The Second Annual Black Diamond Ball of 2009 honored key individuals from various institutions in the greater Pittsburgh area who have been instrumental in making the integration an effortless evolution for African refugees, students and immigrants in Pittsburgh.

ROBERT O. AGBEDE, president and CEO, Chester Engineers Inc., receipent of the Nelson Mandela Leadership and Diversity award from Afrika Yetu, during the Black Diamond Ball, held at the August Wilson Center, award winner.

A Nelson Mandela Leadership and Diversity Award to the honorees.

New legislation consideration

AP—Pittsburgh City Council is considering a packet of legislation that would force business owners to pay a prevailing wage and make their buildings and vehicles environmentally friendly if they receive public subsidies to build them. Unions have lobbied city council to pass such rules.

Council President Doug Shield introduced a bill requiring janitors, kitchen workers and grocery employees to be paid a prevailing wage of $11 an hour, instead of the $7.25, in any business built with public funds. The bill could affect a Target store and a grocery store planned for two of the city’s poorer neighborhoods. Councilman Bill Peduto says he’ll introduce a similar bill requiring businesses that get public money to use “green” technologies later this week.

Thanksgiving dinner

NOV. 26—The Gateway Clipper Fleet will host their Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise at 3 p.m. at 350 W. Station Square Dr., Station Square. Celebrate Thanksgiving with this 2-1/2-hour cruise along Pittsburgh’s three rivers while enjoying a turkey buffet with all the trimmings. There will also be a Holiday Captain’s Dinner Cruise Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. This cruise features a delicious dinner buffet and live entertainment performing seasonal songs all while sailing the beautiful three rivers. For more information, call 412-355-7980.