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Thursday, January 31, 2002

By Bob Batz Jr., Post-Gazette staff writer

Greater Pittsburgh, meet the Onyx Alliance. The new nonprofit group, dedicated to diversity here, will mark its official debut tonight at a party at WQED in Oakland.

The alliance, which already has more than 60 members, describes itself as committed to providing "a network of progressive and professional individuals who understand the necessity of retaining and attracting African Americans and other under-represented ethnic groups.

"We aim to promote, facilitate and encourage an atmosphere that is conducive to professional growth by providing networking opportunities, professional and educational resources and social engagements for young African Americans."

Tonight's gathering runs from 6 to 10 p.m. in WQED's Studio A, 4802 Fifth Ave. Public relations co-chair Marimba Milliones says, "It's an open event and we encourage everyone to come."

In addition to a long list of public officials and other community leaders, the alliance has invited other organizations and businesses to set up information booths. There'll be food as well as live entertainment by alliance member Eva Octavia Brooks.

For more information, call 412-618-1148, e-mail info@onyxalliance.com or visit the Web site, http://www.onyxalliance.com.

The group also gathers on the second and fourth Fridays of the month, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Dowe's on Ninth, Downtown.