Imani Batts, Sustainable Fashion Designer “Catherine Trendz LLC” | By Bonita Lee Penn

Sustainable is the new trend coming from designer houses. Fashion Designers, internationally and locally, are paying attention to our planet’s climate crisis with their choices in where they gather fabric pieces used in their collections.

Pittsburgher Imani Batts of Catherine Trendz LLC is a fashion designer who produces high-quality, stylish, eco-friendly, and ethically made clothing. She is curating a Black History Month event, “GRWM Runway Experience,” on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The event will take place at Velum Fermentation on the South Side. Before we dive into this unique fashion event, let us get to know Imani—

Imani was born and raised in the West Mifflin/Homestead and studied Fashion Merchandising at IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania). She also completed an international study at the Florence University of Arts in Florence, Italy. “I feel my international studies are what pushed me to confirm I wanted to do something in fashion.” During her international studies, she held an internship position in Florence as an Assistant Director. Continue reading

Posted in Soul Pitt Quarterly | Leave a comment

Levi Wallace Giving Smiles By Nikki Coffee

In a heartwarming display of community engagement and generosity, Pittsburgh Steeler, Levi Wallace in collaboration with his charitable organization, the Levifoundation39, recently made a significant contribution to the community. The cornerback donated playground equipment to the Kidsville Learning Center in the Bloomfield/Garfield neighborhood. The gesture highlights the positive impact athletes can have off the field.

When Kidsville’s assistant director, Michele Hurtt, got the phone call, she was in disbelief. “I thought it was a joke. I thought, are you serious? I wanted to know how they found us, why they chose us.” Hurtt said that the center remains amazed by the generous act and deeply appreciate the gesture. But it got better, not only did Wallace personally deliver the equipment himself, he came back the next day with his team mates to put everything together. “We were completely surprised that he offered to come back with team members to assemble the play yard equipment,” Hurtt said. Armed with their own tools, Wallace was joined by strong safety, Elijah Riley, cornerback, Luq Barcoo, free safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and free safety, Tre Norwood. Working together, the Steelers defense players had the play yard toys up and ready in no time.

Motivated by his parents’ legacy of operating a childcare center for 28 years in their hometown of Tuscan, AZ, Wallace was inspired to give back by making a generous donation to a deserving center.  Assigned with the responsibility, MacKaiya Cherry, communications assistant and social media coordinator for the Steelers, was tasked with researching local childcare centers to explore potential avenues for assistance.

But this act of generosity came about through a simple observation. Cherry happened to drive past Kidsville where the newly installed play yard turf caught her attention. When she mentioned this to Wallace he said, “It was a no-brainer: the center should have new equipment to complement the new surface.” Wallace says he understands that play is an essential aspect of a child’s development, fostering physical, cognitive, and social skills, and knew this would be the perfect gift.

“His act of kindness will be forever appreciated,” Tiffany Stuckey, Kidsville director, said. “This has truly touched my heart and will enrich our program. Our children will have hours of fun.”

Wallace established the Levifoundation39. This charitable organization’s mission is centered around its core values of inclusion, commitment, social responsibility, and mental health. Wallace has partnered with UPMC working with mental health professionals to help curb the stigma surrounding mental health. “As an advocate for mental health, I want people to know that it’s okay to seek help. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.”

By emphasizing the importance of discipline, hard work, and dedication, the foundation aims to help young people realize the necessary life skills needed to foster pride and self-confidence. With a strong commitment to empowering youth, the foundation extends support through college scholarships. Wallace said his number one goal is “to provide positive life experiences for youth and to give them opportunities that will benefit and enrich their lives.” He and his foundation have sponsored Christmas shopping with children in Pittsburgh and in Tuscan, in addition to Thanksgiving dinners, and youth football camps.

From an early age, Wallace played an array of sports. However, it was at age 8 that he discovered his passion for football. Wallace enjoys the camaraderie he shares with his teammates and the antics that unfold in the locker room. The bond formed through travel, teamwork, and shared experiences creates an unmatched brotherhood that accompanies the sport. For Wallace, being surrounded by his teammates is a source of pure joy and fulfillment.

He said in football, each position has to work together to achieve the end goal. “It’s not just one person in the spotlight, it’s the entire team.” This mentality follows his mission in giving back. “I’m glad to have this platform, opportunity, and the resources to give back, and as long as I do, I’ll continue to do so.”

This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Summer 2023). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.

Posted in Soul Pitt Quarterly | Leave a comment

Puttshack’s Grand Opening by bonita penn

The newest Puttshack location opened last Wednesday in The Terminal at 1729 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s famous Strip District.

This new adult entertainment spot has everything you need for a fun-filled evening whether it be a first date or a friends out night. The décor and the staff are welcoming.

The first thing I noticed was the expansive game floor. If you do not know, Puttshack is a mini-golf course. But it is not your usual mini-putt putt course, this is a high-tech infused course.

Angelina Gradilla, Sr. Brand Manager, showed me around the various gold courses. To add bling to the game each course is named after a precious gem, Ruby, Amber, Emerald, and Sapphire to name a few.  Each game has 9 holes and a theme. You don’t have to worry about losing your ball or someone messing up the score, all this is electronically tracked. When you sign up on the board, you will be dispensed a ball assigned with your name. Technology will keep track of your ball, and the score.  All you and your friends have to do is have fun.

There are screens to guide you through each hole of the game. You play for points, the one with the highest score wins, and your name is on the leader board. There are many ways to get that high score with Supertubes, Bonus Points, Hazard Traps are a few. It takes about 30 minutes to play 9 holes, depending on the number of players.

Not only is the air filled with other players and the ringing and ding of the games, but there is also music. As the Blackbyrds sang Music, happy music makes you feel good all the time.”  Angelina shared that music is a big part of Puttshack’s atmosphere, people love music. Each location has music centered around its specific geographical location.

On any evening during adult time, there may be a live DJ to get you making a few dance moves on the golf course. Puttshack does have an Age Policy that you must be 21 and over to enter after 8 P.M. on any given night. Also, you must be at least 13 during the other hours. The Pittsburgh location is open 7 days a week: Sunday through Wednesday (11 AM-12 AM) and Thursday through Saturday (11 AM-1 AM).

I know you may be thinking, okay this is a nice place to play this techno mini golf but you may get thirsty or hungry. Well do not worry, Puttshack has a bar with all your favorite crafted drinks and your mocktails. Something for everyone. They have a kitchen with delicious food choices.

Their menu is infused with the flavors of the world. With tasty offerings from falafel, fried Thai octopus, Mediterranean, Korean, flatbreads, hot sandwiches, salads and desserts.  For my lunch I started with an appetizer, Chorizo & Cheese Empanadas and that pastry was flakey almost melted in my mouth; lunch, the  Fried Chicken Cobb Salad; dessert, I had fresh, yes I said fresh (hot) Beignets with dipping sauce. To drink it all down I had a mocktail, Hibiscus Mock Mule Mocktail.

The Pittsburgh location is ADA accessible. The gaming area was built to accommodate wheelchair users as well.

Not only is this venue entertainment for the region but management contributes proceeds to the Spina Bifida Foundation, a cause close to the owners heart.

A few extra tidbits, there is a private party room with its own bar for corporate affairs, fundraising events, and private social events.

Click on https://www.puttshack.com/locations/pittsburgh.

Posted in Articles | Leave a comment

Black Women in Aviation: Meet Flight Attendant Summayya Cauthen | by Deborah Lucas

Get inspired to follow your dreams! As a full-figured Black flight attendant, 29-year-old Summayya Cauthen from Duquesne, Pennsylvania, is on a challenging yet rewarding journey in the flight attendant industry. Read her interview to learn how she started this career and a few challenges she has faced, inspiring us all to defy the odds and create our own success stories.

Soul Pitt: What made you want to become a flight attendant?

Summayya: What honestly inspired me to be a flight attendant was my final semester in college. I had no idea what I wanted to do with the degree that I was struggling to earn. I had flown home from Raleigh, NC and the flight attendant on my flight complimented me on my hair and makeup. We started talking, and she randomly said, “You need to apply to be a flight attendant.” I thought it was so random, but she kept saying that she thinks I’ll be a good fit. So when I finally graduated the following May, I went to an open interview for my first airline and got hired on the spot!

Continue reading

Posted in Soul Pitt Xtra | Leave a comment

All Roads Were Leading the Campbells to Gettysburg | by Patricia Green, MSW, MSPR

Keystone Inn owners, left to right: Stephen, Christine, and Patrick

Gettysburg, the county seat of Adams County, is 39 miles from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital city. US News & World Report voted Gettysburg one of the best small towns in America, attracting nearly one million visitors yearly. Within convenient driving distance from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, Gettysburg is a significant draw for destination travelers. Numerous cultural attractions tell a story that could appeal to African Americans. The Battle of Gettysburg is one. Many African Americans have yet to learn the complete story of this bloodiest battle on American soil. The Union army’s defeat of the Confederates weakened them, which was pivotal to the Confederates subsequently losing the Civil War and slavery’s end. The Thirteenth Amendment emancipated all enslaved people, wherever they were in the country, resulting in freedom for nearly four million people of African descent. Know our history. Know our story. Continue reading

Posted in Soul Pitt Quarterly | Leave a comment

1,000 Years of Black Pittsburgh through Clothing | Tereneh Idia’s C3 Project | By Bonita Lee Penn

SPQ had the honor to visit Tereneh Idia in her workshop at the Contemporary Craft Center in Lawrenceville a few weeks before the opening of her exhibit C3: Cloth, Culture, Community, Exploring 1,000 years of Black Pittsburgh through clothing.  The Contemporary Craft gallery at BNY Mellon – Steel Plaza T station hosts the finished Exhibit through April 16, 2023. (Grant Street, downtown Pittsburgh).

On a warm, sunny late fall afternoon, I visited Tereneh’s workspace. Fabric, metal accessories, historical documents, and photos that inspired her designs filled her space.

I asked Tereneh about the C3 project’s goals. “I wanted to tell the story of Black Pittsburgh in a way that showcases different points of history and people we don’t hear enough of,” she said. Continue reading

Posted in Soul Pitt Quarterly | Leave a comment

Penn Hills Ready for Change: Qiana Buckner Announces Mayoral Bid | by Deborah Lucas

I had the pleasure of attending Qiana Buckner’s event to announce her candidacy for Mayor of Penn Hills on December 8, 2022. The event was held at the Nobleman Cigar Lounge on Frankstown Rd, and the atmosphere was nothing short of amazing! Continue reading

Posted in Soul Pitt Quarterly | Leave a comment

Steeler Nation in Myrtle Beach, SC? Who knew?? | By Deborah Lucas

I recently relocated back to Pittsburgh after living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for several years. The first question I always get is, “Why would you move back here??” The short, uncomplicated answer is that my daughter got accepted into Penn State University, so here we are. Living away from family and friends was hard, so imagine my excitement finding out that there was such a heavy presence of Pittsburgh culture in the Myrtle Beach area! Myrtle Beach does not have a team in the NFL; the Pittsburgh Steelers are their team of choice. I discovered that there are over 20 plus Sports/Steeler bars currently celebrating the Steelers, as well as the Pirates and the Penguins. Continue reading

Posted in Articles | Leave a comment

When it’s Time to go, GO! | by C. Denise Johnson

When you have an opportunity to travel to another continent, do not hesitate! You’ll gain a better appreciation and perspective of life beyond southwest PA.

   I’ve been fortunate to travel to Mexico, Guam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Pacific Rim of Asia. I’ve been to Africa twice, and I can honestly say that although I’ve experienced different cultures, nothing prepared me for Egypt’s abundance of history and antiquities. The enormity of the significance of ancient Egypt (Kemet) that spans millennia, the structures, craftsmanship, and wonders of temples and monuments that have survived the ravages of time, climate, and modern civilization is a testament to the genius of the Egyptians.

Cairo, the largest city in the Arab world, the middle east, and Africa, is a sprawling metropolis of nearly 20 million people and a cultural and generational mix of the old, traditions, and ancient. Navigating the narrow streets of shops, vendors, café churches, temples, and mosques that line Old Cairo’s dense cobblestoned alleys and walkways is almost like traveling. Because my early April trip was during the holy month of Ramadan, the streets were less congested than usual. Tradition, modernity, and pop culture peacefully coexist with modestly dressed women in hijabs and western attire (and some sensibilities). Continue reading

Posted in Soul Pitt Quarterly | 2 Comments

Activist Rick Adams Stay Tuned: The Revolution Is Being Televised | By Dessie Bey

Pittsburgh is blessed to have a politically astute leader such as Rick Adams in our mist. His political savvy is above and beyond a politician’s narrow focus. He says of today’s political scene, “unfortunately, unless a political change is made, we can expect more of the same oppression, but we’ll always continue to progress on many fronts. We, who have been arguably subject to the most complete ubiquitous and sustained assault on our names, family, culture, religion, personal and collective freedoms, continue to survive, overcome, and still fight while Black and Proud, and will not be stopped because the Creator is on our side!” Continue reading

Posted in Soul Pitt Quarterly | 1 Comment