Gratitude to a local leader

For years, award-winning Allegheny County police Assistant Superintendent Maurita Bryant has honed her skills, protecting the public and opening doors for women in public safety. This law enforcement veteran recently retired from public service.

Having risen through the ranks of the Pittsburgh police, first as a foot-patrol officer to ultimately serving as assistant police chief, she has always been a strong advocate for African American youth. She has volunteered tirelessly to improve community-police interaction and help youth avoid the prison pipeline.

Long hours and six-day workweeks are commonplace for Ms. Bryant. Despite this intense schedule, she has consistently offered her support to our organization. Service and generosity are the essence of who she is.

Each year she has organized toy drives for youth at Christmas and served as an officer with the National Organization of Black Law Executives. An example of her generosity of spirit: At a community workshop hosted by Black Women for Positive Change (BW4PC), she learned one of the youngsters had a food allergy. She personally drove and purchased a meal the youngster could eat. Recently, she raised money to donate to female entrepreneurs whose businesses have been closed due to the pandemic.

Ms. Bryant’s retirement from law enforcement will be a loss to the community and a loss to the ranks of African American leadership in Pittsburgh. BW4PC extends its gratitude and congratulations to this trailblazer.

DIANE POWELL Mt. Lebanon The writer is chair of Black Women for Positive Change.