Soul Pitt Quarterly Magazine

For a taste of the fine coffee houses like that of Café Einstein or Literaturhaus in Germany, one only needs to drive to Mount Oliver in Pittsburgh, minutes from Downtown, Oakland, or South Side to the ECHT Coffeehouse. The firehouse turned European-style coffee house with micro-roastery has a welcoming vibe, relaxing music, and high-quality coffee and food. James Tyler and his team offer contemporary bistro-style small plates and desserts and elevated comfort food. James and husband, Jȍrg, have incorporated the love and design of their second home in Berlin, Germany, and travels to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa into ECHT. Tyler acquired his cues for cooking from American, European, and international cuisine. He also adds a unique twist on southern comfort food he learned to cook from his mother, like delicious grits & greens with a side of lardons! In love and memory of Tyler’s mother, ECHT had soft openings on special dates in February and March 2022 to pay homage to her Homegoing services. Continue reading →

Popie Redd’s BBQ opened in November 2021 in Braddock Hills (270 Yost Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 | (412) 723-2251) and was met with great fanfare. That first day they operated on a limited menu, but today they are limited no more. Their menu features BBQ delectable from pork and beef ribs to fried and grilled chicken. They even have subs, sandwiches, and wings. I like the variety of their menu as getting the same thing every time is a choice. Continue reading →

Terina J. Hicks: You were the first Black woman constable for Wilkinsburg. What challenges did you face during your tenure?

Nina Monroe: I was the first Black woman elected constable in the county. Constable is an elected position, with each term lasting for six years. I served as a constable for over 18 years, elected to the position three times. I also served two years as a Deputy and 15 years as a Deputy Sheriff in the Sheriff Reserves. I’ve had a lengthy career in law enforcement, and I’m grateful.

One of the first obstacles I faced as a Constable was deputizing my husband. As an elected constable, I could appoint deputies as needed to assist me with my duties, and I wanted my husband to be my deputy. I specifically wanted my husband because there was no one better to watch my back than him. Initially, this idea met with resistance. Although there was no restriction or bylaw to prohibit this, I wrote the President Judge, who authorized my request. Continue reading →

The successful mother of an 11-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son was born and raised in Philadelphia. A regulatory energy lawyer by trade, Tishekia moved to Pittsburgh in April 2012 to take a job at Duquesne light. Now after 9 years at the company, she is currently head of their Regulatory Legal Department. Although the previously hosted pro bono (free) general service legal clinics are no longer being held, she explained, “From time-to-time and year-to-year we have any host of civic, charitable and pro bono activities that we’re participating in,” which are near and dear to her heart.

“I am very active in the community. Until December of 2019 I was on the board of the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh for 6 years,” explained Tishekia, former Vice President of the board. “I currently serve on the board of Sarah Heinz House, as well as the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity and Inclusion Coalition, another great organization working to diversify and create equity along racial lines, particularly with respect to the legal community.” Continue reading →