible benefits for African American communities where a SEE BYRDSONG A4

Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick says

Trump’s election propels Black people together, why?

Forum B4

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INTERNATIONAL

MARCH 8-14, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

‘YES WE CAN’—American Sarah Wachter speaks to The Associated Press during an interview next to a campaign poster with the picture of former U.S. President Barack Obama reading in French “yes we can” in Paris, Friday, March 3. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Campaigners urging Obama to run for French president

by Samuel Petrequin Associated Press Writer

PARIS (AP)—“Oui on peut!”

The slogan on posters in Paris streets translates as “Yes We Can!” Heard that before?

The people behind the campaign are urging former U.S President Barack Obama to join the French presidential race.

Their online petition has already attracted more than 45,000 signatures in

10 days and they hope to reach a million supporters

by March 15.

With the buildup to the April-May presidential election so far dominated by the corruption investigation targeting conservative Francois Fillon, organizers say they want to inject a dose of humor in the campaign.

Though widely popular in France, Obama has no chance of success. He is not French and has no right to take part in the

race.

Sarah Wachter, an American who has lived in France since 1999, sees the petition as a positive sign for France.

“People want change but they want the right kind of change. Change that is inclusive, change that is human but change that is also open to the world and that is a very delicate balance to strike,” she told AP. “But I think that Obama has done that in the United States.”

Maryland woman detained in Gambia returns to US

BACK WITH FAMILY—Fanta Jawara, center, a Maryland woman imprisoned last year while visiting her native Gambia, breaks down upon being reunited with her family on Thursday evening March 2,, at the international arrival area of Dulles International Airport, in Frederick, Md. From left: children Aminata and Sarah and her husband, Ebrima Jawara. (Dan Gross /The Frederick News-Post via AP)

FREDERICK, Md. (AP)—A Maryland woman imprisoned last year while visiting her native Gambia is back with her family in the United States.

News outlets report that Fanta Jawara arrived at Dulles International Airport on Thursday night, embracing her husband and daughters and greeting a crowd of supporters.

She says she’s “happy to be home.”

Jawara is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Frederick. She and 17 others were sentenced to three years in prison after their arrest on charges of unlawful assembly, conspiracy and incitement to violence during an April anti-government protest.

Jawara contends she was a bystander.

She was released on bond in December after strongman ruler Yahya Jammeh lost the presidential election to Adama Barrow.

Jammeh stepped down Jan. 21 after a tense political standoff, clearing the way for Jawara’s return.

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For the week of Feb. 8-14 March 8 1977—Henry L. Marsh III is elected the first Black mayor of Richmond, Va. Before becoming mayor of the capital of the old confederacy, Marsh had made a name for himself confronting the city’s White power structure as a civil rights attorney. He also served in the state senate.

1993—Jazz great Billy Eckstine dies at 78 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Eckstine came to fame in the 1940s and 1950s as a singer and bandleader who worked with some of the greatest names of the era including Louis Armstrong and Lena Horne. He was one of the greatest influences BILLY ECKSTINE upon modern jazz and B-bop. Among his best known ballads were “Everything I Have Is Yours,” “Blue Moon,” “Caravan” and “That Old Black Magic.”

March 9 1841—The U.S. Supreme Court rules that Joseph Cinque and his fellow mutineers are free men. Along with several of his Mendi tribesmen, Cinque, son of an African king, had been captured and sold into slavery. But in 1839, he led a revolt on the Spanish slave ship Amistad, killed the captain and seized control of the ship. However, a U.S. military ship seized the Amistad off the coast of Long Island, N.Y. The seizure led to protracted court battles in which Cinque and his men were charged with murder. But in an unusual ruling for its day, the high court held, in effect, that the men had a human right to try to escape bondage and allowed them to return to Africa.

1871—Noted Black politician Oscar De Priest is born in Florence, Ala. After moving to Chicago, he becomes a major political force in the city serving on the board of commissioners and then on the city council (1915-1917). However, De Priest became a national political figure when he was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1928. Throughout his years of political service he was known as “a persuasive agent for the Black masses.” Oscar Stanton De Priest died in 1951.

1931—Walter F. White is named executive secretary of the NAACP. The Atlanta, Ga.-born White was arguably the most devoted and determined person ever to head the civil rights organization and was easily one of the top Black leaders of the first half of the 20th century. The light-complexioned and blue-eyed White also became a legend in 1919 when he “passed for White” in order to investigate a race riot in Elaine, Ark., which had left over 100 Blacks dead. He barely escaped with his life when news leaked out as to who he was. A train conductor, thinking he was White, is said to have joked with him saying, “You’re leaving too early. The fun is about to start. The boys are going to lynch a yellow Nigger passing for White.”

1997—Rap artist The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) is shot to death in Los Angeles, Calif., as a result of an alleged eastcoast-west-coast dispute in the Rap music industry. The killing has never been solved criminally. But a civil suit in Los Angeles federal court accused two rouge Los Angeles police officers of arranging the drive-by shooting that led to his death.

March 10 1913—The “greatest conductor of the Underground Railroad” HarTHE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. AND P. DIDDY riet Tubman dies on this day in Auburn, N.Y. Born in slavery in Dorchester County, Md., in 1819 or 1820, Harriet was raised in harsh conditions including being whipped as a small child. But even as a child she was a person of strong wild and principle. For example, at age 12 she received a severe blow to the head from a White overseer when she refused to help tie up a slave who had tried to escape.

Around age 30, fearing she was about to be sold into the Deep South, Tubman escaped to Canada. But she returned to Maryland on numerous occasions helping family members and over 300 other slaves escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad. She frequently threatened to shoot any slave who became frightened and wanted to turn back.

1969—The man officially convicted of assassinating civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pleads guilty to the crime on this day. However, James Earl Ray, promptly tried to withdraw the plea suggesting that there had actually been a government (or FBI) conspiracy to assassinate King which involved the Mafia and members of the right-wing Cuban exile community in Florida. Ray admitted buying the rifle and renting the room in the Memphis, Tenn., flophouse from where the deadly shot was fired.

But he maintained he gave the rifle to a mysterious man named Raoul. The House Select Committee on Assassinations would later conclude that Ray fired the shot but was probably part of a broader conspiracy.

1972—The first modern National Black Political Convention began on this day in Gary, Ind. It drew over 3,000 delegates and 500 observers as well as participation from just about every major Black political and civil rights organization in the nation. However, some moderate civil rights groups, like the NAACP, withdrew after the convention adopted resolutions critical of busing and Israeli racism against the Palestinians.

2010—Researchers at the University of New Hampshire declare 2010 the “tipping point” year when for the first time in history the number of babies born to minority women outnumbered the number born to White women. They project that the nation’s population will be majority Hispanic, Black and Asian in 40 years.

March 11 1874—Charles Sumner, one of the greatest White heroes of Black history, dies at age 63. Sumner was born to a prominent Boston family, graduated from Harvard and became a lawyer. However, he gradually became involved in politics as a powerful orator against slavery. For his efforts he was brutally beaten in the Capitol Building by a South Carolina Congressman in May 1856. But he was not deterred. He made it clear that his political career was dedicated to the “destruction of the Southern slave-owing aristocracy” and, along with Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, he was a leader of the “Radical Republicans” who led the political battles to end slavery and fought for Black rights after the Civil War. It was Sumner who introduced the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery in America.

He was also among those who proposed aiding the economic advancement of the former slaves by giving each Black “40 acres and a mule” through the use of government land and by seizing land from the former slave owners. Congress refused to pass that measure.

1959—Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun” opens on Broadway at the Barrymore Theatre with Sidney Portier and Claudia McNeil in the starring roles. With 530 performances, the play became the longest running African-American written play in Broadway history. It was also the first Broadway hit written by an African-American woman. It became a movie in 1961. Hansberry’s promising career was cut short by cancer in 1965. She was only 34.

March 12 1773—This is the most probable date when Black explorer Jean Baptiste Pointe de Sable begins building the settlement which would eventually become the city of Chicago, Ill. The Haitian-born de Sable would over time become a man of considerable wealth owning commercial buildings, docks, trading posts and a mansion. De Sable was the product or a French man and an African woman. He died Aug. 19, 1818.

1791—Pierre Charles L’Enfant is commissioned to design and layout the nation’s capital city—Washington, D.C. However, a dispute with President George Washington forces his departure the very next year. Thus, the final design and layout fell to Black inventor and mathematician Benjamin Banneker. Although two White men were nominally in charge of the project, historical records show that it was Banneker’s mathematical skills and his memory of L’Enfant’s plans that enabled the project to be completed.

1955—One of the chief founders of modern Jazz, Charlie “Yardbird” Parker, dies on this day in New York City. Parker is widely considered “the greatest Jazz saxophonist of all time.” His death at 35 was reportedly a result of pneumonia worsened by drug and alcohol abuse.

1964—Legendary Black leader Malcolm X formally separates from the Elijah Muhammad-led Nation of Islam although his initial statement of resignation was given March 8. The separation was triggered by growing differences over Islam and the proper role of religion in the Black liberation struggle as well as by Malcolm’s objections to Elijah Muhammad’s infidelities. Less than a year later, Malcolm was assassinated by men allegedly connected with a Nation of Islam mosque in New Jersey.

March 13 1794—Eli Whitney patents the Cotton Gin—a device which made cotton production much more profitable by more efficiently separating the seed from the cotton. The invention had the effect of extending the life of slavery in the South. However, there remains a historical dispute as to whether Whitney actually invented the cotton gin as most history books claim. There is some evidence that Whitney’s entire idea was based on a device developed by slaves laboring on the Georgia plantation of Catherine Green.

Whitney, a lawyer, worked briefly for Green. And it was while working for her that he allegedly invented the Cotton Gin. 1868—The impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson began in the United States Senate. The ultimate failure to convict and oust Johnson from the presidency was a major setback for the recently freed slaves. Even though he was Abraham Lincoln’s vice president, Johnson actually favored the former slave owners and the continuation of White power in the South. He was also opposed to Blacks having the right to vote. Although the impeachment and trial weakened him, his continuation as president helped pave the way for the emerging power of the Ku Klux Klan and the denial of rights to Blacks.

1932—The first Black daily newspaper begins publication. The paper was the Atlanta Daily World and it was founded by William A. Scott III. March 14 1821—The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is officially formed in New York City. However, the church had been actually operating since 1796. A decision to officially separate from the White-controlled Methodist Church was reached in 1820. The dispute centered in part on the refusal of the Whites to allow Black ministers to preach.

Among the founders were James Varnick, Abraham Thompson and June Scott.

1977—One of the unsung heroines of the Civil Rights Movement, Fannie Lou Hamer, dies on this day in 1977. Hamer, the youngest of 20 children born in Ruleville, Miss., became active in voter registration and later became Mississippi field secretary for the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee as well as head of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. She also coined the phrase, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

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MARCH 8-14, 2017

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No spark in Trump address to Congress, for many

by Charles D. Ellison

is like ‘wow, look at that, he’s being such a good boy.’

So, I’m not falling for that Even as President Donald act.”

Still, others could not Trump uttered the words help but admit that the “Black History Month,” president’s performance “civil rights” and “hate was a clever departure crimes” during his first from his normally erratic, speech before a joint gathoff-script and firebrand ering of Congress, it still style. Most in the Black powasn’t enough to alleviate litical space stopped short the concerns of the Black of saying “he was presidenpolitical community. tial,” the response in the Indeed, to many, the first mainstream pundit space. moments of Trump’s joint But many did note that the address Feb. 28 seemed surreal to many observers. president had displayed deft political trade craft in The president appeared his speech. disciplined and restrained Political speeches are as use of the teleprompter seemed apparent. But rhe- judged by preparation, torical flourishes of concern content, delivery, tone and tenor with an umbrella of throughout what’s been aspiration. described as, arguably, as To Peter Groff, former Donald Trump’s most effecObama administration tive political speech since official and a former state announcing his candidacy, elected official, “the presdid nothing to assuage or ident hit nearly all those win over anxious Black markers.” politicians and thought “For the first time since leaders who watched in becoming president looked side-eye dismay inside the and sounded presidential,” House chamber and on he said. “For six weeks he television. looked small in the office If they even bothered to and needed to show some watch it. presidential discipline.”

And while the general The question, for Groff observation of the zeitgeist and others, is if can mainwas that Trump’s speech tain this sudden spurt of was a stroke of political maturity by staying off genius and theater, the Twitter, refraining from general mood of many in the Black political and civil name calling and limiting what observers view as rights community was of an incessant search for skepticism. political scapegoats and “Sure, if you like great bogeyman. political theater, it was a For the most part, good speech,” quipped the National Action Network’s Trump’s address was met with deep skepticism Rev. Al Sharpton. “But, from Black lawmakers, here’s where we need to separate the tone from the constituents and experts alike who are bracing for substance. There wasn’t a broad assault on Black really any substance.” policy priorities from the “And, everyone is talking about how well behaved he Affordable Care Act to voting rights. was,” he added. “He’s like “The president made that bad kid in the classseveral bold statements room who’s always getting that contradict his actions in trouble and then one over the first 40 days of day he miraculously stops misbehaving and everyone his presidency,” said Rep.

Dwight Evans (D-PA).

“Actions speak louder than words. I am unwilling to comprise on my core values, which provide working class families who continue to struggle the opportunity to get ahead.”

Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA), who deliberately avoided the event altogether as a form of protest and opted to watch it on TV, said, “President Trump wants to repeal and replace Obamacare, but the Republicans can’t agree on a plan. The president has said he wants to preserve Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The Republicans want to dismantle them. The president wants to build a wall along the southern border. The Republicans can’t agree on how to pay for it or if it should even be built.

The president wants a $1 trillion dollar infrastruc-

ture bill. The Republicans do not like public spending and would rather provide tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.”

To many, it did not go unnoticed that even as he kicked off his joint address with the public nod to Black History Month, only hours before his Attorney General Jeff Sessions had withdrawn Justice Department lawyers from pursuing what was once a spirited federal litigation push against a controversial Texas Voter ID law. And, quietly, while few were watching, the president signed off the day before on rules reversing an Obama administration regulation placing rigid restrictions on the ability of mentally ill or financially destitute individuals to purchase a firearm.

And many were still seething from what they

described as the president’s photo-opping shenanigans with Historically Black Colleges and University presidents the day before.

After a controversial Oval Office photo including Trump, his senior advisor Kellyanne Conway (straddled on knees on a couch) and a large gathering of HBCU presidents, the leaders of Black schools were only able to walk out with an executive order centralizing HBCU affairs in the White House and the promise of an “HBCU Summit.”

There were no increases in funding or promises to re-expand Pell Grants into the summer.

But of concern to some experts is that the president’s aggressive anti-immigrant messaging and diatribes on rising crime in America’s cities might eventually resonate with some African

Americans who are visibly frustrated by either issue.

The president and Republicans in state legislatures already seemed engaged in a tag-teaming pincer move as both threaten to pull federal and state funding from so-called “sanctuary cities,” a strategy that could weaken Democratic political machines in urban areas. And while Blacks nationwide are concerned about police violence, they’re also concerned about the structural violence that continues to plague certain communities.

“This is an area where Democrats miss the mark,” says Quinnipiac University political science professor Khalilah Brown-Dean.

“Perception matters more than reality.” Brown-Dean points out that Democrats can seem detached from the suffering of families dealing with urban crime when their response to Trump focuses on historical crime trends.

Brown-Dean worries that Republicans could be using issues like immigration— which is widely viewed as a Latino issue—to pit one group against the other, as well as crime to seem as if they’re empathizing with Blacks living in struggling urban areas. It could be one reason explaining why a recent YouGov/Economist poll showed Black favorability ratings at 18 percent —double what it was on Nov. 7, 2016, a day before the election.

“It’s a space where Republicans feel they can start increasing their public support amongst Black voters,” says Brown-Dean.

Still, by the following week, the same YouGov/ Economist poll showed Black support dipping back to 11 percent, almost back to where it was in 2016.

The group is also concerned that the department’s reversal of its legal position in a Texas voting rights case could mean other cases are in jeopardy. In that case, the Justice Department said it would no longer argue that Texas law was intended to discrim-

inate against minorities, a break from the agency’s position under the Obama administration.

Sessions has not said what he would do in the case of a North Carolina measure that an appeals court said targeted minority voters to make it harder

for them to cast ballots. The Obama Justice Department had challenged the law.

As a U.S. senator, Sessions repeatedly sounded alarms over voting fraud and challenged Justice Department attorneys over whether they were pursuing it aggressively enough.

Brooks said he encouraged Sessions to appoint a strong voice to head up the department’s Civil Rights Division, someone who would be “a cop on the beat when it comes to civil rights.” He said Sessions offered no indication of whom he might choose.

by Philadelphia Tribune

FIRST ADDRESS—President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 28, as Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. listen. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

NAACP sounds alarm on ‘decline’ in civil rights commitment

by Sadie Gurman Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)— Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been on the job less than a month, but has already made some civil rights groups nervous by indicating the Justice Department will likely soften its focus on protecting voter rights and monitoring troubled police departments.

The head of the NAACP met with Sessions Friday at the attorney general’s request. The private meeting was held the same week Sessions suggested the Justice Department would back away from federal investigations of local police departments. The agency this week also abandoned an Obama-era challenge to a key aspect of Texas’ voter ID law, which is among the toughest in the nation.

“He said we would agree on some things and disagree on others, and he was committed to enforcing civil rights law as he sees it,” said NAACP President Cornell William Brooks after the 30-minute meeting in Sessions’ office.

The Justice Department declined to comment on the meeting, which Sessions arranged in his first days on

the job.

Sessions has moved swiftly to set the Justice Department on a strikingly different path from his Democratic-appointed predecessors, and dramatic changes are already being felt in the area of civil rights.

Civil rights investigations of police departments, for example, were a staple at the Justice Department under President Barack Obama in a bid to overhaul troubled law enforcement agencies after racially charged encounters. The Obama administration repeatedly sought court-enforceable improvement plans known as consent decrees.

But Sessions said this week he believes that kind of intense federal scrutiny could hinder officers’ ability to aggressively fight crime.

Brooks said the attorney general reiterated concern that a lack of respect for police has hurt officer morale and led to a spike in crime.

“I told him, police chiefs will tell you, consent decrees give them the permission to do the things they know they should do,” Brooks said. “Why would the Department of Justice stand in the way of that?”

SOUNDING THE ALARM—NAACP President Cornell William Brooks speaks outside the Justice Department in Washington, March 4, following a meeting with Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Brooks said he met with Sessions over concerns that recent policy changes “signal a threatening decline” in the Justice Department’s commitment to civil rights. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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MARCH 8-14, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

POISE releases Neighborhoods of Choice report CONTINUED FROM A1

in 2011 to explore the challenges this presented to middle-class African American professionals who were living in Pittsburgh or moving to the region for educational and professional opportunities.

They asked why are Black millennials leaving; what factors determine whether they stay or go, and what are the desirable characteristics of neighborhoods that would make African Americans who have a choice in where they live decide to live there?

The results of their investigation, supported by the Heinz Endowments and the POISE Foundation, and conducted and compiled with the help of the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social and Urban Research, they hope, will be used to do three things: •Give a voice to a silent but essential segment within Pittsburgh’s African American population; •Serve as a guide for other underrepresented groups to continue to increase the ethnic and racial diversity throughout the

Pittsburgh region; and •Initiate policies, programs and projects that address the desires of this group.

Researchers mapped neighborhoods by crime rate, educational attainment levels, racial diversity, and conducted three surveys—two by mail, one online—covering issues including transportation, jobs, schools, housing types and availability, costs, amenities, cultural and entertainment venues, and—specifically—the gentrification in East Liberty.

What the surveys revealed was that 27 percent of young African American professionals would “probably or definitely not” recommend their neighborhood. Also, 38 percent of this group said they had difficulty finding people they were happy socializing with.

The survey also revealed what had been the impetus for the study in the first place: “Among Non-African Americans, twothirds (67 percent) indicated they would likely remain in their current neighbor-

hood, while only 48 percent of African Americans agreed. Young professional African Americans were least likely to remain in their current neighborhoods (42 percent), and most likely to move out of the Pittsburgh region altogether. Thirty percent indicated they would likely move out of the Pittsburgh region versus 25 percent of all African Americans and 13 percent of Non-African Americans.”

One of the biggest problems in this regard was summed up by a respondent to a question on diversity: “In Pittsburgh, the mixed-income neighborhoods are White, whereas Black neighborhoods are low-income.”

In summary, the report concludes unsurprisingly that millennial, African American professionals want what everyone does: good affordable housing, in a safe environment with available transportation options, readily available amenities and services, good schools, and a sense of community.

However, it adds, “An African American middle-class neighborhood in Pittsburgh is not readily available.”

Among the further research recommended: finding solutions on improving traditional Black communities without pricing people out, and attracting African Americans residents to neighborhoods that aren’t traditionally Black.

POISE President and CEO Mark Lewis said though the report contains few surprises, it is information and that provides a baseline, and he wants it in as many hands as possible.

“We don’t often hear from the Black professional class—they do exist here, but as you can see from the report, it is spread so thin that it is almost invisible,” he said.

“This focused on the city. So, going forward I’d like to see a phase 2 that looks at the county and region. With half of the Blacks in the region living outside the city, and two-thirds of the Black wealth out there, I think it’s needed.”

Opera, Gibson Foundation promote ‘The Summer King’ CONTINUED FROM A1

itself,” said foundation Executive Director Sean Gibson. “A lot of people know the baseball side of Josh’s life playing for the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawford. This shows the family man, the am, the legacy outside of baseball— the single parent whose wife died in childbirth delivering his twins.”

Outside of his personal connection to the production, Sean Gibson said he hopes having kids seeing African Americans like Walker playing his great-grandfather might spark an interest.

“To see someone of the same race perform like this maybe our kids coming to the matinee will say this is

something I’d like to do,” he said.

Opera Director Christopher Hahn said outside of Gibson’s record-setting achievements in sports, his life is the stuff of great theater.

“Just having an interesting story isn’t enough,” said Hahn. “It has to resonate with an audience about personal tragedy and personal triumph.

And indeed, as I learned more the life of Josh, the challenges he faced and the time in history that he played gave us whole different layers of triumph and tragedy.”

Walker, in his rich bass baritone, gave a brief bio on how his single mother worked three jobs in New

Orleans to put his sister and him through private school. How he then, on a lark, got into the chorus at Dillard University, and how

that led him to graduate work at Loyola University and then to the Met Competition at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the

SEAN GIBSON

CHRISTOPHER HAHN

career that has followed.

A lot of people sort of assume that I come from this alien…that I’m this alien Black person because I sing all over the world, sing these great roles, but I’m a normal kid, an inner-city kid,” he said.

“And I would never say no to a role like this. Often, I play villains and god-like characters, lots of wigs, well, ‘Porgy and Bess,’ but—when can I play a role like this, someone that looks like me? It’s an amazing opportunity.”

Opera resident artist Eric Ferring, who plays Senior Alcalde, sang an aria the Wendell Smith character will sing about becoming a sports writer instead of a baseball pitcher because

he didn’t have “Lightning” like Josh Gibson did. Resident artist Matt Scollins sang a Sam Bankhead aria, recalling how they almost made it—to the White major leagues.

The events were sponsored by Huntington Bank, which is also sponsoring a special reception for the May 7 performance that will also feature cameo celebrity appearances by Manny Sanguillen, Al Oliver, Franco Harris, Charlie Batch and Rocky Blier.

“The Summer King” premieres April 29. Tickets for all performances may be purchased by visiting www. pittsburghopera.org/JGF. (J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)

HSBD honors Byrdsong at Black History celebration victimization, poverty, poor His effective leadership CONTINUED FROM A1 vast number of the under- health, and other systemic stems from his experiences served population suffers racial disparities and dis- in the civil rights struggle, combat service in Vietnam, from violence and crime crimination.

and membership in the Black Panther Party. He has a long history of working with youth who are seriously at risk for

HOMER S. BROWN DIVISION SPIRIT AWARDEE—Rashad Byrdsong, center, with his family. (Photos

by J.L. Martello)

HSBD YOUNG LEADER AWARD—From left: Patti Oliver, mom, holding baby Kiaros Horn, honoree Tyra Oliver and Samson Horn.

imprisonment or death— providing street mentoring services, conflict resolution, negotiating peace treaties,

family reunification and connecting these youth to appropriate services to put them on a more positive life track.

14 of 19 homicides Black lives…autogenocide rate of 74 percent CONTINUED FROM A1

Out of 19 murders committed, thus far, in 2017 —14 victims were Black (74 percent), 13 were Black men.

As part of an ongoing effort to heighten awareness about the effects of murders in Black communities, the New Pittsburgh Courier will compile a list of homicides in the County each month. It is our hope that as the list grows, so will a true understanding of how these lost lives affect the mental health, economic wellbeing and self-image of the region’s Black neighborhoods.

February Homicides FEB. 1—Andrew McGee, a 28-year-old White male, was found fatally shot in a home in Versailles.

John Robert Sethman, 29, was arrested in Ohio within hours and extradited to face homicide charges. He is now in the Allegheny County Jail.

FEB. 6—Robert Detorre III, an 18-year-old White male, and Anthony Hoots, a 19-year-old Black male, were killed in a shootout at an apartment complex on Smokeywood Drive, in Swissvale, that also sent two others to local hospitals. Charges have not yet been filed. The investigation continues.

FEB. 8–Savon Martin, a 23-year-old Black male, was found on the porch of a house on Inglenook Place, in Homewood, by police responding to a ShotSpotter alert. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head torso and extremities and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have released no information on possible suspects. The investigation continues.

FEB. 17—Ronald Peless, a 51-year-old White male, was discovered bound in a blanket with an electrical cord in the basement of his McKees Rocks apartment building after relatives had asked police to do a welfare check. He had been stabbed multiple times. Three people; Jeffrey Tyniac, 51, Sheila Wagner, 45, and Robert Davies, 60, have been charged in connection with the killing.

FEB. 19–Derrick Brown, a 16-year-old Black male from Arnold, Westmoreland County, was found by police in the courtyard of the Northview Heights public housing community on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

He had been fatally shot in the head. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues.

FEB. 21–Jihad Cromer, a 17-year-old Black male, was shot in the head in the

bedroom of a residence on Robb Avenue in McKees Rocks. William Huston, 19, of the West End, has been charged in the case. He is now in the Allegheny County Jail.

FEB. 24–Ramadhan Mohamed, a 31-year-old Black male, died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital from injuries sustained in a beating and robbery three days earlier—which included blows to his head from a hammer. Mohamed, a Somali immigrant cab driver was found about 5 a.m., Feb. 21, facedown and unresponsive on Climax Street in Pittsburgh’s Beltzhoover neighborhood. Police said King Edwards and Hosea Moore, both 20, from Beltzhoover, called the cab with the intent of robbing the driver. Christen Glenn, 18, and Daniel Russell, 19, who had fled the area, were both arrested on Feb. 26 in Youngstown, Ohio. All four are in the Allegheny County Jail.

FEB. 25—Dominick Brown-Hill, a 26-yearold Black male, who had been missing since 2012, was identified from skeletal remains discovered in a small, wooded area behind the 900 block of Washington Street in McKeesport.

He died from a gunshot wound to the head. Police

have yet to name a suspect in the shooting.

FEB. 26—Raghib Dolphin, a 24-year-old Black male from Pittsburgh’s Fineview neighborhood was found fatally shot outside Zangaroos bar on Brighton Road. According to police, Dolphin and two others were denied entry because it was after “last call.” After returning to their car, Dolphin got out to talk to someone he knew. Shots were fired and he returned to the car with multiple wounds to his chest and abdomen.

They drove him to Allegheny General Hospital, when he later died. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues.

January Homicides (9) JAN. 3—Gregory McLeod, a 28-year-old Black male and father of three, became Allegheny County’s first homicide victim of 2017 when he was shot multiple times near the intersection of Frankstown Avenue and Neuman Way, in Homewood, just after 5 a.m. No arrests have been made.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to call Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800.

JAN. 4—Chaz Robinson, a 35-year-old Black male, was fatally shot near the intersection of Lasalle and Broadway Avenues in Dormont after allegedly stealing a bag of marijuana and running off during a drug deal. He was found

in his back yard on Espy Street the next morning. Timothy Bevan, 23, of Mount Oliver, has been charged with the shooting.

JAN. 11—Jesi Jefferson, a 21-year-old Black male, was discovered fatally shot by arbage men on their morning rounds in the 1300 Block of Hilty Alley in McKeesport. Allegheny County Lt. Andrew Schurman said he believes the victim was shot the night before. Anyone with information is asked to call county homicide at 412-473-1300.

JAN. 14–India Stewart, a 29-year-old Black female, of Pitcairn, was found dead by police in a garage near ew Way and Maple Alley in Braddock. She had been shot in the neck, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. Her uncle, 48-year-old Kalvin Stewart, is charged with homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and arson in relation to the killing.

JAN. 14—Ahmad Foreman, an 18-year-old Black male, was found by police lying along the street in the 500 block of Fannel Street in arfield. He had been shot multiple times. Police have not released information about a suspect. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800.

JAN. 22–Christopher Tompkins, a 57-year-old Black male, was fatally shot by police responding to a home invasion

call. When they arrived, Thompkins was coming down the stairs firing in their direction. They fired back, killing him. Police suspect he was actually firing to scare off uan Brian eter-Clark who had allegedly broken in before the officers arrived. eter-Clerk has been charged with criminal trespass.

JAN. 25–Alfred Diggs, a 21-year-old Black male, died of multiple gunshot wounds at Allegheny General after being transported by paramedics from the shooting scene in Pittsburgh’s Westwood neighborhood. Police have not yet identified a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800.

JAN. 25—John Miller, a 40-year-old White male from Franklin County, was found on a set of city steps in the 1000 block of Vinial Street in Spring arden.

He had been shot multiple times.

Police are reviewing surveillance footage but have not named a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call city homicide at 412-323-7161 JAN. 27–Kyle Stauber, an 18-year-old White male, was fatally shot following a home invasion robbery in Avalon. Stauber reportedly chased one attacker off with a baseball bat before one of the robbers shot him. County police have charged ohn Pignanelli, 25, reg Scholze and Kayla Naper, both 19, in the case.

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MARCH 8-14, 2017

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Young adults create program to guide community youth

GREGORY COLEMAN Youth Leader

JEFF YOUNG Spoken Word

Daniels named to MWDBE Hall of Fame CONTINUED FROM A1

she said. “So to receive an honor like this from them—I’m humbled and honored that they would think enough about me to put me in the hall of fame—and I’m honored to represent the Courier.”

The committee also honored retired Allegheny County Sr. Contract Monitor/ Field Inspector Chandler Wolf for his years of service making sure minority subcontractors are getting paid—and were, in fact, working on Allegheny County jobs prime contractors say they were.

“He was committee secretary for sever-

al years,” said Evans. “He did great work helping minority and women business owners get through the certification process and he would often recommend those people for contracts. He went above and beyond.”

The conference itself drew more than 300 PACKED HOUSE—Young people pack Wynham hotel to give wisdom and hear wisdom of how to attendees, Evans said, including 35 exhib- make their community and city better. (Photos by Jackie McDonald. itors and several lending institutions.

“The presentations were great and companies had an opportunity to connect with more than 42 government agencies on how LEGAL ADVERTISING LEGAL ADVERTISING to do business,” she said. “So, we were very Bids/Proposals Bids/Proposals pleased. It was successful, and the surveys we’ve gotten back so far agree.”

PORT AUTHORITY OF INVITATION TO BIDDERS/

Community Calendar MARCH 8—The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership will announce the launch of its new live downtown music initiative at its annual meeting and panel discussion.

Tickets are not needed for the live music event that follows the meeting and is open to the general public at Revel + Roost, 242 Forbes Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh.

The performance schedule is: 4:30 – 7 p.m. Two Tall Twins; 4:30 – 6 p.m. DJ Soy Sos, and 6 – 7 p.m.

Beauty Slap. For more information, visit DowntownPittsburgh.com.

event is free and open to the public with food, giveaways and springthemed activities for all ages. Attendees are also invited to enjoy program-related activities, campus tours and program demonstrations.

For more information about Brightwood Career Institute in Pittsburgh, visit https://brightwoodcareer.edu/ pittsburgh-pa.

Open Stage Night

MARCH 20—The Community College of Allegheny County, North Campus will present an open stage night, hosted by Greg Joseph of The Clarks, on Monday, 7 to 9 p.m. on the Atrium stage, CCAC at 8701 Perry Highway in Community Dinner McCandless. For additional inforMARCH 9—The Homewood mation, call 412.369.3725.

Children’s Village will hold its monthly Community Dinner, 5:30 to U.S. Postal Stamp 7:30 p.m. at The Shop, 621 N. Dal- Dedication las Ave. The event will highlight the MARCH 21—The Dorothy I HCV’s current work and upcoming Height USPS Postage Stamp initiatives, and honor program parDedication Ceremony will be held ticipants. Please RSVP by contactat 1 p.m., at the Rankin Christian ing Hally Ramirez at 412-727-7605 Center, 230 Third Ave., a center ext. 12 or hramirez@hcvpgh.org.

Dr. Height integrated. Dr. Height Free Healthcare was raised in Rankin. The ceremony will also include the swearTraining Event MARCH 11—The Community ing in of Penny Graves, the new College of Allegheny County’s African American female Post Homewood-Brushton Center, will Master for Braddock PA. hold a free health care training event from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at its Homewood-Brushton Center, 710 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Attendees will learn about free training in high-demand, high-paying health career fields through Health Professions Opportunity Grants. The grants are free to those who qualify. For more information, including specific program requirements and student eligibility, email HPOG@ ccac.edu or call 724.325.6881.

Career Center Open House

MARCH 15—Brightwood Career Institute in Pittsburgh will host a Spring Fling for the community from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the campus located at 933 Penn Ave. The

Speaker Event

MARCH 21—The Community College of Allegheny County’s Allegheny Campus will present nationally known speaker Muhibb Dyer, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Foerster Student Services Center Auditorium, 808 Ridge Ave. On the North Side. A question and answer period will follow the presentations, and a reception will take place after both sessions, which are open to students, educators and the community.

Steel City Codefest

MARCH 31 to APRIL 7—The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh has announced the fifth annual Steel City Codefest (Codefest) will be a weeklong event, with optional evening

work sessions during the City of Pittsburgh’s Inclusive Innovation Week. Codefest begins with a kickoff event from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 31, at Alloy 26, located at 100 South Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. It concludes with an event celebrating inclusive tech advancements, guest speakers, and awards from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, April 7, at the Ace Hotel, 120 S. Whitfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. For more information, contact Jennifer Wilhelm, Manager, Innovation and Entrepreneurship 412-255-6580 jwilhelm@ura.org.

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 firsttime homebuyers should consider.

Light refreshments will be served.

To register, call 412-464-4000, extension 4008, or email jweaver@ monvalleyinitiative.com.

Scholarship Application Opportunity

Through APRIL 28—The National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2017-18 academic year. In its third year, the NBFA Scholarship Program will award scholarships of up to $5,000 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 LLC media site at http://media.fcanorthamerica.com.

SALE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

The following surplus equipment will be offered for sale to the highest bidder(s): REQUEST FOR QUOTATION 170313 - SALE OF SURPLUS Computers, AV Equipment, Fume Hoods, Ford 1210 Tractor, Stationary Bike Bids are due in to the CCAC Purchasing Department no later than 2:00 PM on Monday, March 13, 2017.

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

Community College of Allegheny County Purchasing Department 800 Allegheny Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

OFFERORS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

SEPARATE and SEALED PROPOSALS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Avenue, Second Floor, until 4:00 P.M. Prevailing Time, March 23, 2017. Proposals 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. All late and/or electronically submitted Proposals will be rejected and not considered for award.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR SAFETY CONSULTING SERVICES PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA77 The scope of work requires the Consultant to be responsible for managing PWSA safety compliance programs including reporting, coordinating and conducting safety related training, and working closely with the PWSA management team to improve processes effectively and efficiently without compromising safety.

All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to jtracey@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 Autumn Barna, Contract Specialist, via e-mail: abarna@pgh2o.com no later than March 16, 2017.

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

The Consultant 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 proposal due date.

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

BERNARD R. LINDSTROM, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

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

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS…THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

Live Music Initiative Launch

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

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 at 11:00 AM on March 21, 2017 and will be read at 11:15 AM., that same day at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.port authority.org) B160547R LRV Forward Facing Cameras and Network Video Recorders B170102 Sewer Cleaning Truck B170107A HVAC On-Call Service B170109 Route Foreman Trucks No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am on March 8, 2017 at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527). 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 ther i e ecifie C t f r 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.

ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

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MARCH 8-14, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Cover To Cover

‘Spy On History’

by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier

You’ve seen a lot of things you weren’t supposed to see.

Some might call you “snoopy.” Others might say you’re “nosy,” but you understand that keeping your eyes open, finding information, and knowing what you’re not supposed to know can sometimes be a good thing. And in the new book “Spy on History: Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring” by Enigma Alberti and Tony Cliff, sleuthing and snooping can change history.

Bet Van Lew knew that what she was about to ask of Mary Bowser was huge.

Once a slave owned by Bet’s family, Mary had given Bet many things through the years; when Bet freed the Van Lew family’s slaves, Mary kept in touch with her Quaker friend, who had ensured that Mary got a

good education. Theirs was a strong bond, but Bet now had a problem.

She was pulling together “a network of spies” to help Union forces in the Civil War. Bet knew that with Mary’s schooling and smarts, Mary would be the right person to gather intelligence inside the Confederate White House, where President Jefferson Davis lived with his family.

Bet had to ask for help.

She needed Mary.

Every enslaved person in the South needed Mary.

It would be dangerous. Mary had to keep to herself and pretend that she wasn’t very smart, and that she couldn’t understand writing or maps.

She memorized every scrap of information she found, then she snuck the information out of the Davis household and into the hands of the people it would help.

But she had to be very careful: getting caught could mean getting caught by the neck at the end of a rope because the Confederacy was quick to punish spies with death.

Could Mary find the most important clues of all before someone saw her spying?

Loosely based on a real person and a true story, “Spy on History: Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring” is a story that’s as exciting as they come. I have to admit, I was breathless.

Even though your child might sense that things will resolve positively by the end of this story, authors Alberti and Cliff surely raise a kid’s adrenaline with a plot that both thrills and teaches.

Yes, part of this tale is fictionalized but Mary—who actually existed, as did all of the people in this story—is a great role model; her bravery, wisdom, and (according to the authors) her smooth transition to post-war life is absolutely inspirational.

What will further hold a young reader’s imagination is the mystery woven inside the story itself; there are clues all over this book— even inside the title page!— and a side-story whodunit that’s just plain fun. (“Spy on History: Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring” by Enigma Alberti and Tony Cliff, c.2017, Workman, $12.95/$19.95 Canada, 96 pages plus extras. )

HISTORICAL FESTIVAL—Billboard like screen of Michael Schultz with live musicians performing below at the Black Bottom Film Festival.

(Photos by Paige K. Mitchell)

Black Bottom Film Festival 2017 features TV, movie pioneer

by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier

The Black Bottom Film Festival at the August Wilson Center last weekend highlighted numerous Black film classics.

The festival began showing films at 11 a.m. The festival featured films such as; “Father’s Day” directed by Demetrius Wren, “Agents of Change” directed by Frank

R. Dawson, and “Like Cotton Twines” directed by Leila Djansi.

While workshops were also available for attendees during Saturday afternoon people had the opportunity to learn acting tips during “Introduction to Acting for the Camera” and “The Three C’s of Screenwriting: Character,

Conflict, and Catharsis.”

Pioneer of directors, Michael Schultz was honored during the evening for ‘Cinematic Excellence’ award. Schultz is responsible for opening the door for more directors of color.

He is responsible for creating legendary films and great television. He is the

man behind classic films such as “Cooley High,” “Car Wash,” “Which Way Is Up,” “Krush Groove,” “Last Dragon,” “Woman Thou Art Loosed,” and today’s hit television shows “Blackish” and “Star!”

Schultz graced the stage to receive his honorary award, and offered a heart-

felt speech. He touched on memorable moments of directing films in the 70’s and 80’s.

“The hardest job I had in making [“Which Way Is Up?”] was trying to keep the crew from laughing and spoiling the takes. There are some parts in the film where if you look closely, you can still see people cracking up, because Richard Pryor would come up with things that weren’t in the script but fit perfectly,” Schultz said.

His speech was followed by a live musical selection of tunes from the live band, and the Black Film Festival did a double feature of two of his legendary films playing “Cooley High” staring Glynn Turman, and Lawrence Hilton Jacobs released back in 1975 and “Which Way Is Up” starring the late Richard Pryor, 1977, in multiple roles. It also starred Lonette McKee, and Margaret Avery.

Chavonne Butler, attendee said, “I didn’t’ expect to stay as long as I did, but I couldn’t get out of my seat. The information was so intriguing and the films were phenomenal. I haven’t seen “Cooley High” in years. Loved it!”

Race Films now available on DVD

CHICAGO (BlackNews. He was the first African were lost and only about com)—Cinematography is American, who created the one hundred films can be one of the ways to tell as first Black film company viewed. Still, even this many people as possible in Chicago. He was also small portal on race films about some specific issue. among the first directors, allows creating an opinion In other words, filmmak- who cast only Black peo- about the importance of the ing is one of the means of ple. genre and the contribution Overall, more than five of understanding the Afriimpacting people and their opinion. Watching a movie hundred films were shot in can American community each person searches for this genre and distributed during the first half of the some specific message it de- in the USA. However, since 20th century. livers. With the entrance of the films were not shot in The history of Race Films cinematography in Ameri- Hollywood, many movies emergence is usually relatcan life, the Black population received an opportunity to demonstrate their real nature, their skills and knowledge.

The appearance of such film genre in the 1900’s gave Black Americans an opportunity to demonstrate their real lives, the way and how they lived and survived in that contemporary America.

Race films genre was an opportunity for African Americans to show the American society their inner world, their lives, and to try to deliver the message that Black people had the same wishes and life principles as other Americans had.

The first film in the Race Film genre was directed by William Foster. MOVIE SCENE—Scene from the 1949 race movie, “Souls of Sin.”

ed to D. W. Griffith and his film “Birth of a Nation.” D. W. Griffith “Birth of a Nation” received very negative feedback from African Americans. Blacks in the movie were depicted as barbaric and aggressive ones, with violent intentions (Griffith, Aitken, & Griffith, 1915). This film can be considered as the motivation for Race Film development. African Americans wanted to prove that the movie depicted them in a wrong way and a number of other movies were created as the rehabilitation in the eyes of White Americans.

Most of the movies in race genre depicted daily problems African Americans faced. Daily responsibilities, job, household, love, hatred, jealousy and betrayal, and many other issues are discussed in the movies. The choice of such ordinary problems can be discussed by the very idea of Race Films.

Most Race Films tried to demonstrate the lives of African Americans, to show the community that the lives of these people does not differ much from

the lives of White Americans. The race filmmakers were very creative people and found different ways of expressing themselves Race movies showed that African Americans, like White Americans, also had ambitions and wanted to reach professional heights.

However, not all movies in the race films genre were directed at retelling the lives of African Americans.

There also were comedies, which were aimed at creating funny moods and just making people laugh. “The Pullman Porter” (1910) by William Foster is one such film that African Americans can also make comedies and can laugh at themselves (Richards, 2005). Such films with African Americans in all the roles show their gift and talent to perform different roles.

The race films highlighted the desire of African Americans for self-realization and the attempt to get the most out of life.

Race Films DVD set, contains 75 full feature length films plus 45 short films.

(The Race Films DVD set sells for $99.00 and can be purchase by calling 1-800-516-2385.)

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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MARCH 8-14, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report Where are the Black middle class?...

Part 2

HANDSOME COUPLE—Kimberly Grady, DDS, and Frankie Hicks

STUNNING IN NAVY—Norman and Tracy Edmunds

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT— KSEF President Howard Russell and April Thorpe

KSEF 26th Annual Valentines Extravaganza

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

The 26th Annual Valentines Extravaganza presented by the Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund of Western Pa. and the Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,

,

Last week, in the saga of the Black middle class, the begging question was where are they in Pittsburgh? In a social media exchange, a few stated that there is not a Black middle class neighborhood in Pittsburgh and some even went as far as saying that there is not a Black middle class in Pittsburgh. Well, contrary to what some believe there is a Black middle class in Pittsburgh. They don’t all live in one neighborhood or on one street, they are spread out throughout the city of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. Isn’t that something that we fought so hard for?

To be able to live where we want to live, as long as we have the money.

When someone comes to Pittsburgh from out of town, “the code” can be a little hard to crack. First things first, if you are moving here, 99 percent of the time you are moving here as a professional, not to be a greeter at Walmart, so your primary contacts are going to be White. The realtor will steer you to areas that will have the best resale value because you probably will not be making Pittsburgh your home. Here is where groups like the North Hills Ebony Women and BASH (Black Association of South Hills) come in. For years, they have embraced Blacks that move into predominately White neighborhoods. If one is a member of the Kappas, Ques, Alphas, AKA’s or Deltas, then you have a brotherhood or sisterhood to help you. Perhaps you will even find a church where you will be embraced, and someone will show you the ins and outs of “Black middle class Pittsburgh.”

Terri White (assistant director of development at Carnegie Science Center) replied to the “Where are the Black middle class?” question and says, “Pittsburgh’s Black middle class exists: they aren’t as large a group in other places (for various reasons) but they are here. The problem is that if you don’t know one of them, you don’t know any of them––that’s Pittsburgh’s old school mentality that most people moving to the city don’t prescribe to. Every article about Black people in Pittsburgh talks about the lack of events or things to do outside of hanging out at bars. Yet, as you stated, the Courier always has articles about events and shindigs that the Black middle class has hosted. So where is the disconnect? Why do we see the same 100-150 people at everything? I have a few theories, but my biggest observation as a native that moved away and then moved back is that we as a city—but especially as African Americans—do an absolutely terrible job of letting people know what’s going on in a reasonable amount of time for people to decide if they want to participate.”

There is a Black middle class in Pittsburgh and they don’t all live in one area. If you are new to the city, one thing that I will recommend is to start reading the New Pittsburgh Courier before you get here so you can see what your brothers and sisters are doing. Get involved.

NEW TO PITTSBURGH—Isaac Patterson and Katherine Starkey

(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)

KSEF FOUNDER WITH GUESTS—In no order, Tom and Lillie Motley, Kimberly Motley Phillips, Gonzell Phillips, Melvin and Kwajalein Ratliff. (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

HAVING A BALL—Melissa and Larry Pickett Inc. was held Feb. 11, at the Westin Convention Center Hotel. The evening had all the ingredients for a great party––dinner, dancing, music

by Lyndsey Smith & Soul Distribution and The

Kevin Howard Band, games of chance, a silent auction, a photo booth, and caricatures done by artist Brandon Jennings. Many of the ladies were beautiful in red, while the gents were sharp in their tuxedos.

KSEF President Howard Russell Jr. said, “This evening is our major fundraiser to provide financial support to the next generation of future leaders. During our 26 years of existence, we have provided over $2 million in academic scholarships and financial assistance to over 128 students from western Pennsylvania. We want to thank our collegiate partners––Penn State University, Robert Morris University and NEED. We also thank our corporate partner—Highmark and UPMC.” Polemarch Stanford White welcomed the more than 300 guests and wished them a happy Valentine’s Day.

LADIES IN RED—Edie Jenkins, Bridgette Cofield, Sheila Rolack, Tamara Whiting and Darlene Powell

CELEBRATING WITH KSEF—Dave and Sue Jaminson with Jill and Chester Thompson.

ENJOYING A GREAT NIGHT—Nicole Berry and Gary White

WELCOME—Polemarch Sanford White and Sam Stephenson

KAPPA MEN—Herb Jenkins Sr., Eric Cofield, Carey Edwards and Kevin Seiters

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Praise & Worship

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Ebenezer ordains deacons, issues licenses

Church Circuit Pastoral Anniversary

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH

MARCH 5-11—Triedstone Baptist Church of Rankin will celebrate Rev. Nathaniel and Rev. Terri Pennybaker’s 13th Pastoral Anniversary.

The church, located at 18 Harriet St., in Rankin, will welcome guest preachers Rev. Barry Givner, Rev. Daniel Page, Rev. Dr. Darryl Canady and Rev. Christine Pope Portis. For more information, call 412-271-3000.

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

Pastoral Anniversary

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 DEACONS—Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell praying over each of the deacons. (Photos by J. L. Martello)

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

International Holiday

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 For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

REV. DR. VINCENT K. CAMPBELL Senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church

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

ELDER ANNETTE WILLIAMS Guest preacher

WOMEN OF GOD—From left: Charlene R. Biggs, Deborah E. Collier and Shelia A. Wilson.

by J.L. Martello For New Pittsburgh Courier

Mercy Acts International

Annual Prayer Breakfast

“God’s Love In Action” Sat., April 1, 2016, 9:00 A.M. Double Tree Hotel, Monroeville, PA

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

March 8, 12—Second Baptist Church, 108 W. 12th Ave., Homestead, will host the 46th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Donald Turner. The guest preachers will be Rev. Barbara Gunn of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church on March 8 at 7 p.m., and, on March 12, Bishop Jonathan Stewart of New Covenant Community Church at 10:30 a.m. and Rev. James Burwell of Clark Memorial Baptist Church at 4 p.m.

The theme is “Dressed for the Battle.” For more information, call 412-4618235; visit www.secnbapt.com; or email secnbapt@gmail.com.

Ebenezer Baptist Church, in the Hill District, recently ordained 10 deacons and issued three ministers their license to preach.

During the ordination and licensing service, guest pastor Elder Annette Williams from the Greenhill Church and Christian Outreach Ministries in Clarksville, Tenn., gave a word based on Jeremiah 29:11.

Following the sermon, Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell, Ebenezer’s senior pastor, prayed over and ordained the deacons and issued licenses to the ministers.

The newly ordained deacons are Barbara Crosby, Harold Parker, Lynda Page, Gwendolyn Blount, Ora Lee Smith, Duane Williamson, Richard Jackson, Henry

Montgomery, Jerome Morris and Robert Ruffin. The newly licensed ministers are Minister of Outreach and Evangelism Shelia A. Wilson, Minister of Worship and Music Arts Charlene R. Biggs, and Minister of Worship and Dance Arts Deborah E. Collier.

Minister Wilson said she has wanted to become a minister for several years.

“I want to help serve people and spread the word of God, in-person, for the prison ministry, because you can’t really teach or preach the word of God in a letter,” she said.

“I was baptized here and raised here, its a blessing that I can serve here, at Ebenezer.”

Richard Jackson, who was ordained as a deacon during the service, said, “I actually never wanted to become a deacon, but everyone said I looked like a deacon and was doing the work as a deacon, and, after 30 years, I prayed about it and God said this was the way to go. I am so glad I took the next step in my Christian experience and answered the call.”

Services for the church are held every Sunday at 10 a.m.

For more information about the church, call 412-281-6583, email info@ebenezerpgh.org or visit their website at www.ebcpgh.org

(To reach J.L. Martello, call 412-583-6901 or email martellogino@yahoo.com.)

MARCH 19—The Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Educational Board will host its annual International Holiday. It will feature the brotherhood program, which has been representing a cross section of cultures, races, religions and ethnic backgrounds for 50 years. Proceeds will support the church’s projects that provide financial aid to youth education beyond high school. Professor Johnathan White will be the keynote speaker.

For more information, call 412-471-3326.

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 412-232-7151.

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 412-6219750. (Pre-orders are available.)

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 412-3381447.

Priscilla Shirer Simulcast

Rev. Glenn G. Grayson Guest Preacher

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 412-241-0677, for more information.

Rev. Barbara Gunn Minister of Ceremonies

Proceeds go to water for Flint, MI and Haiti Donation: $25.00/person Ticket deadline: March 16, 2017 For more information: (412) 338-1447

DEACON RICHARD JACKSON

DEACON EDWARD DAVIS

(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

JAZMINE HALE’s North Side community garden project is designed to beautify the community and help people work together.

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MARCH 8-14, 2017

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INVOLVED STUDENTS—Perry High School students taking part in the Youth Entrepreneurial Pitch Community Launch Event. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

North Side youth groups unite to launch youth projects WORKING TO STOP THE VIOLENCE—From left: Martel Nelson, Nathaniel Miles and James Simpson created the stop the violence project called “Jack Stack.”

PUTTING IT TOGETHER—The co-directors, from left: Harry Johnson, Victoria Snyder and Emmai Alaquiva.

One Northside, Northside Narratives, and Pittsburgh Perry High School united last month to present the Youth Entrepreneurial Pitch Community Launch Event, which featured 40 youth-founded projects.

Part of the Northside Narratives Program, which works to empower and build youth as community leaders and entrepreneurs, the projects were geared toward helping to build a more caring and prosperous North Side community while working toward stopping the violence. The event was held at Nova Place in Alloy 26, located in the North Side.

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PEOPLE

MARCH 8-14, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Foster among 9 Shady Side National Merit Scholarship finalists

BRIAN FOSTER Highland Park

CHIRAG KULKARNI McCandless

WILLIAM LU McCandless

JESSE PLUNG Squirrel Hill

RAKESH RAVI Murrysville

ANNAELAINE ROSENGART Squirrel Hill

FOX CHAPEL—Nine Shady Side Academy seniors have been named finalists in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented students will

be considered for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $33 million that will be offered this spring. There are approximately 15,000 finalists nationwide. The Shady Side seniors to be named finalists were: •Brian Foster (Highland Park) •Chirag Kulkarni (McCandless) •William Lu (McCandless) •Jesse Plung (Squirrel Hill) •Rakesh Ravi (Murrysville) •AnnaElaine Rosengart (Squirrel Hill) • Thomas Scherlis (Squirrel Hill) •Emily Winterhalter (O’Hara) • Eric Zhang (O’Hara) These students were among the 1.6 million juniors who entered the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National

Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

A nationwide pool of 16,000 semifinalists was chosen in September, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

To advance to the finalist stage, semifinalists had to demonstrate an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, earn SAT

scores that confirmed their performance on the qualifying test, and submit a detailed scholarship application including an essay, and information about participation and leadership in school and community activities.

Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered this spring. Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2500 Scholarships, awarded on a state repre-

sentational basis. About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships will be awarded to finalists who meet the sponsoring organization’s criteria. About 190 colleges will award 4,000 college-sponsored Merit Scholarships to finalists who attend the sponsor institution.

Shady Side Academy is a nationally respected private school in Pittsburgh for boys and girls in grades PK-12, with optional board-

ing in high school. Four age-specific campuses with extraordinary resources, teachers who actively mentor, a forward-thinking curriculum, a diverse and inclusive community, and a legacy of alumni accomplishments all inspire Shady Side students to high achievement in academics, the arts and athletics, and to meaningful ambitions in life.

(Information supplied by Shady Side Academy.)”

THOMAS SCHERLIS Squirrel Hill

City Council recognizes PPS students

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE—Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education Division received a proclamation from City Council for CTE Month. Below, the Pittsburgh Obama 6-8th grade middle school girls basketball team champions are pictured with coach Brice Flenory, City Council members, and Pittsburgh Public Schools administrators and teachers. (Photos by Mercedes Howze.)

EMILY WINTERHALTER O’Hara

ERIC ZHANG O’Hara

PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS––City Council celebrated the accomplishments of Pittsburgh Public Schools students and programs with proclamations. From a student-ran voting initiative, Career and Technical Education Month and middle school girls basketball championship, PPS students continue to rise to the top.

“In less than one week, and in three separate instances, the City Council of Pittsburgh are recognizing Pittsburgh Public Schools for the achievements of

its students and staff,” said Dr. Anthony Hamlet, superintendent of schools.

“This recognition is a prime example of a commitment to excellence that can be found in students, schools and departments across the districts.”

The district’s social studies department, the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh, B-PEP, the Mayor’s Office and students from high schools across PPS, were honored for this past fall’s voter registration initiative, #BeOurVote.

Eleven students joined Mayor William Peduto for the #BeOurVotePgh video, encouraging friends and family to be their voice on Election Day. Students also held a mock general election in November at all of the high schools.

On Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. the Pittsburgh Public Schools Career and Technical Education Division received a proclamation from City Council for CTE Month.

This recognition by City Council will wind down the many CTE Aware-

ness activities that have taken place throughout the month of February.

Also, at that time, Pittsburgh Obama 6-8th grade girls basketball team and their head coach Brice Flenory received a proclamation from Councilwoman Deborah Gross for winning the 2017 City League Middle Grades Girls Basketball Championship.

On Feb. 8, the basketball team beat Pittsburgh Sterrett in the championship game at Pittsburgh Allderdice.

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

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MARCH 8-14, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Classifieds

Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B5-B6

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Don’t miss these overlooked tax deductions

Are you missing out on lowering your federal tax bill? No matter what your tax bracket, you will pay more than necessary if you don’t take advantage of all the tax breaks for which you qualify. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants reveals some commonly overlooked deductions that could save you money.

State Sales Tax Taxpayers who file an IRS Form 1040 and itemize deductions on Schedule A are allowed to deduct either their state and local income taxes or their state and local sales taxes, but not both. There are seven states with no income tax. It may make sense to deduct your state and local sales taxes instead of your state and local income taxes if your state has a low income tax rate or if you made a substantial purchase during the tax year, such as a car or boat.

The state sales tax deduction became permanent in December 2015 through the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. Support for a parent You may know that you can claim your children as dependents, as long as they are either under 19 (or under 24 and a student) or any age if they are permanently and totally disabled. But were you aware that families who offer financial support to aging parents may be able to claim them as dependents? You must meet certain requirements to qualify. They generally include, among other things, that your parent’s gross income for the year can’t be higher than the IRS exemption amount, that you provided more than half of your parent’s support for the year, and that your parent is not being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. Tax-exempt income, such as Social Security, is not included in determining the dependency exemption for your parents if they fit in any of the previously mentioned categories.

Your CPA can further explain all the relevant rules.

Valuable self-employment deductions Self-employed people may know that they can take deductions for qualifying expenses such as the costs of an office, supplies, and equipment, but they may overlook other deductions. For example, you may be able to deduct the amount you paid for medical and dental insurance and qualified long-term care insurance for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Medicare premiums you voluntarily pay to obtain insurance in your name that is similar to qualifying private health SEE OVERLOOKED B2

A HARD WORKING CREW—MWDBE Governmental Committee members welcomes Hall of Fame Inductees. Judy McNeil, Duvall Aiken, Ruth Byrd Smith, Lisa Edmonds, Chandler D. Wolf and Diane I. Daniels (inductees), Juan Garrett and Paula B. Castleberry. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

Conference demonstrates business not as usual

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

Business Not as Usual was the theme for the 16th Annual Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Conference hosted by the MWDBE Governmental Committee.

“This is an all-inclusive event open to Blacks, Whites, Hispanics and LGBTQ,” said Duvall Aiken, chair of the MWDBE Governmental Committee during his opening remarks. Assuring an audience of over 300 participants that regardless of the current political climate he pointed out that the purpose of the conference was for businesses to walk away with potential business prospects.

On hand, during the March 2 event providing participants with business oriented information was Jennifer Olzinger; Assistant Director-Procurement Manager City of Pittsburgh, Office of Management and Budget, Mark P. Masterson; Executive Director Northside Community Development Fund, Francine B. Cameron; President and CEO of Cameron Professional Services Group, LLC and Suzanne Thomas; Procurement Officer of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority. Topics of discussion were technology, creative financing, certification and business projects.

Unveiled in 2015, to support equitable access to technology, city resources, and information, Olzinger explained that the City’s Beacon website has been enhanced to a more user friendly, web-based eProcurement system.

Strongly recommending business-

es go through the multi-step reg- financing for businesses and istration process, she explained real estate development projects that the system helps streamline throughout the Northside. The procurement processes as well as Fund also promotes community offers many new features and ex- development within the commupanded services. Services include nity. A Community Development business opportunities being post- Financial Institution certified by ed to a consolidated bid board, au- the U.S. Department of Treasury, tomatic email notification of busi- Masterson said it has a loan inness opportunities, and the ability vestment of $13 million. Project to electronically investments submit bids or include small proposals and businesses provide enranging from hanced self-serrestaurants, vice vendor regtechnology and istration in a professional ser“one-stop shop.” vice businesses, Beacon beneconstruction fits include free projects to franonline access chises. Financto information ing is available and increased for working visibility of capital, equipbusiness opporment, real estunities, free tate acquisition, registration improvements, for vendors and and leasehold needing to regisimprovements. ter only once for Noting that the multiple local WELCOME—Chair of the MWDBE Fund is not a agencies, conve- Governmental Committee, Duvall Aik- cookie cutter nient, free online en confirms that all are welcome be- business he said bidding, free au- cause it’s business not as usual. (Pho- it promotes comtomated email tos by Diane I. Daniels) munity developnotifications of ment on Pittsnew bid opportunities and single burgh’s Northside by: providing access point to City of Pittsburgh financial products and technical and local agency bids. The March assistance to encourage business 9 City of Pittsburgh Women Busi- expansion and job creation; offers ness Enterprise Contract Road- financial products and technimap event was also announced. It cal assistance to stimulate enwill be held at Chatham Universi- trepreneurship and encourage ty on Woodland Road at 8 a.m. the development of women- and Around since 2000, the Northside minority-owned businesses and Community Development Fund leverages resources for housing is designed to provide loans and development to increase develop-

ment capacity and production.

Designed as “one-stop shopping” for firms seeking certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and as an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program provided by the Allegheny County Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Department is something Cameron highly suggests.

“MBE/WBE certification is very important,” she said noting that the PA UPC, the Department of General Services and the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council or other certifications provide varies advantages including prime and sub-contracting opportunities.

A WBE is considered as a business enterprise in which at least 51 percent is owned, operated and controlled by citizens who are women. A MBE is described as a business enterprise in which at least 51 percent is owned, operated and controlled by citizens who are African American, Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Hispanic, Native American or Alaskan Native.

Confirming the significance of MBE/WBE certification, Thomas who oversees the procurement process for professional services and contracts for ALCOSAN stated that certification is necessary to do business with them. “We have a strong woman and minority program,” she said explaining that the non-profit organization provides wastewater treatment services to 83 SEE CONFERENCE B2

Will federal lawmakers turn clock back on fair housing?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—When future generations read the history of the nation’s first Black President, I believe there will be greater acknowledgement of his administration’s significant accomplishments. For now, however, an undeniable strategic war is underway to dismantle the very progress President Obama achieved.

General market media have extensively reported on reforms or repeals of the Affordable Care Act, Wall Street reform and the future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It is equally important to share that a key Obama regulation that spoke to the future of fair housing is again under assault on Capitol Hill.

A 2015 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule finally delivered on the promises first made with the 1968 enactment of the Fair Housing Act. While the Act outlawed housing discrimination, it also included another important legal requirement. To advance the purposes of the Act, federal agencies and federal grantees were also to forge inclusive and diverse communities as a means to reverse America’s housing history of segregation and Jim Crow.

Known as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), the HUD rule requires that cities, counties and states receiving funds for housing and community development engage in a planning process to help them take meaningful and deliberate actions to overcome historic segregation patterns, promote fair housing choice and create inclusive communities free from discrimination. Two HUD tools were shared to assist communities in the planning process, Data and Mapping and an Assessment of Fair Housing.

AFFH affects all public hous- Charlene Crowell ing authorities and three other popular HUD programs: Community Development Block Grants, Emergency Solution Grants, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS. From its beginning, HUD’s AFFH rule was met with attack and multiple legislative attempts to repeal it. The latest attempt is The Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2017. If enacted, it would nullify the HUD rule. The bill would also ban federal funds from being used for any federal database that contains geospatial information on community racial disparities and disparities in access to affordable housing.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, the bill has already attracted 24 co-sponsors from 14 states. Half of the lawmakers’ support for the repeal comes from only four states: California, Florida, Tennessee and Texas. A companion bill was also introduced in the Senate with one co-sponsor.

Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, the bill lead sponsor in the lower chamber, shared in a prepared statement why he feels so strongly about appealing the rule.

“The AFFH rule marks President Obama’s most aggressive attempt yet to force his utopian ideology on American communities disguised under the banner of ‘fairness’. This overreaching mandate is

Commentary

an attempt to extort communities into giving up local zoning decisions and reengineer the makeup of our neighborhoods.”

For civil rights, housing and consumer advocates, the unique Black American experience was deliberately engineered – but from a different perspective: to deny housing opportunity, voting rights, economic mobility and even quality employment or education.

“AFFH is central to fulfilling the purposes of the Fair Housing Act,” said Wade Henderson, President and CEO on the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “It’s based on a simple and perfectly fair premise: if a city or locality seeks taxpayer funding for HUD projects, they should actively work to ensure that all taxpayers can enjoy the benefits without the prospect of unlawful discrimination. Indeed, the rule provides local jurisdictions with broad discretion to decide which issues to prioritize and address.”

“By attacking the AFFH rule, Rep. Gosar and other bill sponsors are seeking to re-codify housing discrimination into U.S. law,” noted Maya Rockeymoore, President and CEO of Global Policy Solutions, a social change strategy firm. “By disallowing the collection of federal data by place, race and other key demographics, the bill’s sponsors seek to prevent local governments from making their communities the best places to live by limiting their ability to use critical data and information to inform their community planning decisions.”

Until the 1968 Fair Housing Act, local zoning laws across the country supported segregation along with redlining Black communities to exclude borrowers from mortgage and home improvement loans along with a litany of bad real estate practices that denied opportunities to build family wealth. Omitting Black neighborhoods from multiple listing services, doorto-door block-busting that attempted to create a sense of fear from lost property values due to integration, and restricted covenants that explicitly excluded many minorities from ever buying property in designated areas -- were all the kinds of tactics used to preserve segregated housing before the Fair Housing Act. Fortunately, a growing coalition of progressive interests is conveying to Congress their firm intent to preserve HUD’s rule. Led by the National Fair Housing Alliance, to date more than 950 academicians, individuals and advocacy organizations spanning national, state, and local levels in civil rights, fair housing, affordable housing have joined the battle to preserve an essential component of the Fair Housing Act. Speaking for the coalition working to preserve the AFFH rule Shanna L. Smith, president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance said, “It reflects the strongly held American value that everyone deserves access to the opportunities they need to flourish, regardless of the color of their skin or the zip code in which they grow up.”

(Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending.

She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)

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Overlooked tax deductions Dance steps into new role at The Montage Agency CONTINUED FROM B3

insurance can be used to figure the deduction. The deduction is not available, however, for any month you were eligible to participate in a health plan subsidized by your or your spouse’s employer. In addition, for the 2016 tax year, self-employed people will pay a 12.4 percent Social Security tax on up to $118,500 of income and a 2.9 percent Medicare tax on all of their income, but they can deduct one-half of that tax. Does your business require you to travel away from home?

Then you can deduct your travel expenses, including airline ticket costs, baggage fees, taxi fares, and other ordinary and necessary expenses related to your business travel.

Hidden charitable deductions How much did you spend on the ingredients that you used when you contribut-

ed treats to a school bake sale? What were your gas, tolls, and parking costs for the driving that you did to perform services for your favorite charity? The little things add up, and if you make these kinds of contributions to a qualified organization, you can claim your expenses as a deduction. Be sure to keep records to prove the amount of the contributions you made during the year.

Turn to your CPA These are just some of the overlooked deductions you might be able to claim on your tax return. Your CPA can help you decide if itemizing your deductions is the best choice and spot other deductions you might have missed. Contact your CPA today for valuable tax and other financial planning advice. To find a CPA in your area or for more financial tips, visit www.picpa. org/moneyandlife.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/—Marketing executive Charlene Dance, with over 15 years of expertise spanning various industries including beauty and public health, announces her official departure from Strength of Nature Global LLC as its Global Marketing Director to step into a new role as President & CEO of The Montage Agency. A groundbreaking full-service multicultural marketing collective of seasoned brand architects, Dance’s motivation to launch the agency stems from years of experience conceptualizing national campaigns, spearheading marketing efforts, and being a champion of innovation for brands that directly cater to multicultural audiences.

“The underlying foundation of my mission as a marketing executive has been empowering and serving the multicultural audience. My goal is to ensure this audience feels visible, understood and catered to so it brings me great joy to embark on this new journey at the head of a transformative and disruptive agency like Montage,” says Charlene Dance.

When asked about the mission CONTINUED FROM B3 for contractors, supply ven- and philosophy of her new platcommunities including the dors or service providers form, Charlene explains that her City of Pittsburgh. Its goal can be obtained by calling plan is to super serve clients by partnering with the is to award 10 to 25 percent 412-734-8737. annually of all contract Along with the educa- best and brightest creatives dollars to minority, wom- tional aspect of the confer- and thought leaders in the multicultural en-owned and disadvan- ence a major component is space. The agency will take on a collaborataged business enterprises. the MWDBEs trade fair. tive approach by bringing experts in variSuggesting participation With government purchas- ous specialties like content creation, pubin pre-bid hearings, Thom- ing agents and a variety lic relations, social media management, as pointed out that con- of other agencies on hand media buying, grassroots marketing and tracts are awarded to the participants were provid- more.

“Montage is the technique of producing lowest responsible bidder ed the opportunity to marwho meets the contract ket their business, to learn a new composite whole from fragments of specifications. Availability what bidding opportunities individual elements. That’s exactly what of contracts with a value are available and how to do The Montage Agency is all about. Our goal is to shake up the traditional agency modof $18,000 and up are ad- business with them. vertised in legal ads. To The 2017 Hall of Fame el and bring together the perfect pieces of be placed on bidding lists Inductees were Diane I. the mix to create a well-rounded approach for construction contracts, Daniels, owner of DID and to multicultural marketing and advertissend a written request to Associates and Chandler ing.”

For the foundation of the agency, Dance the attention of the Engi- D. Wolf formerly a Certifineering and Construction cation/Contract Manager looked to partners who are industry leadDepartment at ALCOSAN with the Allegheny County ers in multicultural marketing with proven results. Randy Washburn, a 35-year and bidding opportunities MWDBE Department. veteran in media research, m e d i a planning, and media

BUSINESS CALENDAR Business Growth Workshop

MARCH 8—In partnership with Paramount Co-op, the Women’s Business Center at Chatham University presents “Is Your Business Bankable,” 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 233 Merchant St., Ambridge, Pa. 15003. Learn what you need to prepare, including credit scores and repair, personal finances, financial spreadsheets and business plans, and the purpose of the funds. Also learn about the loan application process: what to expect, review process, requirements, red flags, and SBA loan programs. The workshop is free but registration is required. Call 412-365-2779 for more information.

Women’s Business Enterprise Networking Event

Conference demonstrates business not as usual

CHARLENE DANCE buying serves as Chief Operating Officer and Media Services Director. Tracey Jennings, former EVP of GlobalHue ad agency brings over 17 years of strategic marketing expertise and serves as the agency’s Sr. Vice President of Client Services. Christan Duncan brings a plethora of digital ad services and paid social strategy experience as the agency’s Digital & Social Media Services Director. Christina S. Brown, Wharton grad and founder of fast-growing multicultural platform LoveBrownSugar, serves as the agency’s Director, PR Services & Influencer Engagement.

Kimberly Walker is the agency’s Content Producer with over 10 years experience in journalism across many major media companies as well as film writing for independent producers. The Client Services Director, Stephanie Eason comes to the agency with over 10 years of marketing and public relations experience. And Yasmine Parrish brings a decade of knowledge and serves as Public Relations Manager.

The Montage Agency is currently seeking partners and affiliates for a growing roster of lifestyle clients.

MARCH 9—The City of Pittsburgh’s Equal Opportunity Review Commission, Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship and the Women’s Business Center present a morning networking event with City of Pittsburgh procurement officers, 8 to 11 a.m. The event will feature small-group networking and information sessions for women-owned business enterprises to learn how to access more City of Pittsburgh contracts. Refreshments will be available. Call 412365-2779 for more information.

Startup Workshop

MARCH 14—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents First Step: Business Startup Essentials, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Room 108, Rockwell Hall, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Attendees will learn about business structure and formation, insurance, government procurement, financing options, major components of the business plan, taxation requirements and more. Sponsored by the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center.

The cost is $25. For more information and to register, visit www.duq. edu/sbdc or call 412-396-1633.

Career Center Open House

MARCH 15-- Brightwood Career Institute in Pittsburgh will host a Spring Fling for the community from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the campus located at 933 Penn Ave. The event is free and open to the public with food, giveaways and springthemed activities for all ages. Attendees are also invited to enjoy program-related activities, campus tours and program demonstrations.

For more information about Brightwood Career Institute in Pittsburgh, visit https://brightwoodcareer.edu/ as likely to save success- pittsburgh-pa.

Set a goal, make a plan, and save automatically

by Tom Winschel

For New Pittsburgh Courier

fully. Pledge to save for America Saves Week at w w w. a m e r i c a s av e s. o r g.

Share what you’re saving for using the hashtag #ImSavingFor. You may also want to visit www.myRA.gov if you do not have retirement savings as part of your job. myRA is a retirement savings account from the Department of the Treasury designed to help you put aside money for your retirement. You can invest in the fund according to your budget, putting you in control of your financial prospects.

Social Security’s “People Like Me” website has tailor-made information for preparing for your future.

Our richly diverse country is made up of countless backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities, yet we all want the same thing — a secure future. You can see many of the diverse people we serve at www.socialsecurity.gov/people.

Younger people need to know, the earlier you start saving, the more your money can grow. Our website for young workers at www. socialsecurity.gov/people/ youngpeople/saving.html has many resources that can help you secure today and tomorrow.

Veterans and wounded warriors, as well as their families, sometimes face unique obstacles when saving for their future. Our website has life-changing information at www.socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans.

After more than 80 years of success, we know that Social Security will always be there for you. Securing your today and tomorrow will always be our priority.

PowerBreakfast

MARCH 17—The African Amer Saving for the future is a ican Chamber of Commerce of vital part of ensuring a seWestern Pennsylvania will host its cure retirement. American third PowerBreakfast meeting of the Savings Education Council year, 7:30 a.m. at the Rivers Club and America Saves coorin Oxford Center, Downtown. The dinate the annual Amerspeaker will be Pittsburgh Mayor Bill ica Saves Week. Started Peduto. in 2007, the week is an Free Homebuyer annual opportunity for organizations to promote Workshop good savings behavior and APRIL 5—The Mon Valley Inia chance for individuals tiative and the Braddock Economto assess their own saving ic Development Corp. Will host status.

“Buying Your Own Home: You For years, Social SecuriHold the Key” will be held at 6:30 ty has collaborated with p.m. April 5 at The Overlook, 416A America Saves Week to Overlook Way in Braddock, on the promote our shared misold UPMC Braddock Hospital site sion of helping millions of between Braddock Avenue and people save for their fuHolland Avenue. Jonathan Weavture. This year, America er, a housing counselor with Mon Saves Week begins on FebValley Initiative, will talk about the ruary 27, but people like steps that first-time homebuyers you are striving to save should consider. Light refreshevery day. ments will be served. To regisThe 2016 annual Ameriter, call 412-464-4000, extension ca Saves Week survey as4008, or email jweaver@monvalsessing national household leyinitiative.com. savings revealed: Business Energy •Just two out of every five U.S. households report Efficiency Grants good or excellent progress THROUGH APRIL 15—The in meeting their savings Pennsylvania Department of Enneeds. vironmental Protection has to •About half (52 percent) $1,000,000 of grant funding availare saving enough for a reable in the 13th year of the Comtirement with a desirable monwealth’s Small Business Adstandard of living. vantage Grant Program for small •Only 43 percent have businesses that adopt or acquire automatic savings outside equipment or processes that proof work. mote pollution prevention and/or •More men (74 percent) energy efficiency projects. Applireport progress with savcants must be a for-profit corpoing than do women (67 ration, limited liability corporation, percent). partnership, sole proprietorship •Those with a savings or other legal entity with 100 or plan with specific goals (55 fewer full-time employees. Busipercent of the public) are nesses can apply for 50 percent making much more savmatching funds of up to $9,500 to ings progress than those adopt or acquire energy-efficient without a plan (23 peror pollution-prevention equipment cent). or procedures. Funding is eligible Knowing this, it’s never for those costs incurred between too early to start planJuly 25, 2016 and June 30, 2017. ning for your future. Set For more information, contact the (Tom Winschel is Social Secua goal, make a plan, and Small Business Ombudsman’s save automatically. Sav- rity District Manager in Pitts- Office at 717-772-5160. ers with a plan are twice burgh, Pa.)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MARCH 8-14, 2017

B3

Deborah Walker will be missed

Guest Editorial

Senator insults Black youth It’s usually not going to be good whenever a politician starts generalizing about “inner-city kids,” or any other group.

Pennsylvania’s Senate Education Committee chairman is being rightly criticized for saying minority students from “inner-city” public schools would do better in vocational careers than in college.

Republican Sen. John Eichelberger said, during a town hall, that minority students are being pushed toward college and are dropping out. He says they’d succeed in a less-intensive track.

Eichelberger, who’s White, told a media outlet he blames failing urban school systems, not skin color, for minority students dropping out of college.

Eichelberger is right when he says that urban school systems are failing many minority school students. But the answer is not to discourage Black and Latino students from aspiring to college but to improve the schools they attend.

Democratic Sen. Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia said Eichelberger should be removed from the committee chairmanship.

Hughes said in an interview he “was repulsed by [Eichelberger’s] statement.”

“Let’s be clear, this issue about the stereotyping of Black and Brown children needing less-intensive tracks to succeed has been around for generations, maybe even centuries,” he said.

Eichelberger posted a statement about the controversy on his senate page.

“Well, I have finally been the victim of a fake news story,” the statement reads. “The Carlisle Sentinel did a convoluted and incomplete story about my town hall meeting last week, the Democrats decided to spin it even further and other liberal media outlets followed along.”

The Republican lawmaker, who represents Blair and parts of Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton and Huntingdon counties, continued. Hughes “is calling me a racist because I spoke about the failing schools in Philadelphia, located in minority neighborhoods, not preparing their students for college. He’s trying to say that since the kids are Black, that I think they’re not capable of learning. Wrong. I see the potential of these children and want to see them succeed.”

Eichelberger made sweeping and insulting generalizations.

Hughes is right in pointing out that the problem is many minority students are victims of Pennsylvania’s unfair school-funding system and some drop out of college because they can’t afford it.

Despite the problem of coming from poorly funded schools, many African American and Latino students overcome the obstacles and do well and finish college.

The problem of underperforming schools is not just limited to urban schools that serve African Americans and Hispanics, but also schools in rural areas and towns where mostly White children attend.

The fact is that many American children, of all races, are not being properly prepared for the vocational careers that Eichelberger says would be better suited for “inner-city kids.”

When President Donald Trump brought two dozen manufacturing CEOs to the White House last week and asked them to commit to restoring factory jobs lost to foreign completion, the CEOs pushed back and said jobs exist, but skills don’t.

The CEOs suggested that there are still plenty of openings for U.S. factory jobs but too few qualified people to fill them.

“They urged the White House to support vocational training for the high-tech skills that today’s manufacturers increasingly require—a topic Trump has seldom addressed,” reports the Associated Press.

“One executive said in discussions with White House officials that his company has 50 participants in a factory apprenticeship program, but could take 500 if enough were qualified. But he said that in his experience, most students coming out of high school lack the math and English skills to absorb technical manuals,” AP reports.

It should be noted that CEOs were not talking about “inner-city kids” lacking the skills required, but were making a damning indictment on America’s educational system.

(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)

Deborah Walker will be missed.

My condolences go out to her family. She was a major force in working make Pittsburgh a better place for all of us to live. She had been promoted to a position in which she could have done even more for Blacks in public safety, and the city as a whole. Walker died of a heart attack, Feb. 24, at the age of 62. No one saw it coming; sometimes it makes you wonder. *** Congratulations goes out to Pittsburgh School Superintendent Anthony Hamlet for his efforts to get the community’s views on how to best educate and prepare our children for the job market and to live health lives, once they leave school.

Instead of taking on the attitude that with all his degrees and experience he knows it all, he’s listening to everyone. He’s going from community-to-community to get their views as well as talking to students, teachers and administrators on how to best educate our children. *** The National NAACP’s meet with AG Jeff Sessions…The NAACP met with the attorney general to discuss a recent spate of statements and policy changes that signal a threatening decline in the commitment of the Justice Department to enforce key civil rights, including voter protections.

“The NAACP is deeply troubled by Attorney General Sessions’ recent remarks and DOJ policy changes announced this week. His recent remarks imply a disturbing departure from the DOJ’s essential role in civil rights enforcement, both in terms of protection of the constitutional rights of individuals against police brutality and a documented case of voter suppression, impacting over 600,000 individuals in the state of Texas,” said

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’ national NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks.

I’m still waiting to hear what the national NAACP accomplished after the walk from Selma to D.C. Now, they are going to talk to a man who has made it clear that he doesn’t care about Black people’s civil rights.

I will wait again to hear what comes from this meeting. And people wonder why young people are not involved with the group. Duh. The national NAACP is dying, which is leading to the state and city NAACPs’ deaths. Yes, there are still some very active city and state chapters, but they are dwindling very fast.

The question is, what has the NAACP done lately at the national level?

With all the needs of the Black community, the NAACP has offered nothing. People are tired of marching with no purpose behind it. When Dr. King led the Selma March, it was to bring to the attention of Selma, Ala., and the country that Black people had the right to vote, and that they were demanding their right to vote and all other rights that White people had.

But what was the purpose of the latest NAACP Selma March? What did it accomplish?

I’m not knocking Connie Parker, the head of the Pittsburgh NAACP, she’s doing all she can do. She’s really committed and has tried to make a difference. I’m just sayin’ that without a strong national NAACP to provide financial support and leadership, the

local is going to struggle, and that has been the case of Pittsburgh and cities throughout this country. Where are the young leaders? *** OPRAH FOR PRESIDENT?...

Oprah Winfrey, a television host, actress, philanthropist, publisher and producer who grew up in poverty in Mississippi, has made a habit of shattering glass ceilings. In a recent interview, Winfrey hinted that she could become the first Black woman president. David Rubenstein of Bloomberg Media asked the 63-yearold billionaire whether she ever thought about running for president and actually be elected?

“I never considered the question, even a possibility,” Winfrey said, and then implied she was reconsidering the idea.

“I just thought, ‘Oh-oh,’” she said.

“Because it’s clear you don’t need government experience to be elected president of the United States.”

Winfrey said further, “I thought, ‘Oh gee, I don’t have the experience, I don’t know enough.’ … And now I’m thinking, ‘Oh.’” Not only would she be the first woman, but the first Black woman.

Can she beat Trump in 2020? Yes, in a landslide. She’s a far better candidate than Hillary Clinton. But why would she want it? Why did Trump want it? *** Trump vs. Ryan on Social Security and Medicare...Since taking office, President Trump has doubled down on his promise to save Medicare and Social Security. But, Speaker Paul Ryan has other plans. In a press conference, Ryan claimed that if we don’t cut Medicare, “we are hosed.”

The showdown is coming. I hope it’s not the people who get hosed.

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

Truth is coming to light

by Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The Bible (John 8:32) tells us, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Well, it sure looks like a lot of things in the Trump Administration are beginning to come to light.

I pray that all the American people will be set free because many have been shackled by the alternative facts of the current administration.

So much is coming to light that some nights I can’t get to sleep. I have to stay awake to try to keep up with all the truth that is coming to light. Truths that were hidden just keep on coming out. First, there was the breaking New York Times story that, before leaving office, President Barack Obama’s White House officials rushed to preserve intelligence of Russian hacking, so as to prevent the Russian-Trump details from being scrubbed from the scrutiny of future investigations.

Next came the story regarding newly selected Attorney General Jefferson B. Sessions having avoided mentioning his meetings with Russian officials to the Senate Judiciary Committee while under oath during his confirmation hearings. He tried to evade the actual question asked by Senator Al Franken. This story was so hot that even Republicans began calling for Mr. Sessions to recuse him-

self during any investigation about possible wrongdoing on the part of the Trump campaign for president.

Senator Tom Cole, R-Okla., was pathetic in his defense against truth coming to light. He passed it off as Democrats just trying to explain why they lost the election—reasoning that Democrats just had a flawed candidate! Can you believe that? I guess he’s slept through the last two years while we have been overwhelmed by flaws from both the Trump campaign and now the Trump Administration.

For a refresher, we’ve already experienced from them racism, sexism, ridicule of the disabled, anti-Semitism, exploitation of Native American lands, lies about President Barack Obama, alternative facts, meanness of spirit, and the list goes on and on!

Everything Mr. Trump hasn’t already falsely blamed on President Obama, Republicans have been wrongly blaming on all Democrats!

The day after the election, I told my friends who were so worried about what would happen under Trump that, “God Has Got This!” Every day God sheds more light on truth for us!

In an article by Frank Vogl, he said, “Truth. It’s more important now than ever.” He went on to say that fact-checkers are needed, and that they’re needed more than ever. He referred to the N.Y Times ad regard-

ing truth during the recent Oscars by saying, “…The New York Times is the target of White House abuse…The truth is under attack. The truth is worth defending. The truth requires taking a stand.”

I sometimes wonder how long it will be before all who know the truth will help to bring that truth to light.

In our flawed and imperfect world, many people still look to America as the standard bearer of truth. Unfortunately, lies and corruption are being normalized so quickly that too many have resolved in frustration that, “That’s just the way things are!”

I wonder how long Americans will be willing to exist under the weight of “alternative facts,” instead of seeking the truth and taking a stand that says, “Enough is enough.”

To bring their reign to a swift end, all who can do so must bring truth to the light from its darkness.

As legend goes, when the Phoenix resurrects from the flames, she’s even more beautiful than before. There’s a Phoenix of Truth in all of us. By understanding that our Phoenix can and will rise from the flames, we need not hold to fears of this Trump Administration. STAND BY and don’t forget to check with the espionage folk!

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of the National Congress of Black Women. www. nationalcongressbw.org. 202/678-6788.)

Private prisons slam door on justice

by Jesse Jackson (TriceEdneyWire.com)—March 7 will mark the 52nd anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the historic march and shocking police riot in Selma, Ala., that helped build public support for passage of the Voting Rights Act. Now, a half-century later, an avowed critic of that law—former Alabama Sen. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, who was born in Selma—has been confirmed as attorney general of the United States. In one of his first acts in office—reversing Obama’s order to phase out the federal government’s use of private prisons—he has begun to weaken civil rights protections.

The decision on private prisons reflects Trump’s desire to repeal all things Obama. It expresses the ideological bias of reactionaries like Sessions toward privatizing public functions. It also reveals the pervasive corruption already apparent in the Trump administration. The two largest for-profit prison companies in the United States—GEO Group and CoreCivic (formerly Corrections Corporation of America)—and their associates have, according to Reason Magazine, contributed “more than $10 million to candidates since 1989 and have spent nearly $25 million on lobbying efforts.”

When Trump stoked public fears of violent crime in our cities, called our prison system a “disaster,” and endorsed “privatizations and private prisons,” the industry ponied up hundreds of thousands of dollars to support his candidacy. Since Trump won the election, share prices of GEO Group

and CoreCivic have soared more than 100 percent. In our corrupted politics, Sessions’ act helps consolidate their return on investment.

Reviving private prisons, however, represents far more than mere anti-Obama venom, ideological preference or even political corruption.

It tramples basic civil and human rights. And African Americans and Latinos, who disproportionately populate our prisons, will suffer the most.

Incarcerating people in for-profit prisons is morally indefensible. Locking people up and turning them over to companies whose primary concerns are profits and return to investors is a recipe for abuse. And the record of private prisons demonstrates repeatedly that abuse is pervasive. In Sessions’ home state of Alabama, for example, Whites constitute two-thirds of the total population but only 42 percent of the prison population. African Americans represent only one-fourth of the total population, but over half (54 percent) of the incarcerated.

This is the cause of repeated upheaval and scandal. Private prisons suffer more violence. Underpaid guards too often punish prisoners without accountability. Private prisons, Obama’s Justice Department found, aren’t as safe for prisoners or for guards as public prisons. They lack the services that might revive hope rather than crush it, such as educational programs and job training. Despite their companies’ claims, private prisons don’t save government much money either.

Worse, the thirst for profit overrides the needs of the incarcerated. Private prisons are notorious for skimping

on food, facilities and health care.

They gouge prisoners even for using the telephone to stay in contact with loved ones. Worse, the private companies generally demand that the government guarantee that their cells will be full, even if actual crime rates are falling or if harsh sentencing is rolled back. Nearly two-thirds of private prison contracts mandate that state and local governments sustain an occupancy rate—usually 90 percent—or taxpayers pay for the empty beds. At the federal level, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement budget is mandated by the Congress to maintain detention beds for at least 34,000 immigrants daily.

Sessions’ order impacts some 14,000 federal prisoners, a number that has been trending down in recent years.

Most of the two-million prisoners in America are sentenced and held at the state and local level. To them, Sessions is sending a strong signal. The federal government will be ramping up detentions, particularly of immigrants. It signals to states and localities—many of which have been souring on private prisons— that the federal government is all in for privatization.

Trump has promised a new day for what he calls America’s “inner cities.”

But what we’ve seen so far is a return to the failed policies of the past—law and order rhetoric combined with calls for tougher police tactics, harsher sentences, and now a corrupt and indefensible embrace of privatized prisons. With Sessions in the D.O.J., Trump’s divisive racial rhetoric is about to turn into policy.

B4

MARCH 8-14, 2017

HBCU presidents and one-note Betsy (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Eighty HBCU Presidents did a “fly in” to the White House in a meeting organized by Trump whisperer Omarosa, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), and others. There was a White House meeting, a meeting at the Library of Congress, and more buzz than that which comes from a bee hive.

People were prepped to hear that the White House Initiative for HBCUs would move from the Department of Education to the White House and that this would have an impact on the resources HBCUs would receive from this President’s budget.

Can somebody spell hoodwinked? Sure, the HBCU Presidents came to Washington and got their photo op with our nation’s 45th President (I’ll just call him 45). But the listening session they were to have with some cabinet leaders was interrupted in favor of the photo-op, which means that many who were tapped to speak and who had prepared remarks did not have the opportunity to deliver them.

Notably, Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough posted his remarks online, and made a few media appearances sharing his dissatisfaction. And outgoing Morehouse President John Silvanus Wilson shared his disappointment in a letter with the Morehouse community.

To be sure, HBCU Presidents are caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to this President. HBCUs have

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary often done well under Republican Presidents because they are low-hanging fruit.

Located in the deeply Republican South, the senators who represent their states get points when they do the right thing, as do Presidents who increase Pell grants and Title III dollars, as well as encouraging contract opportunities with government departments. Those who didn’t show up to the “fly in” probably incurred the wrath of the vindictive Omarosa who said she was “taking names” and that 45’s detractors would have to “bow down” to him. Presidents pretty much had to show up, and hope for the best. They went home empty-handed, with an executive order moving the White House Initiative on HBCU office into the White House, but with no additional resources to manage it.

There was also lofty, but resource-devoid language in the executive order.

Can we just call Lack of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos “one note Betsy”? Wherever she looks, she sees school choice, although our educational challenges transcend her myopic agenda. If an ant, enticed by honey, entered a charter school instead of the public school next door, she’d call that school choice. Still, there is no way she can justify her historically ignorant and irresponsible remarks about HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and school choice.

In describing HBCUs and “real pioneers of school choice” she ignored our nation’s higher education history that offered no choice for African Americans who wanted college educations. She has since back pedaled her remarks, but she clearly is comfortable with her historical ignorance.

Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was accepted to Columbia University from a speech scholarship, but turned down when she turned up and they discovered that she was a Negro. She matriculated at NYU instead. Charlayne Hunter Gault and Hamilton Holmes chose to attend the University of Georgia, but their matriculation generated headlines because White folks were not prepared to accept Black students in 1961. Vivian Malone and James Hood chose to attend the University of Alabama, but Governor George Wallace blocked their entrance in 1963. When James Meredith chose to attend the University of Mississippi, the National Guard facilitated his enrollment. How dare you, Betsy DeVos talk about school choice to HBCU leaders, when our very reason for being was that choices were few and far between.

One-note Betsy is a frightening manifestation of ignorance. She is a songbird that must be muzzled before she further demonstrates her utter lack of knowledge. No matter what his rhetoric about HBCUs, our 45th President’s choice for Secretary of Education suggests that history and logic are not part of her portfolio.

This woman has a clear one-note agenda.

It does not include support of the public schools that most students will attend.

She is our nation’s policy leader on educational issues and yet she simmers in educational ignorance. She doesn’t understand history, nor HBCUs, nor the challenges that African- American students have overcome in an educational system that is extremely racially biased.

Can someone lock her up in the National Museum for African-American History and Culture for a week or two? Or present her with classic tomes like The Souls of Black Folks (WEB DuBois, note the spelling Betsy), and The Miseducation of the Negro (Carter G. Woodson) to read before she offers another utterance?

(Dr. Julianne Malveaux, economist and author, is Founder of Economic Education, an organization that connects personal finance with public policy.)

FORUM

Trump’s election propels Black people together, why?

This week’s colover 8 years. If umn is only the sec- Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick they discussed ond time that I have the former Presidiscussed the most dent Obama they recent presidential would start off by election. It was apstating that presiparent to me during dent Obama can’t the campaign that do anything by the news media was himself he needs overwhelmingly for votes from the Hillary Clinton. At house and senate. the outset Las Vegas and 95 percent of It is extremely disturbing to me that all the political experts stated that Don- Black people are allowing ourselves to ald Trump had no chance. The reasons be distracted from changing or improvthey gave were that the Republican Par- ing the things that we have the power ty would not accept him; he was a novice, to change. We can’t change the outcome lacked a professional team and he was of the last election, but we have the poperceived as a rank amateur and was tential to affect change where we live only considered a television personality. across Allegheny County. Black people Then there came a period of time that I must organize and develop a genuine began to notice that every program seri- purpose that will improve our overall ous or comedy that Donald Trump was conditions such as the following: We the topic of conversation and I began to must improve our overall living condithink that the experts might be wrong, tions, raising our income levels starting because he was getting free coverage 24 with more business opportunities, and hours. It would be a lie if I wrote I knew more decent paying jobs. By increasing he would win, but I did believe he had our income it can lead to strengthening an excellent chance. The 2016 presiden- of our families thereby improving the tial election was the first election I could quality of education from elementary not in good conscience vote for either to college, home ownership, and low inmajor party candidate. come housing. We could limit the incarNow that Donald Trump is President ceration rate, elect a Black mayor, state Trump he aggravates Republicans, senator, congressman.

Democrats, Black folks, and even a lot of I don’t expect you to ignore what goes wealthy people, because he ran and got on in the White House, but I do expect elected as an outsider. If I were a con- you to focus on improving wherever spiracy theorist I would believe the elec- we live across Allegheny County. Poltion was a set up. Voters and non-vot- itics start on the street we live on. We ers march every time Trump clears his as Black citizens must take our anger, throat. I have encountered Blacks from frustration, disappointments, and disilevery walk of life who are more embit- lusions and harness that wasted energy tered about the president than I have and turn it into a true sense of positivity ever witnessed in my life. These Black in every aspect of our lives. persons have spent more time and enWe can, we must believe we can.

(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the ergy over the last 70 days talking about Trump than they did about Obama New Pittsburgh Courier.)

To Tell The Truth

Fact check’s unintended fact about violent crime During the presport to disprove idential debates J. Pharoah Doss “Trump’s rhetoric Donald Trump said on crime.” Once “inner city” crime again, I’m not rates in America going to get into were unacceptable. the accuracy of Trump mentioned the numbers bethe carnage in Chicause it’s irrelecago and insinuatvant once the big ed crime rates were picture is placed skyrocketing in into the equation. crumbling Back communities across the Now the big picture in the report was: country.

Overall, violent crime is on a decade’s Hillary Clinton was appalled by long decline since the height of the crack Trump’s nihilistic description of the cocaine epidemic in the early 1990’s.

Black community and encouraged the This is no different than the inauguraAmerican people to fact-check her op- tion comparison. ponent’s remarks against the national After President Obama’s historic inaudata. guration the attendance numbers were Trump continued his “inner city car- going to drop dramatically regardless nage” claims into his presidency. of who was elected. And the height of As expected, there was a host of the crack cocaine epidemic was the most fact-checkers out to disprove Trump’s cataclysmic event in the inner cities in numbers out of fear of a draconian re- the twentieth century, if there is no lonsponse and others were out to disprove ger an epidemic, of course the overall the president’s numbers for partisan crime rates are in decline. reasons alone.

The report also issued a warning But sometimes fact-checking can re- about percent changes in crime beveal unintended facts, especially when cause they can exaggerate the magnipartisan zeal blinds the fact-checker to tude of crimes in a city. “For example, the big picture. the homicide rate in Austin increased For example, Donald Trump’s presi- by 68 percent in 2016, even though the dential inauguration had a small con- actual number of homicides increased troversy. It started with entertainers to 40 from 23. That’s a small fraction refusing to perform and democratic law- of the number of homicides in Chicamakers boycotting the ceremony. Then go (from 478 in 2015 to 732 in 2016) it turned into a dispute about actual at- yet Austin saw a bigger percentage intendance. It was projected that Trump’s crease than Chicago.” And the report inauguration turnout would be the low- also pointed out that “inner city” is not est in history. Of course, the adminis- a category by which crime is measured. tration was out to prove this was false. So a percentage can look worse than (Who wants to be last in history?) But the actual body count in an area that a lot of the headlines said the numbers isn’t a category.

Good to know. were modest compared to the former But how does that negate Trump’s president’s inauguration.

But here’s when the fact-checkers point that the current crime rates are didn’t take the big picture into account. unacceptable?

The fact-checks only prove the presPresident Barack Obama’s election was the biggest historical event in the ident is inaccurate about “inner city 21st century. Without getting into actu- carnage” over the course of a decade, al numbers you can imagine that Pres- but the unintended fact remains, the ident Obama’s inauguration was tri- current state of inner city violence is ple the average rate of attendance. Of acceptable just as long as it’s under epicourse Trump’s numbers were modest demic proportions.

But a lot of headlines say Trump is lyby comparison.

Comparing Trump’s numbers to ing about crime.

In the old days there was a saying: Obama’s won’t prove a low turnout, a low turnout can only be proved by com- There are lies, damn lies, and then paring it to the average rate of atten- there’s statistics, now-a-days the saying dance. (Trump’s inauguration numbers should be: There’s falsehoods, fake news, surpassed George W. Bush and Bill Clin- and then there’s fact-check.

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New ton’s second inauguration.)

Recently there was a fact-checking re- Pittsburgh Courier.)

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

Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Commentary

Trump aims to destroy Obama politically and personally At a candidate’s forum in early 2015, then presidential candidate Trump without a blink said, “I don’t know if he loves America.” The “he” Trump referred to was, of course, former President Obama. The slap at Obama was simply the latest in Trump’s by then three-year campaign to vilify, impugn, slander, and harass Obama as not only not an American citizen, but as an illegitimate President. Trump’s ruthless, near obsessive, vendetta of lies against Obama paid big dividends early on. It got him briefly in the hunt for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012. That made him a political household name. Three years later, in 2015, it got him to the top of the GOP presidential pack and kept him there during the primaries. It then got him the biggest prize of all, the White House.

Obama from the start was Trump’s political meal ticket. When things got dull or there was a momentary rough patch on the campaign trial, Trump had Obama as his ready-made whipping boy. Nothing has changed. With Democrats screaming for answers about Trump’s relations with Russia and Putin, and even some GOP leaders feeling the heat and making weak soundings about a probe or two here and there, Trump quickly trotted out his Obama meal ticket. This time it’s the ludicrous claim that Obama wiretapped him during the campaign, complete with the demand that Congress investigate Obama. It’s tempting to simply chalk this up as yet another Trump ploy to deflect attention from his Russia connection, and in part it is. But there’s more, much more to this.

Trump’s persistent use of Obama as his foil isn’t just to slander his presidency.

It’s to slander him. It isn’t just political, it is personal. The two can’t be separated. Trump repeatedly made clear during the early stages of his campaign that if he got in the White House he’d sign any and every executive order he could to try and halt, gut, or obliterate every initiative that Obama had ever put in place. He’s been as good as his word.

Trump’s assault on Obama’s initiatives normally would have been the end of it.

Presidents from an opposing party to varying degrees quickly sign executive orders to roll back some of their predecessor’s initiatives and actions when they take office.

However, Trump’s obsessive attacks on Obama have another aim beyond mere personal vindictiveness and deflecting attention from his disastrous administration. It sends the strong signal to his base that he will try and demolish everything that they loathed about Obama; not just his policies, but what he personally stood for.

Obama was an eight-year embarrassment to the chronic Obama haters. He was liberal. He was a Democratic. And most odious to them, he was black. Tea Party demonstrators greeted Obama at many stops during his first two years in office with placards, signs and pictures that depicted him in the most lewd, grotesque and often animal-like characterizations. This went way beyond the bounds of normal political attacks and criticism of a president. It was blatantly personal, and showed the depth of the personal distaste many had for Obama and they were not shy about showing it.

Trump at points during his campaign made no effort to correct or reprimand anyone at his townhalls and rallies who got up and vilified Obama in personal terms. This reinforced the point that Trump would make again and again that Obama was not fit from a political or personal standpoint to occupy the White House.

Even Trump’s very belated acknowledgement that Obama was an American citizen was said matter of factly. There was absolutely no elaboration, let alone showing any sign of contrition for waging his ruthless and prolonged campaign to slur him as an alien.

Trump set the template early in his political game about how to go after Obama.

That was to pithily toss out a sensational, outrageous accusation against or about Obama without a shred of evidence to back it up and then sit back and watch the media plaster it out as a headline or top headline news feature. The damage was done and the mission of getting tongues wagging about Obama and legions believing there must be some truth to it was accomplished.

The wiretapping charge fits the pattern to the letter. Trump doubled down on that by demanding a Congressional probe into it. The hope is that the more who believe there’s any truth to this will serve to whittle away yet another tiny chunk from Obama’s well-established legacy of personal honor and integrity.

The charge will, of course, go nowhere because it’s another Trump lie. But that’s less important than making the accusation, and getting the media and public headline hit on Obama. This won’t be the end. We can be sure that Trump won’t rest until he’s destroyed Obama’s political legacy, and Obama as well.

(Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst.)

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COMPUTER/IT: Predictive Solutions Corporation seeks Applications Systems Analyst III to work in Pittsburgh, PA. Review & analyz applictns incl prfrmng testing, debugging & installatn to supprt an organztn’s & customrs’ applctn systms. Degree & commensurate exp. req’d. Apply to job 487 online at: www.indsci.com/careers/.

Seeking weekly newspaper managing editor for African American newspaper. Candidate must have prior newspaper experience, editing skills, writing skills, management skills, computer/Internet savvy, willingness to serve a local niche community, understand deadlines and ability to work with a fast paced production and marketing environment while maintaining high ethical standards. Candidate must also possess graphic layout skills. This is a full time position offering compensation commensurate to experience. Please send letter of interest, experience and resume to jobs@ newpittsburghcourier.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE

The New Pittsburgh Courier is looking for a display advertising sales representative. Experience in media sales or related area preferred but will train the right individual. This full-time staff position offers salary + commission with full benefits after 90 days, paid vacation after 6 months. Must be a self-starter with leadership skills, reliable transportation, and strong computer, written and verbal communication skills. All resumes will be considered. Must be able to work under deadlines, do comprehensive sales-related research and make sales presentations. Send resumes by Feb. 28, 2017 to jobs@ newpittsburghcourier.com.

READING SPECIALIST NEEDED K-5 Elementary School

Please submit resume and three letters of reference with FBI, Child Reporting Clearance and Criminal Background to: jobs@urbanacademypgh.org

CLASSROOM TEACHERS

Pittsburgh K-5 Charter School searching for highly qualified PA certified and or experienced classroom teachers. Please submit cover letter, resume and three letters of reference with FBI, Child Abuse and Criminal Background clearances to jobs@urbanacademypgh.org PPG, a $15 billion leading producer of coatings and fiber glass products, is seeking talented people for fulltime openings as Production Operators at its Springdale, PA coatings plant. The position requires experience in a production environment, strong communication skills, teamwork skills and basic math skills.

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

The position entails blending, measuring and procuring raw materials to manufacture industrial coatings.

Once completed, materials are packaged for shipment to customers.

Starting salary is $14.62 hr. with vacation, holidays and benefits. In approximately 1 year you may reach the full base hourly rate of $18.34 hr. for a Large Work Cell Operator.

Hiring 15 people at a minimum!

Applicants must apply on line at www.jobsppg.com When asked to select the location… select Springdale Plant When asked to select the position… select Springdale Plant Production All candidates must apply using this website. Resumes and phone calls will not be accepted at the facility.

MEDICAL BILLER

The Midwife Center in Pittsburgh seeks a full-time Medical Biller for its growing birth center practice.

Minimum qualifications include an Associate degree and 2+ years’ experience as a Medical Biller, preferably with an OB N practice. Please send cover letter and resume to Erica Biesinger@mid wifecenter.org e.biesinger@mid wifecenter.org.

INDIVIDUAL GIVING MANAGER

Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation (PCBC) dba 90.5 WESA dba 91.3 W EP is seeking an experienced Individual Giving Manager to participate in strategic planning and coordinate all individual giving programs for the stations, including on-air fundraising, sustained giving, direct mail, telemarketing, e-solicitations and social media. For the complete job description and to apply, go to: http://wesa. fm/topic/905-wesa-employmentopportunities Please, no phone calls. EOE

CASEWORKER I OR II

Three Rivers Adoption Council is looking for a Caseworker I or II to assist the Agency’s foster/adopt program by providing transportation, supervision, home visit and case management services. The applicant must have reliable transportation, Act 33 34 and FBI Clearances. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field and at least 1 year work experience. Please submit a letter of inquiry and resume to jshoenberger@3riversadopt.org or mail to 307 Fourth Ave, Suite 310, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POSITIONS Northside Leadership Conference

Non-profit CDC seeking experienced candidates for: Assistant Real Estate Director and Real Estate Project Manager Min 2 rs experience in community organizing, real estate development or related field RE UIRED. Details at www.pittsburghnorthside. com. Resume/cover letter due 3-17-17 email only to resumes@ pittsburghnorthside.com.

AD FOR POSITION OF SUPERINTENDENT

McKeesport Area School District seeks candidates for Superintendent. The position will be available uly l, 2017. Enrollment of 3,400 students in grades K-12. Requirements: Pa letter of eligibility, doctorate and central office experience. Board seeks a dynamic and visionary instructional leader who effectively communicates with and engages all stakeholders. Candidate must embrace high standards of ethics and accountability. Must possess a knowledge of state and national educational standards, initiatives and best practices, strategic planning, effective instructional and assessment practices, data analysis, demonstrated ability in financial management and budgeting and staff development. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to dseropian@mc kasd.net. Deadline March 13, 2017.

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Meetings

Public Notice

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED MEETING

PUBLIC NOTICE OPENING OF THE HILLCREST SENIOR RESIDENCES ONE- (1) BEDROOM SITE BASED WAITING LIST

Public Notice is hereby given that the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission meeting of March 27, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. has been rescheduled for March 20, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. at the SPC Conference Center, Suite 400, Two Chatham Center, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. SPC is committed to compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of applicable civil rights statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and policies. Meeting facilities are accessible by persons with disabilities. Accommodations may be provided for those with special needs related to language, sight or hearing with 72 hours advance notice. If you have a request for special accommodations or desire additional information, please contact Shannon O’Connell at (412) 391-5590, Ext. 334, or soconnell spcregion.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Learn more about PPG at www.ppg.com Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United States PPG prides itself on the quality of its employees and as such, candidates who receive a job offer will be required to successfully pass a hair drug/toxins test and a background check.

PPG offers an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status.

PPG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWESTERN PA

United Way of SW Pennsylvania is seeking a Chief Information Officer to lead its existing Salesforce.com based technology program in support of our core digital fundraising and marketing donor engagement strategies. This includes supervision of vendors responsible for Salesforce development and maintenance including U-Pledge for Good®, our proprietary Salesforce online donation tool. The CIO is also responsible for enterprise information security, data quality and governance, and integration of various applications. The successful candidate will communicate a vision of the role of digital technology infrastructure in nonprofit fundraising and demonstrate prior success in leading change in this area using ROI based priorities. Demonstrated skill at successful collaboration across all Departments is essential to assure necessary resources and enterprise-wide Salesforce CRM adoption. Critical applications include Salesforce.com, Marketing Cloud, Cast Iron and the United Way centric SQL-based “Andar” campaign software. Additional responsibilities include oversight of vendors managing our traditional I.T. resources and processes including VMWARE virtualization. We are a leading local United Way in the United Way Worldwide network receiving consistent four star rankings from Charity Navigator and are a “Best Places to Work” award recipient. This position reports to the Senior Vice President in our Pittsburgh office and compensation will be consistent with our existing senior management salary structure, including a highly competitive benefit plan and a flexible family friendly work environment.

Visit our website at https://uwswpa. org/careers to view job description and apply for this position. Submissions will only be accepted electronically.

United Way of Southwestern PA is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

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Public Notice

CITIZEN POLICE REVIEW BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

CPRB Case 72-16 Monday, 03 27 17, 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 510 City County Building Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Questions may be directed to: (412) 765-8023

PUBLIC NOTICE ALLEGHENY COUNTY ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FY 2017

Notice is hereby given that Allegheny County, Pennsylvania will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 15, 2017 at 10:00 AM, in the Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) 9th floor Conference Room located at One Chatham Center, Suite 900, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 regarding the County’s Annual Action Plan for F 2017. One Chatham Center and the ACED 9th Floor Conference Room are accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If special arrangements, including physical accommodations or limited English proficiency (LEP) accommodations, need to be made in order for citizens to participate in the public hearing, please call Mr. Bud Schubel, Manager of Operations, at (412) 3501044 to make those arrangements.

Allegheny County is undertaking the development of an Annual Action Plan, as required by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to determine the types of projects that will benefit County residents. Part of the Annual Action Plan planning process involves outreach to citizens for input on housing, economic development, and community development needs across the County. Citizen comments are important and will help to determine housing, economic development, and community development needs for F 2017.

The purpose of this public hearing is to accept citizen comments for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) funds. Allegheny County anticipates receiving Federal funds for these programs from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

All interested citizens are encouraged to attend this public hearing and they will be given the opportunity to present oral or written testimony concerning the Annual Action Plan for F 2017. Written comments may also be addressed to Mr. Bud Schubel, Manager of Operations, One Chatham Center, Suite 900, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or by email at howard.schubel@allegheny county.us. Oral comments may be made by calling (412) 350-1044.

All comments must be received at the ACED Office, One Chatham Center, Suite 900, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, no later 4:00 PM on March 31, 2017.

Bud Schubel ACED, Manager of Operations COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

Effective Friday, March 10, 2017 at 8:00 a.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will open the Hillcrest Senior Residences one- (1) bedroom waiting list for all families that require, and qualify for a one- (1) bedroom unit. Families must meet the specific bedroom size requirements along with the elderly family requirements that are; the head of household, spouse or co-head of household must be age 62 or older.

HACP will only be accepting pre-applications in person. Pre-applications can be obtained at the HACP Occupancy Department, 100 Ross Street, 4th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodation to submit a pre-application can contact the Disability Compliance office at 412456-5282. For those that are deaf or hard of hearing, you can also contact HACP at TDD: 412-201-5384.

This event is for the Hillcrest Senior Residences Community ONL and is 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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COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY PITTSBURGH, PA February 27, 2017

The Office of the Director of the Department of Public works for Allegheny County in Conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, is soliciting Statements of Interest through PennDOTs ECMS system for the following: ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Construction Management and Construction Inspection For Replacement of the Dookers Hollow Bridge County Project No. DK01-0303 ECMS No. 76393 Local Agreement Number: L00260 This is a federal-aid project with PennDOT oversight. Statements of Interest are due no later than March 24, 2017 and are to be submitted through PennDOTs ECMS System, http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ ECMS The advertisement can be found under agreement number L00260. A copy of the published advertisement can also be found on the County Website: http://www.county. allegheny.pa.us/bids Any inquiries into this Advertisement are to be directed to Mr. Michael Dillon, P.E., Deputy Director of Engineering, at 412-350-5469 or mdillon alleghenycounty.us The County will use the normal selection process and preselect or short-list at least three firms for consideration for this Project assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Past Performance, Quality Control and Quality Assurance, ecti t ff u ific ti and capabilities, Use and Experience of Subconsultants, and Assurance of Project Milestones.

The County’s Minority and Women disadvantaged goals for these Projects will be 13 of the total price for MBE participation and 2 of the total price for WBE participation.

Stephen G. Shanley, PE, Director Department of Public Works of Allegheny County

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

Estate of HILDA S. BALOG, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, anuary 25, 2017 No. 02-17-01235, Linda E. Watson, c o udith A. Lehnowsky, Attorney, 820 Evergreen Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15209 412821-0441 Estate of JOHN R. SIEBER, deceased of O’Hara Township, PA No. 02-17-01181, oan H. Sieber, Executrix, 300 Fox Chapel Road, Apt. 204, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. 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, 2017 No. 02-17-01261, Tiffany McDowell c o udith A. Lehnowsky, Attorney, 820 Evergreen Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15209 412821-0441

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY PITTSBURGH, PA February 27, 2017

The Office of the Director of the Department of Public works for Allegheny County in Conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, is soliciting Statements of Interest through PennDOTs ECMS system for the following: ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Construction Management and Construction Inspection For Rehabilitation of the Rachel Carson Bridge (9th Street) Bridge County Project No. AL04-0801 ECMS No. 88719 Local Agreement Number: L00259 This is a federal-aid project with PennDOT oversight. Statements of Interest are due no later than March 31, 2017 and are to be submitted through PennDOTs ECMS System, http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ ECMS The advertisement can be found under agreement number L00259. A copy of the published advertisement can also be found on the County Website: http://www.county. allegheny.pa.us/bids Any inquiries into this Advertisement are to be directed to Mr. Michael Dillon, P.E., Deputy Director of Engineering, at 412-350-5469 or mdillon alleghenycounty.us The County will use the normal selection process and preselect or short-list at least three firms for consideration for this Project assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Past Performance, Quality Control and Quality Assurance, ecti t ff u ific ti and capabilities, Use and Experience of Subconsultants, and Assurance of Project Milestones.

The County’s Minority and Women disadvantaged goals for these Projects will be 13 of the total price for MBE participation and 2 of the total price for WBE participation.

Stephen G. Shanley, PE, Director Department of Public Works of Allegheny County LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

THE URBAN ACADEMY OF GREATER PITTSBURGH CHARTER SCHOOL

Sealed bids will be received in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, 437 Turrett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 until 11 o’clock A.M., Friday, March 31, 2017 and will be opened at the same hour in the charter school CONFERENCE ROOM for the services of a Food Services Company to provide breakfast and lunch for the school.

Please email bconey@urban academypgh.org to retrieve the bid documents.

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

Brandon D. Coney Chief O er ti Officer We are an equal rights and opportunity Charter School

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NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

March 8, 2017 City of Pittsburgh-Dept. of City Planning 200 Ross Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 412-255-2211 This notice shall satisfy procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Pittsburgh.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about March 24, 2017 the City of Pittsburgh will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to release federal funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended for a real estate project. Lawrenceville Land trust is an seven (7) unit, scattered-site, for sale, affordable project located on Poe Way, Lotus Way, Duncan Street and McCandless Ave in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh. The newly constructed units will consist of two and three-bedroom homes. The developer is The Lawrenceville Corporation. The federal funding sources utilized on this project are 2007 CDBG, 2016 CDBG, and HOME 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 program funds. The projected federal cost of the activity is $445,000. The projected total development cost is $2,161,498 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Pittsburgh has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at 200 Ross Street, 2ND Floor Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mitigation Required: A combined Phase I environmental site assessment was submitted by Cosmos Technologies, Inc. on January 12, 2016. The assessment reported no impacts to soil or ground water PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to: Mike Petrucci City of Pittsburgh, 200 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 255-2211 All comments received by March 23, 2017, will be considered by the City of Pittsburgh prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Pittsburgh certifies to HUD that William Peduto, in his capacity as Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Urban Redevelopment Authority to use development funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Pittsburgh certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Pittsburgh; (b) the City of Pittsburgh has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Planning and Development Division The Moorhead Federal Building 1000 Liberty Ave.-10th floor Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222 Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

William Peduto Mayor City of Pittsburgh LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR FIRE HOSE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-12-17 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): FIRE HOSE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-12-17 The documents will be available no later than March 6, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on March 24, 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 16, 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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ELECTRICAL SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB# 300-05-17 Rebid The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): ELECTRICAL SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB# 300-05-17 Rebid The documents will be available no later than March 6, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on March 24, 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 16, 2017 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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.

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

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LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT

Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on April 5, 2017 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.

MT. LEBANON LINER SEALING CONTRACT NO. LRT-17-03 The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials and incidentals for the waterproofing of the Mt. Lebanon Tunnel. Activities include polyurethane grout injection for water control and concrete crack and spall repairs of the shotcrete tunnel liner as directed, and maintenance and protection of vehicular and light rail traffic.

Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after March 6, 2017 at Authority’s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 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 CASH), 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 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, 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 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, 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 Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262.

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Cindy Denner - Authority (412) 566-5117 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Cindy Denner Email: cdenner@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 AM Pre-Bid Conference March 16, 2017 Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 5th Floor Board Room 345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) 1:00 AM Pre-Bid Site Tour March 17, 2017 [Mt. Lebanon Station Platform Attendees shall wear safety vest, appropriate footwear and bring a flashlight] 1:30 p.m.

Bids Due April 5, 2017 Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids

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 Langley K-8 Foundation Waterproofing & Classroom Renovations General, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Primes Documents available: March 7, 2017 Pittsburgh Phillips K-5 Restroom, Lobby & Safety Renovations General, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Primes Documents available: March 10, 2017 Project Manual and Drawings will be 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.

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district.

Soul Readers PSYCHIC EBENY H H SPIRITUAL PSYCHIC Solves all problems, remove enemies, bad luck. Return lovers.

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817-333-8852

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THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Office Of The Chief Operations Officer, Room 251, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time, Tuesday, March 14, 2017 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: Printed Forms General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: http://www. pghboe.net/pps/site/default.asp Click on Bid Opportunities under Quick Links.

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

Leon Webb Purchasing Manager/ Purchasing Agent We 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

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, Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370 until 1:00 P.M. prevailing local time, APRIL 5, 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 59G1-17 SOUTH MATRIX BHS ACCESS DOOR REPLACEMENT AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A pre-bid conference will be held in Conference Room A, Fourth Floor, in the Landside Building, Pittsburgh International Airport, at 1:00 p.m., on March 15, 2017.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, 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 412-472-3543, 412-472-3663 or 412-472-3779.

Christina A. Cassotis Chief Executive Officer Allegheny County Airport Authority 00030.AA - PA (REV 0 2-24-14)-2014(2017) 00030-1AA

INVITATION FOR BIDS

The McKeesport Housing Authority (MHA) located at 2901 Brownlee Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132 will be accepting sealed bids for the sale of its entire inventory of used Wascomat laundry equipment. The MHA will be accepting sealed bids until Monday, March 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. for the following items: •25-Crossover Front Load Washers •11-WE 17 Front Load Washers •6-TD 30X30 Stacked Front Load Electric Dryers •12-TD 30X30 Stacked Front Load Gas Dryers All equipment includes ESD card readers installed. Equipment will be sold as a lot and buyer will be responsible for receiving the equipment from the MHA on dates, times and locations determined at bid award. Questions can be directed to Ken Filotei and interested parties may make arrangements to view the equipment by contacting Mr. Filotei at 412-780-7582 between the hours of 8:00am and 3:00pm Monday thru Friday. Bidders should enclose their bids in two (2) sealed envelopes; the outer envelope will be addressed to the McKeesport Housing Authority, 2901 Brownlee Avenue, 2nd Floor, McKeesport, PA 15132. Both envelopes shall be clearly marked, “Laundry Equipment Bid for the McKeesport Housing Authority”. Attention: Stephen L. Bucklew, Executive Director. Bids received will be opened publically and read aloud Monday, March 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

The McKeesport Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

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MARCH 8-14, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

WPIAL playoffs roundup

ISAIAH SMITH (4) of Sewickley Academy blocks a shot by Desmond Ross of Our Lady of Sacred Heart in the WPIAL Class AA championship game which Sewickley Academy won 71-60.

ISIAH WARFIELD (3) of Sewickley Academy drives on Matt Quinn of Our Lady of Sacred Heart in the WPIAL Class AA championship game. (Photos by William McBride)

Saints march home without a title

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier

For New Pittsburgh Courier

The postseason has a knack of exposing a team’s imperfections, such as the Imani Christian Saints (157) inability to be consistent and to keep their composure.

Monessen (17-7), behind Justice Rice scoring a game-high 30 points, Jaden Altomore added 17, Lyndon Henderson had 13, and Vaughn Taylor 10, blew out Imani Christian 74-59 Thursday night at Pitt’s Petersen Events Center to win the WPIAL Class A title.

The Saints spent the season depending on senior star Kenny Robinson and junior Sam Fairley and the combination of over-whelming dependence and vulnerability is the reason for their poor play.

Both Robinson and Fairley got into foul trouble early and eventually fouled out of the game.

With the two stars sitting on the bench, with three first-half fouls, nothing came easy for the Saints. They missed shots with regularity, threw the ball away and looked lethargic on defense and the Greyhounds sent the Saints marching home early.

In a brief moment of

frustration, Kenny Robinson slammed into several Monessen players and was assessed with double-technical in the first quarter and will be ineligible to play in Imani Christian’s first round PIAA playoff game.

Winning and losing matter to Kenny Robinson, but he can find victory outside the basketball court, too.

Robinson is 6’3 and one of the top all around athletes in the state and he will be playing his college football at West Virginia University.

Despite being in foul trouble Robinson finished with 21 points and teammate Sam Fairley added 18.

Monessen could not have drawn it up any better and took advantage of Imani’s inexperience.

The greyhounds have won five titles since 2001. The win was the sixth title for coach Joe Salvino.

Monessen, in its fifth district title game in seven years. The Greyhounds’ other titles came in 1919 (3A), ’95 (A), 2001 (A), ’02 (A), ’11 (AA) and ’15 (A).

Both teams moved into the PIAA playoffs. Mones- ALEXA WILLIAMSON (24) of Chartiers-Houston scored 22 points sen will meet the fourth- to lead the Buccaneers to a 47-35 win over Vincentian in the WPIplace team from District 9, AL AA championship.

Imani Christian will open against the third-place team from District 6.

Luck of the Irish helps Rams win back-to-back titles

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier

Phil Jurkovec, is a star quarterback for Pine-Richland (24-1) and the junior will play football for Notre Dame and “the luck of the Irish” continues to shine on him.

Jurkovec scored 21-points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Rams 72-61victory over Butler Saturday night at Pitt’s Petersen Events Center.

The win gives Pine-Richland its second consecutive title after the Rams won the Class 4A title a year ago. This was the first year of six classifications, and Pine-Richland ended up winning the largest class again.

It is only the sixth time since the 1970s that a team has won consecutive titles in the largest classification.

New Castle did it twice while The Gateway Gators, Beaver Falls and Farrell repeated once.

Pine-Richland coach Jeff Ackermann, who has won five championships, including three at Moon.

The thought of Norman Dale’s famous line from “Hoosiers,” one of the best sports movies, when the Rams took the Pitt’s Petersen Events Center Saturday night to play the Butler Golden Tornado’s (17-9).

“My team is on the floor.”

What the fans saw from the Rams gave them a glimpse of what they’ll see in the PIAA tournament.

Although practice time is rare and precious at this time of year—keeping players reasonably well-rested for the state playoffs tends to be more of a priority—the Rams are led by Jurkovic and senior guard Andrew Petcash , and all the players appreciate the rest.

With the win the Pine-Richland Rams will head to the PIAA Boys Basketball Championships on a high note and will take on the Latrobe Wildcats on Saturday, March 11. The Butler Golden Tornado will face the Canon McMillan Big Macs in the first round of the tournament on Saturday as well.

Sam-I-Am leads Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic to title

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier

ketball player in WPIAL history, Breen is off to the For New Pittsburgh Courier PIAA tournament to finish Sam Clancy starred for her remarkable high school Pitt from 1977 to 1981 and career. became the first Pitt player Blackhawk had the better to score 1,000 points and team speed, but lacked the grab 1,000 rebounds. Sam size to compete with the Young was a 2009 basketTrojanettes. ball All-American at Pitt.

North Catholic, which Cardinal Wuerl North averages a WPIAL-best 65 Catholic Samantha (Sam) points per game, has a tall, Breen might be the best talented frontcourt led by Sammie to play on the Breen, the top post player floor at Pitt. in the WPIAL. Sam Breen, a Dayton Breen, a Dayton recruit, recruit who has more than is averaging 22.6 points 2,000 career points, scored and 10.6 rebounds per a game-high 34 points and game. She has 2,396 had 20 rebounds as Cardi- career points and 1,128 nal Wuerl North Catholic rebounds. Breen (6 feet (23-2) rolled to a 65-36 1) is joined down low by victory over Blackhawk to 6-2 Kylie Huffman and win the WPIAL Class 4A 6-1 Dani Short. Huffman title. is second on the team in Breen’s performance was scoring with 11.5 points a remindful of one from the game. great Terrelle Pryor in a The CWNC Trojanettes title game nine years ago who won a record 17th when the Jeannette star WPIAL Title and coach, had a triple-double with 39 Molly Rottmann, became JUSTICE RICE of Monessen scored 30 points to lead the Grey- points, 24 rebounds and 10 only the fifth coach in hounds to a 74-59 win over Imani Christian in the WPIAL Class A blocked shots.

JADEN ALTOMORE scored17 points in the Monessen Greyhounds WPIAL history to win six championship game. win over Imani Christian in the WPIAL Class A championship game.

Arguably the best basWPIAL championships.

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SPORTS

MARCH 8-14, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Overtime

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—The University of Pittsburgh Men’s Basketball Team…ahhh…ummm…well, see what had happened was…no, no, wait.

See there were two nuns and the one nun said to the other nun? Sorry, that’s all I got. I don’t know what else I can tell ya! :09—To look at the boys Allderdice basketball team in action, the way they flow, the ball movement, the clutch 3s and the team ball they play, you could put money on their chances to win state.

That being said, I don’t know what’s coming from the other side of the state and with that being said, if they run into a team with two strong big men, it will present match-up problems. Down low.

Butttt with that being said, I like their chances. It’s a really good team and well coached. They slowly took Altoona H.S. apart and for the most part led and controlled the entire game. :08—By the way, did you know that Altoona is coached by former Altoona, Villanova and Minnesota Timberwolves star Doug West. It’s true what they say. You can always go home.

:07—Look I know you think you know more about the movies than me and that’s okay, but know this…you better run and see…Get Out…as soon as you can. I am telling ya, scary, funny, and real racist, but you’re going to love it. Trust me. I give it three J.V. basketballs cause it’s not on the varsity scale but listen, when somebody tells you to get out, you better get out!!!

You?ll see. :06—Okay, come October you’re going to be stopping me in the street or at Dollar General…(What? Yeah, I go to Dollar General. Don?t get it twisted. I ain’t that proud. If corn flakes are a $1 there and $4 at Giant Eagle, man you know where I am going. And shut up anyway, that’s where I saw you.) Anyway, you’re going to be last minute talking about “Neal, how come you didn’t put so and so in the City League Hall of Fame?” So I’m telling you again. Now is the time to start the nomination process. The committee has begun the process. Here’s how to do it. I’ll write slow so some of you Carrick and Langley grads can keep up. (Oh, relax. Just a little City League humor…besides, you’re a little short on legends anyway. Again, relax will ya?!?!) #1 City League grad. #2 Best

of the Best. #3 Major varsity sport 2 of 3 years. #4 Strong moral character. #5 Must be able to attend. #6 Out of school minimum 5 years. #7 Able to identify 10 people that will attend to support you. Call 412628-4856 to nominate and remember, only 15 will be selected. :05—Remember, you can nominate a deceased athlete as well, but only 10 will be selected. :04—This just in. Winter is officially over.

Your Pittsburgh Pirates open the 2017 season at home on Friday, April 7 against the Atlanta Braves at 1:05. Beat Um Bucs! :03—Congratulations Pittsburgh City League. Back to back sports seasons with no problems. Football season and basketball season. And big props to our outstanding student athletes. Representing well.

Remember, “We are People of the Mighty, Mighty People of the Sun. In our Hearts Lie All the Answers of the Truth we Come From!” (The elements youngsters. Earth, Wind and Fire!) :02—Speaking of good ole school music, here’s this. Ed Gainey, oh my bad. State Rep. Ed Gainey thinks he knows something about it. Now we know he knows politics. He’s a politician. And we know

he knows football. He played at “The Body.” And I know for a fact he knows basketball cause he played in the Connie Hawkins League, but Ed don’t know “Bo” about old school. You tell me where you’re going if you got money for one ticket…Ed says Earth, Wind and Fire. I say The Temptations with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. Ed says Anita Baker…I say the queen of soul Aretha Franklin. Ed says Luther…I say Teddy! Text me where you’re going 412-628-4856. And don?t make me come after you!!! :01—The 2017 Connie Hawkins Summer Basketball League Hall of Fame Inductees, Dave Burries, Joe Barlow, Brian Carroll, Nate Duck, Cory Gadson, Hosea Champayne, Gary Nelson, Rico Appendanza, Coach Ringo Saunders, Kevin Price, Jimmy Nichols, Eric Carter, Mark Hassell,Vince Lackner, Shawn Harvey.

Everyone listed here please contact me so I can get your information. 412-628-4856. :00—Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Ms. Deborah L. Walker who passed away suddenly last week. God bless. You were wonderful and will be missed. ~ GAME OVER ~

Bad Moon rising

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier

AYANNA TOWNSEND of Winchester-Thurston scored 21 points and controlled the glass in the Bears 52-41 win over Cornell in the WPIAL Class A championship game.

by Aubrey Bruce

Jarrod Simmons has pulled on a Moon Tigers (20-5) jersey 25 times this season.

His performance in their 69-62victory against Hampton Friday night at Pitt’s Petersen Events Center—Simmons finished with 22 points, 21 rebounds, 8 blocked shots, 3 assists and 2 steals to seal the game—might not have been his absolute finest, but it probably wasn’t far from it.

Simmons’ family lives in Moon’s district and he attended Moon schools through junior high. But for his freshman through junior years, Simmons played at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Mass.

And all the 6-foot-7 Simmons has done is carry the Tigers to a WPIAL championship.

Simmons, who has committed to the University of Pennsylvania in the Ivy League, was pretty good during the regular season, averaging 17 points, but became a “mad man” during the playoffs.

The WPIAL title was the fourth for Moon, which also defeated Hampton twice in the regular season: 72-65 and 47-46.

If familiarity does breed contempt, then Simmons should have a strong dislike for every opponent.

It’s hard to upstage Moon’s senior Jarrod Simmons and he play best on the biggest stage.

DAEJA QUICK, a 5’ 5” dynamo from Cornell scored 20 points for the Raiders but it was not enough as the Raiders lost to Winchester-Thurston in the WPIAL Class A championship game.

Inside Conditions…When Irish eyes are smiling

For New Pittsburgh Courier

“When Irish eyes are smiling. Sure, ‘tis like the morn in Spring In the lilt of Irish laughter. You can hear the angels sing When Irish hearts are happy. All the world seems bright and gay. And when Irish eyes are smiling. Sure, they steal your heart away.”

Excerpt from the song, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” by Chauncey Olcott, George Graff, and Ernest Ball.

When Chauncey Olcott, George Graff, and Ernest Ball wrote “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” Olcott took up the Irish topic legitimately. His mother was Irish; she immigrated to America when she was a child, and Chauncey was born in upstate New York. Many songwriters and composers draw their musical influences from outside their own background. (Irving Berlin, widely known as one of the greatest American songwriters of all time, wrote “God Bless America” despite having been born in Belarus and “White Christmas” despite having been Jewish.)

For every American that lays legitimate or illegitimate claim in regards to being part of the Irish lineage, St. Patrick’s Day, (the day of the sippin saints) humongous sized fish sandwiches, (during Lent) green beer and the unofficial license to get a bit tipsy during “St. Paddy’s” day are now permanently woven into the fabric of the American culture. As far as melanin is concerned, you can be white, light, bright or closer to midnight but on the day that we celebrate, “the wearin’ of the green” there is, at least temporarily, racial “equi-

IRISH EYES—From left: Dan Rooney, Bill Nunn III, Art Rooney II, and Aubrey Bruce. poise.” I am not Irish, at least not genetically anyway, but this is not only the season for celebrating “Irish Pride” but it is also a time of reflection regarding what the most famous Irish family in Pittsburgh, Pa., the family of Arthur J. Rooney, the late founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers has provided for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, America and the world.

In 1933, Arthur J. Rooney (The late owner/founder) of the Pittsburgh Steelers took some of the proceeds from winning at the track and used $2,500 to file “franchise fee” to form the Pittsburgh Steelers. For the next forty years, the performance of the team was terrible at worst and average at best. However, the world should have known just by observing the persona, presence and persistence of “The Chief,” that he wasn’t going to throw in the “towel” because as we all know that would have been just “terrible.”

Through it all, “The Chief” was just like Ole Man River, he just kept rolling along.

For those that mocked and ridiculed Arthur J. Rooney, in the end, he had the last laugh. His Irish eyes are smiling. Hey barkeep, my throat is getting dry, pour me another Guinness along with a shot of

Jameson whiskey, won’t cha? Check out the following list of Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Hall-of-Famers. Arthur J. Rooney, Daniel M. Rooney, Bert Bell, Johnny “Blood” McNally, Bill Dudley, Walt Kiesling, Bobby Layne, Ernie Stautner, Joe Greene, John Henry Johnson, Jack Ham, Mel Blount, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Jack Lambert, Chuck Noll, Mike Webster, Dermotti Dawson, Jerome Bettis, Kevin Greene, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Rod Woodson, Jack Butler. I am beginning to get “ticklish.” Are these Afro-Irish eyes dancing or smiling?

Now I need a glass of “Pluck.” Hey, I am loving my green beer but I am beginning to feel a bit giddy after reading that almost celestial hall of fame list. Compare the aforementioned Hall-of-Fame list of the Atlanta Falcons who only list 6 players who have “busts” residing in Canton and out of that 6 only Claude Humphrey (1968-1978) and Deion Sanders (1989-1993) played more than four years with the team. The falcons even have the nerve to list Green Bay Packers great Brett Favre who only played a year or so with the team.

Those who once laughed at the business model of Arthur J. Rooney are now crying in their beer. The Steelers went from paupers to princes. They graduated from the outhouse to the penthouse. I am sure that the adopted “Irish eyes” of Bill Nunn Jr. are smiling. I am positive that the “Dublinesque” peepers of the late Charles Henry Noll are guffawing.

I can visualize *Ernie Holmes, *Dwight White, *Mike Webster, *L.C. Greenwood getting in a good laugh with “The Chief” after the “Steel Curtain” manhandled another so-called “worthy opponent.” You don’t have to be Irish to be “Irish,” just ask George Graff who co-wrote “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” with Chauncey Olcott.

After the death of my wife in 2004, I was mired in a world of self-pity. Bill Nunn Jr. pulled me aside and simply said, “It’s not what you go through that counts but who you become because of it.” I don’t have many quotes from “Jr.” but that is a piece of advice that would make me appear “selfish” if I didn’t share it. At this very moment, just the memory of it makes me feel like I want to get up and dance a “jig.”

I didn’t get to know or interact with “The Chief” like I have with Dan Rooney or Art Rooney II and sometimes I become a bit nostalgic and maybe a bit sad. But when young players like LeVeon Bell, Antonio Brown and not so young players, Ben Roethlisberger and James Henry Harrison Jr. keep the Steelers tradition moving forward, I really sense that “Irish eyes are truly smiling. (*Deceased Pittsburgh Steelers players).

(The source of this article was behindthesteelcurtain.com) A(ubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@n(ewpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)