This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Winter 2019). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.
Hey Yall! I decided to switch up this article a little bit. You know that show that airs on The Food Network, “The Best Thing I Ate Last Week”? This article is similar to that but, it will be the best things I ate since my last article. I’ve indulged in steak, chicken, French fries and desserts, so grab a bib and fork and take an adventure with me over the past couple months.
Steak is one of my favorite foods, and I only eat it medium rare. Many people believe when the steak is prepared rare or mid rare, that it is not all the way done or it’s “bloody”. That is simply not true. The redness is myoglobin, the protein that delivers oxygen to an animal’s muscles. Heating the protein turns it a darker color. Rare meat is just cooked to a lower temperature. Continue reading
I love the fact that Pastor’s wives are all so different, but their goal and purpose is the same. That is to serve not only as a prayer covering for their husbands as they go forth in ministry as the shepherd, but also to partner with them in ministry. Check out the interview of the First Lady of Christ Temple Ministries, Melinda McCoy and how she balances life, so that she can complete the course set before her.
Terina J. Hicks: Share with our readers how you got started and how long you have been working in ministry.
Melinda McCoy: Well, let’s see, I received Christ into my life in March 1991. I saw how He was doing awesome work in my husband and I wanted that too. Digging into the Word of God I found revelation and answers for my life. Next thing, I desired to share what I learned. I started as a Sunday school teacher for the preschool children and have been teaching his Word ever since. Continue reading
At a time when young people are distracted by social media, relationships or stressors which can impede productivity, Eugene Mosby and Amber Slaughter have established a business which serves to create positive change through credit restoration and financial planning.
Community Credit Group is an organization geared toward the creation of economic equality. They provide their clients with the tools and resources necessary to create and maintain wealth. Community Credit Group services a demographic often overlooked by traditional wealth management firms, yet in tremendous need of financial education. The inspiration to start the business came from the realization that many of the problems affecting our communities can be linked to economic disadvantages. When the Community Credit Group reference community, they have a broader definition beyond race or religion, to include anyone who can identify with their mission of creating economic equality. Continue reading
by Kennedy McCoy
A painting sets a mood. It projects into the onlooker’s mind through the lens of personal interpretation. Some may feel inspired, while others could be discouraged. A handful could be confused or contemplative. The possibilities are endless for art—just as they are for life. Kimberly S. Carson is an African-American business owner of Painting with a Twist in Monroeville, PA. She worked in communications for twenty-three years, and as retirement approached she bought a Painting with a Twist branch. The business caught Carson’s attention after hearing about it through a friend: “I wanted to be a part of a therapeutic, enjoyable outlet. I realize nothing can predict the future but faith in your higher power can give you strength, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this franchise grow and flourish.” Continue reading
By Ron Fisher
Pittsburgh based hip-hop group, the Yung Old Headz, is quietly putting on for the Steel City. The group’s lead member, TNT, has been in the game since the early 1980s and hasn’t looked back since.
A few years after stepping foot onto the rap scene, TNT would link with fellow Pittsburgh emcee Mello. The two rappers would drop bars back-to-back until the group’s third member, TNT’s son DTAZ, joined the group several years ago.
Now a trio, the group is working to bring back the pure essence of hip-hop. After dropping numerous albums and appearing on more than 30 mixtapes, the Yung Old Headz are proud to announce the release of their new project The Godfathers of Hip Hop, which dropped on March 21st. Continue reading
By Diane I. Daniels
Photo by Diane I. Daniels
Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition members: State Legislator Jake Wheatley, City Councilman Reverend Ricky Burgess, City Councilman Daniel Lavelle, State Legislator Ed Gainey and County Councilman DeWitt Walton.
The results are in and the report is completed. Now what? Recently close to 100 people were on hand during the Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition Peace and Justice Initiative Policy Report Release Event awaiting results and ready to learn next steps.
According to State Representative Jake Wheatley and the four other PBEOC members; State Representative Ed Gainey, City Councilman Reverend Ricky Burgess, City Councilman Daniel Lavelle and County Councilman DeWitt Walton now that the phase one report is complete next steps is continued community involvement. “Your input is desired and is a necessary part of the process,” explained Wheatley. In order to move the agenda forward, the PBEOC is requesting that residents get involved by participating on one or more of the six identified committees. Areas include public safety, affordable housing, family outcomes, business and organization, education and employment. “It is time to be intentional about our work. We have fallen in an attitude of acceptance,” said Gainey. “We have to be on fire for change.” Continue reading
Greg Nash, Owner of “Prisoners of Iron” (POI)
Sometimes it just takes a little push from someone else to get you in the direction that you need to go. That’s a belief that Johnstown native Greg Nash believes to be true. Nash’s fitness brand “Prisoners of Iron” (POI) has recently started a wave in the City of Johnstown, pushing individuals to put their best foot forward.
“What once was just a cool logo has now turned into a movement,” Nash said. “Prisoners of Iron started as just a little gym group, from there, I had a real purpose and my purpose came about from not wanting to be a prisoner of the system. That’s what really drove me to lifting weights so much,” said Nash.
Nash’s drive is what led him on this journey, but it is his desire for more that led to his following. Continue reading
Brenda Tate is a lifelong resident of the Hill District and a 40-year veteran of Pittsburgh law enforcement where she served in various capacities. These include, from foot patrol to the protection of three visiting Presidents and in 1998 she was the first African-American female assigned to a new unit – The Witness Protection Program.
BT Community Consulting, LLC is her business, wherein she works with organizations to assist them build positive community relations, respond to safety needs and create effective partnerships with law enforcement. Continue reading
African-Americans and other minorities have long been key constituents in election years. Our population, though small yet growing, has the power to literally change the direction and outcome of a potential victory—if we actually get out and vote. It is well known that the journey toward even having to right to have our voices heard was not one that was easy. For that reason, it is important that we not take what our ancestors had to fight and sometimes pay the ultimate price for, for granted. Continue reading
