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America’s best weekly Celebrating The 2017 Graduates

Former Pittsburgh Steeler brings Crazy Mocha to Hill District

Planet of the Alphas: The Weekend

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Lifestyles A7

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Vol. 108 No. 26

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JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

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Black-owned AGRiMED to farm medical marijuana

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Many assumed that Black investment in Pennsylvania’s budding medical marijuana industry would be found in the Southeast region around Philadelphia, and any other Black investment would be at best, minimal.

But in the Greene County town of Carmichaels, there is not only Black investment, but Black ownership of what will be one of only two state-sanctioned medical marijuana farms in the Southwest region.

And AGRiMED Industries’ plans don’t stop there. The company has also applied for a dispensary license, which, if granted, would give the company control RON GOLDMAN of the product from cultivation to

“AGRiMED is so pleased to be able to bring real economic opportunities back to Greene County, which is one county among many that have been hit hard by the economic downturn over the last few decades.”

AGRiMED Statement

sale.

The firm’s entire African American leadership team, which includes managing partner Sterling Crockett, Board Chair Ron Goldman and Medical Director Dr. Eric Mitchell, thanked the Pennsylvania Department of Health in a statement released immediately after the winning firms were announced: “We are honored to have been selected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be one of the first medical cannabis cultivators given the opportunity to begin the process of relief to the pain and suffering of the citizens of Pennsylvania. The selection of AGRiMED today provides us with the opportunity SEE AGRiMED A5

STERLING CROCKETT

TO SUSPEND or NOT TO SUSPEND?

Advocacy groups push Pittsburgh Public Schools to eliminate K-5 suspensions

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Kindergarten through fifth grade in City schools.

Courier Staff Writer “What we’re seeing is that To suspend, or not to sus- suspensions don’t work, we pend—it’s an issue that’s all know that they don’t hotter than Pittsburgh’s work, it doesn’t do anything to improve behavior, teach summer heat.

Just a day prior to the any new skills, or solve any Pittsburgh Public Schools’ problems,” said Pamela latest stance on Pre-Kin- Harbin of Education Rights dergarten to fifth grade Network. “It’s just one of suspensions for minor or those outdated things that non-violent offenses, the they use in education.”

According to the advocasigns outside the administration building read, “Lift cy group, K-5 students in us up, don’t push us out,” City schools missed 3,160 “Educate, don’t incarcer- days of school due to out-ofate,” “Counselors, not cops,” school suspensions during and “Solutions, not suspen- the 2015-16 school year.

And students of color were sions.”

More than 50 people— suspended four times as many of them members of often as White students. the Education Rights Net- “This is urgent. We can’t work—held a June 19 rally wait,” Harbin told the New in front of the Bellefield Av- Pittsburgh Courier. “Kids’ enue building in Oakland, lives are being impacted, hoping to draw support for and the lives that are being eliminating all suspensions impacted are disproporfor non-violent offenses for tionately Black students

GWEN’S GIRLS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KATHI ELLIOTT speaks to anti-suspension supporters during a June 19 rally outside the district administration building in Oakland. and students with disabilities.”

On June 21, PPS spokeswoman Ebony Pugh told the Courier that the School Board “approved a resolution that directs District Administration to convene a working group to develop recommenSEE SUSPEND A5

PPS students can jumpstart their career with CTE programs

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

JOSHUA CLINE and Kassidy Campbell, both PPS students, learn culinary skills at Westinghouse High School, June 21.

Pittsburgh Public Schools product Angela Mike received her cosmetology license—before she even finished high school.

How did she do it? Personal desire, of course. But without the special elective-style courses offered by some Pittsburgh Public Schools like Westinghouse, Mike would never have obtained her license so soon.

Almost 30 years later, she’s vowing to make sure all connected with PPS— students, parents, family and friends—know about the district’s current Career and Technical Education (CTE) division.

“It fast-tracks students in career areas that they

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may be very passionate about,” said Mike, the executive director of the CTE division since 2010.

“So if you always dreamed of being an engineer or in the healthcare field, a nurse, a doctor—there are programs you can take in high school and get a jumpstart in your career, three periods a day for three years.”

There are currently 15 CTE programs in six high schools across the district: Perry, Brashear, Carrick, Milliones/University Prep, Allderdice, and Westinghouse. Each school has its own number of programs.

For example, Perry has the Cosmetology, Health Careers Technology and Information Technology SEE PPS A5

HirePGH grads receive grants, helps them stay in Pittsburgh

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Late last year, in an effort to entice recent local college graduates to remain in the area—and to entice local businesses to hire them, Pittsburgh Councilman Corey O’Connor, working with the African American Chamber of Commerce and the Pittsburgh Promise, set aside $60,000 for a grant program to do just that.

Called HirePGH, it would give $5,500 to former Pittsburgh Promise (now post-secondary) graduates if they accepted positions with Pittsburgh employers, and the same amount to the employers, as long as they were not government-related.

Last week, the effort paid off for six Promise alums, and two local firms, as O’Connor, Chamber PresSEE GRANTS A5

CHAMBER CEO DORIS CARSON WILLIAMS hands a certificate to Charmaine Clarke.

(Photo by J.L. Martello)

Ulish Carter says

Rebuilding Black neighborhoods—manpower is there, money isn’t Opinion B3

A2

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

INTERNATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

FRONT PAGES—This photo taken June 22 shows South Sudanese newspaper front pages, including two with news stories removed by the printer on the instructions of the government, in Juba, South Sudan. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

South Sudan censors press, restricts reporters in civil war

by Sam Mednick

ists violates international standards.

Associated Press Writer “U.S. law prohibits assisJUBA, South Sudan (AP) tance to the government of South Sudan until they —As South Sudan’s civil take effective steps to war creates the world’s protect freedoms of exlargest refugee crisis and pression, association and widespread allegations of sexual and ethnic violence, assembly,” Phee said. Such direct financial assistance the government is clampto a government doesn’t ing down on the news include humanitarian aid, media, journalists charge.

This is starkly evident in which this year amounts to $391 million. the country’s newspapers, Since South Sudan which the government in gained independence from May started censoring by Sudan in 2011, the media blanking out articles it landscape has become deems critical. grim. Reporters without In addition, 15 South Sudanese journalists have Borders ranks the country 145th out of 180 states in been arrested, beaten, its 2017 World Press Freejailed, threatened or dedom Index, down five slots nied access to information from the previous year. in the past four months, The Committee to Protect according to the Union Journalists says South Suof Journalists in South dan has muzzled the media Sudan. for too long and is urging At least 20 members of the foreign press have been President Salva Kiir not banned from or kicked out to use the accreditation of of South Sudan in the past foreign journalists “as a new tool of censorship and six months, the Foreign retaliation against foreign Correspondents’ Associamedia.” tion of East Africa says.

In March, Austrian freeWith the civil war more lancer Simona Foltyn was than three-and-a-half told to leave the country years old, journalists say by the Media Authority, a they are hard-pressed to regulatory body created by report on alleged atrociSouth Sudan’s government. ties amid warnings by the “The (Media Authority) United Nations and others managing director told me of “ethnic cleansing.” that I’d only been reporting In her first public stateabout conflict and sexual ment on the issue, U.S. violence,” Foltyn said. “And Ambassador Molly Phee that I hadn’t been writing told The Associated Press that the pattern of denying anything positive about South Sudan.” visas to foreign journal-

Learn more about…

The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation’s “American Heroes: The Homewood Project” as well as how to enroll in the 34th Annual Frank Bolden Urban Multi-Media Workshop, on the next PittsElaine Effort burgh Profiles with KQV News Reporter Elaine Effort.

Pittsburgh Profiles heard on

KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM

Friday, June 29 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, June 30 at 7:00 A.M. Sunday, July 1 at 5:00 P.M.

The blocking of journalists is getting worse, said Alfred Taban, a veteran South Sudanese reporter and chairman of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan.

“Who at this time, if he’s a real journalist, would write articles that aren’t critical about South Sudan?” Taban asked.

A spokesman for South Sudan’s government, Ateny Wek Ateny, said the government doesn’t interfere with the Media Authority’s activities.

“I don’t entirely agree with the decision to reject journalists, but anyone who is trying to incite the people of South Sudan is not wanted in this country,” Ateny said.

The government established the Media Authority in February to regulate journalistic practices. It is funded by the government and some board members are government officials.

“Hate speech, defamation and incitement are three things we don’t tolerate,” said Media Authority managing director Elijah Alier. He said it isn’t his intention to restrict journalists or throw them out of the country, but said unbalanced reporting can be harmful and misleading. The Media Authority said it has issued more than 200 press passes out of roughly 250 applications between February and June.

British freelance journalist Ashley Hamer reported in South Sudan between 2014 and 2016. She said the visa process was seamless until she applied for renewal in March. She was told she had failed her background check.

“I understand why they don’t want us here,” Hamer said. “There are horrific atrocities going on and they’d prefer us not interfering and making them look bad.”

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Week of June 28-July 4 June 28 1839—Cinque (original name Senghbe), after being kidnapped and sold into slavery, is placed on the Spanish slave ship Amistad.

The son of a King of the Mende (Mendi) tribe in West Africa would lead the most successful revolt on a slave ship during the entire history of the slave trade. The Amistad was captured by the slaves who killed the captain and attempted to sail the ship to Africa.

But due to delaying tactics by the remaining White crew, the ship was captured by a U.S. naval ship. Cinque and the rebellious slaves were taken to New Haven, Conn., and put on trial for murder. Amazingly they won their case and were allowed to return to Africa.

JOSEPH CINQUE 1971—Muhammad Ali is allowed to box again after winning a victory in the United States Supreme Court. The court overturned his conviction for refusing to be drafted and serve in the United States war in Vietnam. When asked how he could claim to be a pacifist opposed to war while being a professional boxer, Ali’s most frequent response was, “I am not going 10,000 miles from here to help murder and kill and burn poor people to help continue the domination of White slavemasters over the darker people.”

1978—The United States Supreme Court hands down the Bakke Decision which undermined affirmative action programs that had been designed to give preference to Blacks and other minorities in education and industry in order to compensate for decades of past discrimination. Although the court ruled affirmative action programs were constitutional; it struck down the use of quotas and that had MUHAMMAD ALI the effect of weakening the affirmative action programs.

June 29 1970—NAACP Chairman Stephen Gill Spottswood creates a national controversy by telling the annual convention of the civil rights organization that the administration of President Richard Nixon was “anti-Negro” and was pursuing policies “inimical to the needs and aspirations” of African-Americans.

1972—The United States Supreme Court rules in a historic five to four decision that as it was being carried out in America, the death penalty was “cruel and unusual punishment” and thus violated the Constitution. The ruling also suggested that the death penalty was racist. At the time 483 of the approximately 600 people waitSTEPHEN GILL ing to be executed in the nation were Blacks or members of other SPOTTSWOOD minority groups. However, since the decision, at least 38 states and the federal government have re-instituted the death penalty by supposedly meeting Supreme Court guidelines.

June 30 1847—Dred Scott (and his wife, Harriet) files his famous lawsuit in St. Louis Circuit Court arguing that after living with a slave master for several years in non-slave territories, they should be considered free. After several twists and turns, the case makes its way to the United States Supreme Court where the court rules against Scott and Justice Roger B. Taney writes what may be the most racist decision ever rendered by the court. Taney wrote that Scott was “private property” and had no right to sue in federal court. He also declared that Blacks were not citizens of America and never could be. Then he topped the decision by writing of Scott and all Blacks, “being of inferior order, and altogether unfit to associate with the White race…they have no rights which the White man is bound to respect.”

1917—Glamorous Singer-Actress Lena Horne is born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to an upper-income Black family. She would perform with Jazz greats such as Artie Shaw, Teddy Wilson, Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington. She also became the first African-American woman to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio. But she became disenchanted with Hollywood and returned to her nightclub career.

She is best known for her 1940s hit “Stormy Weather.” In her later years she became active in civil rights including participation in Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic 1963 March on Washington.

Horne died on May 9, 2010 at the age of 92.

1967—Major Robert H. Lawrence is named the first Black U.S. astronaut in the NASA space program. The Chicago-born LawLENA HORNE rence would later die under somewhat mysterious circumstances during a training exercise in December 1967.

1974—A deranged Black man, Marcus Chennault, shoots and kills the mother of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Along with Alberta Christine Williams King, a church deacon was killed and another church member wounded. Chennault, a Dayton, Ohio, native, reportedly claimed that Black Christians were deceiving and misleading Black people.

1995—Song-stylist and singer Phyllis Hyman commits suicide in New York City shortly before she was scheduled to perform at a concert. Hyman was one of the premier female vocalists of her day. The reasons for her suicide were unclear. She left a note which read in part “I’m tired. I’m tired.” Hyman was 45—six days short of her 46 birthday—when she died.

July 1 1863—Walter Francis White is born in Atlanta, Ga. For nearly 25 years White was one of the most influential Black leaders in the nation. He headed the NAACP from 1931 to 1955. However, he first received national attention because of the way he looked. As a light-complexioned Black man with blue eyes, White was able to infiltrate racist groups and investigate planned brutality against Blacks. But in 1919, he barely escaped with his life while attempting to investigate the deadly Elaine Race Riot in Phillips County, Ark., which had left more than 200 Blacks dead. Somehow the mob discovered that White was in the area and set out to lynch him. But he was able to catch a train back to Little Rock before he could be identified. While on the train, the White conductor told him he was leaving town too early because the mob had discovered “a damn yellow Nigger passing for White and the boys are going to get him.” White would die in New York City in 1955. His autobiography is entitled “A Man Called White.”

1899—Thomas Andrew Dorsey is born in Villa Rica, Ga. Dorsey is widely credited with being the “Father of Gospel Music.” During the early 1930s, after leaving Atlanta for Chicago, Dorsey combined gospel and the blues while performing under the name “Georgia Tom.” He wrote more than 400 gospel and blues songs including his most famous “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” He died in Chicago in 1993 at the age of 96. Once asked to comment on his life, Dorsey said, “I had hope, faith, courage, aspiration and most of all determination to accomplish something in life.”

THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY July 2 1777—Vermont becomes first U.S. territory to abolish slavery. By 1783, New Hampshire and Massachusetts had followed Vermont’s lead. The abolition of slavery was formally placed in the Vermont Constitution, which was formally adopted on July 8, 1777. A major force in the early abolition movement was a group known as the Rights of Man Movement.

1822—Denmark Vesey and five of his co-conspirators are hanged in Charleston, S.C. Vesey’s “crime” had been the organization of the largest slave rebellion in American history. But the insurrection was betrayed by a “house slave” before it could be implemented. Vesey was actually a former slave who had purchased his freedom.

1908—Thurgood Marshall is born in Baltimore, Md. Marshall would go on to become chief counsel for the NAACP and the lead attorney in the Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to the desegregation of the nation’s schools. President Lyndon Johnson would, in June 1967, nominate him to be the first African-American Justice on the United States Supreme Court because as Johnson put it, “It was the right thing to do and the right time to do it.”

1943—Lt. Charles Hall became the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi warplane during World War II. Hall was from Brazil, Ind. July 3 1775—Prince Hall founds African Lodge Number One—the first Black lodge of Free Masons in the United States. Hall would become the pioneer builder of Black Masons in America. He was also a leading voice against slavery and for Black rights in the North.

1962—The first Black man permitted to play Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson, is named to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

July 4 1776—The United States formally becomes a nation with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The document was largely written by later President Thomas Jefferson. Amazingly, although he was a slave owner himself, Jefferson originally included a section in the Declaration denouncing slave traders and slave owners. But it was later deleted by Congress. The section said of the slave trader: “He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him.”

1792—Thaddeus Stevens is born. Stevens would become one of the great White heroes of Black history. He was a leader of a group known as the “Radical Republicans” which fought tirelessly in Congress against slavery. It was Stevens who introduced the 14th Amendment to the Constitution which, in effect, made the former slaves full citizens of the United States. It also contains the due process and equal protection clauses of the Constitution. These clauses are now considered two of the most fundamental underpinnings of American law and were used extensively during the Civil Rights Movement to outlaw discrimination against Blacks.

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NATIONAL

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

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Are minorities being left out of LGBT celebrations?

by Deepti Hajela

and sweatpants, of not being served in a timely Associated Press Writer manner at bars and of being stopped and asked NEW YORK (AP) — Gay for identification at clubs pride marches in New York while White customers City, San Francisco and in walked in unbothered. between last weekend had In January, Philadelphia plenty of participants — officials issued a report and also protests directconfirming longstanding ed at them from other racism in the Gayborhood members of the LGBT and pledged to penalize community, speaking out businesses that did not against what they see as make changes. Earlier this increasingly corporate celemonth, the city unveiled brations that prioritize the a new flag meant to be a experiences of gay White more inclusive reflection of men and ignore issues facgay pride, with a black and ing black and brown LGBT brown stripe added to the people. existing rainbow motif. The The protests disrupted flag’s introduction stirred other pride events earlier heated commentary from this month. In Washington, supporters as well as those D.C., the No Justice No who felt it was interjecting Pride group blocked the race unnecessarily. parade route. In Columbus, Pride organizers around Ohio, four people were arthe country have taken rested after a group set out steps to address the critto protest violence against icisms. In San Francisco, minority LGBT people and Sunday’s pride event will the recent acquittal of a be led by groups including police officer in the shootthe Bayard Rustin LGBT ing death of Philando CasClub, SF Black Community tile, a Black man, during a Matters, African Human traffic stop.

Rights, and Bay Area “Nobody wants to feel Queer People of Color. In dropped in a community New York City, the march that prides itself on diverorganizers are putting a sity,” said Mike Basillas, contingent of groups more one of the organizers of focused on protest than the planned New York CELEBRATION—In this June 24, 2014 file photo, people on a float dance and wave flags during the annual pride parade in New York. (AP celebration at the head of City protest action by No Photo/Seth Wenig) the event.

Justice No Pride.

The LGBT community In Minneapolis, organizdoes need to confront these ers of Sunday’s Twin Cities beginning to mend after a Center for Lesbian Rights, marriage nationwide — a extent by White gay men. issues, said Michelle Meow, Pride Parade initially year of community prosaid LGBT people of color goal achieved in 2015. For “Black queer and trans asked the police departtests, the introduction of a folks have always been were justified in challengmany LGBT people of color, an Asian-American woman who is board president of ment to limit participation rainbow flag — the traing racist aspects of the there continue to be more there, but our contribuSan Francisco Pride, and following the acquittal of ditional symbol of LGBT pressing issues, such as tions have been devalued,” LGBT-rights movement. “the pride celebration is a police officer Jeronimo Yaunity and diversity — that Wilson said.

“The real test will be, can economic inequality, policplatform for that dialogue nez in the death of Castile. added black and brown the LGBT movement own ing and incarceration.

He said major LGBTto happen.”

But organizers changed stripes to represent Blacks rights groups need to be up to its historic legacy of “In a lot of places, we’re New York City spokestheir minds after meetand Latinos has spilled racism and evolve to be just trying to survive,” said frank in discussing the man James Fallarino ing Thursday with Janee over into a national debate. issue of racism, as well as more accountable and inWilson. said if there are any Harteau, the city’s openly The recent flare-up of clusive of people of color?”

That divide has led to recruiting and supporting gay police chief who called racial tensions comes as no nonwhite leaders.

Minter, a transgender man, controversy when attempts disruptions or protests the decision divisive and surprise to Isaiah Wilson, wondered. “If not, then it have been made to address during the event, “We’re “Until the mainstream going to make sure we do hurtful to LGBT officers. director of external affairs LGBT groups address this, will cease to be a major race, as in Philadelphia.

On Friday, the organizers for the National Black political movement.”

The city drew criticism last everything in our power we’re not going to move to respect the people who apologized and said they Justice Coalition, one of One reason for the summer when activists forward and you’ll continue are disrupting or protesthad neglected to consider the few national groups tensions, according to raised concerns that to see this pressure,” Wiling and to respect their other alternatives. They focused specially on Black some activists, is a racial the Gayborhood — the son said. “In my opinion, message.” said the officers are welLGBT rights. divide when it comes to the city’s main gay enclave the pressure is good — it (Associated Press writers Dacome to march after all.

He said the broader LGBT-rights movement’s — discriminated against has us talking.” vid Crary in New York and Errin In Philadelphia, where LGBT-rights movement Blacks. Gay Blacks Shannon Minter, a White agenda. For years, many Haines Whack in Philadelphia racial relations in the “has been whitewashed” national groups focused complained of dress codes attorney who is the legal contributed to this report.)

LGBT community are — dominated to a large on legalizing same-sex banning Timberlands director of the National

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Lending a helping hand to Hill District residents

by Christian Morrow

everyone a chance to see all the other providers here and for the kids to do the activities.”

For the second year in a Some of the additional row, StarKist teamed up with Feed the Children and service providers with booths at the event includFocus Pittsburgh to give ed the Hill House, Coro, 16,000 pounds of food to 400 needy families in Pitts- the YMCA, Pennsylvania Women Work and the Pittsburgh’s Hill District. burgh Food Bank.

And for the second year Feed the Children COO in a row, it was a welcome success, according to those Gary Sloan was impressed.

“This is incredible,” he such as Tamarra Thomas. said. “I’ve been to a few “This is a beautiful of these before, but this is event,” said Thomas, who outstanding. Focus Pittscame with her niece, burgh and StarKist are Amaya Story. “I heard about it late last year—but incredible partners and have done a great job.” they still had food for me.

He said this is their kickSo, this year, I told some off event for the summer, friends that didn’t know with another coming up about it and they’re here.

July 27 in Los Angeles, It’s very helpful, and the California. kids love the books and StarKist Director of activities, too.”

Marketing and Innovation The event was held June Andy Mecs was similarly 22.

Focus Pittsburgh Director impressed.

“We couldn’t be more Father Paul Abernathy said pleased to be giving back unlike last year when all the recipients came at once, to our community this way, and we’re looking to the families—all residents do more,” he said. “As part of the Bedford Hill Apartments who had been pre-se- of our 100th anniversary StarKist is giving $100,000 lected via mail by Focus to fight childhood hunger Pittsburgh—came to the parking lot at 2129 Bedford through a national partnership with Feed the Ave. in waves to received Children and locally with their 25-pound food boxes, Focus Pittsburgh, and including StarKist prodwe’re donating an additionucts and 15-pound boxes al $50,000 in product to of essentials and personal Feed the Children.” care items.

Jasmine Boozer, who came “That worked out betwith her daughters, 6-yearter, especially with the old Niylah and 1-year-old heat—so it doesn’t look as Royal Goodwin, told the big, but it is,” said Father New Pittsburgh Courier Abernathy. “Plus, it gives Courier Staff Writer

JASMINE BOOZER, holding 1-year-old Royal Goodwin and Niylah Boozer, 6, at the Starkist, Feed the Children, and Focus Pittsburgh event, June 22. (Photos by J.L. Martello) that the girls loved the books and activities. She also said she didn’t know about last year’s event, but learned about this one from her brother Brendon Bailey, who is the assistant programming director for

Focus Pittsburgh—and who was pretty busy.

“I’m in charge of rounding up stray kids, and I’m helping the residents, especially the elderly, with their packages,” he said.

“Just helping out people

who need help, and being a positive role model.”

Feed the Children has been fighting hunger in the U.S. and 10 countries abroad since its establishment in 1979. In addition to distributing food, it also

provides education, essentials and provides disaster relief. Last year, Feed the Children distributed 105 million pounds of food and essentials worldwide with a total value of $415 million.

Community Calendar Basketball Mini-Camps

JUNE 28—Hometown Hoops minicamps begin at Hosanna House, for kids age 9-18, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Learn basketball skills from local coaches & players with experience in the NBA, NCAA & WPIAL. Free box lunch provided at noon by Department of Human Services. To guarantee your lunch, RSVP by registering now at https://apm.activecommunities.com/alleghenyparks/ Home.

STARKIST IN THE COMMUNITY—From left: Alisa Faulk, Carmen McKinley, and Keith McGrew.

THE PIRATE PARROT, with Mary and Caryl Skinner.

Lawrenceville Independence Day Celebration

JULY 1—A day of activities at Arsenal Park in Lawrenceville include a barnyard petting zoo, pony rides, and an exotic animal show. Visitors can eat from booths catered by neighborhood restaurants, peruse fresh produce at the Lawrenceville Farmer’s Market. There will also be face painting, balloon artists, youth softball and Little League games, and at dusk, a Zambelli Fireworks show.

Independence Day Events

EVELYN AND DAISHAWN MORGAN, after receiving food at the event.

RON THOMAS, with his grandchildren, at the June 22 event in the Hill District.

The awards keep coming for Emmai Alaquiva

JULY 4—Brentwood hosts its Firecracker 5K race, 9 a.m., Brentwood Towne Square, live music, vendors and a parade will follow at 10 a.m. EQT hosts a Kids Zone at Point State Park, 12 to 9 p.m., featuring interactive games like Giant Jenga, Connect 4 and Tic-Tac-Toe. Kids can have photos taken with Stilt Walking Uncle Sam, visit the painting booth and design their own fireworks on paper with glue, salt and watercolors. There are also caricature artists, animal balloons, face painting and airbrush tattoos. The Zambelli Fireworks display caps off the evening.

Summer Soul Line Dancing

JULY 7, 9, 19—Citiparks presents Summer Soul Line Dancing across the city: July 7 at the Mellon Square Park, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; July 9 at the West End Overlook, 3 to 5 p.m., and July 19 at Schenley Plaza, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Farmers Markets

EMMAI ALAQUIVA, with Holocaust survivor Moshe Daram, and center director Lauren Bairnsfather.

(Photo by J.L. Martello)

Emmy Award winning filmmaker Emmai Alaquiva received the 2017 Telly Award for best general documentary at a reception and ceremony at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, June 20. Alaquiva received the award for his documentary, “Ghetto Steps,” which was shot in Poland,

and detailed the Holocaust. “A lot of people don’t realize that the word ‘Ghetto’ was created

by German Nazis to describe the concentration camps of where Jewish people would reside,” Alaquiva told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “They very strategically manufactured Jewish people…and

this documentary is dedicated to how Jewish people are so resilient.”

Alaquiva said the documentary is available to watch on YouTube, by searching “Classrooms without Borders 2016 Emmai Alaquiva” or at GHETTO STEPS—Emmai Alaquiva won the 2017 Telly Award for classroomswithoutborders. best general documentary for “Ghetto Steps.” (Photo by Melanie org, search videos.

Friend)

ONGOING Through NOV.-Visit conveniently located Farmers’ Markets throughout the summer and fall to find a wide variety of perennial favorites and seasonal specialties. All markets sell farmfresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods, while several locations also sell owers, small gifts and gardening items. For a complete listing of locations and times, visit http://pittsburghpa. gov/citiparks/farmers-market.

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CTE programs can jumpstart careers of PPS students PPS FROM A1

programs, while Carrick offers Business Administration, Sports and Entertainment (B.A.S.E.), Carpentry, and Culinary Arts, among others.

Other CTE programs include Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Technology, Emergency Response Technology, Engineering Technology, Entertainment Technology, Finance Technology, Machine Operations, Multimedia Production and Coding, and RHVAC. Mike said over 500 high school students are enrolled in CTE programs. Students have the ability to enroll in CTE programs at their current or home high school, or be transported to another nearby school for the CTE program’s three periods.

Mike’s home school was Allderdice, and attended Westinghouse for the cosmetology program. While a junior or senior can enroll in a CTE program at any time, the district has made an effort to have students begin CTE programs at the

outset of their sophomore year.

“It’s critical to get the full three years in because they will leave with technical skills related to that career area, and they can actually go into an entry-level job and be prepared to go into postsecondary education,” Mike said.

PPS hosted an open house for incoming tenth-grade students at Westinghouse High School, June 21, where the students were introduced to some of the CTE programs and its teachers. Incoming Allderdice High School sophomore James Bailey was assisted by incoming Allderdice senior Jasmine Holloway, who has been in the Health Careers Technology program for two years.

“I want to be a nurse, and I want to show these kids what it’s like to be in this program, how fun it is, and what we can do to make the world better,” Holloway told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “I didn’t know anything about health careers,” she

said. “I just knew what I saw on TV, and now I know more than I ever could being a high school student.”

In the Cosmetology program, Mike said a student, over the course of three years, could earn the necessary hours to take the Pennsylvania state board cosmetology exam. “You have the ability to leave high school with your cosmetology license,” she said.

“Cost-free, right here in your high school. No debt.”

A forgotten aspect about the CTE programs offered, Mike said, is the ability to merge a number of educational elements for students. “For example, in Cosmetology, a student may be asked, ‘What’s the ratio of hair color to peroxide that you need to mix together?’

All the classes they take in school, math, science and English, it becomes relevant, and the light bulb goes on. ‘You mean I’m learning about ratios?’ They didn’t even get it until they get in here (the CTE program),” Mike said. “They use (the

PPS STUDENTS Jasmine Holloway, right, with James Bailey. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.) skills from other courses) and then there’s a tangible product that comes out from using those different skills.”

Mike said there’s still room for PPS high school students to enroll in a CTE program, along with

parents who wish to alert their son or daughter about the advantages of CTE programs. Interested parties can call 412-529-8690, Email cte@pghboe.net or visit the CTE Facebook page at facebook.com/PPS.

CTE. “You leave (the CTE program) with industry certifications…so when I say fasttrack, I’m not just saying that,” Mike said. “You really leave with credentials and postsecondary credits.”

HirePGH grads receive grants, keeps them in Pittsburgh GRANTS FROM A1

ident and CEO Doris Carson Williams and Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril awarded them their grants outside City Council chambers.

“My message to every company in Pittsburgh looking to add diversity is that there is not a more talented pool of diverse applicants than Promise graduates,” said Ghubril.

Mitch Swain, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, agreed.

“They brought us a guy named Shaquai Scott, and he’s done a great job for us,” said Swain. “We are very pleased to have him on staff.”

Scott thanked everyone and said the grant is a big help.

“This makes a big difference in my life because it puts a lot of debt behind me,” he said.

To qualify, students had to

graduate from an accredited institution through a promise scholarship and work full-time in Pittsburgh. The employers had to hire a Promise scholarship recipient full-time and employ them for at least six months.

In addition to Scott, 24, of Brentwood, the other awardees were: Japera Bey, 23, of the North Side, who now works for the Allegheny Health Network’s Healthcare at Home program; Charmaine Clark, 25, of the Hill District; Jaquayla Huger, 24, of Crafton; and Allison Meade, 23, of Carrick, all of whom now work for the Pittsburgh Board of Education. Jasmine Durham, an awardee who also took a position with the board, could not attend the press conference.

The arts council and Allegheny Health also received grants.

Hunger, who also thanked

To suspend or not to suspend?

SUSPEND FROM A1

dations for supports and services needed to implement a ban on the use of out of school suspensions for non-violent minor discipline infractions with young students.”

Pugh said the action seeks to “progressively limit the District’s use of exclusionary discipline with early learners, ultimately eliminating the loss of instruction due to non-violent minor discipline infractions.

The working group will develop and present the definition of non-violent minor disciplinary infractions to the Board this November.”

Dr. Anthony Hamlet, PPS Superintendent, has proposed the notion of eliminating suspensions up to the second grade. That could begin in the 2018-19 school year.

“For a long time, we had an administration that didn’t support that idea at all, and now over the last year we have Dr. Hamlet, who is much more open-minded about moving forward and stopping punitive punishments for students,” District 6 school board member Moira Kaleida told the Courier in an exclusive interview. “I’ve been part of this fight for three years and before I was elected—This is the platform I ran on and I stick to it. I believe that we need a Pre-K to fifth grade ban on suspensions.”

Pugh also said the working group will be “identified and convened no later than July 15 and will include at least one Board member, administrator, teacher, student, parent or guardian, Equity Advisory Panel member, Local Task Force

member, and another community representative.”

The working group “will share recommendations to the Board for supports and services needed to implement a ban on the use of out-of-school suspension for non-violent minor discipline infractions for students enrolled in grades below the third grade this November.

The working group will follow with recommendations regarding supports and services needed to implement a similar ban for students in grades below sixth grade next April.”

“It’s just so disappointing, it’s devastating,” Elliott said to supporters concerning the issue at hand. “It (suspensions) has a ripple effect that impacts very many other areas in our lives, in our societies and in our communities. This is larger than color - this is about all of our youth…I’m telling you right now I’m here to stay and I’m here to see this through,” Elliott said.

“If the student’s not in school, no matter who you are, you’re not learning,” Kaleida said. “So when you talk about achievement gaps and you talk about not reading by third grade, we know that they’ve missed over 3,000 days of school.

So how can they learn if they’re not there?”

Kaleida, who is the mother of a 7 and 3-year-old, added that “kids are kids, and we can’t suspend them if they’re showing emotional behavior. We should address this problem and not just send them out of school and hope it gets better without any sort of resolution to help the outcome.”

O’Connor, the Promise and the school district, was excited about the effort.

“I think it’s awesome that people are recognizing the young talent in Pittsburgh,” she said.

Bey, like Scott, said the grant is a huge benefit.

“It’s taken a huge financial debt from me,” she said.” And I’m very grateful to everyone.”

O’Connor, who thanked his staff, the Eastside Employment Center, the Chamber and the Promise for their help, said he’d like

to do more.

“The idea behind this program was to incentivize our talent to stay in the city of Pittsburgh,” O’Connor said.

“We are really proud to be here today to award out the money.”

He said there is no word

yet on how much more in grant funds might be available for college graduates next year. Williams said she too would like to see it grow.

“We hope to use these grants in ways that will advance these young people and their careers,” she said.

Black-owned AGRiMED to farm med. marijuana AGRiMED FROM A1

to achieve some of our own company’s core values. One of these goals is empowering underserved and underrepresented communities.

AGRiMED is so pleased to be able to bring real economic opportunities back to Greene County, which is one county among many that have been hit hard by the economic downturn over the last few decades.”

The statement continued, “Another of AGRiMED’s goals is improving the

quality of life for as many people as possible. This drives AGRiMED’s desire to harness the natural power of the cannabis plant to create nature-based medicines capable of relieving a growing list of ailments.

Improving the quality of life is also why AGRiMED will work with and educate local community caregivers to provide our cannabis-infused medicines to patients in need of alternatives to pain management in the face of the opioid epidemic.”

Neither Crocket not Goldman could be reached for follow-up by the New Pittsburgh Courier. Ron Porter, who is serving as a public liaison for the company, said that will change in the near future, but right now the immediate focus is meeting the state’s strict deadline for operational readiness.

In his June press conference announcing the winning grower/processor teams, health department Director of the Office of Medical Marijuana John Collins

said growers had just six months to demonstrate they are operationally ready before they can begin growing.

Though both AGRiMED and PurePenn LLC, which will build a farm in McKeesport, are Pennsylvania-based companies, four of the other 10 winners are not. AES Compassionate Care and GTI Pennsylvania are based in Illinois, Pennsylvania Medical Solutions hails from Minnesota and Terrapin Investment Fund 1 is from Colorado.

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FOOD/DINING

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Healthy Eating… Vegans flock to D.C. soul food eatery

by Micha Green Special to the AFRO

(NNPA)—While soul food is a popular staple in African American dishes, the food group, though tasty, has been associated with health issues prevalent in the Black community such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Baruch Ben-Yehudah has made it his work as a Black restaurateur to offer “soul food with a twist,” and has brought the intervention to Takoma Park in Northwest D.C. Ben-Yehudah’s Evolve Vegan Restaurant opened in 2014 as a bar and restaurant and has been growing in popularity ever since. “The reason why I wanted to open up in this area is because this is where the majority of the vegans are in this whole DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia area),” Ben-Yehudah told the AFRO. “They’re right here in Takoma Park.”

This is not Ben-Yehudah’s first vegan restaurant. He has been in the restaurant industry for 21 years. His brand, Everlasting Life, which was located on Georgia Avenue in northwest D.C. from 1998 to 2008, moved to Central Avenue in Capitol Heights, Md., where he has remained prominent for 17 years.

“We hire people from the community,” he said. “We do everything we can to keep as much of the work, and therefore the revenue, local to this community.

In addition to that I think the food is nutritious and so we’re benefitting the community in that we’re

providing them healthy nutritious food, but still food that tastes good.”

The location and name are not the only differences in Evolve and Everlasting Life. “The similarities to Everlasting Life is that we offer 100 percent vegan food. The difference at Evolve is we have a full bar,” Ben-Yehudah said. He said the bar was the primary reason for the name change.

“The names have all been Everlasting Life, and this location needed a different name because we had a

full bar…So we wanted to remove some of the confusion but still keep the spirit and the energy of us elevating the consciousness, elevating the diet, elevating and improving on our health, so Evolve was the name,” Ben-Yehudah said.

A native of Southeast D.C., Ben-Yehudah said the clientele at Evolve differs from Everlasting Life, as they are on opposite sides of the Metropolitan area, and for that reason he is adapting to the new area by expanding the

menu to include juices and smoothies. Evolve began serving the juice packages on June 18.

The soulfulness of this vegan soul-food establishment remains in Takoma Park. When walking into the establishment guests hear Motown and other soulful Rhythm and Blues music.

The atmosphere resembles more of a family cookout, where patrons can jam to music, get a drink, and eat collard greens, macaroni and cheese, fried ‘chicken wings and breast,’

with certain non-vegan foods.

“You’re getting nourishment from plantbased food, as opposed to getting the toxicity we are now seeing prevalent in the human body which is resulting in many diseases. We see toxicity going on as a result of us consuming that which isn’t even meant for human consumption. So, a lot of what is meant for human consumption are those things that are in the whole food, plant-based space and that’s why I thought it would be a good idea to open up a restaurant of this sort,” cornbread and more, yet it Ben-Yehudah said. is 100 percent vegan.

He said he also wanted to “I’ve been a vegan for 41 focus on teaching the Black years, and the significance community about the is this is food, as compared benefits his food possesses. to something that just “The communities we’ve tastes good, this is food targeted are underserved,” that provides nourishment he said, “which happens to the body,” Ben-Yehudah to be communities of color said. “I can’t say across primarily. I would say one the board 100 percent, but of the biggest benefits is it you’re more likely to find gives us an opportunity to nourishment in planteducate. So, we’re able to based food than you are in talk to people about this all of the other stuff that is food and why it’s beneficial being offered to us.” and so forth. And also exMoreover, he said he finds pose them to it by offering it important to consider free samples and we do the health risks associated cooking classes.”

Bridgeway Capital funds businesses that improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities Bridgeway Capital provides funding to help stores expand healthy food options. Its Healthy Food Access program also supports initiatives that address Pittsburgh’s food equity issues. The program offers resources and expertise to launch and grow food enterprises that support healthier communities.

Bridgeway President and CEO Mark Peterson stated that “helping low-income areas with healthy food access makes sense for Bridgeway. We support vital small businesses, like corner stores, and help them to better serve their communities.”

Flexible loans, micro-grants, and business education opportunities are available for food entrepreneurs to: •Expand inventory to include healthy foods •Renovate layout to sell healthy foods •Upgrade equipment to stock and monitor healthy food inventory •Upgrade displays to

promote healthy foods •Learn to manage and market healthy foods •Launch your new healthy food business or

“Helping low-income areas with healthy food access makes sense for Bridgeway. We support vital small businesses, like corner stores, and help them to better serve their communities.”

Bridgeway President and CEO MARK PETERSON

access to nutrition services •Purchase or build a new healthy foods retail center or market Since the program’s launch in 2014, Bridgeway

has invested more than $2 million in 25 healthy food projects throughout the region, supporting over $14 million in additional investments. These projects resulted in the development of 12,750 square feet of new healthy food retail in low-access neighborhoods and 13,500 square feet of other community-based food projects.

“Access to fresh fruits and vegetables remains a serious challenge in Pittsburgh’s most underserved neighborhoods” observes Healthy Food Access program manager, Blair Schoenborn.

“The scarcity of affordable, healthy options only deepens the food insecurity families cope with.”

(Bridgeway Capital is a community development financial institution, or CDFI, providing flexible, mission-driven capital to help businesses, nonprofits, and community development projects grow and succeed. For more information, visit: http://www. bridgewaycapital.org)

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

A7

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

One or none It’s that time of year when roads are closed and detours are posted for construction. When I pass construction sites, either while driving or walking by, I always take a look to see if I see any people of color. In most cases its one or none.

I really started thinking about this the other morning while I was riding to work and listening to the Joe Madison Show.

They mentioned that concept of “shop” classes has long been removed from schools. If you are too young to know what a “shop” class was let me give you the scoop. Back in my day in the late sixties and before, the girls took Home Economics and the boys took Shop.

The ladies learned how to cook and sew and the young men learned how to make things out of wood, metal and in some cases they got a chance to work on cars. As I was doing some research I found that in other states they even learned plumbing and electrical.

Do you remember the days when you could take your car to the school and get it fixed?

Well we know those days are gone. When they started placing computers in cars, learning how to fix a car in high school was out of the question.

I found in one article that the Shop classes and Home Economics classes did not fit the qualifications of preparing a person for an advanced school or college.

Everyone does not go to college. These now defunct classes could have showed young people that possibly they liked to make things and work with their hands, be an artist or a designer. But then the conspiracy theorist came out in me. I need to look up that and see if that is a word. Yes, I just checked my dictionary; Theorist is a word, a person who theorizes.

Now back to my theory. This is what popped into my head as I was driving. The educational boards got rid of Shop in public schools because the school population was becoming more colorful and they did not want these young Black kids to learn these skills that could take them into occupations where they could make a lot of money and be part of a union. You are probably saying, “Boy that traffic must have really been bad, Debbie,” or you are saying, “This girl is on to something.”

Conspiracy or not, I just don’t understand why this type of training went away. Remember Conley Trade School?

If you don’t have these classes in each school why not have one school dedicated to learning a trade? It seems like it is so hard for African Americans to get into skilled labor unions and it shows when you don’t see them working on these well-paying construction jobs. There is so much work needed on our bridges and streets.

It really ticks me off.

Who can make these changes in the schools?

I don’t have the answer but something needs to change.

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com)

ALPHA MALES—Curtis Miller, Mitch Givner, Brian Cook of the New Pittsburgh Courier, Joshua Williams and Kyle Henderson

Planet of the Alphas: The Weekend

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone but

the memories of the Alpha Weekend carry on with photos and recollection of the great weekend that the brothers of Alpha Phi Al-

AND THEY STEPPED...

pha put together.

On May 26, the weekend kicked off with the SkeePhi Party at the Hard Rock Café in Station Square.

The Alphas, along with the Queens of pink and green, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., hosted a great evening. On May 27 the Alphas fired up the grill at Monroeville Community Park West for a day of fun and games. Sunday, May 28 saw the Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity return to Station Square to board the Empress of the Gateway Clipper Fleet for the Planet of the Alphas Memorial Weekend Boat Ride. Guests were entertained on the dock by the Brydge Band featuring Anita Levels and Dwayne Fulton. Once on board, the fun continued with Nick Nice proving he is still the “Nice One.” Nice kept the crowd on their feet and the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha stepped the night away.

The proceeds from the weekend support community programs such as the BrotherHOOD Food Bank and the Dilworth Reading Program.

ALPHA MALES—Matt Sauers, Davie Huddleson (president), Demetrius Moyer and Brandon Hall

CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY—Anita Jones, D’Anielle Darr and birthday girl Yolanda Andrews

DO YOU HAVE A TICKET—John Ayers and Gregg Lovelace

ALPHA WIVES

HANDSOME GENTS—Sean Gibson and Kyle Henderson

QUEENS OF PINK & GREEN (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

DELTA LADIES

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GRADUATION

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

New Pittsburgh Courier

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Class of 2017

New Pittsburgh Courier

Celebrating The Graduates

Alexis D. Johnson Temple University

Harvey Cole, III (Trey) Seton Hill University

Karlissia Council California University of Pennsylvania

Deveda Horsley-Blanchard Pittsburgh Perry High School

Alexis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2014. She graduated from Temple University in May 2017 with a Master of Arts degree in Media Studies and Production. She is a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Alexis has accepted a position as a reporter at WVVA-TV News in Bluefield, West Virgina. Alexis is the daughter of proud parents Samantha Chavers and Donnie Johnson.

Trey completed his Master’s in Primary and Middle School Education with a GPA of 3.9 from Seton Hill University. He is a history teacher and recently finished his student teaching from Gateway Middle School. Trey comes from a long line of Veterans and recently enlisted in the US Naval Reserve. Along with his grandmother, Zella Cole, he is a member of Clark Memorial Baptist Church. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Karlissia is a recent graduate of Califorinia University of Pennsylvania with a degree in business administration and a minor in art. At CalU she was the President and a member for the Black Student Union, member and Treasurer for Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity. She created her own craft business, Karlie’s Creations.

(It’s on instagram! @kc_creations_)

Congratulations to our Granddaughter Deveda Horsley-Blanchard from Kenneth and Evleana Washington, as well as your Aunts. We are very proud of you!

KeeShawn Edward Johnson Allderdice High School

McKenzie N. Morrissey North Allegheny Senior High School

Richard Harris Woodland Hills High School

Zyan Wallace Washington High School

KeeShawn Edward Johnson graduated on June 11 from Allderdice High School. His plans after high school are to continue his education at HVAC Program at the West Hill location of CCAC in Oakdale. He has studied HVAC at Allderdice for the past three years and has already taken some college courses at CCAC during his high school career. He is looking forward to working this summer in a HVAC position.

Jazzlyn A. Campbell Penn State Behrend, in Erie

Jazzlyn A. Campbell is a 2017 graduate from Penn State Behrend in Erie. Jazzlyn received her Bachelor of Science in Biology. This is the first step toward her goal of becoming a veterinarian. All of your family and friends are so proud of your accomplishments.

Member of: Jack N Jill of America; Girl Government; National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI); Ronald McDonald House. She is attending the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

Alanys McEnheimer Steel Valley High School Alanys was a member of the Steel Valley Varsity Marching Band for four years, in the chorus for three years, Students Against Destructive Decisions for three years, Future Is Mine for two years and a member of the Spanish Club. She attends Rodman Street Missionary Baptist and has served on the Jr. Usher Board for five years.

Alanys had a GPA of 3.2 overall. She will be attending the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the fall and plans to major in Nursing.

New Pittsburgh Courier

Richard Harris earned the Scholar Athlete Award from Woodland Hills High School for lettering four years in Golf, three years in Cross-Country, three years in Wrestling, and four years in Track, while achieving a 3.985 GPA. Certified by Mr. Kevin Murray, Principal, and Mr. George Novak, Athletic Director. Harris will be attending Penn State in the fall.

Congratulations to my first and only Grandson Zyan Wallace. You have shined in everything you do from football to basketball to just being you! Waynesburg University will be lucky to have you! Love you and miss you and couldn’t be prouder!

Love, your Pap Warren Sadler

Kayaira Sledge CAPA High School

Angelic Williams Loyola University

Kayaira, but everyone knows her by “Kiss.”

She was a voice major at CAPA, and attended Visionary Performing Arts Academy for many years for dance. Also loves doing hair and makeup. Kayaira will attend IUP in August, majoring in Business and hopes to open her own business one day.

Class of 2017

On May 13, 2017, Angelic Williams of Oakdale, LA graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University of New Orleans with a degree in Mass Communication. She was named one of Loyola’s Outstanding Advertising Students as well as one of the American Advertising Federation’s Most Promising Multicultural Students. Angelic is the daughter of Pamela & Wheatty Johnson and Fredwin and Myra Williams.

New Pittsburgh Courier

Celebrating The Graduates

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GRADUATION

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

New Pittsburgh Courier

Class of 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

New Pittsburgh Courier

Celebrating The Graduates

2LT Melana L. Johnson Edinboro University

Melana commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Officer in the United States Army on May 12. She will be serving as an Adjutant General Officer in the National Guard. On May 13, she graduated from Edinboro University with a 4.0 GPA, earning a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Melana was selected to deliver the Graduate Commencement Speech at the Ceremony. Melana is now a Researcher with UPMC. She aspires to complete her Doctorate and pursue employment with the FBI.

Quinhon N. Goodlowe-Scott Morgan State University

Maya L. McCray The Penn State University Maya, daughter of Steven McCray and granddaughter of Carrie and Leon McCray, proudly graduated on May 6, 2017 from Penn State University with a B.A. in Telecommunications, and a minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Along with her involvement in various clubs, she also made the Dean’s list and held two internships her senior year. While actively searching for work in TV and commercial production/videography, she plans to continue her family legacy in academia and community involvement here in Pittsburgh.

Delaney Morrow Quaker Valley High School

Delaney Morrow, Honor roll graduate from Quaker Valley High School, currently learning as an intern with the Heinz Endowments, attending University of Pittsburgh in the fall studying biology.

Quinhon is a native of Pittsburgh. She has worked in many capacities in education in and around Baltimore: as a teacher and content team-leader, and principal.

For seven years she has served at The Academy of College and Career Exploration (ACCE). This spring, Quinhon earned her Doctorate in Education at Morgan State University, having already earned her Master’s Degree at Old Dominion University and her Bachelor of Arts at Saint Augustine’s College. Quinhon attends Macedonia Baptist Church of Baltimore City.

Taylor Robinson The Ellis School for Girls

Taylor Robinson is a STAMPS Scholar recipient.

Taylor was Vice President of the Student Diversity League for two years, presented original research in PRSEF for seven years and PJAS for four years.

She is a two-time scholar in UPCI. She was awarded Cum Laude and the highest Science award from The Ellis School. She attends St. Charles Lwanga Parish and is a scholar in the FAME program. She will attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall and plans to pursue pre-med and pre-law.

Congratulations to all 2017 High School and College Graduates!

From the New Pittsburgh Courier Family…

Rod Doss – Editor and Publisher Stephan Broadus – Assistant to the Publisher Rob Taylor Jr. – Managing Editor Allison Palm – Office Manager Jeff Marion – Circulation Consultant

Chris Morrow – Staff Writer Ashley Johnson – Advertising Coordinator Camille Robinson – Classified Ad Sales Brenda Hill – Circulation/Accounting Kathleen Yocum – Graphic Designer

Visit our 2017 Graduates Section online, at www.newpittsburghcourier.com

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PEOPLE

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

T H E

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Building Bikes, Building Memories

C O U R I E R

WHAT AN EVENT!—The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania sponsored its Fourth Annual Build-A-Bike, for Pittsburgh-area youth, at Heinz Field, June 15. The event was sponsored in part by Williams, Eat N’ Park, UPMC, Highmark and BikeTek. Local kids ages 8-10 helped build their own bikes, many of whom received a bike for the first time. Among those on hand to assist was Pittsburgh Steeler Arthur Moats. To see the video of the event, go to newpittsburghcourier.com and search “Courier Videos!”

Taking care of our Health in East Liberty

I S E V E R Y W H E R E

Sister Lee Grace Jones of Faith Center Church of God in Christ in East Liberty alerted the New Pittsburgh Courier to its Community Health Fair! Held in May, the Health Fair provided resources to residents in the Cornerstone Village housing development, along with all comers

near and far. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile was available for the children, blood pressure screenings were available for both men and women conducted by the Pitt School of Medicine, and fitness was provided to everyone through Line Dance

by Roland Ford. Sister Jones tells

the Courier that Faith Center COGIC is grateful to the many medical partners on hand that distributed health care information. Food was prepared

by Sharee’B of Faith Center. Taking care of our health, Sister Jones said, is a Biblical principle, “So we are taking care of our spirit, mind and body.”

HIGHLAND PARK PREP Established 1979 Housed in a Historical, Stately Mansion ONE STOP SHOP: Daycare – Nursery COMMON CORE (STEM) Elementary, Middle, Secondary: K-12th GRADE Students graduate: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND ASSOC. DEGREE same time! * LEARNING CENTER OFFERING * * 6 WK TUTORIAL PROGRAM * Reading, Math, English.

Tues. & Thurs. 10 AM – 2 PM LIMITED ENROLLMENT Discount Fee applies.

SMALL CLASSES. All students do not learn same rate or style: Self-Contain, Montessori Open-Classroom, Individualized Instruction.

E perienced, ertified Teachers: Bachelors, Masters & PhD’s.

NOW ACCEPTING ENROLLMENT Financial Aid & Scholarships Available 2017-2018 School Year Call: 412-661-2415

For coverage of your next event, contact Rob Taylor at 412-481-8302, ext. 135!

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

A11

Giving Black girls ‘Power, Passion and Purpose’

PEARLS WITH POWER, PASSION AND PURPOSE was an event designed to help build confidence, leadership and self-worth in area teenage girls. The June 17 event was presented by the African American Leadership Association and Ladies of NIA. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.) New Pittsburgh Courier Managing Editor Rob Taylor Jr. was on the campus of CCAC early Saturday, June 17 and located an outstanding program meant to uplift Pittsburgh’s Black female youth.

“Pearls, with Power, Passion and Purpose” brought together a number of youth to discuss everything from confidence building, creat ing building blocks for success, building your personal brand, and building self-esteem. The event was presented by the African American Leadership Association and Ladies of NIA. “The reason for this event is because I have my own 19-year-old daughter and I see the different struggles that her and her friends go through on a daily basis,” said Kenya Matthews, lead organizer of the event. Matthews’ efforts to improve the lives of teenage girls were joined by the likes of Yarra M. Howze, principal of Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8, De’netta

Benjamin, director of quality improvement for Familylinks, Felicia Mycyk, owner of Business Liaison, Nicole Webster, workplace solutions lead for Accenture Pittsburgh, and Hotep The Artist (Candace Walker).

Matthews said some of the issues girls deal with include struggling with depression, find ing leadership, having confidence in themselves and just knowing how to press forward and overcome triumph so they can be who they want to be and be comfortable in their own skin.”

Matthews gave the following advice to those girls who look to gain more self-esteem: “Get to know yourself, because once you understand what you’re passionate about and you understand what your purpose is, and you combine those together, you’re going to be unstoppable. Once you know who you are, nobody can take that away from you.”

Everyone’s celebrating the Courier’s new features!

Yep, we now have VIDEOS of Black Pittsburgh events!

See them right now at…

newpittsburghcourier.com Look for... “Courier Videos!”

For coverage of your next event, contact Rob Taylor at 412-481-8302, ext. 135!

A12

RELIGION

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

A celebration 35 years in the making

Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 11:00 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

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

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

THE WINGFIELDS sharing a laugh as speakers tell funny stories about them.

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

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

Summer Worship.. .......10 a.m.

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

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

REV. DR. RICHARD WINGFIELD’S 35th PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Reverend Dr. Richard ingfie d said he didn’t even know First Lady Vanessa ingfie d was planning such a celebration!

It was the 35th Pastoral Anniversary for Rev. r. ingfield, as his wife Vanessa helped plan the “secret” event. They celebrated with family, friends and guests. Rev. r. ingfield is pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Braddock.

New Pittsburgh Courier photographer J.L. Martello captured the May celebration in pictures.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

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

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

Church Circuit NEW ZION DEACONESS DAY

JULY 9 – New Zion Baptist Church, 1434 Juniata St., North Side, invites you to the Deaconess Annual Day, at 3:30 p.m at the Church. Guest Preacher will be Rev. Lucas Boxley, pastor of Christian Light House Church. For more information, call 412-3223838.

TRIEDSTONE RANKIN ANNIVERSARY

JULY 9 – The Triedstone Baptist Church of Rankin cordially invites all to their 71st Church Anniversary, at 11 a.m. at the Church, 18 Harriet Street. Guest preacher will be Rev. Michael Rhue, pastor of Good Samaritan Baptist Church. Afternoon worship service begins at 3 p.m. with Rev. James D. Burwell of Clark Memorial Baptist, Homestead, as guest preacher. For more information, call 412-2713000.

NEW ZION VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JULY 10-14—New Zion Baptist Church is holding Vacation Bible School for ages 3 to adult from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each weekday. There will be good fellowship, snacks, and fun, fun, fun! New Zion is located at 1434 Juaniata St., North Side. For more information, call 412-3223838.

THE WINGFIELDS

BAPTIST TEMPLE GOSPEL VOCAL QUEST

REVEREND GERALDINE ADAMS

STEVE WINGFIELD

JULY 15 - Baptist Temple Church, 7241 Race Street in Homewood, is pleased to announce its 2017 Gospel Vocal Quest, a gospel singing and rap competition. The event will be held at 3 p.m. at the Carnegie Library, Homewood Branch, 7101 Hamilton Ave. Donations are $15 for adults and $7.50 for youth 18 and under.

No charge for children 2 and under. For more information, call 412241-1624, or visit www. eventbrite.com/e/2017Gospel-Vocal-Quest-tickets to purchase tickets.

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

Harold Reynolds visits Pittsburgh, elicits humility Sports B7

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Classifieds

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

B

Tips for teens to fill idle time in the summer

by Leanne Italie Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP)—With the number of teenagers working summer jobs in decline since the 1980s, students and their parents have found creative ways to fill summer months. Some still find traditional summer work, while others spend their summers doing a variety of activities and work that can help them pad their college applications.

Here are examples of what some teenagers are doing from June through August, with tips from experts on how kids can productively fill time when school is out.

GET TRAINING Mary Ellen Ynes is the mother of two in the Silicon Valley town of Redwood Shores, California. Her nearly 16-yearold daughter just started her first fulltime summer job last week, but it took some extra effort to get it. When she turned 13, she found many of the camps in her area were expensive overnight travel camps. But after some digging, she managed to find some nearby camps that cost less and offered “counselor-in-training” programs.

After two summers of training, she got a work permit from school and applied to work part-time at a local upscale health club as a childcare worker. She then parlayed that experience into a full-time summer camp counselor job at the club, making $10 an hour.

PREPARE FOR COLLEGE & BABYSIT Sheila Sheley of Dallas has a 16-yearold daughter who will be a senior in the fall. Instead of a traditional summer job, Sheley encouraged her to find other ways that would better serve her college resume needs.

“Her primary ‘job’ right now is finishing high school with a good GPA and full set of extracurriculars while managing the college applications process,’’ Sheley said.

Sheley said her daughter worked parttime at a fast food chain last year, but the schedule wasn’t flexible and the job only paid $8 an hour. So this year, Sheley said her daughter set up a Facebook page to promote her babysitting services, where she makes $10 to $12 an hour.

TAKE CLASSES Shannon Behn, 17, of Mankato, Minnesota, will attend a five-week program at the International Film Institute of New York this summer rather than work a job.

The short film she plans to make will be included in her college admissions portfolio as she pursues a major in film.

“It can definitely be hard for someone in high school to find summer work just because there are so many businesses and companies that don’t hire anyone of that age range,” Behn said.

STUDY, INTERN & PLAY FRISBEE Susan Gottfried, who lives in suburban Pittsburgh, leans toward letting her 14-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son make their own summer plans.

Gottfried’s younger child, who wants to be an animal behaviorist, will be a sophomore next year. There’s summer homework in store for her and in July, the teen will take classes at the Pittsburgh Zoo. For SEE TEENS B2

COFFEE AND MORE—J.T. Thomas shows that his Crazy Mocha franchise offers a variety of coffees. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)

Former Pittsburgh Steeler brings Crazy Mocha to Hill District

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

Hard work, timing and patience describe the attributes of an entrepreneur. They also outline the qualities of four-time NFL Super Bowl champion and pro-bowler James Thomas Jr., known to most Pittsburghers as J.T. Thomas.

Since retiring from football in 1983, he has been making plays in the food and restaurant industry within the region. He once owned a Chinese restaurant inside PPG Place, and operated a Burger King.

With his former teammate Larry Brown, they owned 14 Applebee’s restaurants and

later, a Red Hot and Blue restaurant. He is also involved in a marketing, sales and distribution company called The Black-NGold Cheesecake Company with another former teammate, Robin Cole.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business all my life,” Thomas said. “It provides joy and enlightenment to people through their mouths via food. Like football, it entertains people.”

He was approached to develop a Crazy Mocha Coffeehouse in the Hill District, but at the time was not interested. Because communications between Hill House Association officials and the owner Ken Zeff of the Crazy Mocha Coffee Company were

WALL OF FAME—Historymaker J.T. Thomas stands near his pictorial wall of musical historymakers in his Crazy Mocha, located in the Hill District.

not going well, he was approached by both parties to reevaluate his decision. In 2013, negotiations began for him to become a franchise owner. This past April, his latest restaurant venture became a Crazy Mocha, 1836 Centre Avenue in the Hill. Their grand opening occured in May. Thomas said he changed his mind because he had an interest in becoming a franchise owner, the business was similar to what he knows and he had a relationship with Zeff.

Founded in 2000, Crazy Mocha Coffee Company is a Pittsburgh-based business with 30 locations throughout Greater Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Florida.

Thomas said Crazy Mocha is known for its friendly baristas, delicious coffee and desserts. Their menu consists of hot- and iced-brewed coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and a variety of teas.

Also, blended drinks inclusive of fruit smoothies, teas, Italian Sodas, soda, water, Red Bull and Naked Juice. Desserts and pastries include biscotti, muffins, bagels, blueberry or cinnamon crumb cake, lemon iced pound cake and a variety of protein bars.

“What I like about this franchise is that we have some leeway as to what we can sell and how we label our items,” Thomas said. As a result, his menu includes breakfast sandwiches and at one time, he sold his famous sweet potato cheesecake. He offers unique drinks like the Hill District Mocha and a Sugar Top Latte. “The Hill is changing and the people in the community are being reintroduced to shops such as this so we are providing a menu they can have pride in,” he said, pointing to a phrase on the ceiling bulkhead that reads, “Hill Yes.” SEE STEELER B2

Dollar Bank’s inclusive history highlighted at PowerBreakfast

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

As Dollar Bank Senior Vice President Carol Neyland noted with a short historical presentation at the African American Chamber of Commerce June PowerBreakfast meeting, almost immediately after opening in 1855, the bank began serving the needs of Pittsburgh’s Black community.

Some of its first customers included leaders in the city’s American Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, Black business owners, millworkers, miners and residents. One reason was that, unlike the other banks, there was no $500 minimum deposit requirement. Anyone could open an account for $1. Hence the bank’s name.

After Neyland’s introduction, bank President and CEO James McQuade admitted to the audience that you can no longer open an account for $1—it now takes $25, but while that has changed, the bank’s commitment to its customers has not.

“As a mutual bank, we do not have any shareholders so we are driven by the quarterly price of our stock,” he said. “We can look longer term and maintain our ethical culture of customer service.”

And because that culture includes values shared with the chamber, McQuade said Dollar Bank isn’t just talking about diversity, it is acting on it—with supplier diversity, business lending and community investment.

“We established a diversity committee

and have increased our supplier diversity spending by 45 percent to $4.5 million,” he said. “We have also increased the number of our diverse suppliers from 17 to 26 and we expect that number to grow.”

One reason he expects that is Dollar Bank no longer requires its minority vendors to be certified.

“We learned that the certification pro-

cess was cumbersome, invasive and expensive—so we eliminated it,” he said.

As for business lending, McQuade said, Dollar Bank is the only bank to ever receive an “outstanding” rating from the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group—and it has done so for 10 consecutive years.

“Our small business lending has in-

SHARED VALUES—Dollar Bank Exec. VP Carol Neyland and CEO James McQuade pose between AACCWP board Chair Sam Stephenson and President and CEO Doris Carson Williams. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

creased 265 percent since 2009 and our small business portfolio is up 115 percent since 2010,” he said.

It is also committed equity and equality, he said, as evidenced by its providing the final financing for the Hill District Shop ‘N Save—and by opening its first in-store branch there in 40 years.

It also donated the $2 million building it owned on Frankstown Avenue that is now the Homewood Renaissance Center.

And the bank assisted in getting $2.7 million in grant funding for Operation Better Block.

“We also invested in the Energy Innovation Center at the old Connelly Technical School, which is teaching new people new skills in new technologies for our community,” he said. “We’re about improving lives and building a better future—a community bank that makes a positive impact for our customers and community.”

Noting that she is an AME member, and a former employee at Dollar Bank, chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams thanked McQuade and Neyland for their presentation. She also thanked everyone who attended the annual meeting and business luncheon in May and welcomed 11 new chamber members.

“We’ll be off for July and August, but don’t miss our next PowerBreakfast on Sept. 15 when our guest will be ALCOSAN Executive Director Arletta Scott Williams, who will be talking about the billions they will be spending over the next few years,” she said.

B2

BUSINESS

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Ex-Steeler brings Comcast names Toni Murphy Crazy Mocha to Hill regional vice president STEELER FROM B1

One of the walls in the café is decorated with historical Pittsburgh Jazz musicians, some from the Hill District, and a picture of the late Art Rooney Sr. “My goal here is to create a need for businesses like this and others. We want to be an asset to the community as well as the whole city,” Thomas said. “Because of the makeup of the city being separated by rivers, something has to be offered to change people’s mindsets to get them to cross those rivers and patronize businesses in the Hill.

Also, the community and leaders in the Hill must come together as one, to work as a team, to share resources and leverage what they have to make this a gateway.”

Thomas, a Macon, Georgia native and Florida State graduate, has lived in Pittsburgh since he was drafted at age 22 by the Steelers as a first round pick in 1973. He was a successful defensive back for the team until 1982 when he was traded to the Denver Broncos. He won four Super Bowls with the Steelers.

“I’ve lived in Pittsburgh all my adult life,” said Thomas. “Back then the city was different and the Steelers’ marketing director kept us in the community. We had a good rapport with the people.”

Thomas now has two adult children, and grandchildren. For fun, Thomas plays the piano and the organ at his church.

“Fun for me was making sure my kids and now grandkids were and are happy. Fun is people.

Family, fun and food.” Even though he came from a poor environment, and was abused while growing up, Thomas said he does not let that define him and considers himself self-blessed. “As an athlete, I’ve traveled and have done and seen a lot in life.”

Now 66 years old, Thomas does not believe in retirement. “It’s not heathy,” he said.

His goal is to be a catalyst, to show people what he has learned through his mistakes, and to be a positive example and role model. When he’s not at the café, he’s often doing speaking engagements or giving back in some way. One method of giving back, Thomas said, is by mentoring people interested in going into the restaurant business, along with providing jobs. He currently has eight staff members, and throughout his career Thomas said he’s had the opportunity to hire many people and provide a second chance to some.

Thomas’ advice to potential entrepreneurs is to be independent thinkers and to operate on faith, not fear.

(Crazy Mocha in the Hill District is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

BUSINESS CALENDAR Training Seminar

PITTSBURGH, PA.—Toni Murphy has been named vice president of Comcast Business for its Keystone Region, which comprises western, central and northeastern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and the Maryland panhandle.

In this role, Murphy oversees all aspects of the regional Comcast Business team’s efforts to drive growth.

Murphy joined Comcast in 2008, holding positions in the Chicago and California Regions in Business Support & Analytics and Business Development before being named the Keystone Region’s Vice President, Project Management Office in 2015.

Black billionaire shares secret to success with young Black men

by Roz Edward For New Pittsburgh Courier

Training Event

Training Event

AUG. 3—The Duquesne University Small Business Center will host Export Basics, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Topics include: Recognizing export opportunities; Shipping & payment; Legal & regulatory aspect of exporting; Sources for information & assistance, and cultural issues. Fee: $49. For more information, call 412-396-6233.

Business Workshop

AUG. 12—The Chatham’s Women Business Center in partnership with SCORE Pittsburgh present a Build Your Business Workshop to entrepreneurs interested in starting or expanding their business. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Eastside campus, 6585 Penn Ave. Business experts and seasoned entrepreneurs will discuss the following topics: business planning, marketing and sales, financing, legal issues and business lessons learned.

A continental breakfast will be provided. Fee $10. For more information, contact Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412365-1153.

TONI MURPHY

ROBERT SMITH says that young Black men need to see a role model who succeeded in the sciences and finance.

JUNE 28—The Chatham Women’s Business Center, in collaboration with Urban Innovation21& HRT Solutions will present a seminar on HR Basics for StartUps and Small Businesses, 5:30-7:30 at the Energy Innovation Center, 1435 Bedford Ave. in the Hill District. Learn about the importance of hiring the right people, attracting talent when you are a small business, compliance, payroll, and other HR basics that are imperative to scaling the people side of your business. Cost: Free, but registration is required. Visit https://www.chatham.edu/events/register. cfm?eventID=18328 to register. For more information call Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412-365-1153.

JULY 18—The Duquesne University Small Business Center will host First Step: Business Start-up Essentials, 9:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. in Rockwell Hall, rm. 108, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Topics covered include: Business Structure and Formation; Fictitious Name Registration; Employee Issues; Insurance Government; Procurement; Environmental Concerns; Financing Options; Taxation, and Major Components of the Business Plan. Cost: $25.

For more information, call 412-396-6233.

In this role, she has led important initiatives like the Netflix launch on the X1 platform. She is and has and will continue to play an important role in driving our culture change toward the Keystone Vision.

Prior to joining Comcast, Murphy worked in private equity at The Gores Group and in investment banking at UBS Investment Bank. She holds a B.A. from Princeton University and is an executive sponsor of Comcast’s Black Employee Network (BEN) and an active leader in Women in Cable & Telecom, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Strong Women Strong Girls and RedChairPGH.

ROBERT SMITH

Denver native Robert Smith visited his hometown to deliver a commencement address at the University of Denver and gave an interview to KUSA-TV, the local NBC News affiliate.

Smith, who has a net worth of $2.5 billion according to Forbes, is the second-richest African American—behind Oprah Winfrey—and wants to be a role model to young Black men.

“It’s important that these young African American men understand there are people like Robert Smith out there who can actually be learned in the sciences and engineering and in finance,” said Smith, a graduate of East High School in Denver when it was newly-integrated.

He told the news outlet that tenacity is the main ingredient to his success. Smith said he learned to “pick a purpose and to be dogged in the pursuit of that purpose,”

while still in high school.

As a high school junior in the 1970s, he developed an interest in computers and sought an internship at Bell Labs in Denver. Those internships, however, were created and reserved for college students.

But that didn’t stop Smith from relentlessly calling the company for six months until Bell Labs invited him for an interview.

“I ran my own race. I knew what I wanted, and my persistence paid off, and I came in and interviewed. They liked me, and I got the internship,” Smith said at an American University commencement address, according to Forbes. “In fact, I worked there for the next four years during summer and winter breaks.”

He went on to graduate from Cornell University and Columbia University before landing a Wall Street job with Goldman Sachs. Smith eventually decided to leave his high-paying position to launch Vista Equity Partners, a private equity and venture capital firm.

Tips for teens to fill idle time this summer TEENS FROM B1

most of August, she’ll be an intern with a local theater company and performing arts academy, doing sound for summer productions.

Her son, a rising high school senior, is working on getting his driver’s license. And while many of his friends have jobs, he’ll spend his time touring colleges and finishing off work on his Eagle rank in Boy Scouts. He’s also on an Ultimate Frisbee team.

“I suppose Ultimate Frisbee will

good idea, said Andy Bills, senior vice president for enrollment at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. Bills suggests using the summer months to write and edit

college entrance essays, visit top five colleges and get familiar with application deadlines.

(Associated Press writer Matt Ott in Washington contributed to this report.)

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Office Of The hief Operations Officer, oom 2 , Administration Building, South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time JULY 11, 2017 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: WINDOW CLEANING 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 ware 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 Agent We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

be viewed as a commitment to a sports team, just as any other more mainstream sport would be,” Gottfried said. “Will colleges give it more weight because it’s a unique sport?

Hard to say.”

ADVICE FROM EXPERTS Carlota Zimmerman in New York City is a career coach and success strategist. She says teens should look less to “beef up their resume” than find something that matches their interest.

“Don’t focus on opportunities that look good, so much as opportunities that interest your teen since then there’s a higher chance she’ll stick with it, and that’s a large part of what colleges want to see: consistency, commitment, intellectual curiosity, maturity and initiative.”

Erin Goodnow, founder and CEO of Going Ivy, a college admissions consulting group in Phoenix, Arizona, echoed Zimmerman’s advice. “If you think you want to be a social worker, volunteer this summer with a nonprofit organization in your neighborhood.

If you want to be a doctor, get some experience in the hospital.”

Getting ahead of the admissions process is also a

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

B3

Rebuilding Black neighborhoods— manpower is there, money isn’t

Guest Editorial

The killing of Philando Castile A jury last week found Minnesota police officer Jeronimo Yanez not guilty in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile.

According to news reports, counselors are being made available to students returning to the school where Castile was a popular cafeteria supervisor.

“Castile’s death last year was difficult for students at J.J. Montessori School in St. Paul. And, with the beginning of summer school classes Monday, the district has once again sent counselors to the school to deal with questions about the acquittal of the officer charged in his death,” reports The Associated Press.

“Sally Rafowicz has a daughter who attends J.J. Hill.

Rafowicz tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press the children knew Castile as Mr. Phil and says he knew every student by name and would often give them ‘high fives’ in the lunch line.”

The story does not say what the counselors planned to say to the students about Mr. Phil’s death. We do not know how the students will respond to the counselors and what questions they will ask.

What we know is that Yanez shot Castile in a highly publicized incident caught on video last year and that he was acquitted of all charges related to the shooting, including second-degree manslaughter and that it all seemed to be preventable and unnecessary.

Castile was killed on July 6, 2016 after Yanez fired seven shots into his vehicle during a traffic stop from a broken tail light. His girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, and her 4-year-old daughter were also in the car at the time.

Reynolds broadcast a Facebook live video immediately after the shooting, in which she questioned the officer.

The portion of the video that we saw shows Castile doing what he was supposed to do when encountering police.

Castile told the officer that he had permit for a weapon and had one in his possession as required by gun safety possessions.

The officer ordered Castile to produce his driver’s license and then shot him as he reached for it. Yanez claimed he feared for his life.

Yanez acquittal, while deeply disturbing, is not a surprise.

Castile’s was killed the day after two White police officers shot to death Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, La., which was also caught on video. The acquittal in Castile killing comes a month after police officer Betty Jo Shelby was found not guilty for shooting an unarmed Black motorist to death in Tulsa, Okla. Shelby shot Terrence Crutcher, who was unarmed during the encounter.

The high-profile cases are among several across the United States in recent years that have increased debate about race and policing.

Immediately after the decision protesters gathered at the state capitol and Castile’s mother held a press conference in which she responded to the decision with outrage.

“My son loved this city, and this city killed my son. And a murderer gets away.”

Until there are consequences for the police killing of unarmed citizens they will continue unabated. In the absence of serious police reform and accountability more mothers will mourn the deaths of their children and the trust between local police and the communities they serve will continue to erode.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

Rebuilding Black neighborhoods one house at a time is something that has been discussed for years, since the great Urban Removals of the ‘60s and ‘70s, with some success and some failures.

Which will young contractor Scott Tunstalle be?

“How big? I don’t know, but I want to continually grow,” Tunstalle said about his construction company Power 59, which was featured in a front-page story in the New Pittsburgh Courier’s June 21 edition. The story was entitled, “Rebuilding the North Side, Hill District with local Black talent.”

“I’d like to get to the point where I can start a program to teach residential work. It’s not like building from the ground up; you’ve got walls that don’t meet at right angles, uneven floors—we have to show these kids all that. But for that, I’ll have to grow to where I have enough guys that can supervise my other jobs.”

The bottom line is that he must grow as a Black business in order to help the Black community grow through employment training, which leads to spending.

Most of these businesses go out of business because of the lack of advertising, marketing and lack of Black people making it a point to support Black businesses, yet complaining about the White man not caring about them.

Well, why should he?

There are certainly enough blighted houses and buildings to renovate to not only keep several contractors busy throughout this metropolitan area. Thus, growth for people like Tunstalle’s business should be no problem. But it generally is because the lack of funding that these “small” Black businesses receive are a “big” problem. Too much work available, but with no funding has driven more

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’ than a few Black businesses out of business. It’s called overextending yourself.

Now that I’m retired, I travel the city more and once I get out of the “Just Vacation” mode I will see a lot more of it.

What I see is big and small White contractors making money hand-over-foot on all sides of town, not just Downtown, but throughout the city. East Liberty, South Side, North Side and elsewhere, but much more is needed in our Black community. There’s more than enough money to be made for everyone, Black and White. Maybe Tunstalle and Lee Davis should team up. Tunstalle renovates houses, while Davis fills the blighted lots next to them with one of the small houses he’s helped build.

Block by Block. Just Sayin’…

Still No Healthcare Plan As of June 26, the Republicans in the Senate were still working on their Healthcare Plan, which is supposed to replace the Affordable Care Act of former President Obama, as well as the plan submitted to them from the U.S. House instead of just fixing the shortfalls of the Obama plan.

Most of the Media, except FOX News, are predicting it will not pass the Senate. The Republicans hold a 52-48 margin over the Democrats in the Senate, so the Dems need at to turn at least three Republicans to vote no, and so far there’s three to

five who have either said no to the bill or are leaning toward no.

The bill should have been completed

by June 27, or maybe will be complete

by June 29. Even though it is being drafted in secrecy, once it’s presented to the Senate this week according to the Senate Head, they should have 25 days to debate and amend the bill.

As for the Affordable Care Act, it’s doing OK in states with Democratic governors such as Pennsylvania, but terrible in Republican states because of the lack of financial support.

Everyone, including the Democrats and myself, knows that the ACA needs repair, such as it being mandatory, and the high deductions, but it doesn’t need replacing, which means starting all over again on something that affects every citizen in the United States.

As far as the rising cost, any fool knows that the cost of Health Care has been alarmingly rising for the past 40 to 50 years. That is why President Obama is to be commended for addressing this country’s major problem, even though it may have hurt him more than helped him. But in the long run, it will have helped the American people because there will be a national health plan in this country either during the Trump Administration or after him. The people are demanding it.

So even though the Republicans didn’t act during the Clinton administration, they didn’t act during the Bush administration, and they didn’t act during the Obama administration. They have been forced to act now that they control the House, Senate and White House.

America deserves a quality health plan, which is fair to all that is run jointly by government and private business, much like auto insurance.

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

Open season is real for Black folks (TriceEdneyWire.com)—My regular readers know that I have friends in all walks-of-life, and some practice old-school lifestyle avocations. I communicate with them as often as possible and sometimes their perspectives serve as viewpoints I use in my articles.

I have a friend who could be called a naturalist. He’s retired and spends as much time outdoors as possible.

He hunts and fishes for consumption and studies efforts to conserve wildlife. Although non-empirical, he also studies the relationships between humans and animals and how humans often use animal characterizations to interact with each other.

His theories, though unsettling, often make sense in the broadest of contexts.

He recently spoke of what conservation departments define as nuisance species. These are animals that aggravate human populations with which they come in contact, and over which no agency regulates harvest/execution. For example, coyotes inhabit most of the lower 48 states and wreak havoc on domestic livestock and protected wildlife. In most places, coyotes can be taken without limit 24/7/365.

This is called OPEN SEASON. My friend believes that law enforcement officers, institutional representatives and others exercising life and death control view Blacks as a nuisance species and pursue their systematic elimination. In the context of recent shootings and other acts of violence against people of color, his assessment seems brutally accurate.

Open season is real for Black folks.

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary If I tried to list the growing number of Blacks murdered under suspicious circumstances or those executed under the watchful eyes of witnesses or the camera, I would quickly use the allotment of words I am allowed for each article.

Few can forget the videos of Sandra Bland, a female warrior who refused to cower in an unjust traffic stop, Walter Scott, who was shot in the back while running away from police, Laquan McDonald, a 17-year old who was shot 16 times while initially attempting to walk away from the police, and, most recently, Philando Castile, who was shot in the chest 5 times by a renegade police officer who falsely accused Philando Castile of reaching for his firearm.

In these cases, and others, video abounds that would lead a deliberate and thoughtful juror/viewer to determine that, at the least and if necessary, police COULD have used an alternative method to apprehend/ arrest the subject they ultimately murdered.

Sandra Bland was roughed up by her arresting officer and thrown to the ground in a manner that

wouldn’t be tolerated for a White woman. Sandra’s mysterious “suicide” while in custody seems an all too familiar consequence for incarcerated Blacks.

The fear for one’s life is an all too familiar excuse used by police. Michael Slager shot Walter Scott and used it after the shooting and his video-taped tampering with evidence.

Jason Van Dyke used it when he shot Laquan McDonald 16 times as he lay on the ground dying. Jeronimo Yanez, who shot Philando Castile while he expressly declared his intent to reach for his wallet and firearms permit, has been acquitted because of the “terror” he faced while dealing with a cooperative citizen.

To date, only Slager, who pled guilty after a mistrial, will receive prison time for his misdeeds. Others have been acquitted of wrong-doing, and others await adjudication. What’s clear is a pattern of callous disregard for the lives of Black people. The same can’t be said for police dogs. I read that Kelontre Barefield, a 23year old Black man, was sentenced to 45 years for shooting a police dog!

Maulana Karenga says, “Eventually, seeds sown will have to be harvested. And it is a good and promising practice if we dare to sow seeds of justice, freedom, peace and all things good which point toward and make possible the continuing flourishing of humanity and the ongoing well-being of the world.”

(Dr. E. Faye Williams, President of the National Congress of Black Women. 202/6786788. www.nationalcongressbw.org)

Trump ratchets up military use, insults

by Jesse Jackson (TriceEdneyWire.com)—In his campaign, Donald Trump promised “we’re going to start winning again.”

In office, he has defined winning largely in military terms.

His budget decimates the State Department while adding billions to the Pentagon. He boasts that he’s delegated decisions on force levels abroad to the Pentagon. Secretary of Defense Mike Mattis recently announced that 4,000 more troops would be sent to Afghanistan.

Four thousand more troops won’t produce a “win” in Afghanistan. The president has it wrong. America’s military is already the best in the world. But for America to “start winning,” we need more smart diplomacy, not more smart bombs.

Since coming to office Trump has ratcheted up the use of force. He dropped the “mother of all bombs” on Afghanistan, while adding troops there. He rained cruise missiles on an airbase in Syria, and a U.S. jet recently shot down a Syrian jet in Syrian airspace, a clear act of war.

He’s added troops to Iraq and to back rebels in Syria. He lavished arms and praise on the Saudis, backing up not only their merciless war on Yemen but also their blockade on tiny Qatar.

Not one of these actions will “start

America winning.” The war in Afghanistan is in its 16th year. Even Secretary Mattis admits we have no strategy for victory there. Four thousand more troops will add to the violence and the costs. They will help insure we don’t lose, but the war will go on.

In Syria, Trump had suggested on the campaign trail that he would focus on defeating the Islamic State, not on regime change in Syria. That opened the possibility of a working coalition with Russia and Syria against the Islamic State. Instead we’re now clearly at war with Syria as well as the Islamic State.

In the Persian Gulf, we’re backing the Saudi destruction of Yemen, creating a failed state that will mint more terrorists. And bizarrely, Trump seems to have turned on Qatar, a tiny emirate that is an ally and the site of a vital American air base. The recent announcement that the U.S. will sell $12 billion in arms to Qatar makes our policy utterly incoherent.

In our own hemisphere, Trump has repeatedly acted to worsen relations rather than ease them. He’s insulted the Mexican president and alienated the Canadians, our closest trading partners. When Venezuela descended into desperate hunger, the administration passed up the opportunity to offer humanitarian assistance, and come to the aid of a neighbor in need.

With the reversal of Obama’s opening to Cuba, Trump is isolating the U.S. from its neighbors.

In the State Department, offices on the top floors remain empty. Trump’s budget calls for a 30 percent cut in the department. At a time when the U.S. desperately needs creative diplomacy—a combination of the State Department’s professionals and skilled political appointees—Trump is demoralizing the department, chasing away professionals and scaring away the experts who might lead real change.

America is a great nation. Our economy is still one of the greatest in the world. Our military is unmatched.

Our so-called “soft power”—in culture, language and commerce—is without rival.

Yet we find ourselves unable to “start winning.” The military is mired in conflicts in the Middle East with no exit and no victory. Trump is alienating our neighbors, even when we should be strengthening our bonds. Our allies are increasingly perturbed by the president’s erratic bluster. Voters may have thought that Trump the businessman would be a strong negotiator, as he promised. Instead, he’s turned out to be a showman, infatuated with military gestures, scornful of the quiet arts of diplomacy. He isn’t putting America first; he’s putting America at risk.

B4

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

Healthcare in the dark ( T r i c e E d n e y Wi r e. c o m ) — M y grandmother, and yours, too probably, used to say that things done in the dark would eventually come to light. There is way too much “dark” public policy being done by this administration, too many instances when whispers and innuendo are substitutes for truth and transparency. If 45 wonders why there are so many leaks from the Oval Office, perhaps he ought to consider more transparency. Instead, he veers in the other direction, with lies and secrets.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Principal Deputy White House Press Secretary did a good job of playing bait-and-switch at the meeting of Thursday, June 22. Sanders could not answer questions clearly, especially about 45’s Twitter assertion that he made no tapes of his conversation with fired FBI Director James Comey. This admission comes more than a month after 45’s May 12 suggestion that he might have tapes of his conversation with Comey. His threat was, perhaps, meant to intimidate Comey, but it apparently had an opposite effect and now the President is mired in several investigations.

The fact that Huckabee Sanders, who is as comical as her boss, Sean

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary Spicer, could not answer questions, was only one part of the flawed press conference. Broadcast networks were not allowed to broadcast the press conference. They had no notice that they would not be allowed to broadcast. According to one CNN commentator, the cameras were set up, prepared to broadcast, and their feed was turned off. What are they afraid of? Are they afraid that their smirks and sighs will be interpreted as disrespectful? Are they afraid that broadcasting moments like the one where 45 asked April Ryan to arrange a meeting for him with the Congressional Black Caucus be perceived as racist and condescending? Failing to allow broadcast networks access to press conferences reeks of obtuse fear.

But the 45 press conferences have nothing on the health care legislation that the United States Senate offered up on June 22, with a time line that calls for a vote to take place before the Fourth of You Lie recess. The 142-page piece of legislation was released and posted online on the morning of June 22, and has already been described as “heartless” and “mean”. There will be no reimbursement for Planned Parenthood. Cuts in Medicaid.

Health insurance premiums determined by age. Scant protection for those with pre-existing conditions. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

With such a short time line for voting on the Senate legislation, it is unlikely that there will be time for robust hearings on the provisions of this legislation. So, not only were Democrats (and some Republicans) locked out of the drafting process, but they will now also be muzzled in the process of discussing this legislation. The good news is that Republicans must get 50 (along with VP Mike Pence as a tie-breaker) votes in order for this legislation to become law, and as soon as the bill was released four Republican Senators said they could not vote for it. Hard-line Tea Party Republicans are not happy with the new legislation because it does not completely “repeal and replace” President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Moderate Republicans are not happy with the legislation because it is draconian, and will make health insurance unaffordable for too many.

Will the Senate take a page out of the White House book and prevent the broadcast of hearings on health insurance? Will Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.) schedule enough hearing time (unlikely, despite requests from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. to do so). This is a clear case of “follow the money,” as the legislation will make people pay more money for less health care.

Indeed, it is amazing that a handful of Republicans, behind closed doors, were tinkering with a sector that represents one sixth of our economy.

While both 45 and Senate Republicans like to do their dirt in the dark, it doesn’t take much light for us to see that their odious actions are devoid of integrity. Surprise, surprise.

(Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education.)

FORUM

Remember when Blacks sued them to accept our money?

I was in attendance to use that skating last Saturday at a rink. A number of movLouis ‘Hop’ Kendrick dinner, a formal affair ie theaters never deheld at a prestigious nied us admittance, but country club. As I sat Blacks were required to and talked with persit in the balcony. sons around the table, There was a period it brought back memoof time that Blacks ries of yesteryear when lived out that dream, we were not permitted “God Bless The Child to be on the premises. I That Has Its Own.” would often tell some White persons about Yes, we were businesspersons who owned how we were discriminated against in dingrocery stores, hotels, bars, photo studios, ing facilities and they would respond, “We furriers, newspapers, restaurants, private were, too.” clubs, skating rinks, bowling alleys, and It would be necessary to remind them that were pharmacists, 200 Black men were only Blacks were denied based on skin color. truckers across Allegheny County…we The next question would be, “How did you owned funeral parlors, radio stations, telegain admittance?” vision stations, realtors, banks, savings As I am writing this column, it comes to and loan, magazines, gas stations, pool mind how ridiculous it was for Blacks to sue rooms, barber shops, clothing stores (male someone to accept our money. Some of you and female), beauty parlors, pawn shops, don’t remember, but a lot of us do…Black jewelry, beer distributors, contractors, persons sued hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, plumbers, electrical, insurance, cleaners, skating rinks, swimming pools, amusement records, moving, landscapers and churches parks, dance halls, golf clubs, Elk Lodge, on every corner filled with the persons in lack of taxicab service, rode buses but could the neighborhood. not drive them…

I do understand that the current generaHospitals were extensions of racism, and tion has not experienced what we have, and Blacks even had to file suits against cemeit is understandable that some don’t care. teries. I will never forget the NAACP filed a However, I am totally convinced that the discrimination suit against a local skating overwhelming majority will focus on makrink and won the case, but mysteriously the ing a positive difference.

(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New skating rink caught on fire and burned to the ground. Thus, Blacks never got a chance Pittsburgh Courier.)

To Tell The Truth

The Congressional Black Caucus and the politics of complaint Do you remember CBC chairman, Cedric the 2004 military draft Richmond, arrived J. Pharoah Doss scare? with a 130-page policy Political rumors report titled: We have held that if President a Lot to Lose. It was George W. Bush won a mocking rebuttal to reelection, he was going when candidate Trump to reinstate the dreadasked Black voters ed military draft by what they had to lose mid-2005. I didn’t think by voting Republican. a draft bill existed and Richmond stated, “We the rumors were created to increase the never thought we’d agree on everything but turnout against the President. we did ask for both sides to be candid so we I was wrong. could represent our constituents to the best Right before the 2003 invasion of Iraq of our ability.” Then the CBC agreed to hold Black congressman Charles Rangel introregular meetings with the Trump adminisduced a bill to reinstate the draft. The bill tration. had 14 co-sponsors, many were members Recently the Trump administration of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). reached out to have a “regular meeting” Rangel told the press his purpose was twowith the CBC. Since the first face-to-face fold. One, to jolt Americans into realizing a was a sit down, this second meeting was possible unilateral strike against Iraq. Two, actually going to be the first meeting about to make it clear that if there were a war, policy. there would be more equitable representaBut the CBC refused to meet the Presition of people making the sacrifices. dent.

Elaborating on the second point, Rangel The CBC complained that the Trump stated those who made decisions to go to war administration made no effort in the past would feel the pain involved if the fighting 60 days to address their policy concerns and force included the affluent and those who they didn’t want to participate in a presihistorically have avoided this great responsi- dential photo-op or star in a presidential bility. In other words, the bill was introduced reality TV show. to remedy the historical complaint that only Let’s get this straight. the poor were drafted for war. (The DemThe CBC brought a policy report to a “sit ocrats always preach the rich need to pay down” in which the two parties agreed to their fair share, but this time it meant their have “regular meetings” to discuss policy. fair share of body bags. There are no Geneva But the CBC refused to attend the first Convention rules in class warfare.) policy meeting because the administration After the invasion, Rangel’s first point was didn’t enact any of the recommendations obsolete, but the jolt was realized during the presented at the “sit down” in which no polielection when rumors spread about “Bush’s cy implementation was discussed. secret draft plan.”

After Barack Obama became President, Eventually the House of Representatives the CBC complained that he met with convened to vote on the draft bill. It was congressional Republicans and conservative struck down 402-2. But the two votes in Democrats before he met with them. favor weren’t Charles Rangel or his fellow When President Obama finally reached out co-sponsors in the CBC. Rangel said he to the CBC they didn’t refuse the invitation. voted against his own bill to protest that Black congresswoman Corrine Brown, a millawmakers did not hold any committee itary draft bill co-sponsor, said, “I think it’s hearings to study if the military was oververy important that no group is taken for stretched. (Why didn’t the CBC hold them?) granted. It doesn’t matter who is President Then he complained it was a political ...If you’re not in the room, your interest will maneuver by Republicans to kill the rumors be left on the table.” that President Bush intended to reinstate But it does matter who the President is... the draft after the election.

It determines whether or not the CBC will Politics is the art of compromise, but Rancomplain or meet.

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsgel demonstrated the politics of complaint. burgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@blogspot.

A few months ago the Trump Admincom) istration had a “sit down” with the CBC.

Check It Out

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

James Clingman

Commentary

Look back and see the future, Part 1

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—I often use the phrase, “Our history is our future,” to express the fact that everything we need to do today, vis-à-vis economic empowerment, has been done before

by African Americans in this country.

Just look back at what Black people built in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Durham, North Carolina and Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood District. Take a closer look at what Booker T. Washington was doing with his National Negro Business League; read about Black entrepreneurs in Cincinnati and Philadelphia during the early 1800’s, and you will see the economic future of African Americans is, indeed, grounded in our history.

I wonder why it takes us so long to do what we know is right. In the context of the economic well-being of African Americans, most of us know what “we need” to do. Yet we seem content to discuss, “intellectualize,” meet, and complain about how unfair the system is. For those “we need to…” folks out there, if you see the need, do the work.

One thing most of us know, when it comes to economic empowerment, is that business development--vertical business development--is vital to our economic prosperity. Naturally following the development of businesses is the support of those businesses by consumers. To illustrate that point, I am reminded of what a friend once told me: “Production minus sales equals scrap.”

In the 1800’s there were many flourishing Black owned businesses. In spite of the worst brand of slavery ever perpetrated on a people, Black businesses survived and grew. Economic growth was a reality, even in the face of the racial prejudice that existed, because we were determined, and we stuck together.

In 1853, a convention was held in Rochester, New York, to discuss “Afro-American Economics.” Slogans like “Buy Black” and “Double Duty Dollars” began at conventions like this one, all over the country. What happened to us since that time? Have we drifted so far from our heritage and from the things that benefit us as a whole? Have we become so selfish and so self-centered that we have completely lost sight of our values toward one another?

Businesses are the foundation of a true community. Our current 2.4 million Black owned businesses, compared to the 45 million of us, are but a drop of water in the ocean, especially when you factor in the relatively meager annual revenues those businesses take in. We must change that.

Our time should be devoted to starting and supporting business ventures, rather than complaining about how difficult things are out there and how the “Arabs” and Asians dominate our neighborhoods when it comes to business ownership. We must find common ground to move beyond the stagnation and complacency in which we have been mired for so long. Organization, unity, and mutual support are the keys to our economic freedom.

Cooperative economics among African Americans is an idea that has been around for hundreds of years. It could not be resisted during the early years of American history, and it cannot be resisted today. It is up to us to take advantage of that fact as we move forward. It is time to make individual commitments to “do” something rather than sit back and “let someone else do it.” It is time to stop complaining and blaming someone else for our plight. It is time for us to give up that lame excuse, “There is no use trying to change things, because we are never going to get together anyway.” I don’t buy those tired words, and I hope you don’t buy them either. All we have to do, instead, is buy from one another, for the benefit of us all. The precedent exists; look at it and learn from it.

My primary example of seeing a need and doing the work (although there are several during my lifetime that I could share) is my current work for our people: THE One Million Conscious and Conscientious Black Contributors and Voters (OMCCBCV). Our historical grounding is found in the words of Marcus Garvey: “The greatest weapon used against [Black people] is disorganization.” Thus, we are organized, united, and unapologetically determined to contribute to the economic elevation of our people. We saw the need and set out to do the work; and we will continue that work as we learn from our past and strive for a better future for our children. If you would like to join us, go to www.iamoneofthemillion. com (In a future edition, part two of this article will give a deeper look at why and how the system in which we live has caused some of us to be complacent. It will also offer a way to change our situation.)

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NOTICE OF EXAMINATION FOR THE POSITION OF ENTRY LEVEL POLICE OFFICER

Applications to take the test for the position of entry level police officer are being accepted on behalf of the following Municipalities or their Civil Service Commissions: Borough of Baldwin Borough of Brentwood Borough of astle Shannon Borough of efferson Hills Township of Moon Peters Township Township of Upper St. Clair Borough of est Mif in until :00 PM on Tuesday, uly 2 , 20 at the offices of the South Hills Area ouncil of overnments SHA O , 2 00 Old reentree oad, arnegie, PA 0 , 2 2 0.

A single application to take the test and a single testing process will be utilized by the listed municipalities. All appointments, if any, will be made by the individual municipalities. Information concerning minimum eligibility requirements for each police department is contained in the application package.

Applications and instructions are available at the SHA O office, at the SHA O website www. shacog.com , and at the Police epartments of the listed municipalities. Completed applications are to be returned with a non-refundable fee of 0.00 only to the SHA O office. A physical agility test is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, August 2, 20 with a written test to follow in the afternoon of that same day for those who pass the physical agility test.

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GENERALIST

The .S. istrict ourt, Pittsburgh ivision, is seeking a qualified individual with computer skills for the position of eneralist, starting salary , 0 , 2 , depending upon e perience and qualifications. Performs a wide variety of tasks including but not limited to the following: sorting, classifying and filing of case records, retrieving and making copies of documents, lifting and moving bo es and files, receiving and reviewing incoming documents and files documents meeting requirements, collects and maintains responsibility for fees paid to the court, issuing receipts and preparing case files electronic and paper , providing an array of customer services and information, routing documents to the proper location within the court, sorting, processing and distributing mail. Prepares and mails summons notices and forms. Processes payments and reimbursements for jurors and prepare attendance certificates on behalf of urors. Processes returned summons, including data entry and excusal letters.

Operate the Jury Management System MS , the e uror component of MS, and other automated systems. Performs duties related to the master ury wheel refill and grand jury selection. Monitors and records the ury questionnaire process, uror attendance, and selection. Provides support and assist jurors during jury service. Operates a variety of copy, scanning, and records equipment and performs other related duties as assigned. See complete job announcement at http://www.pawd.uscourts.gov/ employment To qualify, applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent, possess minimum one year speciali ed office e perience, possess the ability to type PM or better, and the ability to lift heavy boxes. A college degree is preferred. ritten and typing test will be required prior to interview. The selected applicant must be willing to undergo a credit and criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. A cover letter, resume, including complete employment and educational history, and a completed application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment Form AO which can be obtained at the court s website, http://www. uscourts.gov/forms/AO078.pdf. ocuments must be submitted as one document electronically in P F format and submitted VIA EMAI to: pawdresume@pawd. uscourts.gov no later than Monday, uly , 20 . Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon receipt. Incomplete applications will not be considered. ip files, mailed or paper applications and faxes will not be considered. The Court will only communicate with those individuals who will be tested and interviewed. No telephone calls, please. The ourt is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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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 0 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 to jobs@ newpittsburghcourier.com.

CARDIAC SURGEON

University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Cardiac Surgeon to work in in Allegheny, Blair, Erie, awrence, ashington and Beaver ounties in PA. iagnosis and provide medical management and surgical treatment of patients with diseases of the heart and lungs.

Perform adult cardiac surgery, including minimally invasive cardiac surgery, endovascular cardiac surgery, valve repair, arrhythmia surgery, robotic cardiac surgery. Support the practice’s commitment to provide a wide range of specializations, which include such areas as valve preservation, valve sparing aortic root replacement, full aortic reconstruction, open and endovascular approaches to thoracic thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, dissections, traumatic in uries, and TAVI. ork collaboratively with the cardiac faculty within various epartments, PM hospitals and the VAM . ontribute to designing and pursuing innovative research studies. M. . or foreign equivalent completion of residency in General Surgery completion of a fellowship in ardiothoracic Surgery must be Board certified in Thoracic Surgery and must have a valid unrestricted PA medical license or eligibility for licensure. Apply by following these steps visit http://careers. upmc.com and enter 170000TE in the Search eyword ob I field and click Go. EOE.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The City of Pittsburgh will hold two 2 public hearings to seek input from interested residents and community organi ations on the 20 ommunity evelopment Block Grant Program.

The hearings are being held prior to the release of the 20 apital Budget to enable the ity to adequately review citi en testimony. In addition, those attending the hearings are invited to comment on the prior use of the ity s B funds and other federal funds.

Both hearings will begin at :00 P.M. and will be held at the following locations: Thursday, uly , 20 , Manchester iti ens orporation, Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa 2 . ednesday, uly , 20 , est End senior enter, 0 abash At., Pittsburgh, Pa 220.

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Estate of MR. NORMAN R. BRONOWICZ, deceased, of 2 Seifried ane, Pittsburgh, PA 2 . Estate o. 02 . Ms. ynne ichter, 202 eaver rive, lenshaw, PA , E ecutri , c o Ma . Feldman, Attorney At aw, 22 Fifth Avenue, oraopolis, PA 0 .

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PROPOSED DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE) GOAL METHODOLOGY FOR PARTICIPATION IN FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) FUNDED CONTRACTS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2018-2020

The Pennsylvania epartment of Transportation Penn OT is hereby providing notice of its proposed FTA BE Methodology for Federal Fiscal ears 20 2020.

The proposed methodology used in determination of the goals is available for inspection during normal business hours at: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Equal Opportunity orth Street th oor Harrisburg, PA 17120-0041 Phone (717)787-5891 or (800) 468-4201 The document can also be viewed online at: http://www.padbegoals.org/ The document will be available for inspection for thirty 0 days from the date of this notice. Penn OT will accept written comments on the methodology during this period. All comments, questions, or suggestions regarding this notice may be directed in writing to Ms. eyla Evans, Acting BE Section hief, at the above listed address.

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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Armed and Unarmed Security Services for Family Communities and High-rises and Northview Heights Welcome Booths RFP #350-32-17

The Housing Authority of the ity of Pittsburgh HA P hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service s : Armed and Unarmed Security Services for Family Communities and High-rises and Northview Heights Welcome Booths RFP #350-32-17 The documents will be available no later than June 19, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., July 13, 2017 at which time they will be Time and ate Stamped at 00 oss Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 2 .

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 225 Ross Street, 5th Floor, Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 June 29, 2017 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the ity 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

HA P 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 0 of the ehabilitation Act of , the Americans with isabilities Act, The PA Human elations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (“FONSI/RROF”)

This otice is published pursuant to Federal egulations promulgated by the nited States epartment of Housing and rban evelopment H s Environmental Assessment set forth at 2 F Part , Section . .

June 28, 2017 ity of Pittsburgh ept. of ity Planning 200 oss Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 2 2 2 22 These notices shall satisfy two 2 separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Housing Authority of the ity of Pittsburgh HA P and the ity of Pittsburgh under H s hoice eighborhoods Planning Program.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about uly th, 20 the ity of Pittsburgh ity , will authori e the HA P to submit a request to the nited States epartment of Housing and rban evelopment H for the release of the following federal funds to undertake a pro ect known as e laim entral for Bedford wellings Hill istrict hoice eighborhoods Planning rant: a hoice eighborhoods rant Funds pursuant to Section 2 of the Act and the onsolidated and Further ontinuing Appropriations Act, 20 and b HA P Moving to ork MT Funds. The release of the aforementioned funds, is to support the vacant beautification green space pro ect activities known as e laim entral for Bedford wellings Hill istrict hoice eighborhoods Planning rant s Early Action program that includes, several vacant lots in Hill istrict neighborhood in the ity of Pittsburgh, PA ot Block os. 2 A , 0 , 0 2 2, 0 F 2 0, 0 F 20 , 0 2 and 0 2 . The e laim pro ect of the Bedford wellings Hill istrict hoice eighborhoods program will be managed by the Hill istrict onsensus roup and the TE H Strategies, Inc., in support of resident volunteers of the neighborhood. HA P will utili e a combination of and MT funds in the appro imate amount of ,000 for the e laim pro ect.

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 ational Environmental Policy Act of EPA is not required. Additional pro ect information is contained in the Environmental eview ecord E on file at ity of Pittsburgh 200 oss Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 2 and may be e amined or copied weekdays from :00 A.M. to :00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the E to: Michael Petrucci ity of Pittsburgh, 200 oss Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 2 2 2 22 All comments received by uly th, 20 , will be considered by the ity of Pittsburgh prior to authori ing submission of a request for release of funds.

Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The ity of Pittsburgh certifies to H that illiam Peduto in his capacity as Mayor, ity of Pittsburgh, consents to accept the urisdiction 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. H s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under EPA and related laws and authorities and allows the ity, HA P and A to use funding sources a through f identified under equest for elease of Funds above.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS H will accept ob ections to its release of fund and the ity of Pittsburgh s 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 e ecuted by the ertifying Officer of the ity of Pittsburgh b the ity of Pittsburgh has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by H regulations at 2 F part c the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authori ed by 2 F Part before approval of a release of funds by H or d another Federal agency acting pursuant to 0 F Part 0 has submitted a written finding that the pro ect is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Ob ections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures 2 F Part , Sec. . and shall be addressed to: .S. epartment of Housing and rban evelopment ommunity Planning and evelopment ivision The Moorhead Federal Building 000 iberty Ave. 0th oor Pittsburgh, PA 222 Potential ob ectors should contact H to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

WILLIAM PEDUTO Mayor City of Pittsburgh LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

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

Classifieds Estate of BETTIE PRESSLEY, eceased of Pittsburgh, PA o. 02 . ena Ale ander, E ecutor, Apple Street, Pittsburgh, PA 20 or to Bruce S. elman, Esq., elman eisman, aw Finance Bldg., 2 Fourth Ave., Ste. 0 , Pittsburgh, PA 2 .

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

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

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CLASSIFIEDS

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Collection Agency Services RFP #150-30-17

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Medical and RX Insurance for Authority Employees RFP #650-15-17

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Unarmed Security Services for High-Rises RFP #350-31-17

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Collection Agency Services RFP #150-30-17 The documents will be available no later than June 26, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M., July 21, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 July 13, 2017 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

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

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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ROOF REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-33-17

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): ROOF REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-33-17 The documents will be available no later than June 19, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on July 11, 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, June 29, 2017 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Medical and RX Insurance for Authority Employees RFP# 650-15-17 The documents will be available no later than June 19, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M., July 14, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from:Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director /Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 1st Floor, HR Training Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 July 6, 2017 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Unarmed Security Services for High-Rises RFP #350-31-17 The documents will be available no later than June 19, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M., July 13, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 225 Ross Street, 5th Floor, Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 June 29, 2017 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Vision Benefits for HACP Employees RFP #650-17-17

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Dental Insurance for HACP Employees RFP #650-16-17

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.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Vision Benefits for HACP Employees RFP #650-17-17 The documents will be available no later than June 19, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 A.M., July 14, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 1st Floor, HR Training Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 July 6, 2017 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

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

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

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.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Dental Insurance for HACP Employees RFP #650-16-17 The documents will be available no later than June 19, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., July 14, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 1st Floor, HR Training Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 July 6, 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.

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

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Temporary Staffing RFP #650-25-17

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Paid Up Life Insurance RFP #650-18-17

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Temporary Staffing RFP #650-25-17 The documents will be available no later than June 26, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., July 20, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 1st Floor, HR Training Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 July 12, 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

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Paid Up Life Insurance RFP #650-18-17 The documents will be available no later than June 26, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M., July 20, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 1st Floor, HR Training Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 July 12, 2017 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

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

INVITATION TO BIDDERS/ OFFERORS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1681

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.

SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Avenue, Second Floor, until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time, July 19, 2017. Bids must be received in the hands of and clocked in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered. All late and electronic bids will be rejected and will not be considered for award.

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO VAC TRUCKS PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA83 All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to cjuratovic@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be directed to Autumn Barna, Contract/Procurement Specialist, via e-mail: abarna@pgh2o.com, no later than July 12, 2017.

This project is for the purchase of two Vactor 2100 Plus or approved equal vac trucks.

The Contractor 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 Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the bid due date.

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

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

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.

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1681 - FURNISH AND DELIVER SODIUM BISULFITE. Bids will be received until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at the office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. The Bids will then be publicly opened and read.

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Proposals or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the successful bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible.

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

Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of $1,000.00. The Successful Bidder shall be required to furnish a Performance Bond in the amount of $50,000.00.

Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the Engineering office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Any questions regarding the Contract Documents should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman at (412) 734-6204 or Benjamin.Heilman@alcosan.org.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor

Soul Readers HELP IS HERE

If you have problems in: LOVE, MONEY, MARRIAGE, SEX, DIVORCE, CROSS CONDITIONS or anything else, the man to call is “John”. He can and will help you at once. The man that has never failed to help in all problems in life.

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JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Pirates strength coach defies myth, overcomes the odds An outstanding Pirates African American luncheon!

by Timothy Cox

For New Pittsburgh Courier

BALTIMORE, Md.—For Ricky White, joining the staff of a professional athletic team is something he never imagined—especially after suffering a traumatic shoulder injury that eclipsed his burgeoning college football career.

After four years at Fresno State University, the Riverside, California native had visions of reaching the professional ranks prior to the injury.

“The injury turned out to open a whole new world for me,” said White, who was named Strength and Conditioning coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates in January 2016.

Following his football injury (nerve damage to his shoulder), his strength coach at Fresno State, Steve Sobonya, suggested that White pursue a new field of study. “Coach said he always noticed my work ethic and that was a trait that could be transferable to other athletes,” reflected White, a running back who originally majored in criminology. After becoming adept at helping his fellow athletes with their physical conditioning, White changed his major to Kinesiology and pursued a new career.

“Before the injury, I really had hopes of making the NFL, but in retrospect, I really enjoy this line of work. And no, I never played baseball—not even as a youth—but my job is to make sure all these guys stay physically-fit enough to do their jobs on a daily basis,” he told the New Pittsburgh Courier.

His job entails working with individual players on free weights, nautilus equipment, range of motion and flexible rubber bands to isolate different muscles.

Unlike other athletes, baseball players aren’t focused on one particular muscle

RICKY WHITE WITH PIRATES MANAGER CLINT HURDLE (Photo by Timothy Cox) group—they’re always on their feet, so they’re focused on their feet, their core, hip flexers, strong backs, and rotator cup muscles. “It’s vital to keep their bodies in balance as much as you can,” White said.

“We have something for every player, every day.

They may spend time with trainers, then with me, then our trainers again.

We use the wheel analogy: I’m just one spoke, the other spokes equate to our entire performance team.

We meet daily, discuss players and their significant needs. Truly a team effort.”

Concerning the Pirates’ current ups and downs of this 2017 season, White concluded: “We’re a young

team. We achieve successes and we build on those. In time, I believe we’ll be just fine. Even now, we do compete,” he said.

Pirates skipper Clint Hurdle mirrored White’s optimism. “We’re getting there.

We were close tonight, just a matter of closing ‘em out.”

For White, as the father of two teenage daughters with 24 years of marriage in tow, he says he doesn’t take his success for granted.

“I wasn’t the typical ghetto child, but my mother raised me and my two sisters. I didn’t always take the right path. I’ve had friends that died through street violence, but fortunately, I always had a solid (family) foundation.”

Now 43 years old, White

says he makes it a point to return to his old California digs to speak with atrisk youth. “Whether it’s a last-chance high school, or a juvenile hall—I’ve been there. Young people must make the right choices and choose the other fork in the road. They can look at it from a kid like me who was able to make it out and do what I do. I just try to be real with them.”

White says two of his primary supporters include Hurdle and newly-appointed first-base coach Kimera Bartee. Before his promotion to the Pirates, White worked as Strength and Conditioning coach at Class AAA Indianapolis the past two seasons. He also worked in the same ca-

pacity at Class AA Altoona from 2011-2013. He’s also worked for Pirates affiliates the West Virginia Power in Charleston and the Altoona Curve in Altoona.

The East Los Angeles area native said he’s proud to be one of only four African Americans employed in his capacity, throughout Major League Baseball. Though he’s new to the city, White says he’s already garnered an appreciation for the fans and being a part of the city’s great athletic tradition. “I really like Pittsburgh. It’s a great city,” he said.

He’s also interested in reaching out and participating in community activism—especially when it comes to helping young people.

“My goal is to get out in the community of Pittsburgh and express some of the same goodness that we spread throughout my hometown,” he said. “My job is larger than this—my job is to show the youth that you don’t have to be a superstar athlete in order to achieve some level of success. Here I am, a kid that never played baseball, and was injured in college.

Usually, that spells the end of an athlete’s career, but I’m here to defy the odds.

I’m working for a Major League organization, making a living,” he said with a smile.

“So, it’s in my heart and soul to reach out the schools, the Boys and Girls clubs, the YMCAs; I want them to connect with me,” he said, noting Pirates Community Outreach Coordinator Joel Gray, who handles such inquiries. “What Joel’s doing is amazing. They (the public) can go through Joel to contact me,” he urged.

“We need to give back and inspire our community.”

(Editor’s Note: To reach the Pittsburgh Pirates Community Outreach Department, contact Joel Gray at joel.gray@pirates. com)

Harold Reynolds visits Pittsburgh, elicits humility

by Aubrey Bruce

For New Pittsburgh Courier

There have been many sports figures that were great on the field, basketball court or whatever venue they performed their sport on or in. There have been many that have come, fewer have been appointed and fewer than that have been anointed enough to reach the highest levels of sports broadcasting.

Some made a seamless and smooth transition to the airwaves, while others may have been better served to, “Stay away from the mike.” In my opinion, Harold Reynolds is both anointed and appointed as a persona supreme with regards to playing and commentating on the game of Major League Baseball.

The MLB Network analyst can be described as conservative, yet edgy. Informative, but not nerdy.

These are attributes that many broadcasters would give their right arm for. I had a chance to sit down with the Emmy Award-winning and former MLB three-time Gold Glove winner after he delivered the keynote address at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2017 African American Heritage luncheon held at PNC Park, June 16.

The first thing that I informed Harold of, sorta tongue-in-cheek, was that I was not going to refer to him as a former Emmy Award winner. He laughed while saying, “Yeah, yeah that’s right, don’t take that from me. I earned that.” With opportunities for African Americans to become MLB broadcasters being less than ideal, I asked him how he made such a seamless transition from MLB player to MLB broadcaster. “I did a lot of speeches when I was playing for the [Seattle] Mariners organization,” he told me. “Being out, especially in the community, I think that helped immensely, so being in front of people and being in front of crowds, when it came to TV, I really wasn’t that nervous about it.

The biggest thing was that I was able to be taught. I was taught really well by a guy named Jeff Snyder. He taught me a lot about

how to break down tapes and how to make your point to those sitting at home.”

Reynolds made no bones about the rocky beginning to his career.

“In the beginning, it was a bit tough. The rough part was how I was taught. They brought somebody in to show you how you’re supposed to dress and how you’re supposed to talk, and it messed me all up. But I’ll never forget, I was doing a show with (ESPN anchor) Chris Berman, and it was about my third day on the air and I had been terrible the first two days.

About 30 seconds before we were about to air on the third day, he turns and looks at me and says in that gravelly voice of his: ‘All that stuff that they taught you, get rid of it.’ He then paused and looked at the camera and turned back to me and said, ‘It’s just me, you and the boys in the bar.’”

Reynolds readily admitted that covering today’s athletes can often be challenging; the key is connecting with them as people first. “You have to develop relationships. It’s different than before. You have to text guys now, whereas before you could call the clubhouse and get a guy on the phone. I remember talking to Jason Giambi in his rookie year asking him, ‘How do I say your name?’ Now you have to text him or get his number from somebody.”

Reynolds talked about today’s players having more control over how they get their message out and how their brand is depicted.

“It’s tougher today dealing with the players because our access can be cut off, they don’t really need the media as much because they get their own message out with Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.”

Unlike some of today’s athletes, Reynolds had no problem with discipline and instruction. He explained in a humble and matterof-fact way that such a manager was the best manager he ever played for, Dick Williams. “He was old, grouchy, demanding and intimidating, but he taught me a lot about baseball. The number one thing that Dick used to say to me was, ‘I should never have to give

FORMER MAJOR LEAGUER HAROLD REYNOLDS, left, with Pirates Community Outreach Coordinator Joel Gray at the Pirates’ African American Heritage Sports Luncheon, June 16 at PNC Park. (Photo by Chuck Coleman) you a sign. The situation will dictate what happens.’

“If I came up with runners at first and second with no outs, he didn’t need to give me a sign to bunt. That was how he expected me to play and that was how he taught me. That’s one of the reasons that my television career has really been good because Dick Williams helped me with self-discipline, while teaching me the insand-outs of the game.”

When it came to crossing the bridge from player to award-winning broadcaster, receiving respect both from baseball and the entertainment world has not been lost on Reynolds. “It’s been amazing and an honor. When I came into this, I had a couple of different rules. One, I didn’t want to forget how hard it is to play. Two, I was never going to step on a relationship for a quick quote. I’ve been able to gain the trust of guys and they know that they can call me up and discuss certain things and they know that it will remain off the record and will not end up in the media.” We talked about the smaller percentage of Black players competing in the new millen-

nium as opposed to the 1970s. He acknowledged that there aren’t many African Americans working in the upper-echelons of sports broadcasting.

I asked Reynolds what advice he had for current players, aspiring to one day be sitting in the broadcast booth, instead of the dugout.

“The biggest thing is to be yourself and be honest. When you do those two things it’s hard to go wrong.

You get in trouble when you try to make stuff up.” Finally, with all of the egos being blown up and the vanity syndrome being rampant in sports, I asked him if there was one piece of advice he might give to an athlete with an unchecked ego. He answered, smiling: “Baseball to me is like a metaphor for life. You’re not as good as you think you are and you’re never as bad as you think it is.”

Reynolds, an American League stolen bases leader in 1987. A twotime All-Star, and three Gold Gloves from 1988-1990. The man with those Golden Gloves now has the Golden Smile for all the world to see.

(Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741.)

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—In case you missed it…Braddock Roy gave me his Top 10 Greatest Athletes of All-Time list and Muhammad Ali was not on it. Need - I - Say - More?

C’mon people. :09—Lonzo Ball, the first-

Overtime

BILL NEAL round draft pick by the L.A. Lakers, is as good as the ink. Just stop listening to his dad who, by the way, is a master promoter. Say what you will, but people listen to him and that’s his No. 1 objective, trust me! :08—And by the way, don’t feel bad for Jimmy Butler.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are putting something good together and for what it’s worth, it’s darn near as cold in Chicago in the winter as it is in Minnesota. For those who missed it, the Bulls traded Butler to the T’Wolves on June 22. :07—Speaking of Minnesota and all things purple, did you know that Prince, the Artist, was a very good basketball player and played for his high school team? :06—In the immortal words of Sam and Dave, “Hold on, I’m coming.”

That’s all the Pirates have to do, is hold on until MarTay Par-Tay gets rolling again. (Better chance of that happening than Polanco turning up the heat!) :05—And if you think the Cubs are going to keep shooting blanks, you, my friend, are sadly mistaken. :04—And speaking of mistakes, why do you people give one tattoo about Dennis Rodman going to North Korea? Let him go.

Misery loves company. :03—Hey Chuck Sanders, “There’s Always a Fashion Show” and it’s coming your way. Fashion and more… upstairs at The Savoy!

Saturday, July 1, noon to 3 p.m., starring The Sensation Models. Cash bar & kitchen, free parking, 50/50, The Roland Ford Dancers, celebs, prizes and surprises, all for only $25.

Call AGI at 412-628-4856. :02—Just a heads up, O.J.’s about to get released.

I’m just sayin’! :01—The picture in this column below is yours truly with Major League superstar Harold Reynolds at the Pirates Heritage Day luncheon, June 16, led by the Pirates’ Joel Gray.

Great program. Great people. Great food and great guest speaker in Mr. Reynolds. Way to go, Bucs! :00—GAME OVER

HAROLD REYNOLDS, BILL NEAL

B8

PEOPLE

JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

No matter where you’re from…

MORIAH ROBINSON, RANKIN

KENT FORD, HILL DISTRICT

ANDREA TROWERY, NORTH VERSAILLES and LEAETTA RHODES, WEST END

TIMIKA JOHNSON, HILL DISTRICT

DORIS ANYANWU, EAST LIBERTY and NATALIE JACKSON, WEST MIFFLIN

The Courier M’s ALL of Black Pittsburgh!

Courier adds ‘Videos of Black Pittsburgh’ to website

By Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Managing Editor

I am just like you—fascinated with online videos. I mean, you just can’t help but to click that play button to see those two deer fighting each other, or a walk-off home run at PNC Park by Andrew McCutchen. Maybe Steven

ROB TAYLOR JR. Colbert had an excellent monologue about President Trump that you have to watch over and over again.

The list goes on and on.

And now you have the chance to watch the best videos of Black Pittsburgh! Introducing, simply, “Courier Videos!,” our new feature on our website,

newpittsburghcourier.com.

The Courier will be recording more and more events, breaking news, sports, and personal profiles. We’ll upload them to our YouTube page, which you can find right now by searching “New Pittsburgh Courier.”

Or, you can see them on our website; just look at the top of the page for “Courier Videos!” and you’re there!

I guarantee you’ll find these videos informative, newsworthy, and exciting!

If you have your smartphone nearby, give it a try… it’s just another way we’re keeping you connected to Black Pittsburgh.