Happy belated New Years. Both January and February have felt like a one whole year. It’s been busy to say the least. It started off strong by photographing some strong and powerful progressive Women being sworn into Pennsylvania State government. And ended with high school girls basketball championship games. Looking forward to what the coming months will bring. These past two months I was fortunate enough to contribute to a couple of projects that I am extremely passionate about. You can view them here and here.
Sara Innamorato the newly elected Democrat for the 21st House District seat, left, and Summer Lee the newly elected Democrat for House District 34, right, raise their hands during the 203 swearing in ceremony of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Tuesday, January 1, 2018, at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Jared Todd of Rankin walks through the Hawkins Village Housing Complex on his way home after getting out of school, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Rankin. While playing Fortnite late November, Jared Todd, who lives in Hawkins Village, heard a gunshot. Through his headset, he told his gaming buddies, “‘Another shooting happened.’” Violence in the public housing community, including the 2016 killing just yards from his front door, drove Jared to a largely indoor existence in which his anxious energy bursts forth in art and gaming. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
From left to right: Rebecca Maclean of Highland Park, a federal worker with HUD, Ali Asad of Mt. Lebanon, a federal worker with HUD, and Paul Miller of Plum, a federal worker with HUD, hold signs while standing outside of the building were U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey’s office is located after meeting with Matt Blackburn, a member of Sen. Toomey’s staff, Thursday Jan. 10, 2019, at the Grant Building in Downtown. Members of the American Federation of Government Employees and American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations met with Sen. Toomey’s staff to give their personal stories and to urge Sen. Toomey to call for a vote on pending legislation to reopen the government. The workers, who all work for the federal government and have been affected by the government shutdown, have either been furloughed or are required to work without pay. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Rick Miller of Cranberry, the Living Lincoln, takes a break from skating during Pittsburgh’s 32nd Annual Mascot Skate event, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at Schenley Skating Rink in Oakland. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Chelsa Wagner Allegheny County Controller speaks to supporters during her re-election campaign launch party for Allegheny County Controller while surrounded by her family, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, at Teamster Temple in Lawrenceville. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Mark Pence looks in the mirror to see how a sneaker looks on him, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, in Louisville, KY. “I buy shoes because I just want to feel youthful. I didn’t really have a childhood, I was too busy helping to raise a household.” At one point with his mother working and going to school, Mark was left with taking care of his younger brothers, which he feels left him out of having a real childhood. Mark Pence is a member of the Louisville Youth Action Board at the Coalition for the Homeless. His experiences with chronic homeless led to his advocacy work. He credits Liberty High School Family Resource Center and teacher Alethea Victors and principal Iman Talaat amongst others with saving his life helping him to graduate and prepare for the SAT’s and enrolling in college. He now dedicates his time to try and help others. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Laneyia Keating, left, looks up and listens to Leighanna Thompson of Louisville, a volunteer with Volunteers of America, right, as Thompson give her words of encouragement during the Study Buddy program, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at Transitional Housing Program & Emergency Family Shelter in Louisville, Ky. The Study Buddy program is designed for kids in the shelter to get help with homework, play games, and make art with help from volunteers. Volunteers of America offers solutions that help to try and prevent homelessness with services that include eviction prevention, emergency services, transitional housing and permanent affordable housing. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Diana Washington, left, looks at her sister De’aija Washington, center, smirk while playing video games as their sister Danielle Washington, right, listens to music on her phone during the Volunteers of America’s Teens with a Purpose program, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at Transitional Housing Program & Emergency Family Shelter in Louisville, Ky. The Teens with a Purpose program is a weekly program that gives teens living in the shelter a space to interact with each other and volunteers with a different theme/event being held each week. Volunteers of America offers solutions that help to try and prevent homelessness with services that include eviction prevention, emergency services, transitional housing and permanent affordable housing. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Tevin Webster, 4, shoots a basketball in the living room of his home while waiting for his mother Destiny Clark, 22, to prepare breakfast, Friday, January 25, 2019, in the newly built Family Scholar House campus in Louisville, Ky. Family Scholar House is a program for single parents and their children that helps to end the cycle of poverty and by providing help with education and housing to help empower the families and youth to become successful and be self sufficient. Ms. Clark is a biology student at Ivy Tech community college in Indiana, and plans to transfer to the University of Louisville to complete her bachelor’s degree. She and Tevin have lived at the Family Scholar House for a year, and she says having their own space, along with access to the programs resources, has made a big difference for her academically. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Tevin Webster lays on the couch and stares at his toys after eating breakfast with his mother Destiny Clark, Friday, January 25, 2019, in the newly built Family Scholar House campus in Louisville, Ky. Family Scholar House is a program for single parents and their children that helps to end the cycle of poverty and by providing help with education and housing to help empower the families and youth to become successful and be self sufficient. Tevin’s mother, Destiny Clark, 22, is a biology student at Ivy Tech community college in Indiana, and plans to transfer to the University of Louisville to complete her bachelor’s degree. She and Tevin have lived at the Family Scholar House for a year, and she says having their own space, along with access to the programs resources, has made a big difference for her academically. Tevin is grateful to have his own room. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Luca Sbrizzi of Staton Heights, center, pauses while talking during a costume workshop for the new production of “The Great Gatsby,” Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in the Strip District. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre costumier Janet Marie Groom of Moon Township, left, adjusts the pocket of Lucius Kirst, one of 3 dancers playing Gatsby, right, during a costume workshop for the new production of “The Great Gatsby,” Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in the Strip District. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre dancers hang out as they wait to have their costumes looked over during a costume workshop for the new production of “The Great Gatsby,” Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in the Strip District. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Gisele Fetterman the 2nd Lady of Pennsylvania awaits to take the stage before speaking at the Keystone Progress Summit, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at JATC Local Union building in the South Side. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
La’Nia Latimer photographed during the Coro Pittsburgh 20th Anniversary Gala & Martin Luther King, Jr. leadership awards, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suite in Downtown. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
William Anderson of Homewood, left, lowers his head as Rev. Erwin McIntosh of the Hill District says a prayer during the commencement of an interfaith service on anti-violence and civil engagement held by The Black Political Empowerment Project and its Greater Pittsburgh Coalition Against Violence, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at St. Mary of the Mount Church in Mt. Washington. The service featured various religious leaders of various faiths and a speech by Audrey Glickman, a Tree of Life Synagogue mass shooting survivor. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Brothers Avi Admon and Yehonatan Admon pose for a portrait during the Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh 72 annual dinner, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at Pittsburgh Marriott City Center in Uptown. This years dinner honored first responders to the Tree of Life Synagogue mass shooting on October 27, 2018. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Rich Fitzgerald Allegheny County Executive, left, and Bill Peduto Pittsburgh Mayor, right, watch as dancers are announced in costume for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s upcoming season at a 50th Anniversary Season event, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Lucius Kirst who plays Gatsby, left, and Alexandra Kochis who plays Daisy, right, perform during a dress rehearsal of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s upcoming production of “The Great Gatsby” during a 50th Anniversary Season event where the seasons upcoming shows and costumes where revealed, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
The cast of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s upcoming production of “The Great Gatsby” perform during a dress rehearsal at a 50th Anniversary Season event where the seasons upcoming shows and costumes where revealed, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Bishop David Zubik kneels in prayer before an altar during a mass honoring 27th annual World Day of the Sick, Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, at UPMC Mercy in Uptown. The World Day of the Sick recognizes and honors workers in the health care industry and to pray for the alleviation of human suffering around the world. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
A Protestor, who would not give his name, reads an open letter while protesting the City of Pittsburgh’s Planning Commission’s upcoming vote to finalize LG Realty’s plans to build a luxury development called “Pennley Park” on the old Penn Plaza site, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, on South Negley Avenue in East Liberty. In 2015, LG Realty evicted over 200 residents from the Penn Plaza Apartments in East Liberty to make way for new construction. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
City of Pittsburgh police squad cars follow protestors as they march protesting the City of Pittsburgh’s Planning Commission’s upcoming vote to finalize LG Realty’s plans to build a luxury development called “Pennley Park” on the old Penn Plaza site, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, on Eva Street in East Liberty. In 2015, LG Realty evicted over 200 residents from the Penn Plaza Apartments in East Liberty to make way for new construction. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Bobby Green Jr. of Louisville Ky, left, cuts the hair of Mark Pence Louisville Ky, right, as he stares into the camera, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at the Barber Academy in Jeffersonville In. Bobby Green has been a student instructor at the Barber Academy since 2013. Mark Pence has been cutting hair for a few years to make extra money but did not get his barber’s license until August 2018 where he took classes at his father’s Marshall Pence’s barber school Barber Academy that he has owned and operated since 2011. Mark has worked at the shop since receiving his license and hopes to take over for his father once he retires. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Amauri Ray of Louisville, left, looks into a handheld mirror while his godfather Mark Pence of Louisville, right, gives him a haircut, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, in Louisville Ky. Mark Pence met Amauri’s mother Tyla Whiting while they were both homeless and living in the streets. Since then they have become best friends who continue to look out for each other. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Mrs. Sharon Brentley of the North Side sits for a portrait, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at Perry Traditional Academy in the North Side. “I was scared to death. It’s a high school where there was a race riot. And I was like what the hell did we get into. It was very traumatic.” Mrs. Sharon Brentley was part of Pittsburgh Perry High School’s Class of 1977 who were the first students to attend the Northside school all four years after it formally integrated in 1973. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Salena Zito of Mt. Lebanon sits for a portrait, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at Perry Traditional Academy in the North Side. “I came from a Catholic school so it was a completely different experience. My class did not want to have a white prom or black prom.” Salena Zito was part of Pittsburgh Perry High School’s Class of 1977 who were the first students to attend the Northside school all four years after it formally integrated in 1973. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Bill Peduto mayor of Pittsburgh, left, looks on as Amani Howe of Point Breeze, right, recites an original spoken word poem inspired by August Wilson during a press conference honoring the late Pittsburgh native and playwright August Wilson and proclaiming February 19 as August Wilson day, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the Pittsburgh City-County Building in Downtown. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Tracey Rhodes, 3, of North Braddock, left, is helped with her jacket by Evelyn West of North Braddock, center, as Nailani Glaze, 3, of North Braddock, left, leans on a toy dresser, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Great Start Daycare in North Braddock. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Nicole Glaze of North Braddock and owner of Great Start Daycare, left, puts on the jacket of Trinity Thompson, 4 months, of North Braddock, right, as she prepares her to be picked up by her parents, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Great Start Daycare in North Braddock. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
From left to right all of North Braddock: Anasi Carter, 2, looks on as Nailani Glaze has her sneakers tied by her grandmother Nicole Glaze of North Braddock and owner of Great Start Daycare as she talks to Christopher Simmons, 2, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Great Start Daycare in North Braddock. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Jaden Taylor #24 of Ringgold, left, attempts to block the shot of Jalen Brown #3 of Freeport, right, during the Ringgold versus Freeport basketball game and first round of the WPIAL playoffs, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Gateway Senior High School in Monroeville. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Allie O’Quinn a student with the Pittsburgh Ballet Company looks at her dance partner while performing during the Art And…Ballet, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at the Mattress Factory in the North Side. During this event, students from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School performed alongside Karina Smigla-Bobinski’s installation, “ADA.” The 40-minute performance included a variety of vignettes choreographed by Jamie Erin Murphy. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Allie O’Quinn a students with the Pittsburgh Ballet Company performs during the Art And…Ballet, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at the Mattress Factory in the North Side. During this event, students from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School performed alongside Karina Smigla-Bobinski’s installation, “ADA.” The 40-minute performance included a variety of vignettes choreographed by Jamie Erin Murphy. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
People watch participants jumping in the pools on the big screen while waiting to participate in the 2019 Pittsburgh Polar Plunge, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, on Art Rooney Avenue in North Shore. The Pittsburgh community participated in the Pittsburgh Polar Plunge to help raise money for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Sidy N’Dir #11 on Pitt, center, looks to pass the ball during the Pitt versus Clemson basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at the Peterson Events Center in Oakland. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Aamir Simms #25 on Clemson attempts to take a charge from Trey McGowens #2 on Pitt, right, as he takes a shot during the Pitt versus Clemson basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at the Peterson Events Center in Oakland. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Au’Diese Toney #5 on Pitt, left, goes up for a layup past a Clemson defender during the Pitt versus Clemson basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at the Peterson Events Center in Oakland. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Jeff Capel Pitt head coach yells out instructions to his players during the Pitt versus Clemson basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at the Peterson Events Center in Oakland. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Hunter Tyson #5 on Clemson, left, attempts to block a hook shot from Terrell Brown #21 on Pitt during the Pitt versus Clemson basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at the Peterson Events Center in Oakland. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Ashley Norling #44 on Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, center, goes up for a lay-up past Rebecca Dirling #23 on Brentwood, right, during the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart versus Brentwood WPIAL Girls Class 2A Championship game, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Peterson Events Center in Oakland. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
Michael Allison WPIAL Treasurer holds the WPIAL championship medals as he awaits the conclusion of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart versus Brentwood WPIAL Girls Class 2A Championship game, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Peterson Events Center in Oakland. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette)
