Joined by more than 20 supporters, Community Empowerment Association founder Rashad Byrdsong told the Urban Redevelopment Board their practices were detrimental to the Black community in Homewood.

Byrdsong apologized in advance for his comments prior to the start of the June 9 board meeting, then charged the authority had shafted him—mainly because there were no Blacks in high management positions since Mulu Birru left as director. He said Homewood has been ignored to the point where the business corridor “looks like 1968.”

RASHAD BYRDSONG

“Take Your Father to School Day” was recently celebrated by the Pittsburgh Public Schools. We asked Pittsburghers about its lasting effect. Here’s what you said:

RONDA HODGE, JEROME JACKSON and CHRIS RICHARDSON

“I think it will for some kids; the male being a positive role model in the family, bringing it back to where it needs to be.”
Ronda Hodge
Duquesne
Medical assistant

Thanks to movies like “Blood Diamond” and “Hotel Rwanda,” Americans are becoming more and more aware of the harsh conditions in many African nations. Terroristic governments and anti-government terrorists perpetuate much of the violence in these nations and others such as Iran.

MIKE STACK

New legislation proposed by Philadelphia Sen. Mike Stack will attempt to financially weaken brutal leaders in Sudan and Iran and play a role in ­changing these horrific and threatening environments.

“The bill mandates that Pennsylvania divest from the Sudan and Iran,” said Stack. “There have been a number of movies about genocide in Africa and people see them and say how did this happen? We have to make sure there are interest groups invested in these African issues.”

Housing workshop

JUNE 19—The Mon Valley Initiative will host a Pre-Purchase Housing Workshop from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 305 East 8th Ave., Homestead. This workshop will promote homeownership in the Mon Valley through presentations made by mortgage lending and real estate professionals. The presentations will give information about lending products for low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers that includes down payment and closing cost assistance. There will be a light breakfast and lunch and will be provided. For more information, call Mike Mauer at 412-464-4000, ext. 4008 or visit www.monvalleyintiative.com.