President Barack Obama pushed his health care reforms on five morning news shows Sept. 20, an unprecedented presidential feat that has stirred debate over whether Obama has hit the point of overexposure. This comes after last weekend’s “60 Minutes” appearance, a recent turn in “Men’s Health” and, for those who are really counting, a total of 117 media interviews (66 for TV) in his eight months as president. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
Eight years ago, in the aftermath of the tragic events of Sept. 11, Robert Thomas and his wife Cynthia staged the first Stop the Violence Rally. Since that time, the rally has served as a yearly reminder of the need for peace in the Hill District and throughout the world. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS —Robert Thomas welcomes the crowd to the rally and thanks the many contributors. “Whether it’s local or across the country, it’s violence,” Robert Thomas said. “That same year, here in Pittsburgh, we had the tragedy of 12 murders in a four-block area.”
by Talibah Chikwen (NNPA) - People from across the county flowed into the west end of the National Mall, in front of the Capital Building, on Sept. 12 in a march organized by Freedomworks, Tea Party Express and several other groups. The goal of the march seemed to be determined by who was speaking at the time. Brenden Steinhauser, grassroots director of Freedomworks, a group headed by former Congressman Dick Armey, said the message of the march was, "Big government isn't popular, whether it's done by Republicans or Democrats. Demostrators holds up banners during the taxpayer rally at Freedom Plaza in Washington Sept. 12. Thousands of fiscal conservatives have packed streets in the nationís capital to protest what they consider the federal governmentís out-of-control spending.
The standings are changing in the ACMFL with two ‘leap-frogs’ in the standings. Let’s give a round of applause for Wilkinsburg and West Pittsburgh for making their jumps and getting themselves in condition for championship contention. Also, big “ups” to North Shore organization, who split the series with the number one seeded Hill District team that only had one loss coming into the last weekend of the season. Last but certainly not least, we want to give a special shout out to the Baby Twerps team of the Homewood Bulldawgs. They are ripping their competition with a 4-0-1 record. This is who will do battle this week: OFFENSE FIREWORKS—Northside Steelers wide receiver Mark Peters takes this one to the house as the Steelers offense visited the end zone many times. Northside quarterback Blaze Canning (5) scored five touchdowns in this game.
Ushered into the White House on a tide of desired change that followed changes in society, particularly the nation’s demographics, President Barack Obama is now the icon for change, and for many angry, frightened Whites, the icon for all that is wrong with America.His iconic existence facilitates the anger of those angry Whites who ignored the eight years of wanton warfare and economic depravity waged by George W and facilitates singular focus on the rapid changes sought by the nation’s first Black president. DARRYL JAMES
For the second year in a row, the New Pittsburgh Courier’s 50 Women of Excellence gathered in the Westin Convention Center to be recognized for their achievements. “We are pleased to honor you today to showcase your achievements and honor your commitment to the community,” said WPXI-TV news anchor Vince Simms, the master of ceremonies.
At the AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh, President Barack Obama continued his push for health care reform. His speech on Sept. 15 in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center was delivered to a crowd of union members from across the country, overwhelmingly in support of his mission. PUSHING HEALTH CARE—President Barack Obama addresses the delegates attending the AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh. “We have talked this issue to death. Nothing in the plan will require you to change your coverage or your doctor,” Obama said. “In the United States of America, no one should have to go broke just because they got sick.”
Whether fighting in Korea or for civil rights in the streets of Pittsburgh, Harvey Adams Jr. was a soldier. And he received a soldier’s farewell from the U.S. Army honor guard that joined more than 300 friends at his funeral. HONORED SERVICE—A U.S. Army honor guard presents Harvey Adams’ widow, Shirley, with the flag that covered his casket during his funeral service at Bethel AME Church in the Hill District. Adams, who died Sept. 7, was lauded as a man of action, who in his role as a police officer, president of the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch and a director of the city’s housing authority police, helped transform Pittsburgh and its police force in particular, to the betterment of African-Americans and women.
It takes a lot to surprise Mark Smith. He was once in the Guinness Book of World Records for having (now) 23 pacemakers installed in his chest since he was two years old and travels to UPMC McKeesport three times a week for kidney dialysis treatments. BUSTED—Heart and kidney patient Mark Smith points to where constables damaged his front door and its combination lock that can allow paramedics to reach him in an emergency. But at midnight on Aug. 25, a group of Allegheny County constables did surprise Smith by breaking down his door and restraining him and his daughter. They had come to serve a warrant for unpaid child support.
For the seventh year, the Sprout Fund hosted its annual showcase of supported programs and projects. Among the programs highlighted at this year’s Hot House on Aug. 29 were the Legacy Arts Project and SponsorChange. SponsorChange is an online community where graduates receive direct student loan payments for volunteering. The site also serves as a social networking medium, where participants can share their experiences while promoting an overall dedication to volunteerism. HOT HOUSE—News anchor Brenda Waters, second from left, and Emmai Alaquiva from WAMO, center, with other guests at the Sprout Fund event.
