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SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

ULYP hosts ‘#BlackLivesMatter’ forum

‘We Are One’ unites community against violence

by Paige Mitchell

by Ashley Johnson

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Courier Staff writer

“Black lives matter”…A quote many have become familiar with as the nation has witnessed an overwhelming amount of street violence and police brutality unfold within the country. However, “Black lives matter,” is not just a quote, phrase, or hashtag; it has become a movement.

“In today’s world, social media ignites social change. #BLACKLIVESMATTER started on social media and has demonstrated new principles of activism; essentially, it transformed a moment into an actual movement. As young professionals, we can leverage technology to bring awareness to issues that matter to us and rally our peers across the nation to join together for justice and change,” said Kyshira Moffett, president of the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh.

The “#BlackLivesMatter” forum was

Board Chair Gary Claus introduced Howard and his wife to the staff and students during the university’s fall mixer on Sept. 10.

“The Robert Morris University Board of Trustees is pleased to appoint Dr. Christopher Howard as RMU’s next president,” said Claus. “Dr. Howard is a high-energy,

From the hallway packed with vendors to the gym filled with youth and their families, informational tables manned by various organizations and the sound of empowering speeches by community leaders and public officials, one thing was on everyone’s mind at the “We Are One” community event—coming together to make a positive impact in the community.

The Sept. 12 event held at the Penn Hills YMCA and hosted by Jamar Place of Peace and Mothers With A Voice, in partnership with the Y, brought everyone out in hopes of uniting the community and putting an end to the senseless violence.

“This event was to bring the community together on one accord and help direct the dysfunction running amongst African American people and throughout our communities,” said Wynona Hawkins Harper, event organizer and founder of Jamar Place of Peace. “We need to redirect the misdirection. In order to correct our children, we have to correct our behavior as adults. We all play a part.”

Harper, who said she was very pleased by the turnout, knows first-hand about being robbed by the senseless violence. She founded Jamar Place of Peace after her son, Jamar Hawkins, was slain in 2013 near the intersection of Leechburg and Saltsburg roads, in Penn Hills, while stopped at a traffic light; no one has yet to be charged wit his death.

SEE HOWARD A4

SEE UNITES A5

SEE ULYP A4

URA votes to create Affordable Housing Fund

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff writer

With development threatening to push low-income, elderly and predominantly Black renters out of East Liberty, the Urban Redevelopment Authority has decided to use income from some of that development to make sure that doesn’t happen.

At its scheduled September meeting, the authority board approved using tax revenue from phase two of its East Liberty Transit Revitalization Investment District to fund affordable housing and other infrastructure in the neighborhood.

“I just want to thank everyone and the mayor for coming together on this because the need for affordable housing in East Liberty is critical,” said board member and state Rep. Ed Gainey, D-East Liberty.

The TRID is a mechanism that allows future tax revenue to fund development

Howard new Robert Morris president CHRISTOPHER HOWARD

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Rhodes scholar, star athlete and a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran with a Harvard MBA and a doctoral degree from Oxford University; these are just some of the credentials Christopher B. Howard will bring to Robert Morris University when he officially takes over as president in February.

Brown to refocus Homewood Children’s Village

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

FRED BROWN

SEE URA A4

In just three weeks as the new executive director of the Homewood Children’s Village, Fred Brown has already begun a program assessment, a staff evaluation and met with potential partners as he prepares to realign the nonprofit’s focus.

“I’m convinced we can’t do the same things we’ve always done. What we’ve done has been a series of activities that are all transactional,” he said “We need to shift from transactional to transformational action.”

Since its foundation by University of Pittsburgh Professor John Wallace five years ago, the HCV has created a nurturing learning environment that touches

1,000 students in three schools in Homewood, Faison K-5 through, Lincoln PreK-5 and Westinghouse 6-12.

But even with its staff, volunteers from AmeriCorps and students for the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work all participating, the results have not been good enough. Brown believes the reason is that the agency has focused only on part of its mission statement: “to simultaneously improve the lives of Homewood’s children and reweave the fabric of the community in which they live.”

They reach the kids, Brown said, but their families are not connected to this learning trajectory. The kids are outpacing the parents. And because many of these parents SEE BROWN A4

Students display STEAM prowess

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Three-D printers churning out chess pieces, pens and elaborate sculptures; robots made from ‘found’ objects like toasters, radios and ambulance lights; these were just some of the projects displayed as teachers, funders and supporters from 25 school districts crowded the main hall at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union building on the South Side for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s 2nd annual STEAM Showcase Open House.

Each of the districts received $20,000 grants from the Claude Worthington Benedum and the Grable Foundations to increase student involvement and fluency in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math applications.

Several of the student projects in-

volved trying to address an issue of importance to the broader communities in which their schools are located, such mitigating excess rainwater by deploying tree wells.

Steel Valley High School sophomore Adolphus Hamilton and his partner, Bret Nowowiejski, are working on a plan to revitalize part of Homestead, but in order to put their engineering, art and analyses into a proper presentation, they needed to build a STEAM lab at the school—so they did.

“Yeah we used out grant to renovate and old wrestling room in the basement,” said Hamilton. “It’s pretty cool now. And we can attract more students and do more work.”

The highlight of the showcase was the presentation of awards to students who had excelled in demonstrating the benefits of STEAM to their schools and communities.

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Former Pittsburgh Steeler and Steel Valley Graduate Charlie Batch returned for a second year to present the awards. He called it important work and thanked the AIU and the foundations for their support.

“When I came here last year, I didn’t know what to expect and I was totally blown away by what these students could do. And we’re now looking at STEAM as part of what we do at the Best of the Batch Foundation,” he said. “So when they asked me back this year, I said, ‘I’m there.’”

One of the award winners, Dominic Cook a 9th-grader from the Clairton Area School District, said without the STEAM award his school won—and used to create its own Internet-based news and school events webcast, he wouldn’t be the outgoing confident inSEE STEM A4

FULL STEAM AHEAD—Clairton student Dominic Cook receives an achievement award from Charlie Batch during the AIU STEAM Showcase Open House, Sept. 9, on the South Side. (Photo by Gail Manker)

George Curry says

Obama is no ‘lame duck’ president Forum A7

For congressional victory on Iran nuclear deal, Obama threw everything into uniting Democrats

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SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP)—A lame-duck president, an empowered opposition, a looming election: They’re hardly the ingredients for a resounding White House triumph.

Yet President Barack Obama clinched a huge victory on the Iran nuclear deal in Congress this past week as Senate Democrats blocked GOP attempts to get a disapproval resolution to his desk.

Frustrated House Republicans settled

for passing two related measures destined to go nowhere.

The outcome was especially notable for a White House with a history of bungling legislative initiatives on Capitol Hill, and a president known for a hands-off relationship with lawmakers, even his own Democrats.

This time was different—according to administration officials and lawmakers of both parties.

For some GOP presidential candidates, better to be with popular Pope Francis than against him

WASHINGTON (AP)—To some Republican presidential candidates, it’s better to be with the popular pope than against him.

Marco Rubio, Rand Paul and Ted Cruz have deep policy differences with Pope Francis, but the senators will break off campaign travel to attend his address to Congress later this month, a centerpiece of his eagerly anticipated visit to the United States.Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a devout Catholic, will attend Mass with Francis in Washington. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, another Catholic candidate, plans to attend one of the pope’s East Coast events.

“Regardless of what the pope says or emphasizes, the simple fact of being associated with his visit is still significant for a candidate,” said David Campbell, a professor at the Univer-

POULAR POPE—Pope Francis and President Barack Obama smile as they exchange gifts, at the Vatican Thursday, March 27, 2014.

(AP Photo/Gabriel Bouys, Pool) sity of Notre Dame who studies religion and politics. “The images are very powerful.”

Francis has become one of the world’s most popular figures since his 2013 election to the papacy, drawing

praise for his humility and efforts to refocus the church on the poor and needy. He also has become involved in numerous hot-button political issues, often staking out positions that put him at odds with Republicans.

Voodoo priests’ leader dies in Haiti P O R T- A U - P R I N C E , Haiti (AP)—Voodoo chief Max Beauvoir has died in his homeland of Haiti, where the mixture of beliefs from West Africa and Catholicism is recognized as an official religion. He was 79.

A government statement says Beauvoir died Sept. 12

in Haiti’s capital of Port-auPrince after an illness. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Born in 1936, Beauvoir was a biochemical engineer who earned degrees abroad and became a Voodoo priest when he returned to Haiti in the 1970s.

He became Voodoo’s

supreme chief in 2008 and led Haiti’s main priests’ organization.

Voodoo evolved in the 17th century. Slaves forced to practice Catholicism adopted saints to coincide with African spirits. Followers believe in reincarnation, one God and a pantheon of spirits.

Uganda’s interior minister dies suddenly during trip abroad KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)—Uganda’s prime minister says the country’s interior minister died sud-

Elaine Effort

This Week In Black History

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denly while traveling home from official duty in South Korea.

Ruhakana Rugunda said

Pittsburgh Profiles with KQV’s Elaine Effort sponsored in part by the New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh Profiles with Elaine Effort heard exclusively on Pittsburgh’s all news radio station for 30 years

KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM

in a statement on Sept. 12 that Gen. Aronda Nyakairima died while transiting through Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The statement said the cause of death is not yet known and that a team of pathologists had been dispatched to Dubai to assist with the postmortem examination and repatriation of the body.

Nyakairima, who was 56, served as interior minister since 2013. He had previously been the top commander of Uganda’s military, and was credited with helping to push infamous warlord Joseph Kony from Ugandan territory.

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For the week of Sept. 16-22 September 16 1848—The French abolish slavery in all their territories. It would take a Civil War and another 17 years before slavery is abolished in America.

1925—Blues great B.B. King is born Riley B. King on this day in Itta Benna, Miss. King was an American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. He won a 1970 Grammy Award for the song "The Thrill Is Gone." His version became a hit on both the pop and R&B charts. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. King died May 14, 2015 at the age of 89.

B.B. KING 1933—“Emperor Jones” is released on this day by United Artists. It starred social activist Paul Robeson as Brutus Jones. It was the first Hollywood film with a Black leading man and a White supporting cast.

September 17 1787—The United States Constitution is approved but it includes three clauses allowing for the continuation of slavery even though it was suppose to be a document of freedom.

1861—Hampton Institute (now university) is founded.

It has now become one of the nation’s leading predominately Black PAUL ROBESON educational institutions.

1973—Illinois becomes the first state to honor Civil Rights Movement icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a state holiday.

September 18 1850—Congress passes the Fugitive Slave Law as part of the Compromise of 1850. The Compromise was essentially a vain attempt to reconcile differences between the slave states of the South and the free states of the North as to whether Midwest states would be slave or free. The law basically required Free states to help slave states capture escaped slaves.

1895—Booker T. Washington delivered his famous (or infamous) “Atlanta Compromise” speech in which he promotes Black economic betBOOKER T. WASHINGTON terment at the expense of civil and political rights.

The speech endeared him to Whites opposed to the social integration of Blacks, but it angered progressive Blacks, including scholar W.E.B. DuBois, who began to portray Washington as an “Uncle Tom.” 1980—Cuban cosmonaut Arnold Tamayo becomes the first Black person to fly on a space mission. He flew on a space craft from the then-Soviet Union.

September 19 1865—Atlanta University is founded in Atlanta, Ga. It was one of many educational institutions established during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War to educate former slaves.

1981—An estimated 400,000 people from various labor and civil rights organizations rally in Washington, D.C., to protest the domestic policies of President Ronald Reagan. His policies were viewed by the demonstrating ARNOLD TAMAYO groups as anti-Black and opposed to the best interests of working-class people.

September 20 1664—Maryland enacts the nation’s first “AntiAmalgamation Law.” It specifically outlawed marriages between Black men and White women. Soon, several other colonies followed the Maryland example.

It would not be until the 1960s that U.S. Supreme Court in the famous Loving v. Virginia case declared all such laws un-Constitutional. And even though it was not being enforced, it was not until 2000 that Alabama officially became the last state to strike from the books its law banning interracial marriages.

1830—The first National Negro Convention of Free Men meets in Philadelphia, Pa. Among a wide range of items on the agenda was a resolution encouraging free Blacks to boycott the purchase of items produced by slave labor. African Methodist Episcopal Church founder Richard Allen was elected president RICHARD ALLEN of the convention. Despite the fact that Allen had founded the AME Church, the name of the convention also reflected an attempt by free Blacks to reduce identification with Africa. At the time, most slaves and many free Blacks tended to refer to themselves as “Africans.”

1958—A deranged woman stabs thenrapidly emerging civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. during a book signing ceremony at a Harlem, N.Y., department store. Rumors circulated that the stabbing was part of a government conspiracy against King but no evidence was ever produced to support the theory.

1984—“The Cosby Show,” starring comedian and activist Bill Cosby, debuts on NBC Television. It becomes one of the nation’s highest rated television series and was widely praised by civil rights activists because of its generally positive portrayal of a Black middle-class family.

CAST OF “THE COSBY SHOW” September 21 1872—John Henry Conyers becomes the first Black student at the U.S. Naval Academy. However, racism and often violent harassment forced him to leave the academy before he was able to graduate.

1905—The Atlanta Life Insurance Co. is established in Atlanta, Ga., and becomes one of the largest insurance companies in America serving a predominantly AfricanAmerican clientele.

1984—Gen. Colin Powell becomes the first AfricanAmerican named as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As the nation’s top military leader, Powell was praised by some Blacks as a role model while he was criticized for supporting what critics considered the government’s warmongering policies. His generally positive reputation was damaged by his speaking before the United Nations and providing misinformation in JOHN HENRY CONYERS 2003 in support of the Bush administration’s war in Iraq.

September 22 1863—Mary Church Terrell is born on this day in 1863. She became one of the nation’s leading activists advocating greater education for Blacks and women.

She was the first Black person to sit on the Washington, D.C., school board and played a major role in desegregating that city’s restaurants.

1961—The Interstate Commerce Commission officially prohibits segregation in buses traveling in interstate commerce. It also banned segregated terminal facilities even though the ruling was largely ignored in many Southern states. But during the mid1960s civil rights activists would frequently cite the rulMARY CHURCH TERRELL ing as they integrated facilities throughout the South.

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SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015 A3

NATIONAL

DISCUSSING ARREST—Former tennis star James Blake discusses his mis- CAUGHT ON VIDEO—This combo of images taken from a surveillance camera and released by the New York Police Departtaken arrest by the New York City Police Department during an interview, Sat- ment shows former tennis star James Blake being arrested by plainclothes officer James Frascatore outside of the Grand Hyatt urday, Sept. 12, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan R. Smith) New York hotel on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, in New York. (NYPD via AP)

Ex-tennis star James Blake: Fire NYC officer who tackled me

by Jake Pearson Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK (AP)—Former tennis star James Blake, whose caught-oncamera takedown by a plainclothes New York City police officer prompted apologies from the mayor and police commissioner, told The Associated Press on Sept. 12 that the officer who wrongly arrested him should be fired.

“I don’t think this person should ever have a badge or a gun again. I don’t think it’s too much to ask.”

JAMES BLAKE “I don’t think this person should ever have a badge or a gun again,” Blake, 38, said a day after surveillance video of the arrest outside a Manhattan hotel—and details about previous complaints over the officer’s use of force—became public.

“I don’t think it’s too much to ask,” he said.

Blake, who had been ranked as high as No. 4 in the world before retiring after the 2013 U.S. Open, was misidentified by a cooperating witness as being part of a scheme to sell fraudulently purchased merchandise when he was tackled, police have said.

The arresting officer, James Frascatore, who has been with the NYPD for four years, has been named in several civil rights lawsuits alleging excessive force. He has also been the subject of four civilian complaints—an above-average number for NYPD officers, according to complaint data.

“I think that that kind of police officer tarnishes the badge, which I have the utmost respect for and I believe that the majority of police officers do great work and they’re heroes,” Blake

told the AP. “So this person doesn’t ever belong in the same sentence with the heroes that are doing the right kind of police work and keeping the public safe.”

A message left at a number listed for Frascatore, 38, wasn’t immediately returned. Officials have said he was exonerated of one civilian complaint, a second was unsubstantiated and he was sanctioned for not identifying himself in a third.

The status of the fourth complaint was unclear.

A spokesman for his union did not return a message seeking comment last Saturday. But on Friday, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said Blake’s arrest was made “under fluid circumstances where the subject might have fled, and the officer did a professional job of bringing the individual to the ground.”

Frascatore has been placed on desk duty while internal affairs detectives continue their investigation. At issue is not only Blake’s takedown but whether the use-of-force wasn’t properly reported up the chain of command— leaving police brass to learn of it only after Blake spoke to the media.

But determining what discipline, if any, Frascatore could receive won’t happen any time soon.

Depending on the results of an internal investigation, he could face departmental charges. If Frascatore chooses to fight those charges, he would do so in a departmental trial where he could face potential punishments ranging from a loss of vacation days to performance monitoring or other disciplinary actions.

Commissioner William Bratton, who earlier this week apologized personally to Blake, ultimately will decide Frascatore’s fate.

A police spokesman declined to comment on Blake’s remarks, saying the internal

Charlotte cops, barbers meet for first time since trial JONATHAN FERRELL

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—Charlotte-Mecklenburg police and the North Carolina Local Barbers Association have scheduled their first meeting since a mistrial was declared in the case of a White police officer accused in the shooting death of an unarmed Black man.

The two groups are set to host the eighth “Cops and Barbers” town hall event on Sunday, Sept. 20. The gatherings give the African American community a

chance to learn their rights and the appropriate conduct when coming in contact with police.

In addition, the community learns the appropriate behavior for officers when engaging with the public.

It’s the first gathering since a mistrial was declared last month in the case of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Randall Kerrick, who was accused of voluntary manslaughter in the 2013 death of Jonathan Ferrell.

investigation is ongoing.

Blake said on Sept. that he was appreciative of Bratton and Mayor Bill de Blasio’s apologies, as well as their invitations to discuss

further policing issues, including the use of body cameras, training and ways to ensure more accountability.

But he also said he hoped others who have been

wrongly arrested or mistreated by officers would receive the same treatment.

“I’m sure this isn’t the first time police brutality has happened and I’m sure

it’s not the last time,” he said. “So I want them to apologize to the people that this happens to that don’t have the same voice that I have.”

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ULYP hosts ‘#BlackLivesMatter’ forum CONTINUED FROM A1

DENOUNCING VIOLENCE—Local organizations send united message during a press conference on Sept. 15 at Freedom Unlimited, denouncing the recent rash of local gun violence and the national “violent rhetoric” that allegedly prompted Black shootings of police officers. (Photo by Gail Manker)

Howard new Robert Morris president CONTINUED FROM A1

charismatic, and visionary leader who believes in the power of mentorship—a perfect fit for RMU.” Howard, president of Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, said he is honored to have been selected for the post.

“In the future, it is those higher education institutions truly committed to providing the foundational tools of critical thinking, written and oral communication, and a deep understanding of the world we live in, coupled with the opportunity to delve deeply into the professions, that are poised for success,” said Howard.

“RMU is an ‘all of the above’ university bolstered by an exceptional faculty, able staff, engaged alumni, dedicated board, supportive friends, and bright and motivated students. Just as importantly, members of the RMU community have demonstrated a willingness to innovate in a manner rarely seen in the academic world, resulting in remarkable growth and success. I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as its eighth president.”

Howard has been president of HampdenSydney since 2009, during which time enrollment and retention have grown, alumni giving has reached 33 percent, and the grade-point average of the incoming freshman class has risen. In 2011-12, HampdenSydney climbed 17 spots in the U.S. News and World Reportrankings, the largest jump among any Top 100 liberal arts colleges.

During Howard’s tenure as president, Hampden-Sydney produced its first Truman and Goldwater scholars in 20 years, as well as a Rhodes finalist and numerous Fulbright and Rotary scholars—thanks in part to the Office of Fellowship and Advising the college created under his leadership. Hampden-Sydney received the largest gift in its 240-year history under

Howard, and the college will soon break ground on a new student center.

“Dr. Howard has experience both within and outside of higher education, having worked in the corporate world and having a distinguished career in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve,” said Claus. “He has experience with and insights into different models of education, from Ivy Leagues to large publics, from small, liberal arts institutions to military academies. And, on the more personal side, his own background reflects the character and values we see in RMU’s students and alumni.”

Howard previously was vice president for leadership and strategic initiatives at the University of Oklahoma, and he has worked for General Electric’s Corporate Initiatives Group and for Bristol-Myers Squibb. He is the co-author of the book, “Money Makers: Inside the New World of Finance and Business.”

Howard is a co-founder and trustee of the Impact Young Lives Foundation, a not-forprofit organization that brings South African students of color to the U.S. for summer educational and cultural tours. He is a member of the NCAA Division III Presidents Council, the Baylor University Board of Regents, and is also one of the few college chief executive officers in the United States to be invited to join the prestigious Young Presidents’ Organization. He is a member of the board of directors of the American Council on Education.

His wife, Barbara Noble Howard, is the executive director of the Impact Young Lives Foundation, and she serves on the board of directors of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia War Memorial Foundation, among others. She is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, and graduated from Temple University.

The couple has two sons, Cohen, a senior at the University of the South, and Joshua, a freshman at Middlebury College.

Brown to refocus Homewood Children’s Village CONTINUED FROM A1

did not finish high school, they are not equipped to support an education focused on college.

“They may even sabotage the process. Not necessarily intentionally, but via circumstance. Like: ‘you can’t go to school today because you have to watch the baby while I look for a job,’” he said.

“Then there’s the homeless situation. Faison has 7 percent of the homeless student in the city. If families are moving through three to four communities a year, the kid’s academic trajectory is blown. With all the resources we’ve expended on these kids, we still have dismal outcomes.”

Brown said the paradigm shift to focusing on rebuilding families and the community will involve moving from direct activity to program management, analyzing, developing and prescribing services to these families.

He added that one thing he learned from working as the associate director of the Kingsley Association is you have to think big.

“Look at what we did in Larimer with the community plan and all those moving pieces coming together.

That didn’t come from thinking small,” he said.

Part of that also involves community development and attacking poverty and the lack of affordable housing. For instance, if a father or mother is employed building new homes or renovating homes by adding solar panels or heat pumps

to lower the energy usage, and the kid is learning about those systems in school, there’s a link established.

“We are currently assetmapping our community stakeholders and potential partners, looking at: do they have to ability to do ‘x,’ how well can they do it,” he said.

“We already have partnerships established with Operation Better Block, the Homewood Collaborative, Bible Center Church and the Community College of Allegheny County. And everyone else we’ve presented this to is excited about playing a role.”

Brown said the education component is key, but has to include stabilizing families for it to work.

“I look at school as the platform to allow youth and families to emerge in the 21st century economy as exceptional and vibrant contributors,” he said.

“So does that mean instead of serving 1,000 kids, we serve 500 kids and 250 families. I think it might.

By this time next year, we will have piloted some of this and will have measurable results.”

(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

hosted by ULYP-GP and took place Sept. 9 at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Office on Wood Street. At the event, young professionals gathered to discuss the #BlackLivesMatter movement and learned how to become agents of change within the city.

“In August, I attended the 2015 National Urban League Conference, which was held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The theme for this year was ‘Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs, and Justice’ and the #BlackLivesMatter movement was at the forefront of the convention. More than 4,000 people were in attendance, including civil rights activists and top business and political leaders. It was truly inspiring to hear from these prolific, national figures and I wanted to bring this dynamic energy and robust dialogue to the membership of ULYP-GP at a local level,” Moffett said.

ULYP-GP equips young professionals in the city of Pittsburgh with community service, civic engagement, wellness, and professional development opportunities.

“As president, I’m responsible for gauging the climate of interests and needs of our members so that they can be active, informed and engaged participants in the Pittsburgh community. Once I was able to create the event idea and confirm Jasiri’s availability, I turned over the execution to my powerhouse of a public relations team, led by Andréa Stanford and Kristen McIntosh,” said Moffett.

The discussion surrounding the #BlackLivesMatter movement took place within the context of the Young Professionals’ monthly meeting. Each month ULYP-GP holds general body meetings where members and young professionals are updated

with news and upcoming events. The monthly meeting followed its usual protocol, and then transitioned into the open forum. Hip-hop artist, civil rights activist and Founder of 1Hood Media Jasiri X served as the keynote speaker. Jasiri X kicked off the forum with an original rap selection.

“He spoke about his travels to Palestine, his recent arrest in Ferguson, Mo, and how he has been able to use his platform to raise awareness, advocate change, and encourage others to get involved in the #BlackLivesMatter movement,” Moffett said.

Following Jasiri X’s heartfelt presentation, he took several questions from the audience.

Jasiri X said the event was “the beginning of a dialogue” for young professionals to utilize their passions, talents, and platforms to get involved. Throughout the discussion he emphasized that the best way to get involved in the #BlackLivesMatter movement is to leverage your unique passions and talents. “You don’t have to become something or someone that you’re not in order to make a difference,” he said.

Moffett said, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this event. Throughout the discussion, young professionals continued to trickle in-to the point where there was standing room only. It really cemented the fact that the #BlackLivesMatter movement is important, particularly to our members.”

ULYP-GP encourages young professionals between the ages of 21-39 to become members, and be a part of the movement. For more information, contact info@ulyppgh.org.

#BLACKLIVESMATTER—Members of the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh with keynote speaker Jasiri X, center. (Photo by Haute Muslim/1Hood Media)

URA votes to create Affordable Housing Fund CONTINUED FROM A1

within the district. In this instance, the URA would use future tax monies generated by seven projects within the district to fund affordable housing.

The projects include: •The expansion of Whole Foods; •Bakery Square 2.0 office space; •Bakery Square 2.0 residential space; •The Dahlem Place parking garage; •Larimer Co-location/Maker Space; •Hunt Armory; and •Mellon’s Orchard South.

Authority Executive Director Robert Rubinstein said the bulk of the monies for the affordable housing fund would come from the latter two projects, primarily from the redevelopment of the historic Hunt Ar-

mory—which, while in Shadyside, is still within the boundaries of the TRID. “We think it will generate about $1 million for the fund,” he said.

Neither the Armory nor the Mellon Orchard South development—the former sight of the Pittsburgh Police Major Crimes unit—is close to beginning, and therefore could not provide any revenue for current renters facing eviction, like those in the Penn Plaza apartments.

URA board Chair Kevin Acklin, however, said the authority would use bridge loans to monetize the fund, and would use the tax revenue to pay back the loans.

“The affordable housing issue is bigger than any one project. But our position remains that East Liberty residents who stuck it out

during the bad times should be able to stay in their neighborhood and benefit from the good times,” he said.

“I am still in meetings with the (Penn Plaza) owners and residents, but I hope this (TRID reallocation) is the first step toward a citywide affordable housing plan.”

Board member Jim Ferlo supported the plan, but said he’s like to see more focus on other parts of the city.

“I realize the focus is east because that’s what’s hot, but in the North Side, the West End—there’s a lot of housing stock there that we’re losing,” he said. “Let these people have them.”

Rubinstein said because this TRID is specific to East Liberty the funds have to stay in the district. Neither he nor Acklin said they knew how the funds would specifically be used.

(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

STEAM prowess CONTINUED FROM A1

AFRICANA—In this stand alone photo, Rick Adams of CCAC makes a point during a community summit at the Community Empowerment Association Black Family Reunion in Homewood on Aug. 7. (Photo by Rossano P. Stewart)

dividual he is today, because he anchors it.

“It’s like Fox or CNN without all the yelling,” he said.

“And a lot of students watch it. It gives me the experience of talking in front of people and that is great because at sometime, you have to sell yourself. Plus it’s cool when a 1st-grader walks by and says, ‘Hey you’re Dominic from the news show.’”

(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

METRO

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‘We Are One’ unites community against violence strations from the group Martial Arts Against Street Violence and even a raffle.

But the heartwarming part of the day was the conclusion of the event that included the releasing of several white doves to the tune of Patti LaBelle’s “You Are My Friend.” Harper said

tearfully that the doves not only represented her son, but all those who have been lost to the senseless violence.

“Violence impacts all of us and even if you don’t know anyone or never had a child taken away due to violence, it’s still coming into our

schools, (our children) are mourning with their friends,” said Denise Graham-Shealey, Penn Hills School Board president. “So I think it’s important that we all know and get aware and be part of the safety net that helps our children and saves our children.”

IN IT TOGETHER—Representatives of the Penn Hills Municipality and school district, community leaders and sponsors unite with ‘We Are One’ event organizer Wynona Hawkins Harper, center, and her family to end violence.

CONTINUED FROM A1

During her address to the crowd, Harper, who was just one of many in attendance who has been affected by the violence, said the only solution for this violence is to give youth the basic tools needed so they will not have to turn to the streets and for parents, especially mothers, to stand up. She even called for mothers to turn their children in when they know of wrongdoing.

“We got to stop this and you got to turn your kids in because it will save that next child’s life... You know Bam-Bam got the drugs and the gun up under that mattress,” she said.

Lori Criswell, a member of Mother’s With A Voice, an organization of mothers who have lost children to homicide and whose mission is to restore life and the quality of life back into the community, and who almost lost her daughter to

gun violence, said the day was about working together to make a difference.

“We are tired of communities being divided. We want to show other communities that you can put something together that’s so good, so healing, whether it’s Penn Hills and Pittsburgh or Penn Hills and the North Side.”

While Harper said there were several partnerships that contributed to the event’s success, major contributors were the Penn Hills municipality and the local Y. Thomas Wallace, executive director of the Penn Hills Y, said he felt it their duty to get involved. “It’s our responsibility to provide any support to these community agencies with addressing anything, whether it’s violence, health disparities or youth education.”

Penn Hills Mayor Anthony DeLuca echoed Wal-

Community Calendar Open Casting Call SEPT. 16—The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation will host an Open Casting Call for male and female models from 6-7 p.m. at Arnold’s Tea, 502 E. Ohio St., North Side. The PBMF is seeking models for it’s HER: Dress to Thrill fashion show event that will take place Oct. 12.

For more information, visit www.pbmf.org.

Fall Speaker Series SEPT. 17—The University of Pittsburgh’s Center on Race and Social Problems will host its Fall 2015 Speaker Series from 121:30 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh, the Cathedral of Learning, Fifth Ave., Oakland.

The topic is “Policing Reform, Community, and Ethical Leadership” with Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief Cameron McLay as the guest speaker and Susan Yohe, chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC, as the introducer.

Registration is not required and lunch is provided. For more information, email crsp@pitt.edu.

Open House SEPT. 17—Vintage Senior Community Center will host an Open House from 1-3 p.m. at the Vintage Senior Community Center, 401 N. Highland Ave., East Liberty. This is an opportunity for individuals to learn about the wide array of fitness, wellness, arts, recreation and trip programs that the center offers. Reservations are requested. For more information, call 412-361-5003.

Awards Gala SEPT. 17—Vision Towards Peace will host the 2nd Annual Passion Meets the Road Awards Gala at 5 p.m. at the UPMC Cancer Pavilion, the Herberman Conference Center, 5150 Centre Ave., Hill District. This event will honor those who work in mental health and are enriching the community. The mistress of ceremonies will be Tene Croom and the keynote speaker will be Dr. Jacqueline Wilson, CEO of Three Rivers Adoption Council. For more information, call 412-2414673 or visit www.visiontowardspeace.com.

Operation Home SEPT. 19—The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh will host its Operation Home Program from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Urban League, 2nd floor, 610 Wood St., Downtown. This intense monthly

seminar on homeownership is designed to educate prospective homebuyers and arm them with the basic knowledge to navigate the path to mortgage qualification and maintaining homeownership.

The program includes one eighthour workshop and a follow-up one on one counseling session.

Registration is requested. For more information, call Paulette Tarrant at 412-227-4815.

Recovery in the Community Day SEPT. 19—Familylinks will host a Recovery in the Community Day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 250 Shady Ave., East Liberty.

This is a celebration of National Recovery Month and the theme is “Join the Voices in Recovery: Visible, Vocal, Valuable!!!” There will be information, screenings and children’s activities. For more information, call 412-9240148.

Power of Laughter SEPT. 19—The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association will host the 4th annual Power of Laughter Workshop & Luncheon from 11 a.m.2 p.m. at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, 1000 Penn Ave., Downtown. Attendees will learn how stroke, the #1 disabler for all Americans, is treatable, preventable and beatable. The luncheon will include health screenings, vendors and exhibitors, a heart healthy lunch, workshops, and more. The host will be comedian and actress Kim Coles.

Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Cindy Shambley at 412-208-3606.

GIBSON Awards/ Negro League Gala SEPT. 19—The Josh Gibson Foundation will host its 2015 GIBSON Awards and Negro League Gala at 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Hotel, 600 Commonwealth Place, Downtown. The evening will honor retired Major League Baseball Player and former Pittsburgh Pirate Barry Bonds with the 2015 Josh Gibson Legacy Award. There will be a silent auction and dinner program. All proceeds benefit the Josh Gibson Foundation that provides year round educational and recreational activities for at-risk and underserved youths ages 713. For more information, call Sean Gibson at 412-589-1906 or email ndesireeinc@gmail.com.

lace’s sentiments on the importance of getting involved in the We Are One event. “It has to start somewhere. We have to get together as a community to stop the violence, not only in Penn Hills, but everywhere— Pittsburgh, Homewood, everywhere in Allegheny County.

“It all starts right here, as a group, we meet together with our neighbors and from here we branch out and try to bring more people into it, so that we try to get the word out that life does matter.”

DeLuca said today’s generation is shooting each other and not respecting life and that they need to be taught that “there’s other ways to resolve conflict other than violence.”

Among the many in attendance were officials such as state Rep. Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

“We all need to work together on some of our problems and the great thing about Pittsburghers is that when we work together, we can solve just about any problem that is there.”

Fitzgerald said.

The afternoon’s activities included face painting for youths, vendors, food, and entertainment with music

by DJ Schizo, karate demon-

MOTHER’S WITH A VOICE MEMBERS

PEACE—Wynona Hawkins Harper, right, and family release white doves in honor of their loved one and the many others lost to violence. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

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SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OPINION

Strengthening the whole Black family

Guest Editorial

10 years later: Did we learn anything from Katrina?

Nearly 2,000 people died 10 years ago this August in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Many do not regard the deaths as a natural disaster. Instead, they regard the 1,833 souls who died, and tens of thousands of others whose lives will never be the same, as the victims of a manmade tragedy.

It is regarded as a tragedy made from incompetence and dereliction of duty.

President Obama visited New Orleans last month and called it a city “moving forward.” He said it’s “an example of what can happen when people rally around each other to build a better future out of the despair of tragedy.”

The city is now protected against a “100-year storm” with a modern levee system to hold back the merging waters of the Gulf of Mexico and other mighty bodies of water, such as the Mississippi River, which surround New Orleans.

The billions of dollars that have flowed through the city has also helped to rebuild the school system into one the locals are beginning to regard with pride.

And even the Lower 9th Ward—where Obama visited, which houses predominantly African Americans steeped in the rich cultural traditions of the town—is starting to revive. The president spoke in a new community center there.

But the lesson of Katrina will not likely be gentrified by barrelfuls of federal cash or revelers in the city’s French Quarter. It is a lesson of what happens to disenfranchised people when the stuff literally hits the fan.

In many ways, the lesson of Katrina is playing out in the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Again, disenfranchised people, largely young African-American men and boys, are caricatured as a threat to society or somehow terminally inept.

The question was asked time and again during the Katrina crisis: “Why didn’t those people just leave? Why didn’t they get into a plane, train or automobile and ride out the storm in a resort, or with family and friends?”

The answer rarely came back: “Maybe all their family and friends were there.”

Maybe we as a country, as a culture, learned some lessons from Katrina about using the power and prestige of one of the most powerful and prestigious nations in the world to protect the very citizens who most need protecting. Or maybe not.

The next crisis will tell.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via email to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.

Pittsburgh Courier NEW

Founded 1910

Rod Doss

Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher

Allison Palm

Eric Gaines

Office Manager

Advertising Manager

Ulish Carter

Ashley Johnson Associate Editor

Managing Editor

Jeff Marion Circulation Consultant

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

Staying focused on the Black family.

This is what the POISE Foundation says they are consciously doing because so many efforts only deal with helping part of or the family.

Efforts include helping a child go to a private or charter school, getting a scholarship to college, snd helping the mother or father get a job. There are so many programs out there for the woman, the man, the child. Sometimes we forget that none of these means anything if they don’t help the family as a whole stay together. Employment, education, health care and social programs are the keys to strengthening the family. And what POISE does is not just funding for individual families but for agencies that assist the family. …

This topic of helping the entire family brings back old memories of what the welfare system used to be like and may still be doing. Instead of helping the father and mother stay together as a family by assisting the household, the father many times had to leave the house because he had no job or an extremely low paying job that paid just enough to disqualify the family for food stamps or assistants.

This led to many fathers having to leave while others stayed in the home illegally in order for the mother and children to get welfare. After saying that, I now say this--I don’t know what took the government so long to start forcing working fathers to pay child support. I don’t agree with the jail side of it. If they aren’t working, they have no income. So all the jail time in the world is not going to produce something from nothing? As for the working fathers? Simply garnish their wages.

The intelligent thing to do would be helping the unemployed father or mother find a job or train them for a job. I believe that 90 percent or more

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’

School, and the three leaders we featured last year as the head of Martin Luther King Elementary. Christopher Horne, and Timothy Freeman were named principal and director replacing Derrick Hardy at Millones, who resigned because of personal reasons.

Hardy is also Black. However it makes me wonder just what is the percentage of Blacks in the Charter and Private Schools? Most of the photos I’m seeing are White teachers and administrators. I’m just asking? What good is an education if you can’t find a job? Hopefully I’m wrong. …

I’m still not seeing why all the uproar over Hillary Clinton’s e-mail.

Have there been any major incidents occur because she did this? Has anyone been killed? How has this hurt the country? Now it may not have been very smart on her part but it does save time of only having to go through one e-mail account. It could have but it didn’t cause any problems. I still say the vast majority of people are more concerned with the economy, health and education for themselves and their children. We are also concerned or should be concerned about who will keep us out of a war in which our children will be killed and wounded. I still think Hillary is the best candidate thus far for both. The only good candidate on the Republican side so far is buried way back in the pack. The Ohio governor? Does anybody outside Ohio know his name? …

Activist McKeesport City Councilwoman V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery was removed as chair of the McKeesport Business District Authority recently by the mayor. No reason was given, maybe with more Blacks elected to Council he will be forced to give reasons in the future.

of the mothers and fathers would rather have a job than depend on the small, and I mean small welfare checks they get. …

Reverend Cornell Jones of Iron Cross Ministries is to be commended for his efforts in organizing the ongoing Motorcycle Ride for Unity and Peace campaign every year. What started out as more than 100 expanded into more than 200 riders both Black and White expressing their concern about the Black on Black violence in the streets of Pittsburgh and the country. We need more ministers to take on the leadership role of curbing and stopping the violence in the streets and the homes. Because even though I doubt very seriously if the killers or the young people being killed are in the church, their families are.

I said they aren’t in the church but I do remember two incidents with youths in my old church where a beautiful young teenage girl was gunned down in the streets, and I don’t know if her killers were ever found. And a youth who sang in the youth choir and was active in the church gunned down his cousin in a gang rivalry. The funeral was loaded with family on both sides. …

It’s good to see more and more Black teachers and principals in the Pittsburgh Public School System. I say this because of the story on the two Black (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the leaders taking over at Milliones New Pittsburgh Courier. )

Trump’s attack on immigrants of color I want to address this column quite explicitly to African Americans. If you are not African American, please feel free to read this, however. When you hear Donald Trump wail against immigrants, I hope that you understand that he is also talking about you.

I realize that many African Americans—too many, as far as I am concerned—believe that immigrants from Asia and Latin America are the source of our economic problems.

They are not, but I will get to that in a moment. What is more urgent, however, is that we appreciate that what Trump and others are doing is not really crusading against immigrants but crusading against people of color.

Let’s think about this for a moment.

Trump attacks Mexicans, quite explicitly, suggesting that they are bringing crime to the U.S. Well, the facts prove otherwise. Immigrants, legal or undocumented, are less likely to be criminals. But let’s stick with this for a moment. If, for the sake of argument, Trump wanted to make a case against immigrants, why does he not once mention Russians? The Russian mafia is known to be among the most dangerous criminal outfits in the U.S.A. So, if we are talking about immigrants bringing in crime, why not the Russians?

Bill Fletcher Jr.

Commentary

you are not White, you are—at best— a guest in the U.S. There is no question but that immigrants have an impact on the job market but what has been going on for centuries is that businesses use new and vulnerable workforces as a way of trying to divide up the larger workforce. One hundred years ago, underpaid African American workers from the South were used accordingly by businesses in the North and Midwest in an attempt to undermine Whitedominated unions. Many of these White workers, instead of organizing with Black workers against the antics of the employers, turned on the Black workers as if they were the problem.

Trump, et.al., are trying to do the same thing today.

Jobs are not being moved to other countries (or to rural parts of the U.S.) by undocumented workers. They are being moved by businesses that care more about the bottom line than they do the fact that you will be on the unemployment line. Donald Trump is part of that select group that has made this situation possible and thrives while the rest of us fight like crabs in a barrel.

There is a very simple reason. The issue with immigrants, for people such as Trump, is not that they are immigrants but that they are immigrants of color. There is a fear among a section of the White population that the U.S. will soon cease to be a predominantly White country and that all hell will break loose. For completely opportunistic reasons they want to enlist you—African Americans—in this battle against immigrants of color.

It does not stop with immigrants of color. Trump is the person who would not let go of his “birther” allegations that President Obama was, allegedly, not born here. This was aimed at suggesting that an African American could not be a legitimate president.

Trump continued this, in a pattern (Bill Fletcher Jr. is the host of The Global with which we are now familiar, irrespective of the facts. These “birther” African on Telesur-English. Follow him on Facebook and at arguments go hand-in-hand with his Twitter, anti-immigrant of color stand, i.e., if www.billfletcherjr.com.)

Child Watch...The power of ‘prophetic’ grief

by Marian Wright Edelman` Recently, Rev. Otis Moss Jr., pastor emeritus at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, and former co-pastor at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, and his son, Rev. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, preached together at the Children’s Defense Fund’s Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry.

The terroristic murders of nine Black worshipers during Bible study at Charleston’s Mother Emanuel AME Church had broken everyone’s hearts, and father and son spoke on how all of us could use this moment to move forward together through “prophetic” grief.

Reverend Otis Moss Jr. explained this is different from being overcome by “pathetic” grief in the face of such a tragedy.

“Pathetic grief is that kind of grief that causes you to be blinded by bitterness, hate, despair—the kind of grief that puts you in the class of the one who caused the grief,” he explained. “Pathetic grief sends you into a scale of darkness where Langston Hughes says ‘there ain’t been no light.’

It leaves you diminished, degraded, and in cooperation with the one who diminishes and the one who degrades.”

He said we are called to something else. Prophetic grief can spur action and change, and Rev. Moss, Jr. urged that instead of focusing on the murderer we need to focus on the larger culture that fosters hatred and violence.

“It’s easier to deal with the ‘who’ and

singularize, if you will, the vastness of the crime and make one person responsible and thereby excuse ourselves. We like to deal with the ‘who,’ but we are not ready to deal with the ‘what’…I think we have to lift up the fact that we live in a culture that has made guns our god. We have to deal with the ‘what.’

Reverend Moss Jr. continued, “Let me hurry on to say I believe the 21year-old alleged killer was born not out of a creative process controlled by God, but born into a destructive process and culture created by human beings. What kind of lessons are we going to give to our children? What are we feeding them? What is the diet we are giving them? What is it that makes guns objects of worship where people will kill you about a gun? What is it that creates this kind of climate for children?”

Rev. Moss III added that this kind of prophetic grief that turns pain into power has always been a hallmark of the Black faith experience.“The very nature of our faith is carved from the splintered wood of an unfinished democracy…This is a faith where miracles are not anomalies, redemption is not a fairy tale, and deliverance is more than a descriptive adjective, but an active verb permeating the soul of every believer. This is a faith where (Harriet) Tubman learned her freedom, (Sojourner Truth) discovered abolition, (W.E.B.) DuBois discovered intellect, Zora (Neale Hurston) found her literary power, Langston (Hughes) crafted poems, and Ida B. Wells discovered her journalistic integrity.”

When another murderer killed two journalists in August in Virginia and blamed his actions partly on his deep

rage at the Charleston murders, it was a misguided claim of diminished, degraded, pathetic grief. But when reporter Alison Parker’s father chose to use his great personal tragedy as an opportunity to speak out in favor of “whatever it takes” to end the crisis of gun violence in America and pass common sense gun safety laws, it was a powerful lesson in prophetic grief and turning pain into power and overwhelming sadness and anger into action.

Days after his daughter was murdered Parker wrote in the Washington Post: “In recent years we have witnessed similar tragedies unfold on TV: the shooting of a congresswoman in Arizona, the massacre of schoolchildren in Connecticut and of churchgoers in South Carolina. We have to ask ourselves: What do we need to do to stop this insanity? In my case, the answer is: ‘Whatever it takes.’ I plan to devote all of my strength and resources to seeing that some good comes from this evil.”

Let’s all heed and follow his example and the Rev. Mosses’ call. In a nation that has more guns as people; when the United States accounts for less than 5 percent of the global population but owns an estimated 35 to 50 percent of all civilian-owned guns in the world; and when American companies manufacture enough bullets each year to fire 31 rounds into every one of our citizens, let’s stay focused on this urgent challenge to embrace prophetic grief and use it to do whatever it takes to transform our national culture of violence into one of nonviolence and respect for human life.

(Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Obama is no ‘lame duck’ president Almost as surprising as Barack Obama’s election as the nation’s first African American president is his success in not becoming a lame duck president, a term normally applied to a politically weakened outgoing president’s last two years in office.

Few presidents have been as lame as George W. Bush, who was largely dismissed in his last two years in office and so unpopular that Republicans did not want him to show up at the last Republican national convention of his tenure for fear of harming the GOP’s chances of winning the White House in 2008. Bush, acting as though he was in the federal witness protection program, didn’t appear, but that did not alter the outcome of the election.

Given the GOP’s extreme hostility toward Obama—with the open declaration by nowSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell [RKentucky] that his sole objective was to make Obama a one-term president—many expected Obama to be impotent as he limps out of office next year.

But they were in for a surprise as Obama transformed his campaign motto of “Yes, we can” to “Yes, we did.”

In the last year alone, Obama commuted the sentences of 46 prisoners incarcerated for nonviolent crimes, most of them drug related. He restored diplomatic relations with Cuba after a 50-year standoff, with each country reopening its embassy. President Obama issued an executive order allowing the parents of children born in the U.S. to remain in this country. He extended abortion coverage to Peace Corps volunteers who became pregnant as a result of rape, incest or life endangerment. And his administration raised the qualification for receiving overtime pay from $23,660 to $50,440.

Obama scored a major victory when, in the face of heated Republican opposition, he joined five other world leaders in curbing Iran’s nu-

George E. Curry

Commentary clear program. Practically all of the Republicans running for president and their echo chamber, Fox News, have misrepresented the terms of the deal.

MediaMatters, the media watchdog group, provides extensive documentation in debunking myths created by conservative detractors.

Among the myths: MYTH: Iran Deal Makes The U.S. And Israel Less Safe FACT: Experts Laud ‘Excellent’ Deal That Deprives Iran Of Pathways To Build Bomb MYTH: Deal Will Allow Iran To Have A Nuclear Weapon After It Expires FACT: Iran Is ‘Permanently’ Bound By Curbs On Ability To Obtain Nuclear Weapon, Even After Some Provisions Expire MYTH: Sanctions Relief Will Greatly Increase Iran’s Ability To Fund Terrorism FACT: Experts Believe Iran Will Use Sanction Relief To Restart Economy, Say Terrorists Would Benefit More From Rejection Of Deal MYTH: Secret Side Deal Allows Iran To Inspect Itself FACT: Side Deal Concerns Only Past Activity At One Site—IAEA Has Ability To Ensure Iran’s Full Compliance With Long-Term Deal Myth: Most Americans Don’t Support Terms Of Iran Deal FACT: Majority Supports The Iran Deal When Its Terms Are Explained Criticism of Obama by conservatives was not unexpected. But Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman explains, “There’s a different story on the left, where you now find a significant number of critics decrying Obama as, to quote Cornel West, someone who ‘posed as a progressive and turned out to be counterfeit.’ They’re outraged that Wall Street hasn’t been punished, that income inequality remains so high, that ‘neoliberal’ economic policies are still in place.”

But given Republican opposition to less ambitious goals presented by Obama, Krugman argues that Obama would have no success trying to advance such progressive ideals.

Krugman wrote recently in Rolling Stone magazine: “Despite bitter opposition, despite having come close to self-inflicted disaster, Obama has emerged as one of the most consequential and, yes, successful presidents in American history.

“His health reform is imperfect but still a huge step forward—and it’s working better than anyone expected. Financial reform fell far short of what should have happened, but it’s much more effective than you’d think. Economic management has been half-crippled by Republican obstruction, but has nonetheless been much better than in other advanced countries. And environmental policy is starting to look like it could be a major legacy.”

In a speech last October at Northwestern University, President Obama said he is proud of his accomplishments. He said, “When I took office, businesses were laying off 800,000 Americans a month. Today, our businesses are hiring 200,000 Americans a month. The unemployment rate has come down from a high of 10 percent in 2009, to 6.1 percent today. Over the past four and a half years, our businesses have created 10 million new jobs; this is the longest uninterrupted stretch of private sector job creation in our history.

“Think about that…Right now, there are more job openings than at any time since 2001. All told, the United States has put more people back to work than Europe, Japan, and every other advanced economy combined.”

From January 2009 to April, Black unemployment had declined from 12.7 percent to 9.6 percent, a decrease of 3.1 percent. Not ideal, but not lame.

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

FORUM

Too much focus on Republicans, what about the Democrats?

A few weeks a Democratic conago, I was Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick trolled city for over 70 watching a teleyears. vision program These persons, who and the panel constantly vilify the consisted of all Republicans very Black persons, rarely write or discuss males and fethat in every one of the males. They all above mentioned are considered cities, there are comto be knowlmon denominators. edgeable, educated, active and concerned Blacks lack adequate housing, under emabout the well-being of Black Americans, ployment, unemployment. These are the but they confounded me. main contributing factors that lead to unIt bought to my attention that I have stable homes, failures of the education also noticed a number of Black columnists systems, drugs, incarceration, robbing, are guilty of the same action that seems to killing, self-hate. How many of you recall focus on Republicans, and never focus on President Obama’s first election that althe other party, Democrats. most every democratic office holder in AlIt brings to mind that I have several legheny County supported Hillary. friends, who are guilty of the same actions Politicians who control Pittsburgh conand they even recognize it. I have been ac- stantly use the phrase “Pittsburgh is tive in both political parties, but I never someplace special.” They never include allowed myself to be blinded by the fact the question, special for who? that both parties have mistreated, misThree of the largest Black owned corpoused and disrespected Blacks. rations, who had offices in Pittsburgh Allow me to provide you with some very have closed, filed bankruptcy and all ispertinent issues that all of us must be sued the same statement “Pittsburgh is concerned about. It would be easy for me the most difficult city for Blacks in Amerto recite the fact that almost every major ica.” I recently read a local government recity, particularly in the North has been port on the year 2014, which included, controlled by the Democratic Party for 50 once again, flawed statistics (lies) about to 80 years. I could name Detroit, Chicago, how well Black business is doing.

Philadelphia, New York City, Cleveland, In the near future, I will highlight in my etc, etc, etc. and please allow me to remind weekly column how statistics don’t lie, you the readers that Pittsburgh has been statisticians are the liars.

To Tell The Truth

Blind faith or blinded by bigotry After the S u p r e m e J. Pharoah Doss Court’s summer decision to legalize same-sex marriage Kim Davis, an elected county clerk in Kentucky, decided it was her duty to fight the federal mandate.

She stopped issuing marriage licenses.

And since her name appeared on each marriage license she restricted her deputies from issuing them as well.

Was this a constitutional crisis, a battle between state sovereignty and federal supremacy? Did Davis argue since marriage is not mentioned or defined in the constitution all matters of matrimony are delegated to the states, and the Supreme Court’s decision violated the principles of federalism established by the tenth amendment?

No, if that was her argument only legal scholars would have been interested in the drama that followed: A lawsuit was filed, a judge ordered Davis to do her job, Davis refused, the judge charged contempt, and Davis was jailed for five days.

But Davis made national headlines and attracted Republican presidential candidates because she claimed that her official signature on a same-sex marriage license went against her religious beliefs. (Davis is an Apostolic Christian which made this a matter of religious persecution to the Christian right.)

Republican presidential candidates showed support. Ted Cruz, who visited Davis in jail, called her incarceration an “act of judicial tyranny”.

Bobby Jindal said, “I don’t think anyone should have to choose between following their conscience and religious beliefs or give up their job and face financial sanctions.”

And former Baptist Minister Mike Huckabee proclaimed, “We must end the criminalization of Christianity!” He also said, “If somebody has to go to jail. I’m willing to go in her place. She has shown more courage than any politician I know.”

Davis was released because her deputies resumed their duties during her absence

Commentary

and issued the marriage licenses. This satisfied the judge and the American Civil Liberties Union lawyer for the couples that took Davis to court.

When hundreds of supporters heard Davis was going to be released they sang “Amazing Grace”, “God Bless America”, waved flags and crosses, and thanked Jesus. (Some probably mentioned Paul and the concept of suffering for his namesake, but Paul also said, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let ever man have his own wife”. So for Paul marriage wasn’t a holy union it was a social contract to avoid the sin of fornication. So why would a Christian prevent anyone from trying to avoid sin?)

But all of her supporters, who only wanted to rally against the Supreme Court’s ruling, ignored the fact that Davis also denied marriage licenses to two heterosexual couples.

Why were they denied?

To avoid a discrimination lawsuit Davis had to deny everyone, therefore heterosexual couples were forced to remain living in sin while Davis promoted her biblical bigotry against same-sex couples as if it was religious freedom.

Why didn’t Davis resign instead of holding her office hostage and coming close to violating the establishment clause by making her deputies honorary Apostolic Christians by forcing them to follow her faith against their will?

The county clerk earns $80,000 a year.

But a pro-Davis rally organizer didn’t think Davis should resign. He said the deputy clerks that issued the marriage licenses while Davis was in jail violated their oath of office and the deputies should be fired.

Concerning the religious right senator Barry Goldwater, author of Conscience of a Conservative, once said, “Frankly, these people frighten me … They must learn to make their views known without trying to make their views the only alternatives.”

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@blogspot.com)

Copeland danced her way to the top

by Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Fighting for freedom and equality comes in numerous different forms, vessels and vocations, particularly in a society with a history of stereotypical distortions about human capacity and ability based on race and ethnicity. Therefore, it is important to note whenever there is an irrefutable exposure of some of those false myths and caricatures.

This is especially the case whenever African Americans are successful in achieving the highest level in any field of endeavor. It helps to shatter the false notion of racial inferiority that still too often pervades the mindset of too many people.

Misty Danielle Copeland has gracefully danced her way to the pinnacle of ballet in America and deserves our respect and profound appreciation. She did not allow the hardships of poverty – including sharing a small, low-budget hotel room with her mother and five siblings – and the doubts of others about her potential for greatness to kill her spirit or thirst for excellence.

I believe this resilient story of Misty Copeland is inspirational and motivational for African American millennials and others who strive for excellence in a world that routinely discounts the three Ps – purpose, promise and potential. We need to change the current narrative about African American youth. Our young

people need to be encouraged to excel and the example of Misty Copeland can and should serve that purpose.

Keep in mind that Copeland did not have the opportunity to really study the art of ballet until she was a teenager.

Most successful ballerinas start at much earlier age to fashion their discipline through formal ballet instruction and preparation. That meant that Misty had to work harder and study harder to catch up to the others. Misty began studying ballet at 13 years old. When she turned 14, she won her first ballet contest and became a rare young solo ballet artist. The next year, at the age of 15 Misty Copeland won first place at the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards for ballet. Fast forward to June 30, 2015 when she became the first female African American to be promoted to “principal dancer” in the 75-year history of the prestigious American Ballet Theater.

The tremendous achievement of Misty Copeland cannot be overstated. Now, millions of young African American girls and others can realistically aspire to become a world famous ballet dancer. Misty stated, “Success is not easy and I think everyone should know that hard work and perseverance and being open to giving back are so much more powerful than stepping all over people to get to the top.” That’s wise counsel for everyone, especially our younger brothers and sisters.

SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

A7

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary

Another government shutdown?

Congress must approve a budget by Oct. 1, or our government will shut down. That means that people will not be paid and technically, government departments will cease to operate. Social Security payments, veterans’ benefits, and more will cease to be paid.

Literally, government will shut down.

Whenever we get to this brinkmanship, Congress approves a continuing resolution that provides temporary funding at current levels, or enforces an across the board reduction of a certain percent. Sometimes the cuts are established so that the military takes smaller cuts than other departments.

The bottom line is that lawmakers figure out how to apply a Band-Aid to a hemorrhaging leg. The bad news is that the problem does not go away.

The good news is that it keeps us going for a few minutes.

Why are House Republicans so determined to have a budget showdown?

Part of it is their determination to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood. They refuse to understand that, in addition to providing abortion service, Planned Parenthood provides basic women’s health services, including gynecological examinations. They are providing these health services in areas where they are not available.

Abortions represent just a fraction of what they offer. But, based on a set of bogus videos, some Republicans are using those videos to posture about abortion. Somebody needs to speak up for Planned Parenthood, but unless they do, this is going to be a rook on the shutdown chessboard.

Then there is the issue, always, about budget cuts and the difference between domestic spending and military spending. In order to accept the Obama budget, Congress will have to lift the debt ceiling. They don’t want to. The Republican rap is we need more fiscal discipline. Many of these folks will take to the floor of Congress or of the Senate to rail about irresponsible spending. Their drama impedes the October 1 deadline, and they know it.

This is an opportunity for many Republicans who are presidential candidates (Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, Donald Trump, and Ben Carson to name a few) to show their stuff. They want to stand out from their opponents, as well as from this administration. They hope like hell that C-SPAN or some other media is there to capture their vapid remarks. They pray that their passionate nonsense will make the evening news. If they have the slightest bit of sense, they will help pass this budget. Perhaps, after they’ve blown off enough steam, they will.

The discussion about the debt ceiling and the division between domestic and military spending is a recurrent one. Some members of both Congress and the Senate have mixed feelings around the deal that our country has cut with Iran. We have limited Iran’s ability to manufacture nuclear weapons, and we have imposed some checks and balances to keep them to their word. How do you cut a deal with the devil? Can we really trust Iraq?

For the longest time I have had mixed feeling about the deal, mostly because I really think that part of the deal should be to release American citizens, like the Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, who are being held in Iraq. After much contemplation, I am persuaded that the Iran deal is better than anything we’ve had until now. We’re going to deal with a free-lance devil, or a devil with a contract. We can’t verify a thing with the freelance devil. We have significant, though not perfect, limits to Iran’s arms accumulation, so we’ve cut a deal with the devil with a contract.

That’s not perfect but it is better than nothing. Would we prefer the Donald Trump nonsense of “I can negotiate with anyone? Somebody would negotiate his comedic idiocy out of the room.

It is almost impossible that Congress will pass the twelve bills that are part of our budget. Give that, the next best choice is to maintain the status quo, or impose a percentage cut until a budget deal is cut. Planned Parenthood and Iran should not even be part of the conversation.

The deadline, however, has seemed to collide with the drama. There are folks who understand that the budget, or some version of it, needs to be approved by October 1. They just don’t plan to sacrifice their dramatic moment by doing the right thing. Will government shut down? Only if these presidential postures decide that their drama trumps an important deadline.

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based in Washington, D.C. She can be reached at www.juliannemalveaux.com)

Fashion Week show moves crowd with police brutality focus

A8

SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

NATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

by Cara Anna

Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK (AP)—”Black Lives Matter” just landed on the Fashion Week runway.

Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond’s collection for the Pyer Moss label launched Thursday night, Sept. 10, with gripping and now familiar videos of police violence.

The choking death of Eric Garner. The teenage girl thrown to the ground outside a Texas pool party. The running down of a suspect as lights flashed. The smashing of a car window, and then cries.

Until the day before the show, Jean-Raymond said, he wasn’t so sure he would even include the clothes.

“I was making a collection. I didn’t know I was actually gonna show it,” he said. “I was gonna kind of like hold up a mirror to the room with a video.”

He even invited some family members of victims of police brutality to sit in his show’s front row, a coveted position.

Some fashion and front-row regulars were upset and said they wouldn’t attend, Jean-Raymond said. The 28-year-old designer called it disheartening.

“I’m Black, I’m a designer, I’m living in a time when this is happening,” he said. He added, “You’re 28 years old, you’re watching kids younger than you who are being killed by grown men who claim fear as an

UNIQUE COLLECTION—The Pyer Moss Spring 2016 collection is modeled during Fashion Week in New York on Sept. 10. (AP Photo/Bryan R. Smith)

WOMEN’S—Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond’s Pyer Moss collection is modeled during Fashion Week Sept. 10, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan R. Smith)

“I’m Black, I’m a designer, I’m living in a time when this is happening, You’re 28 years old, you’re watching kids younger than you who are being killed by grown men who claim fear as an excuse.”

KERBY JEAN-RAYMOND excuse.”

He said his show was about defying stereotypes—”the thug, the entertainer”— and redefining the Black narrative in America.

During the show’s opening video, which combined the images of confrontation with a range of interviews with singer Usher and others on the need for change, people in the audience gasped or murmured. In an added touch, artist Gregory Siff moved among the models on the runway, quickly tagging the mostly stark, sportish clothes.

On the back of one robe, Siff scrawled “Breathe Breathe Breathe,” a likely reference to Garner’s repeated plea, “I can’t breathe.”

Even some models did not know what they had signed up for until they heard the

DESIGNER—Pyer Moss collection designer Kerby Jean-Raymond appears backstage during Fashion Week Sept. 10, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan R. Smith) video begin backstage.

“I was so blown away by it, it was unreal,” said British model Abby Clee. “I knew I was definitely moved. I was a bit teary but thought, `No, I shouldn’t cry when I’m about to go out.’ I think a lot of people were quite moved, by their faces. Obviously, it means quite a lot to them.”

Clee said she was honored to be in the show.

“I thought the message that they’re sending was absolutely amazing,” she said.

The designer’s father, Jean-Claude JeanRaymond, got a hug from his son as soon as the show finished. He said the show’s theme had been a surprise even for him.

“It was really, really nice,” he said.

(Associated Press writer Nicole Evatt contributed to this report.)

MEN’S—Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond’s Pyer Moss collection is modeled during Fashion Week Sept. 10, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan R. Smith)

New Pittsburgh Courier

steps out on faith B4 & B5

Local designer

LIFESTYLES SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

celebrates 140th anniversary B2

Ebenezer

B

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

‘In My Travels’ late summer Here we are, almost at the end of September. The Halloween candy is on the shelf at the stores and the Halloween displays are bigger and better than last year. In some stores the Christmas displays are beginning to appear.

I’ve barely had a chance to put my summer clothes away.

Now is the time to buy that barbeque grill that you wanted and get one that is already put together. The same goes for lawn furniture. Since my last “In My Travels,” I’ve seen one thing that I found very interesting “Goats at Work.”

Perhaps you saw the story on the news. I was coming up Bates Street from Second Avenue and happened to look over to my left and I saw the sign and the fence. The sign said Goats at Work. The goats actually clear the weeds. They can even eat Poison Ivy. Reportedly, the goats will be there for a few days or until they clear away the designated area of weeds.

It appears the goats are used in areas that it is hard to bring in equipment like a steep hillside or the narrow street I saw them on in Oakland.

There were two fences around the goats, one was electric. There are warning signs and people are asked not to bring their dogs to the area. I guess the goats work out well.

I’m sure they don’t complain or want breaks; they just eat and keep it moving.

There seems like there is so much construction going on around the city.

Road work and buildings going up everywhere, especially in East Liberty on Baum Blvd. There are new apartments and hotels. I try to look at the construction crew as I drive by and I rarely see a Black person working.

Some things never change.

I’m looking forward to the opening of Hotel Indigo on Highland Avenue.

I hope the décor will be as exciting as Hotel Monaco in Downtown Pittsburgh.

If you haven’t been to Hotel Monaco, go in and check it out. You don’t have to stay there, you can stop in for a drink or lunch or dinner. It is beautiful and unique.

A few other places in the city that I truly love are Nicky’s Thai Restaurant on the North Side of Pittsburgh and Rumfish Grill in Bridgeville. Both have outdoor spaces that are quite inviting. If the weather is just right I love to eat outside. The patio at Nicky’s reminds me of being in a tropical paradise. The only thing that I don’t like about it is the birds. They have become so tame they almost come right up to your plate.

Much of this comes from people throwing food to the birds. Please don’t feed them and they won’t come so close. That goes for the pesky deer population as well. Don’t feed the deer. I keep hoping they too will be like the goats and eat my weeds instead of my flowers. But no such luck.

(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)

THE ARCHIES—Archie Dennis IV and Archie Dennis III

ENJOYING THE GALA—Sherrie Wadley, Carolyn Simpson and Lynne Hayes Freeland

The Lord’s Church Installation Celebration

by Debbie Norrell

as the master of ceremonies, songs of celebration performed by Marilyn McCoo Courier Staff Writer and Billy Davis Jr., CeCe Winans Love, August 28 and 30 was a powerful week- and Angelo and Veronica Petrucci.

During the weekend celeend for The bration, The Whites were CELEBRATING CHANGE—From left: Rev. Claudette Dennis, Pastor L o r d ’ s joined by their Covenant Niecy Dennis White and Curtis White.

C h u r c h Partners in Purpose: Pas(TLC), Niecy tor Alvin and CeCe Winans D e n n i s Love, Bishop Jonathan and White and Bethany Stewart, and Pasthe Dennis tors John and Chelle Tyler. family.

These couples served as On Aug. the Whites’ attendants dur28, in the ing their wedding last year. grand ballOn Aug. 30, Niecy White room of the added a new title to her O m n i name, pastor of The Lord’s William Church. Pastor Claudette Penn Hotel, Dennis and Apostle John the TLC Eckhardt officiated.

Pastoral InOn Oct. 25, Pastor stallation Claudette Dennis will be Gala was ordained as Apostolic Overheld. seer. The Lord’s Church is This grand evening and SISTERS—Khristie Kimborough and Maurita located at 2517 Haymaker MASTER OF CEREMONIES—Bobby Dennis Road in Monroeville, Pa. w e e k e n d Dennis had a duel meaning. Just a year ago on Aug. 30, 2014, Niecy Dennis married Curtis White so there was a first anniversary to celebrate. Not only that, but on Aug. 30, at The Lord’s Church in Monroeville, Niecy Dennis White was installed as the church’s pastor.

Her late father, Rev. Archie Dennis Jr., and her mother, Claudette Dennis, founded the Lord’s Church in April of 1986.

Reverend Archie Dennis Jr. died suddenly on Oct. 26, 2001. Reverend Claudette Dennis was later installed as the pastor in July of 2002.

In a prepared statement, Rev. Claudette Dennis said, “I’ve sought the Lord in prayer since my transition in 2002, to cause me to know who would and could take the vision and goals of TLC to the next level of purpose. My daughter Niecy’s name and her work as unto the Lord is clear in my heart and mind. I’m so excited and grateful to be one of the founders and your mother/pastor to position you to take the wings of Jesus and COVENANT PARTNERS—From left: Bishop Jonathan and Bethany Stewart, Niecy and Curtis White, and Pastors Chelle fly.”

The Friday gala included Bobby Dennis and John Tyler. (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

THE LOVES—CeCe Winans Love and Pastor Alvin Love

MUSICAL TRIBUTES—Angelo and Veronica Petrucci with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.

B2

SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

RELIGION

Praise & Worship HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8757

“Be Encouraged”

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

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & Noon Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) Noon www.stbtmchurch.org

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh., PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor

Ebenezer celebrates 140th anniversary

WELCOME TO ALL—Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell, senior pastor of Ebenezer.

BEAUTY AND GRACE—Mt. Carmel Mime Ministry

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.metropolitanbaptistchurchpgh.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail0.com

SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:00 p.m.

East Liberty PresbyterianChurch Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 www.cathedralofhope.org

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

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

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community

AUDACITY OF HOPE—Was the lesson of the day from Rev. Barbara A. Gunn, pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in North Versailles.

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 140th Church Anniversary on Aug. 30. Pastor Emeritus Dr. J.V.A. Winsett preached the 10:30 a.m. service and Rev. Barbara Gunn, pastor of Mt. Carmel

REV. DR. J. VAN ALFRED WINSETT, pastor emeritus of Ebenezer, listens to the Word with enthusiasm.

Baptist Church, preached the 3 p.m. service.

Ebenezer, located on the corners of Wylie Avenue, Devillers and Davenport Streets, was organized on Aug. 10, 1875.

The Rev. R. Henry Marshall (1885-

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext 40.

We are looking to

1873) was the first pastor. On March 13, 2004, fire destroyed Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church leaving two Pittsburgh fire fighters dead, Richard A. Stefanakis, 51, and Charles G. Brace, 55, both of Pittsburgh. A new

church was built on the same site in 2006.

The current pastor is Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell of Ebenezer.

Since his arrival at Ebenezer in September 2013, Rev. Campbell has served as a panelist for the Afri-

guest preacher will be Rev. Cheryl D. Moore of Zion Temple United Church of Christ in North Carolina. There will also be a collection of toiletries for the residents of Naomi’s Place Transitional Housing. For more information, call 412-363-8082 or visit www.rodmanstreet.org.

College Fair SEPT. 19—The Scholarship Ministry of Rodman Street Mis-

sionary Baptist Church, 6111 Rodman St., East Liberty, will host a College Fair from 10 a.m.12 p.m. at Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy-International School, 515 N. Highland Ave., East Liberty. Representatives from colleges and universities from across the state of Pennsylvania, and Ohio and Virginia have been invited to attend. All high school students, families and friends are welcome to attend. For more information, call 412-363-8082 or visit www.rodmanstreetchurch.org.

Wellness Fair

e-mail:

egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com

rently serves as the vice chair of the Hill District Ministers Alliance.

Reverend Campbell is preceded by Rev. Dr. J. Van Alfred Winsett who served as the senior pastor at Ebenezer for 39 years.

Church Circuit SEPT. 18—The Women of Power & Purpose of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church, 6111 Rodman St., East Liberty, will host its S.H.O. (Sistahs Hanging Out) Time Revival at 7 p.m. The theme is “Moving Forward.” For three Fridays in September, a special guest female preacher will bring a word of inspiration. The evening’s

New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360

can American Gubernatorial Candidates, and offered prayers and/or remarks at several prestigious events, including the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Dedication Ceremony at Sewickley Cemetery. He cur-

THE EBENEZER DEACON MINISTRY (Photos by Rossano P. Stewart)

S.H.O. Time Revival

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

SHAVONTAY DAVENPORT—Gives a spirit-filled performance.

SEPT. 19—Reach Up Inc. of Union Baptist Church, Swissvale Presbyterian Church, New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church and others will host Encountering Wellness in the Com-

munity from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Swissvale Library, 1800 Monongahela Ave., Swissvale. The day will feature activities such as line dancing, laughter yoga, health screenings and more. For more information, call 412-271-3900.

Pastoral Anniversary SEPT. 19—Macedonia Baptist Church, 17 Cochran St., Duquesne, will host its 26th Pastoral Anniversary at 11 a.m. This is a celebration of Rev. Dr. Archie Perrin Jr. and his wife’s 26 years of service. The guest preacher will be Rev. Kelvin Brooks of New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Detroit, Mich. For more information, call 412-466-7422.

Back to Church Sunday SEPT. 20—Brown Chapel AME Church, 1400 Boyle St., North

DAWSON

Marian L. Age 75, born and raised in Pittsburgh, and long time resident of New York City, died on Sept. 8, 2015. Loving mother of Selima Dawson; sister of Arlene Lloyd and the late LaVerne Lloyd. Marianʼs strong faith in Jesus Christ, and her kindness to both friends and strangers was an inspiration to many.

A memorial service to celebrate Marianʼs life will be held on Sat. Sept. 26 at 4pm at Friendship Church, led by Pastor Gary Willingham-McLain, and followed by dinner in the fellowship hall. Contributions may be sent to The Judah Project at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 250 N. Highland Ave. Pittsburgh PA 15206. Arrangements by Kristin L. Hauman for The Natural Funeral Company 412-716-4435.

Side, will host “Back to Church Sunday” at 11 a.m. The service is part of a national movement of churches to get individuals back into the church. Following the morning service there will be a special service that features music, a powerful sermon and light refreshments. All are welcome. For more information, visit www.bccministriespgh.org.

Pre-Pastoral Anniversary SEPT. 20—Triedstone Baptist Church, 18 Harriet St., Rankin, will host the Pre-Pastoral Anniversary at 3:30 p.m. This event is the celebration of Pastor Nathaniel Pennybaker. The guest preacher will be Rev. Joyce Owens of Abiding Faith Ministry.

For more information, call 412271-3000.

Concert of Praise SEPT. 20—First Baptist of Penn Hills, 7450 Chadwick St., Penn Hills, will host a “Concert of Praise” celebrating 95 years of ministry at 5 p.m. The special guest will be Jeremiah Murphy of Washington, D.C., along with other local guests such as Pastor Keith Moncrief and the MTM Praise team. This is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-371-5335.

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

B3

SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

CUISINE

Beef Burgundy Stew

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

(Family Features)—Walking in the door from a hectic day to the heady, fragrant smells of a meal ready to enjoy may seem like a far-fetched fantasy. With the right ingredients and cookware, you can delight your busy family with dinners that taste like you spent a day hard at work in the kitchen.

These easy, time-saving slow cooker recipes are fast on prep time and big on unique flavors. The seasonings, made

by Orrington Farms with natural ingredients and no added MSG or gluten, blend perfectly with your fresh additions for a homemade taste.

(For more delicious dinner ideas, visit orringtonfarms.com or Facebook/OrringtonFarms.)

Bourbon BBQ Baby Back Ribs Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 8 hours Servings: 6 6 pounds pork baby back ribs, cut into serving-size pieces 1 pouch Orrington Farms BBQ Pork Roast Seasoning, divided 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup tomato sauce 1 cup prepared Orrington Farms Beef Flavored Soup Base & Seasoning: 1/2 cup bourbon 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon hot sauce Preheat oven to 475 F. Rub 2 tablespoons pork roast seasoning over ribs and place meaty side up on large baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients.

Place ribs in large slow cooker. Pour sauce over ribs.

Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or on high 4-5 hours, until ribs are tender. Remove ribs from slow cooker. Set aside and keep warm.

Carefully pour sauce through a fine strainer set over a 2quart saucepan, reserving liquid. Skim fat, if desired.

Bring sauce to boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until thickened. Brush sauce over ribs.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 7 hours Servings: 7 1-1/2 pounds top round steak, cubed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons butter 1 package (8 ounces) fresh sliced portobello mushrooms 1 small onion, chopped 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed reduced sodium cream of mushroom soup, undiluted 1 tablespoon Orrington Farms Restaurant Style Au Jus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup sour cream Hot cooked egg noodles Minced fresh parsley Sprinkle beef with salt, paprika and pepper. In large skillet, brown beef in butter. Place beef in large slow cooker. In same skillet, saute mushrooms, onion and garlic until tender. Transfer to slow cooker. Stir in soup, au jus mix, Worcestershire sauce and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook on low 6 hours.

Combine remaining water and flour until smooth; add to slow cooker. Stir in sour cream. Cover and cook 1 hour longer. Serve over noodles; sprinkle with parsley.

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 5 hours Servings: 8 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, about 6 ounces each 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed reduced sodium cream of mushroom soup, undiluted 1 package (8 ounces) fresh sliced mushrooms 1/2 cup white wine 1 pouch (2.5 ounces) Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Chicken Noodle Soup Seasoning 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed Hot cooked rice pilaf Place chicken in large slow cooker. In small bowl, combine mushroom soup, mushrooms, wine and soup seasoning. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 4 hours.

Stir in cream cheese. Cover and cook 1 hour or until cream cheese is melted. Remove lid and, if desired, serve chicken breast halves or shred chicken. Serve over rice pilaf.

Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 8 hours Servings: 8 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 2 pounds cubed beef stew meat 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped 1 bag (10 ounces) pearl onions, trimmed 1 can (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup prepared Orrington Farms Low Sodium Beef Broth Base & Seasoning 1/2 cup dry red wine 1/4 cup tomato paste 1 pouch Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Vegetable Beef Stew Seasoning Hot cooked egg noodles (optional) Place flour in large re-sealable plastic bag. Add beef a few pieces at a time and shake to coat.

Place beef, carrots, onions, mushrooms and garlic in large slow cooker.

In medium bowl, combine prepared beef broth base, wine, tomato paste and vegetable beef stew seasoning.

Pour over beef and vegetables.

Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or until meat is tender.

Serve over egg noodles, if desired.

New Pittsburgh Courier

B4

ENTERTAINER SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Cover To Cover

‘Black Man in White Coat’

by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier

Lately, you haven’t been feeling like yourself.

You’ve always been a bounce-out-of-bed kind of person, but not anymore: you’re achy now, tired, and you can’t think straight.

Did you pick up a bug of some kind or—as you’ll learn in the new book “Black Man in a White Coat” by Damon Tweedy, M.D.—does the color of your skin have something to do with it?

Damon Tweedy knew he was a rarity.

In 1996, the year he entered medical school at Duke University, just seven percent of all medical students in the U.S. were Black. That minority-within-a-minority, he says, led to unintended racism in the classroom.

Working at the hospital, he also saw racism’s effects: many of Tweedy’s patients were Black, and the state of

their health opened his eyes.

He’d grown up in a solidly middle-class neighborhood with two parents who demanded education. Those were things that most of Tweedy’s Black patients never had, and that mattered.

As he worked his way from student to intern to resident, Tweedy gained experience and tried several branches of medicine before deciding on psychiatry as a specialty.

But long before that, he worked in Labor & Delivery and learned that “more than 70 percent of Black children are born to unmarried women,” a rate that’s more than twice that of white babies. He saw the affects of poverty while volunteering at a “safety-net clinic” in rural North Carolina. There, he found that “poor Blacks were four times as likely as the general population to receive care” at such facilities.

Hypertension is “50 percent more common in Black people than in Whites…” Homicide is the leading cause of death for Black male teens, which can lead to survivor guilt. AIDS, once a death sentence, is treatable today—although “Black people…are more than eight times as likely as whites to be diagnosed with HIV.” Overall, “Being black can be bad for your health” but there are windows of good news…

When you first glimpse “Black Man in a White Coat,” you may wonder if it’s about health or if it’s a memoir. It’s both, actually, but that scarcely matters when a book is this good.

With a calm voice that belies the urgency he so apparently feels about the subject, author Damon Tweedy, M.D. explains why African Americans need to pay better attention to their health and the care they get. How the system fails black patients is of particular interest to him (he, in fact, relates an anecdote of his own as illustration), and he offers opinions on the Affordable Care Act. In between this obviously useful info, Tweedy also shares with readers his long and personal path to becoming a doctor and how he grew with each step. (“Black Man in a White Coat” by Damon Tweedy, M.D., c.2015, Picador, $26/$29.99 Canada, 295 pages.)

LESA MITCHELL comes out as everyone in the room stand and applaud her.

DESIGNER WITH MODELS—Lesa Mitchell in Blue in middle poses with the models of her fashion show, which was broken into several scenes “Motherland Shake Down,” “Faith and Chic, ” “Spiritual and Sassy” and “A Touch from Heaven” scene. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Local designer steps out on faith to make fashion dream a reality

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Local designer steps out on faith to make fashion dream a reality

by Genea L. Webb

the show. “But if anyone’s ever seen Lesa when she steps into a room you have to look at her. She always has something on that you’ll never see anywhere else.”

Mitchell spent a month sewing more than 16 outfits for 14 models for the show. The more sewing she did, the more confidence she gained.

By show time Mitchell was ready to strut her stuff.

“I was excitedly scared.

I knew God had it, but you know your flesh is on the edge of the chair,” said Mitchell who cites celebrity fashion stylist and expert J. Bolin as one of her influences. “I hope that this is the first of many shows for me. I’m

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Fashion and sewing is something that Lesa Mitchell has always loved.

“I used to make my Barbie dolls clothes,” said Mitchell who resides in Elizabeth and is a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Clairton.

“My sister, Wendy, purchased a skirt. It was blue and flowing and I went into her drawer because I was looking for something to cut up and make into something else and because I liked what she wore. I took that skirt and made a mini skirt, a tube top and a head wrap. I got a lot of compliments on that outfit. I was about 11 years old.”

Soon after, when her mother asked what she wanted for Christmas, Mitchell was quick to ask for a sewing machine.

“She thought all three of us girls were going to use it but I was the one who picked it up,” Mitchell recalled. “I liked the colors, shapes and forms and how material would be one way and would turn out another way. That’s what excited me.”

However, when the Morning Star Baptist Church Social Services Ministry approached her about making clothes and having her own fashion show, Mitchell was apprehensive.

“They asked me to do it and I sat on it for a month because I kept saying ‘I don’t do that,’” Mitchell said. “They kept coming to me saying when are we going to do this. Pick a date. I picked Aug. 29 because it was the furthest date that I could get at the time.”

SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

ARTS & CULTURE

(Photo by J. L. Martello) She assessed each model’s style profile and created an outfit based on that but she put her own twist on each piece.

The result was Remix Designs by Lesa Mitchell, a New York Fashion Week-style fashion show with an eclectic mix of dresses and skirts with asymmetrical and highlow hems in bold prints and bright, fluid fabrics.

“Lesa fought tooth and nail not to do this,” said Jean Gressem-Jacobs who served as commentator of

going to let God lead me where he wants me to be.”

As a way to cater to the whole woman, attendees were treated to a healthy hair demonstration and a dress etiquette presentation.

In addition to her fash-

ion talent, Mitchell creates drapes, pillows, slipcovers and tablecloths.

“It’s nice to have someone who’ll put something together that fits you and is proportional to you,” Gressem-Jacobs said.

Mitchell was available

B5

for one-on-one consultations with anyone in the audience who was ready to elegantly spice up their wardrobe.

“I’m happy that so many people came to the show,” Mitchell said, wiping tears of joy from her eyes.

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SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

September Thursday 17 Dignity: Renditions and Inspiration The Kaufmann Center presents “Dignity: Renditions and Inspirations” at the Hill House Association Kaufmann Gallery, 1825 Centre Ave., Hill District. The exhibit by artists Tina Williams Brewer and Bill Double features photos by Double and Brewer. The exhibit can be viewed based upon appointments. For more information, call 412-2811026 or visit www.hillhouse.com.

Friday 18 TITLE TOWN “Dance & Show” TITLE TOWN presents the TITLE TOWN “Dance & Show” from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Thunderbird Café, 4023 Butler St., Lawrenceville. The featured performer will be musician Spanky Wilson & The All Stars. He has assembled an Alist group of Pittsburgh-based musicians, which are keyboardist Max Leake, bassist Paul Thompson, drummer Thomas Wendt and saxophonist Lou Stellute. Also, DJs J. Malls and Gordy G will be spinning soul & funk records throughout the night. This is a 21 and over event. For more information, call 412-6820177.

Saturday 19 Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio Live Kente Arts Alliance presents the Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio Live at 8 p.m. at The New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side. Dr. Lonnie Smith is an unparalleled musician, composer, performer and recording artist. As an authentic master and guru of the Hammond B-3 organ for five decades and has been featured on more than 70 albums. For more information, call 412322-0292 and visit www.kentearts.org.

Sunday 20

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

ARTS & CULTURE

Soul Sessions The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the Soul Sessions Series at 8 p.m. at the August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District.

The series will begin with internationally renowned, award winning vocalist Gregory Porter. He is a winner of the BBC’s International Artist of the Year Award. For more information, call 412-4566666 or visit www.trustarts.org.

Monday 21 Savoy Jazz Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz Mondays from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere by some of the city’s most talented jazz performers. The featured performer will be Charlie G. with the Harry Cardilli Trio. The attire is business casual. For more information, call 412281-0660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.

Tuesday 22 JazzLive The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents JazzLive at 5 p.m. at the Backstage Bar at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Tuesday, guests can enjoy a free live jazz series that showcases some of the region’s finest jazz musicians. For more information, call 412456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.

Wednesday 23 Isabel Wilkerson The Neighborhood Academy presents author Isabel Wilkerson at 5:30 p.m. at The Neighborhood Academy. 709 N. Aiken Ave., Garfield. Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson will be on hand to discuss her New York Times Best Selling book, “The Warmth of Other Suns.” For more information, call Rachael Dittmar at 412-362-2001 ext.

134.

Gospel Music Night at South Park Ampitheater

by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier

There’s no reason why gospel music can’t be represented everywhere. That is the belief of Southwestern Churches United and why the group held its second annual outdoor Gospel Music at Night concert at South Park’s amphitheater.

About 30 performing artists from various Pittsburgh neighborhoods as well as other parts of the country, including Chicago and Ohio, donated their time and talent for the concert. In addition to the musical, singing and dancing entertainment, the event featured clothing, food and informational vendors.

It was sponsored in part

by A For the People Institute Insurance Agency Inc. The agency handles business, auto, home, life, health and automobile insurance.

“This is an opportunity to give back because the county should be supporting the churches and uniting the people. We’re bringing the gospel to the people.

This is another chance for someone to come to God,” said A For The People Insurance’s William Hawthorne.

Despite glitches, like the show being about two hours late due to an electricity problem, about 200 people turned out to hear the “Good News” the concert was created to provide.

“We like coming to gospelstyle events,” said Washington, Pa., residents Laura and Chuck Whipkey who used to frequent South Park for concerts in the past. “This is something that the community needs and supports. The community needs more things like this. It gives people positive things to do.”

Clairton resident Jean An-

derson agreed with the Whipkey’s.

“This was a positive thing. Being that it’s so close to Clairton, it should’ve been advertised more,” Anderson said. “It was some place to go and some of the singers had beautiful voices.”

The first-ever Gospel Music Night was held on July 25, 2014, and featured performers from Mt. Zion Baptist, Peters Creek Baptist, First Baptist Church of Finleyville, St. John’s Ministry and South Park’s Nativity Catholic church.

In addition to the singing and dancing, long-time members of each church were recognized for their years of service. This year, however, the awards portion was cut and the evening was focused on entertainment.

“I have friends and neighbors who are performing and volunteering tonight,”

said South Park resident Lisa McCracken. “Last year it was publicized better but people enjoyed what they were hearing.”

Some high points of the night included Iron Cross Records’ Chicago native Chi Girl who serenaded the audience with Christian rap; the neo-soul stylings of Youngstown’s Devon Rue and Pittsburgh’s own Imani Wilkerson.

The initiative is the brainchild of South Park Township resident George Atkins who believes the park should be utilized by all types of people for all types of activities.

“We want to collectively come together to celebrate our local, cultural, historical and spiritual diversity,” Atkins said. “We would like this event to help improve our understanding of our local diversity, common history and shared resources in a celebratory environment.”

Double-Platinum duo MKTO’s new release ( C O L U M B I A RECORDS)—Double-platinum duo MKTO is back to take the pop world by storm with their new and dynamic “Bad Girls” EP, available now. The foursong EP features the funkinfused lead single “Bad Girls,” which People magazine declares “with Tony Oller’s slick falsetto and horn-filled production, this single feels destined to storm the charts.” The EP also includes the catchy, upbeat “Afraid of the Dark,” the romantic, dreamy track “Monaco” and the hip-hop driven “Just Imagine It.” “It feels so good to finally put out new music —we have been playing these songs live for a while and it feels incredible to be able to connect with our fans and have them accept our musical evolution,” said

MKTO. Malcolm and Tony premiered their lead new single “Bad Girls” on “Good

Morning America” last month, and also had their late night television debut on the “Late Late Show

with James Corden” on CBS. The duo also hit “The View” stage and performed on “Kelly & Michael” this week. “Bad Girls” has racked up over 6 Million Spotify streams and the accompanying video, which is in full rotation on MTV Hits & Fuse, has yielded over 1.1 Million views on VEVO. The internationally-acclaimed group exploded onto the scene last year by injecting a potent mix of swagger and R&B chops into their pop-tinged self-titled debut album, propelled by the smash single “Classic,” which is certified double-platinum in the U.S. and triple-platinum in Australia. Their first-ever headlining U.S. tour last summer drew raves, and the group is anxious to hit the road in the upcoming months in support of their new music.

New Pittsburgh Courier

BUSINESS

Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing C7-C8

Classifieds

C Roadmap for Inclusive Innovation launched by city C5

Inside Conditions

SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

Last week the City of Pittsburgh launched the “Pittsburgh Roadmap for Inclusive Innovation,” a strategic plan designed to support equitable access to technology, City resources, and information.

Aimed to improve the quality of life for all residents, the Roadmap is described to encompass more than 100 projects and initiatives the City of Pittsburgh will undertake in the coming months and years.

“To be truly successful, Pittsburgh’s technology boom has to be accessible for all. This plan will enable us to be a model for cities around the country in providing equitable services and opportunities for residents and businesses in every neighborhood citywide,” said Mayor William Peduto during the launch.

In the planning stages since the Mayor took office in 2014 and created the Department of Innovation and Performance under the leadership of Debra Lam, work has been underway to develop the inclusive plan through community engagement, extensive research and analysis of the City as well as best practices from around the world.

Now that the project has been launched and underway, Lam says continuous community engagement and partnership building will take place to assure inclusiveness. She suggests that businesses of all sizes register and utilize the new Beacon website; www.buildpgh.com/beacon . The site is described as a new free service built in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh and Code for America that notifies businesses about City contract opportunities and provides information about how to apply for them.

“The innovative city we are building together will never reach its full potential unless it strengthens and supports innovation in all communities, and we will get there through efforts such as promoting digital literacy, opening up contract bidding to small businesses, and ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment for everyone.

This Roadmap will intelligently move Pittsburgh into the future by recognizing and adapting to meet the immense opportunities for growth in the digital age,” Mayor Peduto said.

STRONG SUPPORTERS—From left: Urban Innovation21 President and CEO William Generett; City of Pittsburgh’s Chief Innovation and Performance Officer Debra Lam; Chief Urban Affairs Officer Valerie McDonald Roberts; and the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University Director Rebecca Harris. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels) Dewith other lighted cohorts exabout the pected to project and join forces pleased that are the Urban InnoCarnegie Livation 21 is brary, able to be a Launchpart of the PGH.com, Roadmap 100 Refor Inclusive silient Innovation, Cities, Code its execuof America, tive direcCarnegie tor, William Mellon UniGenerett, versity Jr. pointed Heinz Colout that lege, Port this is away Authority, for busiPittsburgh nesses of all 2030 Distypes and tricts, sizes to be Metro21, included OpenPGH, and to have the Univeraccess to sity of Pittswhat is burgh’s needed to UCSR, Upmake them town Partprofitable ners of and successPittsburgh, ful. “It is Western INNOVATION FOR ALL—City of Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto introduces Roadmap for Inclusive Pennsylvagood to Innovation. have the nia Regional City adopt Data Centake advantage of and be Google were a part of the an inclusive innovation ter, StartUptown, Create involved with technology Connecting Urban Enstrategic plan aimed at Lab, Richard King Mellon to be effective. They have trepreneurs. The initiative Foundation, Oakland supporting access to techto use all tools available was a collective effort nology, city resources and Planning and Developto be a part of the new among several organizainformation. It is signifiment Corporation, Google, economy.” tions in Pittsburgh to ascant that minority, TechShop, Children’s MuEarlier in the summer sist entrepreneurs take women, veteran and disseum of Pittsburgh, Steel Innovation21 along with their online presence to advantaged businesses City Codefest, CUE Pittsthe Center for Women’s the next level. utilize all aspects of it. burgh and the Center for Other partners inEntrepreneurs have to re- Entrepreneurship at Women’s EntrepreneurChatham University and volved in the Roadmap alize that they have to ship at Chatham Univer-

sity.

With the theory that inclusive innovation provides equal access to products and services with new technologies, ideas, personnel and inventions to meet complex challenges and higher standards, participants in the launch event introduced three goals and six focus areas of the Roadmap.

The primary goals according to Robert Rubinstein, Acting Executive Director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh are; to bridge the digital divide and facilitate residents’ participation in the new economy; to improve the city’s capacity to serve the public in the digital age; and to increase Pittsburgh’s resilience in the digital age by strengthening the clean tech and local business sectors.

Sighting small businesses as the cornerstone and strength of neighborhoods, Rubinstein said the URA is uniquely qualified to implement and deliver key elements of the Roadmap through its support of job creation, business development and technology. He committed the URAs’ efforts to the Roadmap as providing entrepreneur’s access to capital, serving as a resource and the support of infrastructure.

The six focus areas of the Roadmap, each listing different initiatives to meet objectives, progress reports on their implementation, and best practices followed by other cities are; to address the digital divide; empowering city-to-citizen engagement; providing open data to Pittsburgh; Improving internal operations and capacity of the City; advancing the clean technology sector; and promote the local business environment.

“Today is an exciting day for the department of Innovation and Performance and the residents of Pittsburgh,” said Lam, Chief Innovation and Performance Officer. “I am very proud of this team and the work we’ve accomplished over the past year. This is a living document that will continue to evolve over time. Our goal is to continue to incorporate new programs and projects using the Roadmap as a foundation.”

Broken down in numerous components, the way to gain information on the Roadmap for Inclusive Innovation is through the city of Pittsburgh website; www.pittsburghpa.gov.

BET founder pushes Black hiring, launches new network

by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier

Robert L. Johnson keeps tabs on BET because, well, he co-founded the network and, he said, it’s like a grandparent making sure the young ones are OK. The network, like so many other business ventures that the distinguished entrepreneur has owned and operated, continues to do well and remains a beacon in the Black community.

A symbol of leadership and an innovator, Johnson has a legacy that could ultimately be defined by what he’s accomplished to level the playing field for African-Americans and other minorities in corporate America.

His RLJ Rule has grabbed the attention of some executives at Fortune 500 companies after already being endorsed by President Barack Obama and by members of the

United States Senate who, led by Republican Tim Scott, recently passed a resolution establishing business best practices to fully utilize the potential of the country based on the RLJ Rule.

“It’s a way to break up the old boys system, the mindset,” said Johnson, 69.

“Hiring is a process busy people do when they have to fill a position. It’s a natural kind of behavior when a position is open to check their email list, see who they went to school with, who they play golf with and the next thing you know, African-Americans are left out.”

That’s exactly what Johnson proposes to change with the RLJ Rule, which encourages companies to voluntarily implement a plan to interview a minimum of two qualified minority candidates for every job opening at the vice president level and above.

Johnson also wants com-

ROBERT JOHNSON panies to interview at least two qualified minorityowned firms for vendor and supplier services contracts before awarding a new company contract to a vendor.

He said the decision by

Xerox this month to implement their version of the RLJ Rule will hopefully motivate other Fortune 500 companies to recognize the compelling need to encourage minority and ethnic di-

versity in hiring at every level and to encourage procurement opportunities for qualified minority businesses.

“We are not telling people that they have to hire AfricanAmericans; what we want is for them to be given an opportunity,” Johnson said, noting that the approach has worked well for him.

“Tom Baltimore, who is responsible for all of the activities of my RLJ Development, was working at Hilton Hotels, and he wasn’t in line to be a CEO. I gave him a chance and now he’s a CEO,” Johnson

said.

“The point is to make certain that minorities are given an opportunity to compete as equals and contribute with their talents to the growth of the economy both nationally and on a global scale. Also, once you bring them in for an interview, it may be that they don’t get that job, but when something else comes up, they are in your database and you know them.”

Naturally, Johnson said he’s not trying to bully anyone into adopting the rule or mandating that they hire minorities.

“The RLJ Rule is principally designed to encourage companies to voluntarily establish a best practices policy to identify and interview the tremendous talent pool of minority individuals and businesses that are often overlooked because of traditional hiring or procurement practices,” he said.

C2 SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS

Tips from largest Black tech business owner

by Willie Jolley For New Pittsburgh Courier

With revenues in excess of $5 billion and more than 2,200 employees in 48 states and six countries, World Wide Technologies has been ranked at the top of BLACK ENTERPRISE 100s list of the nation’s largest Black-owned industrial/service companies for the past six years.

Fortune magazine also ranked his company as “One of the Top 100 Places To Work in America” three years in a row.

Perhaps you’ve never heard of its founder and chairman, David L. Steward, of St. Louis, Mo. Steward, grew up in rural Missouri, with his early career working at Federal Express. He created WWT in 1990, which is now the leading supplier of advanced technologies for the federal government.

It has not been a cakewalk to success, though.

His car was repossessed and he had to go months without getting his paycheck, but he refused to give up. He took risks and never stopping having faith in himself and in his God. He learned to take leaps of faith and risks in order to achieve success.

In addition, he created strategic alliances. He attributes a great deal of his success to doing business with the Small Business Administration through its 8(a) business development program. His company became a top federal contractor. Steward stresses the importance of building relationships and partnerships with a level of trust, integrity, and comfort.

“No one does anything alone. We have built part-

nerships along the way.

SBA was instrumental in growing our business,” he said. Doors were opened to him by the 8(a) program that he might not have been able to walk through alone. That program helped him understand the unique government culture and assisted him with gaining subcontracting opportunities with the Department of Defense.

While WWT is recognized as one of the industry’s fastest growing systems integrators, that is not what Steward talked about when he was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association, the group that honors people who went from rags to riches. Other winners include Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey and Wally Amos.

He spoke of how his faith in God as the secret to his success in business and in his life. He’s the author of “Doing Business By The Good Book: 52 Lessons on Success Straight From The Bible.” (Hyperion). In his book, he shares his beliefthat he was put on this earth to serve others. He sees his company as his pulpit to spread the impact and power of the Word of the Lord.

Here are powerful takeaways from my interview with David L. Steward: God expects your very best, and when you do your very best, you will get blessed; Seek to serve and give your very best to others, and good things will come your way; Count it all joy, even the challenges. It is through the challenges that we grow; It is not easy to build a successful business and a successful life. But as steel must go through the fire to

Why the ‘Holistic’ approach matters in your finances (GINNY GINSLEY)— When you think of what matters most to you and your family, there’s nothing more important than health and well-being, says Kirk Cassidy, a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) who emphasizes the importance of the holistic approach to personal finances. “‘Holistic’ usually has the medical connotation of overall physical well-being, but I’d like to co-opt the term to highlight the importance of an individual’s economic welfare, which so often requires professional attention and a comprehensive financial strategy,” says Cassidy, co-president of Senior Planning Advisors (www.seniorplanningadviso rs.com).

“Healthy eating, stress-relieving vacations and many other activities that keep one engaged in a fulfilling lifestyle – all of these things can add up, and it’s not greedy to want these things.”

Having a well-balanced, holistic financial plan is equally important, especially as individuals approach retirement, Cassidy says. Such a blueprint should cover guaranteed income planning, wealth management, tax minimization strategies, longterm care planning and legacy planning.

“You’ll want a model that integrates all of those criteria, but a truly holistic approach is resource-laden and hard work,” he says.

“Most financial professionals are narrowly focused and aren’t interested in harmonizing the big-picture perspective. That’s why it’s worth cross-checking the qualifications of a professional who is planning your financial destiny.”

Cassidy reviews some criteria you’ll want to consider in selecting a financial advisor.

•RIA. This became an important acronym in 1940 with the Investment Advisers Act. An RIA is, in part, defined as a “person or firm that, for compensation, is engaged in the act of providing advice, making recommendations, issuing re-

ports or furnishing analyses on securities, either directly or through publications.” In other words, a person or firm with the RIA designation is always guided by the best interest of the client, and not the advisor or firm itself.

•Veiled salesperson.

“There is a huge debate going on in our industry regarding the standards that guide our practice,” he says.

“Unfortunately, the bar is fairly low if you want to be a financial professional.”

Currently, most financial advisors are not fiduciaries, obligated to do what is in the best interest of the client. However, there is a push to raise the bar. You’ll want an advisor who actually cares about your financial well-being, who is more than simply transactional and only selling products.

•Education.

Unfortunately, most middle-income Americans who are 50 or older never have been educated on the essential components of a holistic financial plan associated with retirement.

“We offer a course titled ‘Retirement Elevated,’ held at the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School and Eastern Michigan University, which educates seniors on the essential aspects of retirement,” Cassidy says. “Having an advisor you can trust and being better educated yourself can make the difference between working through retirement and enjoying years that are truly golden.”

•Time. For some folks in any industry, customer service can be as shallow as a smiling face and a “Thanks, have a nice day!” Real customer service, on the other hand, involves putting in the time, utilizing professional resources and being honest about a client’s wellbeing.

“We’re all clients of someone, and I know how I’d like to be treated,” Cassidy says.

“Putting in the time and effort is important. We put in at least 30 hours designing and implementing a holistic retirement plan.”

become strong, so too must people go through fire to become their best; You must speak those things that be not as though they are (he spoke about a big company when he was struggling and had no money); Everyone has a measure of faith, but many people will not develop and use their faith; Don’t focus on the present circumstances, but look at the possibilities through the eyes of faith; Our decisions have consequences, so we must learn to make wise decisions; Our brand is the trust level we bring to the marketplace, so we must represent excellence and Put a stake in the ground as to whom you will be and what you will stand for; then take a stand on your values and stay true to them.

DAVID L. STEWARD

Women’s new retirement realities

by Donna M. Phelan, MBA For New Pittsburgh Courier

Although it is improving, there is an economic cost to being a woman that reverberates into retirement. It results from multiple long-term socio-economic conditions.

The first is that women have consistently earned less than men, and real wages have stagnated. Currently women earn about onefourth less than men. The disparities are even greater for Black women, who earn about 30 percent less and Hispanic women, who earn about 40 percent less (census.gov).

The Center for American Progress calculates that over a forty-year career life, that difference may add up to $300,000 for lower earners, $431,000 for average earners and $723,000 for higher earners.

Women are also less likely than men to start their careers in, or get promoted to management positions. A March 2010 Catalyst article in the Harvard Business Review reports that “women continue to lag men at every single career stage, right from their first professional jobs.” Women comprise only 5 percent of CEOs of the Fortune 500 companies. A 2014 Grant Thornton International Business Report survey, featured in the March 6, 2014 issue of Forbes, found that the number of women in senior management has “stagnated” at 24 percent since 2007.

This means that most women miss out on the majority of lucrative executive benefits that may help secure their retirement.

An Aug. 14, 2013 article in the Wall Street Journal, quoted an Aon Hewitt study, which said that the 401(k) gender gap is even bigger than the gender pay gap. The study showed that the average man’s 401(k) savings was $100,000 dollars. The average woman’s 401(k) retirement saving’s was $59,300 dollars—a full 40 percent less.

Women are more likely to leave the workforce for childcare and eldercare. This redirects their resources of time, money and energy away from retirement saving. It also hinders career progress. Studies by Claudia Goldin of Harvard show that when women reenter the workforce, they permanently lag behind in pay and promotions.

Women who leave the workforce for caregiving also incur consequences for Social Security. Women receive about one-fourth less than men in Social Security benefits, $13,236 versus $17,004. Nearly 30 percent of women over age 65 rely on Social Security for virtually all of their income, a rate that increases with age. The percent of women

older than 65 living below the poverty level of $11,670 was 11 percent versus 6.6 percent for men, and 18.9 percent versus 11.9 percent for those living alone. Women who turn on Social Security early for financial reasons permanently lock in a lower lifetime benefit in what may be their only pension.

Women also tend to work in industries that don’t offer retirement plans, so they miss the opportunity for wealth building through an employer match. With women’s average income hovering around $38,345, it is difficult to see how women would have any discretionary income left over for retirement saving.

Marital status is also a factor. Married women fare best, divorced and widowed women next best. Never-married single women incur the most cautious outlook for retirement.

The longevity gap between men and women is narrowing, but women still outlive men, and end up living out their later years alone. Greater longevity is accompanied by larger risk of diminished purchasing power due to inflation.

The many socioeconomic issues facing women and retirement raise concern. What if the old method of trying to save enough for retirement doesn’t work for women?

New strategies are needed if women are going to thrive in retirement. Women should consider working longer in their careers, and part-time in retirement. Women should also consider non-traditional residence sharing—renting out empty bedrooms, getting a roommate, and downsizing. With the savings from reduced housing expenses, women could make financial investments in income-producing vehicles. Women could also turn their hobbies—for which they already have the skills, tools and materials— into profitable home-based businesses.

Women need to understand the role they play in their own retirement and take responsibility. They need to become financially literate and realize they will need income for life. Women need to create stackable income streams to empower their retirement security and meet their monthly spending needs.

Women should also start talking to other women about retirement planning. What are their friends doing to prepare for retirement? What if they got together once a month over coffee to start a conversation about women and retirement? They might discover that they have ideas, talents and resources to share with other women, which might enhance the retirement planning experience and success of a larger scope of women.

Who controls your retirement funds (GINNY GRIMSLEY WIRE)—People make a mistake when they feel as though they’ve lost control of their qualified retirement plans—they never had control in the first place, says retirement advisor Mark Cardoza.

“Qualified retirement funds—whether we’re talking about an IRA, 401(k), Contributory or Defined Benefit Pension Plan, or a Roth IRA—has so many hazards, pitfalls and strings attached to the government that it’s simply misguided to think one has ‘control’ over that money,” says Mark Cardoza, author of the book “Positioning 4 Retirement.” (www.positioning4retire ment.com).

“However, the more you know about this money the more control you can get back—and the more money you can keep.”

Cardoza sheds light on qualified retirement funding so retirees and pre-retirees can have greater say in their golden years.

•Identify the type of qualified plan you may have through your employer— 401(k), IRA, etc.—or your options for a retirement plan if you are self-employed. Plans are assigned these numbers based on the

tax code they follow. The employee has the right to participate in the plan based on the guidelines established by the organization and the U.S. government to receive tax advantages. By managing your qualified and non-qualified money properly, you can save on taxes. Often, the employer will match the employee’s contribution and will receive a tax advantage as well. From there, one needs a solid understanding of qualified and non-qualified money, which is based on your retirement plan.

• A qualified plan refers to an account that meets certain IRS guidelines in order to be considered a retirement account. It is also referred to as “qualified money” or a “qualified fund.” Qualified funds can be in the form of securities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs and annuities. The money placed in a qualified plan has special tax considerations. Each plan has elements that differentiate one from the other, such as distribution restrictions and limiting plan sponsors. The money that goes into a qualified retirement fund has not been taxed and is referred to as “pre-tax dollars.” The pre-

tax dollars grow tax-deferred, meaning until you take a distribution, you do not pay income taxes. The money is taxed based on the individual’s tax bracket and tax rules at the time of withdrawal. The general assumption is that the tax bracket will be lower when the individual has retired.

•Not paying tax on the income you earn and allowing it to grow with the funds that you would have paid in taxes causes you to be taxed on a greater portion of money. This allows the U.S. government to be a partner in your retirement plan.

Uncle Sam then has control over when and how you can spend these funds. By choosing a qualified plan, you are giving Uncle Sam the ability to mandate and establish rules, regulations and guidelines that can change frequently and in favor of the government.

Uncle Sam also has the ability to change the special tax considerations. He is in your pocket and has majority control. The only control that individuals have is how and where the funds are placed in order for them to grow. But Uncle Sam still oversees the placement of money with guidelines and regulations.

BUSINESS CALENDAR

Lunch and Learn Series SEPT. 17— The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host its Lunch & Learn Series at 12:15 p.m. at the Downtown & Business Branch, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. The topic will be “How to Start a Child Care Business.” This session is for individuals who are interested in starting their own daycare or child care business. A panel of experts will learn the rules, regulations and practicalities of opening their own child care small business. For more information, call 412-281-7141 or visit www.carnegielibrary.org.

MWDBE Department Open House SEPT. 17—The Allegheny County Department of Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission will host the MWDBE Department Open House from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Two Chatham Center, 112 Washington Place, Hill District. Dollar Bank Vice President and credit counselor Judith Mason will give tips on how small business owners can use and protect their credit. Refreshments will be provided and registration is required. For more information, call 412-350-4309 or email RSVPMBE@alleghenycounty.us.

PowerBreakfast Meeting SEPT. 18—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host its PowerBreakfast Meeting at 7:30 a.m. at One Oxford Centre.

301 Grant St., Downtown. The guest speaker will be Frank Coonelly, president of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The chamber’s corporate sponsor will update the audience on procurement opportunities within the Pirates’ organization. Reservations are required by Sept. 16. For more information, call 412-392-0610 or email information@aaccwp.com.

Exit Planning for Your Business Series SEPT. 18—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host the “Exit Planning for Your Business” Series from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown.

This session will focus on the themes “Getting You and Your Business Ready, and Taxes and Valuation.” This is a two-part series that is designed for small business owners considering selling their business. Topics will include an overview of selling and buying atmosphere in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania; assessment of your readiness; transitional planning; goal setting and more. The second-part of the series will take place on Sept. 25.

Registration is required and lunch is included. For more information, call 412-396-1633 or visit www.sbdc.duq.edu/events.

ALCOSAN Open House SEPT. 19—ALCOSAN will host an Open House from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 3300 Preble Ave., North Side. This is the region’s largest watershed and environmental festival. The daylong event will include a guided tour of the treatment plant and laboratory; a microbiology, watershed life presentation; hands-on activities and exhibits; and more. This event will take place rain or shine, and it’s free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-7328002 or visit www.alcosan.org.

MyBusiness Startup SEPT. 21—Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship will host its MyBusiness Startup program from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Chatham University, Woodland Road, Shadyside. This in an 11-week entrepreneurial training program that runs through November and is designed for women entrepreneurs in the early stages of starting their own businesses. It includes interactive planning class sessions and one-on-one consulting. Registration is required. For more information, visit www.chatham.edu/cwe/events.

Increase Your Profits SEPT. 22—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host “Get Behind Numbers and Increase Your Profits: Understanding Financial Statements Workshop” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. This is a hands-on workshop that will provide a step-bystep approach to explaining the three financial statements, which are cash flow, profit and loss, and balance sheet. An expert from Wilke & Associates will offer clear examples for using these statements to make informed decisions, identify potential problems within a business and set realistic goals. Attendees are asked to bring a calculator and their current financial statements. For more information, visit www.sbdc.duq.edu/events.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

PEOPLE

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Hammonds reaches out to improve Penn Hills, western Pa. New community voice

by Michael Rose For New Pittsburgh Courier

Leonard J. Hammonds II is a name you will be hearing a lot more about in the future. Since he came back to Pittsburgh in 2012, he has made community outreach his central focus, primarily by reaching out to children and youth.

He is an organizer/activist for Peace Pittsburgh, a community based movement for peace, justice, and equality for the Greater Pittsburgh area and which is led by Pastor Charlie Ragin. He’s also a member of the Penn Hills NAACP, CeaseFirePA as a strong advocate for gun violence prevention, The Guns For Opportunity program and other local programs, and initiatives in the Pittsburgh area.

Hammonds, a 38-year old Penn Hills and Swissvale native whose working parents were seldom home, took to the streets as a youth.

“I had my brushes with the law when I was younger and I was fortunate enough to live through it,” he said.

Like all people who decide on any career, a point came where he hit a crossroads and had to make a decision if a life of crime was the route he really wanted to go.

“I decided I could either be a menace to society or I could minister to society,” he said. So Hammonds enlisted in the Marines and spent

prayed on it and the Lord told me you live in Penn Hills and you need to focus here,” he said.

Hammonds formed Justice For Dougie in January after his cousin Edwin Douglas “Dougie” Hammonds was killed in Penn Hills.

“I led a group of friends and family on the pursuit of Justice For Dougie,” he said. “We worked with The Boilermakers 154 with the Guns For Opportunity program. This program offered people jobs and training with the Local 154 in exchange for a gun off the streets. This was very successful in taking 80 plus guns off the streets, and putting 80 plus people in position for gainful employment. Guns For Opportunity was important to me because my cousin was a boilermaker with the Local 154.”

When it comes to Stop the Violence slogans, one would think that someone who has suffered as many personal tragedies as Hammonds would be the first to shout it as well, but no.

“A lot of people say stop the violence but that’s giving violence more of a platform than it deserves so what can we do to increase the peace,” he said. “I have lost my cousin Dougie, and I had also lost my cousin, Riyaad, to senseless violence. I now champion for him and all victims of senseless violence with Iron Cross Community Ministries as program manager

LEONARD J. HAMMONDS II eight years serving his country. Upon returning, he became a recruiter for the Marines to show people there is more to the world than meets the eye. “People think they are a product of their environment but I tell people they are a product of their imagination.”

Hammonds is a top advocate trying to keep the violence that has plagued many inner city neighborhoods from creeping into the suburbs of Penn Hills.

“Most people have initiatives in Homewood and areas of great concern, but I live in Penn Hills. I’m driving around Penn Hills seeing all of the things that need to be addressed and I

for Community Outreach under Rev. Cornell Jones.”

Iron Cross has a sub-section that does evangelism to the neighborhood called Mobile Motorcycle Ministries. “The motorcycles were a tool to bring Christ to a different group of people,” he said.

As a member of the Penn Hills NAACP, he is taking a lead role in politics as well.

“I’m working on the political empowerment component currently registering voters and working on a series of candidate forums in Penn Hills.”

He began a new chapter in his life as president of VII Pillars in Lincoln Park Community Center on

Local Miss Jr. Pa. to compete nationally Jasmine Jones, of Duquesne, was recently crowned the National American Miss Pennsylvania 2015 Jr., Teen Cover.

She won the title at the state pageant held Aug. 1617 in Harrisburg, where she also received her official state crown, banner and trophy, with an invitation to compete at the national pageant during Thanksgiving week in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 23-29.

At the state pageant, Jones performed in the dancing, singing, casual wear, acting, and spokesmodel categories. She also received the NAMISS Spirit Award.

Jones was an honor roll student at Propel McKeesport and graduated in May from middle school with honors. She now attends Propel Andrew Street High School where she is in the 9th grade. Along with school, Jones is active in choir, mime and dance at her church, Bethlehem Baptist Church in McKeesport.

JASMINE JONES Jones is the daughter of Melvin and Barbara Jones.

Since receiving her crown, Jones has been busy in the community. She has donated school supplies and more than 100 books to Sonshine Community Ministry in McKeesport, supported the March of Dimes at an event at Macy’s in the Waterfront and was scheduled to support Jeremiah’s Place in a 5k Run/ Walk on Sept. 12.

Sept. 2.

“That is my organizing and consulting firm in which I help non-profits and individuals develop and implement different initiatives throughout the city. VII Pillars is in place to help others take their vision from concept to reality.” Hammonds also hosted the We Are One event on Sept. 12 at the YMCA and

said he is working on a program called Hauling in Opportunity. The busy Hammonds will also launch his nonprofit, MomentumPA, in October.

“MomentumPA will change the dynamic of the African American community by focusing on economic empowerment, advocacy, activism, and political empowerment through voter education and

registration,” he said. “Hauling in Opportunity will help find jobs for the hard-to-serve community in the area of junk removal. I have found from working with others what is truly missing in our communities.”

The only obstacle he said he has encountered is lethargy from time-to-time from the people who should be most concerned with their

own community’s welfare.

“We need more people in the street, the bible says the harvesters are plentiful but the laborers are few,” he said although remaining undeterred. “Being a person who has overcome great obstacles myself, I will continue to share my testimony and help to inspire, transform, and transcend others into their full potential.”

97 and counting…Happy birthday to Louise Harris

LOUISE HARRIS, of Pittsburgh and who is seated with her New Pittsburgh Courier, is surrounded by love at a backyard birthday celebration in her honor. Her daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins all joked of being “her favorite” as the family matriarch winked and passed out kisses to all her family. (Photo by Jackie McDonald)

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SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PPS celebrates ‘Back To School’

HONOREES—From left: Lauren Obrien, Tamasia Johnson and Rebecca Volk. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Strong Women, Strong Girls 2015 Strong Awards More thjan 200 community and industry leaders from the Greater Pittsburgh Region attended this year’s Strong Women, Strong Girls 2015 Strong Awards at the Doubletree Hotel.

The award ceremony, presented by the H. J. Heinz Company Foundation, included presentations of the annual Strong Award to one female community leader and the Strong Girl Awards to three phenomenal young women who exemplify SWSG’s values.

Keynote speaker Kiya Tomlin, pulling from a decade long career in women ‘s apparel, discussed the importance of women moving seamlessly through the various roles they play.

In 2012, SWSG established the Strong Awards which were designed to celebrdate the leadership and unwavering contributions of women and girls in the greater Pittsburgh region. The 2015 Strong Women Strong Girls Award and three Strong Girl honorees were selected from a dynamic and diverse group of 37 women and young women nominees from throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.

The 2015 Strong Award honoree was Tamasia Jonson, founder of the Pearl Club, the Strong Girl honorees were Lorraine West, Barrett Elementary

School—5th Grade; Rebecca Volk, Avonworth High School—11th Grade; and Lauren O’Brien, University of Pittsburgh—Junior.

The 2015 awards were made possible by support from the H. J. Heinz Company Foundation, UPMC, UPMC Health Plan, Wabtec Corp., Workscape Inc., Giant Eagle, Solutions4networks and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.

SWSG is a national recognized mentoring organization empowering elementary school girls to develop the social-emotional and leadership skills necessary to cultivate high ambitions and achieve lifelong success. The mission of SWSG is to support positive mentoring relationships between college women and pre-adolescent girls in underserved local communities to help raise ambition and combat the dangers of low self-esteem.

By building communities of women committed to supporting positive social change, SWSG works to create cycles of mutual empowerment for women and girls. To achieve its mission, SWSG has implemented an innovative program mode that utilizes the study of contemporary and historic female role models, skill-building activities, and relationships with college women who volunteer as mentors to support the girls.

KEY WOMEN—From left: Sabrina Saunders, Strong Women Strong Girls executive director; WPXI Anchor and event emcee Brittny McGraw; and fashion expert and keynote speaker Kiya Tomlin.

JOINT EFFORT—Pittsburgh Public Schools “Back To School” event was held Aug. 28 at Pittsburgh King PreK-8. Mayor Bill Peduto, Pittsburgh School Superintendent Linda Lane, EdD, and Pittsburgh School board President Thomas Sumpter were on hand for the event. Students, teachers, parents and concerned citizens from all over the city attended the event. Above picture: Linda Lane, center, addresses the crowd while Bill Peduto, left, and Thomas Sumpter look on. (Photos

by Gail Manker)

TALKING FOOD—Ann McLaughlin and Biz Gombert, department heads from the mayor’s office, talk with Destiny Biggs about foods from other countries that can be found in Pittsburgh.

GETTING THEIR NAILS DONE—Nail technician Crystal Rose puts the finishing touches on 9-year-old Aijah Milner’s nails. Janiris Vazquez, 15, also got her nails done as part of the Back to School Fair at MLK School.

New Pittsburgh Courier

SPORTS

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SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

THERRAN COLEMAN, of Brashear and a Pitt recruit, ran for two touchdowns in the Bulls 37-0 win over Carrick in City League action at Cupples Stadium, The Bulls will take on USO on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. in an early season showdown of 2-0 teams.

(Photos by William McBride)

Perry becomes ‘GATOR BAIT’ for Gateway KHALIL SANDERS (8), of Brashear, outruns a Carrick defender in the Bulls 37-0 win over the Raiders.

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier

With rain pelting Antimarino Stadium during pregame warmups, Gateway running back Adam White figured he was going to see plenty of carries during Friday’s game against Perry Traditional Academy.

The rain subsided before kickoff, but White ended up leading all rushers and the senior scored two touchdowns in the Gators’ 49-0 victory.

After spending last season focused on fundamentals under new Coach Tom Nola, players of the Gateway football team hope to apply lessons learned this season.

Gateway got contributions in all three phases—offense, defense and special teams—as it raised this year’s record to 2-0.

“Our guys played with more and more confidence as the game went on,” Nola said. “We had good preparation. We were aggressive on defense and hit well.”

Bill Gallagher coached Perry for 13 seasons, resigning in 2013 after leading the Commodores to seven titles. Perry now features its third coach in as many years after Craig Aguglia replaced Ken Wright before the season.

Two years removed from scoring 14 touchdowns for Avonworth, Commodores star running back Richard Giles carried the ball 25 times and earned the respect of the entire Gateway team.

“Perry has some talented players who are quick and athletic,” Nola said. “Tailback Richard Giles is a special back. Good size, speed and runs hard.”

Perry lost so many starters from last year’s team and so many playmakers that the prevailing thought that this

by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

There is some serious gamesmanship being perpetrated by the New England Patriots. In my opinion, the Patriots seem to be saying to the NFL brass, the NFL fans and the rest of the world that: “since you accuse us of cheating covertly, we will cheat overtly and there is nothing that you can do about it because we are the Patriots and you’re not.”

Anytime a team is able to get away, day after day, season after season and year after year with skirting the rules and throwing their middle finger up at the rest of the world without any serious or meaningful penalties or consequences, well something is wrong; very, very wrong. The Pittsburgh Steelers and many football fans became suspicious of another event that more than likely gave the Patriots an unfair competitive advantage, again. During the “Kick Off” game of the

team could never be as good.

The prevailing thought was right!

Superstar quarterback Shawn Rutherford transferred to University Prep.

In USO most recent win, Rutherford passed for 378 yards, three touchdowns and ran for a fourth.

QU’RAN POWE (13), of Brashear, tries to shake off a Carrick defender, Powe scored on a 12-yard run and took a kickoff 85 yards to the house in the Bulls 37-0 win.

Without Rutherford and the threat of the pass, the game might as well have been played in a telephone booth. The Commodores did not get a first down the entire first half.

Throughout the offseason, Aidan Howard constantly was reminded of the expecta-

tions being hoisted upon him.

Howard, a 6-foot-5 senior, verbally committed to Virginia in June and he was consistently able to get behind Perry’s secondary.

Howard finished as the game’s leading receiver, while Brady Walker, a sophomore, passed for over

100 yards. Gateway led at halftime.

Antimarino Stadium is known for the phrase, “Nonmollare”—Italian for “Never giveup”—and in the second half the Commodores played like a team that won seven titles in the last 15 seasons.

The Gators scored only one second half touchdown and was out-hit and outplayed by the Commodores down the stretch.

For years, the city league champions wanted to play against the Gateway Gators.

Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it.

2015 Steelers looking like 2014 Steelers

by Ulish Carter Managing Editor

The first game of 2015 is over, yet the 2015 Steelers are looking identical to the 2014 team, a weak secondary that can’t defend the pass, and an offense that can’t score touchdowns in the Red Zone.

For those of you who have been lost in the desert, the Steelers lost to the much-hated New England Patriots 28-21 last week, now they face the totally new look San Francisco 49ers Sunday.

Last season the Steelers weakness was a secondary that couldn’t stop anyone. This season with the retirement of Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor, the young players were suppose to step up, but didn’t against New England. But being fair, no secondary has been able to stop Tom Brady, who if not the best quarterback in the league, is among the top three. Brady was 25 of 32 for 288 yards with 4 touchdown passes, three going to super tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The Steelers looked much like last seasons’ team as they marched up and down the field accumulating yards but once they got in the red zone they bogged down. Thus settling for field goals, two of them missed, instead of touchdowns.

The Steelers on paper should have one of the best offensive teams in the NFL but must be able to score touchdowns to overcome a very weak defense, especially in the early part of the season.

Antonio Brown showed why he’s the best receiver in the game with 9 catches for 133 yards and Heath Miller had 8 catches for 84 yards, as Ben Roethlisberger had another great game going 26 for 38 for 351 yards and one touchdown.

And even without Le’Vean Bell, DeAngelo Williams picked up 127 yards on just 21 carries which should give the Steelers the best one-two

combo in the game at running back, once Bell finish serving his two game suspension.

The 49ers under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh went to three playoffs and two consecutive NFC championship games after compiling a 13-3, 11-4-1 and 12-4 seasons they were expected to be a power for many years to come but a season with an 8-8 record led to Harbaugh being replaced as head coach by Jim Tomsula.

The change of coaches led to massive changes on offense and defense, with the biggest being letting star running back Frank Gore, who had 1106 yards last season on 255 carries, go to the Indianapolis Colts.

This puts more pressure on young quarterback Colin Kaepernick who had a below par season last year. He was 289 of 478 for 3369 yards and 19 touchdown to rank 17th among NFL quarterbacks. Much more is expected from him this season with outstanding receiver Torrey Smith joining Anquan Boldin, 83 catches, 1062 yards and Michael Crabtree, 68 catches for 698 yards along with tight end Vernon Davis.

The defense has always been great but this season there have been a lot of big questions especially in the secondary where key players have been lost.

The 49ers opened their season Monday night against a promising Minnesota Vikings team, and soundly beat them 20-3, so maybe the questions on both defense and offense in a rebuilding year has been answered. If young quarterback Kaepernick steps up his game to become the elite quarterback most were predicting him to be, the 49ers will have a winning season, if not they want because the defense, despite holding the Vikings to 3 points, does not look as strong as it has been in previous years.

The Steelers on the other hand do not want to start the season off at 0-2 so this game is a must for them at Heinz Field.

A quick look at the offense this week and a

close look at the defense next week.

Roethlisberger had his best season last year tying Drew Brees with the most yards in the league with 4952 yards on 408 of 668 passing at 67.5 percent, with 33 touchdowns and just 9 interceptions giving him the third best quarterback rating, 103.3, in the NFL behind Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers.

Brown led the league in receptions with 129, the second highest in the history of the NFL, as well as leading the league in yardages, with 1698 yards.

Bell finished with 83 receptions for 854 yards to go with 1361 rushing yards, second best in the league, on 290 carries.

Even with these great numbers look for all three to improve this year with Heath Miller, Markus Wheaton, and Martavis Bryant having outstanding seasons as well, giving the Steelers the best receiving core in the NFL and Bell and Williams will be the best running duo in the league.

And don’t forget the forgotten men up front.

The offensive line is as good as any in the NFL with Kelvin Beachun and Marcus Gilbert at tackles, Ramon Foster and David DeCastro at guards and Cody Wallace subbing for the inured Maurkice Pouncey at center. The backups are: Chris Hubbard at center and guards, and Afejandro Villanueva at tackles.

In the first game Ben had all day to throw, and that will not change with this line. They are just as effective opening big holes for the runners as they are protecting Big Ben. Look for at least two to make the Pro-Bowl.

The only flaw with this offense, as I keep repeating myself, is the ability of the coaching staff in calling the proper plays once in the Red Zone or Ben and company not being able to convert these plays into touchdowns instead of field goals. To my point, if the Steelers had scored touchdowns instead of the two missed field goals the score would have been 35 to 28.

Inside Conditions—Head games NFL season on Sept. 10, between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., the headsets of the Steelers that the NFL sanctions for coaches to communicate with their players were compromised by an “unknown” source and there may be a distinct possibility that the equipment was purposely tampered with.

An article posted on nbcsports.com on Sept. 11, by Michael David Smith; “At least five teams have suspected Patriots of headset tampering,” seems to suggest that the equipment failure of the Steelers headsets may not have been a random occurrence. Smith’s article brings to light that: “in 2005 former Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said the headsets “mysteriously malfunctioned.” In 2006, ex- Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

Mike Martz suspected the Patriots of preventing him from communicating with his quarterback. As reported by Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated, Martz had Detroit’s offense off to a good start until he lost the ability to call plays because the communications system went out. According to that report, it happened to the Lions twice, both times in the middle of drives when the Lions were picking up steam.”

Let’s be real. When a person, place or thing continues to display the same characteristics repeatedly, the participants affected have to demand a change or change themselves. The coaching methods and techniques of the New England Patriots have been mislabeled as pure “genius.” The real and honest definition of the Patriots socalled “dynasty” is pure thuggery, skullduggery, lawlessness and a total disregard of

NFL and professional football codes of ethics and the etiquette of competition. As far as the “boys’ from “Beantown” being exposed for their sins, just remember they would have the world believe that their transgressions are everyone’s fault but their own or while simultaneously attempting to convince the world that they simply did nothing wrong in the first place.

To add insult to injury the Patriots from the top down not only want to win, they wish is to destroy the spirit and psyches of every franchise that they compete against, mirroring an almost dark and occult-like, bloodletting ceremony, in lieu of a football contest.

Hit rewind for a moment.

After “spygate” exposed the Patriots tainted Super Bowl victories, Tom Brady said that he wanted to “kill” the opposition. I have always been

under the impression that the object of competing in a football game was to simply “just win baby,” not kill, maim or destroy the opponent. Remember we no longer feed the gladiators to the lions.

There are players just as there are fans that are thoroughly convinced that the Patriots cheated to win specific Super Bowls especially Hallof-Fame running back Marshall Faulk.“Obviously, the commissioner gets to handle things how he wants to handle them but if they wanted us to shut up about what happened, show us the tapes.

Don’t burn ’em,” Faulk said to profootballtalk.nbcsports.com talk in January of 2013.

Faulk also said the Rams installed new plays for the game against the Patriots, and that the Patriots seemed to be so perfectly prepared for them that Faulk believes they must have used espionage.”

As far as the “genius of “Bill “Belicheat” Belichick is concerned Marshall Faulk seems less inclined to define the Patriots Head Coach as a “genius.” “I understand Bill is a great coach,” Faulk said.

“But No. 13 [Kurt Warner] will tell you. Mike Martz will tell you. We had some plays in the red zone that we hadn’t ran…And a couple of plays on third down that we walked through also…And they created a check for it.

It’s just little things like that.

It’s either the best coaching in the world when you come up with situations that you had never seen before. Or you’d seen it and knew what to do.”

Well we have seen the Patriots cheat and cheat but they don’t seem to care about the consequences of their behavior or let’s just say the lack of consequences. Until they are taken seriously, they will continue to repeat their behavior because remember they really may feel that they did nothing wrong in the first place.

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SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SPORTS

ATTENDEES—Youth who attended the morning session of the basketball camp. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)

‘The Hammer’ memorial camp another slam dunk

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

Achieving Greatness Inc presented the 41st Youth Summer Basketball Camp for area boys and girls at the Penn Hills YMCA. It was the first time under the direction of AGI and the 5th annual in the memory of the late great Armon “The Hammer” Gilliam.

Gilliam, who passed away far too young and far too soon, was actually a wrestler in high school and a late bloomer on the hoop court.

The Bethel Park native went on to junior college picked up the needed inches to complete his 6’9” frame and went onto UNLV to became a #1 NBA draft pick and finished a fabulous 15 year career alongside the likes of Charles Barkley and other legends. The rest as they say is history.

Boys and girls from around the Pittsburgh area, ages 8-16, were treated to “hard work,” tshirts, lunch, skills & drills, basketball games, lots of push-ups and lots of love. The best stat we can offer from the weekend is out of the eighty-seven participants…no injuries and no dismissals…that’s “The Hammer” way!

A tremendous special thanks goes out to “the nails” that make “The Hammer” work. Chuck Sanders Charities, William F. Goodrich, Esquire, John P. Goodrich, Esquire, the Penn Hills Police, the

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—Earth, Wind & Fire came and “Kept Your Head to the Sky.” George Benson came and took you back “On Broadway.” Aretha Franklin rolled into town on a “Pink Cadillac” and gave you all the “Respect” you could ask for and Smokey came and went and left you “‘Cruizin’” and Bootsie…well you know Bootsie! But none…and I mean none, did it better than the First Lady of Motown, Miss Diana Ross.

Talk about “Stop in the Name of Love”…you had to stop…stop and reflect and be reminded of the super “Super Star” that was on stage. Motown icon, R&B legend, Ed Sullivan Show, “Lady Sings the Blues,” “Mahogany,” “The Wiz,” Berry Gordy’s woman and the owner of so many hits you would

Pittsburgh Housing Authority, Office of the Chief Executive Allegheny County, D.A. Stephen Zappala, Master Jacquet Bazemore, Brother Yuseff and Brother Isaiah, KBK Enterprises, special thanks to Gina Thorpe, Highmark, Vocelli’s Pizza, The Savoy Restaurant, The United Rays Corvette Club, the New Pittsburgh Courier, all of our local team sponsors and, of course, the fantastic Penn Hills YMCA.

COACHES—From left: Erik Ouick, Warren Wilson, Al Smith, Bill Neal, Toni Allen and James Smith.

PUSH UPS—Bill Neal, standing, has youths doing push ups to get them in shape to play the game of basketball.

need two nights to perform them all. Miss Ross, you’re “Coming Out”…was fantastic!!! :09—Oh I know, it’s a sports column. Just shut up a minute. You’re just mad cause you weren’t at the show. Here’s some sports for ya. High school football is in. Go see your kids play and act like you got some sense…YOU AIN’T PLAYING MMMAAANNN! :08—I’m on a roll, might as well keep it going. Your Pittsburgh Pirates have two out of three from the pain in the butt Brewers and are looking to take three as we speak. Two? behind St. Louis and three? ahead of the Cubs. I told you weeks ago not to worry…trust me, there’s plenty of time for that later if we don’t win the division outright. That would be the wild card game. What? I can’t do it all people.

Overtime :07—Can’t understand why you’re worried about your Steelers either. #1 They go on the road to New England and hold Tom and the boys to 28 points. #2 They endured yet more cheating a/k/a “Head Set” Gate. #3 We don’t have Le’Veon Bell. #4 We don’t have Maurkice Pouncey. #5 We don’t have Martavis Bryant. #6 - Our replacement kicker for our replacement kicker who replaced our kicker missed two field goals. #7 Let’s face it, the Antonio Brown trick play was a bad call at the time…we were running the ball down their throat. #8 Are you kidding me. You’re a veteran wide receiver and you can’t get both feet inbounds and you’re all alone in the end zone. #9

DeAngelo Williams almost made you forget about Le’Veon Bell. #10 Antonio Brown is the best receiver in football.

NOW THERE’S - ALL - THE REASONS - YOU - NEED - NOT - TO - WORRY AND - YOU - GOT - IT COMPLIMENTS - OF - A SNEAKY – BACKDOOR TOP 10 - GOTCHA!!! :06—Your Pitt Panthers are 2-0 as they should be.

Youngstown State and Akron are tune-up games.

Treat them as such. James Connor, All-American running back, is out for the year??? Next - man - up!!! :05—The fact that Meadville High School beat Dubois 107-90 is great. The icing on the cake is running back Journey Brown ran for 722 yards…yep in one game…and ten touch-

downs. Now that’s a “C’mon Man” for all time! Just Google It. :04—Penn State won after blowing the opener against Temple for the first time in a 1,000 years. Now the Black coach doesn’t have to worry about being fired…at least for another week! (Oh shut up. You know you were thinking it too…but I’m the bad guy!) :03—In the famous words of the late great James Brown, “Please, Please, Please, Please” don’t tell Mr. Doss I told you this. You know he doesn’t play this free plug stuff…but Stevie Wonder is coming to town Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Consol. Now you been told.

(Hey promoters, how about getting with us? I’m just saying!!) :02—Pittsburgh City Leaguers, here are your elected 2015 Pittsburgh City League All-Sports Hall of Fame Inductees. Congratu-

lations to the Class of 2015: Larry Anderson (SH); Katelyn Brown; Larry Brown; Carmen Bruce; Edna Campbell; Ricky Cannon; Bill Clark; Joe DeFirore; Herb Douglas; Henry Ford; Wesley Garnett; John Gerdaino; Lynn Harris; Renee Henderson; Mark Hogan; Hosea Holder; Curtis Hefflin; Tony Liscio; Rod Rutherford; Ahmad Shereef; and Arnie Sowell.

The 2nd annual historic event will be held Saturday, October 17th at the magnificent Wyndham Hotel, University Center in Oakland (not Downtown). Cocktail Reception 6 p.m.; Hors d’oeuvres spread and welcome 7 p.m.; Awards presentation 8 p.m.; Post-reception party (to be announced); Tickets $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Only 250 seats available. Call 412-628-4856 for information. :01—GAME OVER

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FIRE DEPARTMENT CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF FIREFIGHTER FOR THE ALTOONA FIRE DEPARTMENT Applications for Firefighter for the City of Altoona can be obtained from the Human Resources Office in City Hall, 1301 – 12th Street, Suite 301, Altoona, PA, between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, August 31, 2015.

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE NO LATER THAN NOON ON THURSDAY, October 8, 2015. All previous applications and eligibility lists are void. Individuals on the previous eligibility list must reapply to be considered for employment.

REQUIREMENTS: Must pass a Physical Agility Test to be held in Altoona on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. Must pass a written Civil Service Test to be held in Altoona on Saturday, October 24, 2015, at 9:00 A.M., with a score of 70% or better.

Must become a resident of the City of Altoona within six (6) months of date of employment and must remain a resident of the City during the tenure of employment.

•Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application.

•Must have a valid Pennsylvania driverʼs license.

•Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED equivalent.

•Must be of high moral character and free of any felony or misdemeanor convictions.

Applications must be accompanied by a $25.00 check or money order made payable to “The City of Altoona” and must include a legible copy of valid driverʼs license; birth certificate or other appropriate proof of age; proof of U.S. citizenship or naturalization; high school diploma or GED certificate; and DD-214 showing proof of honorable discharge if veteranʼs preference is requested. Veteranʼs preference will be given if a passing score of 70% or better is achieved on the Civil Service Test.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER - ALTOONA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Applications for Police Officer for the City of Altoona may be obtained from the Human Resources Department at City Hall, 1301 – 12th Street, Suite 301, Altoona, PA, weekdays between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Applicants or their designees must file completed, NOTARIZED applications with accompanying documentation NO LATER THAN NOON ON THURSDAY, September 24, 2015. Return IN PERSON OR BY MAIL to: Human Resources Department Altoona City Hall 1301 - 12th Street, Suite 301 Altoona, PA 16601-3491 A $25.00 processing fee (check or money order) must be paid at the time the application is filed. Applications that are incomplete for any reason will not be accepted, and will be returned to the applicant. Falsification, concealment or misrepresentation of material fact on the application form may result in disqualification.

All previous applicants will be required to reapply and repeat the entire application process in order to be considered for employment.

REQUIREMENTS: •Must pass a physical agility test scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2015, at 8:00 A.M., in Altoona.

•Must pass a written Civil Service Test to be administered on Saturday, October 10, 2015, at 8:30 A.M., in Altoona.

•Must have successfully completed a Pennsylvania Act 120 basic training program prior to the end of 2015.

•Must be 21 years of age on or before the date of employment.

•Must be a United States citizen.

•Must have graduated from an accredited high school or have a Graduate Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) acceptable to the Commission.

•Must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

•Must be of high moral character and free of felony or misdemeanor convictions.

•Must be physically and mentally fit for the full duties of a Police Officer.

•Must submit to a Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA).

•Must agree to psychological and physical examinations if offered employment.

Starting salary: $41,047.92 The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer

AUTO MECHANIC

The Allegheny County Airport Authority has a position opening for Auto Mechanic at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about this position is available at http://www.flypittsburgh.com/ ACAA_employment The advertisement period ends on September 23, 2015.

EOE / M / F / D / V JOB OPPORTUNITIES Health Care

REGISTERED NURSE

California University of Pennsylvania seeks to hire one part-time Registered Nurse for weekend coverage at the University Student Health Center.

Visit www.calu.edu/employment for more information and to apply on line. Cal U is M/F/V/D/AA/EEO. ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

Community College of Allegheny County A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on: Thursday, October 1, 2015 4:00 p.m. Board Meeting CCAC Allegheny Campus Byers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notices

NOTICE

Applications are now being accepted by the Allegheny County Health Department for the Master and Journeyman Plumber licensing examinations to be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2015.

Applications are to be received in the Plumbing Office, Clack Health Center, 3901 Penn Avenue, Building #5, Pittsburgh PA 15224-1318, by Friday, November 13, 2015.

Applicants possessing the required qualifications will be notified by mail of the scheduled date, time, and place for the examinations.

Applications for or information about these licensing examinations may be obtained from the Plumbing Office by calling (412) 578-8036 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate Notices

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

Estate of ANDREWS, JON PHILIP, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 02-15-05038, Jon Philip Andrews, Jr., Executor c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, PC, One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

SALE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

The following surplus equipment will be offered for sale to the highest bidder(s): REQUEST FOR QUOTATION 150924 Sale of Surplus Computer Hardware: Integrity Servers and Storage Bids are due in to the CCAC Purchasing Department no later than 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, 2015.

For more information, call Mike Cvetic at 412-237-3146 or email mcvetic@ccac.edu to request bid forms.

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

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Bids/Proposals

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT Port Authority of Allegheny County REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 15-08

Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) is requesting proposals for the performance of the following service: CLOUD-BASED DATA HOSTING SERVICES The work under the proposed Agreement consists of a Cloud-Based Data Hosting Services (Contract Services). The required services include, but are not limited to: the planning, design, data migration, physical equipment relocation and service implementation associated with the hosting of Authorityʼs Production Data Center (PDC) and Operations Control Center (OCC) Disaster Recovery (DR) environment.

A copy of the RFP will be available on or after September 9, 2015 and can be obtained by registering at the Port Authority ebusiness website: http://ebusiness.portauthority.org and following the directions listed on the website. Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness category of PSITS – Pro Information Technology and/or PSSC – Pro Software Consulting for this RFP. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by Port Authority.

If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Jerimaine Ward at (412) 566-5147.

An Information Meeting for interested parties will be held at 9:30 a.m., prevailing time, September 24, 2015 in the Fifth Floor Board Room of Port Authority of Allegheny Countyʼs downtown offices, 345 Sixth Avenue to answer any questions regarding this RFP. Hard copy proposals must be delivered by 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, October 13, 2015, to the Purchasing and Materials Management Department, Port Authority of Allegheny County, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527.

This Contract Services may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Port Authority of Allegheny County, 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 these Contract Services. In this regard, all Proposers 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. Proposers 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 these Contract Services.

Port Authority of Allegheny County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR EMERGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE RFP#300-29-15

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): EMERGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE RFP#300-29-15 The documents will be available no later than September 14, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., October 2, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

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

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

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, September 24, 2015 2:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACPʼs has revised their website.

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

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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL AUTHORITY WIDE IFB#300-28-15

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL AUTHORITY WIDE IFB#300-28-15 The documents will be available no later than September 8, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., September 25, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

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

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

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, September 17, 2015 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACPʼs has revised their website.

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

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

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

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

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PROPOSALS

Sealed proposals will be received by the Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) at the offices of Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc., 846 Fourth Avenue, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 15108-1522 until 11:00 AM prevailing time on September 28, 2015 for: PORTAL NO. 7 PARKING LOT IMPROVMENTS The scope of work includes the construction of a bituminous asphalt parking lot (3,400 SY), construction of a concrete loading dock, concrete pavement, bituminous wedge curb, wheel stops, concrete bollards, ADA ramps, fine grading; restoration; construction of CPP storm line; storm inlets, linestriping; installation of site lighting; and all necessary appurtenances for said construction.

All work shall be constructed according to the Contract Drawings and Specifications which are on file at the office of the Owner and Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc., 846 Fourth Avenue, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 15108-1522. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud approximately at 11:00 AM on September 28, 2015 at the office of Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc., 846 Fourth Avenue, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 15108-1522.

Copies of the Contract Drawings and Specifications may be obtained by depositing a non-refundable deposit of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) with the Engineer.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at the site (RIDC Offices ñ Keystone Commons West Shop ñ Electric Avenue and Braddock Avenue, Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania 15145 on September 21, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Bidders are advised that RIDC has obtained funding for this project from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and, as a result thereof, the successful bidder must adhere to certain requirements mandated by the Commonwealth, including, but not solely, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act. All of such requirements are detailed in the bid documents. Bidders are also encouraged to utilize Minority Business Enterprises / Womenís Business Enterprises (MBE/WBE).

The bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid, made payable to the Regional Industrial Development Corporation to guarantee the bidderís entrance into the contract if given the award.

No bid bond shall be waived or returned because the Bidder has failed to or cannot comply with any requirements as set forth in the plans, specifications, or any applicable statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any applicable municipal ordinances.

The RIDC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn for ninety (90) calendar days after the scheduled time for receipt of bids.

The RIDC shall (a) award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder therefore, or (b) reject all bids received within ninety (90) days of the date of bid opening; provided, however, that the RIDC may, in its sole discretion, delay such award or rejection for up to one hundred twenty (120) days from the bid opening date until the RIDC has received all required approvals from other governmental agencies.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

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

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On Sale Wednesdays WESTERN AREA: CRAFTON BEVERAGE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER GIANT EAGLE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER SHEETZ #353 5400 CAMPBELL’S RUN RD SHOP N’ SAVE #1686 2103 NOBLESTOWN RD SAFRANS SUPER MKT 429 WALNUT ST GIANT EAGLE #74 PARKWAY CENTER MALL SOUTHERN AREA: KEN’S 216 BELTZHOOVER AVE NELSON’S 92 SYLVANIA AVE GIANT EAGLE #61 2021 WHARTON AVE COGO’S 2400 EAST CARSON ST COGO’S 925 EAST CARSON ST DAILY MART 1125 ARLINGTON AVE SHOP N SAVE CARRICK SOUTH EASTERN AREA: SUPER STOP 403 KENMAWR AVE CARL’S CAFE 337 FIFTH AVE COMET NEWS 540 BRADDOCK AVE PUFFS DISCOUNT TOBACCO 1722 GREENSBUR AVE A-PLUS SUNOCO 7403 WASHINGTON ST COGO’S 1050 BRINTON RD COGO’S 2003 S BRADDOCK AVE EDGEWOOD EXPRESS 253 EDGEWOOD AVE BRAD EXPRESS 1101 S BRADDOCK AVE GIANT EAGLE #619 1705 S. BRADDOCK AVE CVS 7406 CHURCH ST HANINI MARKET 1105 SWISSVALE AVE DUKE’S SUNOCO 825 DUQUESNE BLVD 7-11 818 N. DUQUESNE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #6379 420 EAST WATERFRONT DR GIANT EAGLE—MCKEESPORT 3812 O’NEILL BLVD J & S FOOD MART 625 W GRANT AVE RITE AID PHARMACY 100 WILLIAM MARKS DR GIANT EAGLE 1356 HOFFMAN BLVD BP GAS STATION LYSLE & WALNUT DS FOODMART 929 UNION ST RITE AID PHARMACY 725 LYSLE BLVD

CHARLIE’S CORNER STORE 500 LOCUST ST NEIGHBORHOOD DOLLAR 333 5TH AVE GIANT EAGLE #38 1901 MURRAY AVE JACK’S E 8TH AVE EASTERN AREA: WATERWORKS GIANT EAGLE #72 1005 FREEPORT RD— DIVINE HAIR STUDIO 10 DUFF RD GIANT EAGLE 9001 FRANKSTOWN RD GIANT EAGLE #78 230 RODI RD SHELL GAS STATION 11835 FRANKSTOWN RD THE SPOT 11675 FRANKSTOWN RD MASH MINI MART 4341 OLD WM. PENN HWY GIANT EAGLE #60 4004 MONROEVILLE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #76 AMES PLAZA, ROUTE 22 GET IT QUICK 500 GARDEN CITY JT RIB SHACK 1 RAQUET LANE DESTINY’S HAIR SALON 408 RODI RD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 10991 FRANKSTOWN RD MIKE’S SPOT 815 UNIVERSAL RD CREAMY CREATIONS 144B JEFFERSON RD SHOP N SAVE 3335 WILLIAM PENN HWY SHEETZ 3457 WILLIAM PENN HWY GETGO 10525 FRANKSTOWN RD CVS PHARMACY 10600 FRANKSTOWN RD SHELL OIL 7619 BAUM BLVD KIWI SUNOCO FRANKSTOWN AVE WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP II 132 NORTH HIGHLAND AVE MARATHON GAS 6680 FRANKSTOWN AVE PENN AIKEN DAIRY 5401 PENN AVE GIANT EAGLE #17 6320 SHAKESPEARE ST HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 FRANKSTOWN AVE SALIK HARDWARE 607 NORTH HOMEWOOD AVE NEGLEY A PLUS 123 NORTH NEGLEY AVE BAKER’S 7203 HAMILTON & STERRETT AVES DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 FRANKSTOWN AVE HOSPITAL CORNER 4201 PENN AVE PEOPLES GROCERY 5136 PENN AVE A&M MARKET 5224 PENN AVE

A-PLUS MINI MART 7701 PENN AVE WOOD & PENN 902 WOOD ST AL’S FISH & CHICKEN 1000 PENN AVE SAVE A LOT 725 ROSS AVE CVS PHARMACY 520 PENN AVE GETGO 408 PENN AVE QUICK STOP LIBERTY 3349 LIBERTY AVE K-2 CONVENIENT STORE 4900 PENN AVE SHUR SAVE 4120 MAIN ST SHELL GAS 6701 FRANKSTOWN RD UNIMART 5724 ELLSWORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #77 254 YOST BLVD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 YOST BLVD SPEEDY MART 2131 ARDMORE BLVD SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 FORBES AVE MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 MURRAY AVE GIANT EAGLE MURRAY AVE & LORETTA ST DISCOUNT TOBACCO & NEWS 1929 MURRAY AVE UNIVERSITY OF PGH BOOKSTORE 4000 5TH AVE DANA’S BAKERY 720 N. HOMEWOOD AVE DA STORE 606 & 1/2 N. HOMEWOOD AVE FLOSSYS HAIR DESIGNS 5927 PENN AVE BONUS TIRE SERVICE 4349 VERONA RD KANDY CAFE 4291 VERONA RD GIANT EAGLE SHADYSIDE 550 CENTRE AVE MARATHON GAS 4010 PENN AVE STANTON NEGLEY DRUG 804 N. NEGLEY AVE RON’S CORNER DRUG MT. CARMEL RD CENTRAL AREA: GET GO #64 4924 BAUM BLVD SCHWARTZ MARKET 1901 5TH AVE SMOKER FRIENDLY 906 5TH AVE HILL DISTRICT: WONG’S MARKET 2170 CENTRE AVE ANN’S MARKET 2316 WEBSTER AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 2350 CENTRE AVE UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 CENTRE AVE K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 MERCER ST SHOP & SAVE SUPERMARKET 1850 CENTRE AVE ABE’S MARKET 1860 CENTRE AVE WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 WYLIE AVE

DOWNTOWN: KWIK-E-MART 212-10TH ST 7-11 #167 643 LIBERTY AVE 7-11 #165 SIXTH & PENN AVE 7-11 #170 429 WOOD ST ESTER’S SNAX FEDERAL BUILDING, 2ND FL SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 SMITHFIELD ST CITY NEWS & ARCADE 422 WOOD ST FABER COE & GREGG 500 GRANT ST FABER COE & GREGG FIFTH AVE. PLACE FABER COE & GREGG 600 GRANT ST NIELSEN’S STORES #09 301 GRANT ST— ONE OXFORD CENTER NIELSEN’S STORES #13 437 SEVENTH AVE— KOPPERS BUILDING 9TH & PENN NEWS-NUMBERS 136 PENN AVE EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 SEVENTH AVE NEAL NEWS 400 CHERRY WAY CVS PHARMACY #4120 610-612 WOOD ST C&C NEWS 2 PPG PLACE NEWSTAND SIXTH & WOOD ONE STOP 300 SIXTH & WOOD EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 5TH AVE BIG DADDY 465 FORBES AVE 711 SMITHFIELD 420 SMITHFIELD ST NORTHERN AREA: W. N. GROCERY 1018 NORTH AVE. NORTH SIDE BEER & BEVERAGE 1304 FEDERAL ST ALLEGHENY GIFT SHOP— AGH HOSPITAL 320 EAST NORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #652 318 CEDAR AVE 7-11 #158 1001 WESTERN AVE RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. FRANKLIN ST QUIK-IT 820 PENNSYLVANIA AVE RITE AID #3459 802 PENNSYLVANIA AVE MARSHALL SHELL 1500 SPRING GARDEN AVE SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 PERYSVILLE AVE MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 MERCY ST HARV’S EXXON 2501 BRIGHTON RD QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 BRIGHTON RD HANINI MARKET 3245 BRIGHTON RD