(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
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