Home >  Local News

Thursday, July 31, 2003

Q: What was the highlight of the conference?

	Top row, from left: Rhonda Newman and Maida Odom. Middle row: James Herriott and Patricia Nelomes. Bottom row: Tony Allen. (Photos by Andy Starnes, Post-Gazette)

"For Pittsburgh to host the conference was exciting. It has been a chance show that Pittsburgh has this other essence; that we are upscale and can do things as well as the next person. The conference gave a variety of people a chance to see our city is changing."
-- Rhonda Newman, East Liberty, a housing counselor with Pittsburgh Urban League

"It was a general feeling of goodwill we felt in Pittsburgh. There was a sense of optimism and strength that people are fueled for a new era. There were critical issues on the table for African Americans and the conference did a good job of bringing those forth."
-- Maida Odom, Philadelphia, freelance writer and journalism professor

"We were able to come together for a common cause and realize we all have a job to do. The conference brought people into enlightenment. "
-- James Herriott, New York City, manager with National Urban League

"Judge [Glenda] Hatchett. The way she reminded us we need to deal with our kids, that there is a big need to keep them away from drugs, from foster care and the different things in the community that can harm them. She was excellent."
-- Patricia Nelomes, Rochester, N.Y., family development manager, Rochester Urban League

"Marc Morial. His new vision was history making. The focus on black males, health and other areas is the next logical step for the league."
-- Tony Allen, Wilmington, Del., president of Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League