After five years as superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public School District, Mark Roosevelt has announced he will be resigning.

“I stand before you all a very grateful person. I am confident leaving,” Roosevelt said. “I think I’m someone who sees possibilities and makes a turn around come to life and that’s why I think my work is done in Pittsburgh.”

At a press conference on Oct. 6 Roosevelt said he is the finalist for a position as president of Antioch College in Ohio. Whether or not he is offered the position, he said he intends to leave his current position on Dec. 31 of this year.

MARK ROOSEVELT

After two years in their new location, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh threw an open house to show off their facilities and remind the public of the services they offer. The event on Sept. 29 also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the national Urban League.

HISTORY THROUGH ART—Artist Leslie Ansley reflects on her mural with Esther Bush. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

“We are celebrating 100 years of the national Urban League movement and for Pittsburgh 92 years of being an affiliate,” said Urban League President and CEO, Esther Bush. “It’s 100 years of a beautiful, long legacy. A legacy that has tried to help the African-American community develop into its own as Americans. As we look back at the past 100 years, through the Civil Rights Movement, I am very proud.”

Last year at this time, Allegheny County had an end of September count of 64 homicides and only six for the month, but this year there has been a significant increase. This year September brings a number of 74 total homicides for the year and 11 for the month. That is almost twice as many as last year, plus every person this month was Black.

What also adds to the sadness of knowing that each person on this list did not have to die, but that exactly half of the lives lost were young Black people under the age of 30.

Legendary R&B singer Chris Williams, born Troy Christopher Williams, came on the scene in the late ’80s with major hits. He released his Chris Williams debut in 1987. Four years later, he acted in “New Jack City.” His single from the soundtrack, “Dreamin,’” turned gold and reached number one. His 1993 album “Changes” featured the hits “Every Little Thing” and “Come Go With Me.” “Not a Perfect Man” brought a new direction for Williams. His first album as sole executive producer uses elements of reggae, R&B, hip-hop and country. Williams’ next album will drop soon, and includes tracks with Anthony Ham­ilton and Damian Marley.

CHRIS WILLIAMS