‘City of Roses’
www.portlandobserver.com Volume XXXX1, Number 6
Wednesday • February 9, 2011
Established in 1970 Committed to Cultural Diversity
Concordia’s Big Step University gets home team advantage, finally CARI HACHMANN THE PORTLAND OBSERVER Within the last few years, community members, faculty, and the 2,500 students of Concordia University have watched their campus bloom into a new and expanded being of higher education. This month, the northeast Portland university breaks ground on a long-awaited Community Athletic Complex, which upon completion will feature a well-lit, yearround turf field and facilities for clubs, camps, kids, and student-athletes. “I view Concordia as a local gathering place for the community,” says college athletic director, Matt English, comparing last year’s opening of Concordia’s George R. White Library and Learning Center with the addition of the athletic complex. “With the library, people can use the coffee shop, sign up for library cards, check out books, and use our conference rooms for meetings and a place to gather. That’s BY
PHOTO BY MARK WASHINGTON/THE PORTLAND OBSERVER Concordia University Athletic Director Matt English (right), steps into the construction zone with his student-athletes Odie Hollingshed (from left), Facundo Dipascuale and Indigo Recker. The northeast Portland college has continued on a sustained path of expansion by breaking ground this month on a new athletic complex and playing fields.
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Activist, Political Leader Writes Memoir Avel Gordly isn’t done with public life BY CLIFF PFENNING
THE PORTLAND OBSERVER When Avel Gordly retired from the Oregon Senate in 2009 after nearly two decades in the state Legislature, she didn’t fully retire from public life. As an associate professor in the Portland State University Black Studies Program, Gordly’s worked to encourage more minority teachers in public schools; and next month she will see her biography published as part of the series Women
and Politics in the Pacific Northwest. The memoir, “Remembering the Power of Words: The Life of an Oregon Activist, Legislator, and Community Leader” recounts the challenges and struggles Gordly faced growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s in Portland and her successes as a college student, professional and public servant. That words have power is a constant undercurrent in Gordly's book and a truth she learned early in life. The publication can be pre-ordered through amazon.com. Gordly moved toward public life following the 1988 drive-by killing of Joseph “Ray Ray” Winston, when she became the program director of
the House of Umoja’s local chapter, working to help at-risk youth. At the same time, she worked to get civic and political attention for the growing problem of gang violence in north and northeast Portland. In 1992, she ran as a Democrat and was elected to the Oregon House for District 19, raising a stunning total of nearly $70,000 for her campaign. After two terms in the House, she won election to the Senate for District 23, needing to raise far less for her campaign. During her legislative career, she raised more than $140,000, although only one contribution was continued
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Portland Observer
Black History Month
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February 9, 2011
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Portland Observer
INSIDE BLACK HISTORY
SPORTS
pages 2-28
Page 3
Black History Month
This page Sponsored by:
LOCAL NEWS
pages 10-11
pages 13-19 World War II housing at Guild's Lake in northwest Portland was one of the few residential developments of the era made open to African Americans.
Lost Black Neighborhoods Exhibit to feature once proud communities
LAW & JUSTICE
pages 20-21
OPINION pages 22-23
CLASSIFIEDS
page 24
Essayist on Race Featured College production focuses on women
HEALTH page 26
CALENDAR
As part of the City of Portland's celebration of Black History Month, a special community event will be held entitled: Portland's Lost Black Neighborhoods. You are invited to come see a one-time exhibit of historical photos of people and life in once proud communities that were devastated by industrial development, urban renewal and flood waters. The exhibits will feature Guild's Lake Courts, South Albina, Fairview Homes and Vanport City. The event is free to the public, and children are welcome. The exhibit and a short program will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Kaiser Town Hall, 3704 N. Interstate Ave., near the Kaiser Permanente complex.
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The exhibit is open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and program begins at 6:15 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Portland Mayor Sam Adams will welcome visitors and introduce guest speaker Ed Washington, former Metro Councilor and resident of both Guild's Lake Courts and Vanport City. Our seniors who were former residents of these neighborhoods are invited to come and share a story. Also, an exhibit featuring the former Golden West Hotel, which offered shelter to everyone, will be on view by Central City Concern. Kaiser Permanente will share a photo display of the World War II Kaiser Shipyards, where many African-Americans worked. The event is sponsored by the City African-American Network, an employee group; the Portland Water Bureau, Kaiser Permanente
Portland Community College will welcome artist and author damali ayo (who does not capitalize her name) to the college’s production of “The Vagina Monologues.” Ayo observes culture and has a passion for helping people grow damili ayo
and evolve, with a goal of making the world a better place. Her writings have been featured in more than 100 publications world-wide. She is a frequent guest commentator on public radio. Her books, lectures and workshops take one of our culture’s toughest topics – race and makes it manageable and fun. “The Vagina Monologues” will be at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 12, and 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13 in the Performing Arts continued
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Black History Month
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Investigating Civil Rights Era Murders Activists, reporters and the FBI work cold cases LEE A. DANIELS What kind of human being could set another man on fire? This was the question that Stanley Nelson, a reporter for The Concordia Sentinel, a small weekly newspaper in the Louisiana Delta town of Ferriday, says first spurred him to exhaustively investigate the 1964 murder of a black Delta businessman, allegedly by the Ku Klux Klan. Now, Nelson believes he knows the name of the last living man who took part in the crime. He named the man, now 71 years old, in a long, gripping story on the case published last month by the Sentinel. The killing of Frank Morris, who owned a shoe repair and dry goods shop and served both black and white customers in rural Ferriday (Morris is the man BY
Frank Morris, the man in the visor, was murdered in 1964 allegedly by the Ku Klux Klan. A Louisiana reporter has uncovered evidence of the last living man who took part in the crime.
in the visor in the accompanying photograph), is one of more than 100 race-related murders of blacks and whites from the late 1940s to the late 1960s being examined by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Civil Rights Cold Case Project, a consortium of journalists.
Though Frank Morris’ death was brutal, murder was not the initial intent of his killers. Following the Southern white-racist “tradition” of forcing successful black entrepreneurs out of business, they had gone to his shop in the early morning to burn it down, thinking he wouldn’t be there. But he sur-
prised them. So he was doused with gasoline and set afire, too. Burnedbeyondrecognition,Morris lingered in agony for four days before dying. During that time he was interviewed by the FBI, but never identified the criminals. The story of the murder of Frank Morris, like those of the other cases on the poignant Cold Case roster, recalls an era in American history when liberty and justice for all was not the law of the land, when a regime of profound cruelty ruled an entire region, and when unspeakable crimes were committed and
respectable people pretended not to know who was responsible. That era ended. But the impact of many of the enormous wrongs committed in those decades continues. Federal officials say that, overwhelmingly, most of the men and women who in fact were responsible for the Cold Case murders will never be indicted or even named as suspects because, given the passage of time, the evidence against them is now too insubstantial. It is an assessment that brings with it much bitterness. Yet one can still believe that even in these cases the long “arc of the moral universe” Martin Luther King, Jr. often spoke of (drawing on the words of the 19th-century abolitionist Theodore Parker) bends toward justice. Why? The answer lies in the question that has consumed Stanley Nelson – who since 2007 has written dozens of stories on the case – and many others. The very asking “What kind of a human being could …?” is a declaration of intent to not let these crimes – and the stories of the lives of the innocents — vanish from the pages of history. Lee A. Daniels is director of communications for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and editor-in-chief of TheDefendersOnline.
Local Radical’s Legacy Celebrated The radical legacy of Pat Parker, a black lesbian-feminist, poet and warrior, will be celebrated during a Black History Month event at the Bread and Roses Center, 6834 N.E. Glisan St. Parker (1944-1989) was a community organizer, writer, mother, and an opponent of all forms of bigotry. Hear Parker’s words and learn about her contributions to the movePat Parker ments for social and economic justice during this special event on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. A Southern-style meal, with vegan option will be available at 6:30 p.m. for a $6-8 donation. Everyone is welcome.
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Perseverance: Black Pioneers in Oregon History Center exhibit now showing, downtown A unique exhibit, developed in collaboration with the Oregon Historical Society and the Oregon Northwest Black Pioneers, which highlights the environment and stories of early Oregon black pioneers who lived in the state prior to World War II, is now showing through April 3 at the society’s Oregon History Museum, downtown. Photographs, maps and newspaper accounts are used to detail their daily lives. According to Gwen Carr, co-curator of the exhibit, "Many will be surprised to learn that Oregon's black
history began much earlier than the A World War I era Portland shipyards. It began instead photograph of a over 150 years earlier and reached young black man on into every corner of the state. This Woodburn High exhibit focuses on those black people School's basketball across the state who contributed to team is featured in a Oregon's earliest history." Black Pioneers in Throughout Oregon's early his- Early Oregon exhibit at the Oregon tory, the presence of African AmeriHistorical Society. cans in all parts of the state was Museum curators recorded in documents and photohope visitors can graphs. They came to Oregon as identify some of the slaves and free in spite of Black continued
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George Fletcher, Oregon's most famous black cowboy, won fame in the Pendleton Round-Up in 1911-12. He went on to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Essayist on Race Featured continued
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Center, Sylvania Campus, 12000 S.W. 49th Ave. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for the general public. The material in the show is inappropriate for children. Proceeds will go toward a campaign focusing on the women and girls of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since 1996, sexual violence against women and girls in the east-
ern part of the Congo has been used as a weapon of war to torture entire families and whole communities. In addition, organizers are raising money for the Deborah Evind Women’s Leadership Scholarship. The Sylvania Women’s Resource Center, which provides support and advocacy to assist women from lowincome backgrounds enter college, is collecting funds in honor of Evind to benefit its female students – founder of the center.
exhibit’s faces without names.
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Vaccinations for School Due Multnomah County is gearing up to help students become immunized in advance of the Feb 16 deadline, when local schools will begin denying admission to non-immunized students. The county health department will hold a series of immunization clinics for children who are uninsured or underinsured throughout the month to bring them up to date on their vaccinations and enable them to stay in school. Families with health insurance are encouraged to see their regular medical provider. “Immunizations in school-aged
children help to ensure the health of our entire community, now and in the future,” said Lillian Shirley, director of the Multnomah County Health Department. “In addition to protecting the community from vaccine-preventable diseases, like Whooping Cough and Hepatitis A, immunizations ensure children will not miss school days, contributing to consistent school attendance, a key predictor of life-long health and chronic disease prevention.” For more information, contact Multnomah County Health at 503988-3828 or visit mchealth.org/immunizations.
In Loving Memory David Earl Johnson David Earl Johnson was born on March 30, 1959 in Wortham, Texas. He was raised in Texas and attended school in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. After he completed his education he spent a short time living in San Francisco, and the Seattle area, before making his home in Portland. David enjoyed having a good time. He was the life of the party and would light up any room with his infectious laugh and big smile. He loved to eat good food and listen to music. David was a lover of beautiful women (and some not so beautiful!) Most of his friends knew him as Davie Dave or Diamond Dave, but us country folk just called him David Earl!! He leaves in mourning his wife of 13 years, Sondra Johnson, mother and step-father Gloria and Earl Preston, father Bo Johnson of Dallas, Texas, sister Angela Willis (Darlene Young), son Demetrius Hamilton of California, daughter Alisha Johnson and step-children Dionsai Riley and Lorie Ruttledge. He also leaves behind his stepsister Deirdre (DeDe) PrestonAnderson (Antonio Anderson) of Riverview, Calif.; step-brothers
Charles (Chuckie) and Darren Earl Preston; his dearly beloved grandsons Jordan Johnson and Jermaine Smith II; five aunts Pauline Pendgraft, Rita Johnson, Mary Brown-Watson, Virginia Banks, and Patricia Brown-Hopkins; his uncle Larry Gardner; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Everett Abrams and Lovora Abrams; step-brother Deon Preston; and a special close uncle Phillip Abrams.
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Marie Lynthecom, wife of an employee in the governor's office, is pictured in a historical photograph on display in the Black Pioneers in Early Oregon exhibit now showing through April 3 at the Oregon Historical Society.
Perseverance continued
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Exclusion Laws and worked and lived alongside other pioneers as farmers, blacksmiths, lumbermen, miners, bootblacks, cowboys and mid-wives. Their children went to school, they volunteered for local fire departments and they donated money and land to their communities. Though small in number, through determination and perseverance their presence added to the fabric of the community in the
new territory and state called Oregon. The identities of many of the individuals featured in the exhibit are unknown. By sharing these photographs with the public, OHS and the Oregon Northwest Black Pioneers hope people will be able to put names and stories to these anonymous pioneers from Oregon's past. Perseverance: Black Pioneers in Early Oregon will be running at the Oregon History Museum at 1200 SW Park Avenue through April 3. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Visit ohs.org for more information.
A Black Pioneers in Early Oregon exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society includes photos of black people at work, such as one of railway porters who had formed their own band.
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SPORTS Packers Best Steelers in Super Bowl The Green Bay Packers completed a memorable run through the NFL playoffs by claiming their fourth Super Bowl title with a 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday in Dallas, Texas. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for three touchdowns and the Packers’ defense forced three turnovers on the way to winning their
fourth playoff game. Rodgers, who completed 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards, was voted Super Bowl MVP. Safety Nick Collins sparked the defense by returning a first-half interception for a touchdown to help the Packers to a 21-3 lead. Green Bay needed a win on the final day of the regular season just
to reach the playoffs, then won four playoff games away from its home at Lambeau Field. Ratings for the game put it as the most watched program in television history, with 111 million viewers – eclipsing last year’s game by 4.5 million. Also, estimates for viewers who saw at least part of the game were for nearly 163 million – more
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Packers' 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Super Bowl XLV football game. than half the U.S. population. bargaining agreement between ownNext up for the league is the chal- ers and the NFL Players Associalenge of securing a new collective tion prior to next season.
SPORTS BRIEFS BY CLIFF PFENNING
Key PIL Girls Battle
large group, having upended perennial champion Westview last season. Among the local teams in the 6A large bracket are David Douglas, Grant, Gresham, Reynolds and Wilson. Cleveland and Milwaukie are among the Class 5A small teams and Marshall is among the Class 4A small group schools.
The Class 4A girls basketball teams from Roosevelt and Marshall are scheduled to play one another Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Roosevelt with their seasonlong streaks on the line. Roosevelt enters the game at 016, while Marshall is 0-14. The teams play at Marshall on FriPins Set to Fall day, Feb. 18. The state high school bowling tournament for Portland area Cheerleading Finals The OSAA/U.S. Bank/Les teams is set for Sunday at AMF Schwab Tires Cheerleading 20th Century Lanes, 5505 N.E. state championships are sched- Sacramento. The tournament is uled Saturday, Feb. 12 at Me- one of seven district tournaments morial Coliseum beginning at 9 held across the state leading into a.m. Clackamas is the defend- the Oregon championships, Feb. ing champion in the Class 6A 25-27 in Medford.
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Black History Month
SPORTS
Local Athlete Excels at Clackamas Earns full ride scholarship to Oregon State CLIFF PFENNING THE PORTLAND OBSERVER Tarrence Williams is finally ready to wrestle in Corvallis. It only took a couple years and some regular whoopings by his college coach to get him motivated enough to compete for a nationally-ranked NCAA Div. I program. When Williams graduated from Jefferson High School in north Portland, he earned marks as been a threetime state finalist, and a state champion at 135 pounds as a junior. But he left as a football player, which he played in fall and was an all-state selection. He wrestled largely because his father, Damon, coached the sport at the youth level. The Oregon State Beavers, Tarrence Williams says, would have taken him into its wrestling program, but he didn’t feel ready for the Pac-10 or being a wrestler full-time, so his Portland wrestling club coach Roy BY
Tarrence Williams excels on the Clackamas Community College wrestling team. The Jefferson High School graduate is headed to Oregon State with a full-ride scholarship. Pittman directed him to Clackamas Community College, where coach Josh Rhoden gladly took him in. Rhoden gave him a scholarship, too, enough to pay for books. “We could see he had a lot of potential, but we weren’t really sure what he was going to do here, how committed he was going to be,” Rhoden says. “We have a very lim-
ited number of scholarships, so we figured we’d start there.” It turned into a good move. During his freshman year at the Oregon City school, Williams began developing into the wrestler his potential had shown. The Internet and Rhoden, he says, helped redirect his passion from football to wrestling. As a senior at Jefferson, Williams
says he started to see his name pop up as a top prospect among college recruits – in wrestling, not football. “I really liked that,” he says. “I liked that it focused on me. I started to realize that I’m really an individual as an athlete, and not so much of a team player who has to rely on other guys for success.” Rhoden, 30, who wrestled at Crook County High School, took Williams to tournaments and clinics around the state, and the two practiced against one another. Rhoden, usually won. “I beat him 8-0 one time,” says Rhoden, who is roughly the same size as Williams. “That really stuck with him and you could see that he wanted to improve so that didn’t happen again. “I can still beat him, but he can beat me, too.” As a freshman, Williams finished won the West Region championship and finished fifth at the national meet. By then, he had convinced Rhoden he should have a full scholarship. In fall, Williams signed a letter of intent to wrestle at Oregon State,
which he chose over Oklahoma State. He’s been ranked No. 1 at 171 pounds for most of the season, and is 23-2 following a win Thursday. “It’s like a light went on,” Rhoden says, “especially after he signed with Oregon State.” "Tarrence is one of those guys we watched when he was in high school," OSU coach Jim Zalesky said in a press release after Williams signed his letter of intent. "He's done well at Clackamas and is in a weight class we need. We feel that he can come in and contribute right away." Oregon State has been ranked 15th or higher all season. With a slew of nationally-ranked wrestlers in their lineup, Clackamas is ranked No. 1 as it prepares for the West Region tournament, Saturday, Feb. 12. Lakeridge grad Tyrell Fortune, who is also headed for Oregon State, is ranked No. 1 at 285 pounds. The national meet is Feb. 25-26 in Spokane. Williams says he’s excited about the upcoming tournaments and his future at OSU, where he plans to study biology.
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EMMANUEL Church of God in Christ United 4800 NE 30th Ave. Portland OR 97211
503-335-8772 You are cordially invited to worship with us in these services: Sunday Service Sunday School 10:00 A.M Y.P.C.E. 6:30 P.M
Pastor & Wife – Bishop & Mrs. A.L. Wright Worship Service 12:00 Noon Evangelistic Service 7:00 P.M.
Weekday Service Tuesday Night: Bible Study 7:00 P.M. Friday Night: Regular Service 7:30 P.M. Prayer Meeting & Seminar: Monday - Friday 12:00 Noon
Safeway, Links Support Youth PHOTO BY MARK WASHINGTON/THE PORTLAND OBSERVER The Portland chapter of the Links welcomes a $1,500 grant from the Safeway Foundation. Pictured (from left) are Links members Karis Stoudamire-Phillips, Elaine Hartzog, Johnnie M. Bell, and Barbara Leonard, Safeway Foundation representative Dan Floyd, Rosemary Anderson High School student Neicy King, Rosemary volunteer coordinator Kim Filla, Rosemary student Taylor Rogers, and Links member Johnnie Stokes.
Narratives on Race, Culture, Identity THE LAW OFFICES OF
Patrick John Sweeney, P.C. Patrick John Sweeney Attorney at Law 1549 SE Ladd Portland, Oregon Portland: Hillsoboro: Facsimile: Email:
(503) 491-5156 (503) 615-0425 (503) 244-2084 Sweeney@PDXLawyer.com
Lewis & Clark hosts Black History events In honor of Black History Month, the Lewis & Clark Office of Multicultural Affairs and Mosaic, a collective of multicultural clubs, are hosting a series of special events— film screenings, lectures, and a panel discussion. • Feb. 10: Films in Focus: Classic Narratives of the Black Experience. Explore the rich context of race, power, personal narrative in three films from very distinct approaches, eras, and genres of filmmaking. 3:30 p.m., “Imitation of Life” (1959); 5:30 p.m., “Malcolm X” (1992); 8:30 p.m., “Trouble The Water” (2008). Templeton Campus Center, Council Chamber.
• Feb. 17: Learning From Black Resistance to School Desegregation. Charise Cheney, a leading scholar in AfricanAmerican popular and political cultures, examines the question “what did we lose” with Brown v. Board of Education and school desegregation. Lecture scheduled for 4 p.m. in Miller Center for Humanities, Room 105. • Feb. 21: Contemporary Art & Media: “Black Is…Black Ain’t.” This groundbreaking documentary by filmmaker Marlon Riggs reveals a myriad of social forces that attempt to consolidate, reduce, and contain the lives and experiences of African Americans. Film screening scheduled for 7 p.m. in Templeton Campus Center, 3rd floor . • Feb. 22: Black Identity in a “Color Blind” Society. Student, faculty, and community panel-
ists discuss the politics of racial identity and what it means to be “black” today. Panel discussion scheduled for 4 p.m. in Templeton Campus Center, Thayer • Feb. 23: What is Black? Too Black? Not Black Enough?: A Scholarly Perspective on the film “Black Is…Black Ain’t.” African American studies scholar and founding director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies at Emory University Rudolph Byrd will explore the complexities of defining “blackness” in America through the constructs of racism, music, family, sexual orientation, religion, and beyond. Keynote lecture scheduled for 4 p.m. in Miller Center for Humanities, Room 105. All events are free. For more details, visit go.lclark.edu/college/multicultural.
Sorority Sponsors Scholarships The Portland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Piedmont Rose is offering several scholarships to deserving AfricanAmerican female and male high school seniors. Applicants must plan to pursue higher education at a four-year institution leading to a degree in a profession or applied science and must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above. Students should identify their long-range goals. All application must include a
copy of an official, unopened transcript including S.A.T. or A.C.T. scores; two recommendations from a teacher, counselor or school administrator; a student essay stating why he/she seeks the scholarship; and a current head shot photo. The letters of recommendation should indicate courses taken, achievement in the area of interest, the student’s leadership qualities, awards, perseverance, extracurricular and community activities. The scholarship committee will base its selection on evaluation of the tran-
script, test scores, letters of recommendation, student essay and completeness of the application. The application must be postmarked no later than Monday, March 1. Send all information to Scholarship Committee, Portland Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, P.O. Box 4265, Portland, OR 97208. Winners must attend a reception on Saturday, April 2 with Delta Sigma Theta and the group’s awards luncheon on May 21 at the Sheraton Airport Hotel.
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Black History Month
Arts&
Entertainment
Unscripted Crime Drama: The Unscriptables are here to clean up Portland’s stages and put the perps behind bars. The cast from this local improvised theater company has puppets and humans working side by side to solve the
The Unscriptables bring improvised theater to a new level with Lawful Order: Special Puppet Unit, now playing in the Unscriptables studio at 1121 N. Loring St.
Oregon Zoo director Kim Smith shows Jabari the hedgehog to some young visitors during the zoo’s annual Hedgehog Day festivities on Feb. 2. Jabari did not see his shadow, indicating spring may arrive early this year.
Early Spring Forecast Pack those snow tires and chains away. Jabari, the Oregon Zoo’s African pygmy hedgehog, did not see his shadow during the zoo’s annual Hedgehod Dog festivities on Feb. 2, indicating an early spring could be in store. Or not. “The groundhog is actually a latecomer to the weather prediction game,” said zoo director Kim Smith. “It was only when immigrants to the
United States realized that there aren’t any hedgehogs here that they turned to the groundhog. We’re proud to bring this tradition back to its true origins.” Historically, the hedgehog has been used in this centuries-old tradition to predict the onset of spring. Immigrants to North America substituted the groundhog when they found there were no hedgehogs in their new homeland.
Improvised theater on stage most difficult cases in Lawful Order: Special Puppet Unit. Each show is different because every night the performance is based upon suggestions given to the performers by the audience. Upcoming
performances are on Feb. 12, 19, 25, and 26 at 8p.m. in the Unscriptables studio, 1121 N. Loring St. The show is “pay what you want” or a suggested $10. For more information, visit theunscriptables.com.
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Marie (Claire Craig-Sheets)and Werther (Daniel Buchanan) are together again in 'Out of Eden,’ a production of Opera Theater Oregon coming to the Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St.
Cuddle Up This Valentine's Day (and week), Opera Theater Oregon invites you to cuddle up with your sweetie, a vodka gimlet and some candy cigs for a romantic evening at the cinema, circa 1955. The gimlet comes from the bar at the Alberta Rose Theatre - the cigs from the lovely, wandering cigarette girl, and the entertainment from another time. "Out of Eden," OTO’s world premiere adaptation of Jules
for
Valentine’s Day
Massenet’s tragic opera ‘Werther’ (1887), mixes opera, archival news footage, projections, painted backdrops and original film of the onstage performers to create a living 1950s Hollywood melodrama. The play tells the story of an American GI, missing in action, who returns home from the war to find his sweetheart in love with another man - - a man whose dark secret threatens to destroy them all. The 15-piece Opera Theater Or-
egon Technicolor Orchestra, under the baton of OTO Musical Director Erica Melton, provides lush accompaniment for this tale of passion, treachery and lost innocence. Performances are Feb. 11, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19, at 7:30 pm at the Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St. Minors are okay when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are available by visiting the website albertarosetheatre.com or calling 503-427-8201.
Lush Harmonies, Cool Grooves Latin jazz vocalist Jessie Marquez will get the Valentine’s Day weekend warmed up when she sings about love and longing from her new CD, All I See Is Sky, Friday, Feb. 11 at Jimmy Mak’s, 221 N.W. 10th Ave. Marquez brings lush harmonies and cool grooves that blend Cuban, Brazilian and pop sounds, Produced by pianist Clay Giberson (Upper Left Trio, Go by Train) and bassist Phil Baker (Pink Martini, Diana Ross), the release combines intimate, understated vocals and a rich, textured soundscape. Marquez displays a poetic sensibility in both English and Spanish. While her themes revolve around love and longing, her soothing voice is a Latin jazz vocalist Jessie Marquez performs balm for any heart. Friday, Feb. 11 at Jimmy Mak’s.
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Earn Money!! Consign your gently used clothes and accessories For more info see KrisAnn’s Been There on Facebook
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Arts&
Entertainment
Mayhem in Sherwood Forest The outlaw Robin Hood is at loose and at large, disturbing the peace, breaking the law, and generally causing all manner of havoc and mayhem in Sherwood Forest. The scene comes alive in the stage production of Robin Hood, now playing through Feb. 20 at the Northwest Children’s Theater and School, 1819 N.W. Everett St. The adaption of the James Moore classic, has the Sheriff of Nottingham taking it upon himself to raise taxes on extravagancies like food, water, and shelter, and initiate a surprisingly lucrative thumb-tax. What may seem like reasonable actions to some, have been met with unanticipated acrimony and, shockingly, public resentment. And a certain character who calls himself Robin Hood has begun stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Robin Hood’s Merry Band includes a motley crew, and Robin Hood himself is rumored to be romantically involved with an unsuspecting damsel called Maid Marian. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 503-222-4480 or visit the website nwcts.org.
Northwest Children's Theater and School presents ‘Robin Hood,’ now playing through Sunday, Feb. 20.
Lorenzo White creates invitation artwork for the Black History Month exhibit “Unity and Community,” on display during February at Gallerie Rene, 207 S.W. Pine St.
Artists Celebrate Black History In celebration of Black History Month, Gallerie Rene’, 207 S.W. Pine, will showcase the work of several local African and African-American artists, including Bobby Fouther, Lorenzo White, Kali-WilsonHoesch, Kwa Frankling Ghong, Mufu Ahmed, Nereus Patric
Cheo and Sann Patterson. This group of experienced and emerging artists brings a wide range of work including quilts, paintings, sculpture, photography and fine art prints. The exhibit, titled “Unity and Community,” will be on display until Feb. 28.
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Arts&
Entertainment
Focus is back on the Music for Chris Brown Singer has new beginning two years after Rihanna (AP) -- Two years ago, the Grammy Awards appeared to mark the end of Chris Brown's career. This year, it is serving as a new beginning. Life for the multiplatinum sensation dramatically changed on the eve of music's biggest night in 2009, when he assaulted then-girlfriend Rihanna and both were forced to bow out of the ceremony. In the months that followed, he saw his reputation tarnished, he had to plead guilty to a felony, and his comeback CD, "Graffiti," was a commercial disappointment. But with the success of his brushoff anthem "Deuces," three nominations at the Sunday, Feb. 13 Grammys (including best contemporary R&B album), an upcoming CD and an Australian tour in April, the focus on Chris Brown has returned to his music, without adding the Rihanna-prefix. "We feel good now that everybody's talking about his music, which is exactly what Chris' intention is," said Tom Carrabba, the executive vice president and general manager of Jive Label Group, Brown's home label since he released his first album at age 16. Carrabba says Brown has a newfound confidence, which he believes is the reason for the singer's current success. "I think when he was a little bit younger he was still trying to find his way a little bit and fine-tune his craft, but I think over the last two years he's absolutely developed a confidence and is very secure in his decision-making process," Carrabba said. Brown, now 21, is serving five years of probation after pleading guilty to felony assault for the attack on Rihanna in the early morning hours before the 2009 Grammys. The Virginia native was commended in November for completing more than one-third of the required 180 days of community service and for almost finishing his domestic violence counseling. Over the past year, Brown has
Singer Chris Brown at the BET Awards in Los Angeles last June. (AP Photo) released a flurry of music. After "Graffiti," released in December 2009, failed to create a buzz for the singer like his past albums, Brown put out various mixtapes. One of those, "Fan of a Fan," a collaboration with rapper Tyga, featured "Deuces," a mid-tempo tune that hit No. 1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart for nine weeks; the platinum-selling single peaked at No. 14 on the Hot 100 chart. The music video for the song was No. 1 on BET's Top 100 videos of 2010. Brown, who has acted in movies such as the popular "Stomp the Yard," also hit No. 1 at the box office last year as part of the ensemble cast in the heist film "Takers," which also starred rapper T.I. and Idris Elba. "Deuces" is up for best rap/sung collaboration at the upcoming Grammys, where it will compete with Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind," Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie" and B.o.B's "Nothin' on You," songs that are all up for the coveted record of the year award and had been No. 1 pop hits in 2010. Carrabba says the Grammy nominations are "another step in the right direction for Chris Brown." "Graffiti," Brown's third album which
has only sold 336,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan, is one Carrabba says will be more appreciated in the future. "We always thought one day when Chris is where he belongs, people will go back to that record and say, 'You know what, this is a record that was overlooked,'" Carrabba said. "We'll see in time, but right now that's behind us and we're kind of looking forward." Other tracks have also helped keep the focus on Brown's music. The Euro-dance tune, "Yeah 3x," is a Top 15 pop hit, while the bedroom groove "No Bull" is also a hit on the R&B charts. A new album, "F.A.M.E. (Forgiving All My Enemies)," is due out this spring. Jive hopes his new CD will put Brown back on the path to phenomenal success that he blazed when he made his debut as a teen. His 2005 self-titled debut was a double-platinum success and featured three Top 10 pop hits, including the No. 1 smash "Run It!" He racked in even bigger hits with the release of his sophomore album, 2007's double-platinum "Exclusive," including the No. 1 song "Kiss Kiss" and the hits "With You" and "Forever." He was named Billboard's top artist for 2008 among other accolades. "Some people might have forgot, but then once you see him perform, you understand the gift that he has," Carrabba said. One performance that brought his talents to the forefront was Brown's emotional Michael Jackson tribute at last year's BET Awards. Mirroring Jackson's signature dance moves while performing "Billie Jean," he then started to sing "Man in the Mirror." But he broke down in tears, fell to the stage, and couldn't finish. The audience, some people in tears themselves, cheered him on. Stephen Hill, BET's president of programming, music and specials and the awards' executive producer, says Brown's performance at the ceremony was "the turning point" of his rising return. "Here's a young man that made a very, very bad mistake and he was in danger in being marked by that event," he said. "I think that moment and that tribute, we probably gave him another chance."
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Black History Month
February 9, 2011
Festival of African Films through Feb. 20 at the - Portland Community Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW College’s Festival of African Broadway. The world premier Films honors Black History Month musical captures all of the droll huwith screenings and special events through mor and whimsy of the wildly popular books March 5. For complete listings and more information, by Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss. visit africanfilmfestival.org. Black Pioneers Host Celebration -- Commemorating Differences and local histories and contributions, the Oregon NorthSimilarities -- west Black Pioneers invites the community to join in ‘Collective,’ an celebrating Black History Month at the organization’s arts project by annual fundraising Gala Celebration to be held on Portland cerami- Saturday, Feb. 12, at 7:15 p.m. at the Salem Conference cist Hsin-Yi Center, 200 Commercial Street SE. The red carpet event Huang, was con- will feature a social hour beginning at 6 p.m. For tickets ceived as a means and information, call Willie Richardson at 403-540to explore how in- 4063. dividuals blend conformity and individuality to function in an intercon- Mysteries of Ancient Egypt -- Through cutting-edge nected and interdependent society. Her works are on modern technology, the Oregon Museum of Science display at the Portland building, 1120 S.W. Fifth Ave., and Industry will take visitors on a journey back in time to experience the mysteries and wonders of ancient through Friday, Feb. 11. Egypt in the new exhibition “Lost Egypt: Ancient SeAfrican American Read In -- Concordia University crets, Modern Science,” now playing through May 1. invites the community to hear local celebrities and leaders read works from their favorite African-American Outdoors Comes writers at the 15th annual African American Read in, Indoors -- A fishSunday, Feb. 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hagen ing pond will delight kids, and the Campus Center. whole family will Ladies with the Blues -- Ethos enjoy the latest Music Center at the Interstate outdoor toys, Firehouse Cultural Center pretools, tips and sents “Billie’s Blues—Tonight gadgets at the Paat Mama’s Jam” and “No More cific Northwest Pity Party Blues.” The audience Sportsmen Show is taken back to New York in the and Sport Fishing Boat show, opening Wednesday, late 1930s and witness to the Feb. 9 and continuing through Sunday, Feb. 13 at the struggles and self-discovery of Portland Expo Center. the great Jazz vocalist Billie Holiday. Friday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 12. “Sherman: A Jazz Opera” will Last Polar Bear exhibit -- At the World Forest Center be showing on the weekends of Feb. 18-20 and Feb. 25- Discovery Museum, photographer Steven Kazlowski documents the devastating urgency of global 27. For more details, visit ethos.org. warming’s impact on the Arctic in the photo exhibit, Norman Sylvester Band -- Boogie Cat Norman Sylvester The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a Warming and his band performs Friday, Feb. 11 at Clyde’s; Friday, World. Show runs through April 3. Feb. 18 at Spirit Mountain Casino; and Saturday, Feb. Discount Admission -- OMSI visitors pay only $2 per 19 at the Cascade Bar and Grill in Vancouver. person for general admission on the first Sunday of Murals Exhibit -- The exhibit “Walls of Heritage, Walls each month as well as discounted admission of $5 to of Pride: African American Murals,” showcasing murals the Planetarium, OMIMAX Theater and USS Blueback from Portland artists and all over the country takes place submarine. at the Oregon Historical Society through Sunday, Feb. Live Jazz -- Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 13. 11 p.m., the Third Degrees Lounge at the River Place Mel Brown Live -- Portland jazz giant Mel Brown per- Hotel, 1510 S.W. Harbor Way. No cover or minimum forms at Salty’s on the Columbia every Friday and purchase. For more information, visit pdxjazz.com. Saturday night. Known as the “Gentleman of Jazz,” Music Millennium Free Shows -- The Music MillenBrown has a career spanning over 40 years. nium, 3158 E. Burnside, hosts in-house live perforChildren’s Musical -- Oregon Children’s Theatre pre- mances. Enjoy free music and the opportunity to meet sents Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly, now playing artists. Call 503-231-8926 for a schedule.
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Black History Month
Arts&
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Jagger to give Grammy Tribute
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Will perform in memory of soul great Solomon Burke (AP) -- The Recording Academy is finally getting some satisfaction, with Mick Jagger's first appearance on the Grammy stage. The Rolling Stones frontman will perform at the Sunday, Feb. 13 ceremony as part of a tribute to soul great Solomon Burke, who died last year. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer opened for the Rolling Stones several times during his career comeback late in life. Jagger will perform with soul singer Raphael Saadiq during the 53rd annual Grammy Awards, which will air live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Show producer Ken Ehrlich said it was Jagger's admiration for Burke that brought him to the Grammy stage. " Jagger will join a performers list that includes Rihanna, Cee Lo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Eminem, Arcade
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Wake for local Religious Leader Bishop Artice L. Wright, long time resident of Portland, OR. Passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2011, at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. A wake service is scheduled for Friday, February 11, 2011, 6-9PM, Emmanuel COGIC United: 4800 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, OR. Funeral service scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2011, 11AM, Emmanuel Temple: 1033 N. Sumner Street, Portland, OR.
Black History Month
February 9, 2011
LAW & JUSTICE Witness to Genocide Concordia University invites members of the community to hear from Carl Wilkens, former head of the Adventist Relief Agency in Rwanda, during the discussion “Witness to Genocide: Servant Leadership in Action.” Wilkens was the only American to remain in Rwanda during the genocide in 1994. He per- Carl Wilkens
sonally helped thousands of people from being butchered. He is currently the head of the non-profit group World Outside my Shoes. The free event will take place Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7:30p.m. at the Concordia University Student Events and Activities Center in the Hagen Campus Building.
Sexual Assault near School The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers, is asking for the public’s help in solving a sexual assault that occurred near David Douglas High School in southeast Portland. On Jan. 21 at approximately 12:40 p.m., a high school female was sexually assaulted in the 1000 block of Southeast 135th Avenue, near David Douglas High School. She was forced into a vehicle by an unknown male who then sexually assaulted her. The man is described as white, A composite sketch of a sexual approximately 19-21 years old, with assault suspect.
a thin muscular build, and short dark hair. A composite drawing was made of the suspect. His vehicle was described as a newer black 4-door car with tinted windows. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at 503-823-HELP (4357), leave a tip online at crimestoppersoforegon.com, or text 823HELP plus your tip and send it to CRIMES (274697).
Intercultural Center Advocacy Day The Center for Intercultural Or- will be gathering community memganizing, a Portland-based immi- bers in Salem for a Tuesday, Feb. 22 grant and refugee rights coalition, day of legislative action. Participants will spend the day attending brief meetings in the Oregon Legislature with elected officials and policymakers. One in 10 Oregonians is foreignborn, according to the Census Bureau, though the specific impact of policy decisions on immigrants and refugees often goes unexamined by state government. The day of political action is
meant to mobilize and build awareness around key issues, including proposals to create a commission on immigrant and refugee affairs and enact cultural competency standards for medical professionals. Speakers at noontime rally on the Capitol steps will include Sen. Chip Shields, representing north and northeast Portland, Secretary of State Kate Brown, and the intercultural center’s executive director, Kayse Jama.
Fake Collection Calls Noted The Oregon Department of Justice has received several complaints regarding phony debt collection calls. Scam artists pose as debt collectors or law enforcement officers calling about an outstanding debt from an online payday loan. They frequently use fake phone numbers and official sounding business names. Some people have been tricked into paying nonexistent debt because the scam artist knew personal information about them, including their Social Security number, home
address, e-mail, and names of family and personal references. Not only are these phony debt collectors stealing from consumers, the tactics they are using are illegal. Attorney General Kroger reminds residents that debt collectors may not harass or abuse you or any third party. Collectors must send written notice of the debt within five days of initial contact. The notice should include information about the debt, the name of the creditor, and notice that the consumer has 30 days to dispute the debt in writing.
February 9, 2011
The
Portland Observer
Black History Month
LAW & JUSTICE
Gov. John Kitzhaber's budget proposal will likely mean the early release of juvenile offenders from facilities like this one in Grants Pass. The Oregon Youth Authority system is trying to transition to less-expensive treatment options for juveniles. (AP photo)
Juvenile Lockups Hit the Skids Budget puts more emphasis on treatment (AP) - Hundreds of Oregon juvenile offenders are scheduled to be released into less-restrictive environments and hundreds more now under supervision could be released back into their communities. That's the likely result of a major budget cut to the Oregon Youth Authority proposed by Gov. John Kitzhaber as part of his attempt to bridge a $3.5 billion budget gap that
could expand with the next economic forecast. The youth authority is scheduled to lose 425 beds, all of those likely coming from offenders who were put under supervision at the discretion of a judge. Oregon Youth Authority spokeswoman Ann Snyder said the youth authority's most serious offenders won't be released, and those who were sent to the system by a judge — as opposed to a sentence from the Department of Corrections — will be moved into the less-restrictive environments. "There is no situation where
youth will simply be moved out of a facility and put into the community without supervision," Snyder said. Snyder said the Legislature could do away with the cuts in its current session, or at least dampen their severity. The agency took a $33 million cut in Kitzhaber's budget proposal, down almost 13 percent to about $231 million for the biennium that begins on July 1. Snyder said the agency doesn't have a clear picture yet of how many of its employees it will lay off, or whether it will need to shutter one of its 11 state facilities.
State Hospital Searches for Families Hoping to find next of kin for patients who died While the Oregon State Hospital has made enormous strides toward improving the care and treatment for the patients of today, there is unfinished work in honoring patients of previous generations. Oregon State Hospital is the custodian of the cremated remains of approximately 3,500 people who died while living at Oregon State Hospital, Oregon State Tuberculosis Hospital, Mid-Columbia Hospital, Dammasch State Hospital, Oregon State Penitentiary, and Fairview Training Center between 1914 and the 1970s. These cremains were never claimed. The hospital hopes to change that and unite the cremains with family members. To that end, the hospital has posted online the list of names of the people whose cremains are in its possession. Hospital officials urge anyone who thinks he or she may have a family member
who passed away at one of these institutions to review the list. As soon as the connection can be confirmed, the hospital will make arrangements for the cremains to be sent to the family. "It was the discovery of the Room of Forgotten Souls in 2004 that served as the catalyst for the construction of a new Oregon State Hospital and a new devotion to improving the mental health care system in our state," said Senate President Peter Courtney. "We owe it to these former patients to make every effort to reunite their cremains with their families." Courtney authored the law that allows Oregon State Hospital to make public the names and dates of birth of those former patients whose cremated remains are in its possession. This information otherwise would be protected by medical confidentiality laws. The list of names for the deceased is posted on the Oregon State Hospital website at oregon.gov/DHS/ mentalhealth/osh/cremains.
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Portland Observer
February 9, 2011
Black History Month
Opinion articles do not necessarily represent the views of the Portland Observer. We welcome reader essays, photos and story ideas. Submit to news@portlandobserver.com.
OPINION
What is Truly ‘Exceptional’ About America? When words ring hollow BY LEE A. DANIELS
Here’s a suggestion: Whenever you hear or read someone boasting of “American exceptionalism,” — the notion that America has since its founding been uniquely ordained by God and its own moral character to lead the world – reach for your wallet. Because, intellectually speaking, someone is surely trying to pick your pocket. The political arena has recently become awash in simplistic assertions from assorted conservatives bruiting the purity of the Founders’ belief in liberty and equality and the projection of a serene, almost beatific version of the history of America. To recall an old phrase: don’t believe the hype. Another political stratagem to question President Obama’s patriotism and his very American-ness? Yes. Another expression of many conservatives’ anxiety about the greater democracy the hard-fought struggle to expand opportunity has produced? Yes. The truth about American history? Not even close. The right-wing, exceptionalist version of the nation’s history is so scrubbed of reality it’s like a Potemkin Village, or to put it an
American context, like those fake towns of pre-1960s Hollywood Bmovie westerns: all facades with no substance behind them. The words ring hollow because they leave out the complexity of the reality. Representative Michele Bachmann’s recent speech before a conservative gathering in Iowa offers a prime example of how fantastical these views are. Speaking of slavery, the Minnesota Republican declared that “We also know that the very founders who wrote [the Constitution] worked tirelessly until slavery was no more in the United States,” and said at another point: “How unique in all the world, that one nation that was the resting point from people groups all across the world. It didn’t matter the color of their skin. It didn’t matter their language. It didn’t matter their economic status … Once you got here, we were all the same. Isn’t that remarkable? It’s absolutely remarkable.” One of the many remarkable things about this funhouse-mirror version of American history is that it makes Negro slavery abstract, virtually invisible as an activity involving human beings, let alone as what it really was: a criminal enterprise in which Africans and African Americans were enslaved so that individual whites and the whitesonly America the 1787 Constitution constructed could grow rich. That is the mental slight-of-hand
which enables George F. Will to avoid admitting that the Constitution’s endorsement of Negro slavery most certainly was not about “emancipating individuals for the pursuit of happiness,” and that it was indeed a most perverse use of the power of the state to allocate wealth and opportunity. One should laugh but so freely, however, at these delusional accounts of the American past. Before the ascendancy of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, as most any
One of the many remarkable things about this funhouse-mirror version of American history is that it makes Negro slavery abstract, virtually invisible as an activity involving human beings, let alone as what it really was: a criminal enterprise... school and college history text from those decades will show, they were the “official” view of America’s past. In the exceptionalist world of fantasy, Negro slavery is barely mentioned; the exclusion of Asian immigrants from citizenship for more than a century is ignored; the near-extinction of Native Americans is passed over; the fierce bigotry white ethnic immigrants endured for nearly a century is suppressed; the denial of
Letter to the Editor In the feature report on OMSI’s new exhibit "Mysteries of Ancient Egypt Unearthed,"(Portland Observer, Jan. 26 issue) it showed four sculptures of women from 2,200 and 2,900 years ago. That is before Jesus Christ and Julius Cesar and shows that that Egypt at that time was quite advanced. Over the years many very interesting facts have come to light about Egypt. I would like to take this time to bring forward some other facts and present a theory: Facts: 1. The face on the Sphinx is not an Arab face, it is a black African face. 2. The inspiration for the Sphinx, come from the "Age of Leo, the Lion", from 12,000 BC. Not 10,500 BC as some have proposed that was the start of the Egyptian Empire. 3. There is an African tribe, the Maasai, I believe. In one of their ceremonies they dance around on stilts (about 12"), as they believe that they were taller and had migrated from
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that come from a Frederick Douglass; a Samuel Gompers; a Jane Addams; a Cesar Chavez; or a Martin Luther King Jr. – and, more importantly, from the Americans they represent. Indeed, America’s ability to correct its flaws and expand the meaning of the rights of human beings was never more dramatically stated than in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution Congress enacted in the wake of
the Civil War. There, driven by the lesson of slavery’s terrible injustice but applied to everyone, Congress stated plainly: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. The assertion of a right of citizenship by birth was as “exceptional” an idea in the 19th century as the idea that all human beings had an “inalienable right” to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness had been a century earlier; and “birthright citizenship” – which continues to make the U.S. “exceptional” among the nations of the world — has to America’s great profit been consistently reaffirmed by the Supreme Court. A Washington Post reader who took exception to Will’s exceptionalist claims got it just right when he wrote in a letter to the editor, “Our birth does not make us exceptional. Our aspirations do – aspirations that we can continue to improve the present society through future progress …” It’s so revealing that today’s American exceptionalists, blinded by their peculiar vision of America’s past, can’t see that, too. Lee A. Daniels is Director of Communications for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., and Editor-in-Chief of TheDefendersOnline.
On Egypt’s History
the North eons ago. 4. On the Nile River, on the bank there is a six foot obelisk. That states "From this point North, no black man shall remain free.” Theory: 1. The Egyptian Empire started during the "Age of Leo/ the Lion" and progressed over the eons. Over time they one way or the other acquired slaves and other lower classes of people. Many of these people were used in the palaces and temples to perform many of the tasks required of the ruling Egyptians. And, these people over time adopted the customs and religion of their masters. 2. There was a rebellion at some time and many of the masters were killed and the survivors were run off. And, went south. 3. The "Obelisk on the Nile River" was erected to remind them not to return or else.
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the vote and true opportunity for women is conveniently forgotten. One could go on down a very long list. In fact, that list is worth exploring in detail, not to damn America – which, for all its flaws, has been the modern era’s great hope. It is worth examining because that activity underscores what is truly exceptional about America. That is its capacity for democratic reform: to, ultimately, heed insistent demands to fix what’s wrong
4. After the rebellion, the palace and temple people knew a good deal and assumed the top positions. 5. Over time the Egyptian culture and religion assumed an Arab face by the time of Moses. It is just a theory. John Sweeney Southeast Portland
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OPINION
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What if the Gunman was Named Mohammed BY PHYLLIS BENNIS
The repercussions of the attempted assassination in Tucson of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, in which six people were murdered and 13 wounded, continue to resonate. The discussion--and discussions about the discussion--continues. Meanwhile, we're failing to have a meaningful debate about how we can achieve real changes that would make a repeat of this tragedy impossible. That would mean standing up to the National Rifle Association and working to enact real, stronger guncontrol laws. It would require making mental health care truly accessible for those who so desperately need it. And ending all hostile, eliminationist rhetoric, especially gimmicks that feature crosshairs over congressional districts, "second amendment remedies," and offers to "shoot a fully automatic M16" as a campaign souvenir.
It's hard to predict if U.S. political discourse will become less toxic and more civil because of this outrageous attack. President Barack Obama's funeral oration at the Tucson memorial hit all the right notes. He urged all who listened to live our lives and transform our country into the nation that nineyear-old Christina Taylor Green was just beginning to claim as her own. It was a powerful moment. He didn't say a word about the alleged gunman Jared Lee Loughner, or about the possible consequences of the vitriol and violence that has infected contemporary political debate. Maybe that was a good call. Certainly Loughner is mentally disturbed, and while there's no question his delusional rants reflect some of the right-wing tirades all too common on the Internet, it's certainly possible those ideas had nothing to do with his targeting of a politically moderate congresswoman. What if things were just a little bit different? What if the alleged gunman was named Ali Mohammed in-
stead of Jared Lee Loughner? What if he had been a mentally ill Muslim Arab immigrant instead of a mentally ill white, Christian-Jewish, native-born U.S. citizen? What if his delusional rants seemed to channel not those found-on-the-Internet right-wing rants about the gold standard and government invasion, but rather those found-on-the-Internet calls for violent jihad? Would we still be so careful not to place any responsibility on those who spew hateful, violent rhetoric? Would we still be so certain that there's no link between violent rhetoric and the response of an unstable mind? When Timothy McVeigh bombed the Oklahoma City federal building, which at the time was the worst terrorist act ever committed on U.S. soil, the immediate assumption was that an Arab and/or Muslim terrorist "had to be" responsible. For the few days after the bombing, before McVeigh was captured, initial media reports were packed with experts who were certain the attack bore all the hallmarks of "Middle Eastern terrorism." Then
white Christian American citizen McVeigh was caught. Oops. Sorry. Did anyone even bother to check whether would-be underwear bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab might actually be mentally ill or unstable? How about Maj. Nidal Hasan, the army psychiatrist accused of shooting 13 people at Fort Hood? Does it matter? Or do we simply assume that anyone who carries out an act of violence inspired by some warped version of Islam is "sane," but that anyone who may have been inspired or influenced by "don't retreat, reload" rhetoric while on a shooting spree--but who maybe looks and talks a little more "like us"--must be inherently deranged? Think about it. What if things were just a little bit different? What if the Tucson shooter's name were Ali Mohammed? What would be our response to the Tucson shootings then? Phyllis Bennis is the director of the New Internationalism project at the Institute for PolicyStudies.
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Black History Month
February 9, 2011
HEALTH MATTERS
Dental Van Helps Patients in Recovery DePaul clients get something to smile about Thanks to a new partnership between De Paul Treatment Centers and Medical Teams International, a mobile dental clinic made its second visit to De Paul’s downtown facility last week. While dental work is not what most people think about in relation to drug and alcohol treatment, the Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Van was appreciated by many of the residential clients at De Paul who do not have medical insurance or access to regular dental care. Inside the van, the Medical Teams International team efficiently saw 11 clients. X-rays were taken in the front of the van, while the dentist
performed procedures from fillings to extractions in the rear of the van. Medical Teams International has a fleet of 11 vans that operate in the Pacific Northwest, from Seattle/ Tacoma to Medford. The organization partners with nonprofits, schools, and churches to provide dental services to those who would not otherwise be able to afford themthe uninsured, low income and homeless. Medical Teams International chooses to work with people in treatment as they realize that these people have made a commitment to changing their lives for the better. De Paul’s mission is to create freedom from drug and alcohol addiction, and the organization’s philosophy is that all people have within them the innate strength and capacity to recover. The non-profit has operated in Portland for over 30 years and works with a wide range of people seeking treatment; many A mobile dental clinic do not have health insurance and sponsored by Medical some are homeless. Teams International makes De Paul’s downtown location a stop at the DePaul drug provides residential and outpatient and alcohol treatment alcohol and drug treatment for center, downtown, providing adults, the De Paul Youth and Famvital dental services to ily Center in northeast Portland people in need who would serves the youth population, and a satellite office in Hillsboro provides not otherwise be able to outpatient treatment to adults in afford them. Washington County.
Rethinking Psychiatry Author to discuss challenges Journalist and author Robert Whitaker returns to Portland to discuss his latest book “Anatomy of an Epidemic” and the impact of psychiatric medicine on people of color. Whitaker has pursued a fascinating line of research into how the mammoth psychiatric drug industry is endangering the American public by covering up the untold cases of suffering, anguish and disease caused by the most widely prescribed antidepressants and antipsychotic medications. He will speak on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME), 4134 N. Vancouver, Suite 100. The intended audience is people who live in or support people of color communities, individuals who are experiencing psychiatric or behavioral challenges and their fami-
Robert Whitaker lies, practitioners in the community such as psychiatrist, physicians, psychologist, gerontologist, counselors, social workers, nurses, attorneys, and judges. The talk is sponsored by MentalHealthRightsYES.org, Economic Justice Action Group of First Unitarian Church, Empowerment Initiatives, Mental Health America of Oregon, Mental Health Association of Portland and Disability Rights Oregon.
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Black History Month
Activist, Political Leader Writes Memoir continued from front for more than $2,200 showcasing her broad support. In winning the 1996 election she became the first African-American woman to be seated in the Oregon Senate. Gordly won the public over through constant involvement with progressive civic issues such as environmental justice, women’s rights, funding for early childhood programs as well as raising the state minimum wage. She’s been a leader in honoring the past accomplishments of African Americans, and sponsored the bill that proclaims Juneteenth, June 19, of every year to be a day of statewide celebration of dignity and freedom of all citizens. Gordly also was a staunch supporter of opening doors to the
public’s right to access a party’s political planning sessions. Discouraged with the party caucuses within the Democratic Party, she became an Independent in 2006. Her actions within the Legislature earned her recognition as “The Conscience” of both the House and Senate. As part of the last days of the 2007 Legislative session, she teamed with Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers to pass a law requiring a planned response to incidents in which police use deadly force. Gordly’s commitment to Oregon extended to economic issues such as trade with South Africa. She’s made more than 17 trips to Africa to learn about issues in nations there as well as represent Oregon business and social interests. Gordly advanced her education at the same time, and earned recog-
nition for completion of the Program for Senior Executives at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum. Portland honored Gordly for her
public service in July of 2007 with a proclamation and reception in the City Hall council chambers. Gordly’s memoir, Remembering the Power of Words: The Life of an Oregon Activist, Legislator, and Community Leader is co-authored
by Patricia A. Schecter, who is an associate professor of History at PSU. Gordly and Schecter are scheduled to speak on the book on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Oregon Historical Society.
Concordia’s Big Step continued
from front
fantastic. We want to take the same concept to the field, and use it as a community resource just like the library is”. Spanning four city blocks and covering almost 16,000 square feet, the new turf field and athletic center will seat over 1,800 fans, while providing not only first-class facilities for Cavalier athletics and NAIA sports, including soccer and baseball, but a home field for neighborhood soccer clubs, and serve as a host exhibition site for the Portland Timbers. Construction is underway and the athletic complex is anticipated to open during this fall. In the past, athletes, including Concordia students and community teams, have either played off campus for games or on the only campus field, which now serves as the new location for the library and campus green. The old grass field had no lights, and the hours of field use were very limited due to a full season of wear and tear that caused poor playing conditions. With a future of lights and synthetic turf, the new athletic complex will be able to dedicate more hours to field use on a year-round basis. “More than half of the field time will be dedicated to community groups,” says Madeline Turncock of Concordia’s marketing and communications department. The athletic complex will devote 63 percent of its available hours to the community and 37 percent to Concordia athletics, according to the project’s website. Cavalier fans and players can’t wait to finally cheer on teams in their own backyard. Concordia athletics hope to see a new bubbling of school spirit as student athletes and fans are brought back to the campus for home games.
With the latest features including a press box, space training, team rooms, stadium seating, concessions, and restrooms, what current or perspective athlete wouldn’t love to play in the new facility? “I think to have a home for soccer and baseball teams is very exciting for our student athletes and an opportunity to bring back the home field advantage,” says English, who also believes that more students will be apt to stay on campus in the evenings to watch games, keeping them safe and engaged with the university. The Athletic Complex is just one of several recent additions for the university. In 2009, the private, Christian, liberal arts university opened the George R. White Library and Learning Center, and in effort to invite community members to its use, issued 1,500 free library cards to neighbors. During the same year, the new Concordia Place Apartments on Northeast 27th Avenue also opened for students and community residents. Concordia University is one of 10 universities founded by the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. The school first began as a four-year academy in 1905 to meet educational needs of local pastors and parochial school teachers for the church. Over 100 years later, Concordia has evolved into a university comparable to larger accredited Oregon colleges, offering a full liberal arts education, pre-professional programs, professional church work programs, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in education and business. Concordia offers 19 undergraduate majors with concentrations in more than 20 fields, and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Billy R. Flowers (above center) and his skilled staff are ready to help those in need.
Part 4. Stress: How Chiropractic can help ease life's day-to-day pressures.
Q
: I hear a lot about stress these days. Just how serious is it?
A
: Stress causes high blood pressure, which in turn is a major cause of strokes and heart disease. It can lead to asthma, arthritis, insomnia and migraines. It impairs the immune system and is estimated to cost the nation over $100 billion each year in lost productivity, absenteeism and health care costs. That's pretty serious.
: I have a very stressfull job. erly. What's more, today's ChiroHow can Chiropractic help me? practors can also help you with natural relaxation technigues : Modern Chiropractic care can such as yoga, message and visuhelp de-stress your body. By alization. For less stress, or more helping your nervous system work answers to any questions you more smoothly, Chiropractic helps might have about your health, assure that all your body funcions you'll find that Chiropractic is (including the ones negatively af- often the answer. Call us for an fected by stress) are working prop- appointment today.
Q A
Flowers' Chiropractic Office 2124 NE Hancock, Portland Oregon 97212
Phone: (503) 287-5504
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Portland Observer Auto Review 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI BY KATHLEEN CARR
The Subaru Impreza 5 door has added a new option to the consumer a four door sedan. The 2011 STI's wide-body fenders has also improved handling thanks to wider wheels, wider track dimensions and stiffer sub-frame bushings. The 2011 STI is powered by the same 305 horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four; delivering the same meaty 290 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 rpm. The big performance upgrade
for the WRX is that the front and rear track increases by 1.3 inches and 1.5 inches, respectively, and the tires (235/45 vs. 225/45 on the old car) and wheels (17 x 8-inches vs. 17 x 7) are wider all around. It also has firmer rear-suspension subframe bushings, which are intended to reduce body roll in corners. All-Wheel Drive system has excellent weight balance with a low center of gravity only adding to the handling of the vehicle. It all-wheel
February 9, 2011
Black History Month
News and reviews on new motor vehicles
drive system with the DCCD (Driver Control Center Differential featuring three performance mode and six driver – selectable differential-locking setting, mechanical and electronically controlled limitied –slip center differential, helical limited-slip front differential and TORSEN limited-slip differential which it choosing the mode base on the driver input. The WRX STI driver also can custom-tailor the level of dynamic intervention offered by VDC. Changes are made by pushing the OFF switch on the dashboard Tested vehicle information: 2.5 liter turbocharged engine; 6-speed to the left of the steering wheel coltransmission; 17 City MPG, 23 Highway MPG; MSRP $34,720. umn.
CLASSIFIED/BIDS Advertise with diversity in The
Portland Observer Call 503-288-0033
ads@portlandob server.com
LEGAL NOTICES
Attention: The waitlists for Beacon Manor and Powell Blvd Apartments are closed as of February 7, 2011. The waitlists are closed due to excessively long wait times on all floor plans. Please check our website at www.reachcdc.org periodically for updates and openings. These buildings are managed by REACH CDC.
Need to publish a court document or notice? Need an affidavit of publication quickly and efficiently? Please fax or email your notice for a free price quote! Fax: 503-288-0015 e-mail: classifieds@portlandobserver.com The Portland Observer
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY FUND OREGON ATTORNEY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Sub-Contractors Needed Subcontracting firms to build wireless sites/radio towers statewide in Oregon “Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network” (OWIN)
Certified Lateral Police Officer
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/OWIN/
(Prevailing wage rates apply) Scope includes: Tree Cutting, Access Roads, Grading, Concrete Foundations, Fencing, Electrical Subsystems, Utility Line Installation, Tower Erection and Heavy Equipment Operators. Experience in wireless construction is preferred. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and request sub-bids from all interested subcontractors including Minority/Women/Emerging Small Business Enterprises. To apply to become a subcontractor to General Dynamics, please contact: Bernadette.Simons@gdc4s.com
781-455-4837 OR CCB# 182401
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, RECEPTIONIST AND MEETING PLANNER
Star Park is looking for individuals with excellent customer service skills and a positive attitude to join our team of parking facility operators. Positions include: Attendant, Traffic Director, Cashier, and Valet, with Opportunity for advancement. No experience necessary, must be dependable.
$3929 - $5390/month, DOQ (up to an additional 17% of base wage The Oregon Attorney Assistance incentive pay after probationary Program is looking for applicants with a wide variety of skills, period). including superior communication Position performs all aspects of and people skills, organizing skill, police duties. Requirements that the ability to field crisis phone must be met in order to be calls, meeting planning skill, considered as a Lateral Police bookkeeping skill, and sufficient Officer include: DPSST Basic Police proficiency with software to 8.50+/hr, medical, dental, 401k Certification or equivalent out of produce promotional flyers for w/match, sick & vacation pay. state certification, (only state events. Our small downtown certifications recognized by Portland office includes working 610 SW Alder Street Suite 1221 Oregon DPSST will be considered - with lawyers; working Portland, OR 97205 must provide proof of certification independently and taking at time of application). All positions direction; setting and meeting www.star-park.com require a valid Oregon driver’s deadlines; organizing; and license (or ability to obtain prior to following through. The position appointment), must be 21 years requires maintaining a high degree of age and a U.S. citizen. Prior to of confidentiality. Ability to use appointment, successful Microsoft OS is required; familiarity candidate must pass pre- with desktop publishing programs employment testing and screening and proofreading skill is preferred. process. Competitive salary, excellent Application packets (including Pre- benefits including PERS. Employment Personal Profile Questionnaire) may be downloaded from the City’s website,www.westlinnoregon.gov; West Linn City Hall, 22500 Salamo Road, West Linn, OR 97068; or by calling (503) 657-0331. Completed application materials must be returned to the West Linn City Hall by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2011. EEO.
Send resume and cover letter to: Barbara Fishleder, Executive Director Oregon Attorney Assistance Program P.O. Box 231600 Tigard, OR 97281-1800 barbaraf@oaap.org Application deadline February 11, 2011. No telephone calls please. An Equal Opportunity Employer
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Black History Month
CALENDAR for February2011 SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
1 Black History Month
6 New Zealand Day
7
2 Chinese New Year
Groundhog Day
8
3
9
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
4 Sri Lanka Day Portland Opera presents Turandot (runs until 02/12/11)
5 Portland Seafood and Wine Festival
10
11
12
17
18
19
25
26
Jefferson High School Multicultural Film
Call Me day
Portland Seafood and Wine Festival
Throw Down Your Heart 512 N. Killingsworth St. N. Portland Library
5:00-&7:30pm
13
14
15
Valentine's Day
16
20
21
22
27
28
Upcoming Event:
Intl. Friendship Week (20-26)
Forget Me Not Day
March 5th 2011 BIG SIP OREGON 2011
Double Tree Lloyd Center 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m
Must Sell Brand New Hovaround Motorized Chair $1400 or best offer Call George at (503) 284-9906 (503) 449-9770
Friendship Week (17-23)
Mardi Gras
23
24
Start A Romance Day
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Black History Month
February 9, 2011