DEVYN ABDULLAH

The winner of the Face has been announced.

She is 21 year old Devyn Abdullah, a native of New York City. Abdullah is the first winner of “The Face,” Naomi Campbell’s modeling reality show.

Devyn's win has also earned her the opportunity to front Ulta Beauty's 2013 fall and holiday campaigns.

Reportedly the producers were glad Devyn managed to make it through the season without bodily harm from Naomi.

In fact, the iconic, yet ill-tempered, supermodel was relatively tame besides doling out a few tongue lashings to whip the aspiring models into shape.

Devyn was the cause of one of Naomi's flare ups after announcing that she didn't consider herself "a Black girl model." Naomi declared the sentiment a "disgrace.”

Nevertheless, Devyn bounced back from the gaffe and ultimately won the entire competition. Although she might be out of touch when it comes to the homogenous (and often racist) industry she is now entering, Devyn seems to at least understand the magnitude of her win.

"It’s me getting my foot in the door of the modeling industry, and I’m really excited about it. I want people to love me for me, to be attracted to me for my story and where I come from and to recognize me as a businesswoman.” Abdullah is a single mother of one.

OUTSTANDING CIVIC SERVICE—Theresa Mickle, Rev. Ricky Burgess and Valerie Ward

The Annual Bon Ami Temple #49 (IBPOE of W) event, on March 23, at the Penn Hills Comfort Inn was a sold out affair. The new location for this well-known group was bursting at the seams with well-wishers and supporters for the honorees.
After a beautiful buffet dinner the crowd was introduced to the Elkdom Honorees: Mr. Elk, Brother Herman “Toby” Ramseur, Past Presiding Exalted Ruler, Maple View Lodge #780, Elizabeth, Pa., and Ms. Elk, Daughter Marge Wright Eubanks, Past Presiding Daughter Ruler, Bon Ami Temple #49, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Daughter Theresa Mickle presented Ramseur’s honor and his profile was read by Tanisha Primer, his granddaughter. Eubank’s profile was read by her granddaughter, Tanisha Primer, and was presented by Daughter Theresa Mickle, her daughter.
The 2013 community honorees were Rev. Ricky Burgess, Pittsburgh City Council District 9; Daughter Valerie Ward presented his award. Burgess received the Outstanding Civic Service Award. The Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Denise Durrett, owner of Denise & Earl’s Lounge. Her profile was read by her daughter Shawntia Durrett and Daughter Betty Burton presented the award. The Good Brother and Daughter Awards were presented to Hamilton Johnson and Corliss Lewis.
Char Biggs was the mistress of ceremonies while DJ Ray Ray got the crowd on the dance floor.

Not long ago I had to have physical therapy on my shoulder. I think it was due to the weight of my purse and the bags I was taking to work each day. On any given day I would pack up books, magazines, newspapers, a lunch and sometimes a laptop and sling it over one shoulder.
So what’s in your purse? What’s in your wallet? I’ve seen men with wallets so fat that they need a purse or some type of messenger bag. Hey guys do you know if you sit on a wad that fat it can create back problems? Take some of that stuff out.
Recently I dumped the entire contents of my purse out on the floor to see what I was lugging around. There were enough ink pens for a second grade class, two checkbooks, a wallet full of change, three pairs of glasses, my GPS, an apple and an orange. I guess I could have made a fruit salad.  There were receipts from three months ago buried in the bottom.  I cleaned that Louie out and now it is much lighter.

Ladies and gentlemen stop carrying around junk you don’t need, especially credit cards and blank checks. If your purse or wallet is lost or stolen you will surely regret carrying around a bunch of unnecessary junk. There is no way I need to have three debit cards in my wallet and several credit cards. If you are going to use them, use them and take them out and put them away. Please don’t carry around your social security card or PIN (personal identity number) numbers. As far as PIN numbers select something that is super easy for you to remember, but not easily evident to someone else.  
Recently my debit card was compromised. See I was really going somewhere with this story. I didn’t realize it until I tried to make a small purchase and was denied. Talk about embarrassing to be denied for a $3 purchase. Lucky for me I was in the grocery store that also has a branch of my bank. I popped over to the teller and found out that my card had been part of a compromise at a merchant or an ATM, my card had been closed and a new one was overnighted.
A compromise can mean hackers or the possibility of a device called a skimmer on the front of an ATM or maybe a skimmer was discovered at a business that I had paid a visit to recently. Fortunately, in my other world (day job) I work with debit card fraud.  Funny I never thought I would be a victim. Because I know the threat of cyber thieves I check my account a minimum of twice a day to see if there are unauthorized transactions.  I was only inconvenienced for a short period of time and thanks to FEDEX, my GPS and a lead foot I was able to pick up my new card that night and get back in the spending business before the night was over.
(Email the columnist at debbie­ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )

WINNER—Ernest C. Jackson with Tonita L. Davidson, PBMF president, wins his auction bid for Pirates tickets to the Lexus Club. (Photo by Rossano P. Stewart)

At Roland’s Seafood Cafe located at 1904 Penn Ave. in the Strip, the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation presented a celebration of African-American sights, songs and stories. The showcase of talent and art was a college scholarship fundraiser for Pittsburgh students. Hosted by Brother Marlon of the “Morning Inspiration” show, on WAMO 100.1. The Soul Cafe entertained the packed house with a rousing cavalcade of talented musicians, poets and singers. Tonita L. Davidson, PBMF president and Malik Vincent, a member of PBMF, gave brilliant performances along with Devan Rue, Daniel L.M. Tate, spoken word; Dessie Bey, poet; Palermo Stone, hip-hop artist; and Ads Antalik, hip-hop. The featured speaker was Robert Hill, vice chancellor for the University of Pittsburgh’s Public Affairs Office. The nightcap was the enchanting voice of songstress Cherelle Unique. During the performances and the evenings’ festivities, various items and artwork were auctioned off for the college scholarship fund.
THE VOICE—Cherelle Unique