Soul Pitt Quarterly Magazine - Western PA's #1 Urban Community Quarterly Print MagazineSoul Pitt Quarterly Magazine | Western PA's #1 Urban Community Quarterly Print Magazine
Description: Western PA's #1 Urban Community Quarterly Print Magazine

# Soul Pitt Quarterly Magazine

Western PA's #1 Urban Community Quarterly Print Magazine

## Those Left Behind By Deborah Marie Lucas

Posted on November 6, 2024 by SPQ

This column is a healing tool I created to help encourage others, and to help give them a platform to express their grief and how they are coping, being left behind. I too, lost 2 children, one to gun violence and another to a fentanyl overdose. Families left behind are finding it hard to cope, and my prayer is to lift the load, if only for a moment. Monique Kinsel shared her story of her beloved son Jamair Andrew Coachman and delivered a beautiful message! Please consider subscribing to my free blog for more encouraging stories about how I am coping with being left behind as well.

gonenotforgotten24com.wordpress.com #Thoseleftbehind Continue reading →

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## The Art of Survival | By Deborah Lucas

Posted on September 7, 2024 by SPQ

The Art of Survival: Can the Community Help Art and Soul Café Thrive in Pittsburgh?

A battle cry was heard, and the community responded!! A Black-owned business, operating in downtown Pittsburgh, PA, recently announced on social media that he was in danger of losing his business. He expressed how hard that was to do. This is always disheartening to hear; the good news is that the community rallied around this black business owner, Marlon Gist with encouraging words and surmountable support!

Running a small business is no easy feat, and Marlon Gist, owner of Art & Soul Cafe in downtown Pittsburgh, knows this all too well. “Small businesses take a lot of hands-on work! The to-do list for a small entrepreneurial business is mind-boggling!” Gist says. For the past two years, Art & Soul Cafe has been a hub for art, music, food, and events, but the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Continue reading →

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## Know Our History. Know the Fullness of Our Stories Attracting Black Tourists to Gettysburg | by Patricia Green Rodgers, MSW, MSPR

Posted on August 2, 2024 by SPQ

#### This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Summer 2024). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.

Adams County, PA, is unlike anywhere I have ever lived, and in a positive way. Yet more than a few friends ask: “Why are you there?” My reply: “Because I married Bob (who is white), and he was here.” Yet the reason why I have come to embrace this place I call home is even more profound: life was bringing me here. Yet everything is different from my norm.

I’m an African American woman in a primarily rural, majority-white, conservative part of Pennsylvania. Undoubtedly, this draws interest among curious friends. What is this yearning I have? I build bridges, not walls. Though I am here because of a marriage, I choose to stay here because my voice is different. Yet, I am open to crossing the bridge to common ground. So, the bridges I built began by inviting local white women to our farm. I hosted female authors and moderated discussions and Q&As, and we sold books. My guests were enveloped in a beautiful landscape, vegetable and herb gardens, historic structures, one registered as a Civil War Building, and healing spaces I created on the land, notably Serenity Grove. The magic happened, and I had a powerful sense of calm I never felt in my city life. I had found my purpose without fear or doubt. Continue reading →

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## Thanks to Casa San Jose, conditions for Latino newcomers are greatly improved | By Beth Marcello

Posted on July 3, 2024 by SPQ

The nonprofit now provides much needed services to 6000 Latinos a year, up from 400 just four years ago.

Monica Ruiz, a half-Guatemalan American citizen fluent in Spanish, was born and raised in Cleveland. But when Pittsburghers tell her to “go back where you came from” –- an insult she hears weekly —they’re not talking about her returning to Cleveland.

Ruiz has a theory about why so many Pittsburghers are antagonistic towards her and the population that her organization, Casa San Jose, supports: They’re afraid.

“When the steel industry collapsed 50 years ago in Pittsburgh, the people who stayed here developed a scarcity mindset,” says Ruiz, executive director of Casa San Jose, a non-profit in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood that helps Latino newcomers acclimate to life in Western Pennsylvania.

“They wanted life to stay the way it was,” Ruiz explains, “and they’re still holding onto that identity.”

It’s ironic, given that Pittsburgh’s steel dynasty was built by a melting pot of immigrants. Today, newcomers from around the world are stirring that proverbial melting pot, creating anxiety among born-and-raised Pittsburghers that the city’s history will become forever changed and forgotten. Continue reading →

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## Empowering Wilkinsburg’s Youth: A Story of Community, Collaboration, and Transformation

Posted on April 25, 2024 by SPQ

In the heart of Wilkinsburg stands Ethnan Temple, a vital hub for community engagement and youth empowerment in the neighborhood. Under the leadership of Pastor Jerome Hurst, Ethnan Temple has become more than just a place of worship, sparking widespread positive change through its dynamic outreach efforts and programs.

Pastor Jerome’s vision for Ethnan Temple extends far beyond the confines of traditional religious activities. He envisions a community where every young person has access to resources and opportunities that empower them to thrive. “Our goal is to create a supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and realize their full potential,” says Pastor Jerome. Continue reading →

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

Posted on February 20, 2024 by SPQ

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 →

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## Levi Wallace Giving Smiles By Nikki Coffee

Posted on September 2, 2023 by SPQ

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. Continue reading →

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## Puttshack’s Grand Opening by bonita penn

Posted on June 8, 2023 by SPQ

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.

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

Posted on February 27, 2023 by SPQ

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 →

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

Posted on February 27, 2023 by SPQ

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 →

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- ### Recent Articles

  - Those Left Behind By Deborah Marie Lucas
  - The Art of Survival | By Deborah Lucas
  - Know Our History. Know the Fullness of Our Stories Attracting Black Tourists to Gettysburg | by Patricia Green Rodgers, MSW, MSPR
  - Thanks to Casa San Jose, conditions for Latino newcomers are greatly improved | By Beth Marcello
  - Empowering Wilkinsburg’s Youth: A Story of Community, Collaboration, and Transformation