Since its inception in 1963, NEED, the Negro Emergency Education Directive, has provided nearly $20 million in grants to college-bound African-American students.

Between now and the end of 2011, the organization seeks to raise nearly half that amount during its annual fundraising campaign, which kicks off with its 47th annual Scholarship Dinner at the Pittsburgh Hilton March 15.

SYLVESTER PACE

“NEED is in the midst of remarkable growth, and we realize that scholarship and grant dollars are only one piece of the college access pie,” said Sylvester Pace. “We are now offering the youth of this region more services than ever before, including mentoring, college advisement in all of the Pittsburgh public high schools, and internships with regional corporations and organizations.”

Four of the eight victims for the month of February, on the Allegheny County list of homicides are Black males under the age of 30. And to make it worse, each of their deaths was due to gun violence. All the marches and vigils won’t stop a thing, if our community can’t come together and take a stand on one accord.

As part of an ongoing effort to heighten awareness about the effects of murder in Black communities, the New Pittsburgh Courier will compile a list of homicides in the County each month. It is our hope that as the list of victims grows, so will a true understanding of how these lost lives affect the mental health, economic well-being and self-images of the region’s Black neighborhoods.

Members of two gangs formed a decade apart that had recently merged to take out a third gang and expand their territory, have been rounded up by federal, county and city police following the Grand Jury release of a 91-page indictment that includes charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, drug trafficking, attempted bribery, witness intimidation, weapons charges and auto theft.

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations indictment, unsealed Feb. 24, charges that the Brighton Heights Crips and Northview Heights/Fineview Crips joined forces in 2002 and 2003 to eliminate the rival Manchester Original Gangsters.

by Rebecca Nuttall and Ashley Johnson

North Side residents and other community stakeholders are breathing a little easier after the indictment of 26 gang members who called their neighborhood home. Although several of those brought up on charges were already serving jail time, many residents said they hope to see a reduction in crime and violence.

PEACE MARCH—This march last year was one of many such efforts by the North Side communities to stop the violence. Hundred of people came out to show their support for peace in the neighborhoods.

“I’m hoping with these people off the streets, we’ll finally be able to start to feel safe in our own neighborhoods,” said Tracy Walker. “And hopefully others who are out there will get the message and stop all of the killing and violence.”