Community Empowerment Association

10/08/2026

DAY 22 OF SOLIDARITY: Honoring Martell Covington
Today, we stand with Martell Covington, Government Relations Associate hailing from Homewood

Why We Stand With Him:
I honor this man because he has made an impact on the lives of others through his presence, mentorship, and willingness to give back.

Martell is a pillar in my life and in the community because he has consistently shown up with wisdom, encouragement, and genuine care when I needed it most.

Thank you, Brother Martell, for your commitment, leadership, and service to Black men and boys across Allegheny County.
Registration is now open for our upcoming Day of Black Male Solidarity at www.ceapittsburgh.org/solidarity

10/07/2026

DAY 21 OF SOLIDARITY: Honoring Eric Ewell

Today, we stand with Eric Ewell, Pastor and community leader, holding down the Mon Valley area, especially Duquesne

Why We Stand With Him:
I honor this man because his personal faith and testimony have fueled him to pour that same purpose and passion back into his family and community through his church, community center, and advocacy for the Mon Valley.

Thank you, Brother Eric, for your commitment, leadership, and service to Black men and boys across Allegheny County.

Registration is now open for our upcoming Day of Black Male Solidarity at www.ceapittsburgh.org/solidarity

10/06/2026

DAY 20 OF SOLIDARITY: Honoring Kyle Smith

Today, we stand with Kyle Smith, Youth Mentor, Fabricator, Daddy Doula

Why We Stand With Him:
I honor Kyle because he gives even when he doesn’t have much to give. I honor him because he doesn’t always wait to be asked—he sees a need and tries to meet it. He may not always see himself as a leader or realize the impact he has, but I see it.

I see the way he helps me carry N.E.S.T. I see the rides, the conversations, the fixing and building, the willingness to listen, and the way he is becoming a safe and steady presence for young fathers who need someone to guide them. I see him showing up for teen mothers and their babies, too. N.E.S.T. would not be what it is without this 'dad doula.' Kyle is part of the village behind N.E.S.T. He reminds me that support doesn't always look like having the perfect words or knowing exactly what to do—sometimes support is simply saying, 'I'm here. What can I do?'—and then actually showing up.

Kyle is a pillar in my life and in the community because he shows up. Whether providing a ride to school or the grocery store, using his hands and skills to get things done, or taking young fathers under his wing, he makes himself available. He doesn’t have to have all the answers to make a difference—simply being there matters, and I honor Kyle for being that person.

Thank you, Brother Kyle, for your commitment, leadership, and service to Black men and boys across Allegheny County.

Registration is now open for our upcoming Day of Black Male Solidarity at www.ceapittsburgh.org/solidarity

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

DAY 19 OF SOLIDARITY: Honoring Donta Green

Today, we stand with Donta Green, Educator and Coach in Homewood and beyond

Why We Stand With Him:
I honor this man because he is a lifesaver. As the Westinghouse football coach, hundreds of young men have come through his program. His contributions are much bigger than football. He is teaching them valuable life lessons that will help them be productive members of society. He uses his own resources to meet his players' needs—if they don't have clothes, shoes, food, or other necessities, he ensures those barriers are removed by providing them, quietly and without fanfare. His players are students first, and he holds them accountable for their academics. Through his guidance, his players graduate on time and attend post-secondary institutions.

As the director of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (TIP), he provides second chances to people whom society has written off. He is a positive role model who provides structure and meaningful opportunities, preparing students with a trade that brings respect, pride, and income. Again, he is a lifesaver—because without his role as the Westinghouse football coach and director of TIP, the streets could have easily swallowed up our youth before they even had a chance at life.

Thank you, Brother Donta, for your commitment, leadership, and service to Black men and boys across Allegheny County.

Registration is now open for our upcoming Day of Black Male Solidarity at www.ceapittsburgh.org/solidarity

10/04/2026

DAY 18 OF SOLIDARITY: Honoring Sheldon Oliver
Today, we stand with Sheldon Oliver, Business Owner, Mentor, and Coach serving Homewood, Penn Hills, and Northside

Why We Stand With Him:
I honor this man because he cares deeply for the community. He uses his resources to help schools and organizations that come up short in their finances, mentors students on financial literacy, and has real conversations with them about the dangers of street life. He is always available to assist students, staff, and community leaders with his expertise.

He is always there to support whatever the need is for the community. When the Homewood community needed the laundromat reopened after years of closure, he purchased it and reopened it for our neighbors. He supported the Pittsburgh Student Achievement Center’s Students Against Destructive Decisions by securing transportation to Seven Springs for over 40 students to attend the Leadership Conference. In addition, he has supported numerous athletic programs by providing athletes with equipment. He is always available and willing to assist and meet the needs of our people.

Thank you, Brother Sheldon, for your commitment, leadership, and service to Black men and boys across Allegheny County.

Registration is now open for our upcoming Day of Black Male Solidarity at www.ceapittsburgh.org/solidarity

10/03/2026

DAY 17 OF SOLIDARITY: Honoring Ernest Bey
Today, we stand with Ernest Bey, Violence Interrupter, Artist, Community Activist

Why We Stand With Him:
Ernest is the complete package of a Pillar of Solidarity, as he covers the full gamut of community preservation and cultural enrichment.

Ernest is an inspiring pillar who seamlessly addresses crime and violence in Downtown Pittsburgh and city neighborhoods through MAD DADS and the city's Public Safety Initiative, REACH. He places himself in the thick of interrupting violence with youth in crisis while extending deep compassion and dignity.

On the other side of his strengths, he is a renowned artist creating paintings, jewelry, wooden staffs, and carvings that uplift the beauty and importance of African Diaspora culture.

Last, but not least, Ernest Bey maintains a spirit of humility, advocating for community projects and rolling up his sleeves to do the difficult, unglamorous work whenever needed. He is a rare and exceptional leader, truly worthy of recognition as a Pillar of Solidarity.

Thank you, Brother Ernest, for your commitment, leadership, and service to Black men and boys across Allegheny County.

Registration is now open for our upcoming Day of Black Male Solidarity at www.ceapittsburgh.org/solidarity

10/02/2026

DAY 16 OF SOLIDARITY: Honoring Alex Payton

Today, we stand with Alex Payton, Director of Operations and Technology at The Kingsley Association ()

Why We Stand With Him:
I honor this man because of the heart he has for the community to be whole, and for his commitment to connecting people and organizations to work together.

Alex Payton is a pillar in this community. He is deeply involved in his church, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, as well as numerous community organizations dedicated to systemic change. Alex is known across the community as someone who brings people together who truly want to help others.

Thank you, Brother Alex, for your commitment, leadership, and service to Black men and boys across Allegheny County.

Registration is now open for our upcoming Day of Black Male Solidarity at www.ceapittsburgh.org/solidarity

10/01/2026

DAY 15 OF SOLIDARITY: Honoring Marvin Wright

Today, we stand with Marvin Wright, Coach, Mentor, Educator in Penn Hills, Monroeville and Braddock Hills

Why We Stand With Him:
I honor this man because for over 25 years, he has coached and mentored thousands of young men. His players have gone on to play collegiate and professional basketball. What he has done for his players is bigger than basketball, keeping so many of them from going down the wrong path. He has quietly made a difference in so many lives.

He coached both the WPIAL championship Gateway boys basketball and WPIAL championship Penn Hills boys basketball teams. He is the co-founder of the Rise High Elite AAU organization. Through his leadership, his players have received full-ride scholarships to play at the collegiate level. He has sacrificed money and time that could have benefited his own family to ensure that his players had their basic needs met.

Thank you, Brother Marvin, for your commitment, leadership, and service to Black men and boys across Allegheny County.
Registration is now open for our upcoming Day of Black Male Solidarity at www.ceapittsburgh.org/solidarity