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America’s best weekly Kea Michaels’ new song ‘I Love You’ has a meaning few have experienced

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‘Expect great things’ Narrowing the racial achievement gap

Pittsburgh Public Schools to implement new policies, curriculum, Strategic Plan

PPS Superintendent seeks to improve African American student outcomes

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Under two weeks and counting until school returns for thousands of Pittsburgh Public Schools students.

And there’s a slew of new policies, administrators and expectations for the district, whose sloby Rob Taylor Jr. gan is, indeed, to “Expect Great Courier Staff Writer Things.”

Rapper Jay-Z famously once Increased nursing services, said, “Men lie, women lie, numincreased library services, addibers don’t.” tional attendance assistants, upPittsburgh Public Schools redated code of conduct, increased leased data during its five-year technology in the classroom, Strategic Plan unveiling this and week-long “Discover PPS spring that while 80 percent Days” in October and March of White students graduated designed to bring parents and from district high schools in the community even closer to 2015, only 64 percent of Black the classroom. students graduated.

The information was disIn 2013, the district had its seminated to the New Pittsburgh Courier and WE- A NEW DAY—With school beginning Aug. 28, PPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Hamlet looks to improve outcomes for all students. highest high school graduation rate in the five-year peSA-FM (90.5) in an exclusive fourth graders’ academic stand- riod that the district provided in its report, 77 percent. That year, 83 August 10 meeting at the Board use on a regular basis.”

Dr. Hamlet, now in his second ing throughout the school year. percent of White students graduated, and 73 percent of Black stuof Education headquarters in year as superintendent, told the “There are four levels; Advanced, dents graduated. In the two years thereafter, the White graduation Oakland.

“We have to grow ourselves, Courier that the district is dedi- Proficient, Basic and Below Ba- rate dropped 3 percent; for Black students, it was a 9 percent dip.

Dr. Anthony Hamlet, PPS Superintendent, acknowledged such we embrace the notion of con- cated to gathering more data on sic,” Dr. Hamlet said. “How many tinuous improvement, but we a variety of subjects and situa- kids who were labeled Proficient achievement gaps during a meeting with the New Pittsburgh Courialso embedded a continuous im- tions, to better student outcomes in the beginning of the school er and WESA-FM (90.5) at the Board of Education headquarters in provement framework that will districtwide. Increased informa- year…how many stayed Profi- Oakland, Aug. 10. In a district that’s 53 percent Black, he knows it’s guide our practices as well, so tion has aided in the creation of cient, how many moved to Ad- a glaring issue.

Dr. Regina B. Holley, school board president, wrote in a public letter it’s not haphazard,” said Dr. An- the district’s five-year Strategic vanced, how many dropped to thony Hamlet, PPS Superinten- Plan, unveiled this past spring, Basic or Below Basic throughout at the Strategic Plan’s unveiling that “dramatic gaps exist between dent. “We have a clear system of and an updated K-5 Code of the year. So, looking at it from the performance of White students and African American students how are we doing, how are we Student Conduct. Some of the that aspect (data) and then ap- in every grade level. Our graduation rate has dropped, enrollment tracked, but also the expecta- data he might have wanted may plying that to your teaching continues to decline, and disciplinary actions have disproportionately fallen on students of color, causing them lost instructional time.” tions we have for our profession- not have been readily available practices and techniques.” al learning communities, and in the past, such as tracking SEE SCHOOLS A4 SEE GAP A5 provide them data that they can the trajectory of, for instance,

Mayor’s new contracting executive order: Boom or bust for Blacks?

URA moves on affordable housing, accessibility and repairs for Homewood, Hill District residents

by Christian Morrow

“We have a lot of partner organizations and good people like (OBB Executive Director) Jerome Jackson helping us. We get a lot of referrals from church groups, and the homeowners are typically below 200 percent of the poverty level.”

Courier Staff Writer

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh’s board has approved multiple initiatives aimed at increasing affordable housing, creating more accessible housing, and helping low-income homeowners in Homewood and the Hill District make health and safety repairs.

Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh (RTP), based at 2800 Susquehanna St. in Homewood, won approval for $75,000 in authority grants, in addition to acquiring grants from McAuley Ministries (for the Hill District) and the RK Mellon Foundation (for Homewood).

Authority Housing Director Tom Cummings said the grants will help RTP, working with neighborhood nonprofits, rehabilitate up to 24 homes in Homewood, and 20 more in the Hill District.

STEVE HELLNER-BURRIS Executive Director Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh

“RTP is working with Operation Better Block (OBB) to identify homeowners who are in

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by Christian Morrow

need of repairs to their homes in all three Homewood neighborhoods (North, West, and South) and with the Schenley Heights Collaborative, FOCUS and Hill House to identify the homes in the Hill District,” he said.

“Both of these efforts are part of RTP’s Core Home Repair program. Professional contractors are engaged for roof repairs, electrical upgrades and plumbing repairs. After the initial scope of work stabilizes the home, RTP staff leads crews of corporate volunteers and community-based workers in an effort to provide additional health, safety and weatherization repairs.”

Steve Hellner-Burris, RTP’s executive director, said the organization typically does this kind of work on around 150 houses each year throughout the city and in neighboring communities like Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg and SEE URA A5

new policies, the executive order calls for the creation of a task force that will include, among Citing a looming skills short- others: representatives from City age, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Pedu- Council; workforce readiness/ to has issued an executive order minority recruitment organizations; construction calling for the “use of contractor organizacertain progressive tions; building trades public policy tools” to unions, and union apfurther regulate conprenticeship training struction contracting organizations. in the city.

Seeing that conThe impetus for struction contractors these changes, Peduand their employees to said in his order, is meet stronger licensto eliminate real or ing requirements will potential health haznot only benefit the ards and financial city, but will protect losses resulting from private individuals “errors in project from inept or fly-byplanning or execunight contractors. tion, especially those But while the orcaused by untrained MAYOR BILL PEDUTO der acknowledges a or inexperienced personnel…unnecessary cost over- large number of underemployed runs, flawed or inferior projects, residents, it seemingly ignores and disruptions in schedules that many are Black, and they that delay the use of critical gov- are working on small residenernment facilities or private en- tial construction jobs, or subconterprises.”

SEE MAYOR A4 To further refine the scope of Courier Staff Writer

Ulish Carter asks

Another senseless killing—what kind of men are we raising?

Opinion B3

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INTERNATIONAL

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

South Africa’s storied ANC weakens as president stays

by Krista Mahr Associated Press Writer

JOHANNESBURG (AP) —Minutes after South African President Jacob Zuma narrowly escaped a no-confidence vote this week, he was singing and dancing outside parliament with a throng of supporters from his African National Congress party.

That celebratory mood faded fast. Though Zuma survived the most serious attempt yet on his leadership, allegations of corruption and poor governance have significantly weakened the ANC, the once potent party of Nelson Mandela, observers say.

The ANC, instrumental in ending South Africa’s apartheid regime of racial discrimination, has ruled since the country’s first all-race elections in 1994.

But its support has eroded since Zuma came to power in 2009 as South Africans have vented their frustration at the ballot box over high unemployment and a lack of basic services like water and electricity.

In a striking sign of dissent within the party, more than 25 ANC members supported the opposition’s move this week to vote out Zuma or didn’t show up to vote. Of the 384 votes cast in an unprecedented secret ballot, 177 were in favor of unseating Zuma and 198 were against, with nine abstentions.

That public display of internal rebellion also highlights the party’s bruising battle to succeed Zuma, who will step down as ANC leader in December. A steady stream of ANC members and anti-apartheid veterans have publicly urged Zuma to step aside before then, as anger grows among voters over scandals that included millions of dollars of public money spent on Zuma’s private home.

Zuma will have more damaging moments in the coming months, with courts set to hear a bid by the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party to impeach him, as well as Zuma’s own appeal to drop nearly 800 charges of alleged corruption, racketeering and fraud against him.

The developments have chipped away at the ANC’s decades-old moral authority, while “pro” and “anti”

HANGING ON TO POWER—In this Tuesday, Aug. 8 file photo, Mandla Mandela, center, grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, jubilates in parliament in Cape Town, South Africa after President Jacob Zuma survived a no-confidence vote. (AP Photo/Mark Wessels Pool, File)

Zuma factions within the party fight for control and prepare for the 2019 national elections.

“The ANC works on the assumption it can pull together a credible cam-

Zuma administration’s challenges. Those include growing accusations that Zuma and his allies have granted political favors to a wealthy family of Indian immigrants, the Guptas,

“The ANC remains a powerful brand.

Though the opposition has gained, no party appears strong enough to unseat it. However, the ANC can damage themselves.’’

DANIEL SILKE

paign in the future, and that the core of the ANC is still there,” said Susan Booysen, a professor of politics at the University of Witwatersrand.

That’s not a certainty, she said. “The ANC is really, really in a deep crisis.”

The ANC’s vote share dropped from nearly 70 percent in the 2004 national elections to just over 62 percent in 2014. The party had its worst-ever showing in the August 2016 local elections, losing control for the first time of the commercial hub of Johannesburg, capital Pretoria and Port Elizabeth.

That prompted party leaders to declare they would “introspect” to understand why voters are turning their backs on the party. In the parliament debate before this week’s no-confidence vote, at least one young member warned that South Africa’s upcoming generation of voters would look elsewhere.

Instead of pursuing reforms, the party has been embroiled in the

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while Zuma’s related decision to fire his respected finance minister in March prompted two major ratings agencies to downgrade the country’s credit rating to junk. The Guptas have denied any wrongdoing.

“The ANC has done nothing since the last local elections to help themselves,” said Daniel Silke, director of the Political Futures Consultancy in Cape Town.

“In fact, their position has deteriorated substantially.

They’ve gone backwards since 2016.”

Opposition parties have capitalized on that slide, seeking to put the ANC’s deepening fractures in the national spotlight through moves like the no-confidence motion.

On Thursday, the Democratic Alliance, the main opposition party that initiated the no-confidence motion, submitted a fresh motion to dissolve parliament. If the motion passes, it would force early elections. Given the ANC’s majority in the house the measure is likely to fail, but it provides the opposition with another chance to build its case that the ANC has lost touch with voters.

The ANC can still rely on substantial support, particularly in South Africa’s rural areas, and cannot be counted out.

“The ANC remains a powerful brand,” analyst Silke said. Though the opposition has gained, no party appears strong enough to unseat it, he said. However, “the ANC can damage themselves.”

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This Week In Black History

The week of Aug. 16-22 August 16 1922—Author and investigative reporter Louis E. Lomax is born in Valdosta, Ga. Little is known today, but in the 1960s Lomax was one of the most prominent Black journalists in America. He was renowned for his coverage of the Civil Rights Movement and his investigative reporting. He died mysteriously in an automobile accident near Santa Rosa, New Mexico, on July 30, 1970. One urban legend is that his car was forced off the road by persons working for the FBI because he was completing a book which would show that the assassination LOUIS LOMAX of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was part of a government plot. This urban legend is often repeated, but there has been little concrete evidence offered to support it. Lomax’ best known books are “Negro Revolt” and “To Kill a Black Man.” August 17 1887—Black separatist and Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey is born on this day in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. Garvey advocated Black pride and the building of Black institutions. He founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914 and with amazingly rapid speed built it into the largest independent Black organization in history with 1,100 branches in over 40 countries. He came to the U.S. in 1916 and the FBI MARCUS GARVEY began keeping a file on him in 1919. By 1923 he was indicted on what many considered trumped up mail fraud charges and eventually deported from his U.S. base in 1927. Garvey would die in England on June 10, 1940. But years before his death, he predicted his return, writing, “Look for me in the whirlwind or the storm, look for me all around you, with God’s grace, I shall come and bring with me countless millions…to aid you in the fight for liberty, freedom and life.”

August 18 1963—The first Black person admitted to the University of Mississippi, James Meredith, graduates on this day in 1963. His graduation was unmarred by the protests and violence which marked his federally forced JAMES MEREDITH entry into the once segregated institution.

1964—White-ruled South Africa is officially banned from competing in the Olympics because of its system of racial oppression known as Apartheid. The country’s Black majority would not achieve democratic rule, however, until May 1994 when the Nelson Mandela-led African National Congress won over two-thirds of the vote in the country’s first free elections.

August 19 1791—Benjamin Banneker writes a letter to Secretary of State (later president) Thomas Jefferson denouncing slavery. In his letter, Banneker declared, “I freely and cheerfully acknowledge that I am of the African race” and then precedes to label America’s recently achieved freedom from England a “hypocrisy” as long as Blacks continued to suffer under BENJAMIN BANNEKER “groaning captivity and cruel oppression.” Banneker was a Black activist against slavery even though he is generally recognized for his mathematical achievements, designing one of the first clocks made in America and laying out the nation’s capital after Pierre L’Enfant abandoned the job.

1954—African American diplomat Ralph Bunch is named Undersecretary of the United Nations. Bunch had already received the Nobel Peace Prize (1950) for his work as a U.N. negotiator during the Arab-Israeli war of 1948-1949. Bunch would later become U.N. Secretary General. He was born in Detroit but raised in Los Angeles.

August 20 1619—This is the most probable date that Black History in America begins. Approximately 20 Africans (the records of the day referred to them as “20 and odd Negras”) arrived in Jamestown, Va., aboard a Dutch ship. It appears the Africans were sold as indentured servants who could work and earn their RALPH BUNCHE freedom. Little is known about the group except that the Dutch had stolen them from a Spanish slave ship which was probably headed for the Caribbean or South America. Few names survive. But one of the men was called Anthony (or Antonio) and one of the women was called Isabella. The available records indicate the ship arrived in Jamestown in the latter part of August. Other records and some speculation have led most historians to believe the actual arrival date was Aug. 20, 1619—the beginning of Black history in America.

1830—The first National Negro Convention is held. It takes place in Philadelphia and is chaired by Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Top on the agenda of the gathering was what could free Blacks do to help bring an end to slavery.

1942—Musician, composer, singer, songwriter Isaac Hayes is born on this day in Covington, Tenn.

August 21 1831—The Nat Turner slave rebellion begins in SouthampRICHARD ALLEN ton, Va. It was the best organized and most deadly slave revolt in American history.

The charismatic Turner brought together between 50 and 70 Blacks (some slave and some free) to launch his revolt prompted by what he saw as a vision from God. As many as 70 Whites (men, women and children) were killed during a two-day period. It took the local militia and a detachment of federal troops to put down the rebellion. However, Turner, known as “the Prophet” by his followers was not captured until Oct. 30. He was hanged NAT TURNER on Nov. 11, 1831. Interestingly, he became known as “Turner” after the rebellion. During his life, he was simply known as Nat and was considered a brilliant, self-taught man. After the rebellion, Virginia passed a law making it illegal to teach a Black person how to read and write.

1904—Jazz pianist and bandleader William “Count” Bassie is born on this day in Red Bank, N.J. 1936—Basketball legend Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain is born in Philadelphia, Pa. The 7’1” phenomenon had an amazing NBA career including being the only player to score 100 points in a single game. Chamberlain died in October 1999.

August 22 1791—The Haitian Revolution begins. It was the most successful Black slave revolt in world history. Led

by Toussaint L’Ouverture, a trusted house slave who initially opposed the rebellion, the slaves defeated the mighty WILT CHAMBERLAIN French army led by Napoleon.

They also defeated a contingent of British troops. However, L’Ouverture was tricked into attending a “peace” conference where he was captured and would later die in prison. It fell to one of his lieutenants, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, to complete the struggle and declare the island nation an independent republic on Jan. 1, 1804.

1843—A National Convention of Black Men takes place in Buffalo, N.Y. The militant abolitionist Henry HighTOUSSAINT L’OUVERTURE land Garnett called for a slave revolt and for free Blacks to launch a nationwide strike in support of the revolt. But a more moderate Frederick Douglas opposed Garnett’s plan out of fear of potential violence.

1989—Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton is gunned down in California. He was killed by a 24-year-old member of the Black Guerilla drug gang. The reason for the murder was never clearly revealed, but Newton supporters considered it a political assassination. Newton had founded the militant Black Panther Party along with Bobby Seale in 1966. The group advocated community control, armed self-defense and a mixture of Black Nationalism and socialism based on the works of Mao Tse-tung, Che BLACK PANTHERS Guevara and Frantz Fanon.

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NATIONAL

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

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Experts: Violence in Charlottesville the result of political pressure cooker immigrants, which has continued The videos that rolled across the into his presidency, said Hahn, who television screen were startling: watched videos of Saturday’s clashAmericans beating each other es and saw in them reflections of withclubs and sticks on the streets of the Ku Klux Klan movement of the a quiet college town. White suprem1920s. acists with torches; anti-fascists Now White supremacist groups pushing back. An improvised flame are actively trying to move into the thrower fashioned from an aerosol mainstream. The Daily Stormer, a can. Bottles of frozen water hurled popular alt-right website, published like bricks at one another’s skulls. a story in the run-up to the CharlotKevin Boyle, an American history tesville gathering, calling on folprofessor at Northwestern Univerlowers to leave white hoods or Nazi sity, watched it unfold, the feeling in costumes at home, and go for fitted his gut both horror and a sense that shirts and suits instead, to attract the racial tension bubbling for years recruits. They needed to look sexy, had finally, almost inevitably, begun the author wrote. boiling over.

Whether they might be successful “Given our political moment, I’m in spreading their message depends not surprised that we’ve come to this a lot on how American leaders repoint,” he said. “I’m terribly despond, said Boyle. pressed we’ve come to this point but Trump quickly came under fire for I’m not surprised. It didn’t come out his response. He said “we condemn of nowhere.” in the strongest possible terms this Historians and political scientists egregious display of hatred, bigotry have been warning that American and violence on many sides, on many politics had become a pressure sides.” cooker, full of racial tension building The “on many sides” emphasized at once again to the point of a deadly the ending drew the ire of his critics, clash, like the one in Charlottesville, WHITE BARRIER—White nationalist demonstrators use shields as they guard the entrance to Lee Park in Charlot- who pushed back on his statement Virginia, on Saturday that claimed tesville, Va., Saturday, Aug. 12. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) as failing to specifically denounce three lives. racism and equating the White White supremacy has always supremacists with those who came to lurked in America’s shadow, said Boyle, monument; police opening fire with stun loose collection of White nationalists, protest their hate. whose teaching focuses on the history of grenades and arresting more than a dozracists and anti-immigration populists “The bottom line is if it weren’t for a racial violence and civil rights. Then, he en during conflicts in Portland.

—and people who oppose them. It began bunch of neo-Nazis marching around it believes, President Donald Trump was Spencer, and others who support White the very day Trump put his hand on a Biwould have been a regular peaceful day elected and emboldened their hate. nationalism, blame the other side. ble and took the oath of office. Skirmishin Charlottesville,” said Kyle Kondik, “Donald Trump gave them permission “With Trump’s election, the radical left es broke out at his inauguration between with the University of Virginia’s Center to come out into the real world,” he said. of this county has come unhinged,” said his supporters, some of them White for Politics. “Whether he likes it or not, “As long as they were existing in this nationalists, and those against him. More Kyle Bristow, the founder of a law firm the president, the person that holds that kind of sad little shadow world where dedicated to alt-right legal advocacy. than 200 were arrested. office, is supposed to act as the person they were just talking to each other, it But both sides agree on the general It was on that day that Richard Spensetting a moral standard for the country, was disturbing, but it’s not as profoundly narrative of how the widening racial and cer, among the nation’s foremost White and I think he’s been falling fall short in dangerous as when they feel they can nationalists, realized that something had ideological divide took root: Some White that regard.” take the public square.”

Americans began feeling left behind by fundamentally shifted in American poHe pointed to other Republican leadSaturday’s chaos erupted around what progress. The decline of the White worklitical discourse. He was giving a media ers who took a strong stand against the is believed to be the largest group of ing class coincided with drastic cultural interview when someone ran toward him racists who descended on Charlottesville White nationalists to come together in changes, like quickly diversifying demoand punched him in the head on video. on Saturday. a decade—more than 1,000 neo-Nazis, graphics and the election of the nation’s “We’re in a totally new world,” he reSen. Orrin Hatch, for example, tweetskinheads nd Ku Klux Klan members members thinking. “Political violence is a first Black president. ed: “We should call evil by its name. My who descended on the city of Charlottes“With the election of Barack Obama, real thing.” brother didn’t give his life fighting Hitler ville to “take America back” by rallying there was so much talk about being this Days later, anti-fascists hurled smoke for Nazi ideas to go unchallenged here at against plans to remove a confederate post-racial moment, and on some levels bombs, broke windows and ignited a home.” statue. Hundreds came to protest against massive bonfire at the University of Calit was extraordinary,” said Steven Hahn, Kondik worries about how quickly the the racism. The two sides engaged in a history professor at New York Univerifornia at Berkeley to protest a planned nation’s toxic political divides will conbloody brawls on the street. The day sity. “But it didn’t take long for the really speech by right-wing provocateur Milo tinue seeping into all parts of American turned deadly when a car plowed into a vicious racism to surface. It turned out to Yiannopoulos. Violent clashes have piled life if the president doesn’t realign the crowd of peaceful anti-racism protesters, be an instigator of an enormous amount up since: 11 arrested after fights broke county’s moral compass. killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer. A of rage, and I think Trump both fanned it out at New York University when the “It’s been an ugly couple of days, and Virginia State Police helicopter monitorand inherited it.” founder of a right-wing men’s organiyou just wonder if we’re backsliding in ing the violence then crashed into the Trump was long among the prominent zation was scheduled to speak; clashes terms of race relations,” he said. “It’s an woods outside of town and both troopers members of the birther movement— outside one of Spencer’s appearances at unpleasant thing to think about, but on board died. those who questioned Obama’s citizenAuburn University; a shouting match something we have to think about as a The violence had been building for ship and his legitimacy as president. between the two sides in Pikeville, Ky.; country.” months during a series of confrontations His campaign was launched with racialconfrontations in New Orleans when (The Associated Press) between members of the “alt-right”—a ly-tinged rhetoric about the dangers of the city moved to remove a confederate

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METRO

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Will new executive order help or hurt Blacks? PPS five-year Strategic Plan to improve student outcomes MAYOR FROM A1

tracts to large firms. If they are made to meet new licensing requirements, they may not be able to work.

Scott Tunstalle, whose Power 59 Construction does a lot of renovation and rehabilitation on both commercial and residential buildings, said he was unaware of the mayor’s order, but doesn’t expect it to affect his work.

“I was in the union, I have my (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification and all my insurance, and I pay my guys prevailing wage,” he

said. “So, from what I can see, it doesn’t seem to hurt what I’m doing.”

Tunstalle, however, always tries to hire unemployed and underemployed people from the neighborhoods he works in. Many of them have little or no experience, and as such might not meet new licensing requirements.

Emmett Miles, owner of Miles Development Group, thinks that can be addressed by aligning local work with federal guidelines that require local hiring on developments using federal funds. As for

requiring more from small business contractors, Miles is all for it.

“I’m kind of in favor of holding contractors’ feet to the fire because there are some guys out here with pickups and homemade cars going around lowballing us and giving us a bad name,” he said. “I think it will make smaller contractors accountable.”

Miles said there are some small Black contractors who rely on “handouts” from the city—small contracts that barely pay anything—and he thinks that should change.

“I think those days should be over,” he said. “If we as Black contractors are presented with better education and resources—which it looks like this can help do—we would have a better chance of playing on a level field. The real test will be to see what kind of report comes from the task force.”

SCHOOLS FROM A1

The increased data collection, though less numerically and more via verbal and written communication, led to the implementation of four new attendance assistants across the district’s 54 schools. Dr. Hamlet told the Courier that information from guidance counselors suggested they were spending more time dealing with administrative tasks, lessening their time spent with students in a one-on-one or group setting, which is the most important part of the position.

The attendance assistants will help alleviate some of the paper-related tasks.

Also new this year is a Student Advisory Council, a group of high school students from various district schools who will meet

HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY

TO YOU J.S. GUDDA FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MUCH LOVE FROM MOM AND ALL OF US!

with Dr. Hamlet roughly once a month. “If we want to have increased student outcomes, we want to make sure their voice is heard… the things we’re doing ultimately affects the students,” he said.

Additionally, each school will be assigned a literacy coach. “These coaches had to go through an intensive vetting process,” Dr. Hamlet said. Currently, 10 math coaches are dispatched to various schools across the district.

From the first day on the job, Dr. Hamlet said he’s heard loud and clear the positives about Pittsburgh Public Schools, and at times even louder, the negatives. “Over four months, approximately 3,500 individuals provided frank, and much-appreciated feedback,” Dr. Hamlet wrote in a public letter prior to the Strategic Plan’s unveiling. “This level of engagement demonstrates that Pittsburgh residents and staff care about our youth and expect all Pittsburgh Public Schools to deliver a high-quality education to all students.”

The Strategic Plan’s longterm outcomes are to increase proficiency in literacy for all students, ensure all students are equipped with skills to succeed in college, career and life, increase proficiency in math for all students, and to eliminate racial disparity in achievement levels of African American students.

Dr. Hamlet outlined four strategic themes that can help reach the district’s ultimate vision of all students graduating “high school college, career and life-ready prepared to complete a two-or four-year college degree or workforce certification;” Create a pos-

itive and supportive school culture, develop and implement a rigorous aligned instructional system, provide appropriate instructional support for teachers and staff, and foster a culture of high performance for all employees.

Strategic theme No. 2 includes developing and designing a common curriculum framework, including a new PreK-5 curriculum.

District spokeswoman Ebony Pugh also touted a #WeArePPS Back-toSchool event, Aug. 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Langley High School, with free school supplies, immunizations, haircuts, refreshments, and an appearance from Steelers receiver Antonio Brown. The annual Employee Professional Development Event occurs Aug. 23, and the first day of school for all students except Kindergarten and grades 10 and 11 is Aug. 28.

August 29 will be the first day of school for grades 10 and 11, and Aug. 31 will mark the opening day for Kindergarten students.

Dr. Hamlet told the Courier he’s optimistic a turnaround for the better is happening at Pittsburgh Public Schools. “The Council of the Great City Schools (organization that the district tasked with an independent review of the district) said one, among many things, that was very important,” he said. “We have a dedicated faculty and staff that really wants to get it done for children. Oftentimes they find that there’s a resistance to change or wanting to improve student outcomes in their work they have done…that’s not the case here (at PPS). They just said we need strategic focus and direction to move in the right areas.”

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

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PPS Superintendent seeks to improve URA moves on affordable housing for African American student outcomes Homewood, Hill District residents GAP FROM A1

She added in the letter, “We have much work to do.”

Dr. Hamlet seems ready to put in the work. He’s talked with, to his count, roughly 3,500 people over the past year, most of them looking to improve the quality of the district. The district tasked the Council of the Great City Schools to prepare an independent review of PPS. The result was the unveiling of a fiveyear Strategic Plan, with the sole focus to improve student outcomes. “Now is the time to reinvent Pittsburgh Public Schools and put the Pittsburgh perseverance to work,” Dr. Hamlet wrote in his public letter at the Strategic Plan’s unveiling.

While the Strategic Plan is outlined with various strategic themes and directives aimed at improving student outcomes of all demographics, when it comes to improving African American student outcomes specifically, Dr. Hamlet said first, “internally you have to make sure you have aligned instructional systems, core instruction needs to be solid, and you need to have interventions in place for kids who are not accessing the core, for whatever reason.

“No. 2, have enrichment for kids who are moving ahead, and No. 3, make sure that we have community engagement and bring the parents along, because unfortunately, this gap begins at birth,” Dr. Hamlet said. “So, if we don’t work with the city, work with the community to create some space where, before they can even get to preschool there’s some education going on for the parents to support their kids at home, because (some) kids start school with a learning defi-

DARA WARE ALLEN of PPS assists a parent during the district’s public meetings on the Code of Student Conduct. ciency.”

Dr. Hamlet also explained that certain economic circumstances that kids endure may hamper the parent’s ability to provide a clear focus on education in the child’s pre-school stages. “Education doesn’t just

happen at school; it happens daily, 24 hours a day for our kids,” Dr. Hamlet told the Courier. “So, we need to find spaces where we don’t have the control when it comes to our district office, to support families in some kind of way, partner with the city, outside organizations, even going to faith-based communities to help them have their Sunday School classes in a more rigorous manner…anything that can help increase or continue the education process for our kids in a consistent manner, it’s going to help.”

Ultimately, Dr. Hamlet said, “If we had to put our eggs in one basket to put a dent on closing the achievement gap, it’s making sure that kids are reading on grade level at the first grade. If that level playing field is there, we’ll see a decrease in achievement gaps going forward.”

URA FROM A1

Plum.

“We have a lot of partner organizations and good people like (OBB Executive Director) Jerome Jackson helping us,” he said. “We get a lot of referrals from church groups, and the homeowners are typically below 200 percent of the poverty level.”

The board also approved deploying $176,000 in state grants for its Home Accessibility Program for Independence, which provides a maximum $10,000 to retrofit apartments for disabled individuals at or below 120 percent of the poverty level.

Board member and for-

mer state Sen. Jim Ferlo, said while he approved of the program, he’d rather see such accessibility issues addressed when units are built.

“We should be including this basic level of accessibility—ramps, lower wall switches, larger doors, when we’re doing all this new construction,” he said.

“It should be required. It’s cheaper to do it then than to come back and do it later.”

Ferlo said the board also approved a $21.2 million plan to build 65 one-, twoand three-bedroom units, 47 of them affordable and 18 at market rate, in

Fineview. The units would provide replacement housing for residents of the Allegheny Dwellings public housing complex.

Also in reference to affordable housing, the board voted to extend the contract of Grounded Network Solutions, which is developing an interactive model that will help the Affordable Housing Task Force look at which combinations of tax incentives, zoning abatements, Section 8 vouchers might be used—and where—to provide the best outcomes when integrating affordable housing throughout the city.

A6

RELIGION

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 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

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Homewood AME Zion Community Day emphasizes fun, fellowship It’s about showcasing the good side of the community.

It’s about fun, fellowship, and recreation.

Those are the sentiments from Homewood AME Zion Church pastor Stanley C. Dennison, at the church’s annual community day, Aug. 5. “There is a tremendous (positive) impact on the children because some

Church Circuit SILVER LAKE COMMONS BIBLE STUDY

AUGUST 17—The Silver Lake Commons Bible Study’s Fourth Anniversary will be held at 6935 Frankstown Ave. in Homewood at 6 p.m. The theme is “Thankful Together.” The guest presenter will be Minister Millie Thomas of Union Baptist Church, Monessen.

don’t get a chance to go outside and play because of the threat of the dancer and violence,” he told New Pittsburgh Courier photographer J.L. Martello.

“A lot of families moving around in the streets out here today sharing with one another and it’s intergenerational and it’s a wonderful thing.”

PORCH PARTY OPEN HOUSE

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

COMMUNITY EFFORT—Mary Ann Howard, event organizer, and Homewood AME Zion pastor Stanley C. Dennison. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

www.cathedralofhope.com

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.

ST. JAMES PENN HILLS BIBLE CAMP

Curious about Quakerism?

SISTERS ARISA, 2, AND ARYELLA SALES, 4

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

KARMAN THOMAS, OFFICER JEFF CRAWFORD

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

AUGUST 21-25—Christian Life Skills Inc. is partnering with St. James Church in Penn Hills for the St. James Bible Camp, at the Church, 11524 Frankstown Rd. The camp is open to ages 4-18. The camp runs each day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Learn music, drama, sports, games, Bible study, and Christian dance and step. For more information, call 412-889-4065.

ANTIOCH FALL REVIVAL

WEDNESDAYS IN SEPTEMBER—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley, will celebrate their Annual Fall Revival at 7 p.m. each evening. Guest speakers will be Rev. Dr. Melvin Rippy, Macedonia Baptist Church, Wheeling (Sept. 6), Rev. Roy Sims Sr., Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Bellevue (Sept.

13), Rev. Michael Peterson, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Coraopolis (Sept. 20), and Rev. John Knight, Mt. Ararat Baptist Church (Sept.

27). Guest choirs will be present each evening as well. For more information, call 412-741-7688.

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT!

UNITY BAPTIST CANTALOUPE DAY

AUGUST 20—The Unity Baptist Church of Braddock will observe its 82nd Cantaloupe Day at the Church, 420 5th St. Tasty cantaloupe treats will be served to an estimated 1,200 patients at the four Kane Regional centers in McKeesport, Glen Hazel, and Scott and Ross townships. Cantaloupe Day was started in 1935 by James Underwood, a deacon at Bethel Baptist Church. For more information, call 412241-3777.

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

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

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue 412-683-2669

AUGUST 19—Pittsburgh Friends Meeting invites you to their Porch Party with Open House, Flea Market/Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine, at 4836 Ellsworth Ave. Complimentary cookies and punch, live music, tours of their Quaker meetinghouse and library, lunches for sale, and plenty of friendly people to meet. For more information, call 412-6832669.

The Courier ROBERT HILL ON THE GRILL

Harty Bible School

A Beacon in Bible Education since 1949 Hill District • North Side • Aliquippa • Washington

FALL REGISTRATION AND OPEN HOUSE WILL BE HELD FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2017-2018 AT THE FOUR CAMPUSES LISTED BELOW. MAIN SCHOOL CAMPUS and NORTH SIDE CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE and REGISTRATION Christian Tabernacle Kodesh Church of Immanuel 2601 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 When: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM (Light refreshments will be served) Main School Classes begin at Christian Tabernacle, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM For further information, please contact (412) 323-0821 or (412) 681-4182 North Side School Classes begin Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM At The Original Church of God Deliverance Center 1250 Liverpool Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 For further information, please contact (412) 323-0821 or (412) 681-4182 Aliquippa Campus: Open House and Registration Where: The Roots Building, 392 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, PA 15001 When: Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, 5:00 PM–7: 00 PM Aliquippa School Classes begin Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM at the Roots Building.

For further information, please contact (724) 378-3706 Washington School Campus: Open House and Registration Where: Patton School, 150 Sunset Blvd., Washington, PA 15301 When: Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM Washington School Classes begin: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM at Patton School.

For further information, please contact (724) 228-1788 or (724) 288-1421 Is your heart searching out the divine nature of God? Do you want more knowledge of the Word of God? Harty Bible School’s 4 Year Curriculum of study will equip the student with a working knowledge of the Bible, and how to interpret and apply the Word of God which is essential to serve in Christian ministry of any kind.

Make the commitment today to come and study under Holy Ghost anointed teachers.

The registration fee at all campuses is $30.00 per School Year, September to May. The motto of the Harty Bible School is: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) KJV

LEMIAH CROSS, 10 AND GIANNA CROSS-PATTERSON, 3

EDITH MARGARET WILLIAMS JOHNSON

Edith Margaret Williams Johnson was born on December 25, 1912, the fourth of eleven children, in Pittsburgh, PA to Henry M. & Alice M. Williams. She departed this earthly life on Monday, July 24, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona at the amazing age of 104.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Henry M. Williams and Alice M. Williams; her husbands Alex Fletcher and Wallace P. Johnson; siblings: Robert E. illiams, arfield illiams, Alice M. Scott, Thelma W. Lovette, Henry M. Williams, Fletcher Williams, Jacob H. Williams, Frank A. Williams and cousin/best friend, Beatrice Bankston. Edith is survived by her sisters, Annie N. Carter and Lois Jean Hord; brother-in-law Earl F. Hord and sister-in-law, Cecilia R. Williams; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Edith was a devout catholic and worked at St. Richards Catholic Church Convent and volunteered at Epiphany Catholic Church in Pittsburgh.

Edith was like the “Pied Piper,” all the children loved to be with Aunt Edie.

An Arizona Memorial Service will be held at Mountain View Funeral Chapel, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207 on Monday, August 7, 2017 at 5:00 PM. A Pittsburgh Memorial Service will be held at Epiphany Catholic Church, 184 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. n lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Mesa Good Shepherd, 5854 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85205.

is The Voice

of Black Pittsburgh

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OPAL

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

A7

To the men: Is your good health a perception or reality?

(BPT)—When it comes to health, perception is not always reality. This is especially true when considering how men care for themselves when faced with a health condition. In fact, while most men would say they are more focused on their health than they have been in the past, physicians report a different truth. This difference is especially concerning when it comes to treating chronic conditions, because failure to follow treatment regimens may lead to bigger health problems in the future.

Missed appointments and opportunities According to research from the American Academy of Family Physicians, which surveyed its member physicians, one in five doctors said up to half of their male patients failed to fill a prescription. In addition, one in three doctors said that up to half of their male patients did not take a prescription as directed. Four in ten reported that up to half of their male patients failed to follow up with a regular routine test when ordered for their condition.

In addition, nearly a quarter of surveyed doctors said up to half of their male patients failed to show up for planned follow-up visits.

These missed opportunities come at a time when chronic conditions among men continue to rise. According to the National Ambulatory Medical Survey, diagnoses of three common, yet potentially severe, conditions all have increased year over year.

The data shows that cases of high blood pressure (4 percent increase), high cholesterol (5 percent) and diabetes (2 percent) have all seen notable increases.

“People may not take these conditions seriously because they don’t have any noticeable symptoms, and that’s a big mistake,” says John Meigs, Jr., MD, president of the AAFP. “High blood pressure and high cholesterol have been called ‘silent killers’ for a reason. If they aren’t controlled, they can lead to heart attack, stroke or kidney disease. In addition to these complications, uncontrolled diabetes also can cause blindness, nerve damage and loss of limbs.

“So it’s vital that men see their doctors, get preventive care and follow instructions for any chronic diseases they may have.”

Finding solutions for ongoing care Fortunately, taking a more proactive approach to health care is easier than most men think. A visit to your family physician is the first step toward taking charge of your health and identifying any health issues. Your family physician will help you learn about any chronic conditions you might have and how to treat them. For health information that is easy to understand, visit familydoctor.org. You’ll find a men’s guide to preventive health care, and information about healthy diets and weight control. Follow the advice provided here, as well as your doctor’s recommendations, and you’ll turn your goal for good health from simple perception into reality.

ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

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AUGUST 16-22, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

‘I thought I was going to lose her, and I questioned my life as a woman and mother.’

KEA MICHAELS

Kea Michaels’ new song ‘I Love You’ has a meaning few have experienced

by Atiya Irvin-Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier

There’s never been a time when sketch artist, spoken-word artist and singer Kea Michaels hasn’t been trying to create things.

She’s always been an artist, it just took her some time to commit. The Pittsburgh native has been drawing since the age of 2, singing since the age of 4, her songwriting career began when she was 9, and began writing poetry when she was 12.

However, there’s one moment that stood out to her.

“I sang ‘On the Wings of Love,’ it’s a Jeffrey Osborne song. I knew the song; a lot of kids my age weren’t listening to the music I was listening to, something in me took over, it’s a feeling that just took over,” she said. She spoke of her own joy and her music teacher’s excitement. The moment would stay with her.

In the years that followed she would continue to sing, but she didn’t consider it a potential music career until 2009. Before then she had been a single mother working towards a career in law enforcement, until an injury changed things.

“I’ve always been a driven person and I’ve always been somebody who can’t be boxed in, and if I feel like I’m boxed in, I bust out,” Michaels told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview.

A topic that often comes

up in Michaels’ music is love; she would attribute this theme to witnessing her own parents divorce and observations made in her own community. Aside from that, her art in all its varying forms has a number of influences.

“My main influence comes from the community, from growing up in the Black inner-city,” she said.

She would also add that in addition to Marvin Gaye and her children, she was greatly influenced by growing up with musicians as parents.

Although her music is a profound part of her life, in her own right Michaels is an activist devoted to

improving her Pittsburgh community. She volunteers at homeless shelters, and performs at charitable events as well as helping organizing them. She was a performer at the annual Harambee Black Arts Festival, Aug. 4 in Homewood.

“There’s so many topics that need to be discussed musically. I think people are afraid to speak out against things,” she said.

According to her producer, Dwayne Fulton, although Michaels isn’t afraid to speak out, she has a lighter side that, in addition to her unique sound, makes the artist a pleasure to work with. “She is a comedian,” he said. “There were times

KEA MICHAELS (PHOTO BY J.L. MARTELLO)

that we would laugh and joke and cut up all the time and not get things done because of the comedic fodder.”

One of the topics Michaels wants discussed is what she describes as the “Black Plight,” or the lack of credit, stigma, and general struggle to survive she feels many African American individuals face. Michaels wants to use her music to change things in her community for the best and encourage Black men and women to work together.

“I’m going to break down those walls, I’m going to speak out,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s gonna get airplay but I’m going to the walls of a system that has been designed to destroy the credibility of the Black community.”

Her current single is entitled, “I love you,” off her EP, “Relationships.” The song is available on YouTube, and at keamichaels.com, which is also the best way to contact Michaels.

Place the words “Relationships” and “I love you” together, and one would assume the song is about a boyfriend, a husband, a significant other. But for Michaels, the song takes on an entirely different meaning.

“I wrote the song because my daughter, Alyssa, she was born with hydronephrosis,” Michaels told the Courier. Hydronephrosis is a condition where there’s an obstruction in one or both

KEA MICHAELS kidneys, with little to no function. After a failed surgery at 6 months old for Alyssa, “I lost hope and faith in the medical system… and feared doctors. I began treating her myself, changing her diet, and in doing my own research I found out so many things the doctors never told me. Certain things she couldn’t eat because it would contribute to her kidney function levels being high, meaning the kidney was working harder.

I had to be her doctor.”

Over time, Alyssa began having high blood pressure, blacking out, and eventually, another surgery was needed. “In 2015 we made

the decision to remove the kidney, she had the surgery without complications except for the healing process,” Michaels said about Alyssa, who is now 15 years old.

“I thought I was going to lose her, and I questioned my life as a woman and mother. Always working, on the go, going to college, seeking loving relationships. Was I too late? Did I choose everything over her?

Was I searching and looking for love? Did I devote enough time to her? Is it too late? I began singing this song and writing it in memory and love of her.”

‘Step’ an accurate portrayal of harsh realities, Black girl perseverance

by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier

The step team at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women in Baltimore, Maryland is on a quest to win the biggest step competition in the country. The team has competed many times before and never placed. In “Step,” a film crew follows three high school seniors throughout the school year as they prepare for the competition and, presumably, life.

The competition isn’t the only thing Cori, Blessin, and Tayla have to worry about.

The obvious obstacles arise during the last year of high school like college applications, studying hard and getting good grades.

The personal problems are equally overwhelming, too.

“Step” is an eloquent interpretation of what young Black girls all around the world endure every single day. Even as minors, the real world, adult-like pressures weighing on their shoulders are deafening.

DIRECTOR AMANDA LIPITZ, second from left, poses for a portrait with dancers Cori Grainger, left, Talya Solomon and Blessin Giraldo, right, to promote the film, “Step,” at the Music Lodge during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Taylor Jewell, AP) In the film, their tears cut through the harsh reality of shut-off notices, unhealthy family composition, and other elements that children typically don’t have to deal with. Each young lady had problems at home that spilled over in school and

on the step team. But, they persevered and continued to evolve into the best women they could be.

Isn’t that the essence of Black Girl Magic, though?

After all of the stones have been thrown, after all of the doors have been closed, af-

ter all of the negativity, it is the unexplainable perseverance of Black women that keeps us shining so bright and standing tall.

Blessin reminded me so much of myself, and the four wonderful years I had at Schenley High School. Al-

though college acceptance letters poured in my senior year, it was my attitude and dismissive disposition on life that kept me from so many other opportunities. I still hold that sassy, unapologetic demeanor, but some of life’s biggest, humbling lessons were taught during my last year of high school.

Like Blessin, I was standing in my own way of reaching my fullest potential.

I loved everything about “Step.” I have no complaints.

A lot of thought and creativity went into creating “Step,” and it shows. Cori, Blessin, and Tayla are a sweet, mirrored image of the talents and gifts that young Black learners possess.

The documentary film is currently on limited release. As of deadline, I’m unable to confirm which theaters in Pittsburgh will be showing the documentary, but I can confirm that the Manor Theatre, 1729 Murray Ave. in Squirrel Hill, will show “Step” beginning Friday, Aug. 18.

‘Although college acceptance letters poured in my senior year (at Schenley High School), it was my attitude and dismissive disposition on life that kept me from so many other opportunities…Like Blessin, I was standing in my own way of reaching my fullest potential.’

Merecedes J. Howze Pittsburgh’s Movie Scene Queen, on how ‘Step’ relates to her life

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

A9

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

I get lucky Thursday night is normally what I consider a work night. As I look more closely at that, I think I will have to make a change to that. I normally write on Thursday so I can submit my work to the New Pittsburgh Courier in plenty of time for the coming week.

Last week, a close friend who has asked to remain nameless asked me to attend the Earth, Wind and Fire concert with her on Thursday. At first I said no, but I caved in and decided to go. We both went home from work, changed our clothes and headed back Downtown.

When we arrived at PPG Paints Arena I remembered my boss mentioned something about EWF coming to town several weeks ago, reportedly they were having trouble selling tickets. I’m not sure what they did to move the tickets but the turnout was great.

We had seats in the Key Club and backstage passes were included.

OK, this is starting to look like a good evening.

When we got to our seats the opening act was just being introduced and due to people arriving late in our row, I was distracted and did not hear who the opening act was. I recognized the music and then as I looked at the lead person who was playing the guitar, I realized it was Niles Rogers. Are you kidding me? I never thought that I would see Rogers live in concert. Earlier this year I watched an episode of Unsung on Chic & Niles Rogers, what a story that is. Rogers is responsible for some of the best dance music of the seventies. How about “Everybody Dance,” “Le Freak” and “Good Times,” he also wrote the popular “We Are Family” for Sister Sledge and “Upside Down” for Diana Ross.

He had a hand in “Getting Jiggy with It” and teamed with David Bowie on “Let’s Dance.” He has produced for Madonna and then he collaborated with Daft Punk, which resulted in “Get Lucky” featuring Pharrell. Rogers is a six-year cancer survivor and says his survival was the inspiration for “Get Lucky.”

After watching Rogers I didn’t care about EWF, but they came on stage and blew it away.

This group still has it.

The last time I saw them was at Nemacolin at one of Joe Hardy’s Royal Receptions. This is when I started to get excited... am I going to get to meet Earth, Wind and Fire in person? Somebody scream. The concert was over and it was great. We now found our way backstage. We sat in the room and waited and soon the various EWF band members started to appear.

They looked so different out of their sequins and leather costumes. But Verdine White is so recognizable with his long hair and wide smile. Percussionist Ralph Johnson also attended the meet and greet but Philip Bailey did not. Bailey, White and Johnson have been with EWF for 50 years.

I took a picture with White and Johnson and I felt quite lucky. What a grand birthday gift.

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com)

ALPHA ALPHA OMEGA

Women of Service: Nine Decades of Leading the Way

by Debbie Norrell

Marisa Jamison presented the Program Committee Awards to: Brenda Parks, American Heart Association and Marva Brown, Board of Directors Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Joelynn H. Parham presented scholarships to two scholars that plan to attend a historically-Black college or university. The recipients were: Scott Graves III, who will attend Tuskegee University and Joy Kirkland, who will attend Spelman College. Each recipient received

Lifestyles Editor

This year, 2017, marks a milestone for the Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Ninety years of service to the community and scholarship giving to students and organizations to further support their work in the community. Dr. Monica Lamar, Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter president said, “I believe our founders would be very pleased with our celebration which pays tribute to our local organization that started 90 years ago at the Centre Avenue YMCA by Norma Boyd, one of the founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.” On June 24 at the Edgewood Country Club nearly 300 enjoyed the 90th Anniversary Gala. Toni Kendrick, Great Lakes regional director and a proud member of the Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter, was on hand for the celebration. With Janice Bates Matuscak and Geil Wesley Williams as event co-chairs, guests enjoyed an evening of community recognition, scholarship presentations, dining and dancing.

Carol Brackett presented the community involvement awards to: Dr. Kathi R. Elliott, Executive Director, Gwen’s Girls; Richard A. Stewart Jr., First Vice President, NAACP; Marcia M. Sturdivant, PhD, President and CEO, NEED and Malik G. Bankston, Executive Director, the Kingsley Association.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARDEES—Toni S. Kendrick, Carol Brackett, Marcia Sturdivant, Malik Bankston, Dr. Kathi R. Elliott, Richard Stewart and Monica Lamar

MISTRESS OF CEREMONY— Brittny McGraw, WPXI-TV $1,500, brother Sean Graves and his mother Kimberly Graves accepted for Scott. A non-traditional recipient, Olivia Bennett, also received a scholarship of $2,000. Baker is over 30 years of age and pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Carlow College.

Soon after, guests enjoyed PROGRAM COMMITTEE AWARDEES—Marisa Jamison, Monica Lamar, Marva Brown, Brenda D. dessert and dancing with Parks and Toni S. Kendrick. (Photos by Debbie Norrell) DJ Kevin Howard.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES—Monica Lamar, Brenda Kirkland, Joy Kirkland, Sean Graves, Kimberly CELEBRATING NINETY YEARS—Marisa Jamison, Gail Edwards Graves and Toni Kendrick and Rhonda Taliaferro

EVENT CO-CHAIRS—Geil Wesley Williams and Janice Bates Matuscak SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECEPIENT—Olivia Bennett, second from left

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AUGUST 16-22, 2017

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Pittsburgh’s African Americans…

DAVARUS AVENT-PRYOR, with 10-year-old daughter Danica Rea Avent-Pryor, at the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta, held Aug. 4-6 at Point State Park. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

DIAMOND PACE, 11, with Kimberley and Brryl at the Three Rivers Regatta.

ROISHAY WOODS, MONIER BROWN

ASHLEY MITCHELL, AUBRI SMITH, AMIYA MITCHELL, ALONNA MITCHELL, ROXANNE MITCHELL

CHARDONE’ CROOM, DESIREE PEMBERTON

ENJOYING THEIR TIME at the Regatta are Cornell Grigsby, Corbin Grigsby, Christa Grigsby Miles, Savanna Miles, 2, Amica Grigsby Fuqua, Ian Fuqua, and Monnie Fuqua.

Who has Talent in the ‘Burgh?

The New Pittsburgh Courier wants to spotlight local individuals who are talented in the arts, culture and entertainment scene. This includes vocalists, rap artists, dancers, actors, musicians, authors, playwrights, and more!

Tell our managing editor, Rob Taylor Jr., all about them!

E-mail: rtaylor@newpittsburgh courier.com Phone: 412-481-8302 ext. 135

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PEOPLE

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

A11

Just ‘Gotta Regatta’

STANTON HEIGHTS RESIDENTS DARNELL CLAY, KAY CLAY, DWIGHT CLAY

The 40th Three Rivers Regatta was held Aug. 4-6 at Pittsburgh’s Point State Park, and the hundreds of thousands of people who attended the event were treated to boat races, great food, and the “Regatta Thunder” fireworks display to cap off the festivities. Courier Photographer J.L. Martello captured the event in pictures.

YOU CAN’T DO THIS!—11-year-old Diamond Pace does a handstand at the Regatta.

HELEN DESMUKE

FAHAB ALSHAIKHI, 4

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AUGUST 16-22, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

B.B. and B.J. Flenory Like Father, Like Son Sports B7

Civil rights organizations counter Justice Department’s attack on affirmative action As millions of students return to school, the nation’s Justice Department (DOJ) is beginning an investigation that could potentially sue universities over affirmative action admissions policies. As first reported by the New York Times, Justice’s Civil Rights Division will carry out this effort to determine whether white applicants were discriminated against.

For Black people and other ethnic and racial minorities, this investigation seems like window-dressing to deny millions of students a quality education in the name of injustice. Such actions also signal a more subtle message is to roll back to the progress achieved in broadly affording students of all races and ethnicities the benefits that higher education derives. Among education and civil rights advocates a strong belief holds that everyone benefits when obstacles to educational opportunity are overcome.

“The American Dream offers each new generation the opportunity to build on the successes of previous ones,” wrote Nikitra Bailey, an executive vice president with the Center for Responsible Lending, in a related op-ed. “However, if you are African-American, the na- Charlene Crowell tion’s history of enslavement and legal bigotry consistently requires each generation to start anew.”

Bailey is correct.

Despite the vigilance of civil rights heroes over multiple generations, the heralded 1954 Supreme Court ruling in Brown v.

Board of Education, or a series of 1960s laws that were enacted to guarantee full and first-class citizenship to every Black American, even more work remains to be done before everyone is afforded the promises of America.

It’s been several years since the anti-affirmation action crusade took its venomous campaign to states across the country. Beginning in California in 1996 and continuing through 2010, Ward Connerly, a former University of California Regent, led a series of statewide campaigns to constitutionally ban affirmative action in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Washington State. Regardless of the state, the goal was always the same: make it illegal for public colleges and universities to include consideration of race or ethnicity in college admissions.

Only in Colorado was the effort turned back by voters.

In all of the other locales, the measure passed with broad support, often despite many business and corporate leaders joining with civil rights advocates in opposition.

For example, prior to the November 2006 Proposal 2 ballot vote in Michigan, Paul Hillegonds, a White Republican and former Speaker of the State House, helped to lead a statewide coalition of more than 200 organizations pledged to defeat the measure.

“If it passes, we are announcing to the world that women and minorities will not be given an equal opportunity to succeed in business in our state,” said Hillegonds.

“This is the wrong message to send at a time when we are trying to attract new businesses and develop a talented, multicultural workforce ready to meet the demands of the 21st Century economy.”

State approved bans on affirmative action in higher education also led to fewer Black students in the University

Commentary

SEE COUNTER B2

by Donald James Real Times Media

At its annual business meeting held recently in Erlanger, Kentucky, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMNA) discussed goals and objectives with direct and indirect suppliers in preparation for the new fiscal year. As customary at these meetings, Toyota, the world’s largest auto maker, honored suppliers who have exceeded the company’s expectations. Among the 25 suppliers honored was Metro Detroit-based Chemico Group, which received Toyota’s “Superior Performance Award,” the automobile company’s highest honor for performance.

“We are proud and honored to be recognized by Toyota Motor North America for our efforts in supplier quality,” said Leon C. Richardson, founder, president and CEO of Chemico, the nation’s largest veteran and minority-owned chemical management supplier.

“All of us at Chemico recognize the significance of this award. It demonstrates our deep commitment to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction.”

“We look for suppliers that go above and beyond in meeting our requirements and expectations,” said Jim Holloway, TMNA’s general manager of supplier relations, risk

Classifieds

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

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

by Diane I. Daniels

president of DCS, agree that events like the summit and Pittsburgh Collective Impact Forum are necessary as well as collaborations between organizations and The last couple weeks in the region businesses. The topic for the 9:30 a.m. have been emotional and have affected to 2 p.m. forum is Expanding Capacity the lives of many people, as the New of Businesses through Economic DevelPittsburgh Courier reported (Aug. 9) opment. The Forum will be held at Point on five murders occurring in a threePark. day span (Aug. 4-6). And there have Davis explained the forum as a pathway been three shootings that have octhat will help connect the region’s leaders curred in McKeesport in August alone. to business owners and entrepreneurs to “We have to do something,” said Rev. help make the promise of the inclusive Dr. Judith Moore, director and founder economic development a reality for all of Sisters Saving Ourselves Now and diverse residents. “One of the goals of pastor of a church on the North Side the forum is for entrepreneurs to conin the area where several homicides nect with area business ownhave occurred. “We all have to ers, technical assistance contribute our part to stop providers, and polithe violence.” cy-makers focused For the past five years on opportunities in her way of educating and tech, construction, empowering women to use urban agriculture, their power to make a difengineering, and ference has been through architecture.” the sponsorship of the Melinda F. EmerBlack Women and Family summits. This year, the THE TIME IS NOW—Melanie Campbell of the Black Women’s Roundtable son, known as the event takes place Aug. 18- and National Coalition on Black Civic Participation returns to Pittsburgh to SmallBuzLady and bestselling author 19 at CCAC’s South Cam- empower and inform. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels) of Become Your pus, 1750 Clairton Rd., community, Own Boss in 12 Months, is the keynote West Mifflin. With the theme, “You Are The American One, You’ve Been Waiting For,” Moore said the summit kicks off as luncheon speaker. The Pittsburgh native the goal of the summit is to get participants part of the Pittsburgh is founder of #SmallBizChat and is recmotivated, thinking and prepared to take Collective Impact 2017 ognized as a social media expert as well action, to get involved to make a difference Forum hosted by Davis as a small business resource. Considered Solutions within their communities. “We have to be Consulting prepared to advance issues of importance to and Point Park Universiwomen, their families and the communities ty’s PhD in Community Engagement program, they serve.”

Under the belief that economics plays a sig- Aug. 18. Moore and Dannificant role in the betterment of the African ielle Davis, founder and For New Pittsburgh Courier

THE GREAT MOTIVATOR—Sherrie Massie returns to her hometown, Pittsburgh, with the goal to empower the attendees of the Black Women and Family Summit.

IT’S ALL ABOUT BUSINESS—Melinda F. Emerson, known as the SmallBuzLady, heads home to share her wisdom during the Collective Community Impact Forum.

America’s No. 1 small business expert, she has been a thriving entrepreneur for nearly 15 years and is an internationally-known keynote speaker. Her small business advice is widely read, reaching more than three million entrepreneurs each week on the internet. A pioneer in social media marketing, she is the creator

Toyota gives top award to nation’s largest minority-owned chemical management supplier

TOP AWARD GIVEN—Jason Reid, General Manager, Purchasing, TMNA; Bonnie Clinton, General Manager, Indirect Procurement, Corporate Shared Services, TMNA; Dave MacLeod, Group Vice President, Chemico; Leon C. Richardson, President and CEO, Chemico; Noby Tanaka, Executive Advisor, Purchasing,, TMNA; and Robert Young, Group Vice President, Purchasing and SED, TMNA. management, and supplier diversity. “Chemico has been instrumental, especially with our Georgetown facility in Kentucky, as we were ready to launch the all-new Camry in June.

By working collaboratively with Chemico, we were able to develop a win-win scenario. It was a very compressed lead time, but Chemico was able to meet the aggressive schedule.”

While Chemico is a certified minority business, the company was chosen for the award from a large field of non-minori-

B

Summit ready to empower community AUGUST 16-22, 2017

ty-owned suppliers.

“This award is about performance, and not about the fact that Chemico is a minority supplier,” said Jason Reid, TMNA’s general manager of indirect purchasing for all North American manufacturing sites. “Chemico is a phenomenally performing business that happens to be minority-owned.

Chemico met and exceeded our expectations at our Georgetown, Kentucky and Blue Springs, Mississippi facilities.”

Yet, Richardson credits

much of Chemico’s success to being a member of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, a 40-year-old non-profit organization whose mission is to certify minority business enterprises (MBEs), develop their capacities, and help generated procurement opportunities with its corporate membership. To date, MMSDC has 1,200 MBEs, and works with 300 corporations. It has orchestrated more than $26 billion in annual contracts between major corporations and

certified minority business members.

“Chemico is a brand that stands for excellence,” said Michelle Sourie Robinson, MMSDC’s president & CEO. “Their recognition by Toyota with Toyota’s highest award is a validation of Leon’s and Chemico’s commitment to elevating expectations and delivering value. We are proud to have supported his effort and growth to this point, and look forward to a continued partnership. His success is a reflection of our collabo-

SEE SUMMIT B2

rative efforts and uncompromised commitment to the success of our minority business enterprises.”

Executives at TMNA agree on the impact of MMSDC. “We recognize that some small minority businesses are not always ready to work with a large automotive manufacturer, like ourselves or some of our competitors.” Reid explained. “So, we are deeply involved with working with the Michigan Minority Supplier District Council to help facilitate business opportunities with certified minority suppliers.”

Toyota’s position on diversity and inclusion has always been an open book.

The company is a member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR), which was created more than a decade ago to achieve spending of $1 billion or more with minority and women-owned suppliers/ businesses.

Additionally, since 1990, the annual Toyota Opportunity Exchange has provided MBEs and women business enterprises (WBEs) suppliers with a yearly platform in which to build relationships with the giant automaker. Millions of dollars in diverse supplier contracts have been generated over the SEE TOYOTA B2

B2

BUSINESS

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Black Women and Family Summit VisitPITTSBURGH hires Melissa Wade SUMMIT FROM B1

and host of #Smallbizchat, the longest running live chat on Twitter for small business owners.

Various key local participants in the forum include Dr. Kelly Hunt, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Pittsburgh District Office, Valerie McDonald Roberts, Chief Urban Affairs Officer, Office of Mayor Bill Peduto, and Bill Flanagan, Chief Corporate Relations Officer, Allegheny Conference on Community Development. Dr. Patrick Mulvihill, Rowland School of Business at Point Park University, will co-chair the event with Davis.

The Black Women and Family Summit’s Friday activities will end at CCAC’s South Campus with Youth Night activities featuring spoken-word artists, vocalists and liturgical dancers. Saturday’s workshops will be mod-

erated by Sharise Nance, LCSW, CCTP, author and co-owner of HandinHand Counseling Services, LLC, Cecelia Ware, executive director of Infinite Lifestyle Solutions, Jaqueline Hill, business strategist and community organizer and Fawn Walker Montgomery, McKeesport councilwoman and co-founder of Take Action Mon-Valley. Workshop topics will address personal and professional development, issues relating to violence, why and how to become involved in the political process and will feature local women who have achieved getting elected to public offices.

Discussion by Melanie Campbell, convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable and President and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation both based in Washington D.C, will tie in with current events and the results

and findings of the BWR’s “Black Women in the U.S. and Key States, 2017: Moving Our Agenda Forward for a Post-Obama Era” report.

“Times are different today than they were a year ago,” Campbell said. “The time is now. We have to be fired up and ready for the fight as we move our agenda forward in a post-Obama era. Throughout the years, we have proven that we were ready for the fight and during this summit we aim to prepare participants to sustain, overcome and take action. We hold on to our theme that ‘You Are the One, You’ve Been Waiting For.’” Keynote speaker during the Aug. 19 summit awards luncheon will be former Pittsburgher Sherrie Massie. “Sherrie is a great motivator. Her belief that there is greatness within each of us is something we all need to hear and realize about ourselves,” said Moore.

“Empowering others to become the champions God created them to be is my passion,” Massie said. “I am focused on using kingdom principles to build wealth and using wealth to build the kingdom, and I am glad to share my knowledge in my hometown.”

(For more information on the Collective Community Impact Forum, go to http://davisconsultsolutions.com. And for information on the Black Women Family Summit, go to www.sisterssavingourselvesnow.com.)

as senior director of communications

PITTSBURGH—Executives at VisitPITTSBURGH, the official tourism promotion agency for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, have announced that Melissa T. Wade has been hired as its senior director of communications.

Ms. Wade will serve as a spokesperson for the organization and oversee all communications efforts.

She brings to the position extensive public relations, media relations and marketing experience. Her first day will be August 17.

Before joining VisitPITTSBURGH, Ms. Wade was public health information officer for the Allegheny County Health Department. She was responsible for managing the public information office, media relations, crisis communications and community partnerships. She served as a spokesperson for the Health Department.

Ms. Wade also worked from 1999-2015 as creative services producer and event coordinator for CBS/ KDKA-TV. “Melissa’s work experience and skills are well aligned to enhance the needs of our marketing department and help us to promote Pittsburgh and Allegheny County nationally and internationally,” said Tom Loftus, chief marketing officer for VisitPITTSBURGH. “We look forward

MELISSA T. WADE to having her help us to continue to develop best practices in the areas of communications and public relations.”

In her new role, Ms. Wade will also oversee community programs and VisitPITTSBURGH’s local awareness efforts.

She will report directly to the chief marketing officer.

Ms. Wade is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Writing and a graduate of Point Park University with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She is active in her church and volunteers locally for several non-profit organizations.

Countering the attack on affirmative action COUNTER FROM B1

of California system as well as at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

Today the real difference between then and now is that the U.S. Justice Department is resuming a fight for the preservation of White privilege that is armed with resources and personnel that taxpayers of all colors provide.

“President Trump’s Justice Department has hardly been worthy of its name,” said Sherrilynn A. Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “It has retreated from meaningful police reform, argued on behalf of state laws that suppress minority voting rights, directed prosecutors to seek harsh sentences for nonviolent drug offenses, and extended the federal government’s power to seize the property of innocent Americans.”

“Each of these steps disproportionately and systematically burdens people of color, denying them their constitutional rights and widening the racial divides that this country has struggled for so long to close,” continued Ifill.

The United States Supreme Court re-

cently affirmed the use of affirmative action in admissions decisions in Fisher v.

University of Texas. In that ruling, the importance of diversity as a compelling state interest was affirmed as settled law.

The decision was also a victory for equal opportunity and recognized again that it is critical for schools to create diverse and inclusive student bodies.

As the cost of higher education tends to increase every year, students of color are the ones most likely to go into debt in search of a degree that will deliver a middle class standard of living. Even four years after graduation, Black college graduates earning a bachelor’s degree owe almost double the debt of their white classmates, according to CRL research.

“The U.S. Justice Department must enforce inclusive educational policies as they open the doors of opportunity for all,” said Bailey.

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

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

Toyota’s top award given to minorityowned chemical management supplier

TOYOTA FROM B1

years, as a direct result of connections and relationships made at Toyota Opportunity Exchange.

“Our diverse suppliers are very strategic to us because of their creativity and flexibility and the entrepreneurship that they bring to the table,” said Holloway. “It’s very important to us to not only use our supplier base, but to grow it. Leon and Chemico are great examples of partnerships and how TMNA has been instrumental in helping them grow.”

Chemico was started in 1989 and is a certified chemical management supplier specializing in integrated solutions for the entire chemical lifecycle that includes procurement, on-site inventory management, distribution, environmentally conscious

disposal, and more. The company is a Tier 1 supplier to automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Chemico employs more than 300 people across 22 states and three countries. Last year Chemico sales exceeded $100 million. In addition to being recognized by Toyota for excellence as a supplier, Chemico has received General Motors’ “Supplier of the Year” honors for the past seven years.

“Toyota has done an outstanding job at recognizing and developing and supporting minority companies throughout North America, and it goes beyond just my company,” Richardson said. “They hit the mark to give certified suppliers like Chemico an opportunity. However, when suppliers get an opportunity, they have to perform.”

BUSINESS CALENDAR Training Program

AUG. 16—The Chatham’s Women Business Center presents a six-week “Concept to Launch” training course, on six consecutive Wednesdays from until September 13 at the Eastside campus, 6585 Penn Ave. The program, designed for women in the early stages of starting a business, will focus on: developing a business concept; industry and market research; identifying target customers; pricing and marketing strategies startup financials legal business entities, and pitching the business. Cost $95, with 50-percent, need-based scholarships made available

by Bridgeway Capital. For more information and to register, call 412-365-1153.

Executive Sales Seminar

AUG. 16—Sandler Training will present a free sales development seminar, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 790 Holiday Drive, Foster Plaza, Building 11. This session for owners, sales managers and sales VPs is designed to reengineer the selling process to capitalize on today’s buying pattern. See how to tackle the issues your sales people face every day.

For more information, contact Lindsey Demetris at 412-9442403 or by Email at lindseydemetris@superiorselling. com.

Statewide Procurement Expo

SEPT. 6 & 7—The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services will hold its inaugural PA Procurement Expo and Forum, Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, Pa., 2300 N. Cameron St. The event includes more than 50 workshops covering topics such as: doing business with the Commonwealth, COSTARS – the Commonwealth’s Cooperative Purchasing Program, navigating and searching for state contracts, best practices for local government and schools in procurement and more. Attendees can get onsite assistance with registering as a vendor, self-certifying as a small business, becoming familiar with the COSTARS website and Pennsylvania eMarketplace and more. For registration and more information, visit www.paprocurementexpo.com, or call Troy Thompson, DGS, 717-7873197.

Media Workshop

SEPT. 14—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA will host a workshop on Using Media Effectively, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the H. White Room, at the Koppers Building, lower level, 436 Seventh Ave., Downtown. Learn how to effectively use newspapers and television to promote your business from a panel of media professionals including New Pittsburgh Courier Editor & Publisher Rod Doss, WQED Multimedia President and CEO Deborah Acklin, and Comcast Spotlight Senior Account Executive Lori Melchiorre. Cost: $10 members, $20 non-members. For more information, or to RSVP (due by SEPT. 12), call 412-392-0610.

PowerBreakfast

SEPT. 15—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA, will host a PowerBreakfast meeting with ALCOSAN Executive Director Arletta Scott Williams, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Rivers Club, Oxford Center, Downtown. Williams will discuss the numerous opportunities available for businesses of all sizes and specialties as ALCOSAN moves forward on its multi-billion-dollar infrastructure improvement program.

Tickets: $20 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information call 412-392-0610.

Training Event

SEPT. 19—The Duquesne Small Business Center presents First Step: Business Start-up Essentials, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Topics covered include Business Structure and Formation, Fictitious Name Registration, Employee Issues, Insurance, Government Procurement, Environmental Concerns, Financing Options, Taxation Requirements, and Major Components of the Business Plan. Cost: $25. For more information call 412-396-6233.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

B3

Dailey’s bright future ended by a fool— what kind of men are we raising?

Guest Editorial

De-escalate the threat of war New reports suggesting that North Korea can now fit a nuclear bomb on a missile which can strike the United States has escalated tensions between North Korea and the United States and raises the potential of a military conflict.

In response to the Washington Post report, President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened North Korea “with fire and fury.” In response to Trump’s threats, the North Korean army on Wednesday said in a statement that it was studying a plan to create an “enveloping fire” in areas around Guam with medium- to long-range ballistic missiles.

It’s time to de-escalate this dangerous war of words before a military conflict becomes reality.

Trump should follow the example set by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who is urging calm.

In fact, Tillerson is projecting a more measured and presidential approach to the conflict than his boss, the nation’s commander in chief.

Tlllerson said Americans should sleep soundly: “Nothing that I have seen and nothing that I know of would indicate that the situation has dramatically changed in the last 24 hours.”

Tillerson said Washington wasn’t seeking confrontation and voiced his hope North Korea would “choose a different pathway,” one leading to a dialogue.

However Trump’s threat to strike North Korea “with fire and fury” is making a dangerous situation worse.

“North Korea is a real threat, but the president’s unhinged reaction suggests he might consider using American nuclear weapons,” said Rep. Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Senate Intelligence Committee’s leading Democrat, expressed concern over Trump’s “bombastic” comments at a time high-level dialogue with North Korea is needed.

If North Korea ignores Trump’s threats and conducts more missile launches or nuclear tests, Trump will now be under added pressure to deliver a forceful American response.

The recent inflammatory rhetoric raises the potential for an accidental conflict.

This is not a time for bellicose words from volatile leaders that will escalate tensions between the U.S. and North Korea.

Now is a time for careful language if only to prevent a minor incident touching off a major conflict.

A young Black woman who was just starting her life as an adult was gunned down while holding her 7-month-old daughter recently on the North Side.

Nicole Dailey, 26, an Oliver graduate, was shot several times across the street from her house on North Charles. Police were searching for a suspect that many believe to be someone she knew, maybe even the baby’s father. Either way, it takes a sick fool to gun down an unarmed woman first of all, but a woman holding a baby?

What kind of men are we raising?

At the vigil held for Dailey Aug. 8, more than 200 people came out to show their love and concern for this young woman and many expressed their surprise and shock over the senseless killing of this young woman who carried herself in a respectful way, and that everyone only had good things to say about.

However, some of her relatives and friends made it clear that if the police don’t find her killer they will, and he will get what he deserves.

When I wrote this column on Aug. 14 there had been no word from the police as to whom they were looking for or any additional information on the shooting.

Dailey was buried, Aug. 11. There was no word on who was now going to take on the responsibility of raising her child, Nia. Dailey’s mother, who also lost a son back in the ‘90s, has to be devastated.

My well wishes and prayers go out to the entire family.

I agree with Valerie Dixon, executive director of Prevent Another Crime Today Initiative when she asked, “Where does that mentality come from to shoot a young girl holding a baby? How do you reach somebody who would even think to do that?”

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’ Maybe you don’t try to reach them; maybe they should be behind bars.

But of course we have to do something to prevent more of these senseless killings on our streets or domestic. We have got to stop solving problems with guns instead of, say, talking it out. But it’s extremely hard to get any point across to young people today because they know it all, so they don’t listen to anyone over 40.

Much like we were in our teens and twenties.

The whole country is upset over President Trump not condemning the Ku Klux Klan, the Nazi Party, Arian Nation, and other hate groups for their role in the violence in Charlottesville, Va., this past Saturday, Aug. 12. But why should he? Those are the people who voted him into office, and those are the people to whom he must please to get a second term. Let’s be real here, Trump’s not stupid. Well, not when it comes to politics.

On the real side both sides were violent.

It brought up a big question. Does the First Amendment include hate groups? Who and what designates a group as a hate group? Would the Black Panthers of the ‘60s, or the Nation of Islam of the ’50 and ‘60s be hate groups? It’s almost like identifying a terrorist group. Remember when Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress were considered to be terrorists by the U.S. and

most of Europe in their fight against Apartheid? The U.S. and Europe finally came around with sanctions against the South African government. However, Congressman Dick Cheney voted against the sanctions and he later became vice president of the U.S. I’m just saying that if we make these anti-Black, anti-Jews, anti-Latinos, and anti-women groups go underground they can do much more damage. At least if they are marching in the streets we have an opportunity to address our youth about what’s wrong with their philosophy. Because they are getting to our youth online and we don’t have a clue. The man who drove the car into the protestors was only 20 years old. What in the world did anybody do to him to bring about such hate? He’s just starting life.

The anti-rally, or anti-hate groups could have accomplished a lot more if they had staged their march/rally a day after or just stood on the sidewalks passing out why we must love one another pamphlets or “why you are wrong” pamphlets.

I don’t think anything changed for the hate groups.

If we want change, we had better get out the vote in 2018 and 2020 because for all those people who did not vote in 2016, you are seeing the results. Because as I told you way back then, any liberal, progressive, moderate, Black, and Latino who chose not to vote for Hillary Clinton was a vote for Trump. She wasn’t a great candidate but she was surely better than Trump. We should be used to voting for the lesser of two evils. Now we must wait and pray that this country doesn’t go to total hell before his term is up.

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

A solemn anniversary to remember (TriceEdneyWire.com)—On Sunday, Aug. 6, our nation celebrated an auspicious anniversary. Unfortunately, it was an anniversary that was largely overlooked and undervalued.

One could justify overlooking this anniversary by saying, “Current events are moving so fast that it’s hard to keep up with everything.” That reasoning may be true, but it hardly justifies overlooking, ignoring or failing to recognize such an important date in U.S. and African American history. For those who haven’t already guessed or who’ve given up altogether, August 6, 2017 marked the 52nd Anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. I believe that every African American should mark this date on our calendar and find a constructive way to celebrate it. And when I suggest a celebration, I speak of engagement in purposeful action to encourage others to understand our responsibility to vote and to make the commitment to vote in every election.

Those who disagree with my enthusiasm for voting and the election process should know that I have heard and understand the thinking behind most arguments against voting.

From those short-sighted enough to believe “My one vote won’t count!” to those who ask “Since all politicians are the same, what will my vote change?,” I say you’re wrong! Your vote is the most important gift of citizenship you possess.

I could say that voting is payment of a debt to those who sacrificed themselves, often to their deaths, for our

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary right to vote. I could add that our votes honor the struggles of our forbearers for the recognition of their humanity and full citizenship. Although both statements are valid and remain true, my appeal today is to your self-interest.

Most of us who share similar life-experiences will admit that we have never had someone attempt to take something without value from us. That being true, if our vote were meaningless, we would not see the assault on our voting rights and the wide-spread and recurring effort to reduce our numbers at the polls.

Federal courts in Wisconsin, Texas and North Carolina have determined that recently enacted voter laws in those states were instituted for the sole purpose of lessening the impact of African American voters. The NC judge called it targeting with “surgical precision.” #45 is claiming that 3 million people voted illegally in 2016. Most analysts agree that he’s made that claim to justify laws that will tighten restrictions against voters inclined to vote Democratic or for progressive policies. In an Executive Order, #45

has authorized an Election Integrity Commission. At its helm, #45 has appointed Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State and well-known proponent of voter suppression initiatives. Simply, rather than broadening the base of legal voters, Kobach is charged with restricting the number of opposition voters.

By now, I’m sure that many of my regular readers are saying to themselves, “I’ve heard or read similar thoughts and ideas somewhere else before. For many, I will admit that you’ve probably read these ideas in one of my previous columns. I can only add that if you read me with regularity, you will see these ideas expressed again—over and over again.

Reinstitution of maximum Federal sentencing guidelines, near-repeal of Obamacare, proposed lawsuits against universities whose Affirmative Action initiatives create reverse-discrimination against whites, ignoring DOJ consent decrees that monitor and regulate racially disparate law enforcement among police departments, constant and recurring lies from #45 and his close circle—if these past six months have not caused you to understand that elections have consequences, nothing will. If for no other reason than your own survival, you must reject taking the easy way out. You must resolve to vote so that we can collectively remove the yoke of regressive treatment that’s being forced upon our backs.

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

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

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It’s time to show ‘middle neighborhoods’ love

by Congressman Dwight Evans

comes a part of our public policy.

In Congress, I am trying to put a What do countries, states and spotlight and raise the dialogue on neighborhoods have in common? Peo- “Middle Neighborhoods” nationwide. ple. They all compete for people.

“Middle Neighborhoods” are caught Through people, you get innova- between growing and declining tors, investors, builders, developers, neighborhoods. They are neighborthinkers. Through people, you have hoods that are doing “good enough” the building blocks of your workforce. right now, but are threatened by deOur neighborhoods rely on anchors cline, as the demand to live in these like great schools, bustling shops and neighborhoods is weakening. small businesses, and a competitive Middle Neighborhoods walk a tighthousing stock in order to attract rope. They are solid neighborhoods homebuyers and increase long-term that are being squeezed, because homeownership. they aren’t poor enough or wealthy In my District, the Second District enough. We need to show these of Pennsylvania, I am fortunate to neighborhoods a little love before it’s represent top of the line research in- too late and they tip towards decline. stitutions such as the University of Right now, our Middle NeighborPennsylvania, Drexel, Temple, Saint hoods have no clear lane in our federal Joseph’s, LaSalle and many more, policy. To add to this, President Trump that continue to lead the way in in- and his administration have done litnovation and development, and drive tle to reinvest in cities nationwide. new residents to our neighborhoods Last summer when speaking to across the city of Philadelphia and the African American community into the surrounding suburbs like at a rally in Philadelphia, President Lower Merion and Narberth, that Trump said, “What the hell do you call the 2nd District home. have to lose?”

Throughout the course of my over This March, members of the Executhree-and-a-half decades of pub- tive Committee of the Congressional lic service, I have always looked for Black Caucus (CBC) met with Presthoughtful ways to “Make Ideas Mat- ident Trump at the White House to ter,” always strategically searching discuss the key issues plaguing the for that moment when an idea be- African American community.

During the meeting, the CBC Executive Committee delivered a CBC-authored, 130-page policy document titled “We Have A Lot To Lose: Solutions to Advance Black Families in the 21st Century,” which includes detailed African-American history, CBC history, 21st century policy solutions for African-American families, and also highlights, three of my key priorities in Congress: “Middle Neighborhoods,” “School Rehabilitation” and “Food Insecurity” as key action items for the policy agenda of the CBC. It’s long overdue for the federal government to come together and stand united to make modernization, development and investment in our neighborhoods a top priority for cities, suburbs and towns nationwide.

We take pride in our neighborhoods.

We are proud of the block we live on.

We have come to call our neighbors our friends. It’s on us to give our neighborhoods the tools they need in their toolbox.

Healthy, strong neighborhoods lead to bustling, vibrant economies.

(Congressman Dwight Evans is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and represents Northwest, West, North, parts of South and Center City Philadelphia, Narberth and the western suburb of Lower Merion Township.)

B4

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

FORUM

What must we do Bishop Donald Clay’s message to help HBCUs? at Connie Parker’s homegoing— (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Will another HBCU “bite the dust?” Truly, it depends on us. Pennsylvania’s Cheyney University, the oldest HBCU in the nation (founded in 1837) has been on probation since November 2015. If the Middle States Commission on Higher Education does not accept a sustainability report that is due on Sept.

1, the school may lose its accreditation. Without accreditation, Cheyney students cannot receive federal financial aid like Pell grants and federal loans. Many would be forced to leave school because they can’t afford to attend school without assistance.

Cheyney is part of the Stop the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, an organization that took nearly 20 years to settle a lawsuit with the college because (PASSHE) funded predominately white institutions (PWIs) in Pennsylvania more favorably than Cheyney. While PASSHE provided Cheyney with some money to address the issues of inequality, most say the amount they provided was just a fraction of that due. At the same time, Cheyney has borrowed millions of dollars from PASSHE. Because of the borrowing, PASSHE has assembled a task force that would sell Cheyney’s land, slash its academic programs, reduce enrollment (which is already extremely low), eliminate NCAA sports and also cut staff. In other words they would kill the college. Can we afford to lose another HBCU? Cheyney’s detractors say that the college is not necessary, and that PASSHE should merge it with another nearby college, either sister HBCU Lincoln University, or another PASSHE school,

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary West Chester University. Some say it isn’t race, but mismanagement, that has plagued Cheyney.

But too many HBCU leaders have been accused of mismanagement, when the real issue, especially for state-supported institutions, is a lack of resources and a history of underfunding Black colleges. And most face the challenge of underfunding with some innovation. For example, Cheyney has developed a new business model that includes creating an Institute for the Contemporary African American Experience. They envision this institute as a potential magnet for student enrollment, which will bring more revenue to the college. But with a September 1 deadline nipping at their heels, the survival of Cheyney is in the hands of the accrediting organization.

An organization called Heeding Cheyney’s Call (HCC) has held events and urged people to support Cheyney. They say that Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) can intervene before Middle States makes an accreditation decision, and that he can also instruct PASSHE to back off from their plan to sell Cheyney’s land. An August 1 event attracted the support of both local and national leaders, including city council members, state legislators, members of Congress, clergy, and others. US Senator Bob Casey, D-Pa., is among those supporting Cheyney. That support, commendable as it is, isn’t enough to save Cheyney.

The college, like so many HBCUs, needs resources and the state can’t be counted on to provide them. So will Cheyney be the next HBCU to bite the dust? Or is the African American community, and other concerned folks, prepared to step in the gap for the college?

Cheyney has an abysmal alumni giving rate, at less than 10 percent (one report pegged it as low as 6 percent). It is unconscionable that alums would flock back to campus for social events or graduations, but not write checks to support their college. To be sure, some alums get tired appeals that highlight dire emergency situations. But HBCUs are in a state of emergency, when people constantly question their reason for being, and when federal and state dollars are scarcer than ever. Too many believed 45’s prevarication about supporting HBCUs. Too many presidents got a photo op, but no more money, when they met with 45.

Those of us who wring our hands and decry the state of HBCUs can do more than we are doing now. Whether we attended HBCUs or not, we can support them. We can adopt one and become regular contributors to that university. We can encourage students to attend HBCUs. We can do fundraisers for HBCUs, even in places that don’t have HBCUs. In Las Vegas, Nevada, a city councilman stages a football game where an HBCU plays the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ football team. The event raises tens of thousands of dollars for the HBCU team that plays UNLV. In addition to fundraising, though, we must also think creatively about HBCU sustainability. If buildings are not fully utilized, why not create summer, evening, and weekend programs for the public? Is there revenue-generating distance learning? Have stakeholders taken time to generate new ideas for sustainability?

With the 45 attack on affirmative action, HBCUs may be more important than ever for African American college attendance. When doors close at other institutions, HBCUs will be there if we support them. I’ve heard the argument that some HBCUs have challenges and may not provide a Harvard-quality education (few schools do). The quality of an HBCU education is at least partly a function of the resources available to that college.

You can’t have state-of-the-art labs or media centers without money. Where are the resources?

If we want strong, solid HBCUs, we need to support them. We can only blame ourselves if Cheyney, or other colleges close for lack of support. Federal and state funds can make a difference. But individual and foundation contributions are equally, if not more, important. As students head back to school this August, we have to ask if those headed to HBCUs will be able to enjoy their 10th, 25th, or 50th college reunion. They won’t unless we all step up.

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

‘Let’s stop the funeral’

I have been stop the funeral.” a member of a Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick The focus was on Christian church those of us who since 1931. had stumbled Over the years during the course I have met and of our lives, and listened to an an invitation was untold number of presented to stand ministers of evup and come down ery race, gender front, and over 50 and denominapercent of those in tion. There have been ministers deliv- attendance went down front. ering memorable messages at blessing Bishop Clay challenged all of us in ata home, baptism, weddings, banquets tendance to pick up where Connie left and homegoing services, etc. I was in off. We were reminded of what we must attendance at the homegoing service do, what we don’t do, that negatives fail for Connie Parker, president of Pitts- to become positives without actions, burgh’s NAACP a few weeks ago. The our churches must be reborn, our famservice was held at Petra Ministries, ilies must be revitalized, a rebirth is where the message was delivered by needed at the NAACP…these messagBishop Donald Clay, the minister. es that were truly delivered were long In my attendance of homegoing overdue in the church. Some ministers services, I have heard many moving will contend they deliver that message, messages, but the message delivered then continue.

by Bishop Donald Clay, “STOP THE As we exited the church, the response FUNERAL,” stands out as number to Bishop Donald Clay’s message was one. Bishop Clay opened by focusing an overwhelming Amen, clapping and on Connie and her love for her people singing, “He is a fabulous teacher and and reminded those in attendance preacher.” that Connie was not at the service; It is my fervent hope that we not only she was at rest with the other proph- heard the Bishop, Donald Clay, but will ets. begin to act out and live out the mesAfter eulogizing Connie and address- sage and not just reflect on how well ing some of the works, concerns and the message was delivered.

(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the commitments that Connie was faced with the Bishop then stated, “Let’s New Pittsburgh Courier.)

To Tell The Truth

NFL boycotts and diversions The Black dollar argument Lives Matter J. Pharoah Doss ignored the origin (BLM) movement of the term and emerged between callously suggestthe Ferguson Ried Blacks have ots and the 2016 more of an emoPresidential Electional investment tion. During this in police shootings time BLM reprebecause of money. sentatives were The problem confronted by critwith the second ics and asked why BLM didn’t demon- set of writers was their use of comparstrate against Black-on-Black crime. ative apologetics. They defended the BLM called the Black-on-Black crime Black community by making a moral question a diversion from the real is- equivalent to the White community. sue, which was White police officers In other words, if Whites are killing gunning down unarmed Black males. each other and it’s not a social problem, This was a debate tactic. (If you don’t then there shouldn’t be any outrage if have a good answer, dismiss the ques- Blacks do the same. (Malcolm X once tion.) said Whites aren’t the yardstick to But critics were persistent and con- measure equality or morality.) tinued to ask BLM about Black-onThen the 2016 NFL season began.

Black crime. (For critics it was a legitiQuarterback Colin Kaepernick capmate question because the group called tured national attention for a sideline themselves Black Lives Matter.) Then protest against the national anthem BLM sympathizers defended BLM’s to bring awareness to police violence. non-answer with their own explana- Kaepernick was influenced by BLM, tions. but he acted alone and he asked no one One prominent Black writer told the for support. But once the season was mayor of New Orleans, a mayor who over Kaepernick was released from was trying to decrease Black-on-Black his team. Then he announced he was killings in his city, that it’s natural for no longer going to protest as he purthe Black community to be more upset sued another opportunity in the NFL. about police killings than Black-on- Unfortunately, no team has signed Black killings because the community’s Kaepernick. tax dollars financed the police officer’s Now, there are Black writers and misconduct. thinkers at it again.

Other Black writers replaced the This time they are talking about boyterm “Black-on-Black” with the phrase cotting the NFL until Kaepernick is “intra-racial.” These writers said in- signed by a team. That’s fine, but there tra-racial killings were common among are dual diversions here.

White ethnic groups and no one has First, Kaepernick’s employment has ever used the phrase “White-on-White become the issue and not Blacks being crime.” killed by the police. (A while back there These defenses served their purpose was a headline that read: “Las Vegas and silenced many critics. officer kills unarmed Black but no proBut these defenses were also diver- test occurs.”) sions from the fact that Black-on-Black Second, Kaepernick didn’t leave colviolence was more destructive in the lege early like most NFL athletes. He Black community than state-sponsored graduated with a degree in business. violence, and, more importantly, these He already played in the Super Bowl. defenses were poor arguments.

He fulfilled his football aspirations.

The first writer’s tax dollar claim was During the past year he discovered backwards. The term “Black-on-Black something deeper about himself and crime” was generated in a Black news- he’s setting a new direction in his life. paper after riots in the late 1960s. The And a boycott diverts all of the atpolice departments prioritized White tention away from Kaepernick—the riot victims over Black ones. The Black man—and reduces him to a backup newspaper reported the police didn’t quarterback who can only make a livinvestigate “Black-on-Black” cases. The ing sitting on some White man’s bench.

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New complaint from Black victims was their tax dollars went to a police service that Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@ wasn’t being provided. This modern tax blogspot.com)

Check It Out

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary

Trump sets his sights on affirmative action

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Campaigning for the presidency, Donald Trump argued that Blacks and other people of color should vote for him. Given their current conditions, he argued, “What the hell do you have to lose?”

Since winning election, however, Trump seems intent on proving over and over again just how much African-Americans and other minorities have to lose.

Under Trump’s attorney general, former Alabama Sen. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, the Justice Department has been turned into a Department of Injustice. Sessions, once rejected by a Republican-majority Senate for racially biased actions and statements when nominated to the federal bench

by Ronald Reagan, has set about implanting Dixiecrat justice on the nation’s minorities.

He has directed federal prosecutors to seek the harshest sentences possible for nonviolent drug offenses, ensuring the continued incarceration of a disproportionate number of African Americans. The Justice Department has retreated from what was an emerging bipartisan consensus on sensible police reform. It has changed positions to support state laws that suppress minority voting rights. It has extended the federal government’s power to seize the property of innocent Americans.

Now, as reported in the New York Times, the Department is seeking political attorneys to investigate and sue universities “over affirmative action policies that are deemed to discriminate against White applicants.” The assault on affirmative action is classic dog whistle racial politics.

In fact, as former University of Michigan president Lee Bollinger has shown, affirmative action has helped to expand opportunity. Campuses across the country have become more representative of the American people.

This has not only helped counter centuries of discrimination; it also allows students to learn with and from people of different backgrounds. This helps prepare the future leaders and citizens of the country.

The Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that a diverse student body is an educational benefit and a boon to the country that justifies affirmative action.

Those who oppose it often assume that university admissions are based upon one objective scale: grade point and standardized test results. This is, in a word, nonsense. University admissions offices labor intensely to create a diverse body of students capable of doing the work necessary to succeed. Grades and standardized tests count, as does the quality of prior educational experience. So does the luck of having an alum as a parent, or wealthy relations who can add to the university endowment, or special athletic or musical or dramatic skills, coming from underrepresented rural communities or from abroad, and more.

Some of these categories—say having parents who are alumni or are wealthy—discriminate disproportionately against people of color, since African Americans were forbidden to build fortunes under slavery and were often excluded from college admissions until the civil rights movement’s reforms. Affirmative action helps to level the playing field.

Another lie propagated by its opponents is that affirmative action policies make it significantly harder for white students to get into selective colleges. In fact, as Derek Bok, former Harvard president, and William Bowen, former president of Princeton, reported, if selective universities had a completely race-blind admissions policy, the probability of being admitted for a White student would rise from 25 percent to 26.2 percent.

A final myth is that race no longer matters. The right-wing gang of five justices in the Supreme Court argued this in gutting provisions of the Voting Rights Act. States across the country then proved them wrong by enacting new voting restrictions—a revival of Jim Crow voter suppression schemes —that were designed to make it harder for African Americans and students to vote. America is more segregated than it was at the time of the civil rights movement. Our public schools are too often separate and unequal.

Race still matters in this country, bigtime.

What do we have to lose with Trump? Equal opportunity, voting rights, police reform, sentencing reform, university admission. People of color are learning that when Trump trumpets America First, he doesn’t include them in his America.

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

B5

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Drivers: LOCAL, Home Daily

WPXI-TV MULTIPLATFORM PRODUCER

Pittsburgh Flatbed Openings. xcellent Pay, Safety Bonus, reat Benefits ore CD A, 1yr xp. Req. Estenson Logistics Apply www.goelc.com 844-205-6902

CYF (CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES) SPECIALIST

FT position in a domestic violence agency; Provides intimate partner violence related consultation, outreach, and training to CYF caseworkers and services to CYF-involved families experiencing intimate partner violence. College degree Act 33, 34 FBI clearances required. Excellent benefits salary low 30,000’s annually. Send cover letter and resume to molinaron@wcspittsburgh.org by 10 17.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE

The New Pittsburgh Courier is looking for a display advertising sales representative. Experience in media sales or related area preferred but will train the right individual. This full-time staff position offers salary + commission with full benefits after 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.

PSYCHIATRIST in Pittsburgh, PA.

University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Psychiatrist to examine, diagnose and treat psychiatric patients; responsible for the clinical management of patients within the Adult Mood and Anxiety Service ine. Requirements: edical degree; must have completed a U.S. accredited residency training program in Psychiatry; must have a valid Pennsylvania medical license; must have a current D A certificate. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers. upmc.com and enter 1700017D in the “Search eyword ob D” field and click Go. EOE.

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

P C Community edicine, nc. seeks an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Allegheny and Butler Counties, Pennsylvania and Jefferson County, Ohio to diagnose and treat muscoluskeletal problems through the use of medical, physical, and rehabilitive methods, as well as surgery. Daily diagnosis and treatment for fractures and dislocations; torn ligaments, sprains and strains tendon in uries, pulled muscles, and bursitis; arthritis and osteoporosis; and abnormalities of fingers and toes. Supervises one (1) Physician Assistant. Must have Medical degree or foreign equivalent; must have completed four (4) years of postgraduate training in Orthopaedics; must have completed one (1) year of fellowship training in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine; must have valid PA and OH medical licenses.

Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 17000171 in the “Search eyword ob D” field and click o.

EOE.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is seeking an Associate Director for its orld ission nitiative to nurture missionary vocation and cultivate missional congregations through programs to Seminary students and faculty and to congregations and middle judicatories in our region.

The Associate Director will partner with the ew ilmington ission Conference, the Presbyterian Church ( SA), and other denominational mission organi ations, churches and individuals regionally and overseas.

PC SA knowledge, along with cross-cultural awareness is required. M.Div. degree is normally required, along with a minimum of 4 years’ experience in cross cultural mission work.

Applicants must provide cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references. Materials should be submitted to the Associate Director orld ission nitiative nterview Committee at wmisearch@pts. edu. The interview committee will begin its review of applications on September 1, 2017.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary affirms the commitment of the PC SA to a diverse workplace and equal opportunity. The Seminary also complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and executive orders relating to equal opportunity in employment.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS

SONNY BOY

Producer, writer and creator of original content for P .com and social media platforms. Experience shooting and editing video and comfortable appearing on camera.

Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, arketing or similar field preferred. EOE. Contact: http://tinyurl.com/WPXIMPP ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Meetings

SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) has set the following meeting dates for 2017 201 . The Commission xecutive Committee meetings will begin at 3:00 p.m. on onday, September 25 and December 11, 2017 and anuary 2 , arch 2 and une 25, 201 , and at 1:00 p.m. on April 30, 201 . The regular meetings of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission will begin at 4:30 p.m. on onday, September 25 and December 11, 2017 and anuary 2 , arch 2 , and une 25, 201 . All meetings will be held in the SPC Conference Center at Two Chatham Center, Suite 400, 112 ashington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 1521 .

SPC is committed to compliance with nondiscrimination requirements of civil rights statutes, executive orders, regulations and policies applicable to the programs and activities it administers. Accordingly, SPC is committed to ensuring that program beneficiaries receive public participation opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or economic status. Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities and the location is reachable by public transit. SPC will provide auxiliary services for individuals with language, speech, sight or hearing needs, provided the request for assistance is made 3 days prior to the meeting. SPC will attempt to satisfy requests made with less than 3 days notice as resources allow. Please make your request for auxiliary services to Shannon O’Connell at (412) 3 1 55 0, xt.

334, or soconnell spcregion.org.

If you believe you have been denied participation opportunities, or otherwise discriminated against in relation to the programs or activities administered by SPC, you may file a complaint using the procedures provided in our complaint process document or by contacting SPC’s Title Coordinator by calling (412) 3 1 55 0. or more information, or to obtain a Title Discrimination Complaint orm, please see our website at: www.spcregion.org or call 412 3 1 55 0.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Pittsburgh ater and Sewer Authority (P SA) is submitting an application for an individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System ( S4) to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP). The plan may be reviewed on our website at pgh2o. com or by visiting our main office at 1200 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222. ritten comments will be accepted at PWSACompliance@ pgh2o.com or at our Penn Avenue office.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND JUVENILE COURT PUBLIC HEARING ON CHILDREN’S SERVICES ANNUAL PLAN AND BUDGET

On ednesday, August 23, from 3 4 p.m., the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and Juvenile Court will hold a public hearing to obtain comments on the DRA T of the 201 201 Office of Children, outh and amilies Needs-Based Plan that will be presented to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The hearing will take place at One Smithfield Street, ower level, in the omestead Grays conference room.

A draft of the plan is available on the DHS website at http://www. alleghenycounty.us/HumanServices/About/Plans-andBudgets.aspx.

Persons wishing to provide comments on the plan through written or oral testimony at the meeting are asked to call 412 350 7144 to be placed on the agenda.

The Department of Human Services makes reasonable efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please call 412 327 305

by August 21, if you require special accommodations.

Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Public Notice

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Pittsburgh ater and Sewer Authority (P SA) is submitting a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Strategy to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP). The plan may be reviewed on our website at pgh2o. com or by visiting our main office at 1200 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222. ritten comments will be accepted at PWSACompliance@ pgh2o.com or at our Penn Avenue office.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices Letters Testamentary on the Estate of BEULAH MAE HUFFMAN, Court Term o.

0217044 5, late of Plum Borough, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of dept. of Court Records, ills Orphans Courts Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement.

Barbara ennaro, xecutrix, 11 Alpine illage Dr., onroeville, PA 1514 or to Cathy . Brannigan, sq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Fictitious Names Act of Pennsylvania that an application for registration of a fictitious name was filed in the office of the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on uly 31, 2017 for the conduct of a business under the fictitious name of Bacchus and Jack Fine Goods in Allegheny County with its principal office or place of business at www.bacchusand ackfinegoods. com The names and addresses, including street and number, if any, of all persons who are parties to the registration are: Camarda ebb nterprises, C, et.al, d b a Bacchus and ack ine oods, 430 . Swissvale Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 1521 , 412.50 . 5 5

CHANGE OF NAME

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: D 17 00 2 . n re: Petition of argarita del Carmen Rodriguez on behalf of minor child Jeremy Michael Stone Rodrigue , for change of name to eremy Scott Stone. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authori ed the filing of said petition and fixed Thursday, August 31, 2017, at :45 a.m. as the time and the otions Room, City County Bldg., Pittsburgh, PA 1521 , as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of PAULINE K. PIKUNAS, of Pittsburgh, PA date of death uly 11, 2017. state o. 02 17 04372 arianne Pikunas Donohue c o udith A. ehnowsky, Atty., 20 vergreen Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 1520 . 412 21 0441 Estate of EVELYN THOMPSON a/k/a EVELYN SCOTT, Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA o. 041 of 2017 Cimmean Thompson, Administratrix, 10 Comrie Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104 or to Thelma C. Spells, squire, Attorney, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Estate of JOYCE ELAINE SCHAEFER, Deceased of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. o.

02 17 03 2, Randi . Starr, Administratrix c o ckert Seamans Cherin ellot, C, .S. Steel Tower, 00 rant Street, 44th loor, Pittsburgh, PA 1521 or to ancy .

Rackoff, squire, ckert Seamans Cherin ellott, C, .S. Steel Tower, 00 rant Street, 44th loor, Pittsburgh, PA 1521

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a Request for Proposals (R P) for Allegheny County ail ocational Training. Proposals are due by: 3 p.m. astern Time on riday, September , 2017.

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

Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Sports xhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) will receive sealed bids for the Fourth Floor Terrace South Replacement. The contract for this work will be with the SEA. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the S A, 171 10th Street, 2nd loor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Thomas P. Ryser, r. mail: tryser pgh sea.com, Telephone: 412 3 3 0200 acsimile: 412 3 3 7104. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu Copy at (724) 35 7055. Additional information on the project can also be found of Accu Copy’s website at http://www. accu-copy.com.

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: David L. Lawrence Convention Center Bid Package Name: Fourth Floor Terrace South Replacement Bid Package Available: August 1 , 2017 Approximate alue: 300,000 Pre-Bid Meeting Time/Date/Location: 10:00 A , Thursday, August 24, 2017 Bids Due Time Date ocation: 2:00 P , Tuesday, September 5, 2017 Sports xhibition Authority, 171 10th Street, 2nd loor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

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

Separate and sealed Proposals will be received at the Office of Procurement, Allegheny County Airport Authority, Pittsburgh nternational Airport, andside Terminal, 4th loor e , P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231 0370 until 1:00 P.M. prevailing local time, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017, and bids will be publicly opened and read by the Airport Authority in Conference Room C, Pittsburgh nternational Airport, andside Terminal, 4th loor e , P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231 0370, one half hour later, for the following: ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PROJECT NUMBER 8E1-17-REBID AIRFIELD LIGHTING CABLE REPLACEMENT AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A pre-bid conference will be held in Conference Room A, Fourth Floor, in the Landside Building, Pittsburgh International Airport, at 1:00 p.m., on AUGUST 22, 2017.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and ndustry, must be paid on these projects.

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

The non-refundable charge for the Bid Documents and a Disk containing the Plans and Specifications is 150.00 mailing can be arranged for an additional 75.00 charge for mailing information call 412 472 3 77 or 412 472 3 3.

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

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty 0 days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.

To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents visit www.flypittsburgh. com under doing business with us – business opportunities or call 412 472 3 3 or 412 472 3 77, or 412 472 3543.

Christina A. Cassotis Chief Executive Officer ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The City of Pittsburgh, Office of the Controller (City) is interested in an application that will allow citizens to report fraud, waste, and abuse from a mobile device. Those interested in responding may obtain a copy of the Request for Proposal (R P) at the City Controller’s Office, 1st Floor City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pa 15219 or by emailing ryan. herbinko@pittsburghpa.gov. Responses will be accepted until 4pm, September 13, 2017.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

The URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of Pittsburgh will receive bids from qualified contractors for remediation and/or demolition of nine structures: a 2 1 2 story single family house located at Shetland Avenue ( arimer), a 3 story townhouse located at 12 Reed Street (Crawford Roberts), a 2 story townhouse located at 127 Trent Street ( iddle ill), a 2 1 2 story single family house located at 618 N. Dallas Avenue ( omewood est), a 2 story townhouse located at 111 Carrington Street (Central orthside), a 2 story single family house located at 3 ast iberty Boulevard ( arimer), 2 story commercial building located at 724 rankstown Avenue ( omewood orth), 2 story commercial building located at 24 . Ohio St. ( ast Allegheny)., and a 3 1 2 story commercial building located at 2 . Ohio St. ( ast Allegheny) R D AT O O O D O T O , and all work incidental thereto required to complete Scattered Sites Demolition and Site Clearance Contract o. 11, until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on ednesday, the th day of September, 2017, at its office, 11th floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1521 , at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room on the 11th floor.

Contract documents will be available on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, in the ngineering and Construction Department, 11th loor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1521 , upon a non refundable payment of TWENTY-FIVE ($25.00) DOLLARS made payable to the URA of Pittsburgh. CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. Contract documents will not be mailed.

A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, negotiable .S. overnment Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory bid bond, executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in a dollar amount equal to 5 of the total bid, shall be submitted. ach bid submittal must include the Bid, on collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder, Bid Bond, Statement of Bidders ualifications, and Certification of inority and omen’s Participation with Exhibits. ages paid on this pro ect shall not be less than the minimum wages determined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as set forth in the contract documents.

The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. The Contractor must assure that applicants and employees are not discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age or sexual preference, gender identity, gender expression, political and or union affiliation.

The rban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh requires that all bidders complete and submit Certification of inority and omen’s Participation with Exhibits.

The rban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding.

Bids may be held by the rban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for a period not to exceed ninety ( 0) days from the date of opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids prior to awarding the Contract.

URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH Robert Rubinstein Executive Director

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B6

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AUGUST 16-22, 2017

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

SONNY BOY

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT

Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on September 13, 2017 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award.

FY17 GARAGE BUS LIFT IMPROVEMENTS EAST LIBERTY GARAGE & ROSS GARAGE CONTRACT NO. SYS-17-09-G,-P,-E The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, material, tools, equipment and incidentals necessary for the installation of new 3-post scissor style and 2-post scissor style lifts at the East Liberty and Ross Garage facilities. This shall include, but is not limited to, concrete slab replacements, floor drains and piping and electrical connections.

Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after August 14, 2017 at Authority’s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made.

Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full.

Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods.

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

Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project.

In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262.

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Cindy Denner - Authority (412) 566-5117 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Cindy Denner Email: cdenner@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 AM EST August 29, 2017

Pre-Bid Conference Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center Neal H. Holmes Board Room 345 Sixth Avenue, 5th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour immediately following the Pre-Bid Conference. All participants must provide and wear safety vests and proper footwear. Transportation for the Site Tour will not be provided.

1:30 p.m.

Bids Due September 13, 2017 Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Office Of The Chief Operations Officer, Room 251, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time, TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following supplies: ROCK SALT & ICE MELT General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: http:// www.pghboe.net/pps/site/default. asp Click on Bid Opportunities under Quick Links.

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

M. Jordan Purchasing Agent We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR A FUND ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE SOLUTION ADVERTISEMENT 2017

The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh is requesting proposals from qualified firms to provide a Fund Accounting Software Solution as more fully described in the RFP document.

RFP Packets will be available Tuesday August 15, 2017 after 3:00 p.m.

EST on the Authority’s website at www.pittsburghparking.com and at the Authority main office located at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held at the Authority’s main office on Tuesday August 22, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. EST. Prospective proposers are required to submit three (3) hard copies of the proposal and three (3) electronic copies in the form of USB drive of the proposal, in a clearly marked and sealed envelope by 3:00 p.m.

EST on Wednesday September 6, 2017.

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

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, September 5, 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 LAB TESTING PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA84 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: jtracey@pgh2o.com, no later than August 28, 2017.

This project is for the contracting of laboratory testing of water samples for various components.

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

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) will receive proposals for the design of lighting upgrades at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) and the North Shore Garage (NSG). The contract for this work will be with the SEA. Inquiries regarding the proposals should be made to the SEA, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Simona Loberant; email: sloberant@pgh-sea.com; Telephone: 412-325-3009; Facsimile: 412-393-7104.

This Advertisement applies to the following Request for Proposal (RFP): RFP Name: Design of DLCC and NSG Lighting Upgrades RFP Available: August 7, 2017 Pre-Proposal Meeting: Time/Date/ Location 9:00 a.m., August 14, 2017 Proposal Submissions Due: Time/ Date/Location 2:00 p.m., August 25, 2017 Sports & Exhibition Authority 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222

America’s Best Weekly 315 East CarsonStreet Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140

E-mail:

ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

Pick up your Courier at these locations NORTH SIDE LOCATIONS NORTH SIDE BEER AND BEVERAGE 1304 Federal St. 7-11 1001 Western Ave. RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. Franklin St. NORTH SIDE VALERO 820 Pennsylvania Ave. RITE AID 802 Pennsylvania Ave. MARSHALL SHELL 1500 Spring Garden Ave. SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 Perrysville Ave. MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 Mercy St. HARV’S EXXON 2501 Brighton Rd. QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 Brighton Rd. HANINI MARKET 3245 Brighton Rd. SOUTH SIDE LOCATIONS KEN’S MARKET 216 Beltzhoover Ave. Daily Mart 1125 Arlington Ave. SHOP N’ SAVE Brownsville Rd., Carrick WEST END LOCATIONS CRAFTON BEVERAGE 15 Foster Ave., Crafton/Ingram Shopping Center SHEETZ 5400 Campbells Run Rd. SHOP N SAVE 2103 Noblestown Rd. HILL DISTRICT LOCATIONS SHOP N’ SAVE 1850 Centre Ave. WONG’S MARKET 2170 Centre Ave. ANN’S MARKET 2316 Webster Ave. A-PLUS MINI MARKET 2350 Centre Ave. UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 Centre Ave. K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 Mercer St. ABE’S MARKET 1860 Centre Ave. WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 Wylie Ave. POPULAR EAST END LOCATIONS GETGO 4924 Baum Blvd.

BP GAS STATION 11835 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 10991 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills SHOP N’ SAVE 3335 William Penn Hwy, near Monroeville Mall GETGO 10525 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills CVS PHARMACY 10600 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills SHELL GAS STATION 7619 Baum Blvd., Shadyside STANTON NEGLEY DRUG 804 N. Negley Ave., Highland Park UNIMART 5724 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside SHELL GAS STATION 6701 Frankstown Rd., East Hills SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 Yost Blvd., Braddock Hills

DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 Frankstown Ave., Homewood HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 Frankstown Ave., Homewood SHEETZ 3457 William Penn Hwy., Monroeville WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP 132 North Highland Ave., East Liberty DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS PENN AVENUE 7-11 (Sixth and Penn) Koppers Building (Ninth and Penn) NEWS-NUMBERS 136 Penn Avenue SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 Smithfield St. 7-11 SMITHFIELD 420 Smithfield St. FABER COE & GREGG 500 Grant St. FABER COE & GREGG 600 Grant St. NIELSEN’S STORES One Oxford Centre, Grant St. WOOD STREET 7-11 429 Wood St. NEWSTAND Sixth and Wood ONE STOP 300 Sixth & Wood OTHER DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS INCLUDE...

KWIK-E-MART 212 Tenth St. 7-11 643 Liberty Ave. ESTER’S SNAX Federal Building, Second Floor FABER COE & GREGG Fifth Ave. Place, First Floor EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 Seventh Ave. UTSAV NEWS 400 Cherry Way C&C NEWS 2 PPG Place EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 Fifth Ave. BIG DADDY 465 Forbes Ave. GIANT EAGLE (18 Pittsburgh Locations) 6320 Shakespeare St., East Liberty (EAST, near BUSWAY) 4004 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville (MONROEVILLE MALL) 230 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills (EAST inside Penn Hills Shopping Center) 9001 Frankstown Road. (EAST, corner of Frankstown and Verona Rd.) 550 Centre Ave., Shadyside (EAST, Market District) 3812 O’Neill Blvd., McKeesport (SOUTHEAST) 1356 Hoffman Blvd., West Mifflin (NEAR KENNYWOOD) 1901 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill (EAST) 1005 Freeport Road, Waterworks Mall (NEAR FOX CHAPEL) 4250 Murray Ave., Greenfield (EAST) 254 Yost Blvd., Forest Hills/Braddock Hills (SOUTH EAST) 1705 S. Braddock Ave., Edgewood Towne Center (EAST) 420 East Waterfront Dr., Homestead (SOUTHEAST) 4680 Old William Penn Hwy, Ames Plaza, Route 22 (NEAR MURRYSVILLE) 2021 Wharton Ave. (SOUTH SIDE FLATS) 318 Cedar Ave., North Side (NORTH near E. OHIO ST.) Crafton/Ingram Shopping Center, 51 Walsh Road (WEST END) Parkway Center Mall, 1165 McKinney Lane (WEST END)

SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier

Falcons at Steelers

Preseason Game 2 This Sunday, Aug. 20

B7

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Like Father, Like Son B.J. Flenory is inducted into the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Sports Hall of Fame, joining his father

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Just saying the name “Flenory” gets people talking, gets people reminiscing, gets people mesmerized.

Baron “B.B.” Flenory needs no introduction. He’s the 1976 Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Year, scoring nearly 2,000 points in his career at Valley High School, and one of the best basketball players in the history of Duquesne University.

B.B.’s son, B.J., starred as an all-conference football player at Valley, an All-American defensive back at New Hampshire, and is very successful in the business arena with summer football camps for

B.J. FLENORY high school students.

B.B. Flenory has long been entrenched into the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Hall of Fame.

Now, like father, son B.J. Flenory has been enshrined

into the Alle-Kiski Valley Hall of Fame as well.

The ceremony occurred May 20 at the Quality Inn in New Kensington. It was a moment that B.J. is very proud of. One would correctly assume the only person prouder of the accomplishment is his father, B.B. “I am extremely proud of him, but not really so much of his athletic accomplishments as I am about the young man, husband and father he is,” B.B. Flenory told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “Sure, the accolades he receives for sports as well as his football camps and partnership with Jordan Brand is special, but all that stuff is superficial. He was able to accomplish that because of the person and character he has. What kind of father or grandfather would I be if I said I was prouder of him than the others because of his athletic prowess. I am proud of all my children

and grandchildren because they are kind, caring and compassionate for their fellow man. Anything after that is gravy.”

B.J. Flenory graduated from Valley High School in 2001. He also played basketball at the school, and earned MVP honors of the Allegheny-Kiski Valley TipOff Tournament his senior season.

At New Hampshire, B.J. Flenory was instrumental in helping the team make the NCAA playoffs in his senior year.

With the name “Flenory” already widely-known and revered, could the son, B.J., handle or live up to any perceived expectations as he was growing up? “Due to his high character and strong personality, he never was in awe or intimidated by my success,” B.B. Flenory said of his son, B.J. “He appreciated it for what it was and enjoyed hearing stories about his father, but B.J. marches to the tune of

B.J. AND B.B. FLENORY a different drummer. He always was determined to carve his own niche in life and was proud to be my son but he had bigger fish to fry.”

B.J. Flenory founded Next Level Athletic Camps,

which eventually became Pylon Camps Inc., specializing in 7-on-7 football camps across the nation.

He currently resides in Dallas with wife Ashley, son Baron III and daughter Quinn.

Pirates injuries come at the worst times, and is T.J. Watt a budding star?

by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

The Pittsburgh Pirates seem to be making a move toward claiming the National League Central Division crown.

That statement is theoretical.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are experiencing untimely injuries to key performers at the most inopportune time of the 2017 season.

That statement is factual, and as former Pirates broadcaster Lanny Frattare might say, “There (is) noooo doubt about it.” So far in 2017, at one time or another, the Pirates have lost the following players for multi-game stretches because of injury; out-

fielder Gregory Polanco, catcher Francisco Cervelli, OF/IF Adam Frazier, pitcher Jameson Taillon, pitcher Antonio Bastardo, third baseman David Freese, center fielder Andrew McCutchen, catcher Chris Stewart. Many of the aforementioned have been forced to appear on the seven or 10-day disabled list, or even longer. These are just some the physical injuries that have occurred in 2017.

Now let’s address a few of the possible mental issues affecting the team, shall we? As if it weren’t enough, the Pirates have been psychologically smacked around by one their star players (Starling Marte), being suspended the first

JOSHUA DOBBS

by Bill Neal

half of the At this 2017 seapoint the Pison and also rates may relieved of be in need of close to half both a neuof his searologist and son’s pay psychologist for allegedin order to ly ingesting even contemillegal perplate making formance-enthe playoffs h a n c i n g in 2017, or drugs. What as ex-NFL was the reacoach Jim son for MarMora might te using a say; “Don’t PED that talk about— has allegedly playoffs? You been monikidding me? tored since AUBREY BRUCE Playoffs?” the Cold If not this War? Who knows? Marte’s year, then in the near fususpension also happened ture the Pirates should after the Pirates had tak- possibly make sure that en a huge risk and juggled as many as seven of nine the lineup of their start- starters have the ability to ing outfield by moving for- play at least three positions mer NL MVP McCutchen (both infield and outfield) from his ordained position and their subs should be of center field to the real able to do the same in in orestate of right field that der to minimize the effects had previously been sanc- of injuries to their starting tified and glorified by the lineup. late Roberto Clemente, A star is born, maybe all without consulting or The Pittsburgh Steelreceiving the consent of ers beat the New York GiMcCutchen himself. When ants 20-12 in their first McCutchen was originally 2017 preseason game, at moved from center field to MetLife stadium. Although right field during spring this was a turnover-filled training this year, he had contest benefitting the dethis to say: “That was fenses of both squads, one one of the first times that of the lights at the end of there was something that the defensive tunnel for I wanted to go against,” he the Steelers was rookie and said. “It wasn’t something first-round pick, linebacker I was ready for or I want- T.J. Watt. Of course he’s the ed to do. But as I keep say- brother of Houston Texans ing that, I’m talking about megastar defensive end, myself. So, I just had to J.J. Watt. Although it was not be selfish and just ac- the first NFL game for his cept that’s what I had to younger sibling, J.J. said he do and move over to right.” received a text from one of

Inside Conditions

the world’s greatest entertainers, Kendrick Lamar, about the performance of T.J. Watt.

J.J. seemed to be slightly gushing when he spoke to reporters about the incident. “I came out of my meeting and I actually had a text on my phone and the first text that I saw, it was the most crazy thing in the world. I read the text and it said, ‘I see your little bro out there balling. I hope all is well.’ And I looked and I was, like, ‘that was from Kendrick Lamar.’ I was, like, ‘wait a second. What did my little brother do?’

So, I go on Google. I check it out and it said two sacks in four plays. So, I texted him so he could see after the game what Kendrick said

and I just thought that was like, the craziest thing in the world, to see one of the best rappers in the world— possibly the best rapper in the world—text me about my little brother.”

Although Steelers rookie QB Joshua Dobbs appeared to be slightly nervous in his first NFL start, Dobbs still completed 8 of 15 passes for 100 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. There were a few talking heads still spewing nonsense about what a dreadful game Dobbs played.

Well they may be overthinking it a bit. If “yinz” guys get too critical, think Landry Jones. Game, set, match.

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

T.J. WATT (Photos by Will McBride)

City League, it’s your time…it’s your turn!

For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—Here are the finalists for the 4th Annual Pittsburgh City High School All Sports Hall of Fame. A final 20 living legends and 10 deceased legends will be chosen from this group in two weeks.

They are; Kevin Barlow, Mel Bennett, John Brewer, Ron Porter, Tonja Stevens, Joe Hnath, Andrew Hodge, George Fitch, William Fitch, Jessie Murphy, Amber Plowden, Eddie Benton, Larry Anderson, Laniece Saunders, Chris Eleam, Lisa White, Mike Ford, Joe Tyson, Vaughn Rivers, Mike Wilson, Raymond Hooper, Charles Pallie, Ngozi Uzdaga, Delaney Howard, Latricha Hall, Nathan Hall, Talise Manvel, Leroy Dillard, Craig Walls, Mark Ellison, Billy Betts, Horace Nelson, Laren Neft, Manela Hodge, Marsha Hodge, Buddy Valinski, Clyde Mann, John

Clark, Audie Chapman, Andy Vento, Rasheed Hill, Moe Robinson, James Williams, Paul Champlin, John Henderson, Fred Lucas, Gilbert Cummings, Cedrick Hill, Adolphas Bank, John Quiley, Frank Henderson, Donald Turner, Chuch Griffey, Leslie Neft. The Special Category Awardees for 2017 are: Kevin Parker, Maurice Lucas Courage Award; Albert Kennedy, Pete Diempero Legend Award; Dr. Gloria Hill, Dr. Helen Faison Community Leadership Award, and Bill Hillgrove, Eddie Jefferies Public Relations/Media Award.

Team Induction Awardees for 2017 are, the 1996 Schenley High School City League and State Championship Team, and the 1971 Schenley High School City League and State Championship Team. :09—Now Here’s the Details: When history was made in Pittsburgh, and most especially the Black

c o m m u and the Hall nity, only of Fame inone source ductions are brought you at the Authe news gust Wilson and the facts Center, Oct. as they hap7. Cocktail pened. That reception, 6 tradition p.m., award continues presentaas the New tions, 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh Follow your Courier will New Pittsonce again burgh Couteam with rier for more A c h i e v details. ing Great:08—Orness Inc., dinarily, I Highmark, would tell Pittsburgh you not to BILL NEAL Board of Edget excitucation, the ed over a Mayor’s Office of the City Steelers preseason game of Pittsburgh, the Office except…I’m excited. of the Chief Executive of Man, they looked good.

Allegheny County, Chuck And I’ll remind you what Sanders Charities and Chuck Noll said…“If the UPMC to present the 2017 games didn’t matter, they Pittsburgh City League wouldn’t play them!” Quote High School Hall of Fame “The Emperor” Chuck Noll Inductions. Pre-Hall of forever more!

Fame reception at the Sa:07—Speaking of getting voy, Oct. 6, 6 p.m. until… excited, I think it’s safe to

Overtime

maintain a level of excitement for your Pittsburgh Pirates. Still holding tight in third place behind the Cubs and the Cards. (Still just building up for a second-place finish to keep ya smilin’!) :06—Usain Bolt ends his career as a human being. Finishing third in his trademark 100 meters and coming up lame in the 4x100, as if he has anything in “the world” to worry about. :05—There was a major golf tournament of some kind, somewhere and somebody won, but as you know, not my thing. Just be happy I told you about it. Now keep it moving!!! :04—Did someone say Earth…Wind…and Fire!!!

Well you should have been there. That’s all I can tell ya. I mean, simply amazing and how Phillip Bailey can still hit those super high notes is beyond unbelievable. It was, in fact, 1979 again with advanced technology and sound.

:03—Pittsburgh City League football is here.

Parents, be supportive, be involved, be concerned… but let it be from a distance. Let your children play the game, play the instruments and do the cheering. You just play parent. :02—Get ready to get ready. “The Great White Party” and Car Show! At the Savoy, Saturday, September 2. Come dressed in your best white. DJ at the car show, all great cars welcomed. $10 car registration and party ticket.

First, second and thirdplace trophies for best car on-site. Party continues inside until 10 p.m. Call 412-628-4856 to register your car. :01—Last word to the wise. When you come to the detour sign at the corner of Homewood and Frankstown that says N. Korea to the right…you better turn your butt to the left! :00—GAME OVER.

B8

PEOPLE

AUGUST 16-22, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Why go to Haiti?

ERV DYER, PhD

Veteran Pittsburgh journalist and author Erv Dyer, PhD, along with other local journalists, will travel to Haiti in October. Dyer explains the significance of his upcoming trip, in the first of a monthly series of Courier stories leading up to the departure Why go to Haiti?

I have to begin to answer that question with another: why go to the Hill District, Homewood, or Harlem?

Because Black space matters.

Haiti, like its smaller cousins, the urban Black communities of Harlem, the Hill District, and Homewood, has long suffered from the gaze of those who look at these communities and see nothing—except the resources that can be exploited and extrapolated: people, culture and art. Or too many see it only through the lens of biased media, where centuries of long, dark narratives show Haiti as a destitute nation that offers nothing but disease, death, and deprivation.

My friend and Haitian scholar, Yven Destin, has studied how media images and coverage shape such a bleak and blighted frame about Haiti. In his work, he discovered the mainstream media often focused on Haitians as being needy boat people, HIV carriers, and uncivilized. A steady media distortion that left Haitians framed as threatening, polluted, and primitive.

I first became more intimately aware of Haiti a little over a decade ago. Leon Pamphile, a Haiti native, worked as a teacher and preacher in Pittsburgh. At the time, I worked as a local reporter and he called to see if our paper could put in a notice about local celebrations recognizing Haiti’s anniversary of independence from France.

The more I chatted with Pamphile, now a bishop serving some of the most impoverished communities in Haiti, the more I became interested in his own climb from rural Haiti to holding a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.

By the end of our conversation, I had encouraged Pamphile to let me write a feature on his own life. We became friends. Eventually, Pamphile invited me to Haiti, to see the work he

was doing to bring literacy, medical care, and hope to the people in the valley and hills where he walked as a child. Led by his Christian faith, he founded the Functional Literacy Ministry of Haiti, or FLM-Haiti, to give back to the people of his homeland.

Another invitation to Haiti came from a more unusual source: Langston Hughes. The Black American poet has had a deep influence on my life and writing career. Hughes had come to Haiti in 1932 and met the Haitian writer Jacques Roumain. The two stayed in touch and wrote about race, class, and oppression among the people of the African diaspora.

Hughes, in Haiti, discovered the joy of spending

time with what he called “the people without shoes,” the hardworking everyday folks whose culture and lifestyle he embraced.

I wanted to discover these people and find this joy, too.

I wanted to walk where Hughes walked and be inspired and renewed by taking the same journey.

So, about a decade ago, I went to Haiti.

Like people who only know of Black spaces in the narrowest of ways, I feared it. It was largely unknown.

I knew the country had a long history of oppression by western powers, from slavery to rebellion and freedom, then to United States military occupation and a debilitating cycle of political coups and conflicts. And then, of course, the earthquake. My family

prayed. And, I boarded the plane for Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

But after visiting Haiti for a week, I felt at home.

There was something familiar about it. Visiting the rural areas was like visiting my grandmother’s farm in Hanover County, Va. Most intimately, what I saw was a people and a culture who reminded me of my grandmother and her way of life. I recognized the grace and fervor with which Haitians sang their worship hymns. I recognized the rice and chicken that was served for dinner.

I recognized the way that, amid such insecurity, family and neighbors bonded to care for each other.

I learned that Haiti, despite its complicated challenges, is defined by the

rich and vibrant culture of its people and not the dark, one-dimensional media depictions.

But more broadly, Haiti reminded me of Harlem, the Hill District, and Homewood. What I saw in Haiti was the same spirit I see in many Black spaces: a determination of its people to survive and live free.

I saw their beautiful art, heard their beautiful music, and heard their pleas to work in partnership with others to make their nation better.

In this Black space, I found my mission.

It is to share the story of Haiti, and other Black spaces, as fully as possible. When we travel there in October, it will be my fourth visit to the land of Toussaint L’ouverture, the

Haitian independence leader who chased away the enslaving French. We’ll be visiting spaces where Haiti children are writing their own stories. We’ll visit museums where Haitians tell their history. We’ll visit the fortress the Citadelle, one of the most awe-inspiring sites in the world. And, we’ll have conversations with the locals, hearing in their voices what they think of their nation’s politics, culture, and challenges. With luck, we’ll have these conversations over rice and beans, reminiscent of the meals and spirit we shared at my Grandmother’s house.

History, culture, faith, food, and hope. Yes, Black spaces matter.

That’s why we’re going to Haiti.

—Erv Dyer

ERV DYER, carrying mission supplies up a Haitian mountain a few years ago. To inquire about joining Dyer on the trip to Haiti in October, E-mail eedyerson@aol.com