Members of two gangs formed a decade apart that had recently merged to take out a third gang and expand their territory, have been rounded up by federal, county and city police following the Grand Jury release of a 91-page indictment that includes charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, drug trafficking, attempted bribery, witness intimidation, weapons charges and auto theft.

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations indictment, unsealed Feb. 24, charges that the Brighton Heights Crips and Northview Heights/Fineview Crips joined forces in 2002 and 2003 to eliminate the rival Manchester Original Gangsters.

by Rebecca Nuttall and Ashley Johnson

North Side residents and other community stakeholders are breathing a little easier after the indictment of 26 gang members who called their neighborhood home. Although several of those brought up on charges were already serving jail time, many residents said they hope to see a reduction in crime and violence.

PEACE MARCH—This march last year was one of many such efforts by the North Side communities to stop the violence. Hundred of people came out to show their support for peace in the neighborhoods.

“I’m hoping with these people off the streets, we’ll finally be able to start to feel safe in our own neighborhoods,” said Tracy Walker. “And hopefully others who are out there will get the message and stop all of the killing and violence.”

Four of the eight victims for the month of February, on the Allegheny County list of homicides are Black males under the age of 30. And to make it worse, each of their deaths was due to gun violence. All the marches and vigils won’t stop a thing, if our community can’t come together and take a stand on one accord.

As part of an ongoing effort to heighten awareness about the effects of murder in Black communities, the New Pittsburgh Courier will compile a list of homicides in the County each month. It is our hope that as the list of victims grows, so will a true understanding of how these lost lives affect the mental health, economic well-being and self-images of the region’s Black neighborhoods.

Another Black History month came to a close last week, but Pittsburgh’s celebration ended with an unprecedented event. For the first time ever, John Marshall and Charles Hamilton Houston Jr., the sons of civil rights pioneers Thurgood Marshall and Charles Hamilton Houston, came together to talk about their fathers’ accomplishments.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH —From left: John Marshall, Ken Gormley, and Charles Hamilton Houston Jr.

“(My father’s) concern was eliminating second-class citizenship for anyone suffering from racial or economic discrimination,” Houston said. “He would’ve been interested in Pittsburgh I think because of its emphasis on labor organizations as well as the plight of African-American citizens.”