The African American Heritage Day Parade was held Oct. 2 so we asked Pittsburghers what they felt about it. Here’s what you said. “It’s important for us as African-Americans to be represented in a positive light.”Serene SmithOffice workerOakland SERENE SMITH, MELISSA TAYLOR, ANNIE WILLIAMS-CARTER
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala said he would investigate concerns of racial bias raised after Common Pleas Judge Joseph K. Williams Jr. refused a plea agreement last week. Williams made national headlines when he declined a plea deal for a first time offender because he said prosecutors only make those deals for “White boys.” JUDGE JOSEPH K. WILLIAMS Williams, who recused himself from the case, declined to talk to the New Pittsburgh Courier regarding his statement. “I don’t see a racial component here, but if a judge raises the issue, it’s incumbent upon me to look into it,” said Zappala. “Judge Williams is in a responsible position, so we take this seriously.”
With his traditionally lighthearted and comedic demeanor, Pittsburgh Public School District Superintendent Mark Roosevelt announced last week he will resign, after holding the position for five years. “I stand before you all a very grateful person. I am confident leaving,” Roosevelt said. “I think I’m someone who sees possibilities and makes a turnaround come to life and that’s why I think my work is done in Pittsburgh.” RIVALS—Mark Roosevelt, left, and Mark Brentley share a laugh as they shake hands after the press conference. (Photo by J.L. Martello) At a Oct. 6 press conference, Roosevelt said he is the finalist for a position as president of Antioch College in Ohio. Whether or not he is offered the position, he said he intends to resign Dec. 31 of this year and maybe even seek employment with the Pittsburgh media, he joked.
At the New Pittsburgh Courier’s 50 Men of Excellence Awards reception, former, future and current honorees gathered with family and friends to celebrate their achievements. Adding to this year’s festivities, the Courier selected three local legends to honor with Legacy Awards. “The Legacy honorees have been leading this city for a very long time and it’s great to be following in their footsteps,” said John Wallace, one of this year’s 50 Men of Excellence. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be recognized with all of these men. It’s a great opportunity to recognize men who don’t get recognized.” LEGACY AWARDS—From left: Robert M. Lavelle, who accepted an award on behalf of his father, Robert R. Lavelle, with Legacy honorees Robert Pitts and Wendell Freeland. (Photo by J.L. Martello) Legacy honorees Wendell Freeland, Robert Pitts and Robert Lavelle have been civil rights icons in Pittsburgh for several decades. Their efforts to fight for equality and to improve living conditions in African-American communities can still be felt in the city today.
by Christian MorrowCourier Staff Writer The same group of independent contractors who sued to stop the Community College of Allegheny County from entering into a Project Labor Agreement that would require union labor on the K. Leroy Irvis Science Center project, has filed a similar suit against the Penn Hills School District. The Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Pennsylvania filed suit claiming the school board used a biased report to justify voting to establish a Project Labor Agreement with building trade unions for its upcoming high school construction. The study cost $15,000.
Roundtable OCT. 15—Talk Magazine will host an African-American/Latino Roundtable at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Philadelphia West, 4010 City Ave., Philadelphia. This free two-day seminar will feature several guests from the African-American and Latino community discussing issues and solutions for how to build a stronger community. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-823-4007 or e-mail talk.roundtable@ljspublishing.com.
After five years as superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public School District, Mark Roosevelt has announced he will be resigning. “I stand before you all a very grateful person. I am confident leaving,” Roosevelt said. “I think I’m someone who sees possibilities and makes a turn around come to life and that’s why I think my work is done in Pittsburgh.” At a press conference on Oct. 6 Roosevelt said he is the finalist for a position as president of Antioch College in Ohio. Whether or not he is offered the position, he said he intends to leave his current position on Dec. 31 of this year. MARK ROOSEVELT
Last year at this time, Allegheny County had an end of September count of 64 homicides and only six for the month, but this year there has been a significant increase. This year September brings a number of 74 total homicides for the year and 11 for the month. That is almost twice as many as last year, plus every person this month was Black. What also adds to the sadness of knowing that each person on this list did not have to die, but that exactly half of the lives lost were young Black people under the age of 30.
After two years in their new location, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh threw an open house to show off their facilities and remind the public of the services they offer. The event on Sept. 29 also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the national Urban League. HISTORY THROUGH ART—Artist Leslie Ansley reflects on her mural with Esther Bush. (Photo by J.L. Martello) “We are celebrating 100 years of the national Urban League movement and for Pittsburgh 92 years of being an affiliate,” said Urban League President and CEO, Esther Bush. “It’s 100 years of a beautiful, long legacy. A legacy that has tried to help the African-American community develop into its own as Americans. As we look back at the past 100 years, through the Civil Rights Movement, I am very proud.”
by Armon GilliamFor New Pittsburgh Courier (Washington, Pa.)—The LeMoyne Center has provided much needed community services to the people of Washington, Pa., since 1956. However, after being shut down for a brief period, they are celebrating the ground breaking for the expansion of the center. Through a multi-faceted approach to learning, people of all ages are being taught valuable knowledge, learning life lessons and developing professional skills at the LeMoyne Center. Although many who use the services offered at the center are from very trying circumstances, they are learning how to live productive lives. GROUND BREAKING—From left: Former Steeler Delton Hall, Giant Eagle; Commissioner Larry Maggi; Carmelle Nickens Phillips, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh; Jim DeNova, Benedum Foundation; Joyce Ellis, LeMoyne Center; Commissioner Bracken Burns; Commissioner Diana L. Irey; Armon Gilliam and Darlene Bigler, Community Action Southwest.
