URBAN HEROES—Seated, from left: Rev. Brenda Gregg, Sandra Russell, Sean Moman, Loleda Moman and Rev. Lola Thorpe. Second row, from left: Herbert V.R.P. Jones, George Russell, Deloris Livsey, Oliver Byrd. Back row, from left: Melissa Wharton, Todd Allen, Andrew and Helen Jackson, and Lisa Thorpe-Vaughn. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
On the evening of Sept. 15, Karla Threadgill Byrd, executive director of the Center for Urban Biblical Ministry, along with assistant director Dr. John W. Stanko, hosted the third biannual class of “Urban Heroes.”
Byrd describes the celebration as an opportunity to “give some headlines to people who ordinarily do not make the news, but are worthy of honor and recognition.” Honors were awarded at a reception held at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
CUBM’s mission is to “glorify God by educating urban students in southwestern Pennsylvania for effective service in their local communities.”
The non-traditional students return to school with a backpack on their shoulders full of real lifetime experiences. They arrive armed with a solid determination and uncompromising confidence.
These attributes afford the adult students the opportunity to earn degrees in Christian Ministry and Leadership from Geneva College.
The ecumenical institute of higher learning provides the necessary tools, encouragement and love that develops a solid pathway to success.
Among the 2015 Urban Heroes is Todd Allen, director of The Common Ground Project and Communications Instructor at Grove City College. On fire for the Lord, his teachings and caring nature provides a positive connection with young people, encouraging them to touch their star, and in so doing, make their dreams a reality.
“I have a friend who is often fond of saying, ‘People won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,’” Allen said. It is apparent that Allen’s enthusiasm for the education and personal growth of young people reaches far beyond the campus setting.
From Homewood to Harvard, Oliver Byrd certainly walked the less traveled road.
The Urban Hero considers himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to walk that path and he credits mentor Helen Faison, who was instrumental in his choosing that path. It was his mother, he states, who encouraged him throughout his life to step out and venture new areas, which always included volunteerism from an early age. “I could not feel comfortable with the opportunities afforded me without reaching back,” stated the retired Bank of New York/Mellon executive. His impact on the city of Pittsburgh has flowed throughout the communities he serves with a soft spoken confidence and fervor that does not permit him to sit idly by. In his retirement, he continues the path of his belief: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13)
It’s a “family affair” at the North Side Institutional COGIC on the North Side. That family affair extended to the mother-daughter Urban Heroes awarded to Rev. Lola Thorpe and her daughter, Lisa Thorpe-Vaughn. Thorpe has emerged, not only as a powerful Woman of God, but an accomplished leader. One of her greatest accomplishments, she stated proudly, is the fact that “six of her children are in ministry.” Thorpe-Vaughn, who works alongside her mother in the ministry, said, “My mother is my greatest inspiration. I don’t have the ability to walk in her shoes, but I walk quickly behind her. She is energized by her love for others.”
That love extends to family, congregation and community as Thorpe continues to grasp the fortitude to keep moving forward in her service to God.
Rounding out that list of impressive Heroes are Rev. Brenda Gregg, pastor of Destiny of Faith Church; Herbert V.R.P. Jones, director of The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh and music director at Bethany Baptist Church in Homewood; Deloris Livsey, community activist and board member of the Hazelwood Initiative; Joy Sato, event coordinator at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts; and Melissa Wharton, founder of The Church Online Company.
This extraordinary group of Christian leaders also includes three husband and wife teams: Rev. Andrew and Rev. Helen Jackson, pastors of Webster Avenue Christian and Missionary Alliance Church; Sean and Loleda Moman, members of the ministry team at Allegheny Center Alliance Church; and Rev.George W. Russell, and his wife, Sandra, who serve as pastors of Temple of God Church in Washington, Pa.
The 2015 Urban Heroes are comprised of amazing people who love the Lord, take risks and make a difference in the Pittsburgh community. They come from all walks of life but strive for common goals.
The stories of all the 2015 Urban Heroes can be viewed online or in the book entitled “Urban Heroes…Vol. 3.” Amazing people…amazing stories.