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VOL. 106, NO. 38

Chief, mayor give update on violent crime Published Weekly

Three Sections

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

Kellem leaving Pirates for YWCA post

$1.00

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

by Christian Morrow

agency to provide basic material needs and counseling to teen mothers. It has grown to encompass a more holistic approach to serving the health need of girls age 13-18, and now in addition to its group home and foster care services, provides after school

Even as he marked completing his first year as Pittsburgh’s police chief, Cameron McLay again found himself joined by Mayor Bill Peduto holding a press briefing about community violence in the wake of a spike in shootings across the city.

“We know this is more than a police issue, or a crime issue,” said Peduto. “This is a trauma issue. It not only affects the victims but their families, the perpetrators’ families, and the community.”

The trauma of latest spate of shootings has been heightened by the ages of some of the victims killed—three under the age of twenty; 15-year-old Curtis Pounds from Knoxville, 14-year-old D e S e a n Fo u n t a i n from East Liberty and 22-monthold Josiah Taylor from Fineview.

Despite this, McLay said the number of fatal shootings is down from last year and on POLICE CHIEF par with the CAMERON McLAY 10-year average. Non-fatal shootings, however are up from last year. Overall, violent crime is down.

“We’re not nearly at the epidemic rate we see in other cities, but it’s still an allhands-on-deck emergency,” he said. “We need a unified response from the community, from families, clergy, that this violence must stop. And I wan to acknowledge Tim Stevens and B-PEP for bringing people together to do that yesterday.”

Stevens’ meeting included leaders from 20 separate community, faith, human service and anti-violence organizations from across Allegheny County. All met at Freedom Unlimited in the Hill District to decry that “violent rhetoric” behind shootings across the country and to call for united action to stop the violence in local communities.

“One thing we want to make very clear to anyone who wonders, this ongoing violence within our neighborhoods and communities is absolutely unacceptable,” said

SEE GWEN A4

SEE CHIEF A4

Courier Staff Writer

After 10 year promoting diversity, youth and disability-awareness and community outreach initiatives, Chaz Kellem, is leaving the Pittsburgh Pirates for a position with the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh.

Pirates President Frank Coonley made the announcement during his PowerBreakfast address to the African American Chamber of Commerce, Sept. 18.

“He’s been offered a position there and has decided to take it,” said CoonCHAZ KELLEM ley. “It’s a loss for us, especially since he’d just taken over a new initiative on youth participation in baseball. But he’s a great guy and it’s a great opportunity for him.”

Kellem joined the Pirates as an account executive in 2005, right after graduating from Edinboro University. By 2008, he had moved up to director of diversity initiatives.

Magdeline Jensen, CEO of the YWCA, said she is thrilled to have Kellum joining her team.

“Chaz will be our senior director, advocacy for race and gender equity,” she said.

“We are very excited because he is established in the community for his work on diversity initiatives and he has all the qualifications we could possibly want. He’s a great speaker and has been a real bridge builder throughout the community and

LEON FORD (Photo by J. L. Martello)

Ford speaks out about trial, shooting, life in wheelchair

by Paige Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier

September 2, 2014 was the date that Leon Ford’s trial came to an end, and justice was served. In remembrance of the most trying

time of his life, Ford has decided to speak out for the first time with a heart felt message to the public.

“It is a year to the start of the trial. With many mixed emotions, I decided to write an open letter to the public

in regards to my case. As of January 23, I have been acquitted of all charges. This is the first time I am speaking out on my case,” Ford said.

Daughter takes reins of Gwen’s Girls SEE KELLEM A5

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Last month, Gwen’s Girls announced that Kathi Elliott, daughter of organization founder and former Pittsburgh Police Cmdr. Gwendolyn Elliott, had been selected to serve as its new executive director.

“It’s a blessing,” she said. “I’ve been telling people my mother planted these seeds when I was young, taking me to marches for women’s rights, exposing me to people like Elsie Hillman, who made real changes.

Instilling these values. I had no choice but to accept the position.”

Started in 2002, Gwen’s girls began as an

SEE FORD A4

Through laughter hundreds learn heart health

by Ashley Johnson

tiatives director of the AHA/ ASA, serving Pittsburgh and Cleveland. “Personally, I was extremely pleased to have so many young adults and men attend this year.

Having the PalPITTations (medical grad students) along with under grad and graduate fraternity brothers from the KAPPA, and the Sneaky Salt Lady, (an undergrad and high school student) participating this year apparently encouraged other younger adults to attend this year and to get involved... It was a good day!”

The featured comedian and emcee for the annual event was actress and comedy queen Kim Coles, best known for her role as Synclair James- Jones on the hit show “Living Single.” Coles, who also served as last year’s comedic entertainment, was delighted to be asked back. She said she loves the message that AHA/ASA are trying to get out and the way they are going about it.

“Laughter’s good for the soul, it’s good for the heart, it’s good for everything. Sometimes the education and awareness around

Courier Staff Writer

With the motivation to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans and reduce heart disease and stroke deaths, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, once again, successfully added laughter to its message on the importance of knowing one’s health number, the warning signs of stroke, and even one’s family health history.

Their recipe of a comedic host and powerful, yet funny, skit mixed with a dash of entertainment and eye opening facts--instead of salt--helped deliver their message to hundreds at the 4th Annual Power of Laughter Health Workshop & Comedy Luncheon, held Sept. 19 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel.

“We want to educate and empower people on the warning signs and risk factors for a stroke as a way to eliminate it as much as possible in the minority community and the best way to do it is with laughter and fun,” said Brenda Parks, Multicultural Ini-

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KIM COLES, RIGHT, WITH BRENDA PARKS (Photo by J.L. Martello)

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Bill Fletcher says

Sanders campaign still lagging in Black community Opinion A6

Republican Ben Carson embraces benefits of Muslim criticism

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SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP)— Republican White House contender Ben Carson is refusing to back off his weekend charge that Muslims shouldn’t serve in the presidency.

The political fallout is a distraction at least as the retired neurosurgeon tries to capitalize on recent momentum in the GOP’s 2016 primary election. But it also highlights a sentiment among voters in both parties who agree with Carson’s reluctance to elect a Muslim to the nation’s highest office.

Carson told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday he “would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation.” His cam-

NOT BACKING DOWN—In this Sept. 18, photo, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson speaks in Greenville, S.C. Carson is refusing to back off his weekend charge that Muslims shouldn’t serve in the presidency. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File) paign reported strong fundraising and more than 100,000 new Facebook friends a day later.

Carson campaign manager Barry Bennett says, “Republican primary voters are with us at least 80-20.”

No pause in royal ceremony after 38 teen dancers killed in crash (AP)—Some 38 teenage girls, chosen to take part in Swaziland’s traditional reed dance festival, were killed instantly when the flatbed truck on which they were riding crashed into another vehicle.

The girls were being driven to the royal homestead of Swazi King Mswati III. Some 40,000 girls take part in the eight-day ceremony, singing and dancing for the king, who often selects one of them to become his new wife. Swaziland is polygamous and the king has 14 wives.

The event, which came to a climax Monday, drew thousands of spectators, who watched as the young girls swayed while singing traditional songs, said witnesses. Mswati joined the dancing while Ghana’s Ashanti king watched from the stands.

But there was no solemn moment of remembrance and prayer for the crash victims, prompting one dancer to criticize how the matter was handled.

“This event should have been stopped,” said Scebile Mahlungu.

“Transport should have been provided to send the maidens home to mourn the death of our fellow sisters. It is wrong to pretend like nothing has happened. It is like ants have died.”

“In respect for those killed, the king should have called off this year’s dance,”

Elaine Effort

This Week In Black History

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said Lucky Lukhele, spokesman for the Swaziland Solidarity Network, a South Africa-based rights group. “He could have turned the reed dance into a prayer session to allow the Swazi nation to comfort the families of these flowers,” Lukhele added.

The dancers are often referred to as “imbali,” the local word for flowers.

According to witnesses quoted by the Swazi Observer newspaper, the young women were thrown off the flatbed truck after the driver, employed by the government of Swaziland, smashed into the back of another vehicle.

Bodies were strewn on the road. Cellphone images also show bloodied bodies lying on the back of the truck.

According to a government press statement, fatalities included 10 girls

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and women, aged between 11 and 19. Three men were also killed in the crash, according to the statement, which listed the age and home district of each victim.

“Government is in touch with the parents and relatives of the deceased, and all of them have been positively identified,” the statement said, adding that five more “maidens” were still in the hospital.

Lukhele stood by the earlier numbers of deceased but added, “We are gone past wrestling with the regime on numbers,” he told the Associated Press, adding that it was unacceptable that the government used open flatbed trucks to transport the dancers to the festival.

Meanwhile, extravagant expenses approved by the Swazi Parliament are fueling anger among some members of the Swazi House of Assembly. These expenses include $3 billion for a canal from the Mozambican coast to Mlawula in Swaziland, more than 100 kilometers long (Swaziland is landlocked); an international airport that cost $250 million—dubbed a “vanity project” by aviation experts— and a new high-end private jet for the king at an estimated cost of $30 million.

(Special to the NNPA from the New York Amsterdam News)

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Week of Sept. 23-29 September 23 1926—Legendary jazz great John Coltrane is born on this day in Hamlet, N.C. He is generally credited with reshaping modern Jazz and setting a pattern which would be followed by generations of Jazz saxophonists.

1930—Singer-performer Ray Charles is born on this day in Albany, Ga. September 24 1957—President Dwight Eisenhower orders federal troops into Little Rock, Ark., to prevent angry Whites from interfering with the integration of the city’s Central High School by nine Black students. The confrontation was one of the most dramatic during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement. Governor Orval Faubus had vowed to go to jail to block the court ordered desegregation JOHN COLTRANE of the school claiming that Whites would be destroyed if they integrated with Blacks. But the confrontation settled the issue of whether states had to obey orders issued by federal courts.

1965—President Lyndon Johnson issues what is generally considered the nation’s first affirmative action order—Executive Order #11246. It required companies receiving federal construction contracts to ensure equality in the hiring of minorities. Despite a disastrous war in Vietnam that would eventually force his resignation, the Southern-born Johnson generally supported a host of legislative and executive efforts beneficial to Blacks.

LYNDON JOHNSON September 25 1861—The Secretary of the Navy authorizes the enlistment of free Blacks and slaves as Union sailors in a bid to help the North win the Civil War against pro-slavery Southern Whites who had proven more difficult in battle than the North had originally expected.

1962—In another one of those instances demonstrating the tenacity of racism among Southern Whites, Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett defies a federal court order and personally stands in the door to block the admittance of a Black student—James Meredith—to the University of Mississippi. Meredith would eventually be admitted and graduate. Historians now generally believe Ross’ “show” was primarily designed to curry favor among White voters not actually to stop desegregation of the then-all-White university.

September 26 1867—Maggie L. Walker is born. She would become the most prominent Black businesswoman in the Richmond, Va., area and one of the wealthiest Black women in the nation. She also became the first Black woman to establish a bank in the nation. A social activist, she would help establish the Lilly Black political party in part as a slap at the “Lilly White” politMAGGIE L. WALKER ical parties of the day.

1907—The People’s Savings Bank is incorporated in Philadelphia by one of the nation’s early Black Congressman George H. White. White had been pretty much forced out of Congress as Jim Crow laws led to the increasing disenfranchisement of Black voters after Reconstruction. After leaving Congress, he turned his attention to Black economic advancement. His bank helped thousands of Blacks buy homes.

1929—Ida Stephens Owens is born. She would become the nation’s first Black female bio-chemist.

1937—Blues great Bessie Smith dies of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Clarksdale, Miss.

Rumors spread that White medics refused to treat her.

GEORGE H. WHITE However, later information did cast doubt on the accuracy of those rumors.

September 27 1817—Hiram R. Revels is born free in Fayetteville, N.C. Revels becomes the first Black to serve in the United States Senate shortly after the Civil War. 1876—Edward Mitchell Bannister upsets racist Whites who believe Blacks have no artistic skill by winning a bronze medal for a painting he displayed at the American Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.

1950—Gwendolyn BESSIE SMITH Brooks is awarded Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry—“Annie Allen.” She was the first Black so honored.

1950—Ralph J. Bunch is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in mediating a conflict between Palestinians and the newly established Jewish state of Israel. Arabs had gone to war arguing the Jewish state had been established on land which rightfully belonged to the Palestinians.

September 28 1785—Abolitionist and writer David Walker is born.

GWENDOLYN BROOKS Walker is best known for his powerful anti-slavery pamphlet “David Walker’s Appeal.” The “Appeal” was published on this same day in 1829.

1833—Reverend Lemuel Haynes dies at 88.

He was one of the leading Black veterans of America’s war for independence from England.

1868—The Opelousas Massacre occurs. Racist Whites launch a terror campaign in St. Landry Parrish, La., resulting in the deaths of at least 200 Blacks.

1895—The National Baptist Convention is founded.

1991—Jazz Trumpeter Miles Davis dies in Santa Monica, Calif., of a MILES DAVIS stroke. He was 65.

September 29 1784—First African-American Masonic lodge is established by Prince Hall. Hall headed lodge number 459 and was referred to as the “Worshipful Master.” He would also become a leading figure in the struggle for African-Americans rights during this early period in U.S. history.

1940—The first U.S. merchant ship commanded by a Black captain—Hugh Mulzac—is launched in Wilmington, Del. The ship is named the “Booker T. Washington.”

1962—President John F. Kennedy finally sends federal troops to force the integration of the University HUGH MULZAC of Mississippi.

1975—The nation’s first Black-owned television station— WGPR—begins broadcasting in Detroit.

1979—William Arthur Lewis, economics professor at Princeton University, becomes the first Black to receive a Nobel Prize in Economics.

2001—Mabel Fairbanks dies at 85. She was the first Black woman to be inducted into the Figure Skating Hall of Fame. She coached Olympic greats Tai Babilonia and Randy MABEL FAIRBANKS Gardner.

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SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

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ROLAND MARTIN

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RAHIEL TESFAMARIAM

NNPA Black Press honors Black leaders

by Jazelle Hunt NNPA Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON (NNPA)—At a reception during the 45th Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference, the National Newspaper Publishers Association honored five Black luminaries with its Leadership Awards.

The awards are given to those who have demonstrated leadership in the Black community and support of the Black Press. Held at the Washington Marriott Marquis, which is partially Black-owned, the reception drew a large crowd of conference attendees and Black Press supporters.

Misty Copland, Roland Martin, Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards, D-Md., Rahiel Tesfamariam, and A. Shuanise Washington were the awardees for 2015, the NNPA’s 75th anniversary year. Denise Rolark Barnes, chair of the NNPA and publisher of The Washington Informer, along with Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the NNPA, emceed the event.

Roland Martin was recognized for his work in broadcast media and dedication to Black news, and was the first honoree of the night to address the audience.

“For folks who don’t know, I’ve actually run three Black papers. I’ve always made it clear that the first dollar I earned in media was from a Black newspaper. My first television dollar was from a company that was Black-owned,” he said. “When

I’m sitting in the White House with the president, I’m sitting representing Black media, not mainstream media. I have never allowed White media to validate my skill set.”

Each of the honorees thanked the NNPA for its support and its dedication to keeping Black communities empowered and informed.

“When I came into Congress, I said we were going to do something different. I said that we were going to make our paper of record our Black newspapers,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “When we reach out in my office…we reach out to our papers of record. When I decided I was going to embark on this journey to the U.S. Senate, our paper of record on that decision was The Afro and The Washington Informer.”

Rahiel Tesfamariam, writer, activist, speaker, and founder of digital media platform, Urban Cusp, spoke on the Black press’ role in social justice movements.

“The Black Press is a tool of liberation, is it not?” she asked the audience after accepting her award. “Before I sit down, I want to ensure that we understand the power that we hold as Black press. Because at the end of the day, the power of words is the power of life and death, and that is the power of the Black Press.”

A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the CBCF Inc., and Misty Copeland were unable to attend the reception. CBCF vice president of communications and marketing, Shrita Sterlin-Her-

nandez accepted the award on Washington’s behalf, and Copeland sent her gratitude via video.

Several notables were also in attendance, including Congressmen Al Green, D-Texas and Bobby Scott, D-Va., Newport News, Va. Mayor McKinley Price, Sir Hillary McDonald Beckles, vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica; Diane Watson former U.S. ambassador and former Congressional representative, and many more. Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake were also present and took a few moments to address and thank the crowd.

“I am here really to echo the comments that Roland [Martin] made, and to thank Black media for how you treated Baltimore during the unrest,” Rawlings-Blake said. “I can say that Black media was particularly supportive in so many ways to make sure that…the riots wasn’t the whole story of Baltimore. Thank you for making sure the whole story continues to be told in our communities.”

Ahmed’s father emigrated from Sudan and twice ran for the presidency of that country.

Fourteen-year-old Pedro Andrade said school officials were right to be cautious but added, “If they really did think that it was a bomb, why didn’t they evacuate?”

The controversy follows other incidents this year involving anti-Muslim senti-

ment, including a backlash against a proposed Muslim cemetery northeast of Dallas and a Republican lawmaker who told her staff to ask visiting Muslims to declare allegiance to America.

Also, the Irving City Council endorsed one of several bills in the state Legislature to forbid judges from making rulings based on “foreign laws,” language that some people say is aimed at Islam out of fear that American courts could somehow be influenced by the religion’s Sharia law.

“All of these people who push this hate agenda need to engage the Muslim community and to understand the Muslim identity in this country,” Hamideh said.

Back in May, Texas law enforcement was on heightened alert when two men opened fire in the Dallas suburb of Garland outside a center hosting a cartoon contest with depictions of the prophet Muhammad. Both attackers were shot dead, and an officer was shot in the leg. From the other side of the world, the Islamic State group made an unproven claim of responsibility.

Cathie Adams, president of the conservative Texas Eagle Forum and former chairwoman of the Texas Republican Party, said Thursday that Ahmed’s clock looked suspicious and that authorities were right to act.

She said the boy was “pushing the envelope” and provoking a response. “Was he testing the system? And why?”

(Warren contributed to this report from Dallas.)

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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Ford speaks out about trial, shooting, life in wheelchair CONTINUED FROM A1

Throughout the controversy of Ford’s trial, he has been granted the opportunity to talk at numerous speaking engagements, hosted justice rallies, television appearances, community activism, and won several awards for his strong impact on the community.

Unlike, Tamir Rice, Oscar Grant, Ezell Ford, Mike Brown, and many other victims of police shootings, Ford survived to tell his side of the story. In many ways, Ford is telling their stories as well. That is why he has been so dedicated to making a difference in the community, despite the odds against him.

“Across the nation, I am seen as a symbol of strength, power, faith, and hope for showing resilience after being unjustly shot and falsely charged with crimes I did not commit,” Ford said.

“Not guilty,” the judge announced from the stand in a courtroom filled with family and supporters of Ford, was the initial moment where history transpired into something much bigger.

“Although I am grateful for the jury finding me not guilty on the aggravated assault charges, and I am extremely delighted that District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala decided not to retry me, these emotions are bittersweet. With tons of weight off of my shoulders, I realize that the pres-

ONE OF THE MANY LEON FORD RALLIES sure of possibly spending time in prison came almost immediately after being shot. That gave me no time to deal with the fact I may be wheelchair bound for the rest of my natural life,” Ford said.

Kenneth Mitchell, a friend and supporter said, “Leon is

not only a friend, but more importantly he is a role model for me. He has encouraged me so much in such short period of time, and he is invested in seeing people better themselves.

He is deeply rooted in the community, and so many of us look up to him.”

When Ford was shot by the police on that unforgettable night for him, he became paralyzed and was forced to begin a new life; learning how to adapt to every day living in a wheelchair. He has not only shown strength through his will to fight for justice, but

least attempt to direct their loved ones in another direction.”

With such partnerships, McLay said the bureau is heading in the right trajectory toward a major reduction in violence. A lot of that is because the bureau is slowly rebuilding trust with people in Black neighborhoods where the bulk of the violence is contained.

tant Chief Scott Schubert told of two officers on surveillance duty in the Mashall-Shadeland neighborhood that witnessed a shooting and arrested the suspects.

“They weren’t there by accident,” he said. “They looked at the information they had, and they were there when it occurred.”

Major Crimes Cmdr.

ing more cases—48 percent instead of 44 percent last year, thanks largely to a consolidation of departments that resulted in 32 officers investigating major crimes instead of just 17 working only homicides.

“We’re moving upward, but below 50 percent is still not satisfactory,” he said.

McLay also acknowledged the lack of personnel is an issue.

“Do we have enough officers to meet the demands of the city? No, we don’t,” he said.

Peduto said he and city council are working to get a training facility large enough to run two classes simultaneously to address the shortage, nearly 60 fewer officers than the 900 required. The current class of recruits—who had been displaced from a class for the press conference—listened from the back of the room. Of the 24 cadets, seven are Black males and three are women.

This week, McLay and several officers, along with members of the clergy, the Peduto administration and community stakeholders are visiting John Jay College in New York City to meet with Professor David Kennedy and police officials from other municipalities before rolling out a new Targeted Deterrence Initiative in January.

Asked what was missing that required the delay, McLay said he didn’t know.

“We aren’t ready. But we are ahead of schedule,” he said, as to what is missing.

“I’m not sure. That’s why we’re going back to school— because we don’t know what we don’t know.”

Chief, mayor give update on violent crime CONTINUED FROM A1

Stevens. “We are collectively, once again calling upon all persons who have committed, and those who are contemplating any acts of violence, to please think twice, and then think again, about how their acts of violence affect the loved ones of those who are shot and/or killed, and the profoundly negative affects upon them-

CAPTURED—Raymon Brown, who police said shoots people for thrills, is lead away after his arrest for shooting Denise Goldman in July as she walked home from her job at McDonalds. (Photo by J.L. Martello) selves, their futures and the community at large.

“We call upon parents, grandparents and relatives who have people in their families who they know or suspect might be involved in violent and/or illegal activities which may be putting their families and communities at risk, to at

“They are beginning to call us, give us tips, and its paying off,” he said. “We can do our job perfectly, and it wouldn’t be enough because we can’t do this alone.”

He added the bureau’s focus on getting better data on crimes, hotspots, players and groups is also beginning to pay off. Assis-

Larry Scirotto fleshed out some of the statistics, noting that the bureau’s interactive website on violent crime has now been updated through July.

Homicides are down 18 percent from last year, non-fatal shootings are up 4 percent.

The bureau is also clear-

(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

DIVERSIFIED CLASS—New class of police officers has 7 Black males and 3 White females out of 24 in the class. (Photo by J. L. Martello)

also shown an incredible amount of strength through gracefully adapting to his life style being in a wheelchair. Ford has not let this slow down his progress.

“Learning to live a new life with countless physical changes along with what I struggle with mentally is a battle within itself. Yet, I remain committed to my recovery physically and our collective recovery socially. As a nationallyrenowned community activist, I feel obligated to wear this cloak of strength while in the public eye,”

Ford said.

Ford believes the community is at stake, with all the chaos and violence circulating around us. Since that trying day, where he and the police cross paths, Ford has dedicated his life to making the community a better place. His ambition, determination, and will to not give up have took the world by storm. To date, Ford has had opportunities to travel the country to tell his story and fight for peace and justice.

“Even after being acquitted of all charges, I am still treated like a criminal here in the city of Pittsburgh by some. As an innocent man, why was this done, why was I targeted? With many speculations of what took place the night I was unjustly shot and paralyzed, a lengthy trial proved my innocence. This lengthy trial also exposed the lies, guilt, and negligence of not only the officers involved but the City of Pittsburgh’s justice system at large as well,” Ford said.

“Leon Ford’s Open Letter has brought some to tears, put smiles on faces, and placed peace and joy in many hearts; because so many of us have been following Leon during his journey and it is pleasing to see that this experience has molded him into an incredible young Black man, and great role model. Leon is a walking, living, breathing example that we shall overcome,” Debbie Cox, supporter said “It is my hope that we can learn through all of this, find justice for all, and move past the obstacles of misconduct that have confined me to this wheelchair and restrain our communities from peace,” Ford said.

Daughter takes reins of Gwen’s Girls CONTINUED FROM A1

programming at three locations in the North Side, East End and in Clairton.

Elliott, who holds a doctoral degree in nursing practice from Chatham University and masters’ degrees in both nursing and social work from the University of Pittsburgh, brings more than 15 years of experience in mental health treatment and social service evaluations and delivery to the organization, which has experienced a loss of trained therapy and case work staff through funding reductions over the years.

One of her priorities is to rebuild that capability. But she said she wants to go further.

“It’s a holist approach, implementing programs and experience so these girls can gain knowledge and live self-sufficient lives,” she said. “That includes addressing their mental and physical health, and boosting their education. But a lot of the families these girls come from are in crisis too. So, how do we help the families? If you don’t address them—all we’ve done with our girls could be undone.”

In addition to the mental health and case management services, Elliott plans to implement STEM programming so girls can see the career and entrepreneurial opportunities these discipline present in their everyday lives. She will also see to extensive health and wellness programming including physical fitness—dancing aerobics, walking—to complement the cognitive development, as well as hands-on cooking and nutrition classes.

Elliott’s other major priority is to recruit, train and

certify more foster families.

“We need to get more foster families in the system,” she said. “Kids do better in family settings than in group homes, but there are not that many families available with the skill set, and heart, to do it. Espe-

KATHI ELLIOTT cially when we are talking about hard to place teens, some with children.”

Elliott comes by that concern naturally, in addition to being a single mother— via divorce—her mother was a foster parent.

“We had several kids come in over the years, and for the most part it went smoothly,” she said. “But in a lot of ways, I was the original Gwen’s Girl. I went from 4.0 in ninth grade to maybe 1.9 in 12th grade.

But I had my mother and a lot of ‘aunts and uncles’ on the police force who helped.”

Gwen’s Girls is holding its annual signature dinner Oct. 6 at the Priory Grand Hall on the North Side.

This year’s event: From AtRisk to Resilient features a keynote address by psychologist Scyatta Wallace, PhD, and remarks by Lynn Banaszak Brusco, executive director of the Disruptive Health Technology Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. KDKA-TV reporter Lynne HayesFreeland will serve as emcee and auctioneer. For tickets and information visit www.gwensgirls.org.

(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

METRO

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Through laughter hundreds learn heart health CONTINUED FROM A1

disease can be dark and depressing, so using humor as a way to enlighten and help people get awareness is a better way of getting the message in,” Coles said.

“People are more receptive.”

Along with the witty Coles, attendees also enjoyed the a cappella stylings of the PalPITTations, a group of University of Pittsburgh health sciences graduates who sang their rendition of “I Feel Good” by James Brown and “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. There was also a presentation of two awards recognizing leaders in the community whose appreciation, connection and respect for all facets of diversity have been instrumental in promoting the mission of the two associations.

This year, Candi Castleberry Singleton, the founder and chair of the Dignity & Respect Campaign, and former chief Inclusion and Diversity officer at UPMC, was presented with the first Great Rivers Affiliate Multicultural Leadership Award, and Marcia Martin, vice president of Corporate Responsibility for Gateway Health Plan, received the Multicultural Initiatives Power of Laughter Volunteer of the Year Award.

The main event of the af-

THE DEADLY SALT (Photos by J. L. Martello) ternoon, the workshop, included the funny, yet informative skit, “Some of YOUR Business is MY

Business TOO: Know your family health history,” created by Dr. Esa Davis and Mario Browne, which illus-

trated the importance of knowing one’s family’s history and having conversations about it at family gatherings.

Keynote speaker Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon at UPMC and internationally recognized authority on active aging and mobility, elaborated on that importance.

“Family history is not gossip, it is your right to know what your mama, and your grandmother, and your aunts, and your uncles have trouble with, because if you are a parent or a guardian of a young person, you have a responsibility to them and part of that is respecting your family history,” said Wright.

She also spoke of the knowing one’s health numbers, such as one’s BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, etc., as well as the importance of modifying unhealthy behaviors, and more importantly, knowing the stroke risk factors and whether one is at risk. She even had the audience take the Stroke Risk Quiz found at the end of the program.

“You are worth this investment in your health,” said Wright. “You can really impact your life and your

PLEDGES—Pledge cards were placed in blue bags on the tables and were collected by volunteers. health by knowing your risk factors, knowing your family (health history) and by doing something about it.”

The afternoon concluded with a special video presentation that featured the story of Stanford “Stan” Askew, a stroke survivor, and his message about health, followed by the recognition of all survivors.

While there were many things to take-a-way from

MARCIA A. MARTIN receives the Recognition award.

CANDI CASTLEBERRY SINGLETON received the Great Rivers Affiliate Multicultural Leadership award.

Community Calendar Women’s Walk for Peace SEPT. 26—The Northside Coalition for Fair Housing will host the 8th annual Women’s Walk for Peace and Peace Festival at 10 a.m. at The Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St., North Side. The walk and festival is an opportunity for community dialogue around issues that plague women and their families. The festival will follow the walk at West Park. The day will include entertainment by local artists such as Jasiri X, Dwayne Dolphin, Flo Wilson, The House of Soul Band, and more. A shuttle from West Park to the walk’s starting site will be available.

For more information, call 412-321-5527.

Senior Center Prom SEPT. 27—Allen Place Community Services Inc. will host its Senior Center Prom from 5-10 p.m.at the Marriott Chatham Center City, 112 Washington Place, Uptown.

There will be a wealth of information on health and wellness will be provided. For more information, call Jerry Allen at 412-231-1531 or email allenplacecenter@gmail.com.

Heritage Day Parade OCT. 3—The African-American Heritage Day Parade Association Inc. will host the annual African-American Heritage Day Parade at 11 a.m., beginning at the Greyhound Station, 12th St., Downtown.

The day will include marching bands, drill teams, youth and community groups, classic cars and more. For more information, email 2010.aahdp@gmail.com.

Cheer Off for Children OCT. 4—Adoption Connection, PA will host its Cheer Off for Children at Beaver Falls Middle School, 8th Ave., Beaver Falls. This event is to raise foster care and adoption awareness resulting in permanency for children.

Teams will complete in support of foster care and adoption. For more information, call 724-371-0671 or email Sherry Hutchinson at shutchinson@adoptionconnectionpa.o rg.

PBMF Fashion Show OCT. 12—The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation will host its HER: Dressed to Thrill fashion show at 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 101 Mall Blvd., Monroeville. There will be a reception with a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, caricatures and more, followed by a runway fashion show. For more information, visit www.pbmf.org.

New Voices/ New Visions Awards Deadline ONGOING—Submissions are being accepted for the LEE & LOW Books’ New Voices and New Visions Awards 2015 Writing Con-

tests. These are awards open to unpublished authors of color. The New Voices Award is given for a children’s picture book manuscript and the New Visions Award is given for a middle grade or young adult manuscript. Award winners will receive a cash grant and a standard publication contract. Manuscripts for the New Voices Award are due Sept. 30 and Oct. 31 for the New Visions Award. For more information, visit www.leeandlow.com.

Scholarship Application ONGOING—The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will accept applications for its College Scholarship Program. Students selected as Cooke Scholars will be awarded as much as $40,000 each year for four years toward tuition, living expenses, books and other required fees. Scholarships are available to highachieving, low-income high school seniors to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. The application period will close on Nov. 3. For more information, visit www.jkcf.org/scholarships/co llege-scholarship-program/ (To have items listed on Community Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or email: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

(For more information on the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, visit www.heart.org.)

Kellem leaving Pirates for YWCA post CONTINUED FROM A1

EVAN FRAZIER—Power of Laughter honorary chair chair.

the day, Coles said her personal message is self-love.

“It’s all about self-love and taking your health seriously is the ultimate showing of self-love; because if you don’t take care of yourself, then you can’t take care of your family, you can’t take care of your communities.”

will be with our staff internally as well.”

In addition to his work for the Pirates, Kellem is an active community volunteer.

He has served on several non-profit boards including the Hill House Association, ACHIEVA, and HOPE Network, and is a sought-after master of ceremonies and motivational speaker.

Kellem earned a Master of Science Degree in Organi-

zational Leadership from Robert Morris University and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Edinboro University, and currently serves as an adjunct professor at Seton Hill University in the Business Department.

He will officially begin his duties with the YWCA on Oct. 6.

(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

A6

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OPINION

The Black Lives Matter movement

Commentary

4 lessons we can learn from the 2015 Emmys #BlackGirlsRock

by Britta Lee Traditionally, the Emmy Awards isn’t one of the ‘poster’ events for diversity. In fact, many people of color recognize that if they do sit down to watch the show, it’s unlikely they will see many faces that look like them.

It’s a shame that in 2015, 67 years since the award show began, Blacks and other minorities have become accustomed to and quite frankly, accepted the lack of multicultural representation. Or, they simply don’t watch because they don’t care.

In a sense, we’ve learned to expect either the “regulars” or the “hottest” people of color at the moment. Quite frankly, one could count on a single hand the Blacks who are staples you can usually expect to make an appearance. Do you ever watch and ask yourself, “what happened to (so-and-so) after having such a big year… last year?”

Despite the fact the Emmys has a long way to go in terms of diversity, 2015 might just stand out as one of the brightest nights for African Americans, particularly Black women. While we may not have appeared in droves, one thing is for sure. The power of the simple presence of a handful of us, coupled with their success on this night, made for a proud moment shared among all. It is one that not only benefits Blacks, but all people. On one hand, our talent is exposed, recognized, and revered. On the other, it revolutionizes the definition of Hollywood and inspires those of other races to respect what we have to offer.

This is quite significant given the current state of Black women’s role in the Entertainment industry in general. We have more than enough ratchet reality stars, singers without music but plenty of selfies, and so-called Internet actresses/models. So many desperately put themselves on blast and engage in god-awful antics to get “likes and shares”. It teaches others to view us as what we represent ourselves to be– trash. We all know what happens to garbage— it gets dismissed and thrown out.

What a refreshing reminder that the most powerful women, who happen to be Black, in Hollywood haven’t stooped to the level of superficial ignorance that so many others foolishly think will help them achieve anything other Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram fame. Talent is not the only that makes women like Viola, Regina, Taraji and Uzo as well as others successful. They preserve their authenticity, integrity, originality and flat-out realness.

The lesson of it all: If you’re good at what you do, you can be authentically yourself and still win.

The Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh are to be commended for making an effort to better understand and educate the young Black community about the “#BlackLivesMatter” movement that is exploding throughout this country.

They held a forum to discuss the subject and try to come up with solutions of how to protect Black lives, and what can young people do in Pittsburgh to promote the movement nationally as well as in Pittsburgh.

I’m not totally sure what the movement is all about, but I hope it is about what it is saying. That Blacks Lives Matter. Not just Black Lives Matter when White policemen kill them. That Black Lives Matter not just when a White person kills them.

That Black Lives Matter not just when a Black person kills another Black person. But that Black Matters Lives no matter who the killer is.

Blacks are being killed by Whites, and by police, but far more Blacks are being killed by other Blacks. We need to stop it. We need to stop blaming others, and place the blame where it lies.

We also need to include in this fight the thousands of the young lives who are wasting away in our jails and prisons because of the so-called “War on Drugs.”

Our prisons should be for crimes that have victims. These young Black men are not gunned down but their lives are over once behind bars. Add to this the fact that most of the killings and shootings on the streets are drug related.

Another group who labeled their event “We Are One” also came together to try to stop the killings in the city. It was made up of many of the mothers of homicide victims. Almost every other week there are meetings held by groups, individuals and especially mothers, relatives and friends of victims in an effort to stop the killings.

But I feel that some of the national

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)

Just Sayin’

that 410,000 Whites died to free the slaves in the Civil War. Just to get something straight. The Civil War was started by Southern Plantation owners because Congress passed a law, supported and pushed by Abraham Lincoln, blocking slavery from expanding into the western states. It said nothing about abolishing slavery in the Southern states where slavery already existed. Because of this the Southern states decided to break away from the Union then attacked the Union forces.

So at that time most Whites were in the war to prevent the split of the United States into two countries. Saving the Union. Later to win the war slavery throughout the south was attached to it, thus the slaves were freed when the North won the Civil War. Many Whites fought against slavery but the main reason slavery was blocked in the new states was that slaves took jobs away from Whites, and many Whites didn’t want to be around Blacks.

But the conditions of Black people in America, the poverty and low income didn’t just come from slavery. Don’t forget the 100 years of Jim Crow after slavery in which Blacks were kept in poverty and uneducated. We never got the 40 acres and the mule, and we were kept out of the high paying jobs and most of us couldn’t vote until the Voting Rights Act just 50 years ago.

So I guess he’s saying that if your forefathers take everything away from a man, and you see his child starving in the streets, we shouldn’t lift a hand to help.

Diversity in the work place and in all walks of life in America is a must and no matter how hard some people in this country fight it, it’s going to happen. This is the only way we will defeat the poverty problem in this country.

groups and individuals who are saying that “#BlackLivesMatter” are not really concerned about Black lives.

That some of them are the ones in the street killing other Blacks. And all they want is to keep the police out of the community so they can continue to sell drugs and bully the community.

Just like there were some people who tried to misuse the Civil Rights Movement there will be people trying to mislead this movement.

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s second annual STEAM Showcase Open House is yet another positive program in which young Black youths are being exposed to the technical world of computers and other high tech jobs of now and the future. Charlie Batch and others involved in this program are to be commended. *** There is a lot of commotion and debate about Jack Kelly’s opinion piece in the Post Gazette entitled “Remnants of slavery: White guilt is not helping black America.”

I read it and I say the man has a right to his opinion, and the Post Gazette should not be condemned for running it. I strongly believe in freedom of the press, and free speech. If he feels like that, that’s his right.

Basically he said that Blacks are racists for believing most Whites are racist. And that Whites today should not feel guilty about slavery because (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the they had nothing to do with it, and New Pittsburgh Courier.)

Sanders campaign still lagging in Black community (NNPA)—The emergence of the presidential campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has reached the scale of “phenomenal.” What many mainstream pundits originally believed to have been a marginal effort, exploded around the U.S. as enthusiastic crowds responded to Sanders’s challenges to contemporary capitalism.

Yet in Black America, the campaign has yet to ignite a mass spirit.

Sanders certainly has support within Black America, but it largely pales in comparison to the sentiment in favor of Hillary Clinton. The former Secretary of State has been quite shrewd and timely in responding to issues that are of concern to Black America.

Even when, as in the case of her meeting with several activists from the movement for Black Lives Matter, she has handled matters in a way that has brought forward criticism, she still seems to be given the benefit of the doubt.

The Sanders campaign, which still holds the potential to shake up U.S. politics in very fundamental ways, has only a limited amount of time to reposition itself if it wishes to win the support of Black America and, I would add, much of Latino America.

This repositioning goes much farther

Bill Fletcher Jr.

Commentary

Sanders needs to sit down with key African American leaders in the cities of Michigan that, in many cases, have been disempowered by a racist, Republican state legislature. Sanders needs to visit Native American reservations to discuss land and environmental issues, not to mention, matters of economic development that go beyond the construction of more gambling casinos. And Sanders needs to add surrogates to his campaign to advance his message and to show the scope and breath of the campaign.

For the Sanders campaign to realize its amazing potential, it must rethink its role in U.S. society. This will necessitate tapping the sentiment for change in communities of color—including but not limited to Black America—and listening carefully to the concerns and advice from the leaders of these communities. The campaign must guard against the tendency to become overwhelmed by enthusiastic crowds, for such crowds can also be a siren’s song that leads the campaign to crash into the rocks. Crowds are great but depth of support is definitive.

than who is hired to work on the campaign, as important as that happens to be, and more than anything else revolves around the extent to which the campaign is understood to be embedded within our movements.

When John Edwards kicked off his ill-fated presidential campaign for the 2008 nomination, he did so in New Orleans. This was of tremendous significance. He aimed to talk about poverty and he did so by going to the city where race and class comingled in a demonstrable fashion in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Sanders, on the other hand, has done nothing similar. While he has spoken out on some matters of race, he needs to be discussing the massive financial crisis (Bill Fletcher Jr. is the host of The Global in Puerto Rico which, along the lines of what transpired in Greece, is de- African on Telesur-English. Follow him on Facebook and at stroying the island and driving thou- Twitter, www.billfletcherjr.com.) sands to migrate to mainland U.S.A.

No due process for ‘Standing While Black’

by Julianne Malveaux

Letters to the editor for publication

Ulish Carter

(NNPA)—Is Patrick Lynch, president of the New York Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, obliged to defend his members even when they are wrong? The open letter posted on the PBA website and printed in the New York Daily News lacks credibility and contributes to the fractured state of police-community relations. He has cautioned the media, and others, about rushing to judgment of James Frascatore, the walking assault machine that tackled former tennis star James Blake, put his knee to Blake’s back, and then cuffed him. This was captured by a security camera; the footage is ubiquitous online. Lynch says, “No one should ever jump to an uninformed conclusion based on a few seconds of video.”

Lynch makes every excuse that he can for Frascatore, and chides “pundits and editorial writers” because “they have never faced the dangers that police officers routinely do.” Comments about Blake’s false arrest and further cover-up are “irresponsible, unjust, and un-American.” Lynch says Frascatore deserves “due process, not summary professional execution called for by editorial writers.”

Due process is the legal requirement that the state must respect all the legal rights due to a person. When did James Blake get due process? Frascatore tackled Blake with neither provocation nor even conversation. Either Lynch didn’t watch the video or he doesn’t care that there is a pugilistic police officer that has no regard for due process when he interacts with the public.

Frascatore should have been history

in the NYPD some time ago. He has only been part of the NYPD for four years, yet five complaints against him have been filed with the Civilian Complaint Review Board. All of these complaints involve the excessive use of force. Frascatore is fast with his fists (he is accused of punching people in the head, the mouth, and in the torso); tragedy would be compounded if he were using a gun. For all of Frascatore’s abuse of power, it took his assault of Blake to get him desk duty. Blake has very reasonably called for Frascatore’s firing. But loudmouth Lynch (consider his comments in the wake of Eric Garner’s murder) has talked himself onto a limb with his passionate, but baseless defense of a police “officer.”

If there were due process, Frascatore would have been arrested for assaulting Blake. But police officers accused of wrongdoing hide behind their uniforms and rarely pay for their crimes.

If there were due process, a man with five complaints before the CCRB would have been put on desk duty, if not suspended or fired, some time ago.

The New York Daily News reported on a 2013 incident where Frascatore and two others followed bicyclist Warren Diggs home. Once there, they demanded identification from him but proceeded to punch in the head and pummel his body—before he could retrieve his ID. Diggs’ significant other, Nafeesah Hines, saw part of the fracas and began recording it. She asked officers for their names and badge numbers; two complied but Frascatore refused.

When Hines went to move Diggs’ bicycle from the sidewalk and into their home, she was told that she was tampering with evidence and was ar-

rested. The Civilian Complaint Review Board found inconsistencies between Frascatore’s statements and the recording Hines made. It recommended “retraining” Frascatore.

Hines also sued the city for false arrest and settled out of court. Warren Diggs still has a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city.

The Diggs case reveals Frascatore as an accomplished liar who doesn’t mind breaking the rules. Just as there was an attempt to cover up the Blake arrest, there was also an attempt to justify the brutal assault of Warren Diggs and the false arrest of Nafeesah Hines. Due process, Patrick Lynch?

As Blake has so gracefully said, all police officers are not like Frascatore.

He declined to accuse the NYPD, just the out-of-control officer. He accepted the apologies of the police commissioner and the mayor. But he insists that something must be done about excessive force, and he has indicated that he might pursue a lawsuit otherwise.

The NYPD says they have spent millions on training and retraining. Did Frascatore ever get the training the CCRB recommended? Why not monitor those officers who have been “retrained” to see if they have changed their ways?

Why not prioritize investigation of those with repeat complaints so that bad apples like Frascatore are terminated before they do more damage?

Patrick Lynch does his members a disservice when he excuses the behavior of officers like James Frascatore, whose only due process should move him out of the NYPD. Due process means arresting Frascatore for assaulting James Blake.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Trump refuses to withdraw false claim Obama is a Muslim (NNPA)—On the heels of allowing a campaign follower in New Hampshire to assert unchallenged last week that President Obama is a Muslim, Republican presidential front-runner Donald J. Trump has strongly resisted opportunities to correct the public record. On ABC’s This Week, George Stephanapolous repeatedly challenged Trump Sunday to take back his words and in true Trump fashion, he refused.

STEPHANOPOULOS: …So, for the record, was President Obama born in the United States?

TRUMP: Well you know I don’t get into it, George. I talk about jobs, I’m talking about the military. I don’t get into it. I mean, they ask that question and I just want to talk about the things, because frankly, it’s of no longer interest to me [sic]. We’re beyond that, and it’s just something I don’t talk about. I want to talk about the military, I want to talk about the vets and how badly they’re treated, I want to talk about jobs. I don’t get into that, George.

STEPHANOPOULOS: Well the way to get beyond that is to answer yes or no, do you— TRUMP: Well that’s possible, but I don’t get into it and I just don’t talk about it.

STEPHANOPOULOS: And, even though you’ve raised questions, and you’ve investigated this in the past, you’re still— TRUMP: Well, you know people thought I should have defended, some people thought I should have defended the president in terms of the question that was asked the other night, and my attitude is, would he have done that for me if somebody had said that about me? And you know, he’s been—he’s very capable of defending himself, believe

George E. Curry

Commentary me. So we’ll see what happens, but I think the tweets really covered it very well and very accurately. Somebody said they were excellent, they covered the subject, and I actually, it was very interesting because I got in hot water over not saying anything. The first time it’s ever happened to me. I didn’t say anything, and everybody was going crazy over the weekend. And this is something where I didn’t even say anything.

STEPHANOPOULOS: But, I take that point, but you’ve raised these questions so often in the past. Why can’t you just say definitively, yes or no, President Obama was born in the United States, you’ve raised it many times, and he’s not a Muslim.

TRUMP: George you have raised a question. I haven’t raised a question. I don’t talk about it, and I don’t like talking about somebody else’s faith. He talks about his faith, and he can do that. But I don’t talk about other people’s faith. It’s not appropriate for me to talk about somebody else’s faith.

STEPHANOPOULOS: The other big premise of that question is he says that Muslims are a problem in this country. Do you agree?

TRUMP: Well, in some cases George. We can say no, and you can be politically correct and you can say everything’s wonderful, but I haven’t seen people from Sweden going back and leaving after the bombing of the World Trade Center. So certainly it’s a problem, and there is a problem—One of Trump’s many problems is that, aided and abetted by Fox News, he has been a leading proponent of the birther movement, even hiring private investigators to go to Hawaii in an effort to disprove that Obama was born there.

FactCheck.org dismissed the false conspiracy claims about Obama’s birth certificate.

It reported, “FactCheck.org staffers have now seen, touched, examined and photographed the original birth certificate. We conclude that it meets all of the requirements from the State Department for proving U.S. citizenship. Claims that the document lacks a raised seal or a signature are false. We have posted high-resolution photographs of the document as ‘supporting documents’ to this article. Our conclusion: Obama was born in the U.S.A. just as he has always said.”

That still did not quell the attacks.

Media Matters, the watchdog group, found that, “Fox continued to hype Trump’s birtherism, promoting the birther myth in no fewer than 52 segments over a two month period.”

It explained, that “the vast majority of the time—44 out of 52 total segments in which a false claim was made about Obama’s birth certificate—Fox News hosts did not push back and correct these falsehoods.”

General Colin Powell, the former Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff and former Secretary of State, took the right tone when he said: “I’m also troubled by…what members of my own party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, ‘Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim.’ Well, the correct answer is, he’s not a Muslim, he’s a Christian.

He’s always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer’s no, that’s not America.”

(George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the NNPA and BlackPressUSA.com. He can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge, George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook, and Periscope.)

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

FORUM

Attempts to stifle ambitions of Black men

Lee A. Daniels

Commentary

I became an money, and avid reader at Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick there is always the age of 12, inthe risks that terested in poligo with busitics at 17, politiness. In my escal activist at timation the the age of 23, life of Irv and columnist 24 his wife is a years ago and I story that has have a crystal not been told clear underoften enough. standing of the power of words. The The opposite story is featuring youth press has vilified a number of great quitting school, becoming involved in men of color. Mahatma Gandhi spent trouble, often resulting into criminal 20 years fighting racism in South activities and jail records.

Africa before going home to India and Last Sunday a local daily newspaper the press was definitely not kind to carried a story about Irv Williams and him. Do you recall the absolute vi- it was reminiscent of the aspersions ciousness of the press when they at- other newspapers had used against tacked Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Jr., Congressman Rev. Adam Clayton Mandela and Gandhi. The column Powell, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, made reference to the fact that he has Rev. Jeremiah Wright and others? been a 40-year friend of a very sucAbout three weeks ago I wrote a col- cessful Black businessperson who is a umn about the accomplishments of vice president in a mega corporation.

Irv Williams, a Black man who was It also mentioned that Irv had an outborn and raised in the Hill District. standing loan with the URA, however Irv finished high school, graduated it failed to mention that there are a from college, made friends, married, staggering number of persons and corraised his family and with his wife as porations who have delinquent loans. a partner formed a corporation and A number of individuals have filed made history by building two office bankruptcy and the newspaper is facomplexes on the Hill, the neighbor- miliar with the bankruptcy process. hood they were born and raised in.

In 1997, I was employed by AlThey became a symbol of success, legheny County and was provided pride and a living example for others with an opportunity to understand to emulate. Irv and his wife were able how government is failing. Contract to accomplish what had never oc- after contract is given to big money, curred in the history of Allegheny friends, and relatives. It has always County—a Black developer building been not what you know, but who you two brand new office buildings. Upon know. If daily newspapers are serious completing his second complex Irv about how contracts are awarded Williams became a contractor and when will they do a series about the was awarded the contract to build the staggering numbers of Blacks and eight million dollar Kingsley Associa- women who are shut out of the entire tion in East Liberty, and at that time process? If they investigate the pubit was the largest building any Black lished percentages they would realize contractor had ever built in Allegheny that once again statistics don’t lie, but County. In business it is a given, par- statisticians continue to.

(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributicularly as you seek to expand, that you are often required to borrow tor to the Forum page.)

To Tell The Truth

The Million Man March and the Moynihan Report Prologue: Months structure. before my daugh- J. Pharoah Doss Moynihan ter was born I said stated the to her mother, legacy of “We’re starting a slavery and family. There are Jim Crow things we need to w o r k e d decide now. Are we against the going to put her in emergence a public or private of a strong school? Are we—” father figure My daughter’s mother cut me off and and a matriarchal structure formed said…2015 is the twentieth anniver- which alienated Black children from a sary of The Million Man March and society dominated by male authority. the fiftieth anniversary of The Moyni- Startled by the increase of illegitimacy han Report. rates and welfare dependency MoyniThe Million Man March (1995) was han predicted if government subsidies the largest gathering in the nation’s replaced male responsibility in time capital since The March on Washing- the two parent household in the Black ton (1963), but the Million Man March community will disappear.

When the Moynihan report was rewas not a replica of its predecessor.

The 1963 march was officially titled: leased to the public it was dismissed as The March on Washington for Free- racist. Moynihan was accused of blaming the victim, being hung-up on White dom and Jobs.

Their demand was directed toward middle class family norms, and not understanding that a matriarchal family the federal government.

This march applied proactive pres- structure was common among opsure on the government to pass The pressed people throughout the history of western civilization. The case Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Million Man March, subtitled Moynihan made for national action The Day of Atonement, didn’t direct was ignored.

Twenty years later a CBS documenany demand toward the federal government. The organizers of this march tary called The Vanishing Black directed their demand to the audience Family—Crisis in Black America that gathered. Keynote speaker Louis proved Moynihan’s prediction corFarrakhan told the audience, “We got rect. But it was too late for national to resolve today we’re going back home action between 1960 and 1987 the to do something about what’s going on percentage of Black children born out of wedlock rose from 23 percent in our lives and in our families.”

Farrakhan emphasized self-suffi- to 62 percent while the percentage of ciency (This was a reaction to the 1994 Black women ages 25 to 29 who were Republican takeover of congress. married dropped from 60 percent to The Republicans promised to end de- 32 percent. pendency on the government and Black Twenty years after the Million Man leaders took that as a threat to erode March has the demand directed tothe gains of The Civil Rights Move- ward Black men been supplied? ment.), Farrakhan also emphasized reIn a recent op-ed, fifty years after the building the Black family. (That’s why Moynihan report, economist Walter the march was for men only.

Williams wrote, “The most crippling The organizers were demanding problem in the Black community…is Black men to reclaim their position as the breakdown of the Black family. head of the household.) Both the Re- Actually, “breakdown” is the wrong publican mandate and the family de- word; the Black family doesn’t form in mand of the Million Man March were the first place.” in response to what the Moynihan reEpilogue: My daughter’s mother cut port predicted 30 years prior. me off and said, “What the hell are you In 1965 Daniel Patrick Moynihan, talking about? You’re just having a assistant secretary of labor, authored child. a report called The Negro Family: A That doesn’t mean you’re starting a Case for National Action. In general family.”

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New the report stated Black poverty, poor educational achievement, and crime Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahare the result of a poor Black family doss@blogspot.com)

Commentary

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

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The GOP debate and the cowardly Mr. Trump Citizens of America: While you were distracted last week by, among other things, the Republican Party’s marathon, second primary debate, the U.S. military, acting on orders from President Obama, completed its takeover of the American Southwest – suspending the Constitution and imposing martial law, taking residents’ guns, and throwing those who resisted into secret detention centers.

Oh, wait: that’s the bizarro-world version of the military’s Jade Helm 15 “war games” exercise the conservative echo chamber hysterically claimed this spring was part of the president’s plan to ultimately take over the country, dissolve Congress and declare himself president for Life.

In the real world the rest of us live in, the two-month exercise ended September 15th as quietly as it had begun. Military officials pronounced themselves satisfied that it had given members of the military’s various special operations forces war-games training in an environment whose terrain approximated that of the world’s Middle Eastern and African hotspots.

It’s worth recalling the fierce controversy that engulfed the Jade Helm 15 exercise for months before it began for two reasons. One is to understand how similar the tone of the lunatic claims made about it were to such other right-wing-generated Obama-era scares as: the supposed “death panels” of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare); the claims last fall that the death of one individual in Dallas who had been infected with the Ebola virus while in Liberia was the harbinger of an Obama-created epidemic about to sweep over America; and, my personal favorite, that President Obama’s September 2009 nationwide speech to be piped to public school students in their classrooms was really his attempt to indoctrinate them in the tenets of socialism, or communism, or Islam – or all three simultaneously.

Adding up the mix of right-wing extremism, pathological idiocy and cynical fearmongering in those conspiracy theories provides an excellent framework for analyzing the GOP’s behavior in Congress and on the campaign trail today – be it Congressional Republicans’ plans to force another shutdown of the federal government or their staging purely symbolic votes against the Iran nuclear deal.

The “Gang of 16” Republican presidential primary candidates have left no doubt they’re committed to this lunacy, too. Sampling the comments the contenders’ made on such issues as immigration, foreign affairs and vaccinations for children during the debate at the Reagan presidential library, the New York Times editorial of September 17 described them as “a collection of assertions so untrue, so bizarre that they form a vision as surreal as the Ronald Reagan jet looming behind the candidates’ lecterns.” The editorial’s title: “Crazy Talk at the Republican Debate.”

Unfortunately for the country, “crazy talk” has become a chief requirement of Republican Party politics – the result of the GOP having so debased the honor of the practice of politics and having so denigrated “Washington” all these decades, and especially once the nation’s first Black president took office.

The great irony is that, in part because of Obama’s skill at out-maneuvering Republican attempts to undermine him, those chickens have come home to roost most sharply within the GOP itself: None of its current leading contenders for the nomination – Donald Trump, Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina – have ever held elective or appointive office; while the GOP Base is ignoring or punishing those contenders who have.

This is what happens when you debase the honor of politics – which, after all, is the art of the possible, of compromise, of trying to work through opposing, or just complicated, points of view, of tolerating difference. When you debase “politics,” you open wide the door of the cesspool of intolerance.

Fittingly, Donald Trump, whose callousness and racism have propelled him to the top of the Republican pile, has now shown in the most dramatic way the moral swamp that is the demagogue’s true character. For all his promises to, as president, stare down this and that world leader to get what he wants, the cowardly Mr. Trump couldn’t even stand up to a two-bit bigot in New Hampshire who demeaned the Office of the Presidency and called for the ethnic cleansing of all Muslim Americans.

What made Trump’s cowardice stand out even more was its coming just days after the shameful ordeal endured by 14-year-old Texas high schooler and technology whiz Ahmed Mohamed served to underscore the vast potential for “making American great again” that undoubtedly lies within America’s newest immigrant groups – and a vast number of native-born children who now stand outside the gates of opportunity.

So, while we all calculate which of the Republican candidates won or lost from last week’s debate, the broader question we should also be considering is how long will American society be living with the virus of right-wing extremism let loose by the moral collapse of the Republican Party.

(Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist based in New York City.)

Obama’s social secretary faces test with Pope, China visit

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SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

by Darlene Superville Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)— The diplomatic double whammy of back-to-back visits by Pope Francis and Chinese President Xi Jinping is creating some pressure-filled days for Deesha Dyer, five months into her tenure as White House social secretary.

No wonder a scented candle is among the half-dozen “must-have” items she keeps in her small office.

“It provides a calm, peaceful atmosphere, which is important in this job,” Dyer said.

Dyer has worked at the White House since 2009, starting as an intern and rising to deputy social secretary before Obama and his wife, Michelle, moved her into the top job in April. The Philadelphia native has overseen the planning and execution of scores of events since then, though none as important politically or on as grand a scale as the Francis and Xi visits.

On Wednesday, Francis will become just the third pope to visit the White House, one stop on his first U.S. trip.

Xi arrives two days later on a lavish state visit, putting Obama in the awkward position of toasting the head of a country he blames for certain unacceptable practices, includ-

ing cyberattacks against U.S. government and corporate computer systems.

China is the only country whose leader Obama has invited for a repeat state visit.

That fact alone has Dyer and her six-person team searching for answers to a basic question: How to make next Friday’s dinner better than the one in 2011, for then-President Hu Jintao?

Lea Berman, who held the social secretary job for a couple of years under President George W. Bush, said the upcoming week would test anyone, with five months or five years of experience. She said the 37-year-old Dyer, one of the youngest social secretaries in recent memory, has an important factor working in her favor: the confidence of the president and first lady.

“She knows what the expectations are,” Berman said. “She’s been there for years and knows how things work.”

Desiree Rogers, the Obamas’ first social secretary, said having one day between such big visits could create logistical challenges for the relatively small White House staff.

“The flip side to that is you’re in a groove, so you just keep going,” said Rogers, who left the White House a few months after the Obamas’ first state din-

Obama: Women made Civil Rights Movement happen

KEYNOTE SPEAKER—President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 45th Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 19.( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

by Darlene Superville Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)—To President Barack Obama, women of the civil rights movement were “the thinkers and the doers” whose toil and sacrifice benefited everyone in the country.

“Women made the movement happen,” he said.

Obama said black women were the “foot soldiers” who did the behind-the-scenes work of strategizing boycotts and organizing marches while others received the credit.

“Even if they weren’t allowed to run the civil rights organizations on paper, behind the scenes they were the thinkers and the doers making things happen each and every day, doing the work that no one else wanted to do,” he said in a speech Saturday night at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual awards dinner.

But Obama said that while Black women and girls have made progress since and are opening more of their own businesses and graduating from high school and college at higher rates, they are still overrepresented in low-paying jobs and underrepresented in management.

He even invoked his wife, Michelle, as an example of the attitudes about black women that he said persist.

The first lady, a lawyer with degrees from two Ivy League universities, has spoken on occasion of being told by her teachers that she was setting her sights too high.

“Those stereotypes and social pressures, they still affect our girls,” said Obama, the father of two teenage daughters. “So we all have to be louder than the voices that are telling our girls they’re not good enough, that they’ve got to look a

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certain way or they’ve got to act a certain way or set their goals at a certain level.”

Obama has had the dinner spotlight to himself during all but one of his nearly seven years in office.

But with the campaign to succeed him in full swing, he had some competition for attention at Saturday’s gathering sponsored by a major Democratic Party constituency group. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton attended the dinner to mingle with the crowd of several thousand.

In his remarks, Obama also touched on the issue of criminal justice, promising to work with CBC members and other lawmakers in the months ahead to advance legislation intended to make the system fairer and encourage the use of diversion and prevention programs.

He also swiped at conservatives who blame him for animosity toward law enforcement officers.

“I want to repeat because somehow this never shows up on Fox News,” Obama said. “I want to repeat because I’ve said it a lot, unwaveringly, all the time: Our law enforcement officers do outstanding work in an incredibly difficult and dangerous job. They put their lives on the line for our safety. We appreciate them and we love them.”

Among those honored Saturday night was the late Amelia Boynton Robinson, an organizer of the Bloody Sunday march for voting rights to Montgomery, Alabama, in March 1965, and who was badly beaten by police. She celebrated the march’s 50th anniversary earlier this year by crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, while holding hands with Obama.

Boynton Robinson died late last month at age 104.

FROM INTERN TO TOP JOB—In this photo taken Sept. 8, 2015, White House Social Secretary Deesha Dyer is seen, standing second from right, in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) ner for India in November 2009.

Dyer and her team are finalizing checklists for separate South Lawn arrival ceremonies and Oval Office meetings, along with a black-tie state dinner for the Chinese leader that will be attended by hundreds of guests at a cost to U.S. taxpayers of about $500,000. White House chefs will handle the menu.

Some Republican presidential candidates have

called on Obama to cancel or downgrade Xi’s red-carpet visit, citing China’s “frenemy” status. White House spokesman Josh Earnest has defended the invitation, saying Obama believes engaging with China is an effective way to advance U.S. interests around the world, citing climate change and policy toward Iran as examples.

Rogers noted that Dyer is overseeing the visits while continuing to plan daily White House events, in-

cluding Obama’s recent meetings with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and an East Room ceremony where Obama awarded national medals for contributions to the arts and humanities.

Once the pope and China’s president are en route to their next stops, Dyer’s focus will shift to New York and events the Obamas host there in conjunction with the annual U.N. General Assembly.

Mrs. Obama typically welcomes the spouses of many of the foreign leaders to a gathering held in the New York City area.

Dyer came to the White House in 2009 as a 31year-old unpaid intern, and at one point traveled with the Obamas to manage their lodging and logistics. She joined the social office about two years ago and immediately impressed Mrs. Obama with “her passion, creativity, public-mindedness and relentless competence,” the first lady said when she and the president announced Dyer’s appointment.

Dyer now earns $118,000 annually after succeeding Jeremy Bernard, the first male social secretary.

Bernard held the job for more than four years and departed after an April state dinner.

Before starting in government, Dyer was an assistant at a Pennsylvania real estate investment trust and a freelance journalist covering East Coast hiphop culture. She also worked with young adults, created a Philadelphiabased hip-hop AIDS program and was an advocacy volunteer for the CARE humanitarian organization, the White House said.

She returned to school at age 29 and earned a degree from the Community College of Philadelphia.

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New music,

LIFESTYLES SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

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Rodman celebrates

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Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Way to celebrate I’m always looking for new ideas and places to celebrate a birthday. This past week I was introduced to just that.

For years I had passed an ice cream store in the Strip District, I read about it when it opened and always told myself to stop by. For some reason I never did.

Maybe because I told myself that I didn’t need to eat any more ice cream than I was already eating.

A friend decided to hold a portion of her fiftieth birthday celebration at Klavon’s Ice Cream Shop on Penn Ave in the Strip. I was ecstatic. Not only to go to Klavon’s but to celebrate with her. She didn’t invite a big crowd but enough to make it fun. Klavon’s is a decent size store with a “soda fountain” with stools, small round tables and chairs.

Here is the history of the Klavon’s.James and Mary Klavon first opened Klavon’s in 1923 as a neighborhood apothecary and ice cream shop. After years of serving the community, the shop closed in 1979 and sat dormant for two decades.

When the old drugstore soda fountain was reopened in 1999, it was like stepping into a time capsule. James and Mary’s eight grandchildren and a cousin teamed up to transform the old pharmacy into a full-service ice cream parlor, conserving the original features that made it such a colorful place to visit. With its original marble countertops, stainless steel fountain equipment, revolving stools that were originally fashioned to look like Coca-Cola bottle caps, and wooden phone booths, Klavon’s is reminiscent of the kind of place in which a young George Bailey worked in It’s a Wonderful Life. Visitors of all ages will enjoy seeing the apothecary jars displayed along the walls and shopping at the old-time candy counter still stocked with penny candy.

While you’re visiting, be sure to look for the mark above the phone booths that shows how high the floodwaters reached on St. Patrick’s Day of 1936. As the story goes, James and Mary’s son, Raymond, was in early that morning to move the basement stock and equipment to the safety of the first floor.

Back then, spring thaws generally brought a foot or so of water into the basement for a few days, but that year the waters rose much higher and faster, driving Raymond and his cousins to the top floor.

They were rescued the following morning by rowboat, and had to exit through the windows above the phone booths that still stand in the parlor today.

Jacob and Desiree Hanchar and their children fell in love with the local ice cream parlor when they visited this popular spot during the summer of 2011.

Two years later, the couple purchased Klavon’s. They continue to carry on the tradition of creating delicious treats from high-quality ingredients at a reasonable price—even improving on the original by offering delicious ice cream straight from Penn State Creamery!

So if you get my drift this is a great place to celebrate.

They do parties in the store and cater at your place. Klavon’s 2801 Penn Ave. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)

AT THE WHITE PARTY—Kim Brown, Regina Brown and Susan Evans

OMEGA MEN IN WHITE—Brandon Jennings, Ron Coursey, event co-chair, and Justin Laing

Que weekend 2015

by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer

As always the brothers of Omega Psi Phi, Iota Phi Chapter close the summer with a great Labor Day Weekend party.

The weekend kicked off at the popular Savoy Restaurant with Friday night party on the deck. Saturday night the hot ticket was for the White Party at Cruse in the Strip District.

Everyone got the white

memo and showed up and showed out in their best white attire.

On Sunday, there was a “day party” Bowties and Sun dresses at the Rivers Casino. In the upper level ballroom of the Rivers Casino guest enjoyed a full brunch, dancing to Teejay the Deejay and the views from the balcony of the Rivers Casino balcony.

The end of the day party gave the crowd just enough time to go home

and change for the ever popular boat ride. The boat ride began with a tailgate meet and greet at the Station Square dock sponsored by Outback Steak House. Hundreds then lined up for the Que Boat ride. The boat ride featured jazz on the upper deck and Tee Jay the deejay on the lower deck.

Rahmon Hart said the entire weekend is a fundraiser that raises funds for secondary educa-

OMEGA MEN—Aaron Mann and Jesse Jenkins (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

WELCOME—Jabari Weatherspoon, Bryan Holland, Noel Roach, Kenneth Minefield, Michal Harrell, William Blackburn and Herman Jones.

CHILLING ON THE BALCONY—Hassan Sharif, Carlton Heywood and Brandon Jennings

tion scholarships, their Omega Carter G. Woodson Academy, the Ron Foster Memorial Golf Tournament, the Sylvester Pace Historically Black College Tour, Thanksgiving baskets and their Christmas toy drive. More than 1,600 attended the Labor Day weekend party.

Omega Psi Phi is also renovating their frat house in East Liberty. The Iota Phi chapter is celebrating 90 years. These programs and initiatives would not be possible without the broad support we receive from the Omega wives, friends, family members, volunteers, and sponsors.

AT THE DAY PARTY—Krista Brassell, Deborah Williams and Erin Henderson

OMEGA WIVES READY TO BOARD—Britnee Nwokeji, Fantasy Zellars, Marvis Nichols, Wende Torbert, Norma Groover, Annice Reese and Mia Jennings

BOW TIES AND SUN DRESSES—Mia and Brandon Jennings

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SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

Praise & Worship

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

RELIGION

Rodman celebrates Pastor Darryl Canady 5th Anniversary

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

Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church, 6111 Rodman St., East Liberty, hosted the 5th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Darryl T. Canady and First Lady Rev. Taleeta on Aug. 28.

The theme is “Celebrating the Laborer, Moving Forward by Faith.” The threeday event included a Music Extravaganza, an Anniversary Banquet at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, and a Reception at the East End Cooperative.

REV. DR. DARRYL T. CANADY AND FIRST LADY REV. TALEETA CANAY (Photos by Gail Manker)

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.

FAMILY SUPPORT—Major and Essence Canady the children of Rev Darryl and Taleeta Canady stand in front of a portrait of their parents.

HUMBLE G THE FIDDLA Miles Alexander Keaton Smith wowed the crowd.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext 40.

We are looking to

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Tyrone Miller and his wife Arleen Miller.

Church Circuit Code R.E.D.D. Revival

Women’s Conference

SEPT. 23—Macedonia Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, 2225 Bedford Ave., Hill District, will host its Code R.E.D.D. (Recruit, Equip, Deploy, Develop) Revival at 7 p.m. Every Wednesday in September, special guest preachers will give a word on the theme. The evening’s special guest will be Pastor Darryl Canady of Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412-281-8437.

SEPT. 24—Temple of God Church, 505 E. Hallam Ave., Washington, Pa., will host its 15th Annual Women’s Conference. The theme of the four-day event, which will run through Sept. 27, is “Soaking in the Spirit.” There will be worship services, a prayer breakfast and a panel discussion. For more information, call 724-225-9324.

S.H.O. Time Revival

PLEASE REMEMBER MY NAME

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

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

egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com

SUPPORTERS—Jackie Dixon, Minister Vivian Wilson, event chairperson and Gayle Moss.

Heavenly father please donʼt let this be the end of the game.

When the trumpet sounds Lord please remember my name.

When I was here I did everything that I was supposed to do, but I didnʼt do what would lead me straight to you.

The crowd screamed hey buddy this is the end of your day. But my evil ways made you turn and walk away.

Heavenly father please donʼt let me go down in shame. When the trumpet sounds Lord please remember my name.

There are so many good things that I could have done, but itʼs too late because my soul is buried under the son.

Heavenly father please donʼt let this be the end of the game.

When the trumpet sounds Lord.

Please remember my name.

Stormie Miramontez

SEPT. 25—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 guest preacher will be Rev. Audrey McCarter-Hedgpeth of Greater Love Christian Community in North Carolina. There will also be a collection of toiletries for the residents of Naomi’s Place Transitional Housing. For more information, call 412-3638082 or visit www.rodmanstreet.org.

Musical Concert SEPT. 25—Emmanuel Baptist Church, 245 Third Ave., Rankin, will host a Musical Concert at 7 p.m. The evening will feature the church’s family and friends as well as its combined choirs. All proceeds will go to the church’s youth. For more information, call Gladys Holloway at 412-271-3025.

Broken Yet Restored SEPT. 25—First Baptist Church of Penn Hills, 7450 Chadwick St., Penn Hills, will host “Broken Yet Restored: A Diary of 2 Women” at 7 p.m. This is promised to be an evening of powerful praise and worship, and a life changing word from God. This event is free and open to the public. For more informa-

tion, call 412-371-5335.

tion, call 412-466-2229.

Auditions

Women’s/Men’s Day

SEPT. 26—Baptist Temple Church, 7241 Race St., Homewood, will host Auditions for its Gospel Vocal Quest competition from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Selected finalists will perform at Gospel Vocal Quest, which is to be held Oct. 17, before a panel of judges. The winner will receive a $500 cash award. For more information, call 412-241-1624.

SEPT. 27—Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 90 Port Perry Rd., North Versailles, will host its Annual Women’s and Men’s Day Services at 10:30 a.m. The morning service will include guest preacher, Rev. Helen Jackson of Webster Avenue Alliance Church, followed by her husband, Rev. Andrew Jackson, and their choir and congregation at the 3 p.m. service. For more information, call 412-823-2841.

Health Forum SEPT. 26—Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church, 6111 Rodman St., East Liberty, will host the S.H.O. Time Health Forum at 10 a.m. The theme is “Your Health is Your Responsibility: Spiritual, Physical and Mental Health.” Men and women are invited for blood pressure and cholesterol testing

by Heart and Vascular Institute nurses and cardiologists. There will also be a panel discussion, health vendors and lunch. For more information, call Margaret Washington at 412-242-1964.

Friendship Luncheon SEPT. 26—New Birth Baptist Church, 406 W. Grant St., Duquesne, will host its Friendship Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The last Saturday of the month, members of New Birth invite the community from the tri-state area to a delicious lunch, a clothing giveaway for the needy and an enlightening discussion. For more informa-

Church Anniversary SEPT. 27—Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 17 E. Walnut St., Washington, Pa., will host its 102nd Church Anniversary at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a 3:30 p.m. service with Rev, T.J. Harrison, of Valley Baptist Church, along with his choir and congregation. For more information, call 724-222-2382.

Pastoral Anniversary SEPT. 27—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley, will host its 4th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Travis C. Coon and family. The theme will be “O Magnify the Lord with me. Let us exalt his name together.” The guest speaker for the morning service will be Rev. Gregory Townsell. There will be a 3:30 p.m. service with Pastor Leonard Carson. Dinner will be served after the morning service. For more information, call 412-741-7688.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

PEOPLE

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GIVING SUPPORT—Mothers, sisters, relatives and friends of homicide victims gave support to each other at the Embrace Life event.

Embrace Life honors mothers of homicide victims

by Paige Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier

Embrace Life recently held an event that honored mothers of that have lost children to gun and street violence. Tiffani Monique,

owner/creator & talk show host of Embrace Life saw purpose in celebrating a mother’s courage, strength, and bravery after facing such a tragic life situations.

“It takes a strong woman

to be a mother, but it takes a stronger woman to be a grieving mother,” Monique, said.

Embrace Life was created in 2009, out of the need to produce positivity to our youth and peers.

Embrace Life presented A Mother’s Love Brunch at the Lemont Restaurant.

This brunch was a private affair held to encourage, inspire, and uplift mothers of the city. Thirty-five guests attended the affair with 26

Three Rivers Youth celebrates Community Day

NEW CHIEF IN TOWN—Pittsburgh’s chief of police Cameron McLay poses with Carl Badio at the Three Rivers Youth Community Day.

CONSEQUENCE OF SMOKING—Julian Butler and Kelli Short viewing the consequence of smoking display.

PEGGY HARRIS, president and CEO of the Three Rivers Youth addressed the crowd. Three Rivers Youth Community Day was held on August 14, at their offices on Broad Street. People from all over the city came out to celebrate with the youth, including the Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay. (Photos by Gail Manker)

TAKE A CHANCE—Members of the community were given tickets for chances to win various gift baskets.

PITTSBURGH OBAMA MARCHING BAND

being mothers.

“The brunch came about because of the excessive killings taking place in our cities. I feel as though the mothers are going through such hardships alone and they need to come together to heal one another, and to see they’re not going through this alone. The brunch was used to strengthen our mothers,” Monique said.

A balloon release took place prior to beginning the event, where balloons were released on Mount Washington to pay respect to loved ones. Big Tom’s Barbershop helped with sponsoring the event, while donations and contributions were given in support of Embrace Life and the brunch.

Two mothers were honored with awards during the brunch. Jacqueline Graham whom lost two of her children. She lost her daughter in 2008, and lost her son this past Easter.

While, Patricia Fields was also awarded who lost her three sons to gun violence.

The keynote speaker Tyian Battle also lost her son, and created a camp. And guest speaker, Renee Aldrich also gave a heartfelt speech, and engaged the crowd.

“I wanted to honor the mothers. I wanted to contribute to their healing. I wanted to recognize the

mothers, celebrate them, and liberate them in any way that i could,” Monique said.

During the brunch the mothers had the opportunity to enter a raffle, while also enjoying complimentary gifts and royalty services. A fundraiser was held in and proceeds went towards the evolution of an organization that was created due to the violence, Stop the Killing. The mothers received complimentary mimosa, dinner, and gift bags.

“At the end all of the mothers opened their gifts.

They all began to cry. I felt like we lifted a weight off of their hearts. There wasn’t a dry eye in the entire room.

It was beautiful,” Monique said.

Not only did mothers have the opportunity to band together to support one another, but they were also given the opportunity to connect on an emotional level. Many of the mothers shared contact information, learned about various support groups, and planned to stay in touch.

“We are all in this together. If one mother is hurting, we are all hurting.

We need each other and we have to stick together,” Monique said.

Embrace Life plans to hold A Mother’s Love Brunch again for Mother’s Day.

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ENTERTAINER SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

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Cover To Cover

‘The Beast Side’

Jazz meets soul on Carrington’s ‘Mosaic Project: Love and Soul’ CD

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

by Genea L. Webb

For New Pittsburgh Courieer

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Bang.

That’s all it takes to snuff out a life. One bang, though there are usually more before someone is dead: Freddie Gray, Michael Brown, Tamar Rice, Jonathan Ferrell, how did we get to this point? Better yet, as D.Watkins ponders in his new book “The Beast Side,” how do we get out of it?

The list of the dead literally grows every day: statistically, an African American citizen is murdered by White cops, Black cops, or neighbors every 28 hours. It’s war out there for Black America, says D. Watkins, and he’s tired of it.

His idea for ending violence and injustice is unique, but meaningful.

Watkins says that reading absolutely changed his life by teaching him to think critically, and it saved him. Literacy, he says, opens lines of communication, while sharing individual stories can educate and can make people eager to read. “The Beast Side” is,

It took Terri Lyne Carrington 18 months to record the music that was floating around in her head.

“I had to take time with the CD and get out what I was hearing,” said Carrington, a Grammy Award winning drummer, composer and producer. “I hear a lot of stuff in my head.”

What resulted was one of her most personal CD’s to date, the Concord Records release, “The Mosaic Project: Love and Soul,” which combines her shout out to female artists by paying tribute to the myriad of male performers who influenced her professionally or enhanced her musicality.

To achieve such a tall order, Carrington enlisted the help of various powerhouse vocalists and instrumentalists—many of whom are her long-time friends and colleagues—Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson, Gerri Allen, Chante Moore, Chaka Khan, Ledisi, and Lalah Hathaway. The male perspective was provided by many of music’s late great musicians like George Duke, Nick Ashford, Bill Withers, Luther Vandross and Duke Ellington.

Charismatic actor Billy Dee Williams provides intuitive spoken word segues throughout the 12-song disc.

“Billy Dee asked if he could be on the record and I told him that I was doing an all-female album and he said ‘who’ s better to be on a female CD than me?’ and I said OK,” Carrington recalled.

Those collaborations created a masterful record that is pleasing to the ear from beginning to end.

“I really wanted people to be able to listen to the whole record from top to bottom,” explained Carrington. “On this record I consciously wanted to celebrate the various relationships that women have with men either through

therefore, a book of stories.

How does it happen, for example, that a Black writer from Baltimore—a city that’s 60 percent Black— finds himself speaking at a large event where there are few Black people? The reason: there are two Baltimores and the split is sharp.

Before college, Watkins had little contact with Whites.

Do white people know what’s happening in east Baltimore? Not many do, he says and when folks learn, they’re usually surprised.

It’s almost hard to grasp how many of Watkins’ friends and family have died by violence. He was only a boy when he witnessed a murder; crime was that common. He watched people on his street do anything to make a buck (they’re the hardest working people in the nation, he says); he sold drugs, hustled, and carried a gun (mandatory, he claims), but his brother wanted him off the streets.

Watkins went to college to become a professor and a teacher. His stories help Black men understand why they should respect Black women more; they explain why Watkins doesn’t recite the Pledge of Allegiance, how Black people are left out of pop culture, why reading is essential, and how eating poorly could be Black America’s worst habit. And they show how, deeply and despite the rift in this country, we really aren’t so different after all.

Is that such a surprise?

At the risk of sounding Pollyanna-ish, no. But can that hope change the way things are, as reported in “The Beast Side?”

That, I think, will depend on your POV: author D. Watkins says things that many people don’t want to hear and his words fairly seethe with anger—yet, pages later, those stories seem almost warm before abruptly turning to outrage and anger again. Hope followed by persistent reality is what you get, then, along with a lingering sense of rightful unease, inability to stop pondering, and a need to become much, much more educated. (“The Beast Side: Living (and Dying) While Black in America”

by D. Watkins, c.2015, Hot Books, $21.99/$27.99 Canada, 176 pages.)

TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON original songs of mine or cover songs by male composers and song writers.”

Carrington’s love for all things musical run deep.

Her grandfather, Matt Carrington, played drums with Fats Waller and Chu Berry.

When her grandfather passed away, her father, saxophonist Sonny Carrington, set the drums up and at the age of 7, Terri Lyne ‘caught the bug.’

As a child, she would go to nightclubs with her father and sit in on jam sessions with Dizzy Gillespie, Roland Kirk and numerous other Jazz legends who wanted to hear the pint sized prodigy play the drums.

By the time she was 10 years old, Carrington was performing at the Wichita Jazz Festival. A year later the 11-year-old was offered a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

While most little girls were playing with Barbie

dolls at that age, Carrington was jamming with Elvin Jones and other Jazz greats. When she turned 18, the Medford, Mass, native had moved to the big apple and instantly started performing with the likes of Pharaoh Sanders, and The New York Jazz Quartet.

Soon after Carrington moved to Los Angeles and began performing with Jazz musicians Wayne Shorter and David Sanborn. At that time she began touring with the legendary Herbie Hancock—a gig she would have for 20 years.

“I learned a lot from Herbie (and Wayne) during those years,” Carrington said. “They taught me how to not separate music and life. The most important thing that an artist can do is do what is honest and true to them.”In the 1980s Carrington began writing and producing. She received her first Grammy nomination at the age of 23

for her “Real Life Story,” which featured Shorter and Carlos Santana. She gained more recognition on the late night TV circuit as the house drummer for the Arsenio Hall Show and then again in the late ‘90s as the drummer on the Quincy Jones late night TV show, “Vibe” hosted by Sinbad.

“Those TV shows were many moons ago but I had many great experiences playing with Whitney Houston, James Brown and others. That time was a real high light in my career,” she said.

In 2011 she won her first Grammy Award for “The Mosaic Project,” which featured female artists Esperanza Spaulding, Cassandra Wilson and fellow drummer Sheila E. Carrington didn’t sit back on her laurels after earning the coveted Grammy. She began teaching the next generation of music legends at Berklee College of Music.

She has been a professor there since 2003.

Riding high off the success of “The Mosaic Project,” Carrington released “Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue” in 2013. It was her ode to Duke Ellington, Max Roach and Charles Mingus to coincide with their 50th anniversary of the release of their 1963 album, “Money Jungle.” Carrington was the first woman in history to win a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.

Now she’s back with “The Mosaic Project: Love and Soul.”

“I tried to make a record where I like every track and on this record I do,” she said happily. “I wrote or co-wrote six of the songs and I’m proud of that. All of the Jazz and Soul elements are there.”

(For more information on Carrington or to purchase her music, visit her official website at www.terrilynecarrington.com.)

‘The Perfect Guy’ not as predictable

by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier

“The Perfect Guy,” starring Sanaa Lathan, Morris Chestnut, and Michael Ealy, is predictable, but not as predictable as one would assume. You can expect the love, the breakup, the heartache, the occasional stalking, and even the irrational acts of violence. But, the movie’s turbulent twists and timely turns leave a little wiggle room for the imagination.

The movie is about a successfully lobbyist, Leah Vaughn (Lathan), who is longing to be married with kids. But, her love life gets slightly crazy when one ex (Ealy) just can’t let go.

Ealy wasn’t the only thing that had to be fought off this weekend. “The Perfect Guy” also went to war with “The Visit” in this weekend’s box office to take the number one spot. Neck and neck all weekend, “The Perfect Guy” grossed about $26.7 million in its debut, while “The Visit” came in close with an estimated $25.7 million.

This romantic thriller has the revengeful intensity of “Enough” (2002), the unwanted chemistry of “Obsessed” (2009), and the utter madness of “No Good Deed” (2014). Ealy took crazy to a whole new level, making even Kathy Bathes’ character in “Misery” (1990) look like Pee-wee Herman.

Lathan and Ealy did more than light up the big screen with their deadly romance,

both actors serve as executive producers for the movie. Despite the long, awkward moments, the film is a something for both stars to proudly place on

their resumes. The movie was a lot better than expected.

Lathan, even in “Love and Basketball” (2000) and “Brown Sugar” (2002), is

sexy, soft, and sultry. The 43-year-old always gets the unmarried, comfortable, and searching-forlove roles. I am patiently waiting for her breakout

role; a movie to set her apart from all other actresses.

Taraji P. Henson had “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008). Viola Davis had “The Help” (2011).

Halle Berry had “Monster’s Ball” (2001).

What’s Sanaa’s pivotal role? Because, I don’t think we’ve seen it yet.

Coincidentally, “The Perfect Guy” reminds me of my small share of stalkers.

Often times I am forced to block a few nut jobs on Instagram or change my cell phone number. I pray that this movie’s scenario never becomes a reality for me.

This movie review is an opportunity for a long overdue public service announcement. At no point in time is it acceptable to talk during a movie. For the first time, I visited the new Cinemark Theater in Monroeville Mall to catch “The Perfect Guy”. From yelling at the screen to random outburst of unwarranted ad libs, the majority of the audience did not stop talking.

Talking out loud during a movie is discourteous and rude, and not to mention, a complete disservice to the quiet moviegoers.

The movie theater experience does not require two-way communication.

The theatre displays movies for our personal consumption, and we sit quietly to watch those movies. It’s that simple.

3 STARS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

ARTS & CULTURE

B5

New music, new videos, new honors NEW YORK, N.Y.— Jacquees’ (Jac–kwees) debut single for Cash Money Records, “Come Thru” featuring Rich Homie Quan, was the most added song at Urban Radio its first week. It has already begun quickly climbing in major markets and stands poised to become a breakout moment for the Atlanta R&B singer and songwriter.

Since signing to the label earlier this year, this is Jacquees’ introductory release, showcasing his fresh take on the genre. The track pairs smooth, slick production and instrumentation with a striking and sweet falsetto, while Rich Homie Quan delivers one of his sizzling and soulful sig-

OMI new release red hot

nature flows. This is the time to “Come Thru” and hear Jacquees and the future of R&B. In addition, he joined The Scream Tour along with Diggy Simmons, Rich Homie Quan, K Camp & Justine Skye. The tour kicked off Sept/ 11 at BB&T Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Multi-platinum pop star OMI and his hit “Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix)” have conquered the airwaves one country at a time, and now the song has been given a fresh Latin flavor, courtesy of Nicky Jam. Fans can purchase the new version of the track. OMI recently performed “Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix),” which held the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for the three weeks in a row. He has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America and on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Keke Palmer to star in new TV series Keke Palmer will be starring in the upcoming horror-comedy anthology series, “Scream Queens,” created by Ryan Murphy.

Keke will be playing the character of ZayDay on the show, which is set in a col-

KEKE PALMER, RIGHT, WITH CO-STARS lege town that is faced with a string of murders.

“Scream Queens” premier on Sept. 22 at 8/7c on FOX.

Christian Scott releases ‘Stretch Music’ NEW YORK, N.Y.—Twotime Edison Award winning, Grammy® nominated trumpeter, composer, producer, designer of innovative instruments and interactive media, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, is set to release his eighth studio album, “Stretch Music (Introduc-

COME THRU

September Thursday 24 Macy’s Front Row Fashion Show Pittsburgh Fashion Week presents the Macy’s Front Row Fashion Show at 6 p.m. at Macy’s, Ross Park Mall, 1004 Ross Park Mall Dr., North Hills.

This Pittsburgh Fashion Week 2015 event is the shopping party of the season and will be hosted by TV and lifestyle expert Anji Corley and Pittsburgh Fashion Hall of Fame inductee Ashley Boynes Shuck. There will presentations of fabulous fashions, followed by style advice from the pros and an opportunity for a mini beauty makeover. Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.pittsburghfashionweek.com.

Friday 25 Jazz at Andys Andys Wine Bar at the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel presents Jazz at Andys from 5-7:30 p.m. at 510 Market St., Downtown.

Special guest DJ Malls will be spinning the vinyl as part of the VINYL Happy Hour. Following the happy hour, there will be a musical performance by Spanky Wilson. It is open to the public. For more information, visit www.andyswinebar.com.

Baker & Tarpaga Dance Project The Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents the Baker & Tarpaga Dance Project, “Declassified Memory Fragment” at 8 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty.

This show, which is part of the KST World Stage Series, features a top-notch ensemble of dancers and musicians from Burkina Faso and Olivier Tarpaga’s dance theater. The show uses dance, text and live music to address the unspoken realities that shape Africa’s cultures, lifestyles and politics.

The show will run through Sept. 26. For more information, visit www.kelly-strayhorn.org.

Saturday 26 Dulcy The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company presents “Dulcy” at 8 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, 937 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. “Dulcy,” the first play of the season, is about Dulcinea Smith Gordon, also known as Dulcy, and the hilarious party she holds for her husband and his friends. Although filled with good intentions, the bubbly yet meddling Dulcy always seems to cause calamity whenever she tries to help her husband. The show will run through Oct. 11. For more information, visit www.pittsburghplaywrights.com.

Sunday 27 Hall of Fame Luncheon Pittsburgh Fashion Week pre-

sents the Pittsburgh Fashion Week 2015 Hall of Fame Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Downtown. There will be a presentation of the Fashion Icon Award to six individuals, along with performances by students of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and a showcase of items from event sponsor Mock & Co. Diamonds and Jewelry. For more information, visit www.pittsburghfashionweek.com.

Monday 28 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 sophis-

ticated atmosphere by some of the city’s most talented jazz performers. The featured performer will be the Roger Humphries Trio featuring vocalist Sandy Dowe. The attire is business casual. For more information, call 412-2810660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.

Tuesday 29 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 412-4566666 or visitwww.trustarts.org.

CLEVELAND STRANGLER

We are entombed in a wall for all eternity, itʼs hard for us that you did not hear us scream, 11 pretty women walk in but none walk out, that alone brings suspicion and doubt We were strangled and mangled by a demon and it is hard for us to believe that no one heard us kicking and screaming Spiritual hugs and kisses is all we can give our kids, our hearts are broken because we deserved to live Stormie Miramontez

ing Elena Pinderhughes)” this month. The release, on Ropeadope Records and Christian’s newly formed label Stretch Music will be accompanied by the launch of the first interactive Stretch Music App. NPR raves,”Christian Scott ushers in new era of jazz.” He has been heralded by JazzTimes magazine as “Jazz’s young style God” and “the Architect of a new commercially viable fusion.” Christian is the progenitor of Stretch Music - a genre blind musical form that stretches the rhythmic, melodic and harmonic conventions of Jazz to encompass as many musical forms, languages, thought processes and cultures as possible.

Stretch Music, the recording and app, features a cast of this generation’s most daring young conceptualists, including twenty year-old phenom flautist, Elena Pinderhughes.

Quincy Jones to receive pioneering award (Miami, Fl.) - Legendary musician, arranger, composer and, producer Quincy Jones to be the recipient of the 2015 “DESI ARNAZ PIONEER AWARD” during the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame 3rd Annual induction Gala LA MUSA AWARDS to be held October 15 in Miami Beach presented by WorldArts (WorldArts.com).

Recognized by Time magazine as one of the most influential jazz artists of the twentieth century, Quincy Jones is one of the most rounded and creative artists in the world. With a career spanning more than six decades, Quincy has encompassed the roles of composer, music producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, television producer, record company executive, television channel

QUINCY JONES owner, founder of a magazine, entrepreneur and philanthropist Some of his multiple accolades received throughout the length of his career include an Emmy Award, seven Oscar nominations, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, holds 27 Grammys and has become the most nominated artist during the Grammy awards with a grand total of 79 nominations and winning 27.

Quincy Jones also has the distinction of having produced the biggest selling album of all time... Michael Jackson’s THRILLER which has topped over 100 million copies sold worldwide.

Most recently, Quincy is focused on his philanthropic pursuits and his company, The Quincy Jones Global Network. His latest projects include the management of a group of young musicians, The Global Gumbo All Stars; which creates social syndicates using various companies around the world to develop various entertainment projects; manage his repertoire of many licensed products and is continuously producing music as well as films.

B6

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PEOPLE

FRIENDLY CONFRONTATIONS—Officers Sapp and Davis make new friends with 4 year old Essex Hicks of Homewood.

FUN-FUN-FUN—Neighborhood kids enjoy the day. (Photos by Rossano P. Stewart)

Tree of Hope: Crusade Against Crime

RAPPING WITH SPIRIT—Christian rapper “Big D,” astonishes the audience

Come to our Anniversary Party! This Saturday, Sept. 26th Family Entertainment, Petting Zoo, Vintage Cars, Airbrush Tattoos, Raffles & Prizes, Live Music, Cooking Demos, Cake Cutting at Noon and many more In-Store Specials!

Check wholey.com for event times.

JOYFUL NOISE—Singer Lauren Knight.

SURREAL PERFORMANCE—Rev. Earl Baldwin of Manna Ministries.

During the Labor Day weekend in Homewood, the Tree of Hope and Manna Ministries sponsored a spirit filled day of food, music, and fun for the community.

The event on Sterette Street and Frankstown Rd., had a fun float for the kids and entertainment for the onlookers was provided by local artist such as: Christian rapper, Big D, singer Lauren Knight.

Rev. Earl Baldwin, of Manna Ministries, provided a heart wrenching dramatization of Black on Black crime on the streets. Former Super Bowl Champion, Ray Seals, the cousin of Jonny Gammage, who serves on the board of Tree of Hope, spoke and Rev. Keith Edmonds of K&K Mime was the Master of Ceremonies.

SUPPORTING A GOOD CAUSE—Ray Seals, Super Bowl XXX with Adrianne Young, director of Tree Of Hope.

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SALE DATES Sept. 23-30

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1-888-WHOLEYS 1711 Penn Ave. In The Strip District

New Pittsburgh Courier

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Inside Conditions

BUSINESS

C

Coonley pushes for greater urban focus for baseball at PowerBreakfast SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

PIRATES PRESIDENT FRANK COONLEY (PHOTO BY J.L MARTELLO)

Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing C5-C6

Classifieds

Pittsburgh Pirates President Frank Coonley told the audience at the most recent African American Chamber of Commerce PowerBreakfast meeting that despite considerable outreach efforts by the Pirates and other major league teams, talented Black athletes are opting to play other sports, primarily because of the expense—and baseball is suffering.

Excluding Black players from the Caribbean, Central America and South America, African American participation in major league baseball peaked in 1986 at 19 percent. Today, it stands at

8 percent.

“This is critical to our future.

Something is going on that’s bad for baseball,” he said. “We’ve seen participation declines across the board but more significantly by African Americans. We must make sure we break down barriers.”

Those barriers are primarily economic, he said, noting that while urban kids get a $20 ball, find a hoop at a playground or gym and begin learning basketball, the newest baseball bats for elite-level amateur players can cost $350. And that’s just part of it, there’s also travel.

“We’re not talking about going from the North Side to Beaver County, We’re talking about

Boston, Chicago, and the Carolinas. And the parents have to pick up those expenses; planes, hotels,” he said. “It not only limits opportunity, but it’s bad for baseball because it reduces our talent pool. I want to choose from the best athletes, not just from the kids that can afford it.”

Lacking an overall national baseball association—like USA Hockey, Coonley said, there is not a lot major league baseball can do about that. But there are other barriers, at the little league and high school level, baseball can address—like access to adequate facilities. And the Pirates are doing so.

SEE COONLEY C2

Nielsen reports untold success stories in the Black community report required reading for anyone curred in the number of housewho calls themselves a leader or a holds earning over $200,000, with voice in the Black community. an increase of 138 percent, com“We’re not all teenagers throwing pared to an increase of 74 percent rocks at CVS,” said DeGraff. “Some for the total population.” of us have careers and businesses Not only did the report highlight mortgages and organizations that the income growth rate of Black are built on success. We’re part of households earning $50,000, the American landscape.” $75,000 and $200,000, Nielsen Denise Rolark Barnes, chairper- also noted that more than 70 person of the NNPA, said that the re- cent of Black high school graduport shows the value of the Black ates enrolled in college last year, a dollar. higher rate than Whites and His“This report definitely sets the panics. The Black high school record straight and we’ve got to graduation rate also rose faster use this like a drum and pound on than the national average. this thing in every jurisdiction Blacks also experienced higher across the country in every city to rates of homeownership in the make sure that people understand South (47.4 percent), where most our value,” said Barnes.

African Americans live, compared Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, senior to other regions. vice president of U.S. Strategic Al“We call this report the untold liances and Community Engage- story for a reason,” said Pearsonment at Nielsen, said that the re- McNeil. port tells a different story than the Black households at the stereotypes regurgitated about the $100,000 income level spend more Black community in mainstream per trip than Whites at departmedia, including hard luck, rising ment stores, convenience stores, crime rates, mass incarceration toy stores, bookstores and automoand high unemployment. tive stores, according to the report.

“At every income level above DeGraff said that it’s up to the REQUIRED READING—Rev. Jacques DeGraff, a social justice activist and co-chair of Nielsen’s African American Con- $60,000 per household, Black in- Black community to decide what sumer Advisory Council, called the report required reading for anyone who calls themselves a leader or a voice in the Black come growth outpaced that of non- to do with the “stereotype-shattercommunity. (Freddie Allen/NNPA News Wire) Hispanic Whites,” the report said. ing” data compiled in the Nielsen “In the years from 2005- 2013, the report. income bracket with the largest have to take it, said Glass. watching movies and playing

by Freddie Allen SEE NIELSEN C2 This year’s report focuses on the increase for Black households ocvideo games entertainment For New Pittsburgh Courier untold success stories in the Black topped the total population.

“The mean number of annual community that are often missed WASHINGTON (NNPA)—Acquanetta Pierce Glass, president African-American movie ticket by mainstream media.

The report said that Black and CEO of Avance Communica- purchases is about 19 percent experienced the tions in Detroit, Mich., used last higher at 3.7 versus 3.1 for non- households year’s Nielsen report on Black Hispanic Whites. Video/PC game largest increase in the number of consumers to convince one of her store purchases are 71 percent households earning more than clients to run a 15-second trailer higher and amusement park pur- $200,000, almost doubling the inin movie theaters during the holi- chases are 25 percent higher than crease experienced by the total non-Hispanic Whites as well,” the population over that same time day season.

The Nielsen Company’s credibil- 2015 report said. “As the number period.

In the years from 2005- 2013, the ity in the data and research space of higher-income Black consumers helped to convince her client to continue to grow, purchasing rates income bracket with the largest increase for Black households oclaunch the campaign, which was a will follow suit.”

Glass hopes to be able to pull curred in the number of households phenomenal success, Glass said.

The Nielsen Company partnered those same nuggets of information earning over $200,000, with an inwith the National Newspaper from the 2015 report to gain an crease of 138 percent, compared to Publishers’ Association (NNPA), a edge on her competitors and to an increase of 74 percent for the trade group that represents more keep her clients informed on the total population, the report said.

Reverend Jacques DeGraff, a sothan 200 Black newspapers in the latest data.

“We’re living in a cluttered soci- cial justice activist, founder of the United States, to help distribute the annual study on Black con- ety and with all of the communica- Eagle Academy for Young Men in tion that we have and if this report Bronx, N.Y. and co-chair of BUSINESS EDGE—Acquanetta Pierce Glass, president and CEO of Avance Comsumers.

According to the 2015 report, gives [your business] an advantage Nielsen’s African American Con- munications in Detroit, Mich., used last year’s Nielsen report to gain a business Black consumer spending on to break through that clutter,” you sumer Advisory Council, called the edge. (Freddie Allen/NNPA News Wire)

Collecting $200 million from the debt collectors

by Charlene Crowell (NNPA)—At one time or another, many consumers have fallen behind on paying their bills. For the working poor, unemployed and underemployed, the struggle to get out of debt can be a daily challenge. At the same time, there are businesses that exploit others’ financial woes, reaping high profits on debt purchased for just a few cents on the dollar. In some scenarios, debt buyers become nagging collectors who hound consumers at all hours of the day and night.

The irony is that the harassment is not always warranted or even accurate. Debt buyers have a documented history of suing the wrong person for the wrong amount. In the worst scenarios, some consumers first learn of alleged debts after a court judgment has been entered against them.

These are only a few of the concerns that recently led the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to take enforcement actions against the nation’s two top debt collectors. CFPB’s actions also suggest that financial abuses may be inherent in debt

buyers’ business models. Together, the San Diego-based Encore Capital Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries comprise the nation’s largest debt buyer and collector. The Norfolk-based Portfolio Recovery Associates, the second largest debt operation, will halt collections totaling $128 million. The firms will also pay another $61 million in consumer refunds and an additional $18 million in penalties.

“Encore and Portfolio Recovery Associates threatened and deceived consumers to collect on debts they should have known were inaccurate or had other problems,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “Now, the two biggest debt buyers in the market must refund millions and overhaul their practices. We will continue to take action to protect consumers from illegal and obnoxious debt collection practices.”

The litany of CFPB’s charged offenses read like a primer of what not to do in consumer lending. Here are just a few of the illegal and deceptive actions the firms were charged with: •Illegally attempting to collect debt they knew, or should have known, may have

been inaccurate or unenforceable; •Collecting debts through lawsuits and threats of legal action in unlawful ways; •Falsely telling consumers the burden of proof was on them to disprove the debt; •Suing or threatening to sue consumers past the statute of limitations; and •Disregarding or failing to adequately investigate consumers’ disputes.

“The Portfolio Recovery Associates and Encore Capital Group consent orders underscore the questionable tactics used by even the largest debt buyers attempting to collect old debts—deception, intimidation, and the mass-production of lawsuits against the wrong people for the wrong amount of money,” said Lisa Stifler, a policy counsel at the Center for Responsible Lending. “Consumers deserve to be protected from wrongful collection and legal action.”

Further, abusive debt collection is annually among the top complaints to the Federal Trade Commission and the CFPB. In the aftermath of the Great Recession, CRL is working with lawmakers and regulators at both the state and federal levels to ensure that consumers are effectively pro-

tected from unscrupulous and predatory businesses.

Beyond CFPB’s enforcement actions, state attorneys general in Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas and West Virginia have all taken state actions against debt buyers and their collection practices. In New York alone, more than 7,500 court judgments valued at more than $34 million have been vacated between 2014 and 2015.

Commenting on the New York actions, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said, “My office will continue to hold debt collectors and lenders accountable so that New Yorkers can keep more of their hard-earned money where it belongs—in their pockets.

It is absolutely urgent that the CFPB propose new rules that will stop all debt collectors from engaging in abusive behavior, prevent them from collecting debts based on inaccurate information and punish them when they do lie to courts and consumers.”

(Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)

Black designer lights up GM

C2 SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

BUSINESS

by Freddie Allen

Senior Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON (NNPA)—If you’re driving down a highway, street or tunnel anywhere in North America and you see the shimmering new headlights on the latest Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC or Buick approaching you, there’s a good chance you’re seeing the work of Martin Davis, a talented, young African American designer who works for General Motors.

Since 2012, Davis has led the exterior lighting and design studio for the automaker’s North American division, the team responsible for the exterior lighting for every brand under the General Motors’ umbrella.

Davis traces his love for design and innovation back to elementary school. He didn’t like Hot Wheels and the Lego sets that he owned weren’t intricate enough to hold his attention even at 5 years old. He found that he didn’t like any of the toys sold in the stores, so he started making his own.

The Detroit-area native started collecting empty cardboard boxes that were used for transporting fruits and vegetables from the grocery store, bring them home and just start cutting. He molded shapes with glue, tape and construction paper. There was a small closet in the entryway of his parents’ house, just big enough for a chair and his creations: interior designs for a car including a dashboard and center console.

Then he invited all of his friends over to “test drive” the car. He rolled out a new model about once a month.

His father, then an employee at Ford Motor Company’s stamping plant in Dearborn, Mich., shut down young Martin’s burgeoning auto operation fearing that letting the neighborhood kids play with cardboard in their closet presented a safety hazard.

That didn’t stop him from sharing his talent for design with others, including his father’s employer.

“One day I decided to send my sketches into Ford. I was still in middle school. I found an address to Ford in some magazine and put a few of my drawings in an envelope and put it in the mail,” Davis explained. “I didn’t tell my parents anything.”

A few months went by, and the young designer began to lose hope and figured that nothing would come of his letter. Then one day after school when he got home, his brother was waving a piece of paper at him. “’This guy from Ford called you here’s his number and he wants to call you back,’” Davis recalled his older brother saying.

So Davis anxiously dialed the number and the Ford employee who answered, thanked him for his interests and told him that he sent the drawings over to the design department, and that someone would get in contact with him.

He received a follow-up letter from the design department with some career advice and a list of schools.

The list of schools included his eventual choice. Following the advice that he received from Ford, while still in middle school he set his mind to attending the College for Creative Studies in downtown Detroit.

After he graduated from CCS, he applied to a number of companies. At one point he believed that he would follow in his father’s footsteps at Ford, but despite earlier interest in the middle schooler’s work, he never got an offer from the company.

But he did get an offer from GM. “My time at GM has been amazing,” said Davis. “I couldn’t have imagined it being better.”

Davis admitted his first day on the job was nerve-racking, and it took him awhile to find his way around the mammoth General Motors complex.

“I remembered sitting at my desk that first day looking around at all designers thinking, ‘How am I going to compete with all of them?” said Davis.

But the young designer did compete, gaining confidence with every completed sketch.

Davis’ work began to catch eyes of the design managers and they started selecting his sketches among dozens plastered on the 20-foot wall in his studio at GM. “The early days were a lot of fun,” said Davis. “There was a freeness. I remember doing sketches for the 2004 Oldsmobile show car, the last show car they did.”

One of his sketches was selected as the theme sketch for the car. That Oldsmobile show car would be built at the world-famous, now defunct Gruppo Bertone design house in Italy.

Even though Davis wasn’t selected to join GM designers in Italy, he didn’t sit on the sidelines for long.

A few months later, as the end of his first year with GM approached, the auto company gave him the opportunity to travel to Birmingham, England to work at an advanced design studio that primarily focused on Cadillacs. There he worked on the Cadillac Cien, a two-seater, mid-engine concept car.

The assignment, originally scheduled for two months stretched into two years.

“It was a really great experience to work on such a high-profile concept car,” said Davis.

After the two-year stint in Birmingham, the Detroit area native worked on a number of production programs, including the GMC Acadia and the auto company’s Cadillac group in China.

When Davis returned to the United States, company executives were having ongoing discussions about General Motors’ exterior lighting designs compared to some of their competitors.

Davis said that as the conversations were happening about the direction of the new project wholly-focused on exterior lighting, he jumped at the opportunity and volunteered to do it.

“It was almost like a huge experiment,” said Davis. “We never had a dedicated, exterior lighting design studio, but we wanted better lights, so we said, “Let’s see how this work.’”

MARTIN DAVIS Davis and his team took on the exterior lighting responsibilities for three well-known “programs”: the GMC Acadia Chevy Traverse and the Buick Enclave.

Management immediately recognized the how valuable having dedicated focus on lighting could be.

“Not long after that they made it an official studio and made me the first manager of that studio in 2012,” said Davis. “That was really cool.”

Davis said that he still loves to draw, but in his current position he’s more like the conductor of an orchestra than an individual musician.

“I don’t have an instrument. My team has all of the instruments they need and I have to remember that,” said Davis. “Now my job is to make sure that my team knows where each brand is going and understands how to use technology to create a design that is appropriately styled to the character of each vehicle.”

At first some designers of General Motors other brands were

apprehensive about giving up that much control of a central element in the cars overall style, now Davis said all of them want his team’s designs.

Ed Welburn, General Motors’ vice president of Global Design, praised Davis and his team for their creativity.

“Martin is doing a phenomenal job,” said Welburn. “Lighting on that [Cadillac CTS] is so striking.

It wasn’t too many years ago that every headlight was either round or rectangular. Now lighting is so much a character of the car. It really is the eyes of the vehicle. Our organization is really dependent on Martin.”

Davis said educators, parents and support groups first have to raise awareness among students of color about opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers and then help them to understand that they can also excel in those professions.

The GM design manager men-

tors children in the Detroit metro area and recommended that all students get focused at a young age and seek educational and career development programs that can assist them with achieving their goals. Davis added that his presence in the automotive design field shows students, especially students who look like him, that they can also be successful in that field.

“I think that goes a long way,” he said.

And Davis has come a long way, too.

“It almost feels like a dream that I have this responsibility,” said Davis. “You think of [General Motors’] history, this 100year-old company that’s been making cars forever and now there’s this opportunity to shift focus to another part of the vehicle, a part of the vehicle’s face, the face of each brand. It’s a humbling experience. I really do appreciate the privilege and the opportunity to fulfill this role.”

Black homeownership matters

by Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. (NNPA)—What is important to 45 million Black Americans today should be important to all Americans. Yet, as the economy in the United States continues to gradually recover from very a difficult and complex set of economic woes, the recovery of economic well-being of Black America continues to lag behind.

One critical measurement of economic viability and stability is the status of homeownership. Sustainable wealth in the U.S. is often measured in part by homeownership. Over the past five years, I have been engaging in a dialogue with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers about homeownership in Black America.

NAREB, founded in 1947, is our nation’s oldest and largest minority real estate association. It was established precisely to secure the right to equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed or color. We all are aware, however, that there still remains a present-day reality of systematic racial discrimination in America when it comes to equal and fair housing issues.

There is more need for a professional trade organization such as NAREB today than in the 1940s.

Black wealth in the U.S. in losing ground at a time when there should be advances and increases in Black American homeownership.

According to Nielsen’s latest research on con-

sumerism within Black America, we spend in excess of $1.2 trillion annually. With that kind of spending power, why should there be a decline in Black American homeownership?

The issue is not about having the money to purchase a home.

The real issue here is a persistent and deliberate pattern of racial discrimination in the housing marketplace. Since the enactment of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, it has been illegal to discriminate in the U.S. housing market on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status.

The National Fair Housing Alliance recently filed a federal complaint against one of the leading national real estate companies, RE/MAX Alliance/Lee Garland and Rita Jensen Team, located in Jackson, Miss. After months of investigations, the National Fair Housing Alliance documented racial discrimination against Black Americans seeking homeownership.

But that kind of racism was not limited to the deep South. The National Fair Housing Alliance also found racial discrimination prevented Black American homeownership in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas and in Illinois. It is a national problem that requires a national solution.

According to Princeton University scholars Douglas Massey and Jonathan Tannen, racial discrimination in housing leads to the

perpetuation of “hypersegregation” that sustains “high levels of social isolation from mainstream society, but also high concentration of poverty and disadvantage.” An effective strategy, therefore, to overcome poverty in Black America is to increase homeownership and to transform and to prevent racial hypersegregation.

In speaking to NAREB’s President Ron Cooper about a “solution” to help Black America to regain and to retain its wealth, it was important to know that NAREB announced at this year’s Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference that it is committed to a national goal of “Two million new Black American homeownerships over the next five years.” Attaining this goal would go a long way toward increasing Black wealth and helping to overcome poverty in our communities.

Achieving NAREB’s goal of increasing Black American homeownership across the nation will require a dedicated effort and coalition building to ensure greater access to mortgage capital, down payment assistance, increased housing inventory, and investment inclusion. We all should strive to support this effort also by raising public awareness about this important national campaign: “Black Homeownership Matters.” Print and social media should use the hashtag: #BlackHomeownershipMatters.

know Chaz was the point guy for a lot of you, so let me give you the name of the new guy—Frank Coonley.”

In closing, chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams said the chamber would be more than happy to help in the search for Kellem’s replacement, and would publicize anything the Pirates required.

She also welcomed new members including Ronell Guy, executive director of the Northside Coalition for Fair Housing, and Kathi Elliott, DNP, who is taking over the reigns of Gwen’s Girls, the organization founded by her mother police Cmdr. Gwen Elliott.

She also announced a members’ mixer at the Children’s Museum, for Sept. 29 and a business workshop on cybersecurity at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Oct. 7.

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President and CEO Jeremy Waldrup is scheduled to speak at the Oct. 14 PowerBreakfast, and

new Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis, will speak at a special breakfast meeting Nov. 20.

The chamber’s annual business luncheon is scheduled for Dec. 3 at the Omni William Penn. The keynote speaker will be Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.

Coonley pushes for greater urban focus

CONTINUED FROM C1

“We need to get more fields built and maintained,” he said.

“We currently have a program that provides up to $5,000 in matching funds for any renovations. We’ve given away $30,000 so far. “ The team is also engaged in outreach to city kids to get them interested in baseball, through school visits and through ticket giveaways to schools, churches, nonprofits and civic groups. A lot of that activity Coonley credited to the team’s Director of Diversity Initiatives Chaz Kellem, who, he added, sadly has chosen to leave the team for a post at the YWCA of greater Pittsburgh.

“He’s been offered a position there and has decided to take it,” said Coonley. “It’s a loss for us, especially since he’d just taken over a new initiative on youth participation in baseball. But he’s a great guy and it’s a great opportunity for him.”

“And as for procurement, I

(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

Nielsen reports CONTINUED FROM C1

“What this report says is that our position in America has changed. We’re not just supplicants asking for justice and participation,” said DeGraff. “We are participants at the table as equals and as contributors.”

DeGraff continued: “There are companies whose fortunes rise and fall on how we spend our money. The question should be: What are we getting in return for giving you our business?”

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS CALENDAR

Advancing Entrepreneurship

SEPT. 24—The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the University Center for Social and Urban Research, and Small Business Development Center will host Advancing Entrepreneurship in the Mon Valley series from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Library of Homestead, 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. This free program offers educational programs and consulting services to new, emerging and existing entrepreneurs in the Mon Valley.

The topic is “The First Step: Mechanics of Starting a Small Business.” This session is designed for individuals who have never operated their own business or who want to take it from their garage to a storefront. They will learn the steps it takes to start a new business and how to avoid common pitfalls. Registration is required.

For more information, call 412-624-3095 or visit www.monvalleyentrepreneur.pi tt.edu.

Lunch and Learn Series SEPT. 24— 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 “Meet the Patents and Trademark Resource Center.” Facilitator Irene Yelovich, of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, will teach attendees how the library can help individuals navigate the patent searching and filing process. They will learn about free resources, what they’ll need to do in order to file a patent one’s self and to get tips for efficiently searching the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website. For more information, call 412281-7141 or visit www.carnegielibrary.org.

Exit Planning for Your Business Series SEPT. 25—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host the “Exit Planning for Your Business” Series from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. This session will focus on the theme “Options for Selling and Financing the Deal, and Cutting and Negotiating the Deal.” This is a twopart series that is designed for small business owners considering selling their business.

Topics that will be discussed include the pros and cons of more than 15 ways to start a business; how to find the right buyer; legal contracts; important negotiating skills; and more. Registration is required and lunch is included. For more information, call 412396-1633 or visit www.sbdc.duq.edu/events.

Advancing Entrepreneurship SEPT. 29—The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the University Center for Social and Urban Research, and Small Business Development Center will host Advancing Entrepreneurship in the Mon Valley series from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Mon Valley Initiative, 305 E. 8th Ave., Homestead. The topic is “Marketing for Your Small Business.” Attendees will learn how to identify their target market, analyze their contribution and understand what sets them apart from their contribution. Experts will help them think about crafting their marketing strategy and plan for business growth. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-624-3095 or iee@innovation.pitt.edu.

Members’ Mixer SEPT. 29—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host its Members’ Mixer from 5-7 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 Children’s Way, North Shore. Enjoy an evening of child’s play and fun hosted by the Chamber’s associate member, the Children’s Museum. Attendees are asked to bring lots of business cards.

Registration is requested by Sept. 25. For more information, call 412-392-0610.

(To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

New Pittsburgh Courier

SPORTS

C3

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Steelers’ offense, defense impressive in win Up and down St. Louis Rams next foe put his team together. And it appeared they had as they handed the defending NFC champions Seattle Seahawks a shocking 3431 defeat in the season opener. But against the lowly Washington Redskins they managed only 10 points as they were outplayed in every aspect of the game in a 24-10 defeat.

Nike Foles is the young quarterback who is suppose to lead them to the promise land but he was just 17 of 32 for 150 yards last weekend. None of the receivers have stepped up primarily because Fisher has chosen to focus on the

running game. The problem is, none of the running backs have stepped up either. Benny Cunningham was the lead rusher in the first game, and Jeff Cook in the second game with 47 yards.

As poor as the offense looked the Rams defense has been even less impressive giving up 31 points in the first game and 24 in the second. Which means the red hot Steelers offense should be unstoppable in St. Louis. The Steelers defense should also be able to man handle this week offense, because nobody is going the run on

the way he has in the first two games, leading the team in tackles, he will be among the elite this year.

The outside linebackers are Arthur Moats, and Jarvis Jones. The backups are James Harrison, Bud DuPree, Sean Spence and Vince Williams.

In the secondary which is missing Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu was expected to be the Steelers weakness, and they were against Tom Brady and the Patriots, but looked very good against the 49ers.

It’s made up of William Gay and Antwon Blake, backed by Brandon

IT BELONGS TO ME—Antonio Brown had another explosive games with 9 catches for 195 yards.

by Ulish Carter Courier Staff Writer

The Steelers rolled over the San Francisco 49ers 43-18 last week to put themselves back into the Super Bowl race and should stay in the win column against the unpredictable St. Louis Rams who looked like a contender during the first week when they upset the Seattle Seahawks but returned to the same old Rams against the Washington Redskins last week.

The Steelers were everything they were expected to be against the 49ers as they blew them out 43-18 by stuffing their running game thus forcing Colin Kaepenick to try to beat

them through the air. He had one of his best games stats wise, 33 of 46 for his all time high of 335 yards, but most of that came after the game was decided when the Steelers jumped off to a 29-3 first half lead and it was all Steelers from that point on.

Ben Roethlisberger had another great game going 21 for 27 for 389 yards with 3 touchdowns. His main receiver once again was Antonio Brown, 9 catches for 195 yards. With the big first half lead the Steelers went to the ground game to eat up clock and DeAngelo Williams once again responded with a solid game picking up 77 yards on 20 carries with 3 touchdowns.

As impressive as the offense was the defense may have been even more impressive in the first half.

Led by middle linebacker Ryan Shazier they completely dominated the 49ers in the first half. And even though San Francisco got its air game going in the second half the defense still held when they had to allowing the 49ers just 15 points in the second half.

This sets them up for the St. Louis Rams game this weekend. The Rams have been one of the worst teams in the NFL the past few seasons, but all that was suppose to end this year because veteran coach Jeff Fisher, former Pitt head coach, and Tennessee Titans, have finally

LEADING THE WAY—Steelers quarterback Ben Roetlishberger had another great game as he went 21 of 27 for 389 yards and 3 touchdowns.

STRIPPING—Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier holds on to Colin Kaepenick shirt until help came. The Steelers defense led by Shazier held the San Francisco 49ers in check most of the game. (AP photos)

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—Let’s do this Pittsburgh Steeler style…Right Here! Right Now! For you City League grad’s who didn’t really graduate, have somebody from Penn Hills read you this final list of City League Hall of Famers for the Class of 2015 Clarence Hopson - Carlita Jones - Larry Anderson (S.H.) - Kaetlyn Brown Larry Brown - Carmen Bruce - Edna Campbell - Ricky Cannon - Bill Clark - Joe DeFirore - Herb Douglass Henry Ford - West Garnett John Gerdaino - Lynn Harris - Renea Henderson - Mark Hogan - Hosea Holder - Curtis Hefflin - Tony Liscio -Rod Rutherford - Ahmad Shereef - Arnie Sowell (Hey relax, just a little Quad-A humor!).

Don’t miss this historic event

Saturday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m., Wyndham Hotel Oakland. $40 advance, $50 at door, 412-628-4856 for information. :09—Ya’ll know Donnie Johnson right? a/k/a D.J. Well, he’s having a BB tournament the likes of which have never been seen before around here…and I should know. I’ve seen ‘em all. It’s the “X-County Showcase” for boys and girls 9th -12th grade. And not just the local players, this is state wide, county wide thing, including a boys and girls team from Staten Island, N.Y. (The above and beyond organization). The showcase comes up Oct. 3 and 4, at Penn Hills High School…where else…and will bounce from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Other counties include Butler, Beaver, Mercer, Lawrence, Fayette, Armstrong, Erie,

Overtime

BILL NEAL Washington, Westmoreland and of course the City. For more information, call D.J. at 412-427-6320. :08—While you’re sweating the Bucs losing to the Cubs, they go out and put one on the Dodgers. I keep

telling ya not to worry.

They’ll come up big when they have to. :07—Pitt loses a real tough one to Iowa, but trust me, they’ll learn more from that loss than had they won. #1 get out the gate quick. #2 play every minute like it’s the last and #3 It ain’t over till it’s over…a 57 yard college field goal…c’mon man! :06—Somebody needs to get with Roland Slade and set him straight about the “Infamous” East Hills Championship game. He’s all confused about the facts.

I’m just sayin. :05—Here’s what Achieving Greatness is looking for: Top notch experienced sales executives, financially focused

the Steelers this year. So without the run, the Rams must depend on Foles through the air. And that’s not happening.

Speaking of Defense, lets take a look at the Steelers D for 2015.

The defensive line is extremely young but talented, strong and fast as they showed against the 49ers. Steve McLendon at nose tackle is the anchor of the front line and he’s gradually becoming one of the best in the NFL, he’s backed by Daniel McCullers. The two ends, Cameron Haywood and Stephon Tuitt, are also young strong and fast.

They are backed by Cam Thomas, Daniel McCullers, and L. T. Walton.

The Steelers are known for having some of the greatest linebackers in the history of the game, with several being in the Hall of Fame. Well this years’ crew is no exceptions. Middle Linebackers Lawrence Timmons is already an All Pro, with Ryan Shazier rapidly approaching that level. If he keeps playing

Boykins and Cortez Allen.

The Safeties are: Will Allen and Mike Mitchell, backed by Shamarko Thomas and Robert Golden.

The Steelers have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, so the defense will have to get better, which they should by mid season. With the development of the defense look for the Steelers to challenge the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC title, because there’s no defense in the NFL that can contain the Steelers offense, especially when Le’Veon Bell returns.

In the AFC North the Cincinnati Bengals, 2-0, moved into first place with a 24-19 win over the San Diego Chargers.

The Cleveland Browns, 1-1, upset the Tennessee Titans 28-14 to move into a tied for second with the Steelers and the favorites by must to win the division, Baltimore Ravens, 02,are bringing up the rear after being upset by the Oakland Raiders 37-33.

community minded business professionals and talented and aggressive women ages 21 and older to be a part of the Diamond Models Fashion Troupe. Call 412-628-4856 if you’ve got the goods. :04—By now you heard about the great KFC chicken giveaway. Don’t get me wrong here. Giveaways are okay, but beware and understand. They give you the low rent chicken from down on the farm so they don’t have to donate money or sponsor anything in your community! Think about it…when’s the last free chicken giveaway they had in Fox Chapel, Mt. Lebanon or Upper St. Clair? And you flock to KFC at feeding time like cattle. Come on people think! :03—It’s official, the City League Hall of Fame after party will be at the Savoy,

Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 p.m. until. Come meet the City League legends.

Be late…and be on the outside looking in! :02—Movie Review…and you know you like it. The “Perfect Guy”…not perfect, but good…good enough for 3? basketballs ? It’s a story we’ve heard before, but Sanaa Lathan…worth the price of admission and she gets 100 basketballs! :01—Never mind where I’m at. Just know this, the real Steelers showed up today and took the 49ers apart one screw at a time.

HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO!!! :00 OVERTIME— Great and heartfelt condolences to Ralph Watson, a/k/a Classic Events, for the loss of his wonderful mother.

Peace and love! ~ GAME OVER ~

C4

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SPORTS

CITY LEAGUE ACTION—Darious Shields of USO makes a nice catch along the sideline in front of Brashear’s Khalil Sanders. (Photos by William McBride)

CITY LEAGUE ACTION—Richard Stone (12) of Brashear makes a catch in front of Jaymar Boatwright (16) of USO , Stone returned a fumble and a blocked a punt to score two touchdowns in the Brashear Bulls 31-26 win over USO.

CITY LEAGUE—Brashear’s Ronnie Wilkins, left, scoots for a big gain past Sam Fairley of USO

WPIAL Preview: Clairton eyes state title

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier

After setting a Pennsylvania single-season record for scoring and capturing its 11th WPIAL football championship the Bears are focused on winning a state championship.

Clairton scored a staterecord 958 points in 2014 and have four Division I prospects on their 2015 roster—Aaron Matthews, Harrison Dreher, Noah Hamlin and Lamont Wade.

Wade, an All-American candidate, rushed for a WPIAL-record 2,762 yards and scored 47 total touchdowns last season.

Avonworth, which lost to Clairton in the WPIAL finals, returns 22 seniors, including running back Jamal Hughley and 6-foot4, 230-pound quarterback Zach Chandler.

The Antelopes advanced to the WPIAL title game for the first time in 55 years.

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, the 2013 PIAA and WPIAL champion, hired Jason Gildon, the Steelers’ all-time leader in sacks, as their new head coach.

QUIPS OUT FOR REVENGE Aliquippa, which has

played in the past seven WPIAL title games, won three championships in that span. The Quips have lost twice in the past two years and both games were against South Fayette for the WPIAL championship.

Senior Kaezan Pugh led 1,656 yards in 2014 and is expected to be the leader on offense and defense.

South Fayette is the twotime defending PIAA champions and should be good again in 2015.

Running back Hunter Hayes rushed for more than 2,100 yards and 33 touchdowns last year.

Hayes, now a senior, becomes the focal point of the Lions’ offense.

In the Century Conference, Seton-LaSalle will look to dethrone South Fayette. The Rebels are led by junior wide receiver/defensive back Paris “Piddy” Ford, who had 34 catches for 527 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

Ford, a former Garfield Gator, has several Division I offers, including Auburn, Michigan, Michigan State, Notré Dame, Ohio State, Pitt, WVU, Penn State and UCLA, among others.

YEAR OF THE GATORS Gateway’s Aidan Howard

is a playmaker on both sides of the ball. The 6-foot5 senior is a Virginia recruit and could lead the Gators to a WPIAL title.

Howard verbally committed to Virginia and was selected to take part in a national postseason all-star game in January in Florida about one month after the PIAA State Championships.

With Kittanning and Ford City players joining forces, the River Hawks are hoping to find similar success as Central Valley, which won the WPIAL title in its first year of existence in 2010. The Armstrong River Hawks are a smash mouth team.

Junior Zane Dudek will carry a heavy-load on offense after rushing for more than 1,100 yards and 18 touchdowns last season at Kittanning.

Central Valley and West Allegheny are Parkway conference rivals and met in the past two WPIAL championship games, with each winning one.

The Indians will rely on senior running back Terence Stephens, a Bowling Green recruit who scored 14 times last season and the Warriors will struggle to find a replacement for Pitt freshmen Jordan Whitehead, who rushed for 1,933 yards last season.

RAMS QUARTERBACK NEXT GREAT ONE Southwestern Pennsylvania is known for great quar-

terbacks: Brashear’s Major Harris (WVU); Central’s Dan Marino (Pitt/Miami Dolphins); Perry’s Rod Rutherford (Pitt); Ringgold’s Joe Montana (Notré Dame/San Francisco 49ers); Brashear’s Marc Hogan (Tennessee); Beaver Falls’ Joe Namath (Alabama/New York Jets); Perry’s Greg McGhee (Howard); Gateway’s Terry Smith (Penn State); Jeanette’s Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State/Oakland Raiders); Brashear’s Rasheed Marshall (WVU); Johnny Unitas (Baltimore Colts); Gateway’s Harvey Smith (WVU); Pine-Richland’s Ben DiNucci (Pitt); Perry’s Scott Knapp (Duquesne); East Brady’s Jim Kelly (Miami University/Buffalo Bills); Schenley’s D.J. Dinkins (Pitt/New Orleans Saints); Steel Valley’s Charlie Batch (Eastern Michigan/Steelers); North Hills’ Eric Kasperowicz (Pitt); Tommy Clements (Notré Dame).

Pine-Richland’s star sophomore quarterback Phil Jurkovec might be the Greatest of All Time!

(G.O.A.T.) He will be a football and basketball AllAmerican by the time he is a senior.

Jurkovec, a 6-foot-5 athletic quarterback will lead the defending WPIAL Class AAAA champions.

With eight Division-I prospects few can match Central Catholic’s starpower.

Damar Hamlin, a 6-foot-1,

180-pound cornerback is ranked in the top 10 nationally. Ronnie Jones has committed to Toledo, and safety Bricen Garner and defensive lineman Rashad Wheeler picked Pitt.

Linebacker Ron George has offers from Temple and Virginia. Offensive lineman C.J. Thorpe and inside

linebacker David Adams each have more than a dozen offers.

For Central Catholic, anything less than leaving Heinz Field with a win will be a disappointment.

Over the next three years.

Phil Jurkovec will cause a lot of teams to end the season disappointed.

CLASS A SCHOOLS 1) Clairton 2) Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic 3) Avonworth 4) Neshannock 5) Jeannette Coach of the Year: Wayne Wade - Clairton Player of the Year: Lamont Wade - Clairton CLASS AA SCHOOLS 1) Aliquippa 2) South Fayette 3) Seton-LaSalle 4) Beaver Falls 5) Steel Valley Coach of the Year: Joe Rossi – South Fayette Player of the Year: Paris Ford – Seton-LaSalle CLASS AAA SCHOOLS 1) Gateway 2) Armstrong 3) Central Valley 4) West Allegheny 5) West Mifflin Coach of the Year: Mark Lyons – Armstrong Player of the Year: Aidan Howard - Gateway CLASS AAAA SCHOOLS 1) Pine-Richland 2) Central Catholic 3) Woodland Hills 4) North Allegheny 5) Bethel Park Coach of the Year: Eric Kasperowicz – Pine-Richland Player of the Year: Phil Jurkovec – Pine-Richland

Inside Conditions—San Francisco treat

by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

I remember when I was in my youth, my parents didn’t have “skillet” or “hamburger” helper. All we had was “Rice-A-Roni,” when mom or dad did not feel like cooking.

According to Wikipedia.com; “Rice-ARoni” is a pilaf-like boxed food mix that consists of rice, vermicelli pasta, and seasonings.” That was a great meal for me because all I required was a sandwich a salad, or veggies and a generous helping of RiceA-Roni and I was good to go.

According to Wikipedia.com; “Rice-ARoni” is a pilaf-like boxed food mix that consists of rice, vermicelli pasta, and seasonings.” Now to make this economical side dish seem more palatable to finicky adolescent taste buds, the product was marketed as if it originated from an exotic place; “Ricea-Roni” the San Francisco treat.

This past Sunday the team hailing from the home of one of the pasta favorites from my childhood provided a needed treat for the victory starved 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers defense wilted a bit because the

49ers won the time of possession battle, 36:59 to 23:01. However, for the amount of time that the San Francisco defense spent on the field they did not only melt, they were vaporized by the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. The 49ers made more first downs, (2721). Had more offensive plays, (82-52). I could go on and on but what’s the point? There is no purpose in possessing the football if you are going to play “mulberry bush.”

For the 49ers to have 30 more plays on offense than the Black and Gold, possess the ball for almost 14 minutes more, (just shy of an entire quarter) and lose the game by the score of 43-18, well let’s just say that the defense of San Francisco were mistreated and were on the top the Steelers menu.

I’m quite sure that the late great 49ers coach Bill Walsh was not only turning over in his grave. It may be quite possible that Coach Walsh may have exited his eternal sepulcher, awaiting for the 49ers’ to arrive back to the “city by the bay” so that he could give them their proper, comeuppance.

I’m sure that former “San Fran” defensive backs, Merton Hanks, Ronnie Lott and Dion Sanders were out

s o m e w h e r e looking for someone to hit or scanning a quarterb a c k s eyes, waiting for an ill-advised AUBREY BRUCE pass to be thrown so that they could intercept it.

Everyone is crowing and crying about the Steelers defense or lack of. Well, how would you like to have the 49ers defense?

Newsflash, I don’t care if you have the “Fearsome Foursome,” the “Steel Curtain” or the “Purple People Eaters,” no defensive coordinator or defense in the NFL will be comfortable preparing for or competing against the “speed racer” crew known as the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiving corps.

Antonio “downtown” Brown treated the 49ers’ secondary as though they were a free lunch and he was redeeming the coupon.

Brown had 9 receptions for 195 yards.

To be fair, the Pittsburgh secondary allowed the run prone QB of the 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick to throw for 335 yards.

That defensive effort by

the Steelers “Big Nasty D” was not exactly a day at spent at a San Francisco beach either. Just as the Pittsburgh Steelers offense was a project in progress just a couple seasons ago, the Pittsburgh defense is rebuilding. Just a few years ago, the Steelers could easily win a game if they scored a minimum of 2 touchdowns and a field goal because of a staunch and stellar defense and ball controlled run heavy offense.

However, if any offense spends more time getting to the twenty yard line as opposed to crossing the goal line, then all that team is going to have is a tired, losing offense especially if the opposing team can score more touchdowns in 1/3rd of the time.

Dip, Dip, Did, Du: “Time” oops, I meant time of possession keeps on slippin into the future. It is time for a star studded Steelers offense to carry the load for an evolving Steelers defense. If that happens, see you at Super Bowl 50.

Although the game will be held in San Francisco, rest assured that the San Francisco 49ers the team from the host city will be spectators, not participants.

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

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PUBLIC NOTICE CLOSING OF SKYLINE TERRACE TWO- (2), THREE(3) AND FOUR- (4) BEDROOM WAITING LISTS AND LARIMER POINTE TWO- (2) AND THREE- (3) BEDROOM WAITING LISTS

CUSTOMER RELATIONS ADMINISTRATOR

The Allegheny County Airport Authority has a position opening for a Customer Relations Administrator at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about this position is available at http://www.flypitts burgh.com/ACAA_employment The advertisement period ends on September 30, 2015.

EOE / M / F / D / V

DEDICATED ROUTE DRIVERS

Wendel, PA (Near Irwin, PA) $1,500.00 Sign on Bonus Average $60K+ per year with benefits to start on date of hire!

Monday to Friday routes Team One has 2 openings for our new dedicated account in Wendel, PA. All outbound loads are preloaded by the shipper. Drivers may be required to assist in unloading with pallet-jacks at customer deliveries. Possibility of 2 overnights per week.

For more information call 937-5333028 or apply online @ www.team

onelogistics.com/about-us/careers

It is a great work environment and we offer mileage, stop and detention pay + full comprehensive benefit package.

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

SHOE SERVICE TECHNICIAN

Seeking a shoe service technician with excellent customer service skills to work at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

•Must be reliable, personable and professional •Able to work a flexible schedule •Willingness and ability to learn and grasp new information •Shoe shine and shoe repair experience a plus but not necessary ***Must be felony free for the past 10 years*** Interested candidates reply via Dcdenglish@hotmail.com visit our website at www.Englishconcessions.com

DUQUESNE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Duquesne City School District is seeking the following Substitutes: Substitute Paraprofessionals. Requirements include High School Diploma or GED. Associateʼs degree or minimum 60 credit hours from accredited college/university required; Bachelorʼs preferred.

Substitute Personal Care Assistants. Requirements include High School Diploma or GED; Standards as required by Federal and State regulations.

Substitute Secretaries. Requirements include High School Diploma or Equivalent; Practical secretarial experience preferred.

ALL candidates must have current Act 151/34/114 clearances.

Additional information can be found on the Districtʼs website www.dukecitysd.org.

Please send resume and cover letter to Duquesne City School District, 300 Kennedy Avenue, Duquesne, Pa 15110, ATTN: Human Resources/PR. EOE Deadline to apply is October 5, 2015.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

SEPTEMBER 2015 HACP BOARD MEETING

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will hold its September 2015 Board of Commissioners meeting on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 10:30 A.M. 200 Ross Street 13th Floor Wherrett Room Pittsburgh PA 15219 ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE CLOSING OF LIPH WAITING LISTS

Effective Monday, September 28, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will close the one- (1) bedroom waiting lists for the following Low Income Public Housing communities: •Allegheny Dwellings •Arlington Heights •Bedford Dwellings •Glen Hazel Family No applications will be accepted for these waiting lists after the closing date and time.

Notice will be given in this publication when the HACP determines to reopen the waiting lists for these sites.

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

Effective Monday, September 28, 2015, at 11:59 p.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will close the two- (2), three(3) and four- (4) bedroom waiting lists for the Skyline Terrace Community and the two- (2) and three- (3) bedroom waiting lists for the Larimer Pointe Community, both under the Project Based Housing Choice Voucher Program.

No pre-applications will be accepted for any Skyline Terrace or Larimer Pointe waiting list after the closing date and time. Public Notice will be provided when the HACP determines to re-open the waiting list for specific bedroom sizes.

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

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/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.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for DLCC- Steam Coil Repairs (trade package) as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the Sports & Exhibition Authority 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Ryan Buries - Email: rburies@pittsburghcc.com, Telephone: 412-325-6179. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below by contacting Ryan Buries.

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: David L Lawrence Convention Center Bid Package Name: Steam Coil Repairs Bid Package Available: September 18, 2015 Approximate Value: $30,000 Time/Date/Location for Pre-Bid Meeting: 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 23, 2015, DLCC, 1000 Ft Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Time/Date/Location for Bid: 2:00 PM, Tuesday, September 29, 2015, DLCC, 1000 Ft Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1648

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for Contract No. 1648 Uniform Rental Service, for which Proposals will be received until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at the office of the Authority.

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

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, to waive any informality in any Proposal and to accept any Proposal should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. Bid Security in the Amount of $ 3,000.00 is required.

Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Any questions regarding this contract document should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor at 412-734-6204.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY CONTRACT NO. 1652 LEGAL NOTICE

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for Contract No. 1652 - Furnishing and Delivering Lime, for which Proposals will be received until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the office of the Authority.

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

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, to waive any informality in any Proposal and to accept any Proposal should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of $1,000.00.

Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the Engineering office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

Any questions regarding this contract document should be directed to Mr. Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor at 412-734-6204.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor

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

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on October 13, 2015, until 2:00 p.m., local prevailing time for: Pittsburgh Phillip Murray Abatement and Demolition Bid Package Asbestos, General, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on September 18, 2015 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700) 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is nonrefundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Bids for furnishing materials and performing all work necessary and incidental to the completion of the below listed bid packages for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center may be delivered to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 at the time and date indicated below. Specifications may be ordered at no charge from Conor McGarvey; cmcgarvey@pittsburghcc.com; 412-475-1622.

Bid Package Name: Utility Carts Package Available: September 18, 2015 Inquiries due: September 24, 2015 Time/Date/Location for Bid: September 28, 2015; 2PM at the DLCC Administrative Office Bid Package Name: Walk Behind Sweepers & Burnisher Package Available: September 18, 2015 Inquiries due: September 24, 2015 Time/Date/Location for Bid: September 28, 2015; 2PM at the DLCC Administrative Office Bid Package Name: Exterior Waste Receptacles Package Available: September 18, 2015 Inquiries due: September 24, 2015 Time/Date/Location for Bid: September 28, 2015; 2PM at the DLCC Administrative Office

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1647

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1647 ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE, for which Proposals will be received until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the office of the Authority.

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

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at the Authorityʼs Plant, on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. Prevailing Time.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, to waive any informality in any Proposal and to accept any Proposal should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. Bid Security in the Amount of $ 2,000.00 is required.

Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Any questions regarding this contract document should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor at 412-734-6204.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor

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LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT: INVITATION FOR BIDS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS @GENERAL BRADDOCK TOWER – PHASE 3 620 SIXTH STREET NORTH BRADDOCK, PA 15104 CONTRACT NO. ACHA-1542 – 3/EC - ELECTRICAL

The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is requesting bids from qualified electrical contractors for the INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS AT GENERALBRADDOCK TOWER PHASE 3 ELECTRICAL RE-BID- ACHA 1542 – 3/EC in the community of North Braddock, Pennsylvania 15104.

Bid and Contract Documents will be on file after Monday 21/September/2015 on the Pittsburgh Builderʼs Exchange, or the McGraw-Hill websites, and may be obtained at the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, or by contacting the ACHA at 412-402-2464. A nonrefundable fee is required for each set of Contract Documents (certified check or money order only) $75 for paper documents and/or $25 for PDF files on Compact Disc. A prebid conference will be held on Tuesday 29/September/2015, at 10:00AM at the Allegheny County Housing Authority 625 Stanwix Street 12th Floor Pittsburgh, Pa 15222. Bids are due by 2:00 PM local time on Thursday 8/October/2015 at the Allegheny County Housing Authority, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Allegheny County Housing Authority encourages responses from small, minority, and women owned firms, as well as firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. Frank Aggazio, Executive Director

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