PITTSBURGH, Pa.—TeenBloc, a coalition of student leaders and organizers in Pittsburgh’s high schools whose purpose is to raise the student voice and create positive...
CHANGING OF THE GUARD—Rev. Dr. J. Van Alfred Winsett, pastor emeritus, hands over the church’s bible to Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell. For more than a year, Ebenezer Baptist Church, in the historic Hill District, was without a senior pastor after the retirement of their longtime shepherd Rev. Dr. J. Van Alfred Winsett in May 2012. But the church that has overcome many obstacles, including two fires and a major rebuild, now welcomes new leadership into their next era under the direction of their new pastor-Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell of Nashville, Tenn.
TAKING A STAND—Bartender Latika Pamplin and Pittsburgh police officer Brenda Tate pose with signs on the Black Beauty Lounge’s windows, warning shoplifters never to come inside. (Photos by J.L. Martello) Within hours of the Hicks family opening their SHOP ‘n SAVE in the Hill District in the 1980s, boosters were selling cartloads of merchandise two blocks away. Add to that the employees “giving away” huge quantities of inventory and the store failed in short order; killing any chance of revitalizing the Hill for 30 years. The term “booster,” said Pittsburgh Police Spokesperson Diane Richard, is a professional shoplifter, as opposed to, say, a teenager taking a pack of gum.
DELORES MOSELEY, from the Hill District, said, ”It took a long time coming and I hope we can keep it ‘cause God knows we need this. I’m tired of getting jitneys and getting rides to way out where.” EUGENE McCARTHY, from the Hill, said, “If there was one thing I would say is that they did a good job in here, I love it and I hope it stays.” SHAFFE SCOTT, from the Hill, said, “It’s good and I think it real convenient for us and we don’t have to go to the South Side or any other side of town. It’s well needed and it’s been a long time since we needed it and I’m happy it’s here finally. If this wasn’t here I would be going to the Bottom Dollar in the North Hills and I love it, but now I’m going to love SHOP ‘n SAVE.” ANGELA BURKS, from the Hill, said, “It’s very enlightening and I enjoy working with people. I would be going to the South Side to go shopping.”
AT LAST—Linda Imani Barett celebrates finally being able to buy groceries in her neighborhood. (Photo by J.L. Martello) by Christian MorrowCourier Staff WriterApparently, waiting 30 years and one day for a new grocery store is too long for some Hill District residents. The day before its scheduled opening, Heldman Plaza SHOP ‘n SAVE operator Jeff Ross went to check on the store and found “shoppers” roaming the aisles.
In life and on stage with his Gibson Super 400 guitar, Jimmy Ponder was a force of nature because he blew people away. From the Hill District, to Manhattan, to Atlanta and beyond, he epitomized the Pittsburgh jazz guitar legacy. He died Sept. 16 after battling cancer for more than a year. He was 67.
Jomonna Smith listens to her children, 12-year-old Mon'Dayja and 9-year-old Mon'Dae, answer the doctor's questions about school, chores and their health. (Public Source Photo/Alexandra Kanik) by Halle Stockton (Public Source)--Jomonna Smith, a 30-year-old woman, held her last job in 2008 as a store cashier. She is a single mother of three children, making ends meet with government assistance, styling hair on the side and a bit of family help. She relies on buses to get around and pays $301 a month to live in a public housing project in Braddock, a borough southeast of Pittsburgh. But she craves more for herself and her children.
LOUIS 'HOP' KENDRICK I went to Strong’s Cleaners on Frankstown Avenue to pick up my clothes and a conversation took place about the renovation of Homewood and I responded by stating it would be long range. Eric Strong the owner replied, “If it’s long range then those of us who are in business currently will be gone.”
