New Pittsburgh Courier back issues from August 2008:
Drive-by in broad daylight leaves one wounded
Aug 06, 2008; ... August started off with a bang when gunfire erupted in the parking lot of a busy shopping center in the Hill District. Despite conflicting reports from residents and workers, one thing is for certain-there are some in the community who are brazen enough to stage a shootout in broad ...
Lawyer calls for wrongful death suit dismissal
Aug 06, 2008; ... Accompanied by a bodyguard, attorney Keenan Holmes told reporters outside the Lawrence County courthouse that New Castle authorities are railroading his client, Joshua Stewart. "I don't feel safe in New Castle because if they can do this to Josh, they can do it to anybody," he said. "But ...
56 of 70 homicides Black lives
Aug 06, 2008; ... 20 July murders reach new high The homicide rate for July reached the unfortunate milestone of being the highest monthly total-20-since the New Pittsburgh Courier began the "Under Attack: By Us" tally in 2006 (the previous monthly high was 14 in April 2007); that's nearly triple the ...
Record crowd attends Black Family Reunion
Aug 06, 2008; ... This past weekend Community Empowerment Association's Black Family Reunion unified Black Pittsburgh for the fifth year in a row. With two days of activities, vendors, workshops, panel discussions, and musical performances, the fifth annual Black Family Reunion proved to be fun, engaging and ...
Clairton to get new playground
Aug 06, 2008; ... Children and adults in Clairton will have a new playground to enjoy this fall thanks to the combined efforts of the Community Economic Development Corp. of Clairton, The Junior League of Pittsburgh and KaBoom! "We want to have a park area for adults to sit down in and playground ...
Metro Beat
Aug 06, 2008; ... Garfield homicide Early Tuesday morning, Zone Five police officers responded to a call of a male being shot at the corner of North Atlantic and Columbo streets in the Garfield section of Pittsburgh. Anthony Rivers, 26, was found dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the back ...
CORRECTIONS
Aug 06, 2008; ... CLARIFICATION-The story on page B6 in the July 30 edition on West African dance gave some the impression that Umoja African Arts Company and Dance Alloy operate as one. Umoja African Arts Company is not affiliated with Dance Alloy Theater. They do, however, have an outstanding collaborative ...
This Week in Black History
Aug 06, 2008; ... For the week of August 7-13 August 7 1970-Pour people, including the presiding judge, were killed during a courthouse shootout in Marin County, Calif. A group of Blacks, led by 17-year-old Jonathan Jackson, stage an assault on the courthouse in a bid to free Jackson's ...
Keeping it together
Aug 06, 2008; ... The Way I See It Fourteen years of marriage! Even when I really take the time to study it, I have no clear answer as to how we made it this far. I have asked my wife and frankly, I don't care for the way she laughs before answering me. After all is said and done, she is no clearer on how ...
Bridge repairs can create jobs
Aug 06, 2008; ... Commentary It has been a year since the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, killing 13 and injuring a hundred more. That accident prompted a formal review of the nation's bridges. The resulting report is troubling: 152,000 of the nation's 600,000 bridges are in need of a major ...
Whittling down Olam's VP options
Aug 06, 2008; ... (NNPA)-Speculation about who Barack Obama will choose as his running mate has grown as the Democratic convention draws closer. Though the candidate himself has remained silent, a short list of candidates had been vetted by a committee charged with finding a suitable vice president. Chief ...
Level playing field, on what planet?
Aug 06, 2008; ... To Tell The Truth Former President Richard M. Nixon realized the many inequities that existed throughout this nation of ours, particularly the economic aspect. Nixon recognized the fact that Blacks were being denied opportunities not only in starting a business, but also expanding an ...
Let kids be kids
Aug 06, 2008; ... Lifestyles Report When I found out that I was going to cover a Tom Thumb wedding I was thoroughly excited. This was the first such event that I've covered in my tenure at the New Pittsburgh Courier. I was about five years old when I was in a Tom Thumb wedding held at Mt. Ararat ...
Noose at Verizon acknowledged, supervisor fired
Aug 06, 2008; ... RICHMOND, Va. (NNPA)-The Verizon noose story is true. The story is still circulating among Verizon employees in the giant telecommunications company's downtown Richmond offices. In response to Free Press queries, a Verizon spokesman acknowledged last week that a company ...
Tomb Thumb Wedding
Aug 06, 2008; ... On a Saturday afternoon in June it's not unusual to see a wedding taking place at a local church. On June 28 at Wesley Center AME Zion Church, a bride and groom took "vows" to be best friends and promised not to make fun of each other and exchanged eatable rings. It was a "Tom Thumb ...
First Baptist installs Armstead
Aug 06, 2008; ... Reverend Tony Armstead was installed as the new pastor of First Baptist Church in Bridgeville July 20. "At the age of 16 I accepted Jesus Christ in my life and received my education and diploma from Schenley High School," Armstead said. He was born in Pittsburgh where he received ...
Female minister splits from Georgia AME
Aug 06, 2008; ... ATLANTA-The Right Rev. Estella Edwards Shabazz is a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and has always been inspired by its origin as a safe haven amid the religious, social and political repression of a slave-holding America. However, what she says is modern ...
Foundation helps keep husband's memory alive
Aug 06, 2008; ... Rena Dixon, founder and president of the Heart of Gold Foundation for Sarcoidosis, started the nonprofit foundation in memory of her husband, Kenneth Glen Dixon Sr., who passed away Jan. 31, 2006 from undetected cardiac sarcoidosis. Dixon said her husband lived a fulfilling life as a ...
EAT TO COMPETE
Aug 06, 2008; ... Recipes for Success Nutrition is a vital component of every athlete's training. The combination of good carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean proteins allows athletes to build muscle and stamina for their most important events. To help U.S. Olympic hopefuls be at their best during ...
A minority student's guide to attending an independent school
Aug 06, 2008; ... Coommentary Having the opportunity to attend an independent school, also known as a private school, can be an honor. But sometimes it can be challenging to adjust to for some African-American and other minority students. Of course, the academics are challenging as well, but the ...
300-plus attend Family Day at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild
Aug 06, 2008; ... In the already humid temperature of July 25, students and instructors from Manchester Craftsmen's Guild's summer session joined family and friends to watch an outdoor iron pour. "Metal casting is becoming a lost art form," said Heather Powell, MCG's coordinator of exhibitions and ...
Not preachy, but parenting
Aug 06, 2008; ... Not preachy, but parenting "Take Back Your Family" by Rev Run and Justine Simmons (with Chris Morrow) 2008 Gotham Books, $25, 273 pages) Cover To Cover Last week, you got exactly 15 words from your teenager. Your younger children were much chattier, but you can barely ...
German's 'Testify' tells horrible truth
Aug 06, 2008; ... Pittsburgh's Vanessa German is a brave soul; for what else could she be for taking on grief, social trauma, violence, racism, ignorance and the blatant disregard of Black life by White America? In her dynamic four-part, multimedia show "Testify," in a special weekend performance at the ...
Pittsburgh's ace of bass spreads the funk
Aug 06, 2008; ... The multi-dimensional Dwayne Dolphin is one of our musical gems. He is an educator, performer and record producer. "I'm making recordings for everyone's enjoyment. In addition, I still teach privately and at Duquesne University when I can," said Dwayne. "Pretty Girl," his ...
'Search' no further than Brett Williams for great jazz
Aug 06, 2008; ... 'Search' no further than Brett Williams for great jazz Review New artist Brett Williams breaks out on the scene with his sophomore jazz album, "Searching." With his skillful piano playing and versatility with sound, this young musician gives jazz a much-needed ...
OUT AND ABOUT
Aug 06, 2008; ... CJ's in the Strip District is the place to be for all your entertainment needs. Sunday is jazz night featuring different bands every week. Tuesday is karaoke night with DJ X-Man who also sings like a national star. Thursday is jazz night, which also features different jazz artists every week ....
YWCA holds financial empowerment workshop
Aug 06, 2008; ... The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh kicked off its financial empowerment workshops at the Homewood YWCA July 22. Approximately 20-plus participants were in attendance for the first workshop under the heading "Making the Commitment to Your Future." The facilitator for this particular ...
Why is gas so expensive?
Aug 06, 2008; ... The news at the pump is grim: With the average cost of a gallon of gas well above $4 and rising, people are asking, "What happened?" Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. But here is what government and industry experts say are some key factors that affect fuel prices: Rising demand, ...
Understanding retirement plans
Aug 06, 2008; ... The Carr Report You've undoubtedly heard the phrases 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth, TSP and 457 plans. Do you know what they mean? Are these the latest Levi blue jeans? Are these the new and approved Mazda, Honda or Lexus series? If you're having a difficult time sorting out the "alphabet ...
Personal Finance: Count your blessings
Aug 06, 2008; ... Money Matters As a kid, I remember listening to Arthur Godfrey, a 1950's TV star, crooning the song "Count Your Blessings," Godfrey's craggy voice forcefully belted out the refrain, "When I'm worried and I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep and I fall asleep counting my ...
Pittsburghers Speak Out: Do you think Pittsburghers appreciate its Negro League history?
Aug 06, 2008; ... The Josh Gibson Foundation hosted the third annual Negro League All-Star Gala recently. The event underscored the special connection of Pittsburgh and the Negro league through the men and women who played with the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. The New Pittsburgh Courier asked ...
Mon Valley Initiative helps mother buy house in Homestead
Aug 06, 2008; ... Can you imagine a mortgage payment that is less than the amount that you are currently paying for your'monthly rent? Well, it is possible and thanks to the help of the Mon Valley Initiative, a local woman and her family are now living in a house of their own. This past January, an ...
Little Big Men
Aug 06, 2008; ... Inside Conditions There was something special in the air in Canton, Ohio, in regards to this year's Hall of Fame induction ceremony. First of all, I would like to congratulate the class of 2008, Fred Dean, Darrell Green, Art Monk, Emmitt Thomas, Andre Tippett and Gary Zimmerman. These ...
ARTSI increases robotics outreach to Black student
Aug 13, 2008; ... They're baaaack-crawling, clutching, spinning, racing and most of all teaching. The robots of the Advancing Robotics Technology for Societal Impact Alliance are again spanning the digital divide a&d captivating students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities with their ...
Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes die
Aug 13, 2008; ... Tragic week for Black entertainers Morgan Freeman injured This past week will long be remembered as a very tragic one for Black entertainment. SoXiI music legend Isaac Hayes and comedian Bernie Mac died, while actor Morgan Freeman is recovering from a serious auto ...
Opening salvos fired in Hill grocery battle
Aug 13, 2008; ... If the cost were the same, given the choice to cross the Atlantic Ocean in either a cabin on a freighter or in a suite on the Queen Mary II, most woiud opt for the suite and the extras that come with it. The development team behind one of the grocery proposals for the Hill District seems ...
This Week in Black History
Aug 13, 2008; ... For the week of Aug. 7-13 August 14 1862-President Abraham Lincoln (for the first time) met with a group of prominent Blacks to discuss the Civil War and public policy. But before the meeting was over, he would anger those gathered. Although an outspoken opponent of the expansion ...
Two women top Green Party presidential ticket
Aug 13, 2008; ... CHICAGO (NNPA)-There is still one woman left with an active campaign to become the first female president of the United States, and her last name is not Clinton. She is Cynthia McKinney and last month she was officially named the presidential nominee of the Green Party of the United States at ...
Hands Across Pittsburgh celebrates mentoring
Aug 13, 2008; ... On Aug. 10 at the Hands Across Pittsburgh Amachi Summer Fest, the focus was on encouraging Pittsburgh's youth. The event, which brought in a crowd of moe than 400 people, was held to celebrate the five years of continued service Amachi has given to the community. "It's just an ...
Metro Beat
Aug 13, 2008; ... Second opinion The family of a Monroeville man who was Tasered by police and then died, has retained forensic pathologist Cyril H. Wecht to get a second opinion on the cause of death. The family of Andre D. Thomas does not believe the results of the initial autopsy by Allegheny ...
Baltimore appoints first Black female warden
Aug 13, 2008; ... BALTIMORE (NNPA)-After 30 years of working in corrections, Naomi Williams on Aug. 5 became the first African-American woman appointed as warden of the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center, one of the busiest booking facilities in the United States that processes between 200 and 300 ...
NEED helps students achieve their higher education aspirations
Aug 13, 2008; ... Commentary What good is sending our children to college if we don't also give them the tools to successfully complete college? With statistics showing that one in four students drop out of college during their freshman year, with many others dropping out in the years leading up ...
Two views of America
Aug 13, 2008; ... Commentary There have always been, in essence, two Americas. One, a land of promise and opportunity. The other, a land of oppression. For the most part, skin color affects how you viewed this great nation of ours. If you are Black, you are more likely to see America as a place where ...
Slaying cynicism and offering hope
Aug 13, 2008; ... The Way I See It Few things are as satisfying as proving a common sentiment false. Whether in the media or in barbershop discussions, we are often led to believe that the priorities of our young people are askew and that Black men do not take an interest in their communities. It is ...
Blighted vacant lots creating eyesores
Aug 13, 2008; ... City says its combating the problem As of last January, the number of vacant lots in Pittsburgh totaled more than 14,000. So far this year 285 structures have been demolished in Pittsburgh neighborhoods and another estimated 300 are set for demolition by the end of the year. In ...
Are we modern day slaves to grant money?
Aug 13, 2008; ... To Tell The Truth The other day I had a difference of opinion with a dear friend of mine, a person for whom I have the utmost respect. It was based on my firm belief that changes take place in the community when people cease asking and rise up and demand change. In the days when ...
Going, going, gone
Aug 13, 2008; ... Lifestyles Report Another department store is getting ready to post its closed signs. Boscov's is planning on closing its stores in Monroeville and South Hills Village. Somehow Boscov's never caught on in the old Kaufmann's space. Pittsburghers were so married to Kaufmann's it ...
Delta Jazz Fest
Aug 13, 2008; ... Each year the crowd for the Delta Jazz Fest grows and grows. More than 500 filled the ballroom of the Churchill Valley Country Club on June 21 to enjoy the sweet sounds of Baq II Baq and Flo Wilson and the Old School Band. The early evening timeframe seemed to suit the crowd just fine ....
Hard times?...we are the life of the party
Aug 13, 2008; ... DETROIT (REAL TIMES NEWS SERVICE)-Life is a party. It must be. Every week my e-mail in-box is infiltrated by a barrage of party announcements and e-vites. Theme parties, dream parties, everything and anything in between parties. Two thousand zero party over we're out of time ...Sorry ...
For some, it was a jobless summer
Aug 13, 2008; ... (BLACK COLLEGE WIRE)-Claudia Ukonu searched for three months for a summer job, to no avail. She remained unemployed throughout the summer. "I sit at home all day," said Ukonu, a sophomore marketing major at Howard University. As a slumping economy and soaring fuel prices rise to ...
Rev. Gregg celebrates a quarter century in ministry
Aug 13, 2008; ... In a profession that many see as one that should be occupied by men, one woman has managed to spend 25 years doing the work that she believes she was called to do from a higher power. Reverend Brenda J. Gregg, pastor of Greater Allen AME Church on the North Side, celebrated her 25th ...
Wrap It Up
Aug 13, 2008; ... EASY MEALS THAT GO ANYWHERE Once again, you're in a rush to pick up one child from soccer practice and take the other one to dance class -you have to feed them something, but there's no time to eat at home. What do you do? Forget fast food. Everything you need for something ...
Intriguing look into a rich past
Aug 13, 2008; ... Intriguing look into a rich past Cover To Cover When most people think of Sewickley Valley, they picture an old-fashioned, respectable, prosperous town that's brightened by beautiful landscapes full of history. What they might not know is that if s the birthplace of a thriving ...
'Let the truth be told'
Aug 13, 2008; ... Group spotlights urgent need for organ donations Some came to support, others came because of the cause, and a special few came to share-again. National Minority Donor Awareness Day spotlights the urgent need for more people of color to become organ donors and the roomful that ...
Ike's 'Good Morning' offers a new, one-of-a-kind sound
Aug 13, 2008; ... Ike's 'Good Morning' offers a new, one-of-a-kind sound Review Rising artist Joy Ike harnesses a fresh sound in her music that's eclectic enough to appeal to any music lover. Her debut full-length album, "Good Morning," is a congenial mix of funky yet soft upbeat songs with a ...
Livin' for weekend in Ohio
Aug 13, 2008; ... While visiting and "Livin' for the Weekend in Ohio," Cedar Point in Sandusky, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland or the African-American Cultural Festival and Parade in Akron are just a few of the many sites, and activities the state has to offer. Launching a multicultural ...
Panel discussion on hip-hop focused on change
Aug 13, 2008; ... Last Friday more than 30 people gathered at the Community Empowerment Association Cultural Center in Homewood to discuss hip-hop, the technology age, education, capitalist exploitation, the Black family and the Black community. The roundtable discussion was planned in conjunction with ...
OUT AND ABOUT
Aug 13, 2008; ... This week I visited the new hop spot Club Eleven in the Strip District where Charismatic Marketing, Inc held an event called "Summer Reign." The Florentine (Tim's Bar) in the Hill District was my next stop, where R&B/gospel singer Troy Pratt made a return and shocked ...
Pittsburgh gets sneak peek at national exhibition
Aug 13, 2008; ... Mobile history rolls into Pittsburgh next week when a free traveling exhibition preview pulls up to PNC Park. The North Shore stop is one of 40 nationally leading up to the "America I AM: The African American Imprint" museum exhibition set to open in November. The August Wilson ...
Bonding program graduates inaugural class
Aug 13, 2008; ... Graduates seek to expand construction businesses Toby Knight wanted to bid on installing the seating for the Pittsburgh Penguins new arena, but knew his Knight Athletics firm lacked the bonding capacity to even be considered for the job. He can bid now. "We're able to be ...
Trim your back-to-school expenses
Aug 13, 2008; ... It usually bugs me when retailers start hawking events months before they happen-like selling Halloween candy before Labor Day or displaying barbeque grills while it's still freezing outside. But sometimes a little forewarning is a good idea. Take back-to-school shopping. For something ...
Fraternity brothers form The Renaissance Grouo
Aug 13, 2008; ... In early July of 2008 friends and fraternity brothers K. Chase Patterson, Eugene D. Williams III, James N. Williams III and Royce L. Woods formed The Renaissance Group. The partnership of these four gentlemen was created with the purpose of renewing the social image of African-American ...
The three 'Cs' of credit
Aug 13, 2008; ... The Carr Report Would you lend $5,000 to a good friendassuming you have it? If so, what is the timeframe you would consider giving your friend to pay you back in full? How will you ensure that your friend will pay you back? Will you hold onto something of value from your friend to ensure ...
Motley named department head at RMU
Aug 13, 2008; ... Darlene Gambill Motley, Ph.D., has been appointed department head of management at Robert Morris University with new responsibility for the Undergraduate Business program, the Master's of Science in Human Resource program, and the Master's of Science in Non-profit Management. The undergraduate ...
Crusading communicator dies
Aug 13, 2008; ... Candace Caruthers Sept. 27, 1948-Aug. 8, 2008 In a career that focused on addressing social disparities, Candace Caruthers followed her passion and used her skills to improve the lives of those on the fringe of society and those falling through the cracks. Her dedication and ...