Community Matters
The attack on the U.S. Capitol was an attack on community life itself
Democracy must be protected, election lies must stop and government must not be distracted
Democracy must be protected, election lies must stop and government must not be distracted
Over the past two weeks many of us have been checking in with one another about how we’re doing. The consensus is that we are NOT O.K. We are Sad. Angry. Enraged. Anxious. Afraid.
Afraid for ourselves. Afraid for our children, our partners, our families and our friends. And we are TIRED – utterly exhausted.
We stand in solidarity with those calling for the fair administration of justice and we support the right of Americans to protest. Inspired by the millions who have done so, we join in the quest to end racist behaviors, policies and practices in systems that lead to emotional and physical violence to people of color, immigrants and other minorities.
THE SENSE OF SHOCK AND OUTRAGE at the acquittal of former police officer, Michael Rosfeld, for the criminal homicide of 17-year-old Antwon Rose is understandable, and we share it. All of us need to pay close attention.
IT MAY BE A CULTURAL QUIRK, but it seems that the only way we Pittsburghers truly understand the special value one person has in our community – the only way we accurately gauge the enormity of that person’s ability to make us better than we thought we could be – is when that person leaves us.
We’re all facing tough decisions right now. For some, these impossible choices have life-changing impact. When a single mom pays her rent, that may mean she misses a car payment, putting transportation to her job in jeopardy. And without her job, will eviction then follow? It’s a vicious cycle, and one that we need to break.
I have the honor of standing for a 75-year-old philanthropic institution that has faithfully pursued the mission of serving the most vulnerable in our community. And yet, I have asked myself every day over the last week: why is it so hard to find words to do justice to a moment in our history when the entire country is focused on vulnerability?
Our airwaves are filled with expressions ranging from rage to tenderness. They come from former presidents, the pope, bishops, journalists, activists, high school students and 6-year-old Gianna Floyd.
All in-person meetings cancelled or moving online, when possible.
The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership, honored philanthropic leaders Maxwell King, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Foundation, and Grant Oliphant, president of The Heinz Endowments, for their strategic, innovative and transformational leadership as recipients of its Exemplary Leadership Award.
In a year strained by man-made and natural calamities, Pittsburghers confronted, overcame and uplifted. They doubled down in giving their time and treasure to those in need. The impulse for that extra effort is explained in the simple response of longtime Pittsburgh Foundation donor Joann Klein: “When it comes down to it, we just have to help as many people as we can in this world.”