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WHEREAS, Volunteers who have stepped out of their familiar environments to meet needs not otherwise met through their service are a fundamental part of the community. Nabhi Christian Ministries, whose mission is to enhance impoverished communities by creating healthy environments that mentor, train and develop citizens of all ages recognizes the work and sacrifices of MAURITA BRYANT with their Legendary Lifetime Achievement Award; and,
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WHEREAS, Maurita Bryant, of Homewood, has had a life that is truly inspiring. Born in Pittsburgh, one of 5 siblings, Maurita married at age 16, had two children, and found herself raising them on her own while working minimum wage jobs to support them. While working in the US Steel Building cleaning offices on the night shift, she discovered an opportunity with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police who at the time were looking for women to fulfill the federal Justice Department Consent Decree. Scared and reticent to take the leap, she did join the force in the 4th Class of women who came in under the Consent Decree, facing resentment and discrimination by the men on the job. Maurita persisted and established herself as one of the most competent, responsible and respected members of the PBS; and,
WHEREAS, Bryant, a soft-spoken, dignified woman who once struggled with test taking and studying, was a 1970 graduate of Westinghouse High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Point Park University. She graduated in 2004 from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, and the following year from the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston. She is also a 2010 graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, Maurita was a facilitator for MOMS and COPS Program, a domestic violence program for 15 years, she was Executive Director of Save Our Sisters, a teenage intervention program and in 1999 founded the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. She also is President of the Greater Pittsburgh Business and Professional Women’s Club, a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce a Board member of the Birmingham Foundation and the Foundation of Hope and a life member of the NAACP. Maurita is a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church and is a grandmother to four grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize, commend and congratulate Maurita Bryant for receiving the Legendary Lifetime Achievement Award from Nabhi Christian Ministries for his extraordinary body of work as an exemplary professional and a dedicated role model in the service of his community.