NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER PULSE MARCH 10-16, 2010 A6
Only Black to design, own, operate golf course
gle in which she and her nately, the man who
Story told during PNC Black History program
parents had to fight relent- changed the world in more
lessly for the rights of the ways than one, passed
young professional. The away on New Year’s Eve
loving family provided the 2009.
by Karen Harris Brooks
creed. sound foundation of However, his courage con-
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Married to the late Mar- strength, enabling the tinues through the strength
cella Oliver, the impas- young woman to rely on and heart of his daughter,
It was a “A Conversation sioned father of three built the courage that became a who carried on a conversa-
in Courage” that personi- a golf course with his own part of her inner being. tion in courage on behalf of
fied perseverance and de- blood, sweat and insur- “Pride is one thing no one her father. The achieve-
termination. The dynamic, mountable determination. can take away from you,” ments of this distinguished
educational dialogue took In 2001, the beautiful 18- stated Renee adamantly, father-daughter team con-
place at a brunch spon- hole Clearview Golf Club, recalling the encourage- tinues to touch the lives of
sored by The PNC Finan- located in East Canton, ment she received from her people across the world, far
cial Services Group on the Ohio, was named to the grandmother. Those words exceeding the barriers of
morning of Feb. 25. The fi- National Register of His- carried her, not only on the color or culture.
nancial institution exhib- toric Places by the U.S. De-
ited a heart for diversity partment of Interior.
and change, and in recog- Not only did Bill Powell
nition of African-American excel in golf, he excelled in
“Faith is taking the first step when you
history, presented a cele- life.
bration of dignity. The The courage of this hum-
don’t see the whole staircase.”
event, emceed by KDKA’s ble, gentle man was in-
Harold Hayes, was held at stilled in the heart of his
REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
the August Wilson Center daughter, Renee. It is im-
in Pittsburgh’s Cultural possible for the golf profes-
District. sional to tell her story golf courses across this Renee continues to in-
PNC is instrumental in without telling the story of country, but on worldwide spire and defeat the odds
“creating a more engaged her father, and she does so circuits that included, through her talents and/or
workforce where employees with pride, respect and ad- among others, Australia, philanthropic work within
feel valued and respected miration. She spoke of her Japan, Africa and the a multitude of organiza-
for who they are and for love for her father and is United Kingdom. Ms. Pow- tions that benefit from her
what they do,” said Mar- emphatic when she states ell, a “pioneer in the sport service, including Black
sha Jones, chief diversity that “the world is a better of golf,” competed on the colleges, United Negro Col-
officer for the corporate place because of him.” LPGA Tour for 13 years lege Fund, Special
giant. Jones’ informative Walking her audience and is only one of three Olympics, Ronald McDon-
opening was evident of the through a part of history African-American women ald House Charities and a
pride that exists among that solidified the essential to accomplish that feat. many other organizations
PNC employees and the in- role of African-Americans The professional golfer’s that benefit because of the
vited guests.
RENEE POWELL
in this country, she ex- illustrious career includes heart of this awesome lady.
The influential business pressed the embodiment of a stint as commentator for William Powell knew all
leader was pleased to an- course in the world. man with the big, if not, the character and integrity ABC and CBS. Along with too well the prejudices,
nounce that the Black His- His service to his country impossible dream. It was a of her father. Her parents, LPGA professional Murle heartaches and anguish of
tory Speaker Series is now in World War II still did world in which the Powells she stated calmly, “taught Breer, she continues to being Black in America. But
in its’ sixth year of provid- not open the doors for Afri- faced discrimination, de- me not to become bitter be- conduct the Renee Powell he never stopped envision-
ing a forum that showcases can-Americans to play on nial and discouragement. cause of diversity and in- Golf School at Clearview, ing a different world. It is
the history, struggle and the golf courses built on But one looking at the dignities.” determined to make the because of that pain that
success of African-Ameri- American soil for which he steps of that long staircase Her success is known sport more accessible to Renee knows the discipline
can leaders throughout the fought. The passionate golf can only see the unwaver- throughout the world and minorities. of hard work, the determi-
Civil Rights Movement. enthusiast was continually ing faith of a man who re- one of the gifts she em- Recipients of a myriad of nation to reach to the top of
One such story of dedica- denied the right to walk on fused to let the world dic- braced was that of obtain- awards, accolades, recogni- the staircase, and the em-
tion and determination is the greens because of the tate his accomplishments ing true, dependable tions and honorary de- bodiment of courage. Today,
that of Dr. William J. Pow- black color of his skin. or the success of his family. friendships. Throughout grees, the remarkable lives the Clearview Golf Course
ell, told in a warm, moving “Faith is taking the first Not one to be deterred be- her travels, she was con- of Renee Powell and her is reflective of the incredible
conversation by his de- step when you don’t see cause of racism, “Dr. P” set tinually denied service in beloved father, Dr. William achievements of a family
voted daughter, Renee. the whole staircase.” These out to provide America restaurants or registration Powell, leave an indelible who withstood the obsta-
Powell is the only African- words of Rev. Dr. Martin with a golf course that was at hotels while traveling mark, not only in the world cles, and because of William
American to design, build, Luther King Jr. would con- accessible to everyone, re- the circuit. Although a sign of sports, but in the world Powell and the Powell fam-
own and operate a golf tinually guide the young gardless of color, religion or of the times, it was a strug- of humanity. Unfortu- ily, it is “America’s Course.”
McKeesport Heritage Center Black History Program
HERITAGE CENTER—The McKeesport Heritage Center held their 5th annual Black History Program
Feb. 27 at the Heritage Center, where they honored retired Justice of the Supreme Court of the Com- JORDAN SLATER, a 10-year-old student at Fran-
monwealth of Pennsylvania Cynthia Baldwin. From left: James Baldwin, Art Baldwin, honoree Justice cis McClure School, reads a poem from Martin
Cynthia Baldwin, Pastor Earlene Coleman, program chair Marilyn Woods Baldwin and Judge Living- Luther King Jr. entitled “The Wheel around the
PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO
stone M. Johnson. world.” JUSTICE CYNTHIA BALDWIN
CULTURAL EDUCATION—Dr. Linda Lane, deputy superintendent,
Pittsburgh Public Schools, debuts the new African-American liter-
ature course at the district’s Black History Month Celebration Feb.
24 at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. Pitts-
KIATA JOHNSON recites her poem “A Quitter Never Wins.” HEAVEN MOORE recites her poem “Hope, Faith, Love.” burgh Montessori K-8 students performed at the center.
PHOTOS BY GAIL MANKER
CAMDEN ANDERSON shows the timeline of her life. MONTESSORI DRUMMERS
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26