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Jerry Dickinson’s new role at Pitt SEE PAGE B1
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
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www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 116 No.3 Two Sections
JANUARY 15-21, 2025
Amanda Neatrour announces run for Pittsburgh City Council Sheraden resident wants to represent District 2 by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
If Amanda Neatrour becomes a member of Pittsburgh City Council, it's safe to say she'll be the best vocalist on the nine-member council. But that's the furthest thing from her mind. Neatrour, who is professionally trained in classical voice performance and opera, and holds two degrees from Howard University in those fields, announced her candidacy for Pittsburgh City Council's District 2 on Monday, Jan. 13. And in announcing her candidacy, there was no singing—just a firm, authoritative voice Neatrour used as she proclaimed that she's the right person to help lead the West End into future prosperity. Neatrour, 43, a Black woman who lives in Sheraden, told supporters at the Win Char Community Center that when there are issues in her community, such as drivers racAMANDA NEATROUR officially launched her campaign for Pittsburgh City Council District 2, which encompasses most of ing through neighborhood the West End neighborhoods, at the Win Char Community Center, Jan. 13. (Photo by Chief Ikhana-Hal-Makina) streets, vacant, blighted
properties, or the lack of activities for children in the community, she contacts the city. She attends meetings. She makes her voice heard. But most of the time, nothing gets done. Nothing changes. "The path chose me," Neatrour said, as she announced her campaign to become an official public servant. "Last time I checked, and because of the positions I've had, I know about the racism in City Hall, I know about the gender-based discrimination in City Hall...I know why we pay some people one way, and why we pay other people differently...and that's not right." Neatrour added: "I am here not because I want to take it on; I don't see that I have a choice. Because my grandma taught me, to whom much is given," and the audience finished, "much is required." Neatrour is no stranger to the City-County Building or the Black communiSEE NEATROUR A4
Pittsburgh Public Schools’ bands are making a comeback 'One Band, One Sound' experience lit the flame
CALL THEM “ONE BAND, ONE SOUND,” OR THE PITTSBURGH ALL CITY HIGH SCHOOLS MARCHING BAND...EITHER WAY, THE STUDENTS MADE A BIG IMPACT IN WASHINGTON, D.C., AND CONTINUE TO DO SO IN PITTSBURGH TODAY.
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by Rob Taylor Jr.
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On a rainy Memorial Day Monday, May 29, 2023, high school student bands came from everywhere to
Pittsburgh Courier
Courier Staff Writer
perform in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. They came from places like Kaysville, Utah; Raleigh, N.C.; Santa Clarita, Calif.; Deland, Fla...
...And Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Not to be left out, roughly 70 students in grades 7-12, along with about 10 chaperones and band directors, traveled from
Pittsburgh to D.C. to represent the city and Pittsburgh Public Schools, proudly marching in the SEE BANDS A10