GRADUATES—Not in order: Lamar Davis, president; Johnetta Cross, vice president; Min. Nicita Moses, secretary and event co-chair; Kimberly Dorsey, event co-chair; Rev. Arthur Young, event co-chair; and graduates Rev. Jeremiah Thomas, Schshawanna Jones, Diane Bennett, Cheryl Bradbury, John Stankos and Karla Threadgill Byrd, executive director of CUBM.  (Photos by Rossano P. Stewart)

 The Center for Urban Biblical Ministry held its 25th Annual Scholarship Concert at East Minster Presbyterian Church, located at 250 Highland Ave. in East Liberty, to benefit new students’ financial aid for books and educational materials.

The concert was hosted by Bishop Loran Mann, pastor of Pentecostal Temple COGIC also in East Liberty. The concert presented by the class of 2013, was a highly spirited gospel fest featuring some of the finest talent in Pittsburgh.

The CUBM has partnered with Geneva College to provide an education specifically suited for students heeding Christ's call to proclaim and live the Gospel in their communities.

The concert was performed by Evangelist Barbara Mann & The Pentecostal COGIC Choir, Erica Day, David Bowens & The Group One Ministry, Katrina Haldren, Keisha Sheffie and Gospel recording artist James Ziegler, all of Pittsburgh. The goal of this event was to reach an offering of $1,500, which  was achieved by the end of the concert.

If I was a mother what would I want for Mother’s Day? Things that make you go hmmm.

(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn:

Four years ago, I met my fiancé at church.  He has proven to be the perfect man, but married.  I did not hesitate dating because he immediately explained the mental state of his wife. This is the problem: His wife is in a state that does not allow divorce when the spouse is not in sound mind.  I am hearing a lot of gossip.  Some church members say my fiancé would beat his wife.  They say he once beat her so badly she was hospitalized—and from that point she walked with a limp.

Gwendolyn, do you think she will ever be again of sound mind? How long should I hang in there for a chance to be his wife?—Gloria

Dear Gloria:

Let me tell you this: I will share a situation similar to yours.  I know of a lady who claimed to be just a casual friend to a churchman.  People knew they were courting but pretended due to the fact his wife was in a mental institution, they could not marry. This lady dated this married man for years. When his wife died while in the institution that left her husband available to marry.  But guess what?  He married another lady and they had a huge expensive wedding.  The nice lady who had dated him aged 20 years or more looking sad and downhearted.

I strongly advise not to wait hoping to be his wife.  Think about it.  He probably caused his wife’s mental condition.  So back to your question of how long you should hang in there, I say --two months. If you continue to date him, think about it.  His wife is not the only one—crazy.

(Got a problem?  Write to Gwendolyn Baines at: P.O.Box 10066, Raleigh, N.C. 27605-0066 or email her at:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To receive a reply send a self-addressed stamped envelope.)

NANBPW TRIO—Rhonda Carson Leach, Winifred Torbert and Audrey Anderson

On April 20, at the beautiful LeMont Restaurant, The Pittsburgh Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. hosted their Annual Founder’s Day Celebration. Pittsburgh Club President, Rhonda Carson Leach said, “On this day we honor and thank deserving individuals in the Pittsburgh Community who have given outstanding service or have achieved substantial goals. Each year the club awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors seeking to further their education. The highlight of the Founder’s Day

Observance is the occasion to award the highest honor given by the National Association, the Sojourner Truth Award. It honors women exhibiting the attributes of our National Matriarch.”
After a delightful breakfast buffet and dance selection by Brittany Davis, Leach introduced NANBPW past presidents. Anita Walker kicked off the presentation of awards by presenting the scholarship award to Aryell Heywood (Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School). Heywood plans to be a dentist.

The Businesswoman of the year award went to Mary Coffey, CEO and COO of All Purpose Cleaning Service Inc. Roland J. Coston-Criswell, funeral director at Coston Funeral Home, received the Businessman of the Year Award.

Leach presented the Professional Woman of the Year Award to Marisa C. Bartley. Bartley serves as the Business Development Officer for the Western Central Pennsylvania Market for Citizens Bank.

The highest honor of the day, The Sojourner Truth Award, went to Deborah Walker, a dedicated, hardworking professional with 20 years experience in law enforcement and 10 years as a higher education administrator. Walker is an accomplished presenter and has traveled both nationally and internationally speaking on topics such as the intersection of higher education and law enforcement and the retention of underrepresented students.
Winifred Torbert served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the morning.