by Christian MorrowCourier Staff Writer Thanks to federal initiatives on two different fronts, Pittsburgh will see and influx of funding designed to help businesses expand and hire new employees. There is also funding for training people to acquire the skills those jobs will require. “We’re really very excited about this,” said Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone President and CEO William Generett Jr. “There were only 20 awards made out of 200 applications submitted nationally. Our group was the only one in the state to receive this funding.” WILLIAM GENERETT
Week of October-14October 8 1775—Slaves and free Blacks are officially barred by the Council of Officers from joining the Continental army to help fight for American independence from England. Nevertheless, a significant number of Blacks had already become involved in the fight and would distinguish themselves in battle. Additional Blacks were barred out of fear, especially in the South, that they would demand freedom for themselves if White America became free from Britain. 1941—National Black political leader and two-time candidate for president of the United States Jesse Jackson was born on this day in Greenville, S.C. After the 1968 assassination of Civil Rights Movement icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson, who was one of his top aides, would become the nation’s most prominent and influential civil rights leader. JESSE JACKSON
The family of 12-year-old Jolesa Barber, who was murdered on Charles Street Jan. 28, 2008 on the North Side in a hail of more than 40 rounds of ammunition, invited the media to the third anniversary of this tragedy for healing and to celebrate the joyous life she shared with family and friends as the criminal court case came to a close. The family said it has been a long road waiting for justice to prevail and the family has endured many setbacks. Now that the case has come to its final phases addressing those responsible for devastating their lives, the family thanked all those who supported them and kept them in their prayers at the vigil. FAMILY CONCERN—Rayneisa Wade; sister of Kimberly Wade and mother of shooting victim 12 year old Jolesa Barber; speaks on how it affects the family with the court ruling the same day.
Long time Pittsburgh anchor Patrice King Brown recently retired from her post at KDKA-TV so we asked Pittsburghers how they felt about her leaving, and who they thought should replace her and this is what you said: “I am sad and happy because I have enjoyed watching her. I am not originally from Pittsburgh but I remember seeing her when I came in 1973. She is a part of Pittsburgh and will be greatly missed. I do not know who should replace her.”Gail FordBloomfieldRetired
Monday, Jan. 17 was Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so we asked Pittsburghers what it was to them and this is what you said. "It means that we finally made it to freedom from all his hard work. His birthday is a day to celebrate all the trials and tribulations he went through. We will always remember him."Wilson Perry East LibertyEntrepreneur
Business series NOV. 4—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host their Business Program Series at 12:15-1 p.m. at the Downtown & Business branch, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. The topic is “Supercharge Your Career Planning.” Jeffrey Fortescue, Manager of Business and Reference at the library, will help individuals discover the library’s resume maker and their testing & education reference center. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-281-7141 or e-mail business@carnegielibrary.org.
Anniversary revival NOV. 10—Metropolitan Baptist Church, North Side, will host their 160th Church Anniversary at 7 p.m. The celebration will include a revival through Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. There will also be an anniversary worship service on Nov. 14 at 8 a.m., at 10:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, call 412-231-2554.
“Mom, look!” You probably say that a dozen times a day. There are many things you want to share with your Mom; things you’re doing and things you notice around you. Maybe it’s pretty, maybe it’s cool, or maybe it’s something very exciting. And you know what? You’re not alone. Other kids like to show their parents the things they see and hear, and in the new book “Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow” by Gary Golio, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe, you’ll read about a man who wanted to share with the world.
Claudine Veney Keys Akins of Homestead turned 100 years old Aug. 24. Akins grew up in Homestead where she was part of the first class to graduate from Homestead High School. After high school Akins got a job at Wilberforce University in Ohio where she met her first husband James “Jimmy” Keys. She was also active in Clark Memorial Baptist Church. BIRTHDAY GIRL—Standing, are from left: Grace Stevenson cousin; Jewel Garrison, cousin; Melva Arrington, cousin; Linda Smith, cousin. Sitting, from left: William Stephens, cousin; Claudine Veney Keys Akins, birthday girl and Claudine Peete, niece.
