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Whereas, The Pittsburgh Courier once served as the preeminent black newspaper for African-American citizens nationwide. The Courier's influence and circulation reached over 400,000 people, with readers all over the country, and having branch offices in New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, with its home here in Pittsburgh. The editor-in-chief of the Pittsburgh Courier was Bill Nunn, Sr. where he served for almost 50 years before retiring in the mid 1960's. During the early years of the Courier's success, Mr. Nunn, Jr. traveled the country to view and scout the best black college football games and players.
Whereas, Legendary journalist and NFL Scout Bill Nunn, Jr. entered the newspaper business as a sports writer for the Pittsburgh Courier, where he later rose to sports editor and managing editor. After increasing the exposure and prominence of the Courier's Black College All-American team to new heights, Bill Nunn, Jr. joined the Pittsburgh Steelers' scouting staff part time in 1967 and then full time in 1969.
Whereas, Bill Nunn, Jr. was a true innovator, he constructed the bridge between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He was most recently honored in Atlanta, Georgia as a member of the eleven member inaugural class of the Black College Football Hall of Fame. Along with Mr. Nunn, Buck Buchanan, a defensive end at Grambling State from 1959-63; Willie Gallimore, a running back from Florida A&M from 1953-56; David "Deacon" Jones, a defensive end at South Carolina State from 1958-60; Willie Lanier, a linebacker at Morgan State from 1963-67; Walter Payton, a running back at Jackson State from 1971-74; Jerry Rice, a wide receiver at Mississippi Valley State from 1981-84; Ben Stevenson, a running back at Tuskegee from 1923-30; Paul "Tank" Younger, a running back at Grambling State from 1945-48; Alonzo "Jake" Gaither, a coach at Florida A&M from 1945-69; and Eddie Robinson, a coach at Grambling State from 1941-97 were honored at the induction ceremony.
Whereas, Bill Nunn, Jr. created many connections that have supported the continued progression of the game of football for black athletes not only in Pittsburgh; but worldwide. Earning 6 Super Bowl rings, Bill Nunn, Jr. has continuously set himself apart and is rightfully respected as one of the greatest National Football League Pro Scouts of all time.
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Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend Mr. William Nunn, Jr. for the work he has endeavored on the behalf of African-American football athletes nationwide. The Council of the City of Pittsburgh recognizes the trials and tribulations that Mr. Nunn has overcome to be rightfully respected as one of the greatest innovators and catalyst leaders of the game of football here in Pittsburgh; and,
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Be it further resolved, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare March 16, 2010, to be "Bill Nunn Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.