by Talibah Chikwendu

WASHINGTON D.C.—“So long as God let’s me live,” said Dorothy Irene Height in one of several oral history archive videos presented by the National Visionary Leadership Project, “I will be on the firing line.”

She honored that commitment to herself and the causes of African-Americans, women and children until her final days, with her every thought, word and deed.

DR. DOROTHY HEIGHT

Truly people the world over lost an revered and tireless advocate April 20, when Dr. Height, 98, died after an extended hospitalization.

Dr. Height was born March 24, 1912 in Richmond, Va., to Fannie Burroughs Height (a nurse in a Black hospital) and James Edward Height (building contractor). Both widowers, each brought children to the marriage and had two children together, Dorothy and her sister, Anthanette. The family moved to Rankin, Pa. when she was four and stayed throughout her school years.

It was routine, like any other day. Park the car in the garage, walk up the steps into the house, but then Dr. Frank Sessoms tripped.

“My leg slipped under the cast-iron railing and was caught,” he said. “I tried to hold myself up by my arm, but I couldn’t get my leg out. I had to let go, and when I fell I knew I’d broken my hip.”

DR. FRANK SESSOMS

That was March 10. On April 19, Sessoms officially closed his office. He said he plans to reopen it, but his doctors have told him he cannot bear any weight for three months.

Sessoms was initially evaluated at Allegheny General Hospital, then moved to West Penn Hospital for surgery to stabilize his hip. Though successful, Sessoms is still receiving in-patient treatment for the deep cut to his leg caused by the railing.

The number of African-Americans entering the Pittsburgh police force continues to drop at an alarming rate. From February 2007 to July 2008 there were only three Black officers out of 107 total officers in four classes. Despite several requests, the classes of 2009 and 2010 were not sent. According to sources there was only one Black out of 40 in the last class.

NOBLE OFFICERS—Reverend John Welch, who is not a member of NOBLE, with Jill Rustin, Hawthorne Conley, Maurita Bryant, Lavonnie Bickerstaff, Diane Richard, Richard Stewart Jr. and Christine Williams.

The city’s public safety administrators have pledged to increase diversity through an increase in outreach efforts. However, some officers don’t see outreach as the problem. Instead they see a flawed system where hiring is subjective and at times even racist.

The Black police officers we contacted did not wish to be identified for fear of losing their jobs so we referred to the two that were willing to talk on the record as Officer 1 and Officer 2.

Guests at the 12th annual Mel Blount Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast knew they were in for a treat as the line of NFL players and coaches, past and present, entered the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel April 16.

Being honored that night was Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. Following in Steelers tradition, Ward is known for his efforts on and off the field as a four-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and a devoted philanthropist.

STEELERS FOR LIFE—Surprise guest Jerome Bettis, left, with Hines Ward and Mel Blount, share many laughs at the roast.

“I understand what it means to be a true Pittsburgh Steeler,” Ward said. “Being honored at the dinner means something because it reflects what I do outside of football, too. Even though we are not paid to be role models, we are role models.”