The Pitt News
T h e i n d e p e n d e n t s t ude nt ne w spap e r of t he U niversity of Pittsburgh | PIttnews.com | november 3, 2021 | Volume 112 | Issue 39
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GAINEY ELECTED AS FIRST BLACK MAYOR
News
Cover by Clare Sheedy & Hannah Wilson, The Pitt News Staff
OBID announces support for controversial Walnut Capital plan pittnews.com
Ed Gainey elected Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor in landslide election
Natalie Frank News Editor
Ed Gainey, a progressive Democrat, will become the first Black mayor in Pittsburgh’s history after winning the general election in a landslide on Tuesday. Gainey — who represents the 24th State House district, which includes parts of the City’s East End neighborhoods — defeated Republican nominee Tony Moreno, a former Pittsburgh police officer. The Associated Press called the race at about 10:45 p.m. As of Wednesday at 1 a.m., Gainey led by more than 28,000 votes. He had about 70% of the vote compared to Moreno’s 29%. In-person voting ran from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m and the county
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elections office received all mail-in ballots by Tuesday at 8 p.m. Gainey said at his election watch party event, which took place at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown, that he reached the mayor’s office with the help of his faith, as well as the support of the Pittsburgh community and his family — his wife, two daughters, son, mother and father. He especially credited his mother, who supported him as a single mother. “Of how to overcome obstacles in life, so that we don’t grow old, but we grow up,” Gainey said. “And in growing up, you make the types of changes that you want to see. I wouldn’t be present without my mother.” Gainey has served in his role in the Penn-
sylvania House of Representatives since 2013, and won the Democratic nomination for mayor in the May primary, defeating incumbent Bill Peduto. Moreno accepted the Republican nomination after coming in third in the Democratic primary. Gainey thanked Moreno first for a “spirited general election” and said he wishes him and his family the best. Moreno spoke to supporters at Station Square and said the “togetherness” he focused his campaign around will still be represented in Gainey’s time in office. “Now, let’s get together and go forward in the future, Pittsburgh,” Moreno said. “Let’s cure these party problems. Let’s clear out the corruption. Let’s make sure that we’re all together. Let’s make sure that we don’t fight like this anymore.” At the Gainey party, hundreds of Pittsburghers cheered in excitement and gathered around the mayor-elect. He highlighted his Pittsburgh roots, with his family being from the Hill District, him growing up on Lawn Street in South Oakland and then moving to East Liberty. Gainey — whose priorities include criminal justice reform, neighborhood and housing accessibility, environmental sustainability and youth representation in government — said he hopes the community can work together to create the “safest city in America.” Also championing affordable housing initiatives, Gainey said he will work to ensure working class families aren’t pushed or forced out of their neighborhoods, and that Pittsburgh is a diverse city that is accessible and provides opportunity for all. “We can have a City where our neighborhood lots are manicured and clean, where our kids don’t have to walk to school and see negativity, but walk to school and see clean positivity so when they get to the classroom, their mind can learn,” Gainey said. “‘We,’ ‘We,’ I didn’t say ‘I,’ I said we can do that.” Gainey’s plans also include “demilitarizing” the police force and shifting those investments
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to new training and de-escalation strategies. He said at the event that he will work to ensure the relationship between police and residents doesn’t “divide, but unifies and multiplies.” State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-23, said he is especially grateful for Gainey’s work in his neighboring 24th district. He said they have worked together to “put together a package of bills” that update Pennsylvania’s hate crime laws after the Tree of Life massacre, and he is eager to see what Gainey does in office in terms of affordable housing legislation, critical justice reform and more. “We're totally in sync, in terms of the issues that are facing the City,” Frankel said. “You know, I want to work with him to make sure that we provide him all the score we can in Harrisburg.” Frankel said the historic election of Gainey as Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor is “an incredible moment.” “I think it gives me hope for our City that an African American, who has been working in government for so many years, can bring his talents and the City recognizes it, even though the majority of the City is white,” Frankel said. “So that's a great thing for Pittsburgh.” In his speech, Gainey emphasized the importance of setting an example for children growing up in Pittsburgh. He said he wants to ensure “our children” see and get to experience the major changes Gainey and the greater Pittsburgh community wants to make for safety, the education system, diversity and more. “Look at the image that we are showing our children,” Gainey said. “I want our children to see what a city for all looks like. I want our children to see why our City is safe and we work so hard. I want our children to see why we have a world-class education system. I want our children to see the diversity that is the new America.”
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2
Opinions
Better late than never for Pitt’s vaccine mandate
The Pitt News Editorial Board
The mandate is here. Pitt finally joined the dozens of universities in Pennsylvania and hundreds nationwide that are requiring students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The University announced the mandate — which kicks in on Dec. 6 — in a campuswide email on Monday, stating its current approach to vaccination “is not sustainable in the long term.” Pitt got that right — the University planned to shell out anywhere from $20 to $50 million over the academic year testing unvaccinated students as an alternative to a full-fledged vaccine requirement. This is undoubtedly the right move, even if it comes a bit late in the game to make a huge impact. Average daily student cases are hovering in the low single digits, and more than 90% of the Pitt community at large is already vaccinated, including 95% of undergraduate students. But regardless of timing, this mandate should further whittle down case counts and strengthen the buffer between campus and a renewed surge of infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even emphasize the importance of institutions such as universities encouraging vaccination to slow the spread of COVID-19. Still, it’s worth reiterating just how much and for how long the Pitt community has supported requiring vaccines. Senate Council voted 79% in favor of a mandate on May 26 after encouragement from Faculty Assembly, and Student Government Board released a statement in solidarity 19 days later. The Pitt News Editorial Board’s support for a requirement dates back to June 23. In compliance with state law, there’s also several loopholes in the newly un-
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veiled mandate. Community members will be able to apply for medical or religious exemptions beginning next Monday — both valid reasons. The policy detailing the mandate also offers exemptions for a “strong moral or ethical conviction.” Those unable or opposed to being vaccinated for medical, religious or personal reasons cannot be targeted by the vaccine mandate, creating a relatively fixed percentage of the University population that will remain unvaccinated even with the mandate. It’s unlikely that these exemptions can be tightened while keeping the mandate legal, but this does make the question of why the mandate was so delayed
even more relevant. By offering a regular testing alternative to vaccination, the University spent a lot of time and resources catering to the slim percentage of holdouts who would be affected by a vaccine requirement. The community certainly would have benefitted from earlier implementation of a vaccine mandate. Nonetheless, it’s nice to see the University respond to the wishes of student and faculty leaders on an issue as important as public health. Even a minor dent in the University’s COVID-19 cases will make any trouble and controversy around implementing this worthwhile.
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Culture
Cherry Pitt prepares for spring launch pittnews.com
Exhibit celebrates August Wilson’s legacy
Maria Scanga Staff Writer
Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson may have passed away in 2005, but the Hill District native left a strong legacy — which the “Art for August” traveling exhibit is helping keep alive. Initiated by the August Wilson House, an organization dedicated to celebrating Wilson’s legacy and transforming his childhood home, the art exhibit invites the community to participate in this celebration. The artwork featured in the exhibit boasts the work of artists from a variety of ages, from young college-aged students to older artists. Their pieces also vary in medium, often in direct relation to the material and images of Wilson’s plays. Visitors could see a physical dress as well as portraits, paintings and drawings. Wilson wrote plays that have reached audiences far beyond the Pittsburgh area. Some of Wilson’s best known works, such as “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson,” have even been made into films. “Fences” stars A-list performers Denzel Washington and Viola Davis as the lead roles. The exhibit debuted in April at the Energy Innovation Center, a learning center in Downtown. It then came to Pitt, and will travel through other parts of the City. While at Pitt, the exhibit showcased new and original artwork created by 10 local Pittsburgh artists. Kornelia Tancheva, the director of Pitt’s University Library System, said the library system is proud to have been the first stop for the “Art for August” exhibit.
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“It is one of the events celebrating our acquisition of the August Wilson Archive, which will be officially opened to the public in January 2023,” Tancheva said. The exhibit was open from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31 to all Pitt students, staff and faculty to visit at any time while the library was open. It has now moved on from Pitt and will be displayed at nearby Carnegie Mellon University from
ian for archives and special collections, the home is marked by a historical marker despite its disheveled appearance. “The August Wilson House is primarily there to receive the funds to restore the house, and then expand the programming of the house around artists, to attract artists to come and use the house as a place of inspiration and study,” Galloway said.
In partnership with the August Wilson House, the University Library System at Pitt’s Hillman Library is the first stop of an exhibit showcasing new and original artwork created by ten local Pittsburgh artists. Aaiush Jain staff photographer Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. The August Wilson House, in conjunction with the “Art for August” traveling exhibit, is also restoring Wilson’s childhood home, which is vacant in the Hill District. According to Ed Galloway, the associate University librar-
The restoration process will result in a fully functional house for local artists and creators, rather than serve as a museum about Wilson’s life. Galloway said the August Wilson Archive, which is a collection of physical materials from
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Wilson’s life, has been obtained by Pitt Archives & Special Collections. It will serve as the hub for people to see and work with Wilson’s past, and the “Art for August” exhibit acted as a precursor to the opening of the archive and the archive’s goals. “We really hope that when we open the collection, not just for Pitt students but also with the community of the Hill District, in particular, they’ll be able to continue to do that kind of creative work based on what they're finding in the collection itself,” Galloway said. Jeff Wisniewski, a ULS spokesperson, said bringing the artwork to Hillman is really helpful for fostering conversations about Wilson and the broader issues within Black performing arts. “We are enthusiastic about partnering with local arts organizations to help foster conversations around August and his works,” Wisniewski said. “More specifically, issues of equity, diversity and inclusion.” Galloway said the artwork in the collection is the product of these local artists' appreciation for Wilson’s own creative work, specifically his plays. He added that a lot of these artists drew inspiration from his life and legacy as well. “All these artists have the love of August Wilson, a love of the Hill District and a love of his plays,” Galloway said. “They are inspired in some way by him to spur this creativity.”
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4
Sports
Greek natives bring international experience to WBB pittnews.com
Men’s basketball hopes to recover from roster turnover in Capel’s fourth year
Jermaine Sykes For The Pitt News
Pitt men’s basketball head coach Jeff Capel will have a big task ahead of him in his fourth season at the helm. The Panthers began the season 8-2 in 2020, but ended the season by losing 10 out of their final 12 games, finishing with a 10-12 record and a 6-10 mark in ACC play. This season, roster turnover has left expectations low. ACC media picked the Panthers to finish 14th in the ACC, and they have just a .5% chance of winning the ACC. Departures Former sophomore forward Justin Champagnie was the biggest loss for Pitt this offseason. Champagnie led the Panthers in points, blocks and rebounds per game during the 2020 season and declared for the NBA Draft in May. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Toronto Raptors. Other key departures include guards Xavier Johnson, Au’Diese Toney, Gerald Drumgoole Jr. and forwards Abdoul Karim Coulibaly and Terrell Brown, who all entered the transfer portal. The loss of Champagnie, Johnson and Toney means that Pitt will have to replace its top three scorers from last season. The losses of Johnson and Toney raised a lot of questions about the health of Capel’s program. The guards left the Panthers midseason following a major losing streak, but Capel was undeterred publicly. “Long term, I don’t see any effects, to be honest with you,” Capel said following the exodus last season. Additions Pitt added depth at guard by signing former Texas Tech guard Jamarius Burton, a 6-foot-4 senior guard with NCAA tournament experience who could potentially serve as a captain for this young Pitt roster. Players have only been on campus since the end of June, but Burton has already begun making a name for himself. Capel applauded Burton’s commitment to establishing a winning culture.
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“[Burton]’s done a good job since he’s been here,” Capel said. “He’s been 10 toes down, both feet in … He’s tried to figure out how he can best impact us for winning.” Sophomore John Hugley also had high praise for Burton through training camp. “Having Jamarius [Burton] around is a great thing, him just being that vocal leader,” Hugley said. “For me, when he first came, I had never played with a teammate like him.” Stony Brook transfer Mouhamadou Gueye had an exceptional senior season in 2020-21, averaging 9.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game for the Seawolves and earning America East Defensive Player of the Year honors. Forward Daniel Oladapo, a senior transfer from Oakland University, also had a productive 2020-21 season. In 30 games, Oladapo averaged 12.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Gueye and Oladapo, along with first-year forward Nate Santos from Connecticut, will add depth to Pitt’s frontcourt to replace Champagnie and Coulibaly. Returners The transfer portal demolished Pitt last season, taking five scholarship players. Pitt will need production from returning players to help it stay afloat in the ACC. Hugley will be the x-factor in Pitt’s frontcourt this year. Legal issues derailed Hugley’s first season, but in his seven games last season, he led all returners in rebounds per game. When asked about his improvement from year one to two, Hugley said he’s grown physically and mentally. “I feel like going into my second year — the first thing is, I’m much more in shape,” Hugley said. “But the biggest thing is that I’m more disciplined in year two.” Good production out of him will lead to great success and another good year in rebounding for Pitt. Sophomore Noah Collier will also be big for the Pitt frontcourt. A four-star recruit coming into Pitt, a year of development should allow for him to have a predominant role in the Panthers’ frontcourt rotation.
Along with Burton, the Pitt backcourt will be led by second-year guard Femi Odukale and Nike Sibande. Odukale averaged 6.6 points and 2.2 assists per game in 2020-21 and started Pitt’s last five games due to the transfers of Johnson and Toney. Sibande, a fifth-year senior, will have a big role in the Panther offense. After three seasons at Miami University in Ohio, Sibande averaged 6.9 points per game in 2020-21 and, with a less crowded backcourt, should take on a role as a major scorer. But the player who can make the biggest impact on this team with positive progression in his second season is sophomore forward Will Jeffress. The then 17-year-old Jeffress averaged
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just 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in 2020 after entering as Pitt’s second highest-rated player in the recruiting class. Jeffress, with his 6-foot-7 frame and a true offseason in the books, should take a big leap and produce at a level consistent with the hype he garnered coming out of high school. Outlook Capel, despite all the adversity and questions going into the season, believes that if everyone buys into the program, only success will follow. “We have to do it the right way, and if we do we will win the right way,” Capel said.
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5
Women’s basketball counting on continuity this season
Will McGlynn For The Pitt News
After a disappointing loss to Boston College in the ACC tournament last year, Pitt women’s basketball is back, with lots of familiar faces ready to avenge last year’s defeat. This team boasts an experienced roster this season, full of seasoned veterans determined to overcome an underdog label. The Panthers lost just one member of last year’s starting five. Pitt retained its leading scorer in senior guard Jayla Everett, and fellow starters junior starting point guard Dayshanette Harris, junior shot-blocking forward Rita Igbokwe and junior forward Amber Brown — a key rebounder. This season is all about “leveling up” in the college basketball world for the Panthers. Head coach Lance White said the key to taking that next step lies in his team’s mentality. “Whenever you take that jump, as a program, it’s about mentality,” White said. “We were in a lot of games last season but now we need to learn how to win them.“ The Panthers come in with lots of experience and offensive firepower. Harris looks to
lead this team with another stellar season after finishing third in the ACC in assists and first among the Panthers in steals in just her sophomore season. Harris explained that her distributing really opened up the floor for herself and everyone else to be successful on offense. “I really just focus on trying to get my teammates involved and getting them open shots,”
Harris said. White said his team could play lots of inside-out ball this season with a strong paint presence in Igbokwe and fifth-year transfer from Youngstown State, Mary Dunn, as well as good shooting on the perimeter. He also said he thinks the team can run the ball in transition. “I want to be a coach of a team that scores 80 points per game,” White said. “We’re going to
The Pitt women’s basketball team crowds around head coach Lance White during a game against Boston College last season. Images courtesy of Pitt Athletics
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run the basketball and really be an exciting team that will run the ball in the transition off steals.” Jayla Everett was last year’s leading scorer, and the offensive star is poised for a stellar senior season as well. Everett shot 35% from three and finished eighth in the conference in scoring last season. Everett was also just the second Panther to ever earn All-ACC honors when she was named an all-conference honorable mention last season. “My last two seasons I have really just focused on shooting the ball,” Everett said. “But this season I feel like I have expanded my game with driving and pull-up jumpers.” The team struggled last season on the defensive side of the ball, giving up the most points per game in the ACC last year. White explained that rebounding could open up more opportunities for full-court and on-ball pressure, especially given how much depth the team has. “One of our biggest challenges has been defensive rebounding,” White said. “If we can get those rebounds and limit teams to one shot, that will really help us.” Everett also said she feels a lot more confident going into this year because it feels like she and her teammates really understand the purpose of their defensive scheme. “A lot of us are starting to understand what the defense is for, and aren’t just out there doing the defense,” Everett said. “I think we trust each other a lot more now, as far as being in the lane.” There is a real sense of family that brings the new and old players together, according to Everett. Even after a fairly successful first two years, during which she earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors, Everett decided to enter the transfer portal and move from New Mexico to Pittsburgh going into her junior season. “I don’t think a lot of people understand that this really is a family atmosphere,” Everett said. “I just felt welcomed here.” The Panthers have brought in some new faces to aid their returning starters as well, such as 6-foot-3 fifth-year forward Mary Dunn. Dunn was a star at Youngstown State, putting up 16.4 points per game, along with 5.9 rebounds per game on an efficient 51.4% field goal percentage in her senior season. “Mary brings maturity and an understanding of the game,” White said. “She is used to being the best player on the court, and brings tons of confidence.”
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