Lifting Up Portland Native Lives in Africa Wins Pulitizer Portland pop star Author who overcame Antonio Blue establishes hardships at top of his music school profession See Metro, page 7 See story, page 2

PO QR code ‘City of www.portlandobserver.com Volume XLVV • Number 13 Roses’ Wednesday • July 7, 2021 Committed to Cultural Diversity ‘We Had no Choice but to Jump’ Predawn fire kills 2, others injured A horrifying fire erupted at a multi-unit apartment in the Sullivan Gulch neighbor- hood of northeast Portland during the predawn hours of July 4, killing at least two people and leaving several others injured. “We had no choice but to jump,” survivors said. Other neighbors described seeing people trapped by flames. The use of fireworks was suspected as the cause of the fire, but no conclusion had been drawn after two days of investigation. Officials said some neighbors reported hearing fireworks in the vi- cinity of the building. The apartments at 2226 N.E. Weidler St., named Hei- A fire quickly sweeps through a multi-unit apartment complex at 2226 N.E. Wilder around 3:30 a.m. on July 4, killing at di Manor, were constructed least two people and leaving several others injured. (KGW-TV photo) in 1972, according to Mult- the scene at 3:30 a.m., offi- and many did not,” said Fire the flames and at the peak, a sprinkler system. She said nomah County tax records. cials said. Chief Sara Boone. there were about 120 fire it was an older complex and Its multiple structures were “The magnitude of this She said there were pow- personnel at the scene. that older complexes often fully engulfed in flames fire moved so quick that peo- er lines coming down while Boone said the apart- do not have as many exits as when firefighters arrived on ple had little time to escape crews worked to extinguish ment complex did not have newer complexes.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden visits Albina Relief for Families Head Start in north Portland to support Visits Albina Head During Wyden’s stop at the Albina the expanded child Head Start in north Portland last Tues- tax credits going Start to promote day, he met with Portland area parents out to qualifying and Head Start staff to talk about the parents on July expanded child tax first child tax credit payments going 15 under the credits out under the American Rescue Plan American Rescue and to show support for expanding the Plan and to call Expanded Child Tax Credits are go- credits to future years. on making the ing out for the first time on July 15 to Adopted by Democrats earlier this credits a long-term solution for working qualifying working families and U.S. year in response to the economic Sen. Ron Wyden, during a Portland families. Also downturn caused by the coronavirus, pictured are Carole visit, expressed his support for the re- the legislation provides the largest Carmichael and lief and proposed that it become a long Continued on Page 4 Keri Truehler of term benefit. Photo by Mark Washington/Portland Observer Publisher Albina Head Start. Page 2 July 7, 2021 Portland Man Basks in Pulitzer Prize ism/) weaves back and forth between sig- Black author who nificant and mundane events in Arbery’s daily life and, in excruciating detail, the overcame hardships minute-by-minute events that led up to his stalking and killing in Brunswick, Ga. on now teaches Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Arbery, whose nickname was Maud, was creative writing a formidable high school football player By Beverly Corbell even though, at 5’10” and 165 pounds, he The Portland Observer wasn’t a real big guy. But what he lacked Mitchell S. Jackson, Portland native and in bulk he made up for in heart, as Jackson Portland State University alumnus, was re- described in the article. cently awarded the Pulitzer Prize, journal- “Game time, the opposing team calls ism’s highest honor, for writing about the the play that Maud put the fierce kaput life and death of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black on in practice, and beneath a metal-halide man who was shot dead after allegedly be- glare that’s also a gauntlet, Maud barrels ing racially profiled and chased by three towards the running back and—BOOM!— white men while he was out jogging. lays a hit that sounds like trucks colliding,” Jackson’s long-form feature story in Jackson wrote. Runner’s World magazine, “Twelve Min- Other excerpts show Arbery’s tender utes and a Life,” (https://www.runner- side, such as helping his sister care for Writing about the life and death of Ahmaud Arbery has given Portland native sworld.com/runners-stories/a32883923/ Continued on Page 10 Mitchell S. Jackson the Pulitzer Prize, the highest honor in the field of journalism. ahmaud-arbery-death-running-and-rac- (Photo from Mitchell S. Jackson Facebook page)

audacious” tax fraud scheme that saw the Trump executive allegedly receive more The than $1.7 million in off-the-books com- pensation, including apartment rent, car Week payments and school tuition. in Nurse Sues for Unlawful Arrest An OHSU nurse who was volunteering as Review a medic during a Black Lives Matter pro- test last year filed suit against the Port- COVID Restrictions Lifted land Police Bureau last week, accusing Oregon and Washington lifted most of their an officer of chasing after him, knocking COVID-19 restrictions last week after vac- him to the ground, slamming his head to cinations against the disease neared 70 per- the pavement and then punching him re- cent of the population 16 and older. Gov. peatedly. Kate Brown called it a “truly a historic mo- ment for our state,” with more work to be Hope Fades at Collapse Site done to reach everyone with a vaccine. Search-and-rescue workers continued to look for open spaces where people might be found alive nearly two weeks after the Champlain Towers South tower collapse in Surfside, Fla. Officials sounded increas- ingly somber Tuesday about the prospects for finding anyone alive.

Cosby Freed from Prison Pennsylvania’s highest court overturned Bill Cosby’s sex assault conviction last Fireworks Ban Limits Calls week finding it was unjust because of an Portland Fire & Rescue officials thanked agreement with a previous prosecutor residents Tuesday for adhering to a fire- that prevented him from being charged in works ban over the long July 4th holiday the case. Cosby was released from prison weekend. The responsiveness helped lim- shortly after the ruling. it potential fireworks related fires to nine incidents, down from 44 during the same Pedestrian Killed on 33rd period last year, officials said. A pedestrian died after being hit by a vehicle at about 1:30 a.m. Monday on Trump Company Charged Northeast 33rd Drive near Columbia Donald Trump’s company and its longtime Boulevard. Portland Police identified the finance chief were charged Thursday in victim as Michael L. Bute, the 31st traffic what a prosecutor called a “sweeping and death of the year. July 7, 2021 Page 3 INSIDE Bullets Fly; Homes Hit The in Week Review page 2

Sports page 6

Metro page 7 Portland Police mark where up to 80 bullets and bullet fragments landed during a Saturday night shooting on Northeast Seventh and Wygant Street, near King Elementary School.

including over 80 cartridge twice the number during the Shooting casings. Four apartments had same time in 2020. scene finds 80 been hit by gunfire, includ- If anyone has information ing occupied homes, police about this latest case, they cartridge casings said. At least four vehicles are encouraged to reference Portland Police officers were also hit by bullets. case 21-181233 and e-mail ArtsENTERTAINMENT assigned to North Precinct Police did not find anyone crimetips@portlandoregon. & page 8 responded to a massive shots who had been wounded. The gov . fired call on Northeast 7th suspects fled prior to police Anonymous tips can be Avenue and Wygant Saturday arriving. sent through Crime Stoppers. night, July 3. The firepower Officials said the Portland Crime Stoppers of Oregon littered the pavement with Police Enhanced Communi- offers cash rewards of up to bullets and struck at least ty Safety Team (ECST) re- $2,500 cash for information, four homes in the vicinity of sponded to investigate. reported to Crime Stoppers, King Elementary School. To date there have been that leads to an arrest in any Opinion page 9 When officers arrived approximately 579 shoot- unsolved felony crime and they contacted witnesses and ing incidents in the City of tipsters can remain anony- found evidence of a shooting, Portland in 2021, more than mous. Classified/Bids pages 10 Heat Deaths Rise to 67 County to study emergency response The Multnomah County Medical Examin- er reported Monday that the number of deaths from last week’s record-breaking heat wave had risen to 64. The deaths were identified be- tween June 27 and July 3, which included three straight days of record-breaking temperatures of 108, 112 and 116 in Portland. The preliminary snapshot shows the people who died ranged in age from 44 to 97, with an average age of 68. The majority were white. Established 1970 USPS 959 680 4747 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Many were found in their homes, with no air Portland, OR 97211 conditioning or fans, official said. Statewide, a The Portland Observer welcomes freelance submissions. total of 107 Oregonians suffered deaths related Manuscripts and photographs should be clearly labeled and PO QR code will be returned if accompanied by a self addressed envelope. to the heat wave, officials said. Deborah Kafoury All created design display ads become the sole property of ublisher the newspaper and cannot be used in other publications or P : Mark Washington, Sr. Of the deaths in Multnomah County, 30 were Three 24-hour cooling centers were opened personal usage without the written consent of the general Editor: Michael Leighton formally ruled hyperthermia or death by exces- and officials said they contacted tens of thou- manager, unless the client has purchased the composition of such ad. © 2008 THE PORTLAND OBSERVER. ALL Office Mngr/Clasfds: Lucinda Baldwin sive heat. The remaining cases are suspected sands of vulnerable elders, people with disabili- RIGHTS RESERVED, REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. Admin.Coord.: Quayuana Washington hyperthermia. ties and pregnant women, distributing hundreds The Portland Observer--Oregon’s Oldest Multicultural Creative Director: Paul Neufeldt Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury of fans and sending more than 60 outreach Publication--is a member of the National Newspaper Association--Founded in 1885, and The National Advertising Graphic Design: Emma Szeimies said the county will be conducting a much deep- teams into the field to reach people experienc- Representative Amalgamated Publishers, Inc, New York, NY, and The West Coast Black Publishers Association Office Asst/Sales: Shawntell Washington er analysis of what happened during the historic ing homelessness. heat wave and how to plan for the future. The additional investigation into “this CALL 503-288-0033 • FAX 503-288-0015• [email protected] [email protected]• [email protected] The county mounted what it called an all- mass casualty event is needed to bring what Postmaster: Send address changes to Portland Observer, PO Box 3137, Portland, OR 97208 hands-on-deck public health response to the is still a very blurry picture into sharp focus,” heat crisis. officials said. Page 4 July 7, 2021

direct deposit will get these Relief for Families payments in their bank account on the 15th of every month Continued from Front of Household). until the end of 2021. People If you’ve filed tax returns for who don’t use direct deposit Child Tax Credit ever and his- 2019 or 2020, or if you signed will receive their payment by toric relief to the most working up to receive a stimulus check mail around the same time. If families ever – and most fami- from the Internal Revenue Ser- you didn’t make enough to be lies will automatically receive vice, you will get this tax relief required to file taxes in 2020 or monthly payments without automatically. Normally, tax 2019, you can still get benefits. having to take any action. relief for the year only comes Officials said low-income For those with children, the the following year when you families with children are eli- plan increased the Child Tax file your taxes, no matter how gible for this crucial tax relief Credit from $2,000 per child much you need it now. – including those who have to $3,000 per child for children This year for the first time, not made enough money to be over the age of six and from starting in July, monthly pay- required to file taxes. $2,000 to $3,600 for children ments will be made. For every Wyden said he wants to under the age of six, and raised child 6-17 years old, families make the added child tax relief the age limit from 16 to 17. will get $250 each month, and a long term proposition. At Al- All working families will for every child under 6 years bina Head Start, he called for get the full credit if they make old, families will get $300 extending this tax relief for up to $150,000 for a couple or each month, officials said. years and years, supporting $112,500 for a family with a The 80% who get their re- President Biden’s American single parent (also called Head funds from the IRS through Families Plan. Obituary

971-276-8674 Remembering Cheryl Jennings Aug. 27, 1961 - June 27, 2021 Cut, trim, edge, power washing, hauling, leaf Auntie Cheri had a loving kind and gentle spirit. She removal, cleanup, anything! was generous and giving and will be dearly missed. FREE ESTIMATES Viewing is scheduled, Wednesday, July 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Zellers Chapel of Roses, 2107 N.E. Broadway. FAIR PRICING July 7, 2021 Page 5 Bridge Installation to Close I-84

Two photos from ODOT show the Blumenauer Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge worksite (left) and an artist rendering of the finished bridge.

Central Eastside is ready for ways of getting around, such rolled into place over Sulli- link for Portland’s Green Weekend work installation, work that will as walking, biking, or taking van’s Gulch at Northeast 7th Loop. will impact close both directions of the transit. Avenue. When it opens in early freeway over this coming Named the Congressman The bridge will then be at- 2022, the bridge will be seis- freeway in weekend. Earl Blumenauer Pedestrian tached to a temporary tower mically resilient and serve as Both eastbound and west- and Bicycle Bridge for the between the I-84 freeway and a backup route for emergency both directions bound I-84 will be closed Portland Democrat’s long railroad tracks, officials said. vehicles over I-84 in the event After over a year of con- around the clock from 10 record of support for alter- Following the initial bridge of an earthquake. In addition struction, a new pedestrian p.m. Friday, July 9 to 5 a.m. native methods of transpor- installation, crews will con- to the bridge, the project in- bridge over I-84, connect- Monday, July 12. People tation, the approximately nect the bridge to the north cludes two new public plazas ing the Lloyd District of driving should expect delays 800,000 pound and 400-foot- landing. In the future it will and landings on the north and northeast Portland with the and use alternate routes or long bridge will be lifted and also serve as an important south sides of the bridge. Page 6 July 7, 2021 Sports Blazers ‘Stand by’ Billups Hire New coach introduced amid criticism (AP) — The Portland Trail lieve he’s the right choice to be our time in 1997, and my daughters Blazers went into damage-control , and the right choice to about what actually happened, and mode while introducing Chaunc- be the kind of ambassador in the about what they may have to read ey Billups as their new coach last Portland community everybody about me in the news and then the week, amid questions about how here has become accustomed to,” media.” they selected him over more expe- Olshey said. When a reporter asked Billups rienced candidates and how sexu- Billups, a five-time NBA All- to elaborate, a moderator said the al assault allegations were lodged Star over a 17-year playing career, question had already been an- against him nearly a quarter-cen- has never been a head coach. He swered and called on another re- tury ago. has served as an assistant with the porter. Billups never faced charges Los Angeles Clippers for the past The Blazers settled on Billups related to those allegations that . after an interview process where came out in 1997 and settled The 44-year-old Billups spoke several people -- San Antonio out of court with the accuser broadly about the concerns from Spurs assistant Becky Hammon three years later. He addressed the 1997 allegations, saying among them -- were talked to that chapter Tuesday, though “there’s not a day that goes by” in about the job. Others known to when he was asked to elaborate which he doesn’t think about the have been on Portland’s list were on some of those comments the impact any decision can have on Brooklyn assistant Mike D’Anto- Trail Blazers refused to let him someone’s life. ni and assis- answer. “I learned at a very young age tant , who withdrew his Neil Olshey, the team’s presi- — as a player, and not only a play- name from consideration. dent of operations, said er but a young man, a young adult Over the course of his career, the team hired an independent firm — that every decision, has con- Billups played for Boston, To- to look into the sexual assault alle- sequences,” Billups said. “And ronto, Denver, Minnesota, De- gations and determined that noth- that’s led to some really, really troit, New York and the Clippers. ing nonconsensual had occurred. healthy, but tough conversations Known as “Mr. Big Shot,” he was talks to media Tuesday after being announced as “We stand by Chauncey, every- that I’ve had to have with my MVP of the 2004 NBA Finals af- the head coach of the at the team’s practice one in the organization, and be- wife, who was my girlfriend at the ter leading the Pistons to a title. facility in Tualatin. (AP photo) Portland Native to Coach Celtics Former Portland native and tant coach for seven seasons with Portland State University basket- the , an assis- ball star Ime Udoka has become tant with the the first PSU player ever to be for one year, and this past season named Head Coach in the NBA, with the . He won named last week to coach the Bos- an NBA Championship as an as- ton Celtics. sistant with the Spurs in 2013-14. Udoka, an alum of Portland’s Udoka was also an assistant for Jefferson High School, end- the 2018 USA Basketball Men’s ed up playing seven seasons in National Team. the NBA. He started 75 games “It’s an honor to be a part of the for the Portland Trailblazers in historic Celtics franchise,” said 2006-07. Udoka. “I look forward to getting The 43-year old was an assis- started right away.”

Ime Udoka reacts during an NBA basketball game back in 2015 while serving as the assistant coach for the San Anonio Spurs. (AP file photo) July 7, 2021 Page 7

Mississippi Vancouver Alberta East County North Portland Beaverton Lifting Up Lives in Africa Portland pop star establishes music school

By Golok Nanmwa Antonio Petty Johnblue, an American pop star from Portland popularly known as Antonio Blue or King Rawsky, has embarked on a mission to establish a music school in Jos, Nigeria, the capital city for Plateau State, for young people who intend to have a career in music. Ezekiel Gosan, the Nigerian rep- resentative of Rawzky Records En- tertainment, Blue’s American-based music label, made the disclosure in a recent statement in Jos. Gosan said that the school would be running courses such as instru- ment handling, voice training, stu- dio voicing, lyrics composing and how to succeed in music among other topics. The aim of the school is to em- power less privilege youths with musical skills to be self reliant, he said. Blue is motivated to establish the school for the entire African region, to encourage youths from humble backgrounds, like himself, to over- come their challenges and succeed in life. As a musical force to reckon with, Blue is an example of a person who Portland born pop musician Antonio Petty Johnblue, popularly known as Antonio Blue or King Rawzky, is has overcome many huddles and establishing a music school for young people in Africa. obstacles on his way to a successful from Mt. Hood Community Col- for youth, delivering the message munity as a volunteer with a non- career, Gosan said. lege and a Bachelor of Arts from of upliftment through self-improve- profit animal rescue, he added. “Through sacrifices and will Portland State University. ment, Gosan said. Gosan said Blue is writing a book power, he has made his mark in the Now known as a voice of Af- “That’s why the people voted for titled “Revelation’s of King Raw- music industry and that is the spirit rica and voice of America, the him to take his audience on a mu- zky, Game Loves No One” that he wants to inculcate into those de- award-winning singer has put in the sical journey through the peaceful would soon be launched. siring to venture into music,” Gosan time to change the trajectory of his regions of the Netherlands,” Gosan He added that proceeds from said. “Though he hails from a des- life by moving from the streets to said. “This American idol has com- the book would be used to support titute background, he excels due to the classroom to the boardrooms of mitted himself to humanity and re- non-profit wildlife preservation. his love for the craft of music.” teaching, Gosan said. storing society.” Golok Nanmwa is a journalist Blue has educational background It’s never easy, but Antonio Blue Alongside his musical endeavors, from Jos, the capital city of Plateau in law and holds a music degree works long hours to set an example Blue dedicates himself to his com- State, Nigeria. Page 8 July 7, 2021 Arts ENTERTAINMENT& Films Bring Laughter, Tears, Impact Two new screenings Opinionated outside the lines udge by J Darleen Ortega of dominant rison, a revelation), so that he can which were derailed by a teenage realize his longing to be a parent, pregnancy that her family seems culture and some sort of relationship en- not to have gotten over. Matt is Two films available for screen- sues. But this film doesn’t just rely earnest, well-meaning, and in- ing now find the truth, humor, and on the unusual circumstances to clined toward too many opinions beauty outside the lines of domi- carry all the weight of this story; about how Anna lives while car- Ed Helms and Patti Harrison explore love and parenthood from nant culture and convention and it finds truth here that feels more rying his child; Anna has already unexpected angles in ‘Together Together.’ (Courtesy of Bleeker in the spaces where things appear honest and relatable than in any relinquished one child and adopts Street Media) to be slightly askew. Both films rom-com. a sort of matter-of-fact stance— evoke laughter, tears, and deeper Matt is 45, white, and well- but perhaps because of the losses support a kind of togetherness that who has never given birth nor thought that you might at first ex- off, having designed an app that she has suffered, she notices a lot in some ways feels more togeth- been a biological parent, but who pect. allows people to essentially win- and is quite capable of holding er than a lot of romantic relation- has deep relationships that fre- “Together Together” is set up dow-shop for people they are not her own against Matt’s intrusions. ships do. quently don’t fit into convention- to look like a romantic-comedy; going to date. Anna is a 26-year- And both are unattached—which Along the way, things happen al boxes). Matt’s resourcefulness middle-aged single man Matt (Ed old Asian-American barista trying does not mean that they are des- that will make you think of your about his situation is admirable Helm, excellent) engages a gesta- to scrape together the means to re- tined to be “together together,” as own life no matter what your ex- tional surrogate, Anna (Patti Har- sume her plans to attend college, Anna’s coworker notes, but does perience (speaking as someone Continued on Page 11

Photo courtesy Searchlight Pictures The Fifth Dimension performing at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, in the documentary “Summer of Soul” from Ahmir Thompson, better known as Questlove. Hollywood Theatre Reopens 70mm screenings starting on July ‘Summer of 16, including Stanly Kubrik’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Soul’ movie and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet (2020) to celebrate the landmark’s kicks off return 95th anniversary. After 475 days, northeast Port- “We’re extremely grateful to land’s Hollywood Theatre re- the Portland community for the opened Friday, the first time since 15 months of support we received the COVID-19 pandemic, with the during our closure. We truly first screening of Summer of Soul, would not be opening our doors a brand-new documentary direct- if it weren’t for our audiences ed by The Roots’ Questlove. To celebrate, the nonprofit Continued on Page 11 theater will also begin a series of July 7, 2021 Page 9 Opinion Letter to the Editor Mixed Emotions in Making of Holiday step of a long held dream and for descendants of slaves in this she believe that one day, we’ll Vancouver vision. country. I carry that hope and need proof that we are descen- Collier served on the June- will continue to work towards dants of slaves in order to qualify NAACP on teenth Committee since its in- that goal. It may not happen in for reparation payments. ception 10 years ago, nine of my lifetime, but maybe it will “Our long overdue forty acres progress; them as chair. Growing up in happen for my grandchild.” and a mule,” she said. Lake Charles, La., about an hour Collier advises us to all ex- Warmly, and 45 minutes from Galverston, plore our family history and doc- Jasmine Tolbert, challenges Texas, Juneteenth was a day that ument and pass that information president of NAACP her family celebrated as tradi- on to future generations because Vancouver Branch 9 ahead tionally as the Fourth of July. Editor’s note: Vancouver The celebration always in- State Farm R NAACP President Jasmine Tolbert volved oral and recorded ac- shares the following message about making Juneteenth a new countings of the story behind federal holiday and the need it and included the mantra that to continue efforts to dismantle Juneteenth should be known systemic racism. and recognized throughout the nation. Collier was excited to Michael E Harper My Dear Community, leaders at the NAACP from help bring the history and cul- Agent For many Black citizens, continuing to fight for change ture of Juneteenth to Vancou- this past Juneeteenth stirred up and dismantle systemic racism. ver. Providing Insurance mixed feelings. The signing of We will still celebrate for a day For her, formalizing the hol- and Financial Services Juneteenth becoming a federal that many of our ancestors could iday was just the first step to- holiday, brought on frustration only dream of celebrating. wards America coming to terms Home Office, Bloomingon, Illinois 61710 that other items like reparations, For long-time NAACP mem- with the need to make repara- voting rights, or the restructuring ber Carol Collier, the Juneteenth tions for slavery. We are located at: of policing have not been passed. holiday is the first step towards “Juneteenth is now a holiday 9713 S.W. Capitol, Portland, OR Folks want to celebrate our reparations. as a result of education and truth 503-221-3050 • Fax 503-227-8757 true Independence Day, but they A former Vancouver NAACP in education helping people un- also want to be liberated from treasurer and Juneteenth Com- derstand this nation’s history and [email protected] the things that keep them from mittee chairperson, Collier said come to terms with recognizing freedom. the signing of the legislation last and memorializing that truth,” Please know that a holiday Thursday making Juneteenth a Collier said. “For me this is the being passed does not stop your federal holiday marked the first real first step towards reparations We are Open!

For your light bulbs & parts to repair or make fixtures 503.281.0453 • Fax 503.281.3408 3901 N. Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227 Web: www.sunlanlighting.com E-mail: [email protected] Page 10 July 7, 2021 Classifieds/Bids Portland Man Basks in Pulitzer Prize Continued from Page 2 “That’s what white people should that’s what it’s all about.” APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS be doing all the time.” Arbery’s killing, along with her new puppy and driving more Jackson also wrote about the those of Breonna Taylor, George ONLINE APPLICATION ONLY than an hour to Savannah to buy history of jogging, which was Floyd and other Black Americans, AREA I Plumbers a Build-A-Bear and a gold, heart- started in the U.S. by Bill Bow- contributed to a wave of protests shaped promise ring for his girl- erman, former track coach and last summer in the movement Apprenticeship Program(Non Union) friend Shenice Johnson, who said co-founder of Nike, but he said it’s against systemic racism and police Requirements-min 18 yrs old, HS Diploma/GED and transcript he was always a perfect gentle- still a white man’s sport. brutality, which Jackson addressed w/1 yr. HS algebra or higher w/passing grade or equivalent man. “Ahmaud Arbery, by all ac- in an interview with the Universi- community college placement test. “When I was with him, I didn’t counts, loved to run but didn’t call ty of Chicago News, where until Accepting applications July 6-19 have to worry about anything,” himself a runner. That is a short- recently he was a faculty member she said. coming of the culture of running,” teaching creative writing. He’ll be Area I Sign Installers Jackson’s detailed description Jackson wrote. “That Maud’s jog- starting a new position, also teach- Apprenticeship program(Non Union) of Arbery’s life reveals a person- ging made him the target of he- ing creative writing, in the English Accepting applications all year able and caring young man with gemonic white forces is a certain department at the University of Requirements-min 18 yrs old/HS Diploma or GED & 1 yr. HS a lot of love for his family and failure of America…Blacks ain’t Arizona this fall. pre-algebra or equivalent post HS with “C” or above friends. Jackson’s narrative about never owned the same freedom of “Oftentimes victims of police Area I Painters the murder is both chilling in its movement as whites…” brutality or misconduct … are just brutality and heart breaking, that And education, of course, is seen as a victim,” Jackson said. Apprenticeship program (Non Union) such a promising and hopeful another way to combat racism, by “It was really important to me to Accepting applications All year young man was slaughtered be- teaching children the truth about show how Arbery lived, which is Must supply proof of Minimum 17 years old. cause of the color of his skin. our racist past. why I named the piece ‘Twelve For information on our openings, please visit our website www. Jackson was certainly aware “I think it’s necessary,” he said. Minutes and a Life,’ because his areaonejatc.com of racism while growing up in “It’s been politicized but it doesn’t life was just as important as the 12 north and northeast Portland, “the have anything to do with poli- minutes when he was hunted.” Minorities and women encouraged to apply. whitest city in America,” but he tics…I’m not buying into that it’s He succeeded, according to doesn’t think things have gotten making white kids racist to teach the Pulitzer Prize Board, which much better. about racism in America. It’s not recognized Jackson “for a deeply “I realized how segregated we making little white kids racist or affecting account of the killing” Fifth Avenue Court Apartments were then, but I didn’t understand feel guilty, and if they do, that’s of Arbery that “combined vivid the mechanisms, like redlining,” healthy.” writing, thorough reporting and he said in an interview with the Jackson said racism is an insid- personal experience to shed light Waitlist open for affordable studios Portland Observer. ious problem here and it’s easy for on systemic racism in America.” and 1 bedrooms Violence in last year’s Black Black people to feel defeated. He Jackson is the author of mul- Lives Matter protests overshad- knows what he’s talking about. He tiple works of fiction and nonfic- Income and student restrictions apply owed the violence that Black got into trouble as a teen and spent tion, according to the University lives face every day from police, 16 months in the Santiam Correc- newspaper, including his mem- and Jackson lamented that white tional Facility in Salem. But he oir “Survival Math,” about his P:503.241.8404 groups, though they had good turned himself around and earned experiences growing up Black intentions, took over some of the a bachelor’s in speech commu- in Portland, and the novel “The E: [email protected] demonstrations when they should nication and master’s in writing Residue Years.” He is the recip- have let Black voices lead. from Portland State University ient of a Guggenheim Fellow- “They were not wrong, but followed by a master’s in fine arts ship, a Creative Capital Grant, they seemed to overshadow the in creative writing from New York a PEN/Hemingway debut fiction violence that actually happened University. You just can’t give up award and numerous other writ- against Black people and people hope, he said. ing honors. of color,” he said. “Maybe one “I think it’s almost about learn- “Mitchell S. Jackson’s special thing to learn in Portland is that ing about your circumstances but brilliance, announced in his mem- allyship doesn’t have to be so loud don’t feel submerged in them, oir, ‘Survival Math,’ lies in pre- – let them lead.” which is easy to do, with people senting individual Black men with But whites, if they will, can getting shot every day, living in respect, honesty and love, track- help combat racism, he said, by Section 8, it’s real easy to feel ing with detailed research and examining their own vanities and defeated,” he said. “But if you in- in powerful prose how each has motives and doing what they can vestigate and interrogate, to have found ways to survive in a hos- to even the racial playing field. a better perspective and also find tile world,” said John Wilkinson, “If you see something (that is people who will give you aid and chair of the University of Chica- racist), say something,” he said. perspective — and stay hopeful — go’s creative writing program.

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Rita Moreno on the set of ‘West Side Story,’ as shown in the documentary ‘Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It’ (Courtesy of MGM Media Licensing) Films Bring Laughter, Tears, Impact Continued from Page 8 I approached “Rita Moreno: enlisted to play a string of stereo- Just a Girl Who Decided to Go typical ethnic “others”—island but also necessary; people put For It” with some wariness—not girls, concubines, sex objects— 5010 NE 9th Ave so little effort into understanding because I don’t admire the Latina and expected to employ indistinct Portland, Or 97211 and supporting what they don’t icon of stage and screen (I very ethnic accents. The type-casting Phone: 503 284-2989 know how to categorize. While much do) but because I braced continued even after her Oscar much about Matt’s circumstanc- against the way icons from mar- win and since, by then, she had We specialize in a variety of cuts for men and es is nevertheless enviable, it’s ginalized communities are used to decided to refuse such roles, she women, hot towel razor shaves, braiding, hair not hard to understand why Anna feed a narrative about the “Amer- didn’t work in film for several extension, Shampoo, blow dryer and Platinum fade. would find herself happy to spend ican dream”—that anyone from years. She was raped by her agent Call Today or Walk in !!! time with him despite their many even the most humble beginnings and regularly experienced sexual differences. And Anna—well, Pat- can make it here if they just “de- abuse throughout her early career. ti Harrison steals this movie, cap- cide to go for it.” Sure enough, And an extended and tempestuous turing more complexity in a look within the first few minutes of the relationship with Marlon Brando or in the tone of a brief comment film, President Obama and televi- culminated in a botched abortion than most rom-com protagonists sion writer and producer Norman and a suicide attempt. The Amer- manage to convey in clunky ex- Lear herald Moreno as the embod- ican dream is regularly a night- position. Anna is somehow herself iment of the “American dream.” mare, even for its most successful without having quite figured out Although the film never directly dreamers—and for every person Beef - $5.29 per lb all of what that means; though she confronts those statements, it tells who decides to go for it and “suc- means to be diffident, she also is Moreno’s story in a way that puts ceeds,” how many talented dream- Pork Chops - $4.09 per lb curious, and Matt’s earnestness the lie to them. Yes, Moreno came ers don’t manage to survive such Stew Meat - $5.09 per lb (along with the realities of carry- to U.S. with her seamstress moth- obstacles? And what kind of suc- ing a life) seem to open her too, er from Puerto Rico at age five cess was denied to even someone Ground Beef - $4.99 per lb Theotis Cason even despite herself. and, by age six, she was dancing as successful and talented and de- Beef Tenderloin - $4.00 off 503-287-0855 in Greenwich Village nightclubs termined as Rita Moreno? The boundaries get messy and, 5015 NE MLK Blvd. truthfully, all relationships are and signed a contract with MGM Those questions get fair (if Whole Frozen Chicken - hard, and those that don’t fit into while she was still a teenager. At sometimes indirect) attention #1.99 per lb Portland, OR 97211 conventional boxes are particu- age 20, she appeared in “Singin’ from this film, ably directed by Catering Available Baby Back Ribs - $2.99 per lb larly so. But in the end, this film in the Rain,” and she won an Os- Mariem Pérez Rivera, in large part is about all kinds of true things— car for “Westside Story” when she benefitting from Moreno’s own what it means to be a parent, what was 30. quite remarkable self-awareness it means to be generous, what But a large chunk of Moreno’s and commitment to honesty. We it means to be intimate, what it career involved roles that she felt are fortunate that someone with means to be human, what it means ashamed of while she was play- to be together. (Streaming on sev- ing them; she was required to use Continued on Page 12 eral platforms.) make-up to darken her skin and Hollywood Theatre Reopens to get back inside the theatre. We The footage from this festi- Continued from Page 8 are beyond excited to have finally val was never seen and largely Rib Express reached this point,” he said. forgotten–until now. Featuring 625 NE Killingsworth, Rib Express, tasty food and members keeping us afloat Summer of Soul, part music never-before-seen concert perfor- Portland, OR 97211 and friendly neighborhood throughout this past year-and-a- film, part historical record–centers mances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Call to Order: 503-919-6921 atmosphere. half,” said Hollywood Theatre around the Harlem Cultural Festi- Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Open (hours) Executive Director Doug Whyte. val, an epic event that celebrated Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ma- Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun: 1pm- 9pm • Closed Tuesday and Wednesday “We were able to find some Black history, culture, and fashion halia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th creative ways to continue bring- over the course of six weeks in the Dimension and more! ing films to our community, but summer of 1969, just one hundred Tickets are available at holly- we know everyone’s been waiting miles south of Woodstock. woodtheatre.org. Page 12 July 7, 2021 Films Bring Laughter, Tears, Impact Happy Birthday Continued from Page 11 good advice that she needed ther- (Terry Gross’s recent interview such a juicy life story (Moreno is apy (advice he might well have of Moreno on “Fresh Air” offers now almost 90) has also clearly self-applied), and of a long and an interesting supplement to the done the personal work to reflect apparently loving and successful film, especially as to Moreno’s korie! on her life with clarity that affords marriage that also made her feel role in “West Side Story.”) her the somewhat rare capacity to trapped. She expresses both grat- The result is a remarkably hold the “both-and” of her experi- itude for the meatiness of the role helpful examination of what ences. She speaks frankly of the that won her an Oscar, and also is better termed the American abuses she has withstood in Holly- reflects on the complexity of play- nightmare—redeemed in rare wood, of the self-hate that impact- ing a character whose embrace of cases by those who are especially ed her relationship with the “lust “America” famously involves re- resilient and who also choose not of her life,” Marlon Brando, of his jection of her native Puerto Rico. to forget (against lots of pressure) that there are plenty in their com- Providing Insurance and Financial Services munities who work just as hard, decide to go for it, and don’t suc- Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 ceed. Moreno’s peculiar combi- nation of buoyancy, resilience, and honesty allow this film to tell Ernest J. Hill, Jr. Agent a truer story than we normally get to see, and also affirmed much of 311 NE Killingsworth St, the experience of this Latina and Portland, OR 97211 likely many others. It’s currently enjoying a theatrical run. 503 286 1103 Fax 503 286 1146 Darleen Ortega is a judge on Korie Washington-Ta [email protected] the Oregon Court of Appeals and 24 Hour Good Neighbor Service R the first woman of color to serve in that capacity. Her movie and Love, your family theater review column Opinion- ated Judge appears regularly in The Portland Observer. Find State Farm R her review blog at opinionated- judge.blogspot.com. HappyHappy BornBorn Day!Day!

Hirani Baldwin Jamar Tarver Love, your family

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