MOBILE TECHNOLOGY—The New Pittsburgh Courier app is available free in the iTunes App Store and Google Play. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project from 2012, 85 percent of American adults have a cell phone and 45 percent of American adults have a smartphone. Of those surveyed, 37 percent of all mobile phone users and 64 percent of smartphone users, use their mobile devices to read news online.

A partnership between the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association and mobile app developer Rumble is seeking to capitalize on the nation’s mobile phone addiction and drag even the smallest newspapers into the 21st century. The new “Ready to Rumble” initiative is providing newspapers of all sizes with a newspaper branded custom-designed mobile app at no cost for one year.

“As we learned more and more about the newspaper industry, we saw that there was a huge mobile gap,” said Uyen Tieu, Rumble’s chief revenue officer. “We thought because reading news on mobile devices is becoming a trend, a lot of newspapers are being left behind because of not having a mobile app.”

Thanks to this initiative, the New Pittsburgh Courier launched its first mobile app at the beginning of the New Year. This app, which is currently available for free, provides users with a brand-new way to read and share news from the Courier and provides a customized experience tailored to helping readers access the content they are most interested in.

“Our mission is we want to create powerful technology to connect readers to their newspaper content,” Tieu said. “We wanted to create a platform so that even the smallest publishers can have a sophisticated mobile app.”

The Rumble News platform provides newspapers with full data analytics and the potential for monetization integration. It also integrates with social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, which can help newspapers, increase their social media presence and reader base.

“As newspapers around the country have shifted to the internet as a means for delivering content to readers, mobile technology and social media integration have become increasingly important to any publication’s viability,” said Courier Assistant to the Publisher Stephan Broadus. “This new opportunity provided by PNA and Rumble along with the recent launch of our Digital Daily positions us at the forefront of other African-American news outlets in terms of mobile technology.”

Less than two weeks after the Courier app’s initial release, more than 2000 users already downloaded it. The app has also received 4+ rating in the Apple iTunes App Store.

“This app is full of local and worldwide news of all types. It is extremely useful and easy to navigate,” said reviewer Ms. Sage in the iTunes App Store. “The Pittsburgh Courier is very inspirational and gives you the real news. I am proud to be a reader and excited about how easy it just became to stay up to date with this app.”

Founded in 2011, Rumble is supported by the Project Liberty Digital Incubator, a program funded by Interstate General Media, which supports innovations in digital media. Their mission is to transform and reshape the way consumers follow local news, while providing unique commerce opportunities for its newspaper partners.

Originally published Sept. 13, 2013

Comedian Earthquake said, “Being in debt is worse than being broke. When you’re broke, you simply need money. When you’re in debt, you need money so that you can have an opportunity to be broke.” Comedian Jimmy “JJ” Walker said, “Interest rates better go down soon or the murder rate is going to go up.”
Americans are drowning in debt! In the past when people found themselves in a financial jam, they’d tap into the equity of their home to do a debt consolidation. If the situation was extremely dire, they’d file bankruptcy. Now that mortgage lenders and the bankruptcy code have tightened up their guidelines, millions of people are running out of viable options that would allow them to reduce their monthly payments and get a better handle on their money.

READY FOR BUSINESS—Rae Coleman owner of Enhanced Creativity (center) and staff Eric Toal and Draone Council await the attendees of the My Fair Lady Edition Brunch.

“You dream it, we deliver,” is the motto of Enhanced Creativity, an event planning company owned and operated by Rae Coleman. Since 2010 she has focused on ethnic event planning and wedding services specializing in African-American, Yoruba, Jewish, Indian, Trinidad, traditional and same-sex matrimony ceremonies. A full service event planning business, Enhanced Creativity offers guidance and support in every stage of any event they are hired to organize. “Our intent is to create each event to be a perfect memory that will make clients smiles last forever,” said Coleman.
Cautious that every religion has its own wedding customs, Coleman says she and her staff are abreast of traditions. As an example she pointed out that for African-American weddings they are able to incorporate libation, jumping the broom, tying the knot, tasting the four elements and Kola Nuts.
More than just a wedding planner, Coleman classifies her business as, specializing in community, cultural, educational and unique events. She creates floral designs and produces customized gifts of all kinds.
Still reflecting on her last affair, Coleman says her desires are to help people, to expose her audience to uniqueness and to educate. Earlier in April she sponsored the My Fair Lady Health and Awareness Edition Brunch at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. Benefiting the Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania, the afternoon consisted of speakers talking about the importance of taking time out for self, the benefits of massage therapy, the environmental responsibilities of using natural skincare products, wellness and general information on Lupus. There also were a variety of exhibitors and brunch.

MARK A. PARKS JR.

Cleveland, OH (BlackNews.com) -- In an unprecedented move, Ohio swore in its first African-American County Treasurer. Mark A. Parks Jr. took the oath of office on March 27th, 2013, from Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald before a group of 11 council members and community supporters.

"Mark continually demonstrates his value to county government with his wide ranging experience and effective management in a variety of areas. His experience, professionalism and knowledge in financial management are a true asset for Cuyahoga County and its citizens. He is one of our very best," said Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald.

Parks served as the interim Cuyahoga County Treasurer since mid-December, 2012. His appointment began one month prior to him taking the oath. He is the first African-American county Treasurer in any county in Ohio. His responsibilities include managing the billion dollar investment portfolio for Cuyahoga County, collecting its property taxes and distributing funds to municipalities.

Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge said that it is outstanding that Cuyahoga County is leading the state in diversity and inclusion. "Mr. Parks is well-qualified and will do a great job. I hope it will set the stage for the country to follow the lead of Cuyahoga County," continued Fudge.

For more than two years, Parks was the Council President for Orange Village and has served as Chairman of the finance committee for more than six years. He also served as the Director of special projects. He counted among his duties: assisting the Chief Fiscal Officer and serving as Controller for the fiscal office.

"Of course it's satisfying to make history," offered Parks, "but even more satisfying is knowing that County Executive FitzGerald made his decision solely on me being the best qualified for the position. I am really looking forward to making the Cuyahoga County Treasurer's Office a model for all others to emulate."

Parks received the Dr. David C. Sweet, Distinguished Elected Official award in 2010 from the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University for his commitment to regionalism.

"Mark has the training, experience, and drive to get the job done as the County Treasurer," said Cuyahoga County Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Sharon Cole. "Now that he has been appointed, he will simply continue the great work he has been doing for the residents of Cuyahoga County."

A Certified Public Accountant, Parks received a BA in Accounting from Baldwin-Wallace University and a Masters in Business Administration from The University of Phoenix. He is a member of the regional advisory committee for Ohio Auditor David Yost, the endowment fund committee of Lander Circle Kiwanis, the Cuyahoga County Transition Committee, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Shaw High School Alumni Association.

He has served on several boards including Continue Life, Inc., the National Black MBA Association and Community United Headstart.

"I am excited about the opportunity for him," said Congresswoman Fudge about Parks' appointment. "I know he will be excellent. It is well deserved."

Parks and wife Connie have two sons, Mark III., and Charles.