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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
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www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 115 No. 27 Two Sections
JULY 3-9, 2024
HAVIN' FUN AT 'FUSION FEST'
Former WPXI sports anchor Jonas Chaney dies at 72
JONAS CHANEY (PHOTO BY BRIAN COOK SR.)
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
GABBY PHILLIPS PLAYS ON THE INFLATABLE STICKY WALL DURING THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH’S OFFICIAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION, “FUSION FEST,” HELD, JUNE 30, IN DOWNTOWN. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES A4 AND A8. (PHOTO BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)
In 2005, former WPXITV (Channel 11) sports and public affairs reporter Jonas Chaney won an Onyx Award for his acting role in the August Wilson play, "Fences."
Onyx Awards were given to those who excelled in African American theater, presented by the African American Council on the Arts. But he told them he couldn't make it to the ceremony, because he had previously com-
mitted to helping the Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company celebrate its 50th anniversary. Chaney produced a video about their history and mission. Chaney was SEE CHANEY A8
A ‘Diamond and Pearl’ celebration for Rev. Brenda Gregg Congregation throws elegant 75th birthday event for longtime pastor, community jewel by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier
Reverend Dr. Brenda J. Gregg, pastor of Destiny of Faith Church, on the North Side, was celebrated on Sunday, June 9, in grand style; a banquet with the theme, "White Diamonds and Pearls," by her congregation and the leaders of her church. It was for a grand occasion. Reverend Gregg was turning 75 years old. Upwards of 150 participants were in attendance for the celebration, which began at morning service with the Rev. Dr. Richard W. Wingfield, of Unity Baptist Church in Braddock, as the preacher of the morning, standing in for Rev. Gregg. The morning service closed and transitioned to the lower level of the church where gatherers continued to enjoy their pastor being celebrated. Pastor Gregg has and
continues to leave an indelible footprint in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, in Pittsburgh, and in the North Side community specifically. Michelle Tedder, who attended the celebration with her husband, Robert, a longtime acquaintance of Rev. Gregg, said he was "honored to be here...I've known Pastor Gregg most of my life, and her giving has always been the standout for me. How she was always open to give of herself. So glad this day is for her to receive." Reverend Gregg's service in ministry includes many notable accomplishments. Along with pastoring three churches (Quinn West AME Zion Elizabeth, Bethel AME Monroeville, Greater Allen AME North Side), she was also employed as a senior administrator at UPMC Children's Hospital. SEE CELEBRATION A7 NEW
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REV. BRENDA GREGG