FALL 2023 INSIDE TALK MEET MADALINE DUNN PG 18 BLACK OWNED SPIRITS PG 11 RACIAL HEALTH EQUITY PG 14 Roxanne N. Sewell Partner, President, Talk Magazine Luther J. Sewell Founder, Publisher, Talk Magazine 61 YEARS END OFAN ERA BECOME A TMAG PATRON TALK MINORITY ACTION GROUP M e Chec s P ble nd M l to The Pttsbur h Contn enc/TMAG | PO Box 143, Monroevlle, PA 15146-0143 Our p rtner The Pttsbur h Contn enc (TPC) s 501(c)3 non-proft nd our contrbuton s tqx deductble 4128234007 | cont ct@t l mnort cton roupor | wwwt l m zneonlnecom VOTER REGISTRATION Address C t Stte Z p Telephone Em l Prnt Nme Yes, I wll contrbute to Tl Mnort Acton Group Donton Level 5102050100300500Other PLEASE HELP WITH YOUR DONATION VOTER TURNOUT VOTER CIVIC EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT TMAG continues the work of education and enabling African American and Latinx communities across Pennsylvania to develop a deeper understanding of our common humanity and growing our civic education and civil rights engagement.INSIDE TALK Th e LJS Group / Talk Magazine / TMAG Luther J. Sewell, Jr. / Publisher Roxanne N. Sewell / President & Editor theLULAdesigns / Graphic Design & Layout Fiordaliza White / Contributing Writer Jamaal Craig / Roundtable Photographer PO Box 143 Monroeville, PA 15146-0143 (P) 412.823.4007 info@talkmagazineonline.com www.talkmagazineonline.com Harrisburg Roundtable pg 16 Kwanzaa pg 20 FALL 2023 PA Dept. of Environmental Protection pg 24 PUBLISHER’S NOTES After 61 years of Publishing Talk Magazine, fi rst and even foremost I want to Th ank God for His goodness and grace in my life. Second, to those who helped to develop Talk, Louise Mason, Tom Howe, Clarence Nelson and 122 others. We could not have made 61 years without PNC Bank, Tavern Owner’s Association and other organization’s support. Without one of our most important elements are our advertisers, the small business owners that advertised in every issue they could and the big advertisers that started and some we still have today. After 30 years, I married my second time to my beautiful wife of today, Roxanne. She took Talk, improved it, and developed it to another level. Th anks be to God for her. After 61 years, this will be our last issue of Talk. Going forward, LJS will put all our eff orts into our consulting business. We have had requests to have an Annual Special Issue of Talk Magazine or redesign an online only version or turn it over to my son. We are discussing options for what’s next for Talk Magazine. I can’t say enough to our readers and supporters over these many years, Th ank You All! Th ank you and God bless. 4 College News 6 Talk Across PA: The 2023 Power of Diversity 100 Blacks 10 Business News 12 Latino NewsMarketing Me For: Employment/Career Change Workshop This workshop will cover many challenges in today’s job market from exploring many ways to market ourselves to assisting with searching out appropriate job training and/ educational opportunities. The LJS Group | www.ljsconsults.com | training@ljsconsults.com ATTEND THE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP TO LEARN: How to use marketing tools to strengthen your job searches. Identifying job training programs in my area. Exploring barriers to employment and education opportunities. Create a personalized marketing plan. Living with Covid information. November 17, 2023 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM Learn more at www.ljsconsults.com NOVEMBER4 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2023 COLLEGE NEWS LINCOLN A Lifetime of Learning and Service: Dr. Aaron C. Bass Jr. '72 Meet Dr. Aaron C. Bass Jr., a luminary among Lincoln University of Pennsylvania's illustrious alumni. Not only has he earned the esteemed title of "Lifetime Achiever'' by Marquis Who's Who for his remarkable contributions to educa- tional administration, but he has also received the prestigious Emeritus Award from Lincoln University and recently was nominated and elect- ed President of the Northeast Region National Black Presbyterian Caucus in August 2023. He also achieved a seminary MDiv degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and a DMin degree from the United Lutheran Seminary. Dr. Bass's journey from Lincoln University to a lifetime of learning and service is an inspiring testament to the transformative potential of edu- cation and an unwavering commitment to social justice. Early Inspiration and Lincoln University Days Dr. Bass's educational odyssey began with a powerful family legacy intertwined with Lincoln University. His uncle, the first and only black dentist in Reading, PA, who had himself been a Lincoln alumnus, ignited the spark that led Dr. Bass to Lincoln's hallowed halls. His decision to attend this esteemed institution was a pivotal moment in his life. During his time at Lincoln, Dr. Bass not only absorbed the rich historical tapestry of the uni- versity but also embraced its fervent dedication to social justice. It was here that he encountered the crucible of academic rigor and resilience. Freshmen were sternly cautioned, "Look around because half of you will be gone by the end of the first semester." This stern challenge galvanized him, fostering the growth of critical thinking, research skills, and a profound affection for data analysis. Post-Graduation Journey and Educational Achievements After earning his degree from Lincoln, Dr. Bass continued his educational journey, ulti- mately earning a graduate scholarship to Temple University, where he earned an MA degree. His time at Temple, with access to an astounding library and research opportunities, was enriched by the lessons he had learned at Lincoln. These experiences helped shape his career in educa- tion and research, laying the foundation for his impressive accomplishments. Dr. Bass attributes his accomplishments to the Lord and thanks his wife, Rev. Dr. Jade King Bass, for her love and support. Staying Connected and Giving Back Dr. Bass's commitment to his alma ma- ter didn't end with graduation. He remained engaged with the Lincoln University community and received the prestigious Emeritus Award in recognition of his contributions. Furthermore, his recent election as President of the Northeast Region National Black Presbyterian Caucus demonstrates his continued dedication to various causes and initiatives. Words of Wisdom for Current and Prospective Students Dr. Bass's advice to current and prospective students emphasizes the value of people and respectful communication. He encourages indi- viduals to engage with others from diverse back- grounds and cultures, recognizing that people are our greatest resource. MILLERSVILLE Grant to Help Underrepresented Students in STEM by Janet Kacskos Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, Millersville University will be the lead institution working to increase the recruit- ment, graduation and post-baccalaureate success of students from underrepresented groups in STEM graduate school and/or the STEM work- force. The five-year $3,448,451 grant from NSF’s Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program is a joint effort of Millersville, East Stroudsburg University, Slippery Rock University and West Chester University. Dr. Gail Gasparich, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Millersville, is the primary investigator. The goal of the Keystone LSAMP program is to increase the number of students graduating with a STEM bachelor’s degree by at least 20%, from 70 graduates a year to 84 or more. “To meet this goal, we will increase the recruitment and retention of STEM majors from underrepresented groups and build a strong culture of STEM identity, community and practice with our Keystone schol- ars,” explains Gasparich. The program will provide tuition scholarships, summer stipends, travel support, and a slew of co-curricular supports and opportunities for the students involved. “Our plan will leverage the existing strengths of our alliance through sharing best practices, innova- tions and lessons learned and creating cross-institu- tional programming to serve STEM students from underrepresented groups better,” says Gasparich. The main components of the grant are recruitment efforts, retention efforts, first-year programs, mentorship and faculty development. “We’ll be able to provide students with access to funding, enhanced support, training in research and preparation and guidance towards graduate school,” says Gasparich. Each alliance institution has specific program- ming in place to provide synergy with the pro- gram and enhance the support and opportunities for the students involved. For more information on the grant and pro- gram, please contact Dr. Gail E. Gasparich (gail. gasparich@millersville.edu). TEMPLE Temple University acting president JoAnne A. Epps died Tuesday shortly after becoming ill on stage during a memorial service, officials said, describing her loss as a gut punch and struggling through emotion as they recalled her nearly four decades of service. Epps was attending a memorial service at the university for Charles L. Blockson, a curator of a collection of African American artifacts, when she suffered what a doctor speaking at a news conference described as a "sudden episode." The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Epps, who was scheduled to speak at the service, slumped in her chair shortly after the event began and was carried out in the arms of a uniformed officer after the announcer asked if there was a doctor in the house. Epps was taken to Temple University Hospi- tal, where she was pronounced dead around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, the university said. She was 72. Ken Kaiser, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Temple, declined to speculate about Epps' health prior to her collapse, but he called her death a "gut punch for all of us right now." "We are not aware that President Epps had any health issues," Kaiser said at the news conference. Dr. Aaron C. Bass Jr. JoAnne A. Epps, acting president of Temple University, speaks during a Temple University graduation ceremony, May 11, 2023, at the Liacouras Center on Temple's campus in Philadelphia. Epps has died after collapsing at a memorial service Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 19, the university said. —Alejandro A. Alvarez/The Philadel- phia Inquirer via APCOLLEGE NEWS WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 5 Kaiser told Th e Associated Press that he had known Epps for three decades. "JoAnne was full of life, somebody who was super compassionate and truly cared about other people and had a wonderful way of pulling them all together and getting people excited about even a daunting task, making things fun," he said. Temple University Provost Gregory Mandel choked up as he described Epps. "We are all in deep grief and at a loss for words. To know JoAnne is to be her friend," Mandel said at the news conference. Mandel said the university's Board of Trustees would meet Wednesday to "put together a plan for us as we work through this transition." Epps, Temple's former law school dean and provost, was named to the post in April following the resignation of Jason Wingard, the university's fi rst Black president, who resigned in March after leading the 33,600-student university since July 2021. Kaiser said Epps started out working at Tem- ple's bookstore 40 years ago and dedicated herself to improving the university. DUQUESNE Th e Th omas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University celebrated its 77th annual Law Alumni Reunion dinner on October 6. During that event, Duquesne Kline celebrated three honorees for their achievements and be- stowed awards on them. Th e honorees included Th e Honorable Janice M. Holder, L’75, State Senator Lindsey Williams, L’08, and Dean Ron- ald R. Davenport. CHATHAM ‘We were all blindsided’: Chatham University faces multimillion-dollar budget hole, lays off staff , cuts benefi ts Th e Pittsburgh university has seen defi cits in most recent years, and faces dips in graduate school enrollments amid higher ed headwinds. by Emma Folts Five days before Rhonda Phillips took over as Chatham University’s new president, faculty and staff received an email from her. “While excited to offi cially begin my tenure,” she wrote on June 26, “this is not the tone nor tenor of the fi rst message I envisioned sending.” Earlier that morning, Board of Trustees Chair David Hall told faculty and staff via email that the private university faces an increasing defi cit in its operating budget, projected then to be be- tween $8-12 million, and likely needs to “realign costs and revenue” over the next two years. Th at’s a substantial sum for Chatham, which brought in about $52 million in revenue in the 2022 fi scal year, according to audited fi nancial statements. So far, the university has limited health care benefi ts and laid off staff members. Th e board also passed a resolution allowing university lead- ership to begin a “campus-wide reorganization,” Hall wrote in his email. Th e process was already underway by the time Phillips messaged the faculty and staff about half an hour later. Th e incoming president shared that she plans to restructure Chatham’s leadership team over the current academic year. At that time, that meant the departures of the vice presidents of fi nance and administration; academic aff airs; strategic planning and Title IX; and advancement. Th e eff ort was necessary, she wrote, to streamline administrative decision-making and help estab- lish “new approaches to supporting our students, employees, and alumni.” And she was forming an academic advisory committee, partly composed of faculty, staff and students, to review the university’s programs, outcomes, pricing and funding. She told the faculty and staff that she’d hold a campus update on “Chatham’s situation and plans” the week of July 3 and would schedule additional meetings in the summer and fall. “I fully recognize the uncertainty and impact the days ahead will have on our community. As we chart our path, please know that it is my goal to always lead with empathy, support for our mission, and by providing clear direction for Chatham as we move forward together,” Phillips wrote. Emerging indications of Chatham’s fi scal crisis bring to Pittsburgh a problem faced by many universities as enrollments dip, costs rise and fed- eral pandemic relief money runs out. And even if Chatham tackles the defi cit, the university may face additional headwinds in the future. Th e state Need Cutline Chatham University photographed on Sept. 26, 2022, in Squirrel Hill. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/PublicSource) continued on page 28TALK ACROSS PA 6 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2023 As evidenced by a quick glance at the top spots in this year’s Power of Diversity: Black 100, people of color are ensconced in positions of political power at historic rates. Austin Davis is the state’s first Black lieutenant governor. Joanna McClinton is the state’s first Black female majority leader in either chamber of the General THE 2023 POWER OF DIVERSITY 100 BLACKS Joanna McClinton, State House Democratic Leader Sharif Street, State Senator Austin Davis, Lieutenant Governor Malcolm Kenyatta, State Representative Ryan Boyer, Business Manager, Building Trades Council; Laborers District Council Dwight Evans, Member of Congress Summer Lee, Member of Congress Donna Bullock, State Representative Vincent Hughes, Democratic Chair, Appropriations Committee, State Senate Darrell Clarke, President, Philadelphia City Council Jordan Harris, Democratic Whip, House of Representatives Ed Gainey, Mayor of Pittsburgh Quinta Brunson, Actor, Writer and Creator, “Abbott Elementary” Sheryl Lee Ralph, Actor and Advocate, DIVA Foundation Gregory Deavens, President and CEO, Independence Health Group Timothy DeFoor, Auditor General Anthony Williams, State Senator Morgan Cephas, Philadelphia Delegation Chair, Pennsylvania House of Representatives Jason Dawkins, State Representative Jason Wingard, President, Temple University Erika H. James, Dean, The Wharton School Jalila Parker, Deputy CEO, Delaware River Port Authority Curtis Jones Jr., Majority Leader, Philadelphia City Council Carolyn Nichols, Superior Court Judge Wanda Williams, Mayor of HarrisburgTALK ACROSS PA WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 7 Danielle Bowers, President, Harrisburg City Council Angela Val, President and CEO, Visit Philadelphia Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition Mustafa Rashed, President and CEO, Bellevue Strategies C. Frank Igwe, President, Moravia Health Blake Lynch, Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, WITF Jerry Jordan, President, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Ricky Burgess, Pittsburgh City Council Members Robert Daniel Lavelle, Pittsburgh City Council Members John L. Jackson Jr., Walter H. Annenberg Dean and Richard Perry U. Prof., U of Pennsylvania Jake Wheatley, Chief of Staff, Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President, External and Government Affairs, Comcast Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., Vice Chair, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Brenda Allen, President, Lincoln University Chad Dion Lassiter, Executive Director, PA Human Relations Commission Ernest Garret, President, AFSCME District Council 33 Danielle M. Outlaw, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Robert Cherry, CEO, Partner4Work David Dix, Co-Founder & CEO Luminous Strategies & Marcia Perry Dix, Founder & CEO, Perry Media Group Osagie Imasogie, Senior Managing Partner, PIPV Capital Joseph Hill, Senior Principal, Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies Rochelle Bilal, Sheriff, City of Philadelphia Valerie Pritchett, Anchor, ABC27 Marc Jenkins, Regional Managing Director, PNC Bank Michael Kenyatta Joynes, VP of Government & Community Relations, Philadelphia Works Assembly. Timothy DeFoor continues in his term as the state’s first Black auditor general. Summer Lee is the state’s first Black female Member of Congress. This list recognizes the most influential Black Pennsylvanians in politics, nonprofits, business and other arenas. It was researched and written by City & State staff and freelance journalist Jordan Snowden.Next >