Black History Month

February is recognized nationally as Black History Month, and this year’s theme is “Black Migrations.” The Association for the Study of African American Life and History selects a different theme every year to highlight different eras and subjects in black history. This year will focus on the migration patterns of black Americans from southern farms to southern cities; from the South to the rest of the country; and from the Caribbean to United States’ cities.

On my social media this month, I’ll be focusing on the black Americans who found their way to the Pittsburgh area and the contributions they made to our region, state and nation. I’ll post a few spotlights each week through the month of February.

Clean Slate Services Coming Soon!

Late last year, Pennsylvania instituted a new Clean Slate law that allows some folks with minor criminal history to have their records sealed, opening up many new professional opportunities for them. If you’re granted a “Clean Slate” or limited access petition, your criminal record can only be released to a criminal justice agency, a state licensing agency only if its relevant to a professional license, or the PA Department of Human Services and county youth agencies if it’s relevant.

You are eligible for a limited access petition if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You were convicted of a misdemeanor or an ungraded offense carrying a maximum penalty of no more than five years in prison. The following misdemeanors of the first degree are ineligible:
• An offense involving danger to a person.
• Offenses against the family.
• Offenses involving firearms or other dangerous articles.
• Sexual offenses that require registration as a sex offender.
• Conspiracy, attempt or solicitation to commit any of these offenses.
• You have been free from conviction for 10 years of any offense punishable by a year or more in prison.
• You have paid all court-ordered financial obligations associated with your sentence.

Soon, my district offices will be offering consultation for this service and hosting community events to bring help right to you. Stay tuned for more information on that!

In the 43rd

I’m continuing my tours through our district and I have met some fantastic folks, seen incredible projects, and eaten delicious food! This month, you’ll see episodes from the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, a new restaurant in Bloomfield – Sugar & Smoke, and a few more. Keep watching every Wednesday afternoon.

In case you missed last week’s episode, here’s our visit to BoXYZ, a 3D printing company doing some neat work in Homewood.

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