The Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Community Empowerment Association are in the midst of a battle over a building property in the Homewood neighborhood (see “CEA fights battle on two fronts” in the Dec. 2 issue).

Both organizations issued proposals to buy the building currently being leased by the CEA, an organization working to reduce crime and violence across the city. However, the Homewood Brushton Revitalization and Development Corp. that owns the property selected Alpha Phi Alpha to buy the building.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA— Chase Patterson serves as spokesman for the Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter’s Housing Committee.

Since that time, CEA founder Rashad Byrdsong has released statements questioning the fairness of the bidding process and the intentions of Alphas. Members of the Alphas have taken offense to Byrdsong’s comments which they feel have cast their organization in a negative light.

by Joe Mandak

PENN HILLS, Pa. (AP)— A parolee wearing an electronic ankle bracelet fatally shot a man at his home over a $500 drug debt, then walked outside and opened fire on a patrol car, killing an officer awaiting backup, authorities said.

Penn Hills police Officer Michael Crawshaw, 32, was the first to respond to a 911 call made around 8:20 p.m. Sunday. Crawshaw was advised to wait in his patrol car because of past problems reported at the home and because dispatchers heard shots over the phone, Penn Hills Chief Howard Burton said.

RONALD ROBINSON and OFFICER MICHAEL CRAWSHAW

Ronald Robinson, 32, opened fire with an assault rifle as he approached the car, Allegheny County Police Superintendent Charles Moffatt said Monday.

“He didn’t go rushing in by himself; he wasn’t (trying to be) a hero,” Burton said of Crawshaw.

On Dec. 4, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh held its 14th annual Ronald H. Brown Leadership Gala to once again honor those who have made a positive impact on the African-American community.

“For the past 13 years, this gala has offered a great opportunity for the Urban League to identify and acknowledge individuals and organizations that help African-Americans achieve economic self-resilience, parity and power and civil rights in our region,” said Murry Gerber, honorary chairman and chairman and CEO of EQT. “And by highlighting these individuals and organizations, the Urban League encourages all of us to step up to the plate and do our part.”

LEADERSHIP GALA—From left: James Barnes, Urban League Chairman, board of directors and wife, Elizabeth Barnes; Esther Bush; Carol Byrom Conrad, daughter of Fletcher Byrom; Elsie Hillman and husband, Henry Hillman; Susan Byrom, daughter of Fletcher Byrom; Marcia Sturdivant; and Evan Frazier.

More than 400 guests attended the benefit at the Westin Convention Center, raising more than $300,000 for the Urban League.