Soul Pitt Articles, Interviews, and Reviews

Murphy Goes to the Grammy's thanks to KDKA!

2008-02-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

Murphy J. Hickerson (pictured in silver dress), Soul Pitt contributing writer and cousin of the Soul Sis, went to KDKA’s site and entered a contest to go to the Grammy’s on Feb 10th. Well surprise, surprise…she won! Read Murphy’s story about the trip and why it meant so much to win and to take her sister Tanya (pictured in blue dress). It is a distinct pleasure to write about my recent trip to

Interested in teaching in Africa?

2008-02-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Teachers for Africa ProgramThe International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH) invites applications from school teachers, college and university professors and school administrators who wish to spend one academic year helping to improve the quality of education in Cote D'Ivoire, Djibouti, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, and Senegal. Since 1992,

Rally and Dialogue - Feb 17 & 19

2008-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Rally to welcome Brother Ron Daniels, President of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century (IBW 21) to launch the campaign to organize STATE OF THE BLACK WORLD CONFERENCE II (SOBWC II) New Orleans November 19-23, 2008Sunday February 17th from 4 PM to 6 PMMonumental Baptist Church, 2041 Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh Pa. 15219Hosts: Rick Adams, SOBWC Chair of the National Planning Committee, Kim

The Plan for High School Excellence.

2008-02-07T21:15:00.000-08:00

A+ Schools and the Pittsburgh Public Schools, along with ourco-sponsors, are pleased to present a community engagement process for the continued planning of Excel.9-12, The Plan for High School Excellence. Join us for a series of community meetings to share ideas about new educational approaches to increase the rigor, personalization and choice of programs for secondary students. These meetings

Comcast Celebrates Black History Month With Special On Demand Programming

2008-02-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSK, CMCSA), the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communications, today announced special programming for Comcast customers with On Demand service in celebration of Black History Month. “Comcast is proud to honor the rich history of African Americans during Black History Month through our On Demand programming,” said Executive Vice

INCORPORATING A NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION

2008-02-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

by Eugene G. Berry, Esq.Many individuals want to do good for others, but they do not have the resources. They often call us and ask us to establish a not for profit corporation also referred to as a non-profit corporation as a way to achieve this worthy goal and this is the general advice that we have given them over the years. First, there are for profit corporations like EXXON that are in

Steeler Season is Over

2008-01-19T06:03:00.001-08:00

Well the Steeler season is over. One and done. The Jaguars advance to the next round against the New England Patriots and the Steelers have gone home. There was not much hope for the post season, the way December panned out. However, it is planning for next season. It will be an interesting free agency period: how much will Big Ben get on this contract? have we said good bye to Alan Faneca? will

ShareYour New Year Resolution

2008-01-01T23:50:00.000-08:00

So you have your resolutions made for this year and you’re gonna stick to them right?Are you planning to lose weight? Get organized? Stop Smoking? Whatever it may be, share one or a few of your resolutions that you have made this year.Click below to post your comment....

AFC North Champs

2007-12-25T18:39:00.000-08:00

So the Steelers defeated the St Louis Rams this past Thursday and not without issues. I wish I had the answers for what is not going right for this team right now. A couple of years ago, the same things happened and they went all the way to the Super Bowl. The difference? the Steelers had a goal-get Bettis to Detroit and they pulled it out when it counted most, the last quarter of the regular

DUSTING OFF DETERMINATION

2007-12-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

By Edwina L. Kaikai Thanksgiving was only one day. And it’s over. No sense in wallowing in self pity over the extras you ate. Those mashed potatoes and mounds of stuffing have already found a home on your hips. If you haven’t been moving. Chasing after kids or running from store to store searching for holiday bargains doesn’t count. All those good eats we indulged in on that one day

Words From Coach Tomlin

2007-12-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

As coach Mike Tomlin said in Tuesday’s press conference, the Steelers did not put together 2 halves of football. Special teams regress back to their usual form committing 3 penalties. A turnover when the ball from a kickoff return hit the foot of CB William Gay and was recovered by the Patriots on the Steeler 34 and Chad Jackson returning a kickoff for 39 yards giving the ball to the Pats on

Third Time Could Be a Charm

2007-12-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

Opening day, September 9th, 2002 was the last time the Steelers played at Foxboro. As 2001 Super Bowl champs, the Patriots defeated the Steelers 30-16. December 30, 2001, QB Jon Kitna and the Cincinnati Bengals exposed the Steeler secondary and defeating the Steelers 26-23 and left a gaping hole for attack by not only New England but the Oakland Raiders as well. That was then…this is now.

Mud Bowl

2007-11-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

Why is it that everytime the Steelers meet with the Dolphins it rains. Big Ben’s first game in 2004 came in place of the injured Tommy Maddox against the Dolphins. Remember there was a hurricane. 2005 preseason game at Heinz Field, there was torrential rains. Regardless of the rains, this was one mess of a game to win 3-0. Oh I know many will say to me, “you try playing a game in the rain

Will the Real Pittsburgh Steelers, please show Up!

2007-11-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

First it was Arizona, then Denver, now the Jets. These are three sub-par teams who beat the Steelers. Sunday’s game was a fiasco. Jets QB Clemens looked more like a veteran than Big Ben. The offensive line is horrendous allowing 6 sacks and I lost count on how many hurries. The defense faired no better allowing a 100 yard rusher to a running back who up to Sunday’s game rushed a total of 100

A Cross Burning in Carrick on Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Soul Pitt really appreciates Paradise Gray sending us emails to keep us abreast on the racial incidents and crime that happens around Pittsburgh. Paradise makes it a point to be up on this info and shares it with the community and media. With all the Thanksgiving celebrations and partying, you may have missed this incident in the news that Paradise shared with us about a cross burning in

The Glass Ceiling of Revolution

2007-11-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

by bonita lee penn, The Soul PittNovember 2007 Tuesday, November 13, 2007, the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh's Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion offered to the public the first in a series of panel discussions on the topic of racial discrimination. Tuesday's topics of discussion were the issues surrounding the Jena 6 incident and the question, 'Could it happen in Pittsburgh?' By now

LET’S COMMIT TO GET FIT TOGETHER

2007-11-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

By Edwina L. Kaikai The week before Thanksgiving is a crazy time to commit to a diet overhaul.Not that diet overhauls are ever easy. They aren’t, even for those of us who have lost weight and kept it off for more than a year. Even five years.That’s how long my stomach had stayed out of my lap with relative ease. Seasons had changed but my wardrobe didn’t have to

Monday Night Football Cleveland at Pittsburgh

2007-11-14T20:27:00.001-08:00

Two words about Sunday’s game against Cleveland-Special Teams (sigh)All the work put into special teams during mini camps this spring and training camp this summer and we still have a problem with special teams. It doesn’t matter that former special teams’ players, Chidi Iwouma, Sean Morey, Verron Haynes are gone. There are young players who are suppose to make an impression as to whether they

“Home for the Holidays”

2007-11-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

The Hope Lives Foundation is giving away a “Home for the Holidays” to a deserving Military family from the Pittsburgh area. Local servicemen and women can learn more at http://www.coolstuffradio.com/Pittsburgh, Pa October 2007The Hope Lives Foundation will give away a newly renovated house this holiday season to a military family experiencing hardship due to a family member’s service in Iraq or

IS YOUR PAST KEEPING YOU FROM YOUR FUTURE?

2007-11-06T21:02:00.000-08:00

By Renee P. AldrichThe brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't really go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.AnonymousThe above quote has been said many times, in many different ways. I believe so much so that so that at this point the words “you must leave the past behind” no longer has as strong a meaning as it once did. It is

8 Down- 8 to Go!

2007-10-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

Half a season is over and the Pittsburgh Steelers are just getting into the meat of their season, the title for AFC North. The Steelers are now 2-0 in division play, defeating the Cleveland Browns in Sept, Cincinnati 24-13 Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati now 2-5 (and the cellar dweller) was a team the Steelers were suppose to beat. The Bengals have a high powered offense lead by QB

Things Done in Denver

2007-10-28T16:51:00.001-07:00

So I dressed in black on Monday and pondered over what went wrong in Denver I came up with two key issues: 1) defense and 2) the run game.Defense seemed to go downhill after DE Aaron Smith injured his knee during the Bronco’s first possession. With Casey Hampton and Troy Polamalu back you would have though the defense would have been stronger. Nick Eason replaced Aaron at DE and was no more

How To Deal With A Man You're Dating When He Makes Less Money Than You?

2007-10-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

- By Gil Bryan, "The Dream Motivator"We've all been taught that money doesn't buy happiness – but this is the real world, and we all know how stressful it can be to worry about money! If you're a typical single woman, you work hard to pay bills, buy food, clothes and gas, and keep a roof over your head. You've gone through a lot to establish your financial identity. You deserve to be

Stand Up Now: Art To Heal The Village

2007-10-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

ART EXHIBITStand Up Now: Art To Heal The VillageThe Stand Up Now: "Art To Heal The Village" exhibit begins this Fall season. This special community exhibit consists of all original art work completed for the Stand Up Now Tour 2007. There will be food, drink, live dee jay and Band performances with other special accents that include: rhyme, drum, song, spoken word poetry, and new release book

Why Did I Get Married? Movie Review

2007-10-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

as reviewed by bonita lee penn, The Soul PittWhat else would a bunch of beautiful and intelligent black females do on a warm Friday evening? Go to the movies? My sisters and sisterfriends met at the Waterfront praying the 8:30pm showing of Why Did I Get Married? wasn't sold out. Well it was, we brought tickets for the 10:15pm show and headed to a nearby bar and grill to drink and stuff down some

Jena 6 Panel Discussion

2007-10-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Office of Racial Diversity and InclusionHosts Jena 6 Panel DiscussionPittsburgh, PA (October 17, 2007) - The Louisiana racial discrimination case known as Jena 6 has created a lot of attention and racial tension within the past months. In the year 2007 how can such racism still exist? Or does it? Can a Jena 6 situation happen in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area?These

The Death of A Baller

2007-10-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

Greater Love Outreach is currently accepting bookings for our 2007-2008 season of "The Death of A Baller"Booking are now being received for the 2007-2008 season of “The Death of A Baller, produced and directed by Dr. Charles Upshur. The main character, Nino Brown, is back in full force in this anti-violence drama that has a pointed message to our youth.In the late 80’s and 90’s, this inspired

Union Project Invites Community for Family Block Party the Evening of October 9

2007-10-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 9 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, the Union Project invites the community to join their neighbors for its first Monthly Block Party, an evening of family entertainment and a community dinner. The family evening will feature free festive pumpkin painting and carving.Beginning at 5:30pm, an affordable family buffet will be served by Urban Fusion Café & Catering. The healthy family

A Critical Analysis

2007-10-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

University of Pittsburgh , Department of Africana Studies presents "A Critical Analysis of the Community Benefits Agreement Process, Neighborhood Self-Determination and the One Hill Controversy"This Wed! October 10, 2007, 6:30pm Calling all Hill District, North Side, and Downtownresidents, organizations, business owners and stakeholders...If you want to win a community benefits agreement

We will be Soul Line Dancing in ‘ da’ Park

2007-10-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday October 6, 2007 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm(Weather permitting)Where: Highland Park – Upper LevelAround the first curve at the first Parking area on the left after the park entranceWhat: Practice and learn the line dances!Free and open to the public(Bring a chair……bring your own refreshments) Detroit Hustle Cleveland Shuffle Chicago Steppin Pittsburgh HustleElectric Slide Booty Call

Christmas is Comin’ Uptown - Auditions

2007-09-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

AUDITIONS*Christmas is Comin’ Uptown*Soulful Version of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol”Book by Philip Rose and Peter UdellProduced by AACTA, African American Council of the ArtsVictoria Thompson Bey – President & CEOTracey D. Turner – DirectorDr. James Alston – Musical DirectorVictoria Thompson-Bey – Executive DirectorA U D I T I O N SWHEN:Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 and Thurs., Oct. 4, 2007From 7:00

The City of Pittsburgh and African American and Hispanic Leaders to Hold Racial Equity and Empowerment Summit

2007-09-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

October 2, 2007 8:30am — 3:00pm Regional Enterprise Tower, 31st floor 425 6th Avenue , Pittsburgh, PA 15219Hosted by Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato City of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and the Racial Equity and Empowerment CoalitionMission: " To develop a process for engagement, implementation, and sustained accountability with key stakeholders to ensure greater progress towards

"Shutdown-Shutout" by Vicki Farries

2007-09-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

Shutdown-ShutoutDespite the loss to the Arizona Cardinals last week, despite the injuries to key players such as Hines Ward, Casey Hampton, Troy Polamalu and (at game time) our downfield threat Santonio Holmes, and Marvel Smith in the second half (replaced by Max Starks), the Steelers shut out their 2005 Super Bowl opponent, the Seattle Seahawks 21-0.The prognosis seemed bleak and yet despite the

Fundraising Event to Help the Youth At Shuman Center

2007-09-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

Message from Flo Taylor, Founder of ShoTime Pittsburgh:As most of you know some of us have volunteering time at Shuman Center for awhile, talking to the kids about learning to vent their frustrations properly, among other things. I have met and spoken to several musicians and they say that the best age for learning to play an instrument is the teen years.Some of the young folks out at the center

No Parking After 7am, But Blessings are 24/7!

2007-09-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

by Donna M. Baxter (AKA Soulsis)Saturday morning didn’t start out to well for me. I was in desperate need of help and didn’t know who to turn to. Eventually, after asking around, my girl Loryvonne was able to assist me at my time of need. Loryvonne being able to help me at that time was a blessing in my life. Later that day I headed downtown to check out the Philadelphia dance company -

IN SUPPORT OF JENA 6 - VOICE YOUR OPINION

2007-09-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

If you are Black and in America, you should know about Jena 6. Many Pittsburghers went down today to Jena, Louisiana to march in the protest. We wish them a safe trip and a safe march and may their presence help bring about a change. I know some of you would have liked to go, or you have a strong opionion about the situation. For those of you, like myself, who couldn’t attend they are asking

Native Pittsburgher Composer/Soloist Makes Mark in Music business

2007-09-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation, J'Aira Pryor plans a promo release celebration for her self-entitled upcoming album, “The Music in Me”. Scheduled to be held at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 7:30pm, the celebration will feature a great talented show of artist including local comedienne Deidre Lesesne aka Comma,DEE, David “The Frog” Bey, as well as local gospel trio

Turnpike Bowl #1 by Vicki Farries

2007-09-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

A win is a win especially when it’s a divisional game and the Steelers did what they were suppose to do-beat a bad team. (If you remember October 29, 2006, the Steelers lost to a bad Oakland Raiders team20-13) It’s the first game of the season. It was a must-win game. It was the inaugural game for our new head coach Mike Tomlin. Just don’t plan on purchasing the Super Bowl tickets just yet

WHO IS THAT MASKED WOMAN? BE YOURSELF

2007-09-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

by Renee P. Aldrich Persons of high self-esteem are not driven to make themselves superior to others; they do not seek to prove their value by measuring themselves against a comparative standard. Their joy is being who they are, not in being better than someone else.“Anonymous”One of the overwhelming challenges of being a woman is coming to terms with who it is we are; the media hype about what

Pre-Seaon Game 4 by Vicki Farries

2007-08-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

Let's all Welcome Vicki Back as she guides us through the2007-08 Pittsburgh Steelers Season! Every week since pre-season started the Pittsburgh Tribune Review has documented win-lose comparisons with Noll, Cowher and Tomlin’s first pre-season as head coaches. After 4 weeks, Mike Tomlin is 3-1, to Chuck Noll’s 1-3 and Bill Cowher’s 2-2. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing in my book for it’s

Wilkinsburg Community Days

2007-08-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation Promotions Committee is proud tosponsor this years’ Wilkinsburg Community Days. As part of the WCDC’s on-goingefforts to revitalize Wilkinsburg’s Business District, they have worked to create awonderful event. The 3-day festival will feature vendors, DJ, live music andactivities for the whole family. Mayor John Thompson, Wilkinsburg Borough

One Million Black Fathers Expected to Lead the 2007 March for Educational Excellence in American Schools

2007-08-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

One Million Black Fathers Expected to Lead the 2007 March for Educational Excellence in American Schools Over 204 Cities will Participate in the Largest, Organized Back-to-School Effort in U.S. History (Pittsburgh, PA) – Like an army on its way to battle, hundreds of thousands of men will wake their children, make them breakfast, check their book bags, and then take them to school on the first

14th Annual Aliquippa Art and Music Festival

2007-08-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Date: 8/29/07From: AAUD Festival CommitteeContact: Rosalyn Johnson or Jovita WilliamsPhone: 724-378-7422E-Mail: jwilliams@aaud.orghttp://www.aaud.org/art.htmlAliquippa prepares for annual FestivalAliquippa, PA: Excitement is growing for the 14th Annual Aliquippa Art andMusic Festival, scheduled for Saturday, September 15. The Festival, whichis sponsored by the Aliquippa Alliance for Unity and

THE FAIRVIEW PARK ANNUAL OLD FASHION PICNIC

2007-08-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

THE FAIRVIEW PARK ANNUAL OLD FASHION PICNICSATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007 - NOON – 6:00OLD FASHION GAMES FOR ALL AGES, PONY RIDES, PETTING ZOO, FACE PAINTING, MOONWALKING, BALLOON ART, BALL GAMES, ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE!!!FEATURING LOCAL ARTIST:CURTIS LEWIS, JR. AND FRIENDS & JAMES ZIEGLER AND ANOTHER LEVELTETHERED BALLOON RIDES (WEATHER PERMITTING)ENTER THE OLD FASHION BAKE OFF CONTESTWITH AN APPLE

HOSTILE CONFRONTATIONS – Create more Problems than they solve

2007-08-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

by Renee P. Aldrich “Anger and hatred cannot bring harmony. The noble task of arms control and disarmament cannot be accomplished by confrontation and condemnation. Hostile attitudes only serve to heat up the situation, whereas a true sense of respect gradually cools down what otherwise could become explosive….” Dalai Lama Stories about fighting, filthy language, actual verbal and/or

Montour High Student Receives Outstanding Student Award

2007-08-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Release Contact: Corporate Planners corporateplanners@yahoo.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Monday- August 6, 2007 – Montour High Student Receives Outstanding Student Award The second time around is often the best time around...And so it is for Philemon Lamont Norris I, 18 year old Senior this fall at Montour High School and son of Rev. Urie & Denise L. Norris who reside in Robinson Twp.

YA MOMZ HOUSE RECEIVES 2007 MID-ATLANTIC EMMY NOMINATION

2007-08-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFor More Information Contact:Beth SnyderBusiness Manager/ PRYa Momz House, LLCbsnyder@yamomzhouse.com412-977-7026YA MOMZ HOUSE RECEIVES 2007 MID-ATLANTIC EMMY NOMINATION(Pittsburgh, August 2, 2007) Emmai Alaquiva from Ya Momz House, a full-service recording studio located in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty section, received a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nomination. The nomination is for

Talk to Me Review by Corporate Planners

2007-08-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Although the Actor/Producer and Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle (Ralph "Peety" Greene) was the reason I attended this movie, it was the wonderfully surprising passionate performances of Chiwetel Ejiofor (Dewey the station's Program Director) and Taraji P. Henson (Ghetto fabulous and playing Greene's " lady",Vernell ) that most drove the temperature of this movie.Besides the entire movie being

Black Family Reunion Included Events & Activities (Sat & Sun)

2007-07-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2007DJ SpinningPeace in The Hood Basketball Tournament- Winners of the Basketball will receive sneakers, trophy, and a package from sponsors. The Championship team will play a game versus a celebrity team. CaricaturesDrum CallRock ClimbingMoon JumpFace PaintingLocal Musical PerformancesNational Act PerformanceNetwork TentsCommunity Activism Award- A brief award ceremony

The Gathering - August 3-5, 2007

2007-07-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Gathering is a National movement for coordination to engage organizations in a common covenant for justice and ending child incarceration. It was founded by actor/activist Harry Belafonte in 2005 after he witnessed police officers called in by school administrators put handcuffs on 5-year-old Ja'eisha Scott's wrists and ankles after a half-hour temper tantrum and took the 40-pound girl to the

“SUMMER TIME” - THE Art of Performance - Wednesday July 25, 2007

2007-07-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

“SUMMER TIME” - THE Art of Performance(Spoken Word, Music, Art, Comedy, Poetry)BIEvents at Mogul Mind LLC presents “SUMMERTIME” The Art of Performance (TAOP) on Wednesday July 25, 2007 at 8pm. This Event will take place at the Improv (Waterfront) (2 item minimum/300 seating capacity) “America’s Original Comedy Showcase and Restaurant” 166 E. Bridge Street, Homestead, PA 15120 (412).462.5233The

Stand Up Now (S.U.N.) Hip Hop Tour

2007-07-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

Stand Up Now (S.U.N.) Hip Hop TourJoin the fun... Join the family... Join the movement - The Power Is "You" So Make A Positive Change In The Community.Real Hip Hop as it's meant to be...Free Community Event! Food, Games, Fun for the whole family! Singing - Dancing - MC's - Miming - Breaking - Graffiti- Painting - Poetry - Spoken Word. All artists demonstrating positive talent from all over the

African Arts in the Park Activity Schedules

2007-07-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Stage ScheduleMellon Park, Pittsburgh PAMistress of Ceremonies:Mukwae (Princess) Wabei of the Kingdom of Barotseland of Zambia Southern AfricaSaturday, August 1111:00-11:10 Welcome & singing of the Southern African Anthem (Mukwae Wabei)11:15-11:45 Nu2u Kidz (Fashion Show)12:00-12:30 Mano Y Mano (Hip-Hop/Reggaeton)12:45-2:15 Soul Village (R&B)2:30-4:00 The Flow Band (Reggae/Calypso)4:15-5:00

Citiparks Mosaic Mural Making Workshops! FREE and open to the public

2007-07-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Come Out and Play, Pittsburgh! Announcing Citiparks Mosaic Mural Making Workshops! FREE and open to the public—July 10-30, 2007Come out and join artists Laura Jean McLaughlin and Bob Ziller and the staff of Citiparks Special Programs Unit in creating the new mosaic mural for the "Zoo Wall" in Highland Park.Over the month of July, there will be free community workshops held that will allow

THE HILL HOUSE PRESENTS "Live at the Hurricane"

2007-07-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

THE HILL HOUSE PRESENTS "Live at the Hurricane" A Monthly Event Featuring Live Jazz and "Storytelling Jams"July 12, 2007 – The Hill House Association announced today a monthly event that will highlight and pay tribute to jazz and its greatest artists called, "Live at the Hurricane." The event sponsored by the Sprout Fund and McCormack Baron Salazar, will begin on Sunday, July 15 at 5 p.m. at the

In Memory of Community Activist MAHONE INEZ DENARD

2007-07-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

MAHONE INEZ DENARDOn March 2, 1923 Inez Denard was born in Wilder, Va. to the union of Timothy Denard and Laura Geneva Ross Denard. Following the untimely death of her father at the age of twenty six, Inez and her sister Catherine moved to Tams, Va. where they were lovingly cared for by her great aunt, Ada Edwards. Under Ms. Edwards' watchful eye, Inez and Catherine were very active in church,

Submit nominations for the 2007 Racial Justice Awards

2007-07-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Award Purpose and CategoriesThrough the YWCA's Racial Justice Awards, the YWCA seeks to promote a society in which all people receive equal treatment and have equal access in the workplace, public services and spaces, through the justice system, in the classroom, and throughout the greater Pittsburgh community.For the past 16 years, the YWCA's Racial Justice Awards have recognized people and

DEATH OF A BALLER - A Play Directed by Dr. Charles Upshur

2007-07-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE Pittsburgh, PA, July 16, 2007—Nino Brown is back in “Death of A Baller” to be performed Saturday, August 4th at 1:00 P.M. in Market Square. Audiences find this dramatic production to be an exciting, original, and important play. It is skillfully produced and directed by Dr. Charles Upshur. His love and passion for souls is evident in the way that he and his wife, Dr. Marie Upshur do

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR WINGS? ARE YOU FLYING?

2007-07-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR WINGS? ARE YOU FLYING?by Renee P. Aldrich Have others recognized a gift in you and been encouraging you to go for it? Do you sometimes feel a yearning to pursue that thing that you love to do and seems to come natural to you? Have you been sitting in a job that you keep because you are afraid to move out of your comfort zone—even though you get depressed every Sunday

Vote for Lauren - NBA Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancer

2007-07-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hometown: Wexford, PAEducation: BA in CommunicationOccupation: Full-time Student at Duquesne UniversityDance Experience: 20 yearsWhy I would like to be a part of theA-Town Dancers:Through my research of NBA Dance teams, I found that Atlanta is the best fit for me. I love the choreography, brand and the city. I would love to entertain Atlanta and be an ambassador for the Hawks in the

National Minority Donor Awareness Day

2007-07-11T20:02:00.001-07:00

National Minority Donor Awareness Day, celebrated annually on August 1, is a nationwide observance to raise awareness of the desperate need for donation and transplantation within the multicultural community. Its purpose is to educate the public on the facts and the process of how to designate their decision to donate life. Approximately 51% of those on the national waiting list are minorities.

Malika Fields, Miss Princess 2007

2007-07-04T08:48:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Janelle Fields412-956-5528fieldsjnell@aol.comMISS PRINCESS INVITED TO HOLLYWOOD, CA.Malika Fields, Miss Princess 2007 winner has been invited toHollywood, California to represent Pennsylvania in a national pageant.Malika Fields, who was crowned Miss Princess 2007 at the Miss Black Teenage pageant held on Mother’s Day at Soldier’s and Sailor’s Memorial Hall will be

Black in the Kayak

2007-06-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I was invited out to the Venture Outdoors members' picnic day at the North Park Lake House. Kent Bey (Royal Tribe Founder) talked me into getting into a kayak. First I had to ask the staff helping me in the Kayak, umm what is the weight limit, cause I am not a little woman, and then I asked how often do they tip over? As an African-American woman, I also wondered what will this lake

Let's Get Together - Pt.2 by L.S.G.

2007-04-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Let me start out first by saying "Welcome to Pittsburgh!" All newcomers and visitors. Pittsburgh's black community actually surprised me. I say this because after I wrote this first article, the response from it's readers, approached me with a very aware and conscience attitude about the happenings of this city and country. Proving to me that maybe we're just lazy or despondent, but definitely

Don't go THERE with the HAIR!

2007-04-10T03:51:00.000-07:00

A review of concern about the Imus commentBy D.L. Norris"Oh no... he did not go there-did he? Honey, did he say what I think he just said?", I asked my husband.This was in response to the Don Imus remarks that were stated in a joking manner this past week on National radio and then website and television. But was he joking? And yes, Imus went all the way "there",as he refered to the Rutgers

GUMBO FEST 2007 - A REVIEW by D.L. Norris

2007-03-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

"Is that Dr. Vernell Lillie doing her thing on the dance floor to the jazzy tunes of Jimmy Sapienza's Five Guys Named Moe", I asked my husband. I asked this question as my mouth watered with anticipation for our first serving of gumbo. We were in attendance at the Afro-American Music Institutes Gumbo buffet fundraiser held this past Sunday afternoon at 4 PM. As Gumbo lovers and a preparer of

38th NAACP Image Awards by Kam Williams

2007-03-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Image Awards Upstaged by Resignation of NAACP President Judging by the 38th Annual NAACP Image Awards which aired on Fox last Friday, it appeared that the organization was really getting its act together. First of all, the show was broadcast live for the first time, as opposed to pre-recorded, which had always been the case in the past.More importantly, virtually every aspect of the program

Diary of a Tired Black Man, Film Review by Kam Williams

2007-03-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

Brow-Beaten Brother Gets Even in Thought-Provoking MelodramaIn recent years, numerous revenge-themed Hollywood adventures have seemed to take a certain delight in portraying black men as unreliable womanizers undeserving of any respect, like the sort of losers always airing their dirty linen any day of the week on The Jerry Springer Show. From Waiting to Exhale to Two Can Play That Game to

Colin on Call

2007-02-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

Colin Roach The Light the Flambeau Interview with Kam WilliamsBorn and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Colin Keith Roach migrated to New York City in 1970 before moving on to Los Angeles seven years later. He attended college out West, earning an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and a graduate degree in Public Administration from California State Dominguez Hills and California

Tasha’s Turn to Shine

2007-02-13T12:14:00.000-08:00

Tasha Smith - The Daddy’s Little Girls Interviewwith Kam WilliamsTasha Smith was born one of identical twins on February 28, 1971 in Camden, New Jersey where they were raised by their single-mom, along with a younger sister. She and her clone, Sidra, got an early start in show business, both modeling and performing in community theater.At the age of 18, the statuesque beauty moved to L.A. where

Thandie Newton: The Norbit Interview

2007-02-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

By Kam WilliamsThandiwe Newton was born in London on November 6, 1972 to a mother from Zimbabwe and British father. En route to fame and fortune, the 5’2” cutie pie would remove a “w” and a syllable from her name, which means “beloved.” This is ironic because she later played the title character in the screen adaptation of the Toni Morrison novel “Beloved.”But Thandie is probably now best known

Let's Get it Together! By L.S.G.

2007-02-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

A New Column – “From the Soul of an Outsider”From The Soul of an Outsider is a new Soul Pitt exclusive column by Lakeda Summes-Giles. This African-American female, originally from Atlanta, talks about Pittsburgh and its community from the perspective of an out-of-towner who has been in the city since 2001 and her analysis of it. Send comments/questions to outsider@thesoulpitt.com Let's Get it

Thandie is Dandy

2007-02-05T10:13:00.000-08:00

Thandie NewtonThe Norbit Interviewwith Kam WilliamsThandiwe Newton was born in London on November 6, 1972 to a mother from Zimbabweand British father. En route to fame and fortune, the 5’2” cutie piewould remove a “w” and a syllable from her name, which means “beloved.”This is ironic because she later played the title character in the screen adaptationof the Toni Morrison novel “Beloved.”But

3 Movie Reviews by D. L. Norris

2007-02-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

How exciting-hubby had promised me that we would play catch up on a couple of films this weekend. However in addition to our plan for the weekend, "God Grew Tired us us" http://www.godgrewtiredofus.com/- also screened earlier during the week. What an awesome documentary. This is a story about how three of the many thousands of the young African boys survived 10 years of wandering in the

Alicia on Her Big Screen Debut

2007-01-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys: The Smokin’ Aces Interviewwith Kam WilliamsAlicia Augello-Cook was born in New York City on January 25, 1980 to a Jamaican father (who bounced while she was still a toddler) and a mother who’s a mix of Puerto Rican, Italian and Irish. An only child, little “Lellow” was raised in Hell’s Kitchen by her doting mom who recognized she had a prodigy on her hands soon after her young

Dreamgirls Lands Most Nominations But Snubbed for Best Picture

2007-01-25T08:42:00.000-08:00

Dreamgirls Lands Most Nominations But Snubbed for Best PictureBy Kam Williams How do you explain a movie getting the most Oscar nominations yet being overlooked when it comes to Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress? That’s precisely the quandary the Academy finds itself in after announcing that Dreamgirls landed eight nominations but none in any

Lose Your Mother, Book Review by Kam Williams

2007-01-25T07:52:00.000-08:00

Lose Your Mother:A Journey along the Atlantic Slave Routeby Saidiya HartmanFarrar, Straus and Giroux288 pages, illustratedISBN: 0-374-27082-1Book Review by Kam Williams“If in the era of the trade the enslaved had been forced to forget mother, now their descendants were being encouraged to do the impossible and reclaim her… Under the stewardship of Shell Oil, USAID, and a consortium of North

Grammy Nominees by Urie Norris III

2007-01-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

And the Nominee is… Mary J Blige this year! Mary J. Blige will continue her reign of being the "soul singing diva" of our time. This year at the Grammy's, Blige will garner 8 nominations. It is no surprise why she was able to do this with her well-fit titled Breakthrough release. One of Mary J. Blige’s 8 nominations includes the highest nomination: Record of the Year. This is no surprise

Financial Literacy Program Alumni Luncheon

2007-01-07T17:31:00.000-08:00

Kudos goes to Dr. Wima Smith Beauford, Program Director, of the Financial Literacy Program as she hosted an Alumni Luncheon for graduate students on December 28, 2006. In addition to a lovely lunch at the Improv Comedy Club in Homestead, the students were presented several words of encouragement from program founder, Dr.Howard B. Slaughter Jr,who has been exceptionally instrumental with

Cedric the Cleaner: Cedric the Entertainer Interview

2007-01-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

Cedric the EntertainerThe Codename: The Cleaner Interview with Kam WilliamsCedric the Entertainer takes on dual identities in The Cleaner, a fish-out-of-water comic variation on The Bourne Identity co-starring Lucy Liu and Nicollette Sheridan. He plays an amnesiac janitor who’s convinced by a blonde temptress that he’s a special forces commando and that she’s his wife. But he’s brought back to

Blacktrospective 2006 - Annual Look Back at the Best (and Worst) in Black Cinema

2006-12-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

by Kam WilliamsHeadline: Hudson Hands DownHow do you go from American Idol also-ran to prohibitive Oscar favorite? No, don’t ask tone deaf William Hung, but rather the irrepressible Jennifer Hudson, whose screen debut as Effie in Dreamgirls has made everybody forget about Jennifer Holliday, the originator of the role on Broadway back in 1981.And although Hudson is currently enjoying all the

10 Best and 5 Worst Black Books of 2006

2006-12-28T23:05:00.000-08:00

by Kam Williams1. Diary of a Lost Girl by Kola BoofThis alternately heartbreaking and brutally-honest autobiography is not onlymy top pick of 2006, but just might be the most brilliant deconstruction ofthe plight of present-day African-Americans yet written. Born in The Sudanin March of 1972, she was orphaned at the age of seven after her parentswere murdered for speaking out against the

Color of the Cross

2006-12-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

Color of the Cross Film Review by Kam WilliamsCrucifixion Revisited with Black Jesus as Victim of Bias CrimeWas Jesus a black man? He might have been, given the features of the folks from the region of the world where he was born. He was at least more likely to look more like a brother than the generally-accepted representations of him as a fair-skinned, flaxen-haired Caucasian. Yet, Hollywood

"Denzel Vu"

2006-12-28T13:06:00.000-08:00

"Denzel Vu" The Deja Vu Interview with Kam Williams Here, two-time Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, an icon who needs no introduction, talks about his latest movie, Deja Vu, where he plays Doug Carlin, an ATF Agent who travels back in time to prevent a crime and ends up falling in love with a beautiful woman (Paula Patton) he's trying to save.KW: How does it feel to still be a sex symbol at 50?DW: