Vol.l, No.4 "NOW IS THE TIME!" FOR AND BY BLACK PEOPLE August,1981 UNITED NATIONS COMPLAINT STUDIED by D. K. Charles The BUF, which filed its complaint last September, has sent documented proof of its charges to the Commission's Sub-Committee on Minorities which meets inGeneva, Switzerland, according to an attorney assisting the BUR The attorney said the BUF intends to show the validity of its complaint with tons of statistics and examples that it has gathered on Oregon's "outrageously" high rate of imprisoning of Black people, police killings of Blacks, police verbal and physical violence against Blacks, and the City of Portland's violation of the integrity of the black community in its devasting Urban Renewal Program. In examining the BUF's complaint, the Commission will first determine if the complaint meets one of two tests: a showing of a consistent pattern of violations of human rights, or a consistent pattern of gross violations of human rights. If there is a showing of gross violations, the U.N. will conduct a confidential investigation without notifying anyone; investigations are conducted secretly in an effort to protect people and witnesses who complain, because the commission has found that there had been retaliation against people who complain in some countries -such as racist South Africa. If the violations are not determined to be gross violations, the Commisssion will make a public forum of its investigation. "In neither case is the government forced to answer complaints, and the United States has had a consistent policy of not answering complaints," said the BUF representative. "The United Nation's Commission has issued reports in at least two cases based on investigations of complaints from the United States. Those cases involved a complaint from. the National Conference of Black Lawyers, which focused on a pat- / WAIT! wAIT J I I y ivt! me- a,,o/i~.. c!.. .. oLtern of political prisoners in Despite publicity about the America's jails, and a complaint abuse of Black people by Portof a Confederation of Native land police, the BUF continues American tribes, which focused onto receive complaints of raethe seizure and destruction of ial harassment by police. ExIndian lands. The Commission amples of those complaints should have decided by the end ofwill be included in the BUF's August how it would proceed with documentation of its comthe BUF complaint." plaint filed with the United Nations. The typical complaint of police harassment involves Blacks in their 20's and 30's who say they have been beaten or verbally abused. In some cases they were arrested, but no charges were filed against them. In support of its complaint the BUF sent statistics on the number of people imprisoned in Oregon. Oregon imprisons the greatest number of Black people (in proportion to the number of· Black residents) of all states, except Washington. In Oregon's prisons, there is an average of 600 inmates for every 100,000 people who live here. But the , The United Nation's Commissrate for Black prisoners is a lOn on Human Rights will begin startling 13,000 per 100,000 pop-to stu~y the Black United Front~ ulation· the rate for whites is complalnt that the State of Ore100 per,lOO,OOO; Hispanics: 250 gon ~nd the Ci~y ~f ~ortland has per 100,000, and Native Ameri- c~nslstently v1olated the human cans: 900 per 100,000. rlghts of Black people. WELCOME TO THE
..------------------------------------ ~ '. t t page 2 CITY'S 'FINEST' REINSTATED by Lanita Duke On August 15 the BUF sponsored a march and rally which focused on public discontent with the decision of an arbitrator that reinstated the two "possum-tossin'" cops, Craig C. Ward and James E. Galloway. '!hey caught,- killed, and threw the dead animals in front of a black-owned restaurant, because they "felt frustrated, and wanted to boost IIDrale." ''We've been down for so long, and, though we cannot do anything about it, we should let them know that we are not stupid, and that they cannot pass everything before our eyes. We are all hurmn beings, and I want respect as such. I work hard enough for mine and I am serious about it now, I 'm ready to get out here and march and do whatever is necessary, so they will know that we will no longer allow people to walk over us... '' "If the policanen had been Black and the restaurant owners white, would the outcome have been the same?'' "I'm here because I thought 'arbitration' meant IIDre than one person but I found ~ut it was only one person, so I came down to march in protest of one man saying anything about anything!_"__ "It made me mad, and I'm glad I'm not a violent person. Something better happen, and I know the city officials who are in charge of the police won't do anything about it. They haven't done anything about that Charlie Benson who was beat up on his job at the Hilton Hotel... the police report just came out and it said that the police hadn't done anything wrong. " 'What they did was dumb...police officials, and acting like little kids... " "I don't give a d.ann about l.Dving, Herndon, the NAACP, or the opossum incident; it was a minor incident , not deserving of the hoopdala they've made out of it." Such was a collection of comments from people who were present. 'Ihe rally was held on the front lawn of the North Precinct. Ron Herndon, ~Chair of the Front, addressed the crowd, ''We know the arbitrator' s decision is final; but we in no way feel that Ward and Galloway have any business wearing a blue uniform in any part of the city. · There's nobody' SJOb you can work on, especially a City job, where you can IIDnkey around and throw dead animals. What was most disgraceful was that after these Cats take part in this dispicable behavior, you see a deronstration where 5 and 6-hundred officers are downtown marching, showing support for these fools! " · The crowd roared as they showed their agreement with Herndon's statement. A Black policeman who was present broke rank with other Black officers and stated that he did not beleive the incident was racially rrotivated. "It was a prank, but they overdid it and it backfired on them. It was nothing -that was planned; it has always been the problan of the police against the Blacks; anytime you have a low-income area there will be a high concentration of police because of the greater incidence of crime. '' Three to four-hundred people concurred with Herndon's final words, "We are not' going to book this act no rrore. You can take it to Ringling Bros. " The acquittal and reinstatement of the two rren may have been a victory for the police union and the city, but it is a clear defeat for the populace, both Black and white. What laws are the police going to follow? Certainly not the criminal liability of throwing dead animals, or the police's "code of conduct". The arbitrator has said that the opossumthrowing was not racially motivated, though we all know that slaves in this country were Afrikan. The ~bi trator also claimed that Jordan ' bowed under political pressure' , but it appears that he himself bowed under the pressure from one of the city's most powerful unions. These types of acts make the PPD look more like PIGS. RIGHT: Two young Brothers express their frustrations creatively at the BUF demonstration protesting the reinstatement of Ward and Galloway. BOTTOM: The demonstrators pause for a moment of prayer before marching on the North Precinct in St. Johns. Photos courtesy of: Richard BrOMl / ·' t .
Committee Reports ECONOMICS The Committee recently met with Nel Tech's President and Founder, for the purpose of discussing the company's commitment towards hiring Blacks in the N.E. community. Currently Nel Tech employs about 80 persons, 6 of them Black, and its President made it clear he does not consider color when hiring. The gist of our meeting was, no special effort will be made by Nel Tech to employ Black community residents in any significant number.•: A poor start in an attempt to initiate positive community relations on Nel Tech's part. Also, the Committee was told Nel Tech refused to meet with Albina Fair Share, and its only link to the Black community was one Black person. There will be a series of HCD hearings for the purpose of obtaining citizen input on how to best spend community development dollars in the N.E. community. Published meeting times and places will be printed in advance. Check your local Black newspapers weekly, and if you need further information contact: N.E. Office of Neighborhoods 248-4575. ' We wish to acknowledge a special thanks to the Bardy Trophy Co., Bee Co., Coca-Cola, 15th. Ave.-Thriftway, and Fred Meyer for their generous contributions to our 2nd Annual Commu~ity Unity Day. Tradewell and Safeway contributed $40.80 worth of pop between the two stores. Once again, 7-UP refused to make a donation, and Albertson also turned us down. However, we were very disappointed with the foul actions of Pepsi-Cola. We were promised 20 cases of Pepsi with a stipulation that we pay a deposit for the cans according to a Pepsi representative. Upon arrival to make a pick-up and pay our deposit, we were informed that they had already donated 50 cases of Pepsi to other community organizations, which they felt represented a wider segment of the community. Therefore, the BUF did not receive a donation as promised. LABOR If you have been following recent stories of the Labor Committee, you would have noticed that this Committee has been conducting an on-going survey of Fred Meye~'s Walnut Park store. We have been concerned about its Check Cashing policy, Hiring, Pricing, Policing, Courtesy to customers, Service, Meat Quality, Cleanliness, Stocking Procedues, Job Upgrading for Blacks, and Job Induction and Promotion at all levels in the Fred Meyer chain of stores. Through negotiations with Fred Meyer, we are very happy to announce that we have a committment from Fred Meyer to improve at all levels. Take a good look page 3 at our Fred Meyer. We believe they do not know right fran wrong, or, that we have a firm committment that they are incapable or reluctant to from the top of the ladder at do right unless they have somoone Fred Heyer, to the bottom rung standing by or watching to insure that of it, that this will be a storethey do right ...very poor material for in its chain that carries the positions of authority and power. same quality, service, and pri- IMMATURI'IY would indicate a lack of cing as any other store within (necessary/sufficient) growth to date the chain. -as a person; 001' THINKING is an exThe Committee woulq like to trane handicap for those to whan we beextend our thanks to Officials stow the honor and trust to bear arms, of Fred Meyer and Walnut Park as to guard and protect our lives and prowell, who worked hand in hand perty, and to enforce the laws that we with us to help make Community dean so important to law, order, and Unity Day, 1981 a success. harnnny; IDLENESS is a waste of the taxpayers ' m:mey, and a sure sign (read •••••••••••••••••the papers and listen to the ne.vs) of a Arbitrator Decision 'Preposterous' by Joan Courtney Gordon lack of dedication and cammittment to the serious problan of crime in our city; BC>R.Ein1 indicates a lack of interest in their profession and in the duty of their profession; HARRASSMENT indicates a lack of integrity, a lack "'lhe opossun incident is over", ac-of ethics, a lack of respect, and a cording to Frank Ivancie, Mayor of lack of a sense of fair play; AN AT- (the people of?) Portland. ''We have TEMPI' 'IO :ocosr WHAlE used as an exreceived the unbiased decision of an cuse would indicate a lack of conindependent and uninvolved (chosen and structive imagination and creativity. appointed by whan?) arbitrator. This It was intolerable inexcusable and proves th~ arbitration process is. fa~r a discredit to their (entrusted) p:::.Oand that 1t works, so we may use 1t rn fession the image they should endeavor similar cases in ~he future. ". . to pres~nt, and the standards they (as roes Mr. Ivanc1e truly beluwe that officers of the law) should strive to we are all so gullible that we would set for our city and its inhabitants fall for such an obvious attempt to ... and in any case, too low-caliber for brainwash and divert us fran recogni- officers of the law. tion of this barefaced and dramatic I also challenge the idea that they display of injustice and disrespect? would not, at least vaguely, have heard My faith in/respect for the law as of the opossum/Black stereotype, but, an avenue of justice dropped one nnre should that be the case, they should notch (straining toward rock-bottan) have been considered too naive and unat the audacity of it all. informed to control and make a suffiBe it known, Mr. Ivancie, that we cient contribution to law and order in would take issue with you on the mat- a vastly Black-inhabited area -or any ter of the result. We say "It did not other ·ethnic or specific group of peowork," and so do countless other de- ple. cent, socially-conscious, and fair- Officers of the law may on occasion minded Portland citizens. Eyes are make a genuine mistake; for this they focused on you, Mr. Public Servant and may expect leniency and compassion. 'overseer of all the people of our There can be no room, however, for officity'. cers of the law to "act stupidly", walThe whole incident is a ''slap in low in sympathy and condonanent , mainthe face" to justice and integrity, tain their positions, and then expect and makes a nnckery of brotherhood in respect. Portland, Oregon. When the standards In sunmttion, as an ordinary citizen, of our power structure are discovered I submit that the above is nothing that to be so low, when toleration is so was missed by Stanley Peters (Mr. Jim lax that it upholds the like of what Crow, himself), Frankie (who never spoke, happened here, it is time for the peo- until he had an 'out'), the (fair and ple to take another look.·· time for unbiased) arbitrator, or the police ofthe dealers to deal another hand. ficers who marched (an action that said ''Lack of supervision'' is a non- · nnre than a thousand words) . -Neither sufficient excuse; the officers in was it missed by Portland's population question are adults; they have been at large, nor Portland's Black Coomunity born. Hopefully, they have been and fellow-Anerican citizens. raised; they have lived, and they have We of the Black Ccmnunity abhor the· rocialized and interacted with other fact that the officers would have the . humans for nnre than 25 years, &> it (undiluted) gall to show such a lack of ~ot be 'o~l~' a matter of insuffi- respect for us, while daring to work in c1ent superv1s1on. · . . and 'patrol' (with weapons, mind you) Let us analyze the rnc1dent con- our comnunity under pretense of upholdcerning Officers Ward and Galloway. ing law and order, and of· protecting us Assuming that the case in point was in and our rights and property. fact not (deliberately) racially nnti- We will not forget ... vated we are left with the following: -- It has been ~cepted that the offi- Jf~ti4tt~l ~wr~rs G"'''b cers were/are guilty of 'dumping oposs- ......,.a..- , •• ~ .............. a.':S"'"""' urns' , so there remains only the rearons (both presented and imaginable) behind the action. We will look at what the arbitrator (uninvolved, unbiased, fair, and obviously intelligent enough to rearon -after all, he was selected) rrrust have considered. -- LACK OF SUPERVISION as an excuse would certainly indicate that -either ... .. . • • • t t . · .. · /, IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY: IN STRUC~LE FOR PEACE, ,TUSTI CE, & FREEDOM. Mn'*"'. UMI'III .,., '·'· .... ... .....,.,. .... ,"'
page4 EBONY EXCELLENCE LANITA A. DUKE A native Portlander, Ms. Duke shared her early childhood exeriences with.her Fosterparents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Buckley. he attended Portland public schools, but had a very difficult ime attempting to understand an environment that could not serve in her best interest. Nevertheless, Ms. Duke completed her high school education by attending Portland Community College. It was determined she was too mature for the traditional high school setting. Ms. Duke is frequently heard on radio stations, KBOO-FM and KOAP-FM, reporting for and representing Grassroots News, N.W. In addition, she contributes articles to both The Portland Observer and The Advocate. Her career in broadcast and print journalism began at the age of ~9, when she served as a newscaster on a local radio station. Shortly thereafter, she served as a newscaster a second time, and later s~ized the opportunity to interview the premier Black classic musical percussionist, Max Roach. An extraordinary accomplishment for a 22 year old, Ms. Duke's creation of Grassroots News, N.W. has been designed to independently report events using the print and electronic media. The news source covers Black and other unrepresented communities in Oregon and Washington, because according to Ms. Duke, "someone has to tell a consistent story about our people who otherwise would go unnoticed." Grassroots News, N.W. is being supported by various segments of the Black community. The proud parent of her 7 year-old daughter, Nia, Ms. Duke realizes while her child grows she_too, has a lot more to do and a long way to go, pursuing the challenges of her chosen profession. The Enduring BlackWoman by B.M.Priestley A Brief Biography A resident of Portland, Oregon for 37 years, MRS. VESIA D. LOVING is a native of Warren, Arkansas. She also has two brothers and a sister who reside in the City of Portland. A mother of four children, and as always, a proud grandmother of three children, Mrs. Loving has surrounded herself with children throughout her adult life. Presently, Mrs. Loving serves as an Instructional Aide at Boise School where she has been employed for 13 years. During the 1981-82 school year, her work will begin with 7th and 8th graders, but she has worked with students at every grade level except 1st, 2nd, and 3rd over the years. Mrs. Loving is only nine credits away from becoming a certified teacher, at which time she will have earned her B.A. in elementary education at Portland State University. Among her civic and religious activities, Mrs. Loving attends the Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church where she has been a Member for 30 years, and for the past few years, a Member of the church's Gospel Choir. Often, quoted by the local media, Mrs. Loving has been a Member of the Boise Neighborhood Association for 13 years, a Principal Advisory Board Member for Boise, played an active part in the citizen participation process during the Model Cities days, a Member of the Community Coalition for School Integration, and an original mainstay of Portland's Black United Front since the organization's inception. PA: Your commitment to education is evident, but what led to your active community involvement and sometimes controversial stances here in Portland? M~s. Loving: A lot of people will not believe it, but when I was seventeen years old I had a "vision, "dream" to do certain things. There was a pressing demand to start doing something. My "call" was to go back to school, not necessarily to teach children, but to open doors that had been closed to my people. PA: How have you been able to survive in a system you fre- ~------------------------------------------------------------------------~quently critize? ~rs. Loving: I had a job to do, and felt I would win. When they --------------------------------------------------------------------------know you are right, others begin to join. The truth had been spoPAINTING AND REMODEUNG Michael H. Mitchell 3622 NE 12th (503) 249-5093 PORTLAND, OREGON 97211 ken, and when research was done, namely by the Community Coalition for School Integration, those issues were verified showing that what I talked about was true. In the long run, the truth is the key to maintaining. (Continued on Page 5)
(Continued from Page 4) Photo by: Richard J. Brown PA: Tell us about your role as a BUF member? Mrs. Loving: 'I do whatever I am asked to do. Although we have a lot of men in the organization, the BUF provides an excellent opportunity for women to participate. I have been regarded as a part of the leadership, and carry those responsibilities when and wherever necessary. PA: What attracted you to the BUF? Mrs. Loving: I like the BUF because it was the first time I saw a Black group with good leadership. Not only in Portland, but throughout the country. We have people who are committed to make life better for Black people. I have never joined other organizations, but felt the BUF was right for me. There is a respect among the brothers and sisters belonging to the Front, with no political pressure or someone trying to get ahead. I have not witnessed a committment like I see in the BUF, especially in light of the members having fulltime jobs, families, and not making one penny as a result of their involvement. It has been years since I have seen such committment, and I am glad to be a part of it. PA: Can you cite the moment during your community involvement in Portland th.at you were most proud of? Mrs. Loving: The most important PAGE 5 "He giveth power to the faint, and t6 them'that have no might, he increases strength." Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fail." But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." What I just read are words of wisdom and strength for me. I am not quitting, because the job is not finished. PA: Thank you very much. thing that has happended is when we had the one day boycott of Portland Public Schools. To me it was tops, because people kept their children out of school which I think, showed the faith they had in the leadership of the Black United Front. PA: You are often heard saying, you are going to "relax", but it seems as though you will go on and on. What keeps you going? Mrs. Loving: As far as I am concerned, I had prioritized areas I wanted to work on, schools, welfare, police. What keeps me going? I see youg ~en and women working morning, noon, and night who are devoted to carrying out things that need to be done. As a result, it would not be right for me to leave things along. I work knowing things are going to get better for my children and grandchildren here in Portland, and things are changing. Its a goal to shoot for. If we quit now, all the things we have .done could probably regress. The committment must be maintained! PA: Any final comments? Community Engages In Unity . The Black United Front held its 2nd Community Unity Day at Peninsula Park on Saturday August 22nd. Termed a "successful · event", excellent weather conditions brought forth some 3000-4000 persons throughout the day, that included infants, children, young and old adults. It was evident that the event's planners, coordinators, and numerous volunteers knew what they were doing, and no less expertise was shown by · the ladies who catered the food. Given the numbers of Black peopl~, the community showed it can govern itself. A person would be hard pressed to locate a negative experience which would have drawn widespread attention. The BUF security force provided excellent coverage, and it was a pleasant site not to see the "boys in blue" cruising the streets, which surrounds the park, every five minutes. A minor incident did ensue among some teenagers but was quickly quelled by the security force. As stated by Ron Herndon the BUF sponsored event is organized to "allow Black people an opportunity for coming together and sharing their experiences, good or bad~ He went on to say, "we want people to simply enjoy, in a social setting, themselves and the event as we see it is our way of expressing thanks to everyone who supported us from year to year." Numerous donations were made by local businesses (see Economics Committee report page 3 ) which allowed the BUF to provide food, beverages, and trophies. Activities included track com- _petition, music was provided by: Thara Memory, Ron Steen, the Margaret Carter Gospel Singers, and others, the Stars and Stripes Drill Team, roller skating contest, book sale coordinated by the Talking Drum Book Store, the sale of attractive BUF buttons, supervised pool waking, and the obviously popular dance contest featuring the "Pop". Track and dance competitors received 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies. Mrs. Loving: Yes. I remember the song"Love Sweet Love" and sometimes it seems as though the proDescribing the day's events, one of the participants was heard saying, "the day was beautiful, Community Unity Day was another example ~f the solidarity within our community'.' blem among people is a lack of ...------------------, love. We need to be surrounded CABINET CRAFTERS with more love, because with it Custom Cabinets& Fine Woodworking we feel secure and if we know that we are loved, it is easy to extend love to others. The following is taken from Isaiah, Chaper 40, Verses 29-31: Clifford Schatz (503) 281-9806 Alim S. Abdui-Jabbar 2248 N.E. Union Ave. Portland, OR 97212 lI J J I
r r r r r f f r [ ~ ~ r r Pages AFRIKA IN BRIEF by N. Fungai Kumbula ANGOLA: South Afrika's cowardly raids into Southern Angola have continued from Angola's independence in 1975 to the pre$ent. Of late, however, particularly in July, the attacks seem to have taken on an "invasion character" according to the Angola Ministry of Defence. The latest attack included an infantry brigade, two battalions made u~ of mercenaries and South Afrikan troops, a motorized battalion . ' and a1r support. A total of seven villages were occupied by the invaders. ZAMBIA: Another wave of strikes gripped the Zambian Cooperbelt again last month. Some 10,000 miners walker off their jobs in protest over a governmental decision to cut credit privileges. The first strike was at Chililabombwe on July 6, where 10,000 walked out. Later, other miners at other mines walked off the job too, demanding reinstatement of the revoked credit privileges as well as equal pay as foreign workers contracted to do the same job. Appatently, there was a differential for foreign workers. Four trade union leaders and a businessman were detained during the strikes. BLACK GENIUS. GARRETT A. MORGAN (1877-1963) As we drive along city streets, we usually take for granted the traffic lights that command us to stop and tell us. when to go. You are bowing to the powers of a Black genius, Garrett A. Morgan, the inventor of the traffic signal. Garrett Morgan was born March 4, 1877 in Paris, Kentucky. Being raised on a farm, Morgan managed to get an education through grade six. In 1891 he left home headed to Cincinnatti seeking a job. From Cincinnatti, he moved to Cleveland in 1895, the place The previous month when South Afrikan mercenaries and murderers invaded and murdered 49 civilians and 8 Angolan soldiers was considered "normal". South Afrika, as usual, denies invading Angola and instead claims to have "destroyed" two regional headquarters of the Namibian liberation movement, SWAPO. SWAPO has recently scored a number of spectacular successes in Northern Namibia. The most famous of these was the attack at the South Afrikan base at Raucana on July 16th when more than 180 South Afrikans were killed EDITOR'S NOTE: This will be Fungai's last column written in the USA. The next column, for October, will oe coming all the way from the Republic of Zimbabwe. Fungai returns home on September 15th - for the first time in eight years - where he wiJl continue to struggle. he would call home for the NIGERIA: The deteriorating rela- rest of his life. or very badly wounded. , The week of August 15, South Afrika was complaining that the government of Angola had just installed some surface-to-air missiles(SAMS) capable of shooting down invading South Afrikan planes. Can you believe the gall! Maybe, when a few "precious" South Afrikan bombers come tumbling out of the sky, South tions between neighbours Nigeria While there in Cleveland, a,nd Cameroun which led to border employed as a sewing machine clashes this past month seem to adjuster for a clothing manufinally be reaching a resolution.facturer, his inquisitive mind Alhaji Amadou Ahidjo, President kept him tinkering with all of Camaroun will soon pay a visitsorts of mechanical things. On to Nigeria at the invitation of November 20, 1923, his tinkerhis Nigerian counterpart, Alhaji ing paid off when he was Shehu Shagari. Cameroun has of- awarded a patent for inventing fered to compensate the families a three-way traffic signal. of the five Nigerian soldiers Before his invention, traffic killed in the border clash on signals had only two indicators; May 16th. stop and go: The three-way signal added the neutral or caution position that we are familiar with today. Afrika will think twice about There were more headaches in .violating Angola's territorial Kano state Northern Nigeria, integrity. And what a boon this however, following the impeachis going to be to SWAPO. ment of Governor Balarabe Musa GAHBIA: There was a coup in Gambia in neighbouring Kaduna. Though Sir Dawda Jawara who has run The the demonstration$ that rocked Gambia since independence in 1965, Kano resulting in the death of was overthrown while he was away two people and causing some $300 in London at the royal wedding. million in damage were not supThe coup was led by Kukli Samba posed to have been related to Sanyang of the Socialist Revolu- the impeachment, they did occur tionary Party with support from after Kano Governor, Abubakar part of the 500 member paramili- Rimi, had written a caustic lettary Field Force. ter to the Emir of Kano criticizing the impeachment of his ally, Musa. Sir Jawara, however, merely returned to neighbouring Senegal which half-surrounds The Gambia and requested Senegalese troops to restore him to power. The Gambia and Senegal have a "mutual defence" pact. The Senegalese troops came in and quickly forced the would-be-coup-makers to retreat to the Field Force barracks with the hostages they had taken, among them Lady Jawara, the President's wife. By week's end, ~he had managed to escape and the coup floundered. The presence of foreign troops however neighbourly, is going to leave a bad taste in the mouth of many a Gambian, the majority of who are reeling from hard times: the peanut crop, the country's second cash earner along with tourism, was down 40% in the 1980/81 year. ARTJENKINS(Mt(R MAJo AIR coN ~~ AUTO D \ 3945 N. WILLIAA\S NINe 284-9061 SERVICE TRANSMISSION Another invention of Morgan's that precedes the traffic signal is the gas mask. He was granted a patent for the gas mask in 1912. After passing rigid tests, Morgan tried for four years to market his invention. Sometimes he would pose as an Indian with a white man demonstrating his invention. Many whites cancelled their orders for Morgan's gas mask simply because he was a Black man. On July 25, 1916, an explosion occured in an .underwater tunnel in Cleveland. Poisonous gases and heavy smoke quickly filled the tunnel. Garrett Morgan and his gas mask was called upon to lead the rescue effort. He saved 32 lives that day, paving the way for wider acceptance of his invention in this country and Canada. Garrett A. Morgan, A Great Black Genius. Tell your children about him. *Advocate Note: Black Genius will be a regular feature in The Advocate highlighting the genius of Black people from Afrikan antiquity to the pre-- sent day. Read Black Genius regularly and learn of the greatness of our people.
page7 COMMUNITY RAP·& RECOGNITION.. What is your opinion of the recent reinstatement of the two poIicemen in the opossum incident? Alma Hill (Public Affairs Asst.) "I think that they should have been fired, that they should not have been reinstated, and I think that the arbi~ trator should not have came out of southern Oregon where he is insensitive to the problems of the Black community here in Portland." Ron James (Graduate Student) "It's a very strong slap in the face against Black people. How can we consider this a democracy and all the other things associated with having a good government .... if ' Lilly· Denson (Sealer Ope-r. l "It's a bunch of s __ , I think they are a bunch of'rats around here killing possums and stuff, lying and going on. Saooone should take over that can do samething with it. There are a lot of wrong things they are doing and getting away clean. I think samething should be done about it. rvl:izah Mayes (Unemployed·) "I gues I just believe that the strength behind what the white racist is doing, might be sho.ving what it is, just by being able to reinstate the police officers in a situation that we all know is not right. I den 't kno.v that much about the two police officers and it's a bureauacracy behind all that, Joy Trotman (School Teacher) "I feel it is a direct affront to the Black people of Portland, to the Black people of the United States!. What it says is that no matter haw many bills we have, civil rights, racial harassment, whatever••. that when it gets right down to the wire those really don't count. Whenwe've got those people who are to enforce those kinds of things to see that racial harassnent does not happen and they are the very perpetrators of it, it does not give too much credence to anything that the police can do or say at this point." (Photo Not Available) Christie Kilpatrick (Teachers Aid) "Well I really think that Mayor Ivancie has a slight tinge of racism in him. That he has had ever since I've known him. I worked at the Park Bureau years ago and I never trusted the p~rson, b'ecause I don't think he has the best interest of anyone-in mind but himself. Photos by: Kamau they can not only reinstate those policanen but also take Charles Jordan out of his position because of something that was in his right to do. If it. had been white or any other racial group they would not have been reinstated'.' but I ·do know that it 's not hltilalle. It 's not a practice that is right." *Advocate's Note: Community Rap and Recognition will be a regular feature in the Advocate where the Portland Black community gets the opportunity to voice their opinion on matters that impact upon their daily lives. 2115 n.WKiaw~s WILL1AM T . .....,.. D. 28 Q 4/-../-./-.. ......... Qre. M221 . u- l)...)lJ -
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ I I 1.. ' I I I ~ i I L - pageS EDITORIALS Rise! Mig.hty People Riset It is quite interesting to hear complaints from Black and white folk about Reagan and his band of renegades, but we must admit somebody voted for him. Also, we must constantly be aware of increased Klan act~ vity, Black children being destroyed physically and intellectually, a "get tough", "crack down' attitude affecting large numbers of poor and Black people, the re-birth of states' rights, and alleged Black leaders backing away from their opposition, when the opposition gives them a few pieces of silver. Dr. King should have turned over in his grave a thousand --- times by now. The time has come to respond to the call of "up you mighty people", because Blacks are being told daily, we should have gotten while the gettin' was good. Most assuredly, Garvey's call for concerted action is timeless, and necessary for breaking a cyclical process that keeps Black America at the mercy of a white minority. At this point in time, there are very few options. Blacks can wage a battle with an intent to win at all cost, clearly stating we have no friends when those friends are the oppressors, or stand on the sidelines critizing any and everthing, and risk being trampled upon. Local US Congressman Justifies Apartheid Congressman Ron Wyden (D-OR) represents the Third Congressional District which houses the largest concentration of Black people in Oregon. He has finally broken his long silence with respect to Afrikan people brutally ruled and oppressed by white settlers in South Afrika. Wyden's posit~on when analyzed for content, is a direct ~nsult to Black people in Afrika, as well as-throughout the Afrikan Diaspora. He states, "Revolution will not necessarily improve the situation for Black Afrikans." This sophomoric ahistorical position has no basis as fact; all revolutions have helped those people who have engaged in the effort, whether peaceful (such as the industrial and technological revolution) or forceful and accelerated (including the use of violence), as in the cases of the American, Russian, Cuban, and Angolan revolutions. Territories adjacent to South Afrika and some of the front-line states, such as Mozambique, Angola and Zimbabwe were successful in utilizing revolution to free the people. ... .., IUICit -.r ADVOCATE Vol.1, No.4 ·-181D ?IDI" August, 1981 Tbe Portlazld ADVIX:A'lE is published IIXlllthly by tbe Black United Front. Address all illqu:iries and caanents to: P.O. Box 3976, Portland, CR 97208, or call(503) 288-0700. All material subuitted to tbe ADVCCA'rE will be CODSidered for publication and beccme property of tbe AIMX:ATE. Tbe Portland AIMX:ATE is ccmm. tted to articulating the Black experience fran a local, state, national, and international perspective. Serving as a voice of tbe BUF, The ADVCX:ATE will focus on Portland as its first source of illton~~~.tion, and will never be apologetic about its Black viewpoint - be it popular or unpopular. In our attempt to serve as a voice for tbe Black <Xmi!!Jnity, \VB 'M!lcane your caanents, suggestions, and contributions. Wyden's view of the Sullivan Principles as being a solution is a joke. The principles are · nothing more than a cruel version of affirmative action, of which the United States government has not made a reality for Black Americans who,in their mind believes they will force it on South Afrika. M.e>reover, the Sullivan Principles says nothing about· the all important political issue of "one man one vote". We witnessed the American government refusing to condemn South Afrika for invading Angola. Come on Ron, be serious. When Wyden later says the situation will not be improved by "foot-dragging on apartheid" we accept this response, and would suggest that a good-faith effort could be demonstrated by Representative Wyden becoming a co-sponsor to legislation proposed by Rep. Bill Gray of Philadelphia. The bill, HR 3597, would prohibit any new investment is South Afrika. The bill covers bank loans and reinvestment of earning from existing operations in South Afrika and imposes a fine of up to $1 million and up to 10 years in jail for violations. Moreover, Rep. Wyden could follow the lead of the Ad Hoc Monitoring Group on Southern Afrika, and do more than pay 'lip service' to the question. Ad Hoc is a bipartisan group of Congre~spersons who are concerned about US policy in South Afrika. To date, over fifty members of Congress have agreed to lend their services to political prisoners and other banned persons in South Afrika. Or he could "adopt" an Afrikan, as in the case of Congressman George W. Crockett, Jr. of Michigan, who has taken Mr. Dumile Makanda, a Black trade union leader in Port Elizabeth, South Afrika, under his p~rsonal care. Basie's Bash Eludes Blacks No doubt the recent fund . raiser/benefit for Artquake '81 selectively eliminated Blacks from seeing, hearing, or dancing to the music of the Count Basie Band. Can you believe $50.00 per person? Did Brother Basie wonder where his folks were? After 77 years, he has to know there are Black folk in Portland. It, however, never fails. When real talent is needed, call on Blacks to whet the appetites of culturally starved people. And perhaps viewed as a complimentary gesture by Mayor Ivancie_ proclaiming a Count Basie Day, it should be seen as an insult to Portland's Black community. Police Vigilantes Rides · Again _ Ward and Galloway's return has given strong support to Police Vigilanteism. This infamous duo said they threw 'possums in front of Burger Barn because ~t was frequented by criminals. That warped sense of justice epitomizes the notion police have the right to decide who is guilty and how they should be punished. This totally contradicts America's professed belief in innocence until proven guilty and the right to fair trail. Testimony before the arbitrator was filled with cases where police played judge and jury with citizens and received little if any disciplinary action. It appears from the top down the police department decided to condone this "wild west" mentality. Serious questions must be asked of Charles Jordan, since these cases were documented; what was done to eradicate the cancer of vigilanteism? Official testimony indicates the officers were rarely disciplined; why was this practice allowed? Rewarded vigilanteism and a police union whose monthly newspaper has all the characteristics of a "Mercenary Manual", should show all citipens that "'Possum City" is in trouble.
Creation Time POSSUM THROWERS (Marchers To The Third Precinct!) I See the thunderous Roar of the Possum-throwers Laughter the Anguish the Despair upon the premises fallen! the quiet fearthe quiet tearthe (Lets face its) the (Lets get with its) Dividing the God within us! Black Faces! Brown! Yellow! White! Red faces! All soldiers marchingAgainst the Possum Precinct! I hear Justice! Lazarus Children gleaming In Agony's Estuary ScreamingMarch on! March! March on! These Fools been carrying on Too Long! They Are Anti Black! Anti Human! Anti Animal! Anti Decency! Anti Act Responsible!· Anti Life!- Bullying Fools with gunsKilling! Harassing!- Calling it fun! Degrading ingrates gone madEndangering Moms, Children and Dads! Backed by political Crap throws Venom from their nostrils! Puke from their mouths! Beautiful Roses to the fly-Trap! Arbitrating Eunuchs in a brothel Justice in Harness Fools praising Virtue in a chastity Belt. Wine Cellar JusticeAnother Crap throw . . . Portland's LegacyTo the Black Community by Ben Clark My Man is Black My man is Black He is strength, huni.lity, proud, endurance -he knows himself He sees his v.orld thru eyes Quick, keen , alert , in actuality My man smiles down to me -ranaroering yester$y, last evening, always And tCIIX>rrow... and tCIIX>rrow... and tOODrrow He knows We are our light, our salvation our freedan, our v.orth -that God watches in pride as his children Stand ... to conquer the test My man is quietly furious He is dusk, looking to the dawn Mindful, always , of real freed:xn Freedan, to be a Man as he is, Black tho he be Freed:m to &tand proud, and true Part of the earth, part of the soil Part of the future, part of the dream I pray him God-Speed I feel his dreams for rey man is Black My man is me, and I am he We are each other My man is Black by J. Courtney Gordon Page9 FREEDOMWORDS by Joan Courtney Gordon 0 B I P B L S E P A J R G C U I T K D Y E V I J A R G M D N A S U 0 I F 0 C A Y N B D I L B A R H 0 C S H E WCS T I B D I IlO C L M 0 E BXLIASCELKGO R E0CHAMP I 0NSHI PD 0 N Y S E K E T P V A G R U E R N H A P 0 L B R L E I C 0 D I F K AlG N 1 K !I E H T Q L N ! T R A HlO T S Y LfF o R w A R Dill Q o YB~..,,-tl"'l"l T T(T0 GETHER)A L TIDffiACKWARm L E A I 0 C(N E V J! Rl P ll S L W V action alert America Black National Anthem children demand dreams equality Forward Together Backward Never freedom bope humanity justice E march Martin Luther King men Now Is Tbe Time prayer pride protest respect self-worth starid up success support united women 0 D 0 D M L 0 P E T E R J A C K 0 T E D E C L A H E W Z B R A 0 T K I M X R V B G A T L M Y Y N Q B C L H A X C A E K D I E D S A 0 V T B C K L Z P T A Z J D C E L SWNBA Z L S J E R E Y A L P 0 B M T L R0WESTA0RAB0 I L Q A R H T A R E 0 H S L C H B V I N L Y Z V C L A 0 N A C D B A P N Q L D E F E A T E D E Q V I D L D C B S B A L M A H C M C Z H A C H M C T I A 0 B G L F A D C A K Q K V G K R 0 D S C N 0 S N I B 0 R E I K C A J Y K Q D K N K D B Q L M A R C Z K L T N S E Z F A E 'Key' to last month's FREEDOMWORDS puzzle *This month's FREEDOMWORDS puzzle is concerned with History Tidbits. The words which are underlined all appear in the puzzle. They may be printed backwards, forward, up, down, or even crisscross. Read the facts, then find each underlined word in the puzzle, and draw a line through the word (or phrase). Happy hunting ... Are you aware that: TiT SHOESHINE PARLOR S AmWLtnE.nt Cwtl:'t !St32 N.E, UNION AVE. ~O ..TLANO, 0 ... •7all 282-8874 TOM WILSON aet-7341 .AT', 6 8UN, e:oo A .M. Mo,.. •• ,...,, ta:oo ,.,M.-e:oo f"'.M. 1) In boxing, the heavyweight division has, for years, been dominated by Blacks? For 20 years or more, all heavyweight champions have been Black. They have accepted the honor and worn the belt with pride ... for excellence. 2) In 1891, Peter Johnson boxed sixty-one rounds for a draw with Jim Corbett, and in 1907, Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns for the Heavyweight Championship. 3) In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first Black Major League Baseball player. ... nd did you know that: 1) Contrary to what is seen on TV/movies of the old cowboy, more than 5,000 Blacks were working as cowboys in the West? 2) Nat Love, a Black cowboy, earned the title of Deadwood Dick, 3) Outlaws Cherokee Bill and Ben Hodges eluded the law? THE GOVERNOR'S OMELETTE AND SAND~CH SHOP 3240 N. Williams Avenue Portland, OR 281-0280 • SUMMIT: • • • "ORDERS TO GO" (5031 211-USA "EconoDlic Survival of Black People" Lillian William!l lll.my lleed lhrotby Frison operators LIU.IAN'S IIIAUTT SALON 3632 N. Wllllema ~ ur.&U.Jf....... G'n' .... &.011 • ~L I'"&H\ 0' lfO<.If' •OIH ~t ••••tlfH . """ (UI l!lfG- c:u•Lt :M.D••~<t.l•••·•""" , . . . , ......... . . GQ11191ft1 CMIIR'_... 281-38!52 ~Uis (1]1eauers ~~~-- TM. -.u.ITV o"' YO<.Iilll o.--1'· OUIIt C~l-.. ~--U,. 00 IT _....,.TAIL.Oiill3300 N. WILLIAMS AVIE. PORTLAND. OREGON 97217 SponacNdby Oregon Assembly for Black Affairs October 17-18, 1981 Pordan~ Oregon '1HJNDERIIIRI) . , _ a..da . . Ina REGISI'ER NOW1 For addltfoaa11Dformatfon - CaJ1: Conallls: 752.0886 Eugene: 687·5443. Ray Willard PortlaDd: 281·5437 SaJem: 581·9151. evenings • Regtmadon fee: S55 Or Write: OABA P.O. Box 12485 Salem. OR 97309 • • • -.
.· page 10 $5.00 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY p.m. -12:00 midnight l HIS lAND $6.00 FRIDAY $6.00 SATURDAY SUNDAY LICENSED ESTIMATES ) PITBE&SONS Painting BONDED ARNOLD PITRE Owner 5825 N. E. 23rd Portland, OR 97211 (503) 287 - 6377 ~~ Department of := P8J BLACK STUDIES !i22!..! !ll!!! ,... 191'1 OfNrtnga ~ !!!!!..!. ~ lllf l998 -202 -205 asrm SST 233 .... 26l .... 40l.l .... 405¥ .... 40711 .... 407D IlltZOductun co AU'l.c.an ~ -to-·'"- Atd<lon liUtrxy kwyofii!M:ItUtcatiiE'O IIIM:It M1Dcrity ' -· Poll~ IIIM:It - E>qiOI:ionoo - ~-o:mt..... !llllaic in OUJdnll'a IX-. Atricon -J4 __..... .,._ Pol./- . Dip. Poy. Atfctof- ~- ONga\ Mzo I de- iU..8tay Atricon """"-" ~ 9tOG-lOIZOtm lDsOG-10s50,Air l:JD-2s451ml ll:OG-Ul50/Hir l : OD-Ztl.5/MI l: oo-z a.l!/Nf - l0 t3G-Ua45/'1'DI 12Joo-4t5t/P U :OG-Uo50/IW 9 :~ t 50/Sid' -- l:JD-1a45/l'DI 91oo-91~ Portland State University LULA PARKER, Owner CB lH ,....... lll 437 l'C1J.lnK CB lH - Ul 335 MillDE CB lH Littla CB 345 ,_ So.ft So.ft lB 335 '!~~~:bon Cll 34t Littla MillDE ,_ 0!249 t.i.ttl.tl - So.ft - - So.ft ClllU MillDE 1113H ,_ 4:00 , .... - 8:00 ,... lO:OOp.m. - 2:00a.m. SPECIALIZING IN SOUl FOOD 5::.. Breakfast and 5 DAYS SEPT. 9-10-11-12-13 oyal Esquire Clulj ~~~~'!d, oregon IIIIII"'"B........ R ... · !LI."'IIl"' .:a.,. Q'IB rrl:.:..,., A 3217 N. Williams Ave. r\m-___ ~....--Po-rtlan-d, 0-recJon-Ph-.,one 281-8696 L.:: :_j WOODLAWN CLEANERS ALUIATIHS · HY CUA•c ·lA-Y SlmCE WeGiwaAHOreenl...... a.... I ..,. A WMII 1;00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. • • THANKS YOU AUVAA I iseR$ 'I'JE COUlD~H DO If I'JIIHOUT YOU:' SMILEY'S GIANT CHILl DOGS Picnics Fairs Partys Etc. IOIN.l. ---~17211 Yoo tried the rest, now try the Best I -·- LAVEL BROADOUS (503) 220-0296 La Qu1nn Enterprises HeME· OFFICE· BUilDINGS· RESTAURANI'S SIORES ·TRAILERS· TRUa<:S •MASOOARY ... PRESSURE WASHING P. 0. Box 6644 Portland, OR 97228
•• The Black Educational Center Needs Community Support by Mary Avery The Black Educational Center (BEC) founded in May of 1970, has an educational program designed to meet the basic needs of-Black Children; a Black bookstore, providing literature about Black people throughout the world; and a monthly newsletter, reporting world events that impact upon the lives of Black people. The BEC located in the heart of the Black community, at 4919 N.E. 17th, is dedicated to the task of preparing young Black minds for the challenges in todays technological society, yet always reinforcing the student's role and responsibility to the community. Students are taught not to view the~ selves in a vacuum, within the confines of 'this society, but rather from a world perspective, recognizing the commonalities of all Black people whether they are from Afrika, the Caribbean, or the U.S. The BEC, funded primarily through community support, has been successful in educating an estimated 600 Black students since its conception. The school was, however, in jeopardy of not opening this year, because of rising costs, which curtailed student enrollment. Because of a summer recruitment and fund raising campaign the school will be able to stay open for another year. The BEC, the only Black owned, controlled, and operated educational institution in Portland, needs your financial support. Your contribution is tax deductible. The BEC exist solely for the educational and cultural needs of our children. For more information, please contact Ms. Joyce Harris, School Administrator at 284-9552 or drop by the Talking Drum Bookstore,at NE 17th and Alberta. HAJR1JES!fjN CENTER.. 24.9~3.!65 249-3866 lONNIE JENKINS MANGER B..L!\ JOHN SON JANICE W\RT OPERAK:RS __ .,.,) l~- Broadous Auto Service STEAM CLEANING, UNDERCOATING, WASH, POUSH, WAX, SIMONIZED, BLUE CORRAL, PORCELIZED _:]HAc_ 4612 N. WIWAMS AT GOING l 282--9424 PORTABlE SERVICE 209 NE killingsworth Samuel J. Brown, Jr. D.D.S. Carlos L. Weekly, D. M.D. An Overview Of Portland's BUF Activities:1979 -81 July 11, 1979 - BUF became publicly known by announcing a boycott of Portland Public Schools because, Black Children carried the heaviest burden for integrating schools by being bussed; curriculum and teacher training called for vast improvements; discipline policies were questioned; there was little or no meaningful parental involvement; more Black teachers and administrators needed to be hired; Black children needed greater access to neighborhood schools; and a new middle school in the Black community was needed. Rev. John H. Jackson and Mr. Ron Herndon were selected as the organizations spokesmen, reflecting the views of the Blac.k community. July 12, 1979 -A community survey showed 97% of Portland's Black community was willing to boycott schools. August 10, 1979 - Widespread Black community and organizational support gained momentum. August 25, 1979 - BUF sponsored its first community-wide event, called "Children's Saturday" at Fernhill Park. September 4, 1979 - The boycott was deferred because School Board agreed to all of the Front's demands. September 5, 1979 -Black students were able to attend neighborhood schools for the first time since Portland's "voluntary bussing scheme" was implemented. September 10,1979- BUF announced the school district's performance was poor during the first month of school. November 6,1979 - Portland's Black community was urged by the BUF to struggle against incxeased incidences of police harassment and brutality. A "hot line" was launched to handle complaints regarding charges of police harassment or brutality. November 9,1979- BUF began an in-depth look into claims of police brutality. November 27,1979- BUF called for Portland School Superintendent to resign, believing Superintendent helped maintain racist practices in the public school system. November 30, 1979 - BUF critized School Board's proposals, distrusting its voluntary desegregation plan. Again, the Superintendent was called on to resign due to inaction related to BUF demands. December 5,1979 - Dismay was expressed by BUF when House re·- jected a bill to have Martin Luther King Jr. an official state holiday. January ~6,1980 - BUF made it clear any plan that created systematic forced bussing of Black Children would not be accepted. February 5,1980- School Board desegregation plan rejected by BUF, which led to community wide meetings for preparing an alternative plan. February 8,1980- BUF plan called for Eliot School to become a new middle school. February 15,1980 - School Board discussed four plans, one of which was the BUF plan. March 4, 1980 - BUF obtained support from both Black and white parents, who claimed integration was not necessary for quality education. March 5, 1980 - BUF announced Portland's School Board new desegregation plan illustrated the mentality of white racists among its members. March 10,1980- The Front presented its plan for improving the education of Black Children, with support coming from Attorney .Derrick A. Bell, Jr. who came before the Board, At the time, a Harvard Law Professor, Attorney Bell cited the educational dilemma as an academic one based on quality education, rather than school desegregation. April 20, 1980- BUF member.life threatened on several occas1ons by an anonymous caller. (Continued on Page 12) page 11
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