Disparities in mainstream media depictions of Black males pile on to an already bleak scenario that impedes the potential of progress. A day-long invitation-only summit presented by the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Public Affairs reviewed results of a study commissioned by the Heinz Endowments to research the content of local news coverage of young Black males in the media. The findings underscored and gave credence to the perception and prevalence of stereotypical views of Black males. In many instances it serves to reinforce negative images. LARRY E. DAVIS Keynote speaker Mark Lamont Hill, PhD., an English professor at Columbia University, activist and media commentator, referenced a notion of remembrance based a historical context that fits a preferred narrative of stereotypical images that contribute to public policies.
According to the 2004 Census, African-American doctors make up only 2.3 percent of all doctors in the United States. Though the number had been steadily rising for three decades since the 1960s, it became stagnant in the 21st century. This year’s Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh State of Black Pittsburgh on Oct. 29 featured three African-American male doctors who use their success to motivate Black youth. Their organization, The Three Doctors Foundation aims to improve the quality of life among inner city youth and families by promoting the importance of education. DR. SAMPSON DAVIS, DR. GEORGE JENKINS and DR. RAMECK HUNT (Photos by J.L. Martello) “If you don’t get your education you will struggle for the rest of your life. It’s simple,” said Dr. Rameck Hunt, a board certified internist at University Medical Center at Princeton and assistant professor of medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “We have to nurture our young people. We are in blighted communities; our houses are broken. We have to nurture these seeds because if you just let them lay on the ground, they’re going to die. We have to raise the bar.”
After more than four years of working as an aide to Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Doyle, K. Chase Patterson has resigned from his position to begin a new business venture that will offer services to assist corporations in their efforts to diversify their companies and bring new talent to the region. K. CHASE PATTERSON Patterson, Doyle’s former liaison to the Departments of Homeland Security, Immigration, State and Education, has left his position and partnered with Chuck Sanders, to become the CEO and president of Corporate Diversity Associates, LLC, a cost effective and innovative talent acquisition service that supports corporations and institutions in their diversity and inclusion efforts of recruiting, retaining and relocating top minority talent to the Pittsburgh area and surrounding region. Sanders will also serve as the chief advisor.
At a two-day conference hosted by the Community Empowerment Association Oct. 26-27, a series of workshops, sessions, and speeches aimed at addressing issues in the African-American community, revealed the interconnected nature of education, mental health, the economy and the criminal justice system in relation to Black-on-Black violence. DEBORAH PROTHROW-STITH
by Kimberly Hefling WASHINGTON (AP)—Education Secretary Arne Duncan said allegations of sexual abuse involving Penn State University are heartbreaking and make him “extraordinarily angry.” If the allegations are proven true, it’s “mind boggling” that it was allowed to go on for so long, Duncan told The Associated Press in an interview on Monday. He said educators have an “absolute moral, ethical and legal responsibility” to protect kids. “If a blind eye was turned towards it, or if the allegations were somewhat buried or not taken seriously, well, you’re actually perpetuating the problem,” Duncan said. “You’re giving the abuser more opportunities to hurt more kids. I just can’t fathom that.”
The Nov. 7 Pittsburgh Public School District School Board meeting saw a number of issues brought to the table. Thrown into consideration was the sale of school buildings, preliminary 2012 budget, realignment plan, and both surprisingly and unsurprisingly, the elimination of single-gendered classes at the Academy at Westinghouse. “I think we’ve reached a level now where the direction and the movement we’re moving in as a district has nothing to do with education. (Superintendant Linda Lane) threw together, selling of buildings, closing schools, and the budget all in one big swoop,” said District 8 School Board Representatives Mark Brentley. “I have zero confidence in Dr. Lane and her administration. I did ask for her resignation. I believe there’s a total disconnect here. She refuses to break the mold.” LINDA LANE The district’s recommendation to eliminate single-gender classes at Westinghouse came as a result of notification from the American Civil Liberties Union and the Women’s Law Project of their intent to file a complaint against the District challenging the single-gender programming at Westinghouse.
Though the temperature has dropped, the size of the crowd at the Occupy Pittsburgh camp beside BNY Mellon has not. The encampment at Mellon Green adjacent to BNY Mellon still includes about 200 people. Many, like Jeff Chech are employed, in their mid-late 20s, and only come to the encampment in the evenings or on weekends. Others are students, and still others are homeless. UNITED WE STAND—Members of New York City’s Occupy The Hood movement Malik Rhasaan, Preach Daimond and “Rithm” George Martinez join Paradise Gray and Jasiri X at Mellon Green. (Photo by J.L. Martello) “There’s a fair amount of young people. But we’ve got people in their 60s, too,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of homeless at the camp and they’ve been helpful, in the medical tent, in the kitchen, handing out food and supplies—one is organizing our donations. This last weekend, one homeless guy helped fix my leaking tent. If you look at 99 percent—it’s them. They are the ones in need.” Chech also said, contrary to some talk he’s heard, there are a fair number of African-Americans at the camp.
by M. Abdul-Qawiyy Drug use is not going away, Jonathan Calkins, co-author of “Drugs and Drug Policy: What Everyone Needs to Know,” said during a “War on Drugs” forum held at the Morningside Church of God in Christ. Hosted by the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation, the discussion was to examine whether or not the “War on Drugs,” launched 40 years ago by the federal government, should be abandoned and, if any, what new approaches should be implemented. “The war on drugs assumes that the use of drugs or the drug problem can be solved. I think that’s not the correct phrasing, instead can we, realistically, make the problem smaller? Yes,” Calkins said. Calkins was also joined by panelists Rev. J. David Else and Zone 5 Police Commander Tim O’Connor, whose opinions differed on drug policy.
The new Tower at PNC Plaza project will take four years and cost $400 million, and the company is attempting to see that Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises take part in the project with a proactive recruiting effort. Last month PNC Director of Development John Robinson sent out a mass email to nearly 80 M/WBE contractors asking them to register for a contractor meeting with the PNC Diversity Team and representatives from construction manager P.J. Dick scheduled for Nov. 16 at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. He said the outreach effort is part of PNCs’ commitment to strengthening local communities. “PNC is committed to strengthening local communities and businesses in each of the regions we serve,” he said. “We realize that diversity initiatives make good business sense and provide opportunities for continued growth.”
Education conference NOV. 12—The Hill District Education Council will host the 3rd Annual “Summoning the Village” Education Conference from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Milliones U-Prep, 3117 Centre Ave., Hill District. This is to empower parents and the community to create a culture of educational excellence. Topics to be discussed include, bullying, raising an African-American male child, mentoring and mental health concerns. Childcare, breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information, call 412-621-3341.
