(Continued from Pagf.~ 0) contemplating switching horses. At no time did Herb inform the community of his "change up" on the Eliot and Jefferson issue. It was discovered when he answered a direct question on this issue. This took place at a Black United Front Heeting Herb was requested to attend. In August of 1980 Herb called a press conference at which he read a cleverly worded statement that discouraged Black parents from supporting the Boycott being planned if the School District refused to keep its P-romises to the Black community./ When questioned by members of the community Herb apologized for his statement. For these reasons we have serious reservations about Herb's desire to consistently reflect the best interest of Black children and adults. In the past we have seen him work for the community. However, it is very difficult to view Herb as genuinely willing to identify with Black people and support their struggles. He seems to be constantly imbued with only one purpose and that is to be in the good graces of those sectors of the white community that made known their displeasure when the former school superintendent was fired. reflective of the wishes of a white racist authoritarian element; The Black community remained unperturbed throughout the racist sponsored recall movement. PRESENT OONCERNS The recently elected board represents a throw back to racist fanaticism despite the attempts that have been made to conceal this. Blac.ks will continue to seek: changes in the Singleton Rule; inclusion of Black culture components in the curricula; establishing programs that will produce teachers who can do a better job of teaching Black children; reform disciplinary policies and practice to remove the injustices endured by Black students because of discriminatory suspensions and_expulsions. Committee Reports Culture Supporters of the BUF are picketing the Walnut Park Theatre, and at intervals will do so until the pornographic movies are discontinued. This theatre, located at Alberta and Union Avenue currently shows "Xrated" movies. Northeast area residents have regarded this theatre as a public nuisance for several years. One citizen stated: "I can recall when the place was raided while working as a cab driver. It was a strip joint and a place with live sex shows, and I picked up three fares who lived in Milwaukee." According to some immediate area residents, the theatre has not been .......................................patronized by most residents of North- "As we struggle for freedom in America we will have to boycott at times... it is merely a means to awaken a sense of shame within the oppressor. ·' "It is not enough for the church to be active in the realm of ideas; it must rrove out into the arena of social action." Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. east Portland for the past few years. BUF spokesmen state that the theatre should remain open, if the movies it features are suitable for families to view together. It would be worthy of support if there were frequent presentations of musical productions, plays, and other forms of Black cultural art. If the management persists in showing X-rated movies, the community is detennined to "Close It •.....................................lliwn", the familiar chant of the picketers. Movement Report During the past too years the Black struggle in Portland has had success in the followinr:; areas: ;;1:-tcl~ children are no longer forced to be bussed all over Portland against their parents' wishes; Black children are able to attend the Harriett Tubman middle school; A Black principal and an increased Black staff are now at the King School; Blacks are no longer intimidated into silence and acquiesence by a school board with several members who are obeisant to and Contrary to various news reports, the Contrary to various news reports, the local theatre management was approached regarding its selection of movies, and was informed about camunity disapproval and intentions, according to a BUF spokesrnan. For more information about the picket line, times and days, call: 249-8501 Health The Ilealth Coomi ttee of the BUF has been involved primarily with 3 areas: A) Diaster preparedness; B) Cardiopulnnnary Resuscitation(CPR) training; C) Issues and concerns about mental health. On Saturday, January lOth approximately 30 camnmity volunteers attended a diaster preparedness class taught by the American Red Cross. The class covered such topics as shelter managePage 5 ment and adninistration, energency services and mass feeding. A sirndlar class on January 17th was held for about 2530 registered nurses fran the camrunity. It was agreed that attendance was excellent and the response was enthusiastic. Much valuable infonnation em the role and responsibility of the Red Cross was obtained. Also, in an effort to help families became better prepared, we distributed over 500 of the ''Einergency Preparedness Kits" through camrunity churches. 'lbe Kits contain info:nna.tion on the essentials of winter preparedness, anergency poone nunbers, and discount coupons to purchase certain anergency itans. We are oonducting a>R classes and a first session was held April 18th. Volunteers fran the camrunj.ty are always needed to teach CPR. More infonnation and a sign-up sheet will be available at BUF meetings. In the area of mental health, we are in the process of taking a look at what is needed verses what is available. There are many human services/agencies located in N/NE, however, there appears t() be a significant gap between available resources and quality care. Most agencies receive substantial funding fran public sources, local, state, and/or federal, which means your tax dollar. However, since there is no mechanism at the present time for making these agencies accountable, many of them do not feel any real respcnsibility to the community. Due to the present econanic situation such as, increased unanployment, cuts in welfare, and other hunan services along with increased drug/ alcoool use and abuse, there is an increased need for mental health care. In talking with people in the carmunity, it is felt that a nnnitoring group is needed to protect and assure that we get what we pay for - quality care. Labor Certainly it practically impossible to mention and explain in detail the short and long-term goals and objectives of the BUF's Labor Committee in just one report. However, the committee would lj_ke to call the ~tention of their readers to three specific goals and objectives. One of the main goals and objectives of our committee is the creation and upgrading of jobs in current positoins for Blackso The socio-economic conditions of the Black community are horrible,tragic, and dramatic because of racial discrimdnation and denial of equality of opportunity as far as the hiring of Black people is concerned. In the case of Griggs v. Duke Power Co., the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that practices that are fair in form, but discrimdnatory in operation are forbidden by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. "If an employment practice which operates to exclude Blacks cannot be shown to be related to a job performance, the practice is prohibited by la~.'," according to the Court. In spite '
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