ONYX WOMAN
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Volume 17, Special Edition 2010 $3.95
Our Career, Our Business, Our Finances
Onyx Woman Salutes Darieth Chisolm
A Tribute to Women Who Make a Difference
Brenda Waters
Lynne Hayes-Freeland
Cathy Hughes
Staying Power Keeps her Number One
Amazing 10: Ten Women You Should Know
| A Word From Ola
The Tale of Miss Emily Image Reflecting History
Ola R. Jackson Founder, OWN: Onyx Woman Network Publisher, Onyx Woman Magazine
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
In my early days as an entrepreneur, I was strolling through an art gallery and a photograph entitled “Miss Emily” jumped out at me. The photo revealed a slave woman with very dark, sun-dried skin wearing a haggard bandana and a raggedy dress hanging off one shoulder. I was so inspired by the image that I purchased the picture. Her presence in my office gave new meaning to the saying, “If only these walls could talk.” During some of my darkest hours, Miss Emily staring down on me was a constant reminder of the pain she must have endured. I knew that no matter what I was going through, it paled in comparison to whatever Miss Emily had faced. Her facial characteristics, though inspiring, were eerie. I envisioned Miss Emily working long hours in the blazing sun for no compensation. I wondered if she had children, and if they were taken away from her. Whatever tragic ordeals she faced, she had to suffer in silence. The strength and courage of Miss Emily runs through our blood. We’ve inherited her tenacity and perseverance, and they make us the strong women we are today. Yes, there are many role models and mentors today, but just think about past heroines like Miss Emily who endured with far less resources and no access to technology. I often hear women say that they don’t have role models. Unfortunately, at times, we latch on to women who have power and fame, and seldom remember the humble women of our past who paved the way for us. Let’s start giving our unsung heroes the same accolades and acknowledgement we give to those who create a public persona that may have more to do with an orchestrated image campaign than substance. Sojourner Truth was not glamorous. Harriet Tubman was not rich, and both probably aren’t as well known or celebrated by high school students as Beyonce and Rihanna. The next time you get weary facing life’s challenges, think about the Miss Emilys of the world. Think of the women who never received acknowledgement for their dedication to civil rights. Ponder the women who had to suffer through segregation and degradation during the Jim Crow era. Meditate on the women who lost their lives fighting for the basic right to simply co-exist in peace. My sisters, we have taken far too much for granted. You don’t have to look far to find modern day history-making women. The ladies that we honor and salute in this issue are the Miss Emilys of today and tomorrow. I don’t know them all personally, but I have admired them from afar. This issue is dedicated to these women and all women who are the warriors of our time: today, yesterday and tomorrow. Page 3
Onyx Woman Magazine Volume 17, Special Edition Founder/PUBLISHER: Ola R. Jackson Contributing EditorS: Dr. Niama Williams Khadija Woods
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COVER Photo BY: Ahmad Sandidge Sandidge Photography Studio Ola’s Photo: Sandidge Photography Studio
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Contributing Writers: Daryl E. Jackson Nikki Coffee Diane I. Daniels Nicole Newman Lloyd Williams Rev. Linda Oliver graphic design: William H. Feagins, Jr. High Impact Designs/Multimedia
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contents
Onyx Woman was created as a how-to guide to educate, inspire and motivate African American women on their journeys through entrepreneurship, up the corporate ladder and to every other destination on their search for financial empowerment.
7 Cathy Hughes’ Staying Power Keeps her Number One with TV One
ONYX WOMAN is an online publication that publishes special edition hard copy issues. OWN: Onyx Woman Network, P.O. Box 91362, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Tel: (412) 731-5159. www.onyxwomannetwork.com.
The multimedia mogul has come a long way from the days when she owned and operated a radio station in the nation’s capital.
10 Women in the News
Our talented trio of women in the news are also women making news with their commitment to give back as they move forward.
11 Imani Academy Defines Leadership
Imani plants the seed for success. Their educators refuse to allow their students to fall through the cracks.
18 Flirting with 50
These fabulous 4 have reached an “age of significance.” They embody the phrase, “growing great gracefully.”
19 She’s a Survivor
Lyzona Marshall shares story of surviving colon cancer and wants you to know how to take your health into your own hands.
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Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Acceptance does not imply endorsement. All information contained herein is believed to be factual. The opinions expressed by contributors or those interviewed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is prohibited. ONYX WOMAN Network © 2010. All Rights Reserved. ONYX WOMAN and the three ONYX WOMAN ladies are registered trademarks of Ola Jackson. ISSN# 1098-1764. We will not be responsible for any unsolicited materials. You must submit address changes to OWN: Onyx Woman Network, P.O. Box 91362, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
| Letters to the Editor Thanks for Advocating for Home-Based Businesses Thank you for allowing a platform of expression for the home-based business owner. You and your vision are both absolutely FABULOUS! As far as my homebased business, I haven’t completely taken the plunge, but I’m 90% there! I can no longer fall victim to a workplace that has not set up ample respect for the single mom! My last job wanted me to work from 4pm-1am. In my opinion, they were telling me to forget about my family, forget about having a life, and let someone else raise my child! Now I’m working through this thing called “fear” and it’s been a doozie! However, I plan to succeed at all costs. I have to! I’m not giving myself any other option. Always remember that we come from a background of strong survivors that would do anything for the price of freedom, even risk losing their lives. Missie Shealey Author and Entrepreneur Atlanta, GA
Inspired Ola, I wanted to let you know how inspired I was to hear your story. I sat in awe at your Atlanta workshop as you shared what really motivated you to start a business that would enable you to raise your son. Those of us who have followed Onyx Woman since it was a newsletter never really knew much about your personal life. I’ve always admired how, through Onyx Woman, we get the opportunity to learn about the lives of other women who also reveal their personal journey behind the spotlight. After hearing your motivating words, I was even more inspired. Thank you for hanging in there for so many years. And, thank you for giving me the opportunity to grace the cover of a previous issue. I look forward to reading the new book that you are working on. If the brief presentation that you made dur-
| Spiritual Notes ing your workshop was that moving, I can only imagine what is in store for us in a book that documents your journey over the last 19 years. Arlinda Moriarity President, Moriarty Consultants Pittsburgh, PA
What a Role Model! As many of us have been struggling with how to stay afloat during these challenging times, we have been motivated and inspired by your words of encouragement. I am glad you live by example and are still hanging in there. Most of us will never make it into the larger magazines, but that doesn’t mean that we are any less ambitious or driven. You have always celebrated the microbusiness and for that we thank you and admire you. Your magazine, your website, and your business events have helped me to stay focused. Amanda Williams Business Owner Pittsburgh, PA
The Network that Works for Us I have to tell you again what wonderful, positive work you are doing at The Onyx Woman Network! Bravo to you and thank you very much for the top-notch social network! Denise Turney Author Philadelphia, PA
Purchase a copy of Onyx Woman online at:
www.OnyxWomanNetwork.com
Send letters to OWN@ONYXWOMANNETWORK.COM Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
Life or Survival? by Rev. Linda Oliver, Mt. Ararat Baptist Church How will I survive? Those who ask themselves that question often mean something different—“How will I live?” In this life we are faced with tremendous uncertainties, disappointments, and stress. We deal with challenges that cause us to lose our sense of direction. Many are Rev. Linda Oliver troubled by strained relationships, broken homes, a weak economy, and a divided nation. As a result of unemployment, lost retirement plans and house foreclosures many today live in despair. Whatever the circumstance, people lose hope when they allow negative voices to cloud their perspective. In the faith community we recognize that our living, moving and being is in God. We stand firm, placing our faith and total confidence in God’s Grace, for it is true that His grace is sufficient and He alone is able to keep us. Our perspective will determine our outcome. If we view this world that we live in and the things that we experience through the lens of the world , then we will always play Russian roulette with our lives. Even that changes the original question. From “How will I survive?” it becomes, “Will I survive?” By viewing this world through the lens of God’s Word, we realize that our survival is in knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Our survival is in celebrating that God has purposed us for great things. Scripture is clear. In Jeremiah 29:11, The Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you hope and a future”. Our strength will always lie in our ability to trust God. Our victory is in His Promise that He will supply our every need. As believers we don’t just survive. No, as believers we live in Christ Jesus victoriously, for greater is He that is within us, than he that is in the world. Photo by Ahmad Sandidge
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| VIP Visionaries, images & Profiles
Icons in the Movement! Photo by Ahmad Sandidge
Champions for the Cause
Xernona Clayton at her 79th Birthday Party Alma Speed Fox (left), Dr. Helen S. Faison (right)
You know you are “All That” when you have earned the right to have a building named after you. These two ladies have bragging rights to having their names grace the front of some serious brick and mortar in the city of Pittsburgh. These seasoned sistahs have not let up even though they are well into their eighties.
Alma Speed Fox The Peaceful Warrior Mrs. Alma Speed Fox is a celebrated civil rights veteran. Since 1955 she has held several leadership positions with the Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh branches of the NAACP, including Board membership for over 40 years, past Executive Director (Pittsburgh branch) and chair of multiple committees. It is only fitting that the building that houses the NAACP in the historic Hill District community of Pittsburgh adorns her name in recognition of her years of dedi-
cation to the movement. She is a change agent, advocating human and economic rights for all citizens. Generations have benefited from the commitment and determination of this silver Fox. She is currently the president of Freedom Unlimited, Inc. and the Wilhelmina Byrd Brown Scholarship Fund. Through Freedom Unlimited, over 7,000 food packages are delivered to needy families in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons.
Dr. Helen S. Faison A Legacy in Education Dr. Faison is the Pittsburgh Public School District’s first female and first African-American high school principal, she was also one of the first African-American teachers in southwestern Pennsylvania. She later rose to the position of Pittsburgh’s assistant, deputy and interim School Superintendent. In 2006, The Helen S. Faison Chair in Urban Education was established by her Page 6
alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh which underwrites a faculty position in her honor. There are also scholarships named after this celebrated legend. In recognition of her long and distinguished career, The Pittsburgh Public School District has named two schools in her honor: Helen S. Faison Primary and Intermediate Schools.
Xernona Clayton A Human Rights Legend Keeps Moving On
She’s dined with queens and marched with a king…Dr. Martin L. King Jr., that is. Xernona Clayton was a fixture in the Deep South when she courageously walked on the frontlines as an active participant in the struggle for civil rights. Today she continues on a mission to celebrate and document the accomplishments of our best and brightest as the founder and producer of the annual Trumpet Awards. Also known as the Black Academy Awards, the prestigious event highlights African American accomplishments and contributions. Clayton created the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame to assure that all people are exposed to a legacy of Black pride and greatness. She also has a school in Africa named after her. This trailblazer holds the distinction of being the south’s first African American host of a daily prime time talk show. Even at the age of 79, this feisty, savvy sister has shown no sign of letting up, or giving up.
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
| powerpeople
Cathy Hughes
One on One with TV One’s Media Mogul By Lloyd Williams
In January of 2004, Cathy Hughes launched TV One, a television network targeting African-Americans that offers a broad range of lifestyle — and entertainment — oriented programming with a mission to present a positive and accurate representation of who we are and what our culture is all about. Hughes was the first black woman in the U.S. to head a company whose stock is publicly traded on an exchange. Here, she talks about her career, TV One’s 6th anniversary, and hosting the celebrity interview show “TV One on One.” LW: How did you get your start in radio? CH: I was working for the Affirmative Action arm of the Ford Foundation in a program called Project Equality. I became a volunteer for the group of investors who got a grant to start Omaha’s first black radio station. That’s really how I got my foot in the door in radio. LW: Eventually you moved to Washington, D.C., and met and married Dewey Hughes, and were co-owner with him of WOL. He was played by Chiwetel Ejiofor in Talk to Me, the biopic about radio DJ Petey Greene. How did you feel about not being mentioned in the movie? CH: I knew Petey and did marry Dewey, but I wasn’t on the East Coast during the era that the Petey Greene story covered. I hadn’t met either of them yet. LW: How would you say your company is different from BET? CH: Well, we’re interested in an entirely different demographic. We’re 30 and over. BET is younger. We have a mandate: no music videos. They’re teen-oriented and have built their legacy on music videos. We are more of a family network. We try to have a little of something for everyone, content that parents can enjoy with their children, and that grandma and grandpa can enjoy also. LW: Where do you hope to see TV One in five years? CH: Our goal is to have 100 million households by then. We’re already halfway there, which is pretty astonishing in such a short time. In addition, we’d like to have additional channels like other networks. The cable industry did a disservice by having BET as the only black cable network for 25 years. LW: Who’s at the top of your hero list? CH: My mother Helen’s my shero. She was a very accomplished musician, a jazz trombonist with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, who became a nurse, entered college for the first time in her fifties, and earned her master’s degree to become a social worker. She really, really, really showed all four of her children that you could achieve whatever you make up your mind to do.
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| Work Zone
Bridgette Driver A Driving Force for Diversity By Nikki Coffee
From the age of 12, Bridgette Driver reports having a fascination with law and an inquisitive nature, both of which have served her well as she builds her career in human resources. “As my mother tells it, I liked to argue,” she says laughing. Driver says she remembers always asking lots of questions as a child. “When I started looking at career opportunities for lawyers, I realized that with a professional law degree, I am able to write my own ticket to do whatever I want to do.” Driver says her training has helped her to be successful in anything she has attempted. “Since critical and analytical thinking skills help solve problems, having a background in law enables you to be successful in just about every career.” That mindset has not let her down. She left her law practice for the corporate world and now serves as an employee advocate in the position of Senior Manager of Human Resources Diversity and Employee Relations at FedEx Ground. Prior to her current position, Driver worked with the Corporate Culture and Awareness team at FedEx Express, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. That first HR post prepared her well for her current responsibilities: making sure Diversity and Inclusion efforts take the FedEx Ground organization to the next level as it relates to corporate results, community involvement, and employee engagement. Driver has been with FedEx Ground for four and a half years, and while getting used to the Pittsburgh winters has proven a personal challenge for her, professionally, the challenge was to develop a diverse network to prove that FedEx Ground is a good corporate citizen. FedEx Ground is committed to ensuring that all of its employees’ talents are leveraged, regardless of their backgrounds. “We want to be involved in the community and engage the community. We also want our workforce to look like the community in which we Page 8
Bridgette Driver
live and serve,” Driver says. “I get the most out of talking to people in completely different lines of business because Diversity and Inclusion creates an environment that all people can play well in together,” she says. One of FedEx’s enterprise philosophies, “The Purple Promise” encourages each employee to make every FedEx experience an outstanding one. FedEx founder Fred Smith developed the FedEx Ground strategy model: People, Service, Profit (PSP). “To me PSP encapsulates what Diversity and Inclusion really is,” Driver explains. “If you treat your people right they will deliver an excellent service to your customers, and your customers will provide you with a profit. It’s a full circle.” Today diversity transcends race, gender, etc.; it’s about accepting those differences and moving forward for the common goal. “This really makes us move away from a world that focuses only on how we look. Even if all the people around the table are from different demographics and they all think the same, we still do not achieve true diversity and inclusion,” Driver says. In developing and implementing Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at
FedEx Ground, Driver says she keeps in mind part of a quote from African American author and educator, Howard Thurman: “How can I be me without making it difficult for you to be you?” Driver said FedEx strives to create a more inclusive environment. An environment that is not about telling employees what they can and can’t do, but ensuring that everyone feels as if they can participate in the experience without feeling offended or as if they can’t be themselves. Driver advises anyone looking for career advancement and personal development to stay connected and build solid relationships. She says women should develop a “board of directors” in their personal lives to help with goals and aspirations. “Have people on this board who can coach you and give you advice and help you develop. You want people on this “board” who can serve as mentors because they have been where you are as well as where you want to be.” Whether practicing law or heading up diversity and inclusion efforts, Driver has always been passionate about giving back cont’d on page 21 Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
| Work Zone
Dr. Sandra Murray, Ph.D.
Pursuing a Noble Vision Through Cell Research Sandra Murray’s distinguished career on the frontiers of medical research was foreshadowed when she was a teenager, working for the summer at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her job was to prepare slides for students at the university’s medical school. One day, the department chairman handed her a bizarre assignment: create slides of his own intervertebral disk, which had been surgically removed. “He wanted to preserve himself,” recalled Murray, professor of cell biology and physiology in Pitt’s School of Medicine, “and he wanted students to be able to study the kind of cartilage in that disk.” “When I cut the material,” she said, “every so often a sliver would fall. Well, I couldn’t throw away the chairman’s tissue,
Dr. Sandra Murray, Ph.D.
so I treated every little sliver with great importance.” That experience could serve as a capsule summary for her career: pursuing a
noble vision by attending to its delicate, precious components. Murray’s education was peripatetic — undergraduate degree at Illinois-Chicago, master’s at Texas Southern University, doctorate at the University of Iowa, post-doctorate study at the University of California, Riverside. But when she came to Pitt in 1982, she settled into a remarkable career highlighted by double-barreled achievements at the medical school. In 1987, she became the school’s first tenured African-American woman; in December 1999, she was named full professor, the first African American woman to be so honored. Murray studies cell-to-cell communication, which occurs through “pores” or “channels” that, rather than being fixed, cont’d on page 22
Congratulations to Sandra Murray. Leader in Education Pioneer in Research Partner in Regional Development
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
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| Work Zone
TV News Icons Set the Pace for Longevity and Sisterhood in the Media Industry By Diane I. Daniels
Photo by Ahmad Sandidge
ferent people, sharing and telling their stories, being their conduit.” Like Chisolm, Hayes-Freela nd finds meeting people and telling their story a positive aspect of her job. “The ability to impact the quality of life of others is powerful,” she says, not taking her responsibilities as a general assignment reporter at KDKATV lightly. Toting more than 30 years in the industry, she advises people interested in the media or just searchi ng for a c a re er to find something they are passionate Lynne Hayes-Freeland (l), Darieth Chisolm (center), Brenda Waters (r) about, somet hing Collectively, Darieth Chisolm, Lynne that makes them happy. “No matter what Hayes-Freeland, and Brenda Waters pos- industry you are in, you have to build a sess over 85 years of experience in the foundation,” says Hayes-Freeland. She also television news industry. Working in the stresses the importance of knowing how to 22nd largest television market, Pittsburgh, write. “Learn to write and write better,” is each icon is making history in what Wa- her advice. ters classifies as a “hard, very competitive A Pittsburgh native and Duquesne business.” University graduate, Hayes-Freeland began In her hometown of Detroit, Michi- her career in broadcasting as a producer on gan, Chisolm began her career as a talk KDKA-Radio, transferring to KDKA-TV show host at the first Black owned and op- in 1977. In addition to reporting live, late erated TV station in the country, WGPR- breaking news, she hosts a weekly halfTV62. Upon graduating from Wayne State hour public affairs show called The Lynne University in 1990, she joined WDTV-TV Hayes-Freeland Show. “The show provides 2 in Dayton, Ohio, as a general assignment me the opportunity to talk about and adreporter and anchor. In 1993, she became dress issues specifically effecting African a part of the Pittsburgh NBC affiliate, Americans within my community,” she WPXI-TV 11, as co-anchor for Channel points out. 11 News at 11 and serves as a reporter for Known for her positive attitude and the 5 and 6 p.m. news. In the industry for affirmations, Waters, an anchor/reporter over 20 years due to her enjoyment of the also for KDKA-TV 2, is the recipient of work, Chisolm says, “I like meeting dif- many awards and accolades, including
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an Emmy. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and her master’s from American University. First working in Richmond, VA, as a reporter and weekend anchor, she came to Pittsburgh in 1979 working as a reporter at Channel 11 until she went to KDKA in 1985. “I moved from the number three news station to the number one news station,” she noted. A native of Goldsboro, N.C., Waters grew up in the Washington, D.C., area where the presence of African Americans in the media is dominant. She names Max Robinson, the first African American to anchor for a major network, as a media influence that played a role in her obtaining an internship at WTOP-TV, now WUSD, an ABC affiliate. Chisolm considers Carmen Harlan, senior anchor for more than 25 years at WDIV-TV 4 in Detroit, her hometown influence. Considering herself fortunate that she has been able to work in her hometown, Hayes-Freeland credits television personalities Jim Scott and Cathy Milton as local people that have assisted her along the way. “They were the people that gave me pointers in the beginning,” she says. Employed in the Pittsburgh market most of their careers, the three have made their mark on the city. They often serve as mistress of ceremonies for events and are active in many community and charitable organizations. Chisolm often serves as a speaker and is living her passion through teaching, coaching, and inspiring others to transform their lives. She says she often coaches others to focus on personal and professional development through seminars/workshops, executive, group, and one-on-one coaching, sales and marketing training, and education and business consulting. Recognized locally and nationally for the work she conducts in the community, Hayes-Freeland, an active member of Alcont’d on page 22
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
| Family Focus
Imani Defines Female Leadership Born in 1993, Imani Christian Academy had its humble be- at Imani and newly appointed member of Imani’s student governginnings in the home of Bishop Donald O. Clay, Jr., with three ded- ment, said that the most important things she learned from the icated teachers and 30 students. Today, Imani (the Swahili word leadership retreat were 1) how to have a relationship with people for faith), Located in the East End of the City of Pittsburgh, has from a different culture and economic status and 2) how to speak an enrollment of 253 students in grades K through 12, represent- up; that being a Christian or being humble does not necessarily ing 14 different school districts. mean being silent! Vernessa EackImani is set to move into its new les, a senior at Imani, is enjoying quarters in the old East Hills Elan internship with the Neighborementary School. Imani’s mission hood Legal Services Association. is to “embrace all children in our Vernessa desires to study both society, particularly those who are sociology and law upon graduat-risk, transform them into whole ation and her internship has soadults – spiritually, academically, lidified her calling to help change socially and physically – and then the mindsets of people who seem launch them into lives of purpose to end up in negative legal situaand contribution.” Their goal is tions. Jodeci Jackson, also a seto produce young adults who are nior at Imani, desires a career as spiritual, academically sound, a Child Advocacy Attorney; she is and socially responsible leaders completing an internship at The and world-changers! Building of Child Development. Under the direction of it’s She has been working on projects principal, Dr. Marilyn Barnett, such as the fight against school Blaire Crumbley, Vernessa Eackles and Jodeci Jackson (l to r) it’s staff of thirty-seven provide closings in the Hill District and opportunities to the students to Kindergarten Readiness by conprepare them for leadership. This past summer Leslie Braksick, necting curriculum with early intervention. Although the majorone of Imani’s board members, coordinated a three-day retreat in ity of their staff and student body are male, Imani is proud of the her home in Sewickley, PA, for the female senior students. Dur- accomplishments and the manifestation of purpose in the lives of ing this retreat, these young ladies learned how to serve others, its female leaders as leadership is being defined at Imani Christian express themselves, and speak publicly. Blaire Crumbley, a senior Academy!
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
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Amazing 10
Photo by Ahmad Sandidge
AMAZING 10
10 Women You Should Know
There is something truly amazing about women who don’t believe in obstacles, women who knock down barriers and seemingly glide over hurdles to achieve their goals. These women are our mentors, our role models, and the people who dare to dream big.
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Onyx WomanÂŽ Volume 17, Special Edition
AMAZING 10 1. Debbie Norrell Lifestyle Editor The New Pittsburgh Courier
This lady’s agenda spans from covering the news of socialites to reporting on urban life. She wears many hats. Hats as diverse as her professional profile as a model, fashion commentator, actress, columnist, and journalist well known for her own sense of style. She is also a 20-year breast cancer survivor.
2. Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew OBGYN Squirrel Hill Health Center
There is a doctor in the house and she is on a crusade to spread the word about black women living healthy and feeling well. Her community presence and nononsense approach to whipping us into shape has made her a respected figure among a cross section of socio-economic populations in the city of Pittsburgh. Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew is also well-known for her extensive work outside of the U.S., including Africa and Latin America.
3. Dawn Webb-Turner Founder Our House Development
Concerned that our youth are not familiar with their history or economics, this teacher by trade’s passion is to help prepare students to become young entrepreneurs. Utilizing our history, arts, culture, science, math, business and finance as a medium to educate, she promotes, and reinstates inner pride. The award-winning entrepreneur is committed to the preservation of her community and to the people who live there.
4. Carmelle Nickens-Phillips Vice President, Development and Communications YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh
In addition to being actively involved in a number of charitable and community endeavors, this high-powered executive Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
has transformed her career from modeling, to the corporate world, to a nonprofit that has a history of making a difference in the lives of women. Carmelle has certification in Social Etiquette and Communication Skills. She has utilized those talents over the course of her career in social service and education to help empower young people.
Legal Education Board, and in 2005, she became the first African-American chair. In her spare time you can find her volunteering on boards such as Big Brothers Big Sisters.
5. Crystal McCormick Ware
The unemployment rate for young African-Americans is at a record high. You wouldn’t know it if you walked into the busy grocery store owned by “Miss Debbie,” as she is affectionately called by the number of young people who look to her for mentoring and guidance. Debra Hickman probably employs more young African-Americans than anyone in the community, and for that she is Amazing.
Director of Communications, Marketing and Diversity Initiatives University of Pittsburgh Library System
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member coordinates all promotions and diversity programming for her department. One of her projects was the African American Alumni Council’s “Through the Years” Exhibit. The exhibit highlighted African American accomplishments from as early as the late 1960’s when a group of courageous African American students held a sit-in at the University until certain demands (equal rights for African American students) were met. As a result, the African American Collection was developed.
6. Tina Brewer Artist Entrepreneur
She transformed a historic building in the inner city of Pittsburgh into a hot-spot for fabulous affairs and creates even more exquisite works of art with her signature quilts that have been celebrated around the world. The award-winning artist is notable for telling stories of black pride and history one stitch at a time.
7. Rosa Copeland Miller, Esq. Partner in the Litigation Services Group Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis
She helps to bring law and order as a partner with the Pittsburgh law firm of Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis. In 2000, Copeland Miller was appointed by Chief Justice Ralph Cappy to serve on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Continuing
8. Debra Hickman Owner, East Hills Location Giant Eagle Grocery Store
9. Tamiko Stanley Assistant Director/EEO Officer City of Pittsburgh – Department of Personnel
Tamiko recently launched the hugely successful DiverseCity365 Program to recognize, promote, and nurture a diverse Pittsburgh culture 365 days a year. Tamiko has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business from Duquesne University where she was the school’s first African American “Student of the Year” in 2000.
10. Ciera Wilson Student, Robert Morris University Future Business Leader
Ciera Wilson is a sophomore majoring in business management at Robert Morris University. The future business leader and dynamic speaker, whose platform is to encourage young people to pursue higher education, also finds the time to volunteer at Wesley Center AME Zion Church. She is the treasurer of the Black Student Union at RMU and is vice president for leadership development in the RMU Pittsburgh Promise cohort.
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A Sister You Can Bank on!
Jamita M. Browne-Poston Assistant Branch Manager, First Niagara Bank
Jamita M. Browne-Poston
As a 24-year veteran in the banking industry, Jamita M. Browne-Poston dishes out the 411 to sisters on a daily basis. She not only guides them through the basics of banking, she helps them navigate their way through the maze of financial planning. This financially savvy sister is on a mission to educate women on the importance of financial literacy and empowerment through wealth building.
OW: Why did you go into the banking industry? Honestly, I just wanted to work in a professional place with good hours and paid holidays, and wear nice clothes. OW: What advice would you give to other women who want to either enter or excel in the financial industry? If you are looking to get into this business you must have the personality to deal with all people. You have the ability to instantly make a difference in someone’s life.
OW: What are the most crucial elements needed to educate people about financial literacy and wealth building? First, you must build the trust of your client. Second, you must have the proper knowledge. You should encourage them to take advantage of seminars/classes, pay their bills on time and remember to also pay themselves. OW: What advice would you give to women who want to take better control over their finances? Make sure you have a short-term financial goal. Do a budget! Use the envelope system, put your grocery money in one envelope and your fun money in another etc., and place all other bills in a checking account marked “household.” Try putting the money you save from packing your lunch into a savings account. Do this for a month and see how much you could save! OW: Where do you see your career in the next five years? In five years I plan to be back in school working on my Masters in Human Resources, all while continuing to make a difference in my community through my community organizations and banking experiences.
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WOMEN
Celebrating the achievements of women in business. www.cohenlaw.com Page 14
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
BUSINESS CENTER | African-American Women, Inc.
Rosemary Crawford, Esq. By Nikki Coffee
The position of bankruptcy trustee is a tough one, but somebody has to do it. In the Western Pennsylvania District, that someone is Rosemary Crawford, Esq., the only African American in this position in the district. For the majority of her 19 years as an attorney, Crawford has worked as an employment and civil litigator. She had no prior bankruptcy experience, so when she was approached by a judge to apply for the bankruptcy trustee position about seven years ago, she was a little surprised. She felt she may have been approached because of her past work history. Within the Bar Association and within the community, there were concerns that she may leave Pittsburgh if she didn’t have enough quality work. “From there, it’s pretty much history, as they say,” Crawford jokes. Additionally, Crawford manages her own law firm, Crawford McDonald, LLC, handling civil, family, juvenile, and estate law as well as small business matters. She continues to practice employment and labor law and to represents indigent clients in protection from abuse matters. Crawford, a Memphis, TN native, is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, and worked in the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., before settling in Pittsburgh. To Crawford, Pittsburgh is not the most livable city for everyone. Many African American male and female attorneys and other professionals are extremely successful in D.C., she says. “There are 8,000 attorneys in Pittsburgh. Of that, maybe three or four are extremely successful Black attorneys,” says Crawford. She sees a revolving door for black female attorneys in Pittsburgh, mainly because there is not a supportive structure for them. Another comparison Crawford makes is that in the D.C. area, people of color have confidence in people who look like them; in Pittsburgh that’s not the same experience, Crawford says. According to Crawford, collectively, African Americans just don’t support black businesses as they do in D.C. There just is not the camaraderie here as there is in D.C. “That coupled with the lack of diversity and some remaining pockets of racism make it very difficult for Black women to maintain successful law careers in Pittsburgh,” Crawford says. The award-winning attorney remains in Pittsburgh because she has found her niche with her own support group of friends and her husband. “You have to have people who want to be friends with you and whom you can trust. You have to make a life for yourself anywhere you may live.” While the job is stressful, Crawford says she likes the work that she does. She credits the bad economy for her heavy workload, but takes that all in stride when looking at some of the benefits of living in Pittsburgh. “I like Pittsburgh, the low cost of living, and honest, friendly people,” she says. Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
Rosemary Crawford, Esq.
Crawford advises any black woman aspiring to find security in a professional position to find, not just a mentor, but someone with whom they can really talk and learn about the ins and outs of their career choice. She suggests asking them how they obtained their position, what it took to get there, and what they think you need to do. They may not be a life-long mentor, but just someone to talk to for 30 minutes or an hour. “There is nothing better than talking with someone who is living the life you’d like to live,” Crawford says. Crawford warns that those interested in the profession should not get wrapped up in the fantasy. “Being an actual attorney is not easy; it’s not L.A. Law, it’s not The Practice. It’s a lot of work, not a lot of glory. Listen, get advice, and do not look at the career through rose-colored glasses,” she warns. The downside is sometimes feeling overwhelmed with the workload or lack of a support system and poor structure for black females in some law firms. “When I continue to hear of situations like this, and that Black females have left the city or are no longer in their positions, I feel bad,” she says. “I feel things haven’t changed from when I first arrived here 14 years ago, and I feel the wheels are just spinning. I feel frustrated because there is little that I can do. I feel there has got to be something better.” cont’d on page 21 Page 15
BUSINESS CENTER
Carol Baker-Ford Breathes New Life into her Funeral Home Business By Nikki Coffee
Carol Baker-Ford
Carol Baker-Ford holds a job that makes most people cringe. She works in a male-dominated arena that is rarely thought about until needed. She is the funeral director at Jones Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, PA. Baker-Ford didn’t start out with an interest in the funeral business. She went to nursing school. During her last year of school, after the death of her grandfather, who had owned a funeral home in Homestead, PA, she was recruited by her father to work with him at Jones’ Funeral Home. “My father already had this in his mind,” Baker-Ford says. “He came to me at my pinning ceremony and told me he had signed me up for mortuary school.” Being brought up to honor her parents, Baker complied and attended mortuary school in order to help her father at the funeral home. She’s been in the funeral business for 14 years now. “It was a good thing for me to do because, not only did I get a chance to learn about the business, I got to spend time with my father, something that I didn’t get to do much of as a child because my father worked two jobs when we were younger and my brother and I didn’t get much quality time with him.” Page 16
After her father’s death, Baker-Ford became president of Jones Funeral Home. She takes care of all aspects of the business including embalming, picking up bodies, dressing the deceased, cosmetology, and making arrangements with the families, “I even vacuum sometimes. Wherever we need fill-ins or whatever needs to be done, I’m there to do it. That’s how I was raised,” she says. Since her brother has pursued another career, Baker-Ford is happy that her cousin attended mortuary school and now works with her, keeping the profession in the family. Currently Jones Funeral Home has two locations: the original location in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, and a new location on Center Street in Wilkinsburg, PA. Baker-Ford did have the opportunity to utilize her nursing skills. She worked as a nurse while attending mortuary school part-time. She takes being a female in the funeral home business in stride. She wasn’t around the funeral business much growing up. “We didn’t live above the funeral home. We were rarely there when my father worked for Mr. Jones.” Yet being a nurse gave her a good background and basis for the funeral business.
The job of a funeral director can be both challenging and rewarding. BakerFord says she begins each day with a fresh face and tries to be there for the families in their time of need. She advises anyone thinking of going into business for themselves to stick with their goals, be strong and focused. “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t. If you have a dream, follow your dream and do whatever you need to do to achieve your dream,” she says. While more and more women are moving into roles traditionally held by men, Baker-Ford says she still meets surprise from some people when they realize that she is the owner of a funeral home. “When I go to churches or meet with people regarding a funeral, people are still a little surprised to see me; they are expecting a man to represent the funeral home,” she explains. Baker-Ford relays a story about a particular funeral that, while a sad occasion, did bring a smile to her face. It was pretty much a “girls in charge” funeral. There was a woman officiating, there were six female pallbearers, and she was the funeral director. When reflecting on that experience, she said she feels good that roles are changing. No matter what career a woman may be pursuing, many challenges will occur. Baker-Ford says she’s no different. As a wife to her husband Randy Ford and a mother to their 3-year-old son, Randal Peyton, BakerFord says she wears many hats at work and at home. One drawback is that the funeral business is time consuming. She is almost on call all the time. “Death is not planned and if a family calls with a death, I have to be there,” she says. Baker-Ford has known children who come to regret what their parents do for a living as funeral directors because it does take time away from the cont’d on page 22 Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
BUSINESS CENTER | Open for Business
Ana Recio Harvey, director of the Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership Obama Administration Looking Out For Women-Owned Businesses By Diane I. Daniels Ana Recio Harvey
Ana Recio Harvey is not a household name, but those striving to become female entrepreneurs, it is a name with which to become familiar. Appointed the director of the SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership by President Barack Obama, Harvey oversees the U.S. Small Business Administration’s efforts to promote the growth of women-owned businesses. A nationwide network of women’s business centers provide training and counseling to entrepreneurs in 112 centers in nearly every state and two U.S. territo-
ries. The Centers’ programs offer business training and technical assistance, and provide access to credit and capital, federal contracts and international trade opportunities. Harvey’s office works with the representatives in every SBA district office to oversee operations of the women’s business centers and to coordinate services for women entrepreneurs. Women business owners play a huge economic, cultural, and social role in every part of American life. According to The National Women’s Business Council
in 2008 there were 7.2 million majorityowned, privately-held, women-owned businesses in the United States employing 7.3 million people and generating $1.1 trillion in sales. “That’s the way to wealth creation for women,” said Harvey. “Our goal is to see women businesses grow.” Regarded as an experienced entrepreneur, Harvey operated Syntaxis, LLC, a multilingual communications company with 75 employees handling communicont’d on page 22
The Mothers of Invention Sarah Goode was the first African American woman to receive a U.S. patent. Patent #322,177 was issued on July 14, 1885 for Inventor Virgie M. Ammons Patricia Bath, M.D. Sarah Boone Marie V. Brittan Brown Joan Clark Gertrude Downing Ellen Elgin Sara E. Goode Bessie V. Griffin Ruane Jeter Natalie R. Love Alice H. Parker Brothella Quick Mildred A. Snow
a cabinet bed. Sarah Goode was the owner of a Chicago furniture store. Below you can view the patent issued to Sarah Goode.
Invention Fireplace Damper Apparatus for Ablating & Removing Cataract Lenses Ironing Board Home Security System Utilizing Television Surveillance Medicine Tray Holder for Bras and Like Corner Cleaner Attachment Clothes Wringer The Cabinet Bed Portable Receptacle Digital Toaster T-top Roof Cover Improvement on the Heating Furnish Pocketed Underwear Family Relationship Card Game
Patent Date Sept. 30, 1975 May 17, 1988 April 26, 1892 Dec. 2, 1969 April 1, 1987 Aug. 31, 1976 April 5, 1977 1880s July 14, 1885 April 24, 1951 April 14, 1987 May 5, 1992 Dec. 23, 1919 Nov. 17, 1981 Oct. 28, 1980
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blgoode.htm http://www.inventions.org/culture/african/africanwomen.html Information Source: Black Inventors Museum Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
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Photo by: Ahmad Sandidge
| IN THE BEST OF HEALTH
desire.” That mantra is why this 50-plus started a nonprofit that focuses on caregivers living their dreams while caring for loved ones. Jarene’s prescription for living well is to live life to its fullest, laugh with good friends, and love passionately! Jarene just added the title of proud mother-in-law when her only son, Corey recently wed. Ola Jackson, 49 Entrepreneur/Publisher Look Who’s Turning 50! - The soonto-be 50-year old is the great aunt to 41 great nieces and nephews, and one great, great niece; she often ponders over how time has gone by so quickly. Her advice to women turning a page into the next chapter: “The only thing worst than dying and not accomplishing the things you want, is continuing to live realizing that you never set out to pursue your dreams. A friend once told me that he admired me because I wasn’t afraid of making a fool out of myself. Go for it, even if you make a fool out of yourself.” Sharon Burton, 59 Retired Project Manager
Jarene Barnes, Ola Jackson, Sharon Burton and Sandra Washington.
Flirting with 50 Coming of Age
Who would have thought that the 50s could be so graceful? “Aging gracefully” used to be a patronizing comment to assure women of a certain age that getting older isn’t “all that bad.” However, that was before the 50s became so fabulous. Women aren’t just getting older, they are Becoming. “Becoming” is the word that Onyx Woman uses to describe seasoned sistahs who are emerging into the next phase of life. We are not just entering our 50s, we are bursting in with a new attitude about living, loving and laughing off things that simply don’t matter anymore.
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Our priorities have been redefined, and our attitudes readjusted. Move over diaper bags and strollers (sorry grandkids!); and bring on the pencil skirts, pointed pumps and power suits. Today’s fifty-something sisters got it going on! Jarene Barnes, 51 Founder, Caregiver-B-WELL She Cares for the Caregivers - “Time doesn’t wait for you, make sure you make every attempt to do all the things that you
Yes, there is life after retirement. At 59 and still fine, Sharon charted a new path after 30 years as a project manager with Bell Atlantic (now Verizon). When she is not working her part-time gig in the leasing office of an apartment building for seniors, she is spending quality time with her husband of 25 years, Wilbur, and attending services at St. Paul AME Church in Knoxville, PA. Sandra Washington, 59 Human Resources & Cleansing Stream Ministry Here Comes the Bride - The 59-year old bride-to-be is about to walk down the aisle this spring, proving that there is new love after 50. She writes poetry, travels frequently to Africa with her church ministry, and values the quality time that she is able to spend nurturing the development of her niece, as well as mentoring other young people. “Whatever you do don’t forget to have fun!” says Sandra.
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
| IN THE BEST OF HEALTH
She’s a Survivor:
Professor Lyzona Marshall Shares Lessons in her Fight with Colon Cancer Comedian Wanda Sykes once joked that few words could ruin a person’s day like a note from their boss that says, “See me.” Well, for Lyzona Marshall, Assistant Professor of Business at Seton Hill University, her doctor’s message that “you have colon cancer” changed her life. The timing could not have been more crucial for the busy 44-year-old doctoral candidate, business counselor, and consulting business owner. “I had to regroup quickly when I got that news. I was a firstyear, full-time faculty member with a long
list of goals, but my diagnosis changed everything,” says Marshall. In the United States, breast cancer awareness tops the list of women’s health concerns. Yet, researchers acknowledged that African Americans have the highest sporadic colorectal cancer rates (or instances with no or very little family history of the disease). Black women, more than any other racial group, are most likely to succumb to this disease, outnumbered only by Black men. In this issue, Marshall shares a page from her lessons learned in battling – and surviving – colon cancer. OW: How did you first discover the disease? It was interesting because I self-diagnosed my problem in October 2008. I went on-line to webmd.com and typed in my symptoms (fatigue, weight loss, bowel habit changes and blood). I thought I had irritable bowel syndrome, but I wanted to be sure. I found a Gastroenterologist (GI) among my approved medical providers and requested a colonoscopy to check my colon. He was hesitant to perform the procedure because he felt I “looked healthy” and at age 43, it was too soon; health screening guidelines recommend colonoscopies starting at age 50. I insisted on having the colonoscopy, even if it meant paying for it
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
out of my own pocket. He finally agreed and discovered a huge cancerous tumor. For the past year, I went through painful rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. I believe I am alive because of my faith, my persistence in taking control of my health, and the wonderful team of doctors, surgeons, and nurses that believed in allowing me to do so. OW: Based on your experience, what advice would you give to African American women? First, I would say do not suffer in silence. If you have a close friend or family member, tell them what you are experiencing because a little problem could turn life threatening in an instant. I wasn’t alarmed about my health until I visited my daughter, Elle, in New York. She commented on how drastically different I looked and how frequently I used the restroom. Others congratulated me on my weight loss success but she was the one that said I didn’t look healthy and that my weight loss (50 pounds in 2-3 months) was too much, too fast. Secondly, make sure you remain informed about what is healthy for you. Don’t accept the canned answers or standards for comparisons of where you should be relative to your health. You know yourself best and you know when something is wrong. The body is an amazing machine that lets you know when something is not right; listen to it and then visit your doctor. It is better to know the truth than to ignore signs of something more serious. That leads me to my third point of listening to what your body is telling you. When something is out of balance, the body tries to compensate for it. Pay attention to changes in bodily functions and habits, and know that when you see blood unexpectedly, call your doctor immediately because your body is trying to
Photo Credit: Roy Engelbrecht Photograhy, Inc.
cont’d on page 21 Page 19
| DESTINATIONS
Kathy Taylor Preaches the Benefits of Learning Through Travel Experiences
Discover Your Roots and Much More – A Special Black History Program Come and celebrate the lives and expebut loyal African American participant riences of African Americans who helped base, Taylor has reached out to communicarve 21st-century America as we travel to ties across the U.S. who may not be aware a few select cities to discover who we are. of the benefits of educational travel. NuWhile history is made every day, this Febmerous studies have shown a strong link ruary, Exploritas (pronounced ek splôr´ between keeping mentally engaged, soi tahs) is the new name for the programs cially connected and physically active and developed and offered by Elderhostel, Inc., healthy aging. With health disparities bethe not-for-profit world leader in lifelong tween African Americans and the general learning and educational travel since 1975. population an ongoing challenge, Taylor It is known for its exceptional learning prosees her mission as promoting educational grams for adults, offering a special series travel as a means to healthy aging. Taylor — its second annual Black History Month has built on her previous experience as an program — highlighting destinations that executive overseeing the development prohave been influenced and impacted by Afgram at WGBH, Boston’s flagship public rican Americans for centuries. television station. “I had been involved in Kathy Taylor Exploritas programs empower adults sales for nearly three decades and I knew to explore the world’s places, peoples, culthis was something we had to start from tures, and ideas, and, in so doing, to disthe ground up,” Taylor comments. Exploricover more about themselves. The special tas offers year-round travel programs with highlight of this year’s series is a genealogispecial appeal to the African American cal seminar on tracing one’s African ancestraveler. The Many Colors of Paris, a futors using DNA. It will be held in Boston on sion of the African American and Parisian February 6 and in Atlanta on February 27, experience highlighting the lives of Richwith dates to be determined for Philadelard Wright, Josephine Baker and other phia and Washington, D.C. as well. African American expatriates, was created The seminars will also offer particithis year; a special upcoming journey to pants the opportunity to trace their own the Holy Land, following in the footsteps DNA back to Africa using the African Anof Christ, is a new offering. Other procestry’s lineage tracking. grams have included The Life and Works Dr. Daryl Scott, professor and former of Richard Wright in Natchez, Mississippi chair of the history department at Howard and more recently the “Taste of Martha’s Dr. Elizabeth Alexander (Center), poet for President Barack University and vice president of programs Vineyard” event featuring Ambassador Obama’s inauguration, with Kathy Taylor, Dr. Cynthia for the Association for the Study of Afri- Carter, Michele Courton Brown, Bashi Young and Claudette Andrew Young, and programs such as UnCrouse at a reading and book signing for “Praise Song for can American Life and History, provided a the Day” at the National Museum for Afro-American Artists; derstanding Obama’s Hawaii. sponsored in part by Road Scholar. lecture that was a part of this special Black To recognize educators with a longHistory Month project in 2008. The lecture standing commitment to their field and was given in Washington, D.C. “I admit I was genuinely surprised community, Taylor and Exploritas founded an annual $5,000 with the ethnic make-up of the participants; I expected 100 percent travel scholarship in memory of the late Dr. Asa Grant Hilliard III, African American participation. It was encouraging to see as many a renowned lifelong learner and pan-Africanist, known for leadwhite program participants who came to learn more about Black ing learning journeys in Egypt. The award has reached members history.” of the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the ASALH, “I didn’t have a deep sense of travel as a learning experience Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and professors of Afbefore joining Exploritas,” says Kathy. She oversees the organiza- rican American studies. tion’s initiative to build awareness of its programs in the African For more information call 800-322-5315 or visit American community. Charged with expanding Exploritas’ small www.exploritas.org/globaldiscoveries Page 20
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
Bridgette Driver cont’d from page 8
to the community and serves as a mentor with several youth organizations. She believes this has contributed to her success and “hopefully will encourage the next person to achieve their desired goals,” she says. Her involvement in the Pittsburgh area has led to recognition through the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40. She serves on the Board of Directors of Urban Youth Action, Inc., and the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania as well as the Community Advisory Board for WQED. She is a graduate of the Leadership Development Initiative XIV Class of Leadership Pittsburgh. Rosemary Crawford cont’d from page 15
As a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee, Crawford oversees bankruptcy cases. “It’s a lot of responsibility,” she says. It’s a job that Crawford says she would not readily recommend to others because of the stress involved. “It’s not a glamorous position. I’ve had to sell houses out from under little old ladies. I’m in charge of millions of dollars a year and I am responsible for every penny,” Crawford says. “I enjoy what I’m doing, but I can’t say that I would recommend someone else do it the way it is set up now.” Crawford is the first African American to be elected as Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Allegheny County Bar Association. She has served as Adjunct Professor of Employment Law at the University of Pittsburgh Law School, and has taught Criminal Procedure and Business Law at the Community College of Allegheny County. She is past director of Legal Resources at the YWCA, where she provided information to women about the legal, financial, and emotional issues which arise in the divorce process; and she created the 100 Lawyers Program, which the Allegheny County Bar Association recognized with grant funding to provide 100 women with free attorneys that were not provided through other pro bono programs. Crawford is a former Member of the Pennsylvania House of Delegates, the Women’s Bar Association Board, the Neighborhood Legal Services Board, and the Pennsylvania Legal Services Board, and past president of the Homer S. Brown Law Association, and past member of the Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
Federal Rules Advisory Committee. She is a recipient of the Allegheny County Bar Association Outstanding Young Lawyer Award; Pittsburgh Courier 50 Women of Excellence; Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 under 40; and a past President of the Homer S. Brown Law Association as well as Member of the Federal Rules Advisory Committee for 2000-2001. She’s a Survivor cont’d from page 19
tell you that something is seriously wrong. Most diseases of the colon are preventable because they are slow growing, but early detection is the key to addressing them. And, yes, prayer changes things, but you need to go to the doctor as well (that’s for my mother, Jewell). OW: What is the greatest lesson you gained from this experience? I actually learned two great lessons — if you don’t have your health, you can’t accomplish anything and that the love of God, family and friends can get you through anything. I can’t take these lessons or the people in my life for granted. OW: What has been the impact on you as a single person in dealing with the disease? Actually, my family and closest friends were more worried about the situation and me than I was. In the five years I have lived in southwestern Pennsylvania, I worked very hard to develop a support network because my family and close friends live in New York and the south. When I understood what I had to undertake, I pulled together my resources and developed an action plan. People laughed at me for having an emergency contact list of 35+ people from all across the country that included family, friends, co-workers, medical professionals, neighbors, etc. But, each person on my list had a role — from praying with me to making status
update calls to picking up family from the airport to staying with me during recovery at home. The people in my life did amazing, unexpected, unselfish things to help my family and me through this situation and I shall always remember and cherish them. I wish I had space to name them; I will again say THANK YOU to each one because I could not have gotten through this experience without their love and support. I highly recommend development of a good support network for single or married people. OW: How did you handle this experience spiritually? Honestly, late in the midnight hour when I cried in pain, I had nothing but God’s word to comfort me. He consistently led me to read Psalms 91, which I read and re-read as I went through treatments. I was comforted in those verses that reminded me that a thousand may fall beside me and 10 thousand might fall at my right hand, but this disease would not conquer me. I also surrounded myself with people who knew the Lord and who would honestly pray and understand that no matter what happened to me, God’s will and plan are perfect. My surgeon was concerned that
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She’s a Survivor cont’d from page 21
I was disillusioned because I still smiled through my pain. In reality, I knew that God was my healer and this was just a process to get to his promises. OW: How do you see your life now after this experience? People wondered why I pushed myself after my cancer diagnosis. I refused to slow down. All I could think was if I sit and sip on the cup of pity that people handed me, eventually death would join me for a drink. That’s not the scary part because you face death daily during cancer treatment. I worried that in that exchange, the one day I decided to accept the cup, death would offer me a drink that I would eventually stop refusing. I acknowledged my surgery date as my re-birthday because I have a “new normal” life that is full of promise and possibilities. Sandra Murray cont’d from page 9
are established through a dynamic process as yet not completely understood. “Through that communication,” she said, “cell populations can control the rate at which they grow, how they respond to the environment, such as hormones going by, and how they do what they’re supposed to do.” Yet the potential impact of her work transcends the specific cells she studies — the slivers of her greater vision. “It’s now thought that defects in these kinds of pores are associated with some of the changes in cancer development and also could result in some heart problems; in addition, communication of toxins through the pore could be used as a method to selectively kill cancer cells,” Murray said. “When you come right down to it, the changes that can occur in a cell are responsible for most of the diseases we talk about. So someone who studies the cell studies the broader arena.” In addition to her research, Murray’s commitment to public service is extensive. She serves as a judge at National Technology Association science fairs, and she has completed several terms on the Minorities Affairs Committee of the American Society of Cell Biologists. She has served on the Publication and Student Affairs committees of the Endocrine Society, co-organized national workshops to enhance the Page 22
career development of junior faculty members, and was elected to the council for the American Society of Cell Biologists. She is a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh. True to her commitment to helping others, Murray assists her community — and five other AfricanAmerican neighborhoods that host similar sessions sponsored by the Center for Health Hearts and Souls— in developing grants for wellness program funding. Murray’s zeal for public service was shaped in part by the sense of isolation she occasionally felt as a pioneering AfricanAmerican woman. “Sometimes being the first seems like climbing Mt. Olympus,” she said. “You’re not sure of the right road, and feedback may not come as easily. You keep thinking, ‘Am I on the path or not?’” “I really would like to make a difference,” she said. “The only way to do that is to be at the table.” TV News Icons cont’d from page 10
pha Kappa Alpha Sorority, volunteers on numerous boards and, like her counterparts, speaks to and for groups, schools and churches throughout the region. A member of the Sickle Cell Anemia Board, Waters volunteers for Myriam’s Women’s Shelter, Lydia’s Place, Women Inc. of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and P.O.W.E.R. In the business for many of the same reasons, i.e., to make a difference in their viewers’ lives, the best assistance anyone can provide for these three is, “to watch, watch and watch,” says Chislom. In agreement that the African American audience should communicate and be more vocal about their concerns and issues, Hayes-Freeland insists that it is important to write letters. “People express their views to us in the street, but that is not enough. Protests and demands have to be made to station management.” With over 21, 30 and 35 years in the business, Chilsom, Hayes-Freeland and Waters continue to strive to provide factual and enlightening information to their au-
dience. “It is only by the grace of God that we have such longevity in this industry,” admits Hayes-Freeland. “The three of us are probably the first generation of African American women locally that will be able to actually retire in this industry, and it is because people like Carol Simpson and Cathy Milton opened the doors for us.” Carol Baker Ford cont’d from page 16
family. “I’m witnessing that now that I have a child. I wouldn’t discourage my kids from doing this but I wouldn’t be upset if they didn’t want to follow this profession.” The rewarding aspect of the funeral business is after everything is over, families show gratitude, Baker-Ford says. “Some have sent cards. I have all of the Thank You cards I’ve ever received.” The worst part of her job is having to do a funeral for a child. Baker-Ford definitely recommends that other women go into business for themselves. “It is challenging and it is a lot of work and there will be road blocks, but if you stay focused, you will reap the rewards.” She adds that there are a lot of resources out there. “You can find what you need, you can get help if you need it. Just don’t be afraid to ask for it,” she says Ana Recio Harvey cont’d from page 17
cations and translations in 25 languages. She also served as Latino Programs Director for Cultural Tourism DC., where she is credited for developing relationships with community-based organizations and Latino audiences in the Washington D.C. area. From 2007 until her SBA appointment, she was president and CEO of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Onyx Woman® Volume 17, Special Edition
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We promise you’ll be proud. Briana Smith made a smooth transition from Schenley High to Robert Morris University. How smooth? Straight A’s smooth. “My first semester was awesome. I met new people living on campus, and the classes were so fun,” says Briana, a competitive intelligence systems major with a minor in forensics. Alvin Smith expects all his children to go to college. But watching his daughter succeed at RMU is extra special, because we're his alma mater too. More Pittsburgh Promise students choose Robert Morris University than any other private school.
FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS www.rmu.edu
Briana Smith Schenley H.S. Competitive intelligence systems major
Alvin Smith Business and information systems major Class of '86