HISTORY MAKERS—From left: Esther Bush, president and CEO of Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh; Herb Douglas,91, eldest living African-American Olympian, 1948; and Tony Dorsett, Collegiate and Pro Football Hall of Famer. (Photo by Rossano P. Stewart)

The Heinz History Center honored Pittsburgh's legendary history makers with the 21st Annual History Makers Award Dinner at the Fairmont Hotel Downtown.
Five distinguished Pittsburghers were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the history of western Pennsylvania, the nation and the world.
Chaired by Donald J. Herberle, president of BNY Mellon of Pennsylvania and Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Citizens Bank for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, the black-tie benefit honors outstanding men and women whose achievements, while rooted in western Pennsylvania, transcends geographical bounds.
This year’s honorees were Esther Bush, president and CEO, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh; Tony Dorsett, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back and Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Pittsburgh; Sigo Falk, chairman, Falk Foundation, whom Pittsburghers owe a special debt to the Falk family's generous heritage of giving in education, medicine and the arts; George C. Greer, Philanthropist and former H.J. Heinz Company executive; and David S. Shapira, executive chairman, Giant Eagle.

The Gathering
    MAY 1—Northside Institutional COGIC, 302 W. North Ave., North Side, will host the “The Gathering” When Women Pray at 7 p.m. The three-day event will feature guest speakers such as Evangelist Roberta Watkins, co-Pastor Sharon Robinson and Rev. Wanda Sawyer-Flipping. For more information, call 412-231-5683.
May Friendship Day
    MAY 4—The Church Women United Pittsburgh Unit will host its May Friendship Day 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at Hebron United Presbyterian Church, 10460 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills. The theme is “Swinging Wide the Doors of Hospitality.” This is a time to come together to honor women of all ages, to renew old friendships and cultivate new ones and to pray and celebrate together. For more information, call 412-371-2307.
First Sundays
    MAY 5—Tori Walker, Eric Blackwell and Grubz Restaurant will host the First Sundays Gospel Jazz Jam Session & Brunch from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Cabaret Hall, 7928 Frankstown Ave., Homewood. The first Sunday of every month, attendees will enjoy gospel, jazz, spoken word, anything that plants a positive seed. For more information, call 412-952-9491 or 412-247-2932.
Concert
    MAY 10—Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, 299 Center Ave., Aspinwall, will host the Freya String Quartet in Concert at 7 p.m. This is the final concert in the 2012-2013 Aspinwall Presbyterian Performing Arts Series. This is free and open. For more information, call 412-781-2884.
Gospel Concert
    MAY 11—The Pittsburgh Gospel Choir will host “O Sing Unto the Lord A New Song” at 4 p.m. at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty.  This will be a tribute to mothers, featuring Dr. Edward Moore, organist and director of Worship at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. For more information, visit www.pittsburghgospelchoir.org.
Mother’s Day Program
    MAY 12—The Braddock Community Male Chorus will host a Mother’s Day Program at 4 p.m. at Watts Community Center, 736 Washington St., Braddock. Prizes will be given to the women with the best hats. For more information, call Gerald Smith at 412-818-4116.
Women’s Conference
    MAY 17—Triedstone Baptist Church, 18 Harriet St., Rankin, will host its Women’s Conference. The theme is “Women Walking in Faith Weekend.” The conference, which will run through May 19, will feature guest preachers Rev. Linda Oliver, Rev. Nichele Nelson, Rev. Marilyn Black and more. Women’s Sunday will be held on May 19 at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. guest preachers Rev. Helen Jackson and Rev. Brenda Gregg. For more information, call 412-271-3000.
Women’s Day Celebration
    MAY 18—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley, will host their annual Women’s Day Celebration. The two-day event will include the “What It Takes to be Fit for the Kingdom” workshop, several guests speakers and a guest soloist. On May 19 at 10:45 a.m. there will be Morning Worship Service will feature guest speaker Rev. Wanda Sawyer-Flipping. For more information, call 412-741-7688 or visit www.antiochfwbaptistsewickley.org.
Women’s Brunch
    MAY 25—The SHOUT (Sisters Hanging Out United in Truth) Women’s Ministry of Union Baptist Church of Swissvale, 2117 Collingwood Ave., Swissvale, will host a Women’s Brunch from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Every fourth Saturday of the month, women will come together for food, fun and fellowship to praise the Lord and hear a Word from a woman of faith. For more information, call Synthia Brown at 412-466-1150.
Women’s Day
    MAY 26—Morningside Baptist Church, 4846 Sullivan St., Pittsburgh, will host its Annual Women’s Day. The theme is “Sweet Words.” The guest speaker for the morning service will be Sister Denise White of Shower of Blessings Ministries, along with guest soloists Jacqueline Scott. There will be a 3:30 p.m. program with Rev. Karen Jones, of Rising Star Baptist Church. For more information, call 412-361-1745.
    (To have items listed on the Church Circuit, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .)

I WAS THERE—Alma Speed Fox, civil rights activist who took part in the march and raised awareness, conveys her recollection of that day.

The month of April 2013 marked the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.; the riots that erupted in cities across the country, including Pittsburgh; and the proclamation by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson calling for a Day of National Mourning to be observed three days after King’s April 4, 1968, death.
Pitt’s University Library System recounted Pittsburgh’s participation in the Sunday, April 7,1968, Day of National Mourning with a free public program and a compelling series of black-and-white photographs taken that day by Charles Martin, who enjoyed a 66-year career as a freelance photographer. Martin captured the day with his 35 mm Nikon camera as thousands of residents from around the region peacefully marched from the fire-ravaged Hill District to the Federal Building, Downtown, many dressed in their Sunday best.
The program was titled “The MLK Jr. Pittsburgh March: Through the Lens of Charles Martin.”
Laurence Glasco, a Pitt professor of history, put the event in historical context; and Martin,  described, through a PowerPoint presentation, what it was like to be photographing the historic event.  Twelve of Martin’s 189 photos from that day will be on display through the summer on the library’s ground floor, near the elevators.
Martin says when he heard that there might be violent clashes between police and the marchers, and that no traffic was being allowed into Downtown, he walked from the North Side to the Hill District to document the event. As it turned out, there were no clashes. Instead, Martin captured the participants—young and old, Black and White—marching peacefully to commemorate the life of King.

HAPPY AWARDEE—Melanie Gefert-Azur, Bartko Foundation President; Tamiko Dawkins, award recipient and Carl Ellis Perkins, executive director Of Bartko Foundation. (Photo by Gail L. Manker)

At the age of 33, Aliquippa native Tamiko Dawkins, who had served in the United States Army, was determined to build a better life for her daughter. After a life filled with poverty, living in drug infested neighborhoods, the single mother set out on a journey to self-sufficiency.
Dawkins was this year’s recipient of the Irene O. Bartko Self Sufficiency Award, presented at the Bartko Foundation’s annual Irene’s Dream “Women in Deed Helping Women in Need” luncheon at the River’s Club on April 20.
“There was a time I wasn’t worthy to stand here today because of all the mistakes I was making in my life,” Dawkins said. “As my journey began I began to feel inspired to make a better life for my daughter. It doesn’t matter where you start, it’s about where you finish.”
The Bartko Foundation, a private non-profit organization, awards grants to minority mothers in the areas of education, transportation, housing and employment. In Dawkins case, that grant helped her and her daughter move in to a house the family is working toward purchasing.
“I can honestly say the feeling of gratitude I’m feeling right now is overwhelming,” Dawkins said. “I just thank God today because I know everything is because of him.”
Twenty-seven percent of single mothers live in poverty and minority single mothers are also at greater risk for involvement in abusive relationships. It is the mission of the Bartko Foundation’s mission to break the cycle of poverty and violence.
As of now, Dawkins has received a bachelor’s degree and has applied to master’s degree programs at two universities. She also works for the Veteran’s Administration.
“It’s changed my life tremendously. It made me want to work harder,” Dawkins said. “My major problem was unhealthy relationships, looking for love in all the wrong places and not loving myself.”
The Bartko Foundation’s assistance has also changed the outlook of Dawkins’ 17-year-old daughter Arnay Malcoul.
“It’s a great thing. I’m very proud of her. It’s very inspiring. It makes me want to work harder,” Malcoul said. “At first I was like I don’t want to go to college but I’ve been so inspired.”
In addition to Dawkins’ story, luncheon guests also heard from IOB Support Award honoree Elizabeth Murphy, who served as table sponsor chair for the event and has been a dedicated volunteer for the organization.
“I’ve observed how the organization has helped more and more women over the years,” Murphy said. “I’ve listened with awe to the struggles and achievements of the women we’ve heard from over the years. “

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