A study funded by the U.S. Department of Justice found that bullying across the country has decreased, especially for children from low-income households. Released at the beginning of this month, the study showed that the percentage of children who reported being physically bullied over the past year had declined from nearly 22 percent in 2003 to under 15 percent in 2008.

STAND TOGETHER—Middle school students stand with NBA player DeJuan Blair.

In an effort to ensure bullying continues to decrease but also that incidents of bullying do not go unreported, the Pittsburgh Public School District has unrolled a new campaign against bullying. The campaign hopes to reemphasize the district’s long existing anti-bullying policy with a series of posters featuring NBA player, and Schenley grad DeJuan Blair.

The U.S. Census is coming up soon, so we asked Pittsburghers if they planned to respond. Here’s what you said:

“Yes, it is important. I definitely will participate. It is for our people. It keeps count of who we have here. I urge other African-Americans to participate. We want things and need to be accounted for.”
Dorian Johnson Sr.
Homewood
Business owner

DORIAN JOHNSON SR., DAMIAN BROWN, ELLIOTT SHORTER

After nearly two months since the bill was first proposed, legislation to activate the city’s living wage ordinance received a public hearing before city council. However, the bill proposed by Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess seems to have gained minimal public support with only a handful of speakers attending the March 11 hearing.

PUBLIC HEARING—Rev. Ricky Burgess hears public testimony in support of his living wage legislation.

“The living wage can be implemented and it needs to be. To live on minimum wage is impossible,” said Black Political Empowerment Project Chairman Tim Stevens. “We’re hoping council will take the lead and do the research.”

Grass roots alliance

MARCH 17—Community Empowerment Association will host a Grass Roots Alliance Strategic Planning Meeting at 6 p.m. at the CEA Culture Center, 7143 Fleury Way, Homewood. This alliance is to address the structural inequalities that exist and to come together to discuss and build around challenges, issues opportunities and experiences navigating through the mainstream system. Various topics will be discussed. Interested individuals are asked to respond by March 15. Call 412-371-3689, ext. 14.