All Discussions Tagged '74' - Pittsburgh Jazz Network2024-03-28T11:54:39Zhttps://jazzburgher.ning.com/group/obituaries/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=74&feed=yes&xn_auth=noBishop Loran Mann, a trailblazer and Pittsburgh icon, dies at 74tag:jazzburgher.ning.com,2021-05-06:1992552:Topic:5500662021-05-06T18:12:37.520ZDr. Nelson Harrisonhttps://jazzburgher.ning.com/profile/NelsonHarrison
<h1 class="entry-title">Bishop Loran Mann, a trailblazer and Pittsburgh icon, dies at 74</h1>
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<li class="author-name">Rob Taylor Jr. - Courier Staff Writer</li>
<li>May 6, 2021…</li>
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<h1 class="entry-title">Bishop Loran Mann, a trailblazer and Pittsburgh icon, dies at 74</h1>
<div class="byline vcard d-flex px-0 py-4"><div class="d-flex flex-grow-1 author"><div class="author-info d-flex flex-shrink px-2"><ul>
<li class="author-name">Rob Taylor Jr. - Courier Staff Writer</li>
<li>May 6, 2021</li>
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<div class="entry-content"><div title="Bishop Loran Mann, a trailblazer and Pittsburgh icon, dies at 74" class="hero__featured col mb-3"></div>
<p><strong>by Rob Taylor Jr.</strong><br/><strong>Courier Staff Writer</strong><br/>Church Of God In Christ. Six and a half million members. More than 100 countries.</p>
<p>What are the odds that a person could elevate all the way up to a board of such distinction as the COGIC General Board, which consists of just 12 Bishops, responsible for establishing and executing policies for the membership, as well as sustaining and perpetuating spiritual order within the Church?</p>
<p>But then again, we’re talking about The Right Reverend Loran Edward Mann. The man who was determined to start a church under a tent in 1969 with just 19 members. Today, there are hundreds who call themselves current members of Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, at a can’t-miss, $1.2 million facility on the corner of Larimer Avenue and East Liberty Boulevard in East Liberty.</p>
<p>Bishop Mann, who was loved, revered and admired, died on Sunday, May 2. He was 74.</p>
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<h4><strong>‘Pittsburgh lost a Lion.’</strong><br/><strong>– Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto</strong></h4>
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<p>Just weeks before his passing, Bishop Mann indeed was elected to a four-year term on the COGIC’s General Board. The congratulatory messages for Bishop Mann at the time were innumerable.</p>
<p>Prior to the General Board elections, Bishop Mann had received support and endorsements from many in the COGIC family, including Bishop Felton M. Smith Jr., of Tennessee.</p>
<p>“He is a consummate leader, a man of impeccable lifestyle, he’s a preacher of righteousness, a lover of God’s people,” Bishop Smith said of Bishop Mann during a COGIC virtual event on Feb. 17. “And it’s been my joy to know him these many years and to see his fidelity, his devotion, his loyalty to the church and the people of God…The Lord has prepared him for such a time as this. We need these kind of salient thinking individuals for such a challenging time in which we live. He has my full endorsement.”</p>
<p>The New Pittsburgh Courier learned that Bishop Mann was born in Ocala, Fla., a small city nestled between Tallahassee and Orlando, on Aug. 8, 1946. His family moved to Pittsburgh in 1959, but Bishop Mann recalled in a 2019 interview with Cornerstone Television Network how he was reluctant to move from his hometown, away from so many of his friends.</p>
<p>“I heard the voice of the Lord say that he wanted me in Pittsburgh,” Bishop Mann said in the interview. “I had no idea then, what he had in mind.”</p>
<p><img width="607" height="421" class="size-full wp-image-336052 aligncenter" src="https://newpittsburghcourier.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/Mann2A2METRO5.5.jpg" alt=""/></p>
<p><strong>THE FAMILY OF BISHOP MANN</strong>—Loran Mann II, First Lady Barbara Mann, Bishop Loran Mann, Tiana Mann, in this photo from 2009.</p>
<p>Bishop Mann attended both Westinghouse High School and the University of Pittsburgh, and later became the first African American newscaster on KDKA Radio, in 1968, around age 22. He spent 10 years at KDKA Radio, and when the opportunity came for him to jump to television full-time, he took the leap to WPXI-TV (Channel 11). It’s there where “Loran Mann” became a household name, reporting any and everywhere at any hour of the day or night, his booming voice commanding attention in every report.</p>
<p>After more than 20 years at WPXI, Bishop Mann retired from TV and made sure his ministry was full-time.</p>
<p>In 1992, Bishop Mann led Pentecostal Temple COGIC into ownership in the broadcasting industry with the acquisition of WGBN-AM (1150), which was the city’s first 24-hour-a-day Gospel music station. In 2006, Bishop Mann became a founding member of the “Rejoice Musical Soulfood Network,” which offers Gospel music programming by satellite to stations across the country.</p>
<img width="542" height="379" class="size-full wp-image-336053" src="https://newpittsburghcourier.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/Mann3A2METRO5.5.jpg" alt=""/><br />
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<p><strong>BISHOP LORAN MANN</strong>, right, with Gospel music superstar Donnie McClurkin, in a photo from 2018.</p>
<p>In 2011, Bishop Mann, who holds an honorary doctorate degree from Waynesburg University, was elevated to the Episcopacy and appointed Bishop of the state of Vermont Jurisdiction on June 2. He was consecrated to the office on Nov. 7, 2011, during the 104th International Holy Convocation of the Church of God in Christ in St. Louis.</p>
<p>In 2009, the Courier covered the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Pentecostal Temple COGIC, which was held at the Churchill Valley Country Club. The members reminisced on the church congregation’s humble beginnings—Bishop Mann was originally the pastor of First Baptist Church in Braddock Hills, but then left the church to start his own Pentecostal church; 19 members from First Baptist joined him. The members eventually settled on a church home at 1675 Laketon Rd. in Wilkinsburg, in 1971. Looking back, the members recalled how that building had “no air conditioning, limited seating and even fewer parking spaces,” the Courier’s report read. “Many members testified that there is no place like home when it comes to Pentecostal Temple.”</p>
<p>Some may remember Bishop Mann’s many outdoor “tent revivals” that he held over the years, as all were welcome to hear God’s message.</p>
<p>News of Bishop Mann’s passing was confirmed by the Bishop’s immediate family via Facebook, on May 2.</p>
<p>Since then, the condolences for Bishop Mann and his family have poured in from all over the country.</p>
<p>U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, representing Pa.’s 18th Congressional District, extended his “deepest condolences to the friends and family of Bishop Loran Mann…He will be missed.”</p>
<p>Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said: “Pittsburgh lost a Lion. To the family of Bishop Loran Mann, thank you for sharing him with all of us. A gentle giant who shed love onto our city. A man who lived by the rule of compassion. A friend.”</p>
<p>State Rep. Ed Gainey, whose House District includes the area where Pentecostal Temple COGIC resides, said: “CommUnity. Please pray for the family of Bishop Loran Mann. A great man was called home. Rest With God Bishop Mann. We truly love you. Peace.”</p>
<p>Dee Thompson, who worked with Bishop Mann at WPXI, said in a Pittsburgh Black Media Federation news release, May 2, that “Loran was a pioneer in journalism, not only in Pittsburgh’s Black community but also the community at-large; and not only in Pittsburgh, but nationally. In fact, he was one of the first Black journalists in radio and television in Pittsburgh and because of his outstanding work in the church as a pastor and as a Bishop, he was very well-known throughout the country and the world.”</p>
<p>PBMF President Brian Cook said Bishop Mann’s passing “is not only a loss for the church community, but for those who enjoyed his television and radio reports. He was a trusted newsperson and will be missed for his pioneering inspiration and his dedication to community coverage.”</p>
<p>And COGIC Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard simply said: “To know (Bishop Mann) was to love him. His presence will be surely missed by all.”</p>
<p>Bishop Mann is survived by his wife, Barbara; and two children, Loran II and Tiana.</p>
<p>As of Tuesday afternoon, May 4, funeral arrangements had not been publicly announced. </p>
</div> Larry E. Davis, former Pitt Dean of the School of Social Work, dies at 74tag:jazzburgher.ning.com,2021-04-08:1992552:Topic:5498702021-04-08T20:24:09.719ZDr. Nelson Harrisonhttps://jazzburgher.ning.com/profile/NelsonHarrison
<h1 class="entry-title">Larry E. Davis, former Pitt Dean of the School of Social Work, dies at 74</h1>
<div class="byline vcard d-flex px-0 py-4"><div class="d-flex flex-grow-1 author"><div class="author-info d-flex flex-shrink px-2"><ul>
<li class="author-name">Rob Taylor Jr. - Courier Staff Writer</li>
<li>April 7, 2021…</li>
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<h1 class="entry-title">Larry E. Davis, former Pitt Dean of the School of Social Work, dies at 74</h1>
<div class="byline vcard d-flex px-0 py-4"><div class="d-flex flex-grow-1 author"><div class="author-info d-flex flex-shrink px-2"><ul>
<li class="author-name">Rob Taylor Jr. - Courier Staff Writer</li>
<li>April 7, 2021</li>
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<p><strong>LARRY E. DAVIS, PH.D. (File)</strong></p>
<p><strong>by Rob Taylor Jr.</strong><br/> <strong>Courier Staff Writer</strong></p>
<p>You could hear a pin drop when Larry E. Davis would speak.<br/> It seemed as if the audience listened attentively to each word, each gem of information or opinion that the pioneering Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work would orate.</p>
<p>Dr. Davis was the founding director the Center on Race and Social Problems at the School of Social Work, something he was so proud to be housed in a school of social work. The Center brought in race scholars from across the country to share their race-related research, and in 2010, the Center hosted the largest conference ever held on race in America.</p>
<p>“He was clearly a larger-than-life figure who led this school and the field in ways that brought together his personal experiences with his keen ability to think deeply and profoundly,” said Elizabeth M.Z. Farmer, Ph.D., Pitt’s current Dean of the School of Social Work.</p>
<p>Dr. Davis passed away on March 30 after a battle with lung cancer. He was 74. He is survived by his wife, Kim, and sons Keanu, Naeem, and Amani.<br/> Dr. Davis was the Dean of the School of Social Work at Pitt from 2001 until 2018, when he became Dean Emeritus.</p>
<p>“Dean Davis’ life and work had an incredible impact on so many people,” Dr. Farmer continued, “and it is a true loss not only to his family, the University of Pittsburgh, and the School of Social Work, but to all of the scholars and community leaders whom he has inspired with his work that was dedicated to challenging racism in our society. He was a mentor to many young academics over the years, and has inspired the work of others throughout his career.”</p>
<p>A Michigan native, Dr. Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University and a dual master’s in social work and psychology from the University of Michigan. Prior to obtaining his master’s degrees, Dr. Davis was part of the Americorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program and spent three years in one of New York City’s poorest neighborhoods. But he returned to academia after the VISTA program because, “he believed that that the methodology of psychology combined with the tools of social work would enable him to bridge the gap between analysis and application,” according to a bio of Dr. Davis on Pitt’s website.</p>
<p>Dr. Davis was a Professor of Social Work and Psychology and the holder of the E. Desmond Lee Chair in Ethnic and Racial Diversity at Washington University in St. Louis prior to coming to Pittsburgh in 2001. Before setting his sights on the Steel City, he made history by becoming the first African American to earn a doctorate degree in social work and psychology at the University of Michigan, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette obituary.</p>
<p>Dr. Davis was the authority when it came to race relations, and understanding it from an academic, analytical perspective. He often wrote editorials published in the Post-Gazette, was the author of numerous books and made countless lectures on race.</p>
<p>“His final book, ‘Why Are They Angry With Us? Essays On Race,’ was a very intimate examination of his own experiences with race in America,” Dr. Farmer said, “and he was always willing to share stories from his own life to help teach others. When I arrived at Pitt, he and I discussed this book and its many fascinating chapters. It truly was a window into his perspective and understandings.”</p>
<p>The Center on Race and Social Problems was established in 2002, a year after Dr. Davis arrived at Pitt. Its mission is to lead America further along the path to social justice by conducting race-related research, mentoring emerging scholars, and disseminating race-related research findings and scholarship. The Center focuses on race-related social problems in the following areas: Economics; Education; Health; Law; Mental Health; Older Adults; Race Relations; and Youth and Family.</p>
<p>Those who knew Dr. Davis could spot him a mile away with his distinguished aura, trademark bow tie, and genuine, approachable demeanor. During his speeches, Dr. Davis knew when to disseminate important information, and when to showcase his wit. As he began his online lecture, “Will Race Always Matter?” in Sept. 2020, he said: “Coming to the University of Pittsburgh was the best decision I ever made in my life. That is, except for marrying my wife, Kim, who is watching this program.”</p>
<p>Dr. Davis then settled into his presentation, with a use of words that helped distinguish him from others across the country.</p>
<p>“The simple fact is, that race matters more today because we know more about race matters today,” Dr. Davis said. “The iPhone camera and social media has made it all but impossible for racism to go unnoticed and unreported. Racist acts, comments and conversations are, today, more apt to become public. Technology has served to pull back the curtain on our country’s systemic racial problems, at times, showing us many things we did not know, along with things that we had resisted seeing.”</p>
<p>Dr. Davis discussed how the George Floyd death in Minneapolis, captured on video, was “unquestionably the proverbial straw that ignited not only national outrage, but world condemnation.”</p>
<p>Dr. Davis called the “Black Lives Matter” movement the largest national protest in American history, but was quick to remind those watching his presentation that the fight for racial justice and equality has been an ongoing one. The call to elevate African Americans in the corporate sector, remove statues of once-heralded people who promoted racism and discrimination, etc., did not erase the hundreds of years worth of unseen, unheard injustices that Blacks always faced.</p>
<p>“We can only shutter to think about how many people of color must have been unjustifiably humiliated, beaten and murdered without consequence even during our lifetime,” Dr. Davis said.</p>
<p>Dr. Davis closed his presentation by stating: “I ask each of you tonight to engage in what the late Congressman John Lewis referred to as ‘good trouble.’ Challenge existing racist status quos, when and where you find them. Push the envelope. Many of you have, during your lifetimes, accrued enormous social and political capital. I’m asking you this evening to spend some of it. Make our city into the best of American cities. In the words of the esteemed Mississippi Voting Rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, let us say to the rest of America, that Pittsburgh is sick and tired of being sick and tired of racial injustice, and we’re simply not going to take it anymore.”</p>
<p>(Dr. Larry Davis’ visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, at John A. Freyvogel Sons, 4900 Centre Avenue. Dr. Davis’ funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 8, at 10 a.m. at Freyvogel Funeral Home, same address. The service can be accessed via the funeral home’s Facebook page:<span> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/johnafreyvogelsonsinc"><span><strong>http://www.facebook.com/johnafreyvogelsonsinc</strong></span></a>. A second memorial service will be held in the Heinz Memorial Chapel of the University of Pittsburgh at a later date, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette obituary. Memorial gifts can be given to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 North Linden St., Duquesne.)</p>
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