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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
VOL. 107, NO. 10
Familypursuing federallawsuit inKelleyJr.death Published Weekly
Three Sections
MARCH 9-15, 2016
INSIDE
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by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Fab 40 2016 Special Section
Hudson to leave WPXI this month
CONCERNED COMMUNITY LEADERS—Rev. Victor Grigsby, pastor of Central Baptist Church, speaks on behalf of the Hill District Ministers Alliance as other concerned community leaders line up with him. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
Advocates call for changes following U-Prep brawl
by Ashley Johnson Courier Staff Writer
After being a part of the Channel 11-WPXI news team for five years, general assignment rep o r t e r Brandon Hudson announced March 4, on Fa c e b o o k , by video, that he will be leaving the Pittsburgh station to go to P h i l a d e l - BRANDON HUDSON phia’s NBC affiliate, WCAU, where he will serve in the same capacity. His last day with the station will be March 16. “This new opportunity presents a new set of challenges, which I’m very excited about. I think of myself as a goal-oriented person, especially when it comes to my career,” Hudson said about his new endeavor. “After meeting their news director, Anzio Williams, he told me what their team was
by Samson X. Horne
vided, we know primarily the conflict stems from a rivalry involving some students who live in the Garfield and Hill District areas of the city.” The statement also said the district had already added an extra security officer prior to the melee, so it would not be adding more. It would, however, add an additional vice principal, an additional central office staff member and may contract with an organization that specializes in setting ritual and routines. Brandi Fisher, whose Alliance for Police Accountability had already scheduled a meeting on restorative practices in the
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Four days after a massive brawl involving 30 girls forced the Feb. 29 lockdown at University Prep 6-12 in the Hill District, and three days after an alliance of clergy met to denounce the incident, the Pittsburgh Public Schools issued a statement on the matter and what it is doing to prevent similar mayhem in the future. In part, it read: “All students involved in the altercation face school-based disciplinary action and some may face criminal charges. While multiple and conflicting stories for the cause of the fight have been pro-
REV. VICTOR GRIGSBY
SEE ADVOCATES A5
by Paige Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
Sheridan Broadcasting Network seeks Chapter 11 protection
Hundreds of people from around the Pittsburgh area came out in droves to support, “Bring It To The Burgh” a majorette dance competition live event that took place at The Obama Academy March 5. However, the event did not go as planned. Hundreds were unable
by Christian Morrow
SEE FAMILY A4
Out on bond finally, Kelly Sr.rearrested after three days by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
the owner of the Dancing Dolls, because we both are alumni of Jackson State University. I came out to represent and show love, and it’s sad that I couldn’t get inside. But it’s even more disheartening to see so many Black people come out to support our own for the event to turn out like this. I also was sure to purchase my
After spending more than a month in jail following the altercation with Port Authority of Allegheny County police that also led to the fatal shooting of his son, Bruce Kelley Sr. was released on bond March 3. Three days later, he was back in the Allegheny County jail for allegedly violating the terms of that bond. Kelley, who was supposed to be in Washington, Pa., was arrested in almost the same Wilkinsburg location where he and his son were drinking on Jan. 31 when
SEE HUNDREDS A4
SEE KELLEY A4
Hundreds upset with ‘Bring it to the Burgh’
SEE HUDSON A5
Members of Bruce Kelley Jr.’s family are preparing to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Port Authority of Allegheny County claiming among other things, that officers used excessive force in the attempt to arrest him, which ultimately led to officers shooting him 12 times. Washington, Pa.based attorney Noah BRUCE KELLEY JR. Geary, who represents the family members pursuing the action, could not be reached for details by New Pittsburgh Courier deadline, but indicated some of the lawsuit’s points after leaving a March 3 hearing for Bruce Kelley Sr., who had been drinking with his son Jan. 31 and was arrested just after he was shot.
to get inside of the event due to lack of seating. Tickets were unfortunately over sold, leading to the event being over capacity. Family members and friends were turned away, not able to be a part of the show or support the cause or their loved ones. Christopher Robinson, an event participant, said, “I made it my business to be here at this event today, because I personally know
Dignity & Respect Campaign paints tiles of support
Courier Staff Writer
Sheridan Broadcasting Network, a subsidiary of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to reorganize the company’s obligations so it can continue its effort to buy out its American Urban Radio Network (AURN) partner, National Black Network (NBN). Ron Davenport Jr., special counsel and president of SBC’s radio division, said the filing does not affect AURN or SBC. It only involves an ongoing issue between SBN and NBN, which the filing can help resolve. “This is a strategic bankruptcy filing to reorganize the company and protect it from a greedy, overzealous hedge fund that took over one Black-owned company and is trying to do the same with us,” he said.
by Ashley Johnson Courier Staff Writer
Pittsburghers of different ethnic backgrounds, faiths, socioeconomic status and more, gathered throughout the day on March 5 at the Society for Contemporary Craft, in the Strip District, for the Dignity & Respect Campaign of Greater Pittsburgh’s third annual Ceramic Tile Quilt Event to raise awareness for domestic violence. Participants of the event held annually during Women’s History Month, not only helped to raise awareness, but they also used their creativity to leave messages of hope for those impacted by this issue. More than 100 guests attended this event to paint ceramic tiles that will be assembled and displayed at the Center for Victims, which offers emergency housing, counseling and advocacy services for victims of domestic abuse and other crimes, in hopes of adding comfort during the healing process. “One, it’s important, because one in four women are impacted, in some way, by domestic violence (and)
SEE SHERIDAN A4
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TILES OF SUPPORT—Sandra Wells and her daughter, Isabella, enjoy painting a ceramic tile at the Dignity & Respect Campaign. (Photo by Rossano Stewart)
Ulish Carter on
The brawl at U-Prep Opinion A6
67,000 women get the services of domestic violence from a shelter, or like services,” Candi Castleberry Singleton, founder & CEO of Dignity & Respect Inc., said of the event’s importance. “But I also think it’s so amazing to see Pittsburghers come out and say, ‘We stand for something together.’ And today, we stand together and say, ‘We stand against domestic violence. And if you have been impacted by it, here’s a message from me personally, as a Pittsburgher, to let you know that this isn’t something you have to go through SEE DIGNITY A4