Author: Rob Taylor Jr.

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Who’s got what it takes to be the next President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pitts­burgh? When Carlos Carter re­signed as the organiza­tion’s President and CEO on May 13, 2025, there was no one on the inside to immediately take over the reins. And there was no one on the outside to immediately take over the reins on a permanent ba­sis, either. It’s not a job for the weak-minded. It’s a high-profile position, most likely for a person who has that outgoing, larger-than-life persona as its

Phillip Thompson lends his collection for national viewing Phillip Thompson, known to most Pittsburghers as DJ Big Phill, wrapped up his "Collections in Black: A Celebration of Black Comic Book Culture," with a closing ceremony at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center to celebrate the Black heroes that comprised Black comic books from the past, which are now classic materials, along with celebrating Black comic creators of the here and now. PHILLIP THOMPSON WITH HIS MOTHER, ARNITA STAGGER. (PHOTOS BY JULIAN HILL) In an interview with AWAACC staff, Thompson

A whirlwind of emotions swept through the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers' building on Pittsburgh's South Side on last Tuesday, as the city's first Black mayor approached the podium to deliver a speech following the Democratic primary for mayor. DJ Selecta had people dancing. People's plates were full of food. Hugs were abundant. Oftentimes, in the Black community, people know how to have a good time, whether or not the times are actually good. It's how it is being a minority in the U.S., an oppressed one at that, especially

Project Edda Fields-Black (Photo Courtesy Carnegie Mellon University) Dr. Edda Fields-Black was just minding her own business, in the airport in Monterrey, California, preparing to board a flight on Monday, May 5, when she got the call. “It was a very pleasant shock,” Dr. Fields-Black told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “I was elated. Ab­solutely elated.” It’s not often that you get a call stating that you’ve won a Pulitzer Prize. But Dr. Fields-Black got the call. The Pulitzer Prize is considered the highest award in journalism, arts and letters. The year 2025

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that The Advanced Leader­ship Institute (TALI), an organization committed to strengthening com­panies, institutions, and communities by cultivat­ing leadership, is excited to announce the promo­tion of Isabella Moreland to Director of Marketing & Alumni Engagement. Moreland has an exten­sive history with TALI, previously serving as the Marketing & Communi­cations Manager for three years. Prior to that role, she served as TALI’s Mar­keting Intern from 2019-2020, where she helped maintain the organiza­tion’s social media pres­ence and brand. In her new position, which she assumed

  CECILE SPRINGER, SHOWN IN THIS PHOTO DURING THE 2018 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS In 2018, the New Pitts­burgh Courier proudly made Cecile Springer its legacy honoree at its “Women of Excellence” awards luncheon. But not only was she a “Woman of Excellence,” Springer’s daughter, Christina Springer, told the Courier that her mother was, a “woman of action.” There was nothing that Cecile Springer set her mind out to do that she didn’t accomplish. “She had a plan, she had a mission, she had strong core beliefs and she

The Board of Directors for East End Cooperative Ministry said they executed a nationwide search for their next President and CEO. But, as it often turns out, Pittsburghers know how to deal with other Pittsburghers best, especially those who are experiencing some trying times. Diona Jones is a Pittsburgher. Born and raised on the East Side, graduated from Peabody High School before anyone ever thought to name it Obama, and went through a series of trials and tribulations that one may go through, growing up in urban environments. “Their

The 2024 Executive Leadership Academy Cohort — Left-Right Back Row: Latasha Wilson-Batch, Sherlyn Harrison, Kiel Chapman, Lauren DeDomenic, Yalanda Wells, Kashif Henderson, Kwame Burroughs, Tere McKinney-Bundy, Sierra Parm, Jada Shirriel, Denise McGill-Delaney, Juel Smith. Left-Right Front Row: Jacques Moye, Gizelle Sherwood, Sylvia Smith, Tony Thompson, TaJane Nolen, Ja-Neen Jones, Kendra Ross, Tinisha Hunt, Mike Belgrove. (Photo by Joe Pucciarelli; Sean Means Photography) Seventh cohort of the ‘Executive Leadership Academy’  As President Donald Trump continues his onslaught against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, ridding of the programs on a federal level

PITTSBURGH NATIVE AND CBS ACTOR CARTER REDWOOD, son of Tawnya and Carl Redwood, launched his Carter Redwood Foundation in Downtown Pittsburgh, Dec. 22, 2024. (Photo by J.L. Martello) On CBS' "FBI: International," the scripts are perfectly laid out for the actors. The actors learn those scripts, and then the magic happens; the actors perform their roles perfectly, and then in post-production, the television show is prepared for its airing on national television. But Carter Redwood came clean, admitted to a group of supporters in Downtown Pittsburgh that his latest

Rob Taylor Jr. - Courier Staff Writer She has no choice Monica Johnson feeds nearly 900 people in the Hill District, neighboring communities  For Hill District native Monica Johnson, she has no choice but to give back to her community. She doesn’t spend time thinking what people can do for her, she told the New Pittsburgh Courier, a few weeks after providing 878 people throughout the year 2024 with a hot meal, whether it was for Thanksgiving or prior. It’s about what she can do for others. MONICA JOHNSON WELCOMES EVERYONE TO