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2 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 CONTENTS From the Editors The only local voice for news, arts, and culture. FEBRUARY 2021 Will love find a way? Editors-in-Chief ome say love, it is a river. Others say love is a bat- Brian Graham & Adam Welsh New Community College Connects Erie, Philly – 5 tlefield. But with all due respect to Bette Midler Managing Editor Education should be accessible for all Nick Warren Sand Pat Benatar, perhaps 17th century French moralist François de La Rochefoucauld said it best Copy Editor Chatting With Sonya & Friends – 9 Matt Swanseger when he said “True love is like ghosts, which every- Contributing Editors Streaming talk show aims to inspire, one talks about and few have seen.” To paraphrase, Ben Speggen encourage, educate, and motivate we want to know what love is. Now if only someone, Jim Wertz anyone, could show us — [sipping coffee] um yeah, Contributors Erie’s Highway Timeline – 10 that’d be great. Liz Allen Come Valentine’s Day and the weeks that follow Lisa Austin History shows categorical and willful — the tail end of so-called “cuffing season” — it’s cus- John Bavaro Charles Brown neglect of redlined neighborhoods tomary to reflect on this elusive, abstract, inscrutable Jonathan Burdick force that permeates our quest for fulfillment and Chloe Forbes How Wendell King Found His purpose. For the more jaded among us who refer to Ally Kutz the Feast of St. Valentine as “Singles Awareness Day,” Christopher Lantinen Frequency in Erie – 12 Tommy Link it’s an occasion to either dwell on slights and short- Judy Lynch African American radio engineer met comings or, more constructively, reconnect with who Aaron Mook and obliterated the ‘color line’ we are and what we have to offer. Brad Pattullo For centuries now, both in Erie and throughout the Erin Phillips The Quiet Force of Emma Lawrence – 15 Dan Schank country, the Black community has long been left to Melissa Sullivan Shimek The story of Erie’s first female ponder “Where is the love?” Despite having given so Roland Slade Black business owner much and having so much yet to give to humanity, Jen Sorensen people of color are still disrespected and marginalized Rebecca Styn Cara Suppa Antonio Howard: Creating His Own Narrative – 17 on a systemic level. Millions of Black men, women, Forest Taylor and children wake up everyday feeling unappreciated Bryan Toy The inspiring local painter shines and alone, without an active partner in our “integrat- Adam Trott ed” society, swept aside into a redlined corner to be Larry Wheaton prolifically after imprisonment neglected, expected to “keep to themselves.” This is its Photographer Jessica Hunter Artists To Look Out For In 2021 – 21 own form of solitary confinement. If two are to actually become one — if a truly egali- Intern Musicians refuse to have creativity shut down Kimberly Firestine tarian, sustainable relationship is to be built — there must be not only the acknowledgment of injustice Cover Art TV Reviews – 22 “Juvenile Life Without Parole” by and inequality, but an openness and willingness Antonio Howard Hipsters, witches, and androids ready to stream to work to correct these imbalances. If, as Ameri- Cover Design can-German philosopher Paul Tillich said, “the first Nick Warren Film Reviews – 24 duty of love is to listen,” why do we so seldom listen? New documentaries focus on Fox Rich and MLK Decisions concerning the former site of Erie Coke, 1001 State St. Suite 1315 the future site of the IRG plastics recycling plant, and Erie, Pa., 16501 [email protected] In Our Ears: Podcast We’ve Been Loving – 26 proposed modifications to the Bayfront Parkway dis- proportionately affect lower-income, predominantly Our monthly picks for enthralling audio The Erie Reader is published every other week Black residents of Erie’s East Bayfront neighbor- and distributed at over 350 high foot-traffic hoods. If Erie is a home to all of us, shouldn’t every- locations in Pennsylvania from North East to Book Reviews – 27 Girard to Edinboro. In addition to appearing one have a say about what we might be inviting in? in print, Erie Reader adds new content Alex Trebek and Emmanuel Acho Who looks out for it, walks with it, cleans up after it? daily at ErieReader.com as well as social Whose room does it sleep in? Would you bring home a media sites. All rights reserved. All content offer words of wisdom © Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., stray direwolf without first consulting your spouse? Suite 1315, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of this It is also often said of love that it is patient and it publication may be reproduced without Restorative Justice and Cannabis – 28 permission. The opinions of our columnists is kind. But how long can one reasonably wait to feel and contributors are their own and do not As industry grows, new opportunities embraced and included? As much as we must trea- always reflect that of the editorial board or must be colorblind sure the stories of impactful African Americans of organization. Direct sales inquiries to 814.314.9364. For editorial inquiries, email Erie’s past (like Wendell King and Emma Gertrude [email protected]. Erie Reader Cartoons – 29 Lawrence), we must also champion those like Sonya Sapiens, politics, jokes, and snow Byes and Antonio Howard making a difference now. If love keeps no record of wrongs, will we expunge Album Reviews – 30 the criminal records of African Americans who’ve been arrested or incarcerated for nothing other than Navy Blue, Steve Earle, Common, simple possession of cannabis? When marijuana is and Ethan Iverson fully legalized, as most expect, will Black America be able to profit to the same degree that it’s been pun- Crossword Puzzle – 31 ished? The latest stumper from David Levinson Wilk Like true love, social justice is often talked about but rarely seen. It’s time we give up the ghost for something tangible.

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 Fall in LOVE with your smile this Valentine’s Day!

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4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 NEWS & VIEWS New Community College Connects Erie, Philly Education should be accessible for all Allen Bonnell (left), who played a part in founding the Community College of Philadelphia (background), sent lengthy letters every week to his sister Jeanette (center) in their hometown of Erie. Bringing the Philly-Erie connection full circle will be native Philadelphian and would-be CCP retiree Dr. Judith Gay (right), who will serve as interim president of of the new Erie County Community College while a search for a permanent candidate for the role is conducted.

wrote about him again, noting that the Community College of Philadelphia had created the Allen T. Bonnell Award for Community Service to honor people who open up educational opportunities for others. Bonnell’s desire to learn as much as pos- sible started at a young age. He and his sister were born in the Panama Canal Zone, where their father, a construction worker, contracted an illness — likely malaria, Wellington said. “As a result of the time spent there, [the father] had

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS difficulty holding a job later when he got back to Erie,” she told me recently. “He had health issues and wasn’t able to By: Liz Allen In 1962, Bonnell, then vice president at er of her family’s genealogy. Her husband work full-time, so their mother went to epperoni balls vs. cheesesteaks. Drexel University, headed the research Bob’s father and Bonnell’s father were work at Halle’s [Department Store]. She C. Wolf vs. Gritty. effort that led to a proposal to establish first cousins. made hats. Because she was working P The Brady Bunch’s Alice vs. Rocky. a community college in Philadelphia. Wellington explained that Bonnell, who and their father was ill or not there, they Philadelphia and Erie don’t just have He became the founding president of was 96 at that time, wrote lengthy letters were latchkey children.” distinct cultural touchstones. We’re also the college when it opened in 1965 and every week, either from Philadelphia or In one letter, Bonnell recalled how he separated by geography — Perry Square served in that role until he retired in 1983. from the family’s summer home in Cape and his sister were busy “raising each is almost 400 miles from Independence He held the title of president emeritus Cod, to his sister Jeanette, 97, who resided other up” in childhood, after their mom Hall in Philadelphia. until his death in 2013. in an assisted living facility in Erie. went back to work. “This meant we came But despite those differences, and in a Gay, who joined the Community College Wellington regularly visited cousin Jea- home to an empty house with no wel- happy outcome by decision-makers, the of Philadelphia in 2000 after high-level nette, a retired school librarian who had coming cups of cocoa and snacks and leader of the new Erie County Commu- positions at Montgomery County Com- suffered a stroke, to help her with every- hugs. I can’t remember ever bringing nity College comes from the Communi- munity College and Chestnut Hill Col- day tasks and to read aloud Bonnell’s let- friends home with us. We had to create ty College of Philadelphia, founded by a lege in Philadelphia, remembers how ters. our own amusements,” he wrote. one-time latchkey kid from Erie. Bonnell always made sure to attend the Wellington saved all the letters, writ- Their household had few books. “We Judith Gay, Ph.D., will serve as interim pinning ceremony for nurses graduating ten between 2006 and 2010, when Jea- had no shelf of the classics. The closest president of the Erie County Community from CCP. “He came in a wheelchair,” she nette died, and indexed them because we came to any of the standard English College while the search continues for a recalled in a phone interview. “The nurs- of the rich family and Erie history they poets and authors were two big volumes permanent president. ing program meant a lot to him.” contained. Because of her meticulous of verse and moral essays … Horatio Alger A native of Philadelphia, Gay, 70, had Bonnell’s role in founding the Com- record-keeping, she can easily find Bon- was well-represented. … Best of all were intended to retire from her position as munity College of Philadelphia and in nell’s reminiscences about the East 19th several volumes of the Bobbsey Twins. vice president for strategic initiatives advocating to break down barriers to Street neighborhood known as Hogan’s Their thrilling, often pastoral adventures and chief of staff for the Community higher education is celebrated in the City Alley where the Bonnell family lived, you read to me in front of a roaring fire of College of Philadelphia when she was of Brotherly Love, but his story is not so next to the railroad tracks. She can track the Isinglass gas stove.” approached about the Erie position. She well-known in Erie. down Bonnell’s memories of his gram- Rummaging through old trunks in the told the Erie Times-News that she was I learned about Bonnell’s Erie roots mar school, Garfield Elementary; his high attic, Bonnell found his great-grandfa- attracted to the Erie job for a couple of and his commitment to making educa- school, Academy; and his scholarship ther’s violin. “The instrument was strung reasons, including the fact that Allen tion accessible to all in 2008, when I met years at Oberlin College in Ohio. with heavy gut strings and was accom- Bonnell, who grew up in Erie, had found- Patty Wellington. A former teacher, GE When I interviewed Bonnell by phone panied by an old, balding, three-quarter ed the Community College of Philadel- draftsman, toy company manager, and in 2008 for my newspaper column, his size bow and a piece of rosin,” he wrote. phia. “I feel like Philadelphia owes you a garden-center worker, the 77-year-old sharp mind and quick recall impressed “A feeling of kinship with the violin pro- payback in Erie,” Gay told the newspaper. Wellington, of Millcreek, is also the keep- me. After he died in 2013, at age 101, I vided the only motivation I needed. By

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & VIEWS

trial and error, I taught myself the ru- Philadelphia started its Institute for A community college doesn’t just im- diments of violin playing and could saw Community Engagement and Civic prove the lives of its students, she said. out simple tunes.” Leadership to promote “volunteerism, Faculty learn from the “very interesting Bonnell also used an original string service-learning, scholarship and re- experiences” and stories that students from the violin to repair a tennis rac- search, and community partnerships,” share about themselves. quet that he also found in the attic. according to the college’s website, ccp. Families gain, too. CCP offered an En- With that grit and ingenuity, you edu. A free course on “know your gov- glish as a second language program and might expect that Bonnell would credit ernment” proved so popular this semes- adult basic education, but the number himself for his achievements: a bache- ter that enrollment had to be capped of those students who went on to oth- lor’s degree in economics from Oberlin at 200, she said. “Because of things that er college programs was “really low,” she College; a master’s degree from the Uni- have happened, there’s a whole con- said. “Why are they doing that program versity of Bonn; a doctorate from the versation about democracy and how it if they are not even going to come into University of Illinois; professorships at works,” she said. the college?” she was asked. St. Louis University and the University She also advocates for leadership de- But someone who took an ESL or basic of North Carolina; a job at the U.S. State velopment for community college em- education class had good reasons, she Department rebuilding the European ployees. “Our underlying philosophy said. “They wanted to be able to talk to economies after World War II; and top was leadership at every level. Some- their kids’ doctors, communicate with positions at Drexel University before times you are asked to lead, sometimes their teachers,” These adults might not he founded the Community College of you are asked to follow. You can teach further their college education “but Philadelphia. basic leadership skills and the whole in- their children probably would.” Yet he always chose to credit other stitution is going to benefit.” A community college has other pos- people and places for the direction his There are many attributes of the com- itive social impacts. Incomes go up. life took. munity college experience that appeal Graduates have more knowledge about “What a privilege it was, Hogan’s Alley to Gay. She earned her bachelor’s degree health issues. Their communication notwithstanding, to grow up in a city at Findlay College and her master’s and skills improve. that was located on beautiful Lake Erie,” Ph.D. at Bowling Green State University, The CCP also reaches out to younger he wrote in one letter. At Academy High but she has been interested in the Com- students, offering a free Science, Tech- School, he understood that he and his munity College of Philadelphia since nology, Engineering, and Math camp for sister would be mingling with students she was 14. middle school kids and an automotive from “a wide variety of communities,” he “My best friend and I took the subway program for middle school girls. wrote. “Did we, you and I, instinctively from our girls’ high school to see what “You have to think about the impact feel that we had to prove that we were it would look like,” she said. “Somewhere on society not just for today, but what is just as good as they were despite our along the line, I started keeping a file the future you are building for the com- habitat on the wrong side of the tracks?” about the Community College of Phila- munity?” she said. “It’s a holistic com- Erie’s public school system shaped delphia. The whole idea of open access, munity way of thinking about things,” him, he said. “I sensed from the moment of starting people where they are and said Gay. Observing Pennsylvania’s I crossed the threshold of Academy that moving them to the next level, really im- rules about travel and social distancing there was something there that I need- pressed me — the idea that there would due to the pandemic, she is working in ed and wanted — a loaded smorgasbord be a college open to everyone, and who Philadelphia. “I’m following the science. of new challenges and opportunities would want you to start wherever you I am hoping that by March I will be able far more interesting and exciting than need to start and help you get to anoth- to come and spend some time (in Erie).” those of Garfield Grammar and Hogan’s er level,” she said. During our phone interview in 2008, Alley. I ate my way down the full length In the Erie Times-News story about Bonnell credited his sister with foster- of that smorgasbord and never expe- Gay being named interim president, ing his lifelong connection to the Erie rienced a jaded appetite or intellectual she said the diverse makeup of the Erie community. “(Jeanette) never let me indigestion,” he wrote. County Community College Board im- leave Erie. She provided what I would Public service was part of his charac- pressed her. call a flexible umbilical cord. No matter ter. After he met his future wife, Doro- The chance to be immersed in a more where I was, she would clip articles and thy, at the University of Illinois, he be- diverse world also drew her to Mont- comic strips out of the Erie papers and came a Quaker, like her. During World gomery County Community College periodically would send me a great big War II, they served with a Quaker or- from Chestnut Hill College. bundle of those clippings,” he told me. ganization in France to help Jewish ref- “I made a very conscious decision to The scrappy kid from the 400 block of ugees, Wellington said. Bonnell’s wife, take the job at Montgomery County East 19th Street in Erie was still think- a children’s book author, later wrote a Community College,” she said. “When I ing about the community he loved late young adult book, Passport to Freedom, told some of my friends that Montgom- in life, said Wellington. “It was Allen’s dy- based on a true story about an Ameri- ery had offered me the position and I ing wish that Erie would have a commu- can student trapped in France when the turned down other opportunities, they nity college, too, because he knew what Nazis marched on Paris. said, ‘You are supposed to be moving a need there was when he was growing Public service for students and lead- up,’” she recalled. “I don’t think of it that up here, growing up poor.” ership opportunities for community way. I loved the fact that it was different college staff are two of the goals Gay than what I did before,” she said. “For a Liz Allen has been writing about has pursued in her roles at community person who believes in diverse experi- Erie’s long push for a community colleges. ences, I thought I would learn a lot in college for years. You can reach In 2016, the Community College of that kind of environment.” her at [email protected].

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8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 NEWS & VIEWS Chatting With Sonya & Friends Streaming talk show aims to inspire, encourage, educate, and motivate

Sonya Byes (pictured) and friends Juanita Stokes, Lori Pickens, Vanessa Belen, Alicia Aldridge, and Jada Tamplin- Best — a diverse group of women of various talents and professional backgrounds — will engage in real, relevant, and unscripted conversation on Sonya & Friends, a streaming talk show that will air on YouTube and CAM Erie.

there are five other women that will be mainstays in the group, which includes: Juanita Stokes, Lori Pickens, Vanessa Belen, Alicia Aldridge and Jada Tamplin-Best. “It’s a diverse group of women from various back- grounds. We are authors, community leaders, women’s advocates, insurance professionals. We are influencers and we’re entrepreneurs.” The show will be featured online with hopes of po- tentially moving to television. “We’re going to use Com- munity Access Media (CAM Erie). In each program we will patronize local businesses and nonprofits but we will be filming there.” The show will be 30 minutes long, a YouTube channel will be created, and they will be able to share the content via CAM Erie. “We are hoping to produce eight to 10 shows per season.” The shows will also feature a variety of guests — both men and women. “We have a segment called the Mantastic Monday. Essentially, it will be someone killing the game in his

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO area of expertise. Be it his career, his family, or his com- munity engagement. Someone that we feel is making a great contribution towards the betterment of our By: Rebecca Styn community.” hese are the four pillars that Erie’s soon-to-be For the first run, though, it will just be the core group. newest streaming talk show, Chatting with “The very first show will just be us. We will be introduc- TSonya & Friends, will abide by — to inspire, en- ing ourselves, and who we are talking about. What’s to courage, educate, and motivate. The show will feature come, and what the audience can look forward to.” a diverse group of professional women of color having I have had the pleasure of knowing Sonya for several real — and relevant — conversations. I recently had years, having the opportunity to get to know her bet- the opportunity to talk with Sonya Byes, the founder ter when we both ran for local office. Sonya’s energy and creator of the program and started by asking her and spirit mirrors her mission and objectives of the what inspired this direction. production. She herself lives with purpose and pas- “I’ve always wanted to create a place and a space for sion and has often sought opportunities to help other individuals to get together to have meaningful con- women thrive. I also know that this has been a work in versations. A place we could engage, empower, and en- progress for her as well — something nearly 10 years lighten — all by the way of conversation.” in the making. Her goal is to provide an opportunity for viewers to “You know, life happens. I lost my mom during the obtain and maintain strength, courage and confidence course of planning the show, and I’m a single mom, — to triumph over fear with purpose and passion to working a full-time job. I would stop and start and live their best life. stop and start, but it just never went away. So now my And she doesn’t want it scripted. “I wanted a talk 23-year-old son is in college. I finally healed from the show. A visible one. A place to have real dialogue — to loss of my mom and I’m ready.” help change a person’s way of being, way of thinking. And create a place in a space for us. And when I say us, Chatting with Sonya & Friends will launch in I mean women of color.” mid-February. More information can be found With the rise in popularity of podcasts I asked why on Facebook at: @chattingwithsonya. she chose video vs. audio. “For me personally, I’m a visual person. I not only like to hear how people are Rebecca Styn is the proprietor of Room 33 Speakeasy. feeling, I like to see facial expressions. And I like real She is also VP of Ventures at Erie Innovation District emotion where you can actually see somebody being and recently completed her Ph.D. in Leadership and enlightened or recognize a glimpse of hope in their Organizational Learning from Gannon University. eyes. One can’t get that from a podcast.” Follow Room 33 on Facebook @room33speakeasy, Sonya’s also not alone in this venture. Currently, and follow Rebecca on Twitter at @rstyn.

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 NEWS & VIEWS Erie’s Highway Timeline History shows categorical and willful neglect of redlined neighborhoods

By: Lisa Austin, Judy Lynch, spur from I-90 north (now ther divides the “redlined” poverished environmental In March 2018 the New York Roland Slade, Adam Trott I-79). neighborhoods of Erie’s east justice population, PennDOT Times published a front- rie has long been a di- 1958 — 46.4-mile-long Erie side. received a categorical exclu- page story about the Viaduct vided city. Over the portion of I-90 and I-179 (now Over 11 years ago / Funds to sion from the Federal High- controversy. ErieCPR raised Eyears, the construction I-79) completed. repair Viaduct rejected way Administration (FHWA). over $20,000 and hired a civil of new high-traffic roads has 1960 — I-90 completed con- State Rep. Pat Harkins of- Re-think the McBride Via- rights attorney to file a feder- served to limit accessibility necting Boston to Seattle. fers funding to repair Mc- duct group formed (reforms al lawsuit and appeal in 2018 and demarcate neighbor- 1979 — I-79 completed con- Bride Viaduct; Mayor Joseph later as ErieCPR and today as and 2019 — both dismissed by hoods. Pedestrian and bike necting Erie to Pittsburgh. Sinnott declines funding. Connect Urban Erie.) Andre Judge Susan Paradise-Baxter. pathways have unfortunate- Horton, an African-Ameri- ly taken a back seat to car cul- 55 years ago / Erie “Beltway” 11 years ago / Viaduct closed can, was elected to serve on 2 years ago / Merski blocks ture. This runs in opposition envisioned to vehicles the County Council. Horton public hearing to the countless studies, sug- 1965 — Discussions for high- In 2010, the McBride Via- represents District 2 — the In February 2019, City Coun- gestions, and words of advice way loop around the city. duct was closed to vehicular entire area impacted by Pen- cil member Bob Merski or- from modern urban planners. traffic, transforming neglect- nDOT’s Viaduct and Bayfront chestrated a block to Council As Erie looks to properly de- 33 years ago / Bayfront ed bridge into a pedestrian/ planning. members Liz Allen, Sonya Ar- velop one of its key resourc- Highway (State Rt. 4043) bike artery. In 2011, L. R. Kim- rington and Kathleen Schaaf es — its bayfront property 1989 — Construction begins: ball traffic engineers hired to 4 years ago / Mayoral race as they tried to honor the — an eye must be kept on the Bayfront Highway. conduct Viaduct study. In 2017, Republican candi- public’s call for an on-the-re- future. Plans must be trans- 1995 — Name change: Bay- date John Persinger spoke cord Viaduct public hearing. parent, with public safety front Parkway. 8 years ago / Viaduct study in favor of saving Viaduct. and a more efficient traffic finished; PennDOT side- Democratic candidate Joseph 2 years ago / Viaduct flow being key priorities. 16 years ago / Bayfront steps NEPA Viaduct Study Schember opposed preserva- demolished ($3 million total) A well-developed bayfront Connector (Rt. 290) completed in 2013 tion but promised to permit a The 2019 demolition cost must be for the benefit of all By 2005, the Bayfront Decision-makers ignored public hearing. $1.5 million. Flawed study by Erie residents, not just some. Connector was completed study’s pedestrian data and L.R. Kimball and the engi- and featured a $31 million, failed to identify cost reduc- 3 years ago / Mayoral flip, neering plan by Transystems 170 years ago / Railroads 1,100-foot-long bridge over tion due to non-vehicular use. community responds also cost $1.5 million. Thus, In 1854, railroads pushed Wintergreen Gorge. The Con- Plans to demolish the Viaduct In January 2018, Mayor total demolition cost equaled through Erie along 16th nector is the final segment (and move pedestrians to Rt. Schember opposed a Public the cost of completely rehab- Street. Tracks extended of the Erie “Beltway” — a 290 Bayfront Connector) an- Hearing and pledged to de- bing the bridge for continued more than a dozen blocks highway loop around, and nounced. Rather than com- molish the bridge CIVITAS non-vehicular use. Without along the waterfront. Trains through, the city. While sup- plete NEPA Environmental and ErieCPR hosted a Via- the Viaduct, residents must brought coal and transport- porting suburban and visitor Assessment to examine how duct Town Hall at the Jef- walk along the Rt. 290 Bay- ed iron ore and lumber from traffic, the Connector fur- demolition would impact im- ferson Educational Society. front Connector. lakeshore steamers. Laborers used wooden staircases from homes atop the bluff to jobs on the Bayfront.

100 years ago / Bridge Some neighborhoods divid- ed by the rail were connected by overpasses, underpasses, and at-grade crossings. In 1918, after railroad accidents on East Ave, the public in- sisted on a bridge. In 1938, the McBride Viaduct was dedi- cated. In 1977 the Viaduct was rebuilt, then neglected until it was demolished in 2019.

65 years ago / Eisenhower’s Interstate Transportation Act promotes highways 1956 — Planning for PA Turnpike (now I-90).

1955 — Planning for I-179 BRAD PATTULLO

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 NEWS & VIEWS

2 years ago / Waterfront In March 2020 PennDOT vironmental assessment for City Council members Dave for skipping environmental highway plan applied to the FHWA to skip PennDOT’s $70-$100 million Brennan, Ed Brzezinski, Mi- assessment. PennDOT shared a vision of environmental assessment. project. chael Keys, Mel Witherspoon an expanded Bayfront road- PennDOT claimed: environ- and Jim Winarski voted to al- Established in 2004, CIVITAS way that would increase traf- ment would be unharmed 4 months ago / All five City low PennDOT to proceed. and Connect Urban Erie and fic on the waterfront and on and no significant oppo- Council men ignore public educated residents and decision Rt. 290 Bayfront Connector. sition existed. PennDOT After Erie City Council 2 months ago / Federal makers about urban design, Challenges were published again granted a categorical members Liz Allen and Kath- Lawsuit filed adaptive reuse, walkability and in the Erie Times-News. exclusion. Community ob- leen Schaaf successfully On behalf of Erie NAACP connectivity and the collective jected: wrote letters, testified pressed for a PennDOT study and PennFuture, Earth Jus- impact of these issues on 1 year ago / PennDOT at City Council, protested, session and public hearing tice filed a federal lawsuit economic development, public sidesteps NEPA (again) marched in support of an en- on the Bayfront plan; Erie against PennDOT and FHWA health and social justice.

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February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 FEATURE How Wendell King Found His Frequency in Erie African American radio engineer met and obliterated the ‘color line’

Wendell King, a talented electrical engineer given employment in the shops.” They and machinist, first took an interest in added that if it hadn’t been wartime, radio as a young boy in North Troy, N.Y. He eschewed a degree from Union College perhaps there would have been “a riot to work in General Electric’s electrical instead of a simple strike.” This wasn’t engineering department in Schenectady, hyperbole. Less than a week later in St. N.Y., where he faced workplace Louis, a similar situation led to white discrimination. After leaving G.E., he found his way into radio work in Northeast Ohio, workers rioting throughout Black which would eventually lead him to Erie, Pa. neighborhoods, resulting in a massa- when an Ashtabula station moved. cre of as many as 250 Black residents, including women and children. ing replaced by Black workers, a com- The following year, King took leave mon union-busting technique that from Union College and enlisted in the could have been avoided if Black work- U.S. Army. Radio was a new technology ers weren’t excluded from their unions. and, since he had been tinkering with Meanwhile, the federal government radios since he was a child, he desired pressured the company to settle the to put his expertise to use. At age 12, he dispute quickly, as it was slowing the had started an amateur radio station installation of electrical work on three out of his North Troy home, and by battlecruisers. high school, he had co-founded a local As the days passed, it didn’t appear amateur radio club. He once was in the that either side was willing to budge. newspaper for receiving a radio mes- The local Knickerbocker Press report- sage from Iowa, delivering the tran- ed after that the strike was “proving scription to the mayor’s office himself: expensive to the strikers” and that the “Democracy requires that people who “impression left by the strike has not govern themselves should be educated been a pleasant one.” so that they can protect themselves.” After eight days, an agreement was The war ended before King was de- finally reached. The striking workers ployed and in 1919, he was discharged would return and while King wouldn’t at the rank of sergeant. He returned to be fired as was initially demanded, he college and continued working on his would be moved off the drill press. degree, studying under the renowned “Waiving their demand that Wendell German-born scientist Charles Stein- UNION COLLEGE King, the negro college student be dis- metz, the “Electric Wizard of Schenect- charged, 5,000 machinists ... who went ady” who counted Albert Einstein, Ni- By: Jonathan Burdick strike. Thousands walked off the job. on strike June 16, yesterday afternoon kola Tesla, and Thomas Edison among t was June of 1917 and the United “Do not lose sight of the fact we are agreed to return to work this morning his personal friends. States was at war. The first Ameri- fighting, not on the grounds of race after they had been assured that no King was only the second Black stu- Ican infantry troops had arrived in prejudice, but on the grounds of mor- other negroes would be placed at work dent to have enrolled at Union College Europe that month and stateside man- al convictions,” the organizer of the in the G.E. plant,” the Albany Argus re- and the attention the strike received al- ufacturers were working around the strike, a 24-year-old machinist named ported. most certainly brought more attention clock to keep up with wartime demand. Joseph Lefkowitz proclaimed. He ar- “Both sides profess to be satisfied to that fact. He was active on campus. In Schenectady, N.Y., the sprawling gued that even the United States mil- with the settlement terms,” reported He joined Omega Psi Phi. For the Cos- General Electric plant, which employed itary was segregated. “What the gov- the Erie Daily Times. mopolitan Club, he organized an eve- 20,000 workers, hired a few dozen stu- ernment sees fit in practicing, we feel Whether King was actually satisfied ning of words and music to celebrate dents from nearby Union College for justified in demanding.” remains unclear. The newspapers ei- the achievements of Black Americans. the summer. This included Wendell Nearby Utica’s newspaper was scath- ther never asked him his thoughts or He helped reorganize the defunct Col- Wilford King, a brilliant 20-year-old ing in their response and chastised he chose to keep them private. He did lege Radio Club and was selected as North Troy local who had just finished the white strikers for their “denial of not appear to ever speak publicly about its chief operator. In October 1920, he his freshman year studying electrical economic opportunity” and their “fla- the strike, although The Crisis, the offi- and a friend from the club successfully engineering. Instead of having him grant violation of the democratic spirit cial magazine of the NAACP which was transmitted a concert that was heard work in the yard like most college hires, of which America has been too fond of founded and edited by W.E.B. Du Bois over 100 miles away, reported as being he was put on a drill press. believing itself the especial champion noted in its coverage that the “affair at the “first wireless musical concert of an The machinists were enraged and and guardian.” Schenectady ... has been amicably con- American college operation.” This was demanded that he be fired. Their griev- General Electric leadership was ini- cluded.” days before Pittsburgh’s KDKA signed ance? King was Black. Immediately and tially defiant, even as metal polish- One North Carolina newspaper used on for the first time as the nation’s first with the support of the International ers, forgers, and electrical workers the situation to lampoon the idea of a commercial broadcast. That same year, Association of Machinists — which like discussed sympathy strikes. General tolerant North, observing that all of he also contributed a story to the Elec- many labor unions of the time exclud- manager George Emmons assured the these workers went on strike “because trical Experimenter magazine, to which ed Black workers — they authorized a white workers that they were not be- one lone, unoffending Negro had been Tesla was a frequent contributor.

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 FEATURE

The Journal of Negro Life, the academic journal the Hotel Lawrence on 10th and Peach of the National Urban League, described in streets. He began the transfer when 1930 how King “met and obliterated the ‘color line.’” King’s likability, reliability, and diligence the station went off the air at 1 a.m. and garnered him the respect of his predominantly had the gear (including a massive board white industry peers as a Black man (as shown with hundreds of individual wires) in this undated group photo of the Radio Club moved and set up “without a flaw” by at Union College). However, it should be noted that this was not the norm in the early- to mid- the time the station signed back on at 20th century, in Erie or elsewhere. 9 a.m. “The transfer was effected by Wendell reporting on his involvement in local King, chief engineer of WLBW,” report- radio clubs. He would hold classes and ed the Erie Daily Times. “[It] was com- give lectures on radio at the Downtown pleted without interruption of a single YMCA for anyone interested in learn- program of the local station.”

UNION COLLEGE ing and it was not long before he was The following month, the newspaper known around the city for his exper- addressed King as “a radio expert of no Being so busy, and perhaps so con- him out for love or money.’” tise, as well as his likability, reliability, mean skill” and highlighted his latest sumed by his interest in radio, wasn’t He didn’t finish his degree and instead and work ethic. A story in the Erie Dis- innovation for WLBW: a portable, wire- without consequences. began working in the research labora- patch-Herald described his “quiet and less short-wave set that broadcasters “He was often cited for skipping class- tory at the Schenectady plant. Not long cheerful smile” and that his colleagues could use out on the street and that es and received a number of incomplete after, he moved to Cleveland to work admired his “tireless energy, skill, and he’d “be able to carry it under his arm grades, suggesting that it was not a for an electric manufacturing company loyalty.” In April 1933, a humorous and carry on a conversation with some- question of not being smart enough, and then to nearby Ashtabula to work “towne gossip” column in the Erie Dai- one a mile away [from the station].” but of not trying,” Phillip Wajda wrote for a radio station. In December 1927, ly Times quipped, “Wendell King, Erie King completed his device in Decem- in his 2017 story on King for Union Col- the station — now with the call letters radio engineer, works more hours than ber and in early January WLBW be- lege’s alumni magazine. “The 1921 year- WEDH — was moved to Erie under his Edison did and apparently likes it.” gan airing a “Man-in-the Street” show, book entry on King states: ‘We hardly direct supervision, located on the top That September, he administered the where an announcer stood on a down- know what to say about King. Just as floor of the 10-story Commerce Build- move and installation of radio station town street corner and interviewed soon as classes are over, he makes for ing on 12th and State streets. WLBW from the soon-to-be-demol- passersby on topics of the day. The first the E.E. Lab and hides himself away in A little more than a year after his ar- ished Hotel Reed on North Park Row broadcast took place outside the liquor the wireless room, and you couldn’t get rival in Erie, the Erie Daily Times began to its new headquarters located inside store on the corner of South Park Row.

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 HIRING TODAY! FEATURE

stories in the daily press about Ne- groes, unless a major crime has been committed … or a ‘scientist’ is moved to announce that his findings have prov- en that the mental equipment of Ne- groes is inferior to that of other races,” the article stated. They cited King’s nu- merous positive appearances written by journalist Barbara Hawley in Erie’s newspapers, which even included pho- tos “so there could be no doubt about his racial origin.” Over the following decades, the re- porting on his involvement in local amateur radio — by then referred to as “ham radio” — in the papers continued. He involved himself deeply in the Erie

ERIE DAILY TIMES ERIE DAILY community, joining the boards of the Booker T. Washington Center and Erie “Customers will be asked to say what Improvement Club. A few years after they think about prohibition [ending] Harry T. Burleigh’s death, he joined Make a living and their words will be short-waved the board of a scholarship organized back to the transmitter by a set which by the local NAACP branch to honor while making a Wendell King, WLBW, has invented,” Burleigh. He spoke at radio nights and the paper reported. it became a point of pride that he had Alongside being chief engineer for the oldest radio operating license in Erie radio stations, he was also em- the city. With his radio club, they pur- difference. ployed by the Bliley Electric Company chased an old 1941 Dodge truck and (now Bliley Technologies) as a research mounted it with two gas generators, engineer for over three decades. The attaching a “communications trailer” owner, Frank Dawson Bliley, had start- so that it could be used at a moment’s Lakeshore Community Services is seeking dedicated ed the Erie Amateur Radio Club in an notice during an emergency. and reliable Direct Support Professionals and Certified abandoned farmhouse the year before The Times reported in 1963 that Nursing Assistants eager to make a difference in the King moved to Erie. King was also a King, who by then had retired, was member of the Institute of Radio En- appointed by the Erie County Civil De- lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. gineers and the American Institute fense Council as the Chief of Amateur of Electrical Engineers and he contin- Radio Services. “King’s professional ued with his speaking engagements background is expected to be of tre- Are you compassionate and around the city, covering topics such mendous help in improving the com- as radio’s relation to astronomy for the munications capability of the newly motivated to help others? Join us! Amateur Astronomers’ Club and crys- expanded Wagner Road Civil Defense tal radio circuits for a Radio Associa- Center.” Although sick at times during We offer: tion of Erie forum at Erie City Hall. these years, he continued to teach and During this time, he also met and tinker with radio and share a love of • Great Pay and Benefits Package married his wife Iva Gwendolyn Allen gardening with his wife. • Opportunity for Advancement and they moved into a home on Bird On April 2, 1967, after being hospi- Drive. It should be noted that these talized at the Veteran’s Hospital, King • Varied hours - Nights, evenings & weekends available successes and the positive attention died at the age of 67. Iva continued to • Potentially earn up to $1,300 in bonuses in Year 1! he received from the press were not be involved in the community until the norm. Erie was a segregated city her death in 1976. They are buried in still plagued by unchecked racism — Erie Cemetery. and while decreasing in size, the local While much of Wendell Wilford Apply today at LakeshoreCS.org. Ku Klux Klan chapter was still active. King’s story remains to be uncovered, “It is difficult to know what Wendell his legacy lives on both in the form really felt,” Larry Rulison wrote in the of street art, as one of the figures se- Albany Times Union in 2017. “He and lected for Erie Arts & Culture’s utility his wife experienced intense racism in box project in 2020, as well as with the their early years as a couple in Erie af- still-active Radio Association of Erie, ter eloping in 1930.” who still meet and put out a newslet- The Journal of Negro Life, the aca- ter every month. 1350 West 26th Street • Erie, PA 16508 • 814-456-9962 demic journal of the National Urban League, described in 1930 how King Jonathan Burdick runs the historical “met and obliterated the ‘color line.’” blog Rust & Dirt. He can be reached “[O]ne does not usually see feature at [email protected]

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 FEATURE The Quiet Force of Emma Lawrence The story of Erie’s first Black female business owner

This colorful mural at Erie’s Martin Luther Charles, continued the family business, King Jr. Center pays tribute to Emma keeping it running until the mid-1960s. Gertrude Lawrence, Erie’s first Black female It can be difficult to get a sense of the business owner, who operated Lawrence Dyeing and Cleaning on the northwest personality of someone who has been corner of West Third and Chestnut — an gone for nearly 100 years, but through area that became known as New Jerusalem. a few recorded stories, I get the sense that Emma had a love for the arts. In connection: Laura Sterrett was married the book Erie History - The Women’s to Joseph R. Sterrett, whose parents Story, the authors note: “She had a spe- were among the earliest non-indige- cial talent for working with color, and nous settlers of Erie. Aside from Laura’s to her fell the tasks of the dye process. daughters and parents, other residents After work when she was resting from totaled 16 and among them were var- the day, she would sometimes look at ious boarders, servants, and nurses. the sky and remark, ‘I dyed a dress that John was the only person of color liv- color today.’” Johnson recalls that she ing in the house. was also very proficient at needlework. In 1881, John and Emma were mar- Two of her children went on to be- ERIN PHILLIPS ried. They had their first child, Earl come artists, which suggests that they Lawrence, in 1881 and by then the fam- were supported and encouraged by By: Erin Phillips That’s a 145 year void in documenting ily had moved to the area of the city Emma to pursue their talents. Her son, the presence of African Americans in that would become their kingdom: the Earl, was an adept and multi-talented n the preface to Sarah Thompson’s Erie.” However, in 2020, Johnson him- northwest corner of West Third and musician who owned his own studio Journey from Jerusalem — one of self, along with historians Melinda Chestnut. John continued to work as on State Street and taught music in Ithe few books to be written about Meyer and Chris Magoc, completed a waiter while they lived there. They multiple Erie County schools. Her son, Black history in Erie — she begins: another document to add to the small had two more children, a daughter Ray, was a natural piano player and “The history of the City of Erie begins pile of literature on Erie’s Black histo- Effie and a son, Charles. Shortly after performer before his untimely death in 1795. The history of African Amer- ry by publishing the project A Shared Charles’ birth in 1884, John Lawrence at age 36. Johnson describes Emma as icans in Erie begins at the same time, Heritage: A Timeline of the African died suddenly and young, at just 28 being “a proponent of hard work and but, in the unfortunate tradition of US American Experience in Erie County. years old, leaving 25-year-old Emma, education.” Emma’s granddaughter, history, standard accounts of the past This project is one of the most compre- a young mother with three small chil- Ada (who was an Erie legend herself, two hundred years present a one-sided hensive studies ever done on Black his- dren, alone. A few years after John died, being the first Black teacher in the Erie picture which does not adequately rep- tory in Erie and it was there that I was Emma came to care for a fourth child, School District), recalled “delightful vis- resent their presence or contributions.” initially inspired by the story of Emma Earnest (he went by Ray, his middle its to the plant at Third and Chestnut. As I began researching the life of Gertrude Lawrence. name). Earnest Ray was born in 1889 in The barrels of salt made an interesting Emma Gertrude Lawrence — Erie’s first Emma was born in 1858 in Ohio. There Buffalo, N.Y., and Johnson suspects, al- play area, though Emma always set lim- Black female business owner, founder is little recorded of Emma’s early histo- though it is unverified, that Emma may its. She had a quiet force that demand- and operator of Lawrence Dyeing and ry, but it appears that her father was have adopted him from a family mem- ed respect.” These few glimpses of the Cleaning for 50 years, and matriarch of a Native American named Stephen ber, as she had relatives in Buffalo. personality of Emma Lawrence gives a legendary Erie family — I felt these Toles (also seen spelled Toiles, Tolles, Emma called upon the strength that the impression of a gentle but firm, words before I read them. Soon after or Tolls) and her mother was of African got her through her difficult youth creative, quietly confident woman who beginning the pursuit of Emma’s an- descent, but her name and information and began taking in laundry to make made her family’s education a priority cestry, I was struck by the white priv- beyond that has disappeared from re- money to support her family without and did so by working hard and earn- ilege that is genealogical information cord. Emma was orphaned at an early her husband. Their home at Third and ing the respect of anyone who met her. in America. In order to research the life age and wound up in a foster home in Chestnut was converted into a laundry The places a person lived in and of this woman, a woman of color, born Buffalo, N.Y. She ended up fleeing what business and Emma gained respect worked can tell you a lot about them. pre-Civil War to a Black mother and a must have been a dire situation and as her business expanded. She found Their habits, their style, and their choic- Native American father, I would have found refuge with some relations in investors to back her enterprise and es combine to give a glimpse of their to consult other resources. Erie, who eventually adopted her. eventually it grew into a dry cleaning daily life. Unfortunately, just about all Local historian and long-time friend It was in Erie that she met her hus- and dyeing plant by the turn of the cen- of the built history of the Lawrence of the Lawrence family, Johnny John- band, John A. Lawrence. John was em- tury. At this point, the family had a sep- family is gone. Their storefront and son, who became my main source in ployed as a waiter at the Reed House arate residence across the street from plant at Third and Chestnut are gone. this research, commented on this lack Hotel, which was a prominent hotel in the plant. By the time her children Their house across the street is gone. of perspective as well. In a presenta- Erie, situated at the corner of North were adults, the business had at least The Laura Sterrett boarding house is tion he gave in 2019, he stated: “Erie was Park Row and French Street. According five other employees, making up a di- gone. The Reed House Hotel is gone. incorporated as a city in 1851, yet no to census information from 1880, pri- verse workforce: Black and white, male The long-time home of Earl Lawrence, comprehensive study was done on Erie or to his marriage to Emma, John was and female. Emma ran the business which then became Ada Lawrence’s African American History until 1994. living at a boarding house on Seventh and oversaw its operations up until a home on Front Street, is gone. This ar- Only four books have been written Street, owned and operated by Laura few years before her death from heart chitectural loss stands as a sad remind- about African American history in Erie. Sterrett. This is a very interesting Erie failure in 1934 at the age of 76. Her son, er: we wouldn’t have to work so hard to

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 FEATURE

[left] An elderly Emma Gertrude Lawrence their success in that endeavor lives on sits upon her wicker throne, likely on the porch of their home in the 400 to this day.” Frantz mentions efforts to block of West Third Street. [top right] incorporate the community’s heritage Charles Lawence (left), Emma's son, who into the current neighborhood through helped run the business. This photo of the use of public art, historic signage, the company car was likely taken in the 1920s and gives a glimpse of the diverse and historic walking tours, some led by workforce. (Photo contributed from Johnny Johnson himself. the Lawrence family archives by Johnny While built and recorded history in Johnson). [bottom right] The Lawrence Erie omits much from the perspective Cleaning and Dyeing business situated on the north west corner of West Third of African Americans, there are those and Chestnut, with horse and company now striving to research and record it, buggy on brick paved streets. This and help make these early Black expe- photo was likely taken in the early 1900s. riences part of our public knowledge (Contributed from the Lawrence family archives by Johnny Johnson). and celebrate Erie’s own Black heroes. Emma Lawrence may have just been doing what she needed to in order to New Jerusalem days, one can’t help but survive, but through her courage, in- notice an increased effort to honor and telligence, and hard work she was able PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED FROM THE LAWRENCE FAMILY ARCHIVES BY JOHNNY JOHNSON represent that heritage in the neigh- to provide a better life for her children remember and record the heritage of tracts of land with the agreement that borhood that is now known as the West and grandchildren, and inspire all those our town if we were able to walk past it they would build a home there. He also Bayfront. Anna Frantz, director of Our who learn her story. every day and see the history with our established a church and a school for West Bayfront, comments that while a A Shared Heritage: A Timeline of the own eyes. the residents’ use. This revolutionary lot of the built history of New Jerusa- African American Experience in Erie Historically, the neighborhood where idea created a foundation on which a lem is gone, its legacy still lives on in the County can be found at the website: the Lawrence family lived for genera- future was built for so many people in neighborhood that evolved from it: “A sharedheritage.org tions was referred to as New Jerusalem. Erie. community determines for itself what It was established pre-Civil War by ab- My family and I live in the Lawrence type of place it wants to be. The original Erin Phillips runs the Instagram @ olitionist William Himrod. He created family’s neighborhood now, and while settlers of New Jerusalem had the goal olderieonfoot, an in-depth look at local the neighborhood by giving free Black the area has changed both geograph- of creating an integrated neighborhood architecture “by foot, stroller, papoose, people and destitute whites affordable ically and demographically since the that would be welcoming to all, and bike, and occasionally minivan.”

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 FEATURE Antonio Howard: Creating His Own Narrative The inspiring local painter shines prolifically after imprisonment

Antonio Howard, once labeled a “juvenile lifer” for his involvement in the shooting of cab driver Richard Stevens, discovered painting early on while serving a 26-year sentence at Huntingdon State Correctional Institution. Since his release in 2018, he has been actively involved in the Erie art community, as secretary of Erie Arts & Culture’s CHROMA Guild and a collaborator in several public art projects.

turn out to be a mask — it was supposed to be a shield but everyone referred to it as a mask. I presented it, the individual suggested I should bring it down to the auditorium because there was an art show coming up. The last Friday of ev- ery month or so, they had an art exhibit in the auditorium where staff members could actually come down to the audi- torium and purchase a prisoner’s work. Prisoners would be compensated, DOC will take 10 percent, so that’s how I was invited down there. I went down there and set it up and the guy said he would put a price on it. I put some menial, ex- tremely low price I thought it was worth.

LIFETHRUMUSIC I didn’t know what art was, I didn’t know what would happen. But I came back of many others like him — was ruled prison and I’ve been painting for approx- after lunch, and somebody told me my By: Nick Warren unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme imately 20-some years now. So, to give painting got sold. ntonio Howard is a busy guy. A rap- Court in the 2012 case Miller v. Alabama. you a bit more information about that I don’t remember the number, so I’m Aidly rising painter of note, he’s also a He served 26 years at Huntingdon State process — all this is already in my book making this number up right now, but spoken word artist and has written and Correctional Institution before being re- and I really regret telling all of these sto- I got 20 bucks, right? And it turned out published three books. In 2020, the now leased in 2018. ries again, because I wrote the book to that it sold for maybe a hundred or a 44-year-old Erieite completed two pub- Howard is a brilliant and radiant pres- purge all the emotion that came with it. couple hundred bucks. So I’m like “wait lic art projects, one that beautified the ence. He is quick to introduce himself as So I started painting — while I was in a minute, somebody changed the price exterior of the Whole Foods Co-op, and “Peggy’s son” when he’s in the positive the RHU (the Restricted Housing Unit, that I had put on the painting and it sold. one mural that adorns the wall next to spotlight, in honor of his mother. Meet- commonly called “the hole”) — a bunch I was sold after that. That was the first Luther Manus’ 12th Street Sunoco sta- ing him, you get the sense of someone of sketches of shields. When I was grow- time I actually made money, in my life on tion. He was recently selected to provide who truly understands himself, and the ing up, faces were very interesting to me. my own. I was a teenager. And I’m like, the art for two City of Erie bandwagons, fact that his past need not entirely de- They were also defensive mechanisms. “wow.” And I’ve been doing painting ever which are regularly deployed at more fine his future. So I started designing these African since. than 40 events each year. After being I had the privilege of joining Howard shields. I ended up sketching facial fea- NW: You mentioned your books, let’s awarded Erie Arts & Culture’s Emerging on a Zoom presentation on Dr. Martin tures onto those shields. Those designs dive in there now. Are you specifical- Artist Fellowship in 2019, he is now an Luther King Jr. Day for Erie Arts & Cul- took on their own meaning to me — they ly talking about the first book, When A artist in residence with the organization, ture on public art. There, he shared the were just sketches at the time. I got out Child Is Worth More Than the Worst Mis- helping to re-envision bikeways and pub- fulfilling experiences he had crafting the of the RHU, ran into some people who take He Ever Made? Can you tell me a lit- lic spaces around the city. He’s a member Manus mural, and I knew I had to talk to were kind of into the arts, saw my de- tle bit about your writing process, what of this year’s Jefferson Leadership Acad- him more. signs, and were like “I would like to pay inspired you to make this happen? emy, and his artwork is currently being Nick Warren: Can you just tell me what you if you paint one of those for me.” I AH: I think my writing was impelled by exhibited at Gannon’s Waldron Campus kind of got you started creating and had never painted before. So long story not having a voice. I have a lot of unre- Center, including a piece that was part of making art? short, somebody gave me some paints solved issues about my story. I spent the Erie Art Museum’s 2019 Spring Show. Antonio Howard: I don’t know what — actually oil paints at the time — and a most of my life hearing people tell my He is doing all of this after being la- exactly got me started. I think circum- canvas. Windsor Newton water-mixable story from their perspective. It was beled a “juvenile lifer.” stances that did not facilitate creativi- oils. I stayed up for days. Completely im- strange to me because usually, that per- At the age of 15, he became one of Erie ty got me started consciously painting mersed in the toxic smell of oil paints, spective is skewed. “I’m the problem,” County’s nine youths who faced a man- while I was in prison. So I say conscious- because the scent was hermetically “disciplinary,” “bad seed.” It was always datory life sentence for murder, involved ly because if you ask my grandmother, I sealed almost. So I was upside-down, from a really biased perspective, some- in a shooting that resulted in the death have been drawing my whole life, but I on my side, just trying to figure out how body else’s perspective. So I started of cab driver Richard Stevens. His man- don’t recall any of that. So my official art to maneuver the paint, because it’s oil, keeping my own journal. Why don’t I tell datory life sentence — as well as that career or trajectory began while I was in it never dried. So I painted what would my own story? I started journaling, wak-

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 FEATURE

Antonio Howard’s “Prison Is Where themes that seem to run through several Relationships Go to Die” was featured in of your pieces? the Erie Art Museum’s 2019 Spring Show. AH: I don’t tend to follow a theme. I just The painting demonstrates Howard’s renewed focus in being more intentional produce the work because it’s the emo- and provocative with his art, in making a tion that I gotta get rid of, right? There’s statement and starting conversations. obviously color, vibrancy as a theme. In many of my paintings, I see them memo- ing history created by one or two people. rialized in isolation. This is in retrospect It literally took us one day to prime that as I’m looking at some of my older work wall with everybody that was helping us. and think that based upon the lack of in- Lourdes Jasso, Armando Reyes, many tentional themes, I’ve kind of muted my members from CHROMA. People from 2021 New Year’s resolution to refine or re- the [Jefferson] Leadership Academy. structure the way I work. I want my work Art’s Bakery stopped by to feed us. Other to be more intentional moving forward, people stopped by to give us plates. We to be more of an artist’s political state- had so much community support. There ment. I want it to move communities. I were a couple of people who were home- want it to evoke conversations. And right less — who I knew from my previous job, now I’m not so sure my work speaks any- working at the Mental Health Associ- thing beyond my personal past traumas.

NICK WARREN ation — who came by and picked up a I want it to be codified inside the work brush, and never painted in their lives. I in some shape or form to match it. And I ing up at three o’clock in the morning, hibited anger. After they read the book, met people who, for all intents and pur- knew in pieces like “Prison Is Where Rela- thinking about my story and my narra- they realized that my facial expressions poses, I don’t think I would have ever tionships Go to Die” and the other piece tives. Because I had no voice, which was weren’t me feeling anger, it was pain. crossed their path or they would ever “Juvenile Life Without Parole” [Ed: fea- the reason I wanted to publish it, and rid For people who make a career out of cross mine. I watched Luther Manus cry, tured on this issue’s cover] that I wanted myself of all those unresolved emotions making sure that they don’t know your smile, and dance. It was an amazing ex- to make more statements and produce that were behind it. Verbally defending story, or they perceive your stories as perience. And I don’t want to overplay it, a scene that when people look at it they yourself against shields, adults when insignificant, [the books] did a lot to in- like it was this dream come true. It was say, “Well, that’s an Antonio piece.” you were a child, police officers, whoever crease my value as a human being to a fantasy, it was potential in the making. That’s one of those pieces that’s not re- else is an exercise in futility, because you them. Not to mention the fact that they Sometimes to me, it was too good to be ally art to me. It’s evidence of where I was have no voice. That was my opportunity were always borderline surprised that I true. Right? We just painted on the wall. between the years of 1991 and 2018. It’s to use my voice. could actually write and articulate my- But everybody’s coming around. Smiling, definitely one of those where it’s not art, Before I shared it, I sent it to my father, self. saying “Hey, I knew your father,” “I know it’s an experience. It’s proof. The themes my mom, everybody, to get their per- “I didn’t know that you could articulate your grandmother.” It was like a family re- that I intend to create moving forward in spective on it. And interestingly enough, yourself that way.” It was very well-writ- union. People would show up. “Do you re- my pieces are more aligned with giving everybody was pissed off, right? Because ten. It started a conversation amongst member me?” No, I don’t remember you. a voice to other people who are voice- you don’t air your dirty laundry in my the men I was around in prison, staff I apologize. But I remember you. Some- less. I was imprisoned for 26-and-a-half family. But the interesting thing was that members, and everyone who read the one showed up to give a spotlight so we years, and prior to that, I was a child. But everyone up until that point was invest- book. People thanked me for being as could paint at night. It was a communal now I’m here and I have a voice. You’re ed in airing my dirty laundry. But they all candid as I was about my story, and experience. The art was about that part here, hearing me, this is my voice. At eventually came to terms with it and I shared their own stories, and would ask for me. What’s left on the wall was just some point, they say you exhaust the moved forward with the publishing pro- for suggestions on how they should write evidence of it. 26 letters of the English alphabet, and cess. Me sharing it with them opened up their story, and how it feels to be that NW: You’re actively involved in the whatever sequence that you could pos- some much-needed conversation that vulnerable. It was a good experience, all CHROMA Guild. Can you talk briefly sibly structure, at some point in your was impossible to have prior to that. the way around. I didn’t think it would be, about that? life, you exhaust that formula. You have They all came to terms with it. We talked because I shared some personal things AH: I’m currently the secretary for the to make a choice to either shut the f--k it through, got some other information I there, but it really was. CHROMA Guild, which was organized up, stop talking, and let your demonstra- hadn’t known about myself, my upbring- NW: It seems like you’ve ramped up by Erie Arts & Culture to try and advo- tion speak for you, or make a conscious ing, I learned some really valuable infor- your public art portfolio recently. Can cate for artists to color to provide more choice to repeat everything you said mation about their stories as a result, you speak about the Manus mural, the opportunities, capacity building, to edu- during the first part of your life. During but in the end, I told my story. things you learned, and that whole expe- cate those of us who may just be artists this part of my life, I want my demonstra- NW: What were some reactions from rience for you? but not necessarily attuned to the finan- tion to speak for me, and I want my art to readers who maybe didn’t know you per- AH: I learned that real art wasn’t the cial aspects of art, logistics, and social do the same thing. No more words; you sonally? mural. The real art was creating an ex- platforms. We are a guild that is geared see it. AH: Oh, the first readers were people cuse to bring the community together toward trying to facilitate the growth View Howard’s work at Gannon’s Waldron in prison. There were a bunch of people in ways that it hadn’t been up to that and development of artists of color, ad- Center, with a virtual celebration/performance who bought my books. Appreciation point. Caesar [Westbrook] and I worked vancing those opportunities. I’ve been in conjunction with Gannon University, Penn came from a lot of unexpected sources, on the project, and I don’t like to say I a member now for about a year. We’re State Behrend, and LifeThruMusic. Register at including staff members. There was em- worked on the project with Caesar with- trying to recruit other artists of color in gannonalumni.org/event/culturalcrossroads pathy, it almost had the same effect that out mentioning the fact that there were the community so that we can develop a Howard’s three books can be purchased on my paintings had. It seemed to humanize many more people that we worked with. guild that rivals other guilds and vehicles Amazon.com. me in some of their eyes. A lot of people It seems to be tradition to amputate key for opportunities for other people so we This interview has been edited for clarity. saw me as a stoic inmate who just kept players from history. It’s significant to can have a seat at the table. Nick Warren can be reached at nick@ to himself and my facial expressions ex- other people, but they perceive it as be- NW: Can you speak about some of the eriereader.com

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20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 MUSIC Artists To Look Out For In 2021 Musicians refuse to have creativity shut down

Keep an eye on local musical artists (left to more with this one as well. We are shoot- right) Spirit Marley, Six Year Stretch (singer ing for an end of spring or beginning of Andy Brown pictured here), and Majestic Mar in 2021 — all of whom plan to release summer release.” Brown also states that new projects this year. the writing process has been great and that their upcoming installment will hit album but just trying to build my fanbase home. “We really believe in these songs more.” The rap prodigy is looking forward and hope they connect with our fans like to doing more live performances outside we think they will.” of the 814 but will continue to take ev- Six Year Stretch can be found on YouTube, erything in stride. Marley confesses “I Spotify, and Apple Music. plan on taking my music as far as it can go even if I don’t make it as an artist, be- Majestic Mar (Rapper) cause I will make it doing something else When it comes to self-love and sassi- musically.” ness without compromise, Majestic Check out Spirit Marley on Spotify, Mar is the epitome. Open about who Soundcloud, Pandora, YouTube, and Apple he is while showing others that it’s okay Music. to be who you are, the gay male rapper refuses to set boundaries on his style

SANZ STUDIOS/DAVID DESIN/LARRY LANE MEDIA DESIN/LARRY STUDIOS/DAVID SANZ Six Year Stretch (Alternative/Soft Rock while displaying his sexual orientation Band) with pride and strength. His latest music By: Charles Brown Spirit Marley (Rapper) The five members of this group have video “Grim Reaper” featuring Finesse The melodic hip-hop soloist has been been blessing the ears of Erie with Fest (shot by Sanz Studios) showcas- he year 2021 has felt like a fresh slate climbing his way to the top of the Erie their professional-grade musicianship es not only his individuality but his love Tfor some, and a continuation of the music scene by giving his audience and and harmonious interwoven vocals for for shock value through his personality. turmoil of 2020 for others. Although op- newcomers singles and videos nonstop some time now. Consisting of brothers “For an artist like myself, I contribute portunity may seem scant, musicians for a little over a year. According to his Andy, Adam, and Alex Brown along with diversity and confidence,” Mar says. “Be- are still striving to maintain a presence. rap ballad “Blame Me,” Marley has been drummer Mike Wolfe and guitar extraor- ing able to share my truth in hopes that Artists all over are learning to maneuver dreaming of being a rap star since he dinaire Eric Brewer, Six Year Stretch is someone struggling out there gets it.” with the current status of our country was seven years of age. Armed with working on the follow-up to their 2018 The no-holds-barred emcee is currently and planet by releasing more tunes and straightforward lyrics of struggle and album Afterglow. According to front- in the studio cooking up more for the visuals for your quarantine consump- ambition, the crooning emcee has plans man Andy Brown, their third release will city and beyond its limits. “I’m planning tion. Locally, songwriters and instru- on delivering more raw material this be one for the hearts. “Every song has a few surprises that are my most ambi- mentalists of all genres are putting en- year. “I have quite a few projects coming a meaning or a story behind it,” claims tious I’ve done so far. This is the begin- ergy into their art to bring forth sounds soon,” the songwriter says. “Collabs with the singer. “Love, relationships, loss, and ning of a new era, change is taking place, for the new year. Here is a list of a few LottoBeats a.k.a Kahlil Husband on an mental issues seem to be a lot of things and it cannot be stopped.” Erie composers that are sure to rock out EP. I also got videos dropping at least ev- COVID has affected this past year or Majestic Mar can also be found on Youtube, during another trip around the sun. ery month this year. I plan on making an so. We really tried to focus on the lyrics Spotify, and Apple Music.

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 TELEVISION Found and Lost: Search Party Season Four Psychological horror arc subverts expectations and continues to bend format

The HBO series Search Party has always for a missing person to being one, then trended dark, but Season Four loses its watch the show. signature humor as it plumbs the depths Perhaps the biggest shift in this season of psychological trauma. Despite the reinvention, it remains a worthwhile watch. is that it’s simply not as funny. Of course, the content of the plot makes that near- ly impossible, but threading that needle ry’s boyfriend Drew, and John Early and has long been one of the hallmarks of a Meredith Hagner as her friends Elliott successful dark comedy. and Portia. If you’d rather see how this And oh, what a wonderful dark come- roller-coaster story unfolds yourself, be- dy it was! Season Three was an unmiti- ware of spoilers ahead. gated masterpiece, reveling in such a This season almost entirely revolves high degree of absurdity while somehow around Dory’s abduction by Chip (known keeping the show more character-based to the group as “the twink”). The spoiled than ever. Still, the show’s ability to rein- and troubling big bad of this season vent itself is worthy of note. But even if (played by Cole Escola) proceeds to hold Season Four was bad (which it isn’t, for Dory prisoner and subjects her to untold the most part), the cliffhangers that cap amounts of psychological trauma and each 22-minute episode will have you ollowers of Search Party know they’re binge-watched in a manner of days. The ultimately succeeds in brainwashing her. keep going, eager for a fifth season. — Falways in store for something differ- show follows a quartet of New York City As we see Dory’s transition from unwill- Nick Warren ent. Essentially from its very first epi- twenty-somethings as they begin to un- ing prisoner to terrified friend, Shawkat Season Four currently streaming on HBO sode, it has tossed enough twists and ravel the disappearance of one of their gives a brilliant and moving perfor- Max // Created by: Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles turns to keep the audience’s head spin- acquaintances from NYU. It stars Alia mance, her pain and self-reflection at Rogers, Michael Showalter // Starring: Alia ning. If you haven’t been able to check Shawkat (best-known as Maeby Fünke the forefront of the viewer’s mind. Shawkat, John Reynolds, John Early, Meredith out Search Party yet, do it. It’s a fantastic on Arrested Development) as Dory Sief, If you disregarded the spoiler alert and Hagner, Brandon Micheal Hall, Cole Escola // show that’s severely addicting, able to be John Reynolds (Save Yourselves!) as Do- wonder how Dory got from searching 10 episodes (40 total)

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22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 TELEVISION What in the Wanda? WandaVision an uncanny watch

s of this writing, Disney+ has re- mentions Ultron and then (cut to next Aleased five episodes (out of nine) of scene) has disappeared? The show its new Marvel Comics Universe (MCU) takes its time, and these moments pro- series, WandaVision … and so far, reac- vide just barely enough to keep things tion has been mixed. (Proceed with cau- interesting. tion if you are not all caught up: there be The fourth episode is the turning spoilers ahead!) point, however, introducing a slew of Picking up after the events of 2019’s concerned characters, as they grap- Avengers: Endgame — does anyone else ple with the situation inside The Hex feel like that was 20 years ago, rather (so called for the hexagonal shape of than just two? — we meet up with Eliz- the “city limits”). Yes, it seems Wanda’s abeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff, aka the loss — the word “grief” is mentioned Scarlet Witch, and — rather perplexing- numerous times — has compelled her ly — her android partner, Paul Bettany’s to create this simu-world, bringing her Vision, who Thanos killed at the end of lover back from the dead (somehow) Avengers: Infinity War. and holding the residents of Westview Rather more perplexingly, they have hostage with her mind powers. taken up residence in Westview, N.J., in By the end of episode five, things are some kind of black-and-white Leave it starting to come a little unhemmed, to Beaver-esque sitcom, complete with Wanda is starting to lose control of her laugh track, first based in the 1950s, perfect sitcom world, and this viewer then ’60s, and right on up through the — who walked away from episodes one decades, picking up color, changing and two kind of “meh” — cannot wait to costumes, and mimicking the classic see where it all goes next week. family-friendly fare of the day. WandaVision so far is fantastically The first three episodes exist al- weird, wonderfully uncanny, and I pre- most entirely within this bubble, a dict, worth sticking around for. — Cara world-building slow burn that is obvi- Suppa ously leading to something, but which Streaming now on Disney+ // Created by left some fans and critics unimpressed. Jac Schaeffer // Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, It’s true, the plot meanders a bit, with Paul Bettany, Teyonah Parris, Randall Park, just touches of intrigue — a toy heli- Kat Dennings, Kathryn Hahn, Debra Jo Rupp copter in color? A voice on the radio and Josh Stamberg // New episodes on calling to Wanda? A new neighbor who Fridays

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 MOVIE REVIEWS The Most Valuable Resource: Time is the Best Documentary of 2020 MLK/FBI: A Massively Important Story and a Decent Documentary

hen discussing the systemic abuses in our legal system — whether it’s the erhaps you already Wrates of police brutality in poor neighborhoods, the difference in sentences be- Pknew it, but Dr. tween white and Black offenders, or simply the way that laws are enforced — there Martin Luther King Jr. is an issue of those trespasses being reduced to statistics. When we talk about the was — in the eyes of numbers, they are often seen as just numbers without considering the way these the U.S. government problems affect the real people who are hurt by them. Garrett Bradley’s new docu- — seen as a threat. mentary Time reminds us of the actual lives that these systems affect in a simple but The iconic Civil Rights intimately personal way. leader is now one of The film follows Sibil Fox Richardson, or Fox Rich, as she grapples with Louisiana’s the single-most her- legal system in an effort to release her husband Rob who is serving a 60-year prison alded figures in mod- sentence for robbery. In between bouts in this ongoing battle, the film also intercuts ern U.S. history — to home movie footage Fox took of her three sons over the course of 20 years while Black or white. During

their father was imprisoned. the ’50s and ’60s, how- IFC FILMS The film obviously addresses the aforementioned issues as well as America’s pris- ever, this was certainly on system and how it so often seems more focused on retribution rather than reha- not the case according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. bilitation. However, the most striking images remain the quiet, simple moments of a To many people fascinated by government programs like COINTELPRO, this is old family changing and growing over the passage of time while a noticeable absence news. Further, allegations of King’s extramarital affairs have been thrown around for remains ever-present. These moments were captured on video but can never again years. What this documentary is able to do is utilize declassified government docu- be recovered and that is where the true power of the film can be found. The statis- ments from the FBI on their investigation of King, which involved wiretapping and tics and numbers are important, but ultimately the people are who matter the most. the use of covert bugging. — Forest Taylor In documentary filmmaking, it’s worthwhile — albeit not required — to separate the Streaming on Amazon Prime // Directed by: Garrett Bradley // Edited by: Gabriel Rhodes // content being presented with the presentation itself. Content-wise, this is a must- Featuring: Fox Rich, Rob Rich II, Freedom Rich, Justus Rich, Laurence M. Rich, Mahlik Rich, watch. It’s angering to hear the truth about the misuses of power by FBI Director Remington Rich, and Rob G. Rich // 81 minutes // Rated PG-13 J. Edgar Hoover, Deputy William C. Sullivan, and President Lyndon B. Johnson. It’s empowering to simply hear Dr. King’s words and track his rise to prominence. Seeing Dr. King as a fallible person adds to the reality of his history, though some of the more problematic of the FBI’s insinuations and reaches may make certain parts difficult to hear, to say the least. The presentation of the film itself is well-executed but wholly unremarkable. Us- ing archival footage, document pan-and-scans, and altogether too much zoomed in b-roll footage of recording devices, the film foregoes talking head commentary until the final five minutes (this isn’t to say that it’s a big revelation, just oddly curious). MLK/FBI is worth watching, especially if you don’t trust the government of the 1960s. — Nick Warren Available on Amazon Prime // Directed by: Sam Pollard // Written by: Benjamin Hedin, Laura Tomaselli // Featuring: David Garrow, Clarence B. Jones, Charles Knox, Donna Murch, Marc Perrusquia, Andrew Young, James Comey, Beverly Gage, and archival footage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. // 104 minutes // TV-PG AMAZON STUDIOS AMAZON

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February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 PODCASTS In Our Ears: Podcast We’ve Been Loving Our monthly picks for enthralling audio

Rastik Reloaded Black Men Can’t Jump (In Hollywood) Louder Than a Riot Hosted by: Jay Rastik Hosted by: Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan, and James III Hosted by: Rodney Carmichael and Sidney Madden YouTube // Music, Culture Forever Dog Podcasts // Comedy, Pop Culture NPR Music // Music, Social Issues

ocal rapper/inter- n Black Men Can’t f you resist podcasts Lviewer/radio host IJump (In Hollywood), Iout of an aversion to Jay Rastik has been in Jonathan Braylock, meandering chatter, the mix of Erie’s urban James III and Jerah there’s almost none culture for years on Milligan (Netflix’s As- of it in Louder Than a end. With a stream of tronomy Club: The Riot. Instead, it’s tightly his own Youtube phe- Sketch Show) gath- woven around a clear nomenon “Rastik Re- er weekly to analyze thesis: the stories of loaded” and his clas- “films with leading mass incarceration sic mid- to late-2000s actors of color.” While and hip-hop (or “rhyme “Street Bang Em” DVD 2021 episodes have and punishment in series (a collection that was started with Inda Streets focused on new films — especially Oscar contenders America,” as the series’ tagline phrases it) are intimate- Records founder Maurice Holman), the hip-hop pu- like One Night in Miami, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom ly connected — and worthy of real analysis. pil hasn’t pumped his brakes on getting the scoop on — their usual selection is more varied. Think 2019’s Mi- This thesis allows for a great tonal balance. When talent or documenting the current state of Erie’s rap chael B. Jordan-starring Just Mercy, being followed by the realities of our prison system prove too grim, a lit- scene. Now back with more content, the journalist is Finding Forrester (a movie you probably caught on cable tle pop culture lightens its load. When the mixtape ge- now taking a deep dive into the wave of podcasting in the early 2000s), and then a Christmas episode. The nealogies get too insular, its scope expands and their with the Rastik Reloaded podcast. The first episode core mission is obviously invaluable, but the bonus is social relevance becomes clear. Best of all, the stories kicked off in January of 2021 where Jay Rastik had a the variety, made more eclectic given the smaller scope are unexpected. Instead of Lil Wayne’s arrest, you get sitdown with Erie’s own Drippy Clouds and producer of their mission. Simply put, they talk about movies, like DJ Drama’s. Instead of Snoop Dogg’s acquittal, you get Chauncey Bill$up that explored everything from mass 2005’s Roll Bounce, that other film podcasts don’t both- Mac Phipps’ still-ongoing sentence. appeal to maintaining positivity. In this episode, Ras- er with. Its hosts provide a nice range of perspectives as well. tik shows major interest in the world of being an artist The recent Tenet episode is a good entry point. They of- Rodney Carmichael is old enough to remember the L.A. and developing song structure while keeping the spot- fer up their typically energetic review; they discuss John riots of 1992 (provoked by excessive force used in the light away from his own career. Let’s not forget to add David Washington and why nepotism doesn’t bother videotaped arrest of Rodney King) and the West Coast that receiving truth from his guests is a big part of the them here (it’s been helping white actors for years, after gangsta rap that often soundtracked it. By contrast, show’s mission. “What people can expect from each ep- all); and they note the fun connection between this film Sidney Madden got her start at XXL in 2015, as the in- isode is an honest open conversation, an extreme level and Denzel Washington’s Déjà Vu. Find their Bad Boys dustry was intersecting with the movement for Black of transparency,” the vlogger says. “You will get the real episodes for more good starting points. Lives — and arrived at NPR as it reckoned with the side of every guest I have on the podcast.” In the spirit The concluding rating system has become the show’s #MeToo movement in 2017. of the late great Larry King, Rastik’s podcast will take calling card, with the hosts determining if the movie If you consider music an essential mirror to the you where you need to go with his guests and further. helped the cause (more black/POC actors in leading culture that produced it, this is the podcast for you. — Charles Brown roles) or hurt it. — Christopher Lantinen — Dan Schank

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26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 BOOKS The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life Late Alex Trebek in little jeopardy of losing lasting appeal

Jeopardy!, a game of skill and knowl- ship with his parents — his father a Jeopardy! set, exposing his kind and edge. Bringing both entertainment and Ukrainian immigrant, his mother a thoughtful nature. In such a high-en- education into the homes of millions, French Canadian — as well as his first ergy, nerve-wracking game, Trebek Trebek became like a family member to forays into a career in show business took the time to make every contes- many, myself included. at the Canadian Broadcasting Compa- tant feel welcome and comfortable, In his 2020 memoir, The Answer Is…: ny (CBC). knowing the potential each held. His Reflections on My Life, Trebek looks Although the book details Trebek’s relationships with former contestants back, both on and off screen, follow- life, it follows more closely to a “Great- throughout the years are a great testa- ing his 2019 diagnosis with stage four est Hits” selection rather than a full, ment to the host’s genuine character, pancreatic cancer. Following the im- nitty-gritty memoir. Trebek reflects exemplifying his caring and supporting mense outpouring of support from back on what he has learned over the nature. From the start, he insisted on fans across the globe, Trebek broke years, offering his own personal anec- being the host, not star, of Jeopardy!, his more than three decade silence on dotes for subjects ranging from mar- as he considered the contestants to be writing about his life, stating, “I want riage and parenthood to education the real stars of the show. people to know a little more about the and success. In light of the game show Always insightful, often comedic, person they have been cheering on for host’s November 2020 death at the age and occasionally irreverent (Alex Tre- the past year.” of 80, this feels more appropriate than bek swears, who knew!), The Answer Told in beautifully written prose in if Trebek were to delve into great de- Is…: Reflections on My Life is the per- the form of short, succinct vignettes, tail regarding devastating points in his fect read for those who have heard readers learn more about Trebek’s life life. Instead, they are mentioned, but of Trebek in passing, longtime Jeop- before and during his iconic tenure on lessons are learned and wisdom is im- ardy! fans, or anyone in between. or more than 35 years, Alex Trebek Jeopardy! parted on the reader. — Ally Kutz Fmade his way into America’s living A glimpse into Trebek’s childhood In later chapters, Trebek reveals what Simon & Schuster // 304 pages // Non- rooms as host of the popular quiz show in rural Canada reveals his relation- happened behind the cameras on the Fiction, Memoir

Book Review: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man Emmanuel Acho addresses apprehensions getting in way of true interracial alliance

Black Man.” Following the success of these crimes against persons of color. bring about systemic change — chap- these videos, he penned the book of Uncomfortable Conversations with ters in this section include “The Inter- the same name, released in November a Black Man addresses these appre- racial Family,” “How to Be an Ally,” and 2020. hensions many white people may have. “How to End Racism.” After the 2020 murder of George The key lesson in Acho’s book: you will Each chapter introduces its topic, Floyd perpetrated by a Minneapolis po- mess up. Every single white person gives its history (Let’s Rewind), talks lice officer, a resurgence of the Black who genuinely wants to be an ally will about the problematic aspects and Lives Matter movement occurred, with make mistakes, say the wrong thing, how they apply to everyday life (Let’s protests taking place worldwide that do something unintentionally wrong. Get Uncomfortable), and practical called for the dismantling and restruc- But the most important takeaway is to solutions to take with you (Talk It, Walk turing of the racist system that allows learn from these mistakes instead of It). Acho’s writing is concise and to the for the oppression and mistreatment continuing to make them; to actively point while also not being too technical of persons of color in this country. In understand why what you are doing is to the point of alienation of readers. It a time when it is imperative to not just wrong and learn from it. reads more like a conversation (hence be “not racist,” but instead anti-racist, Acho addresses topics that range the title) while simultaneously acting many white people may feel apprehen- from the debate between using Black as an introductory how-to guide, prov- sive and nervous, unsure of what the or African American and the myth of ing Acho’s abilities as both a writer and road to a true alliance looks like. What the “angry black man” to the more tech- educator. At just 30 years old, Acho has if you say the wrong thing? What if your nical topics of systemic racism and rac- solidified himself as one of the exem- privilege gets in the way? What if you ism in relation to our government. The plary voices of his generation. are just virtue signaling instead of actu- book is split into three sections: “You Acho’s companion book geared toward ally helping? These apprehensions can and Me,” “Us and Them,” and “We.” The teaching children about systemic racism, n the summer of 2020, former Phila- lead many to not want to get involved, first two sections address topics that Uncomfortable Conversations with a Idelphia Eagles linebacker and current leading to the unintentional support separate whites from persons of color Black Boy, is set to be released in May 2021. Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho — but support nonetheless — of the in America, with the final section ad- — Ally Kutz began a YouTube series of videos titled systemic racism that allows little to no dressing ways in which white allies can Flatiron Books // 256 pages // Non-Fiction, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a repercussions for those perpetrating come together with persons of color to Current Events

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 FEATURE Restorative Justice and Cannabis As industry grows, new opportunities must be colorblind

[top left] RISE Dispensary recently opened will probably double or triple gradually, a second location on Rotunda Drive, the former site of Erie Sports Store and Planet but aside from the economic benefits, Fitness. One half of the building serves the legislature would have to address as a dispensary, the other an education the restorative justice aspect. and outreach center. [bottom] A variety of To date, less than 1 percent of licens- cannabis-derived tinctures available for sale at RISE. es to sell cannabis have gone to Black Americans because any prior canna- now all learning that none of that was bis-related offenses prevent people true. The war on drugs was a farce. It from obtaining licensure. As a result of did nothing but harm our country and disproportionate charges in a commu- harm so many people disproportion- nity, white people are more likely to be ately, of color, and this tends to be a granted a license and benefit from an growing trend or a trend that is being economy that has incriminated Black spoken about more and more in this people for using that same product. country.” “We strongly believe in the social eq- RISE opened another dispensary lo- uity side of legislation going forward,” cation in January located on Rotunda Hawkins said. Drive, where Planet Fitness was once “For those folks who have been ar- NICK WARREN housed. rested and have this on the record, By: Chloe Forbes but Pat Kennedy, public defender of The new building is split in half; one once it does become legal for adult use Erie County, said there are a couple of part dispensary and the second part in Pennsylvania, the first thing that ave you ever met the funny reasons that people do or do not get an education and outreach center. The should be taken care of is expunging reefer man? charged for marijuana usage: inconsis- education center intends to serve as a every single one of those records that’s “H If he takes a sudden mania tencies with police agencies and charge way to expand upon their efforts to in- out there and removing them so that He’ll want to give you Pennsylvania variances. Agencies that believe there form the community of the benefits of those folks, anyone who has a record, Oh, you know you’re talking to the are more serious crimes than marijua- marijuana and help people to receive can go out and get a job in the cannabis reefer man.” na-related charges may not charge for their medical marijuana cards. industry.” possession as quickly as other agencies Going forward, the question of mari- Along with his concerns, Hawkins Cab Calloway, Dizzy Gillespie, Count might. In places like the City of Erie juana legalization is still up in the air. seemed optimistic about the future Basie, and Louis Armstrong were all specifically, there is an ordinance that Both Kennedy and Hawkins agree that with RISE’s presence in Erie. As the jazz prodigies, bringing swing into the possession of 30 grams or less of mari- the commonwealth has been very clear company’s mission states, “Our real 1930s. Marijuana was illegal in 29 states juana is a summary offense as opposed about wanting marijuana legalized, re- power is in our people and our shared when “Reefer Man” was written in 1931, to a misdemeanor, so those charged porting a 70 percent support rate. commitment to giving back to the com- but there was no federal ban on it at may be given the opportunity to plead However, considering possible legis- munities we serve.” the time. guilty to the ordinance violation first lation raises new issues. The cannabis This shared commitment could be In fact, Armstrong’s prevailing ro- — and incur a $25 fine for possession or industry continues to grow, and more the key to a new beginning, both in the mance with “Mary Warner” stretched $100 for smoking in public. than 4,000 residents of Pennsylvania community and within the broader past music. As Dizzy Gillespie once re- Since the Uniform Narcotic Act of have jobs directly related to dispensa- sense of morality. marked, Armstrong “refused to let any- 1934 —state laws that included regu- ries, cultivation, or testing labs in the thing, even anger about racism, steal lations of cannabis and the authoriza- cannabis industry. With the passing of Chloe Forbes can be reached the joy from his life,” using a few puffs tion of police power to seize drugs and adult-use, Hawkins says that number at [email protected] of “good shuzzit” to remind himself of punish lawbreakers who didn’t have a wonderful world during the Prohibi- specific licenses — criminal penalties tion era. and mandatory minimum sentences Unfortunately, the forthcoming war resulted in a rise of incarceration rates. on drugs became an enduring instru- This higher incarceration rate allowed ment of oppression used to further Nixon to declare a war on drugs, and he political agendas rather than address continued to market drugs as evil to re- racial injustices. ceive funding and support for his bills. A recent study conducted by the Tim Hawkins, the vice president of American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) retail operations for Green Thumb found that although cannabis use Industries (parent company of RISE is roughly equal among Blacks and Dispensary), commented about these whites, African Americans are over injustices, saying, “For so long, we’ve three times more likely to be arrest- all been told that this is an addictive ed or cited for cannabis possession as drug, a Schedule I drug, a gateway drug, compared to whites. and none of those things are true. For As for Erie County, there is no data a very long time, we’ve been told that

that points to this specific problem, by our government, and we are just HUNTER JESSICA

28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 ALBUM REVIEWS

Navy Blue Steve Earle & The Dukes Common Ethan Iverson/Umbria Jazz Orchestra Songs of Sage: Post Panic! J.T. A Beautiful Revolution (Pt 1) Bud Powell in the 21st Century Freedom Sounds New West Records Loma Vista Recordings Sunnyside/Sunnyside Communications

avy Blue (born he latest re- hicago-based uring the 1940s NSage Elsess- Tlease from Crap-poet Dand ’50s, Bud er) has a lot to say. modern trouba- Common has al- Powell was to jazz This is evidenced dour Steve Earle ways been public piano as his con- by the fact that is a covers record about the ill man- temporary Charlie he released not of songs written ner of society, in- Parker was to jazz only one, but two by his late son cluding the harsh saxophone — a rev- albums in 2020; while his debut album, Justin Townes Earle, who passed away reality of poverty, systematic warfare, and olutionary. Whereas other pianists of the Àdá Irin, followed in the footsteps of col- last November in Nashville from an ac- the blatant oppression that refuses to day strode steadily with their left hands, laborator Earl Sweatshirt and got the job cidental overdose. Earle takes some of cease. The conscious rapper stirs up more Powell peppered in chords unpredict- done in just 29 minutes, Songs of Sage: his son’s most memorable works like questions about today’s world with his ably, accenting the rapid-fire single-note Post Panic! nearly doubles that runtime, “Harlem River Blues” and “Champagne 13th studio effort A Beautiful Revolution lines of his right. Embracing rhythmic and incorporating stronger production, more Corolla” and adds the signature Steve (Pt.1). The 9-track opus welcomes itself harmonic complexity, improvisation, and varied beats, and most interestingly, the Earle sound that he has been perfect- with a soothing intro laced with spoken all-around unpredictability, bebop repre- human voice as an instrument. If it were ing since the 1980s. One of the stand- word explaining the beauty of Black Amer- sented jazz’s next step forward. Powell’s released earlier in the year, it would have out tracks is “The Saint of Lost Causes,” ica, the perils it encounters — and without life was a whirlwind, too — marred by al- been a strong contender for the best where he adopts a much darker tone any reluctance — the answer to a better coholism and the psychological and phys- hip-hop album of 2020. than the original version from his son’s fi- tomorrow. Common reveals on the sec- iological aftereffects of a brutal beating at “I’m tired of the shooting,” starts “Tired,” nal album. Lyrically the song hints at the ond track “Fallin’” that it was the outcry the hands of police officers alongside a before Blue continues, explaining “They addiction that Justin Townes Earle was about the racial barriers set upon African Philadelphia railroad in 1945. Despite his complains about their gun rights/They facing, hitting even harder after his un- Americans that informed his writing for A personal tragedy, his music remains a cre- killing us for sport.” It’s a contemplative timely passing. The final song on the al- Beautiful Revolution thematically. The al- ative triumph, strongly evidenced here by look at the protests for racial justice this bum, “Last Words,” is the only song that bum picks up with a few speaker-knockers former Bad Plus pianist Ethan Iverson with past summer, and it’s especially affect- the elder Earle penned for this release. and light-hearted cuts you can two-step the backing of the Umbria Jazz Orchestra. ing sitting early at track two. Later, Blue It recounts the last telephone conver- to, but it never loses its fight for peace and Reinterpreting Powell’s quintet record- drops an unforgettable hook on “1491”: “I sation he had with his son, reflecting on justice. Guest appearances from Black ings in a big band context (with a featured used to kiss my Saint Christopher, f*ck the relationship they had. It’s a heart- Thought, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, quintet of his own), Iverson achieves con- Christopher Columbus.” Loosely coin- breaking farewell, one that anyone who’s and more complement Common’s con- sistently compelling results, ranging from ciding with the loss of MF DOOM, Navy lost someone they love to addiction viction and curiosity. Jazzy and cohesive, the breezy “Celia” to the spindly “Tempus Blue is far from an exact replacement, but can relate to. It feels as though this al- A Beautiful Revolution (Pt 1) isn’t made to Fugit’’ to the menacing “Un Poco Loco.” it’s relieving to know that up-and-com- bum was one that Steve needed to sort shake up the world or obtain commer- Two years shy of what would’ve been his ing conscious rap is in more-than-ca- through his grief and to help heal fans cial success, but to be a ripple to inspire 100th birthday, Iverson proves Powell’s mu- pable — scratch that — good hands. who held his son in such high regard. others to join the march for equality. sic definitely belongs in the 21st century. — Aaron Mook ­— Larry Wheaton — Charles Brown — Matt Swanseger

TOMMY IN TOON — BY TOMMY LINK

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 2021 CROSSWORD

Across wright Henrik and smoking 1. Org. for students in uni- 42. Like some bottles 12. “Frozen” snowman form 44. Fed. electricity provider 13. ____ Wallace, co-founder 5. With 62-Across, a difficult since 1933 of Reader’s Digest engagement ... or a descrip- 45. Coffeehouse entertainers 21. Add to the staff tion of each set of circled 46. Boardwalk scavenger 22. Food writer Drummond letters 50. Business sch. major 24. Like easy, well-paying jobs 11. “u r 2 funny!” 52. Open (to) 25. Hank Aaron’s 2,297 14. Fitch of Abercrombie & 53. “Green Book” Oscar 26. Suffix with glob- or gran- Answers to last puzzle Fitch winner 28. Ending for sooth or nay 15. Tiny 54. Haul (around) 29. Rescue 16. Two-time Super Bowl 57. Utah town near Arches 30. Where Adam met Eve MVP Manning and Canyonlands National 31. “A line is ____ that went 17. Hula ____ Parks for a walk” (quote by 51- 18. Beezus’ sister, in children’s 58. Sleep state Down) literature 59. “Lawrence of Arabia” star 32. Scand. country 19. Actress Gadot 60. Red resident of “Sesame 33. Korean-made sedan 20. Walter White on “Break- Street” since 2001 ing Bad,” for one 61. English breakfast ____ 34. Kathy of “Misery” 22. Tennis star Nadal, to fans 62. See 5-Across 37. Rifle part 23. Inhuman 63. Pal of Kyle and Kenny on 38. Magic moments? 24. Inhumane “South Park” 40. French “Inc.” 27. Amtrak schedule abbr. 41. Tolstoy’s “The Death of 28. Renter’s rental Down ____ Ilyich” 31. It’s just over a foot 1. Fix up, as a building 43. Captain’s record 34. Count who composed 2. O3 44. Home on the range “One O’Clock Jump” 3. Brisk paces 46. Whiff 35. Josh ____, the voice of 4. What T-Mobile has that 47. Many a bike lock, essen- 12-Down Sprint lacks tially 36. “Stop stalling!” 5. Erect 48. Animal wearing red paja- 37. Evan and Birch of Indiana 6. June birthstone mas in a children’s book politics 7. Blood: Prefix 49. Simon of Duran Duran 38. Actress Campbell of 8. ____ Jima 50. 7-Eleven, e.g. “Scream” 9. “Dancing With the Stars” 51. Surrealist Paul 39. “... good witch, ____ bad judge Goodman 52. Boatloads witch?” 10. Salonga who voiced two 54. [Poor me!] 40. Adorable one Disney princesses 55. Windy City rail org. 41. “A Doll’s House” play- 11. They’re set for drinking 56. Like the summer sun

February 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 “I’m where I belong.” Barb, UPMC for Life Complete Care Member

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