Finding Your Passion: Youth to Discover Potential NFL, RCA Sony Records Career Paths During HACP Citywide Tailgate Forum

Encouraging youth to find their passion in life is a common goal among the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), its nonprofit, Clean Slate E3, and community organization ACH Clear Pathways.

We're gearing up to help drive them to unlock their future potential during our FREE Citywide Tailgate Event, from 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 24, at ACH Clear Pathways headquarters, 510 Heldman Street.

One event highlight is a Youth Career Forum featuring NFL and RCA Sony Records panelists:

• Joshua Sutherland, NFL music supervisor, who previously worked in music coordination for HBO Production Studios.
  Mr. Sutherland grew up playing piano at church and recalls heading home to watch football games, and now serves as a connector between directors and the music and sports industries. He told the LA Sentinel he is excited for the future of his field, particularly surrounding opportunities for people of color.
• Jourdan Washington, Pittsburgh native, RCA Sony Records associate director of marketing, and accomplished pianist.
  Ms. Washington grew up in a musical, media family and has worked with some big names in the music industry, including Childish Gambino, Khalid, KWN, and Lucky Daye. She is also the co-founder of the Jourdan Kelli Fund through the Pittsburgh Foundation that provides opportunities for Pittsburgh youth to visit HBCUs. She notes some keys to success are to protect your mental health and set boundaries.

Along with St. Benedict the Moor School student-athletes and gifted drummers:

• Ezra "Ezzy" Harris, 14, a creative leader, entrepreneur, and basketball player with a passion for business, music, fashion, and community impact, representing the next generation of bold business leaders
• Jaymir "Jammer" Walls, 14, a driven and talented football and basketball player who dreams of a career in sports medicine or professional sports, representing the next generation of determined athletes

HACP's own DeVontay Eberhardt, production assistant, will emcee the forum where attendees will have a chance to ask questions following the presentation.

The forum will begin at 5:15 p.m., following the youth Madden Football tournament.

Other family-friendly features include:

• Hands-on tech aboard our TWO W.O.W. CyberBus mobile computer labs
  
• A chance to sign a giant appreciation card for former Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin - designed by multidisciplinary Urban Pathways art student 16-year-old Ta-Niyah Benjamin
• Arcade games aboard the Cheat Code Gaming mobile trailer
• Free food and Pittsburgh merch
• Raffles and giveaways

Additional Event sponsors include: Weatherspoon & Williams LLC, the Jourdan Kelli Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation and Championship Chase TV.

"All it takes is one person to believe in you," Ms. Washington advised in a 2021 interview with VoyageLA. "Once you build your relationship with that person, make sure you continue to build your network. Being persistent is key."

Bring your drive and focus to the Hill District on April 24, and let's draft some future legends!

Media Contacts: Michelle Sandidge, HACP Chief Community Affairs Officer, 412-456-5058, [email protected].

Tyian Battle, ACH Clear Pathways Executive Director, 412-815-0271, [email protected].