This is old news at this point, but I wanted to post this anyway, for a few reasons. First, while I primarily cover LGBT issues, there is a way that this is related. “Community” means different things to different people to some degree, but in reality, any group that is marginalized share some basic needs. We too often think f LGBT needs as being all about rights and legislation, but there are physical/ community needs as well. But what are they? At one point in the past, a gayborhood may have made that list, although I’m not sure that is really true today. You may disagree. Recent problems in Bloomfield, led some to say that safe streets and an ability to be in your own neighborhood without being harassed was a physical/community need. What do you think are the physical/community needs for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender communities? Is it the same for everyone who fills some portion of this loose coalition of diverse groups, or are there differing ideas as to what community needs?

Second, this story is important, because any group that has been or could be marginalized, needs to be aware of other groups that have been put in the same positions in some way shape or form. And, we need to care about the needs of each other. Too often, some in the LGBT community see the African American community as other than an ally, when in fact groups like the NAACP and Corretta Scott King have been outspoken against homophobia and discrimination. After such a log history of marginalization, so many within the African American community have much to share and offer the LGBT community as we seek to achieve full equality. If we are open to their input and seek out them as partners towards equality for all.

But the other side of that coin is this: are we, as LGBT’s there for the African American community? Do we see our issues as similar, or would we rather just look at our own issues? No single marginalized group can make progress only on their own. We need to all be in this together, seeking awareness of our similarities, and understanding of our differences. Often physical barriers to community must fall before other types of obstacles are tackled, and so changes such as this reflect well for the continuing growth of all people in Western PA.

Its development arm, the Hill House Economic Development Corp., has been negotiating with the unnamed grocer.

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato; new Hill House CEO Victor Roque; and state Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill District, are among those scheduled to attend the announcement.

via Group: Grocery store coming to Hill District – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.