< PreviousBUSINESS NEWS The Department of Human Services (DHS) is reminding people needing Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history background checks as a condition of employment that the December 31 deadline to obtain this clearance is approaching and strongly encourages anyone needing this clearance to start the process now. Earlier this year, Governor Wolf signed Act 18 of 2020, which extends the time period for certain professions required by the Child Protective Services Law to obtain an FBI background check upon hiring. “The pandemic and stay-at-home period created challenges for people needing clearances to work with children. A temporary extension was passed in order to create flexibility for the FBI criminal history background check, but that deadline is approaching,” DHS Secretary Teresa Miller said. “I urge anyone needing a new clearance or who needs to renew an existing clearance to start this process now. Getting this clearance ahead of the deadline is the best way to avoid delays and ensure that you have what you need to stay in compliance and continue working.” In order to receive an FBI background check, fingerprints must be submitted as part of the criminal history check. Fingerprint scans can be taken at an IdentoGO location in the commonwealth. Many IdentoGO locations were temporarily closed in the spring, creating challenges for people still trying to meet the fingerprinting requirement. An extension on the FBI clearance requirement was passed to accommodate workers during this challenge, and since then the majority of IdentoGo locations have reopened. Required clearances must be obtained by December 31 for workers to remain in compliance. Pennsylvanians are still strongly encouraged to get fingerprinted and obtain their FBI Criminal History Clearance as soon as possible to avoid potential delays due to an increase of people obtaining clearances. A map of all open IdentoGO locations is available at: www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/ Providers/Pages/coronavirus-fingerprinting.asp. This map is updated as new offices begin to reopen. Anyone seeking fingerprinting services should call IDEMIA’s customer service at 844-321- 2101 to ensure the location is still operating, schedule an appointment, and discuss necessary COVID-19 safety precautions. If employers have a large number of employees needing new or renewed clearances, arrangements can be made to have fingerprinting occur at the workplace. Mobile fingerprinting services are available for an additional fee through IDEMIA for groups of 20 or more needing clearances . Agencies with this need should contact IDEMIA at: statemobileservices@ us.idemia.com to schedule. Under Act 18 of 2020, individuals who are required to obtain an FBI background check were given additional time to meet this requirement because of closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The extension for new hires to obtain the FBI background check lasts until 60 days following the expiration of the disaster emergency declaration issued by Governor Wolf or December 31, 2020, whichever is sooner. Individuals seeking a renewal of the FBI Criminal History Background Check have until December 31, 2020 to obtain the check. All individuals required to obtain additional clearances, including the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, must still obtain these clearances prior to employment. Both of these clearances can be obtained online. Act 18 of 2020 applies to individuals who must get their FBI Criminal History Background Check prior to beginning employment as found in Section 6344 of the CPSL and those individuals required by Section 6344.4 of the CPSL that are due to have their fingerprint checks renewed. The law does not extend the fingerprinting and background check requirement for new volunteers under the CPSL, public school employees prior to employment, and others required to receive FBI background checks under different departments. by Carol R. Wilkerson The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, today released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars. “The PPP has provided 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion to American small businesses, providing critical economic relief and supporting more than 51 million jobs,” said Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “Today’s action streamlines the forgiveness process for PPP borrowers with loans of $50,000 or less and thousands of PPP lenders who worked around the clock to process loans quickly,” he continued. “We are committed to making the PPP forgiveness process as simple as possible while also protecting against fraud and misuse of funds. We continue to favor additional legislation to further simplify the forgiveness process.” “Nothing will stop the Trump Administration from supporting great American businesses and our great American workers. The Paycheck Protection Program has been an overwhelming success and served as a historic lifeline to America’s hurting small businesses and tens of millions of workers. The new form introduced today demonstrates our relentless commitment to using every tool in our toolbelt to help small businesses and the banks that have participated in this program,” said Administrator Jovita Carranza. “We are continuing to ensure that small businesses are supported as they recover.” SBA and Treasury have also eased the burden on PPP lenders, allowing lenders to process forgiveness applications more swiftly. SBA began approving PPP forgiveness applications and remitting forgiveness payments to PPP lenders for PPP borrowers on October 2, 2020. SBA will continue to process all PPP forgiveness applications in an expeditious manner. SBA and Treasury Announce Simpler PPP Forgiveness DHS encourages Pennsylvanians to start FBI background check process now DHS Secretary Teresa Miller 8 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2020BUSINESS NEWS If you think you qualify, call 412-350-4309. Allegheny County Department of Equity and Inclusion 542 Forbes Ave • 204 County Office Building • Pittsburgh, PA 15219 DEICertification@alleghenycounty.us YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS CERTIFICATION IF YOU ANSWER YES TO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING: •Are you a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident? •Is your firm 51% owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual who controls and manages the firm’s daily business operations? •Does your personal net worth not exceed $1.32 million? by Anthony Izaguirre U.S. Postal Service records show delivery delays have persisted across the country as millions of Americans are voting by mail, raising the possibility of ballots being rejected because they arrive too late. Postal data through October 9, released through a federal court order, show nearly all the agency’s delivery regions missing its target of having at least 95% of first-class mail arrive within five days. Parts of the presidential battleground states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio fell short of delivery goals by wide margins as the agency struggles to regain its footing after a tumultuous summer. The districts that include the major urban areas and their suburbs in each of those states all performed below the national average for on-time delivery, with the area around Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania the lone exception. The delays are a worrisome sign for voters who still have not returned their absentee ballots. That is especially true in states such as Michigan, where ballots must be received by Election Day. Other states require a postmark by November 3. “We do encourage people who are worried about ballots not getting here on time to get them in as soon as possible,” said Perry County Commissioner Brenda Watson in Pennsylvania. She said her office has sent out more than 600,000 absentee ballots, more than double the number from the primary, and has extended office hours so staff can monitor a drop box. With more than 2.9 million mail-in ballots requested in Pennsylvania, on-time delivery is crucial. But delays are lingering throughout the state, according to the agency’s most recently available data released as part of the federal court order. In the week that ended Oct. 9, first-class mail was delivered on time 79.7% of the time in the district covering Philadelphia and its suburbs, and 83.2% of the time in central Pennsylvania, both below the national average of 86.1%. A deadlock at the U.S. Supreme Court this week allowed the state to count mailed-in ballots received up to three days after the November 3 election, although Republicans have filed another challenge. Delays have plagued the Postal Service during the coronavirus pandemic and worsened under a series of cost-cutting policies implemented by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who took over the agency in June. Following a series of court orders and intense public scrutiny, the agency has reversed the policies and seen improvements, but has not yet fully restored delivery times. “As these delays continue across the country just weeks before the upcoming presidential election, it is incumbent upon you to take immediate and necessary actions to fully restore on-time mail delivery,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, wrote to DeJoy this week. In a statement, Postal Service spokesman David Partenheimer said offices have been authorized to use expanded processing procedures, additional delivery and collection trips, and overtime hours to ensure election mail arrives on time. The agency also announced it will treat election mail as first-class, which had previously been an informal policy. continued on page 28 Battleground postal delays persist with mail voting underway WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 9LATINO NEWS The discrepancies revealed by the survey underscore the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 recession on people of color, particularly workers in the most vulnerable industries, such as restaurants, hospitality, and trans- portation. That’s why Hispanics, like all workers who feel their finances threatened by Covid-19, should take extra steps to shore up their finances now, in order to avoid depleting savings, accumulating debt, and falling behind financially. Many Americans, including Hispanics, are becoming better savers as a result of the pandemic. BECOMING BETTER SAVERS The good news is that the Latinx population is taking steps to remedy the situation. By a 10% margin, Hispanics are likelier to say they are “more of a saver now” than before Covid-19 (54% of Hispanics respondents versus 44% of White respondents). “Worry about the current economic situation” has caused 62% of His- panics to say they’ve decreased their monthly spending. This focus on budgeting and moderating spending habits is important if you’re still employed, but becomes critical in the event of a job loss, reduction in hours, or furlough. As the nation faces the uncertainty of the upcoming fall and winter seasons (when Covid-19 may spike again and more businesses may suffer), it’s important to use this newfound financial focus to create a readiness plan and protect savings. For Hispanics, who represent 17% of the U.S. population, but hold only 2% of the wealth, the impetus to protect and rebuild is even stronger. IF YOU HAVE A JOB, START EMERGENCY SAVINGS If you’re currently employed, now is the time to assess your habits and buttress your emergency savings. This also applies if you depleted your emergency savings recently and now are once again employed. The goal should be to build three-to-six months of essential expenses in savings. During challenging economic times, some experts recommend a minimum of six months’ expenses in savings. This can be a tall order, but there are ways to achieve this goal. First, assess your budget for unnecessary, ongoing expenses, such as food delivery or streaming services that go under-utilized or gym memberships you don’t touch. Put all of that money into emergency savings, instead. You should also cut unnecessary discretionary expenses, such as eating out frequently, or online shopping. Next, assess your paycheck. Are you anticipating a tax refund next year? Reduce your withholding to increase your monthly take-home pay instead. Put the extra cash into your emergency account. by Janet Alvarez Many Latinx Workers ‘Wiped Out’ Emergency Savings During Pandemic 10 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2020 As Hispanic unemployment numbers soar, the damaging personal finance effects of the Covid-19 recession are becoming increasingly clear. Latinx workers have dipped into emergency savings at a higher rate than the broader population, according to the new CNBC + Acorns Invest in You survey. Twenty-one percent of Hispanics responded that they’d “wiped out” their emergency savings this year versus 13% of White Americans. Even more worryingly, 12% of Hispanics reported feeling “not too confident” that they’d have a job at the end of this year, contrasted with only 6% of White respondents who felt similarly. Nationally, the survey found that 14% of Americans say they’ve exhausted all savings.LATINO NEWS WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 11 Growing up, most of us were taught that brilliant innovators of everything from electricity to the lightbulb, automobiles, pharmaceuticals- medical devices, materials, alloys like steel-iron-aluminum-copper, and everything else under the sun were created by European (white) inventors. However, while such figures certainly deserve recognition for their creations, and ongoing generations should be grateful to those individuals for their contributions, what was omitted from such history lessons was the fact that equally skillful black people and incredible thinkers of other diverse backgrounds also played equally pivotal roles. These latter groups of people helped to create some of the greatest inventions, took others to the next level or devised a new product or service altogether that are still relied upon today. Disappointingly, most schools and institutions of higher learning have failed to teach material that revealed such hidden truths – both then and now. Thankfully, recent developments in several industries are enlightening increasing numbers of people about the historic and almost unknown contributions of black and brown people throughout the world. Most affluent Americans and countless others have little clue that it was black people alone who kept the automobile brand, Cadillac, afloat in the U.S. In the 1930’s, as America was struggling to recover from The Great Depression and as racism continued to ruin opportunities for everyone who held onto to such nonproductive beliefs, a low-ranking German immigrant – Nicholas Dreystadt – who worked for General Motors at the time boldly entered a boardroom after overhearing perplexed white executives discuss consideration of abandoning the brand due to increasingly poor sales. The problem: GM was relying solely upon white Americans to buy the cars. Yet, from his menial position as a service division employee, Dreystadt quickly recognized that it was large numbers of black customers who owned Cadillacs who often were found waiting for their vehicles to be serviced at GM dealerships. At the time, Cadillac had a strict practice against selling any of their luxury cars to black customers. Interestingly, through his own experiences of interacting with many such black customers, Dreystadt learned that black people routinely paid a white person (i.e., a front man) a fee to go into a dealership and purchase the Cadillac of choice for them. Thus, determined to make his point and show what could happen if GM abandoned their discriminatory policy, Dreystadt was successful at implementing a new diversity marketing approach, which increased sales of Cadillacs by 68%, and helped to make the brand profitable within 18 months. His same strategy was later adopted by Mercedes Benz to include black people and increased sales of their once-struggling brand too. Still not convinced that diversity makes a huge difference in the world? Then consider the story of Nathan “Uncle Nearest” Green and how he revolutionized whiskey. Green, a former slave in Lynchburg, Tennessee was the first black master distiller in America who taught Jack Daniel how to make the liquid gold. For more than a century, Nathan “Nearest” Green’s name was purposely left out of history books and absent from most conversations which tied him to the Jack Daniel’s brand. It would have likely remained that way had it not been for the relentless curiosity of Fawn Weaver, a California businesswoman, who in 2017 spearheaded the launching of what is now known as the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey brand in an industry that generates $3 billion dollars annually. If those two examples are not enough proof that the creative (yet often unwisely ignored) potential of black and brown people continue to be a legitimate factor to consider throughout every sector of business, then consider other little-known facts that prove minorities are capable of being far more than the brawn behind an endeavor, they can also be the brains too. Did any of the schools you ever attended teach you that Dr. Domingo Liotta – a South American native – was the person responsible for creating the first artificial heart that was successfully transplanted into a human being? Did they teach you that Dr. Alejandro Zaffaroni – who was born in Uruguay – not only invented a bandage that administers medicinal drugs through a patient’s skin, but he was also responsible for helping to develop several other widely used products for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including the nicotine patch used to aid smokers in breaking their nasty habit? Were you ever informed that it was an enormously intelligent medical doctor – Julio Palmaz, who was born in Argentina – that invented the balloon-expandable stent frequently used to treat one of the most common health conditions (cardiovascular disease)? Do your research on Dr. Thomas O. Mensah, the engineer and genius inventor who played a critical role in the development of fiber optics and nanotechnology. While you’re at it, take a few moments to delve into the by Santura Pegram Why Diversity Matters: The Benefits Of Recognizing Overlooked And Untapped Talent Recent developments in several industries are enlightening increasing numbers of people about the historic and almost unknown contributions of black and brown people throughout the world continued on page 28Mark Barbee Bridgeport Borough, PA Mark Barbee, 29, was born in Rapid City, South Dakota. Mark and his younger brother Michael were raised by their mother Wanda, a single parent and Master Sergeant in the Air Force for 23 years. In 2010, Mark moved into his first apartment in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania. Mark would serve four years on borough council before being elected to the Office of Mayor of Bridgeport in 2017. Mark is the first African American LGBTQ elected official in the state of Pennsylva- nia. He was the first democrat to serve as Mayor in over three decades and the youngest, first African American LGBTQ Mayor in the borough’s histo- ry. While on council, Bridgeport adopted a curbside recycling program. As Mayor, Mark proposed an Anti-Discrimination ordinance, a Clean Energy ordinance & the removal of an “anti-immigration” ordinance. Despite the racially charged opposition that even the US World Report has recognized, Mark continues his work in public service. Betty L. Copeland Bridgeville Borough, PA Betty L. Copeland was sworn in as the Mayor of Bridgeville, PA, on January 2, 2018 as the first African American and first woman mayor in the history of Bridgeville. Betty’s volunteer life is centered on the theme of “servant leader” and she is dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s concept of the “Beloved Communi- ty.” The election victory was the direct result of building a long-term record of community service with many of the Borough’s major civic and public institutions. Her entire body of volunteer service was honored by a declaration on her birthday in 2014 by the previous mayor making it “Betty Copeland Day” in Bridgeville. Mayor Copeland was born in Boston, MA, in 1934, mar- ried to Curtis D. Copeland, Sr. for 64 years and shared his commitment with Betty, which influenced her service pledge. She is a mother to three children and four grandchildren. As Mayor, Betty will focus on encourag- ing Bridgeville citizens to become more involved in community service to help strengthen the quality of life for the most vulnerable among us. Kimberly Doss Farrell, PA Kimberly Doss is the daughter of the late Wilford E. Hammond and Mae F. Miller Doss. She is the proud mother of Andrey, Kimberly, and Stepmother of Perry Cottle. Ms. Doss has 3 lovely grandchil- dren, 6 siblings and an abundance of nieces and nephews. She has served on Farrell City Council for over 9 years and is the “Voice of the People.” Mayor Doss is a 1978 FHS Graduate and attended Sharon General Hospital Radiology Hospital-based diploma program 1983-1985. That same year obtained her certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist. In 2004, she received a BA Degree, in 2007 her Master's Degree in Health Administration from the University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL. During her career, she worked as a Radiologic Technologist, Clinical Instructor and Program Director at Sharon Regional Health System. She currently works as an Adoption Specialist, which entails training Radiologists on Speech Recognition. Which involves traveling throughout the country and internationally. She is a faithful member of Redeemed Sanctuary, loves Sports and a diehard Cleveland Browns Fan. As Mayor, I look forward to working with Council in improving the quality for all. For us to make our Community great again, we must work together regardless of our differences. “We are better together than divid- ed.” Let us help improve the quality of life for all people in our community. Christopher C. Frye, Jr. New Castle, PA Christopher Charles Frye, Jr. was born in Rich- mond, VA. At age 11, he and his family relocated to New Castle, PA where Chris’s childhood and family financial struggles continued. His mother, also a Social Worker, spent much of Chris’s childhood as a single parent of 4 children and the uphill battles she faced, often not being financially secure, caused tremendous stress in their household. However, through all the struggles his mother remained optimistic, empowering her children by telling them “you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” Today, Chris credits his success to growing up in a home that valued faith, integrity, responsibility, and service to others. Chris is a husband to Danielle Young-Frye and a father of 3 beautiful children, DaJaun, Damarian and Dania. Chris has a Masters’ degree in Social Work with a concentration in Community Organizing and Social Pennsylvania African American Mayors For over 20 years, Talk Magazine, along with it's non-profit TMAG has built a network of over 134 African American and Latinx community leaders covering 36 of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. We have had conventions, roundtables, gatherings and conferences in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Erie and have been invited to convene these events in other cities, towns, and boroughs. Talk Magazine has supported, honored, and met with most of the 14 Mayors highlighted in this issue. In 2021 we will be targeting cities, towns, and boroughs across Pennsylvania to elect more Latinx and African American mayors and other officials. In 2021 these steps will be important to winning these and new seats going forward, your Vote, help Get Out the Vote and your financial support when you can. Look at the currently elected Mayors in this issue and know that your vote counts and we can elect people that look like us and have the same ideals, values, and expectations for our communities. 12 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2020Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Chris recently left his employ with Lawrence County Social Services Inc., where he and his team worked to help clients reach self-sufficiency. Chris serves on the New Castle YMCA Board of Directors and is a graduate of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Lawrence County Program. Marita Garrett Wilkinsburg Borough, PA In January 2018, Marita Garrett was sworn in as Mayor of Wilkinsburg, after serving on Wilkinsburg Borough Council from 2014-2018. As Mayor, she has re-established Public Safety Forums, a monthly series that highlights updates in the Wilkinsburg Police Department and provides an opportunity for community members to express their safety concerns. Marita founded CIVICALLY, an umbrella nonprofit that focuses on literacy, health and the Free Store Wilkinsburg where donations of new and slightly used material goods are available to residents. Ms. Garrett received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s in Psychology from Chatham University. Currently, she serves on the advi- sory boards for Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Allegheny Regional Asset District, and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Strategic Partnerships & Commu- nity Engagement Advisory Committee, among other organizations. In 2017, she was selected to attend the NextCity Vanguard conference held in Newcastle, Australia. Additionally, Ms. Garrett has served on panels at the Brookings Institution and United Nation’s World Urban Forum 9. Rohan K. Hepkins Yeadon, PA In 2013, Rohan Hepkins became Mayor of Yeadon, PA, part of Delaware County and borders the City of Philadelphia. He is also a board mem- ber of Building One PA, creating partnerships with municipalities and regional agencies to provide fair share of governmental resources and effective economies in housing, educa- tion, infrastructure and transportation. Rohan currently serves as Sr. Pastor to the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in Yeadon. He began his career as a bus driver and retired in 2014 as a Sr. Director of SEPTA's Customer Service Department. Hepkins served as Chairman of Yeadon's Civil Service Commission where he oversaw police hiring and promotions, grievance procedures, and assisted in effective crime-fighting and safety strategies. A longtime citizen of Yeadon, Hepkins has resided in the Borough since 1983. Rohan graduated from St. Joseph By-The-Sea High School in Staten Island, NY and received his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Eastern University St. David's. In 1993 he earned a Master of Divinity from the Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia. He and his wife Joy have three children, Naomi, Rachel and Ruthanne. Keith Jackson Rochester, PA Experience • Rochester Borough ~ Mayor ~ Council 4th Ward - 2 Terms • Laborer’s Union Local 833 ~ Construction Shasta Steel ~ Supervisor – Aliquippa, PA • Shutey’s Associates ~ General Foreman – Aliquippa, PA • PA State Constable Additional Endorsements • Democratic Chairperson Rochester Borough • Democratic Executive Board • Vice President Rochester Borough Library • Committee Rochester Parks and Memorial and Foundation Restoration • Involvement Kops for Kids – Being Better for Beaver County Mayor Chardaé Jones Braddock, PA Chardaé Jones is from Braddock, PA and grew in up in The Braddock Library where she received her library card before she could scribble her name. In 2011, she received her BA in Professional Writing from Carlow University where she discovered her passion for serving her community. While there, she raised awareness about homelessness, coordinated toy drives, and mentored local Carrick students through Carlow's Youth Media Advocacy Program. Since graduating, Chardaé has volunteered with AmeriCorps mentoring teens in Braddock where she aided in the creation of a 2014 summer lunch program tied to a local job readiness program for teens. She's chaired the local Nation Council for Negro Women Luncheon to aide in bridging the communication gap between the younger women and older women in the community. Recently Jones realized that volunteerism and politics weren't that separate. As Braddock's current mayor she hopes to inspire, inform, and energize young adults to step up and help create a new identity for their community. She aims to create an open line of communication between community, public safety, and council. Thaddeus Kirkland Chester, PA Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland is a remarkable com- munity activist who began his activism by fighting to improve education for the students of the City of Chester — a fight that he is committed to winning. Elected in his first attempt for public office in 1992, Kirkland represented the 159th Legislative District. Prior to his elec- tion to the General Assembly, Kirkland was a community service coordi- nator at Crozer Chester Medical Center, where he conducted outreach and educational programs for teenagers. Kirkland has been a strong advocate for equal rights for the elderly and physically challenged. Additionally, Kirkland was former Vice-Chairman of the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures, a former Board of Trustee member of Lincoln University and a graduate of the Widener University Leadership Academy. He is also a member of Wine Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. A 1973 graduate of Chester High School, Kirkland holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Cheyney University. He has always been supported by his family, which includes his wife Susie and their five daughters. Kirkland is the pastor of Community Baptist Church. WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 13Eddie Moran Reading, PA Elected November 5, 2019, Mayor Eddie Moran began serving his term on January 6, 2020. He is Reading’s 84th mayor and the first Latino to be elected mayor in a Pennsylvania municipality with more than 85,000 residents. Since taking office, Moran has promoted the four pillars that guide his vision for building a better Reading – safe streets and safe neighborhoods; education and workforce development; community and economic development; and responsible leadership. He often says, “We will foster synergy between governments, the public, non-profit, academic, business, and faith-based communities.” For years, Mayor Moran demonstrates his passion for public service as special assistant to a New York State assemblyman, member and vice presi- dent of the Reading School Board, and member of the Reading Recreation Commission. Mayor Moran actively volunteers throughout the community, including devoting countless hours to the Special Olympics. He was a mentor for the Compadres program, which educates men on the importance of non-vio- lence. Mayor Moran was born in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. His mother, a widower, courageously relocated her family to Brooklyn, New York, in the late 1970s. She made such a brave decision, and he witnessed his mother’s spirit of determination and hard work which has profoundly inspired his caring outlook on life. Mayor Moran is the proud husband of Ruth Moran and loving father to twin boys, Daniel and Tyler. Nickole Nesby Duquesne, PA Mayor Nickole Nesby is a dedicated public ser- vant with 20 years’ experience in legislative govern- ment: 10 as field representative/district caseworker for Congressman Mike Doyle and a decade in exec- utive government for the U.S. Treasury Department as a Frontline Manager and Contact Service Representative. In November 2017, Nesby became the first female and African American to head the city of Duquesne, PA. Ms. Nesby was born in McKeesport, PA, one of seven children to parents Carol and Richard Brooks, hard-working steel mill workers who instilled in her the determination to succeed against all odds. Nesby has the following degrees and certificates, an MBS from North- central University in Organizational Leadership Specializing in Nonprofit, a Graduate Certificate in General Business, a Bachelor’s in Business Ad- ministration from Thiel College and a Certificate in Accounting from the Community College of Allegheny College. Since becoming Mayor, Nickole has worked tirelessly to promote eco- nomic development, improve the city’s infrastructure, provide accessible and affordable healthcare, and build partnerships between industries and schools to support vocational training and create jobs. Myneca Y. Ojo Hanover, PA In 2011, Ms. Ojo was hired to head the PA Turn- pike Commission’s effort to promote diversity & inclusion in the workplace and in supplier diversity where she successfully developed and implemented diversity and cultural competency trainings, a robust business and supplier diversity program and an award winning internship program that is recognized nationally for introducing diverse groups to careers in transportation. Prior to her career with the PA Turnpike Commission, she was the Manager of Diversity and Special Initiatives with the Maryland Depart- ment of Transportation State Highway Administration and served as the project director for the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Center and Project Director of the Texas Conference of Black Mayors. Ms. Ojo chaired the PA Unified Certification Program of the Oversight Committee, was the Maryland State Diversity Director for the Society of Human Resource Management. She currently serves as a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committees Workforce Development and Contracting subcommittees. In October 2018, Ms. Ojo became Mayor of Hanover Borough. Ms. Ojo received her B.A. in Political Science at Texas State University and an M.S. Management and Leadership from Western Governor’s University. Ms. Ojo is also a 2017 graduate fellow of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Toll Authority Executive Leadership Academy. Tim Scott Carlisle Borough, PA Mayor Tim Scott was elected to the Carlisle Borough Council in 2001 and reelected in 2005 and 2009. In 2013, he was elected Mayor of Carlisle and re-elected in 2017 for a second term. As mayor, Carlisle-native Tim Scott works tirelessly to improve the lives of all in Carlisle. During his tenure as mayor, the borough has seen a boost in job creation while our neighborhoods have been strengthened. The borough has been bolstered by a transparent, innovative local government. A 1988 graduate of Carlisle High School, Tim received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Old Dominion University in 1992. Tim is currently employed by the PA House of Representatives where he is assigned to the House Consumer Affairs Committee. Tim’s focus in that office is to provide research and policy advice to the Chairman on matters before the Committee, including PA’s utilities and consumer protection issues. Tim has worked for the House of Representatives in a variety of capacities since June of 2000. In addition to his duties as Mayor, Tim serves as an advisor for the Hope Station Neighborhood Advisory Council and The Amani Festival. Tim serves as appointee to the Cumberland County Municipal Authority (County Commissioners) and as Mayor, he chairs the Carlisle Borough Public Safety Committee and The Carlisle Community July 4th Fire- works Committee. Tim’s priorities include continuing the revitalization of Carlisle’s downtown, improving the quality of life for all Carlisle residents, decreasing the cost of Carlisle government operations, and investing in Carlisle’s infrastructure. Tim’s current term as mayor expires in 2021 and needs your help to continue to build on the progress he has made for all of Carlisle. Helen Thomas Darby Borough, PA Helen Thomas has been the Mayor for the Borough of Darby for the last thirteen years. She was born and raised in Darby and continues to live and thrive here as Mayor. Mayor Thomas has raised four children in the town she loves, and she and her husband Phil are so blessed to have 23 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Mayor Thomas was voted the 58th most influential person in 2018 according to "Talk Magazine." She was endorsed by some of the most 14 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2020influential people in her party including: State Rep. JoAnna McClinton, State Senator Anthony Williams and Congressman Robert Brady. This is also the first time Darby Borough has had a fully staffed police department and she is also a member of Mayors of USA against illegal guns. Mayor Thomas has achieved and accomplished many things during her time in leadership. Some of them are: • New Supermarket • New Recreation Center • New Bridge on MacDade • Expungement Clinics • Second Chance Programs Dwan B. Walker Aliquippa, PA Dwan Walker is the first African American Mayor of the City of Aliquippa and is also the second Afri- can American to hold an elected position in Beaver County. Mayor Walker's administration secured a grant totaling 3.3 million dollars to help rebuild the City of Aliquippa. Mayor Walker has been the recipient of numerous awards, such as the Beaver County NAACP President’s Human Rights Award, Talk Mag- azine’s 101 Influential Pennsylvanian’s, the Dignity and Respect Cham- pion Award, the Jefferson Award for Community Service, the 50 Men of Excellence Award, the Black History Achievement Award, and the Dare to Dream Award. Mayor Walker has received Citations from the PA House and Senate and selected by the Commonwealth of PA as the Beaver County 2012 & 2016 Delegate to the Democratic National Conventions. In 2012, he was among a delegation of Mayors invited by the Government of Nigeria to attend an international conference entitled “Thinking Global and Building Local.” A lifelong resident of Aliquippa, Walker graduated from Aliquippa High School and earned a BA Degree in Communications from Robert Morris University. He was honored by Robert Morris University as the 2012 Hometown Hero for his outstanding community service. Dwan has two beautiful daughters Aryonna and Aliah and son of loving parents Donald and Sharon Walker. WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 15 PHILADELPHIA African Americans 43.40% Latinx 14.13% Total 57.53% HARRISBURG African Americans 52.40% Latinx 20.32% Total 72.72% STEELTON African Americans 38.10% Latinx 14.60% Total 52.70% YORK African Americans 28.00% Latinx 31.70% Total 59.70% MORRISTOWN African Americans 35.90% Latinx 28.30% Total 64.20% AVONDALE African Americans 16.61% Latinx 38.09% Total 54.70% COATESVILLE African Americans 46.40% Latinx 23.00% Total 69.40% RANKIN African Americans 69.33% Latinx .35% Total 69.68% HOMESTEAD African Americans 51.30% Latinx .62% Total 51.92% TARGETING PENNSYLVANIA CITIES TO ELECT MINORITY MAYORS…. HERE ARE THE CURRENT POPULATION NUMBERSHEALTH NEWS 16 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2020 Pediatric surgeon Ala Stanford says as the number of coronavirus cases have risen in Philadelphia in the past several weeks, she has been getting more and more worried about the city’s Black residents. “In Philadelphia, African Americans represent 44 percent of the population, but at last check, 52 percent of the deaths,” she said. “For me, that was unac- ceptable.” Stanford grew up in North Philly, and now runs a medical consulting firm and has a private practice in Jenkintown. She is also on staff at Abing- ton-Jefferson Health. She said as the weeks went by and more cases and deaths were recorded in the city, she began feeling increasingly frustrated. She talked to people early in the pandemic’s rise who were under the impression African Americans were resistant to COVID-19, and she published a video trying to dispel the myth. And she kept getting calls from family, friends and friends of friends who were worried they had the virus but couldn’t get tested. Sometimes they didn’t have referrals or their doctors didn’t have tests. Some had a referral, but their only option was a drive- through testing site and they didn’t have a car. That’s where the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium came in. The group is a newly-formed arm of Stanford’s firm, an affiliation that includes a number of doctors and churches in Philadelphia’s Black neigh- borhoods. Stanford had some testing kits on hand, as did several of her colleagues in the medical field, and so, she said, “we put our supplies together and we went out to the community.” The group added a page to Stanford’s website so people would be able to sign up for appointments. The only criteria were that they have coronavirus symptoms or known contact with someone who tested positive. On Thursday, Stanford, two other doctors and two medical students packed their supplies into a van and began making house calls, starting in West Philadelphia and working north. Her husband drove. She said they aim to keep going out every other day, supplies permitting, to test around 200 people per day. “We have more volunteers right now than test kits,” she said. “We need the test kits, we need the PPE.” Stanford said she has thought a lot about why Black people in Phila- delphia might come into contact with COVID-19 more often than white people, and might be less likely to get tested. She said part of the problem is probably access to health insurance. But an even bigger part could simply be that a big portion of Philadelphia’s working class population is Black. “We are many of the forward-facing employees,” she said. “We’re driving the buses, we’re driving … the subways and the trains. We are the post office work- ers, we are in the grocery stores, we’re ringing people up at the pharmacies.” A GoFundMe the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium set up has raised more than $2,200 of its $50,000 goal as of Thursday night. Stanford said Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Einstein Medical Center and the city health department have also expressed interest in partnering with the group. She welcomes it — but she plans to keep doing independent tests in the meantime. “It takes time with systems and bureaucracy,” she said. “I just couldn’t stand watching it on the news every day and not doing anything.” High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke, but typically shows no symptoms. Understanding the role cholesterol plays, potential risk factors and how to manage it are important aspects of protecting your heart health. LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is considered “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to fat buildup in the arteries while HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is considered “good” cholesterol as it can carry LDL cholesterol away from the arteries to be broken down and passed from the body. The LDL cholesterol level is important to monitor and is optimal when it is less than 100 for otherwise healthy people, according to the American Heart Association, which recommends adults age 20 or older should have their cholesterol and other risk factors checked every 4-6 years by their primary care physician with a simple blood test. Cholesterol management is not one size fits all, so those who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke, or have family history of high cholesterol, may need to have their cholesterol levels and risk factors checked more often and may need to make lifestyle changes or take prescribed medication to help manage cholesterol levels. Make informed decisions about managing your cholesterol levels and overall health with these tips from the American Heart Association’s “Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol” program, nationally supported by Amgen: 1 Assess your risk. Your health care professional can help determine your risk for a cardiovascular event like heart attack or stroke and help manage your cholesterol as one aspect of preventive care. Your medical and family history and your lifestyle provide important clues about your risk level. Risk is elevated for people who have had a heart attack or stroke; blockages in the arteries of the heart, neck or legs; chronic inflammatory disease; kidney disease; or other medical concerns. Your health care professional will also consider your age, sex, whether you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and if you smoke. Your diet, physical activity levels, alcohol intake and any drugs or Dana Heller, 3rd medical student, Dr. Pierre Chanson, Natalie Gonzalez, 4th year medical student, Dr. Renell Dupree, and Dr. Ala Stanford, are part of the Black Doctors COVID-19 consortium. They are taking mobile testing at-risk zip codes in Philadelphia. Photo Kimberly Paynter by Katie Meyer Black Doctors Consortium Takes COVID-19 Testing Into Their Own Hands 16 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2020 Tips for Managing High Cholesterol 5 continued on page 28HEALTH NEWS Rhonda M. Johnson, M.D., M.P.H Senior Medical Director, Medical Management and Quality Highmark Inc. WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 17 Blood Pressure Control Matters YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED The only way to know for sure that you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked. A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower, and high blood pressure is defined as having blood pressure of above 140/90 on readings taken on two or more occasions. High blood pressure can be prevented or controlled through diet, weight loss, physical and medical treatment. If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan. You’ll likely be advised to make healthy lifestyle changes. You may also need to take medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about side effects from the medicines. The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure enough to avoid more serious problems. For more information visit: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm Did you know that about 1 in 3 U.S. adults have high blood pressure? Or that high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke? African Americans are especially prone to hypertension. African Americans tend to develop hypertension at a younger age and to have a higher blood pressure on average. This content is provided for general information only. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with qualified health professionals who are familiar with your individual medical or mental health needs. The ideas expressed solely represent the views of the author. THE BASIC FACTS The good news is that high blood pressure, or hypertension, can often be prevented or treated. Early diagnosis and simple, healthy changes can keep high blood pressure from seriously damaging your health. Additionally, it’s normal for your blood pressure to go up and down throughout each day. Blood pressure is affected by time of day, exercise, the foods you eat, stress, and other factors. The problem is when your blood pressure stays too high. That’s because high blood pressure can make your heart work too hard and lose strength. Over time, hypertension can harm several important organs, including your heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. Anyone, even children, can develop high blood pressure. But the risk for hypertension rises with age. Excess weight or having a family history of high blood pressure also raises your risk for hypertension.Next >