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.

At a North Side town hall meeting April 15, elected officials representing the area came together to update their constituents on their work and address the concerns of the community.

“We’ve had the opportunity to meet with almost every organization in the North Side and through that we’ve been able to prioritize,” said District 6 Councilman Daniel Lavelle. “Some have housing concerns or concerns with violence in the community.”

JAKE WHEATLEY

The top priority and concern for residents was a lack of jobs, particularly family sustaining jobs. While government representatives illustrated how jobs were being brought into the region, they emphasized the importance of education and training in acquiring those jobs.

Local Black women who have achieved much in their careers often cite Dorothy Height as one of their inspirations. All were saddened to hear of her death April 20 at 98.

“I was very sorry to hear that on the way to work,” said University of Pittsburgh Teachers Institute head Helen Faison.

HELEN FAISON

“I ­hadn’t seen her for a few years, but when last I did she looked great. She was everywhere, always working to better the lives of Black women, from domestics to those serving in high positions. I couldn’t afford to join a sorority in college, but I was a member of the YWCA. I would speak to her occasionally, and when I did she always had something positive to say and contribute.”

A group of investors recently bought the Crawford Grill so we asked Pittsburghers what they thought. Here’s what you said:

“I didn’t even know that it was sold; it wasn’t advertised for everyone to know about it. But I do think it was a good move to sell it. It’s been in the community for such a long time. All the entertainment that you can imagine was there. Reopening it will be a benefit for the Hill.”
C Washington
Maintenance
Hill District