Campus Love, Support Surviving a during COVID-19 Pandemic Karin Edwards on our Grassroots collective response to lender health crisis helps small See Cascade Connections, page 7 businesses See Local News, Established in 1970 page 3

PO QR code ‘City of www.portlandobserver.com Volume XLVIV • Number 12 Roses’ Wednesday •May 6, 2020 Committed to Cultural Diversity Important Election Looms Ballots out;

photo by Beverly countdown begins Corbell/The by Michael Leighton Portland Observer Portland Observer Editor Portland Attorney Voters in the May 19 Primary have less than two weeks Ernie Warren puts his to mark their ballots in an important vote-by-mail election 31 years as lawyer that will decide who wins many local offices outright or heading up his own sends their campaigns into a runoff in November. In ad- law firm and a lifetime dition, two ballot measures face ratification and adoption of pursing justice with a simple majority. issues as qualifications In Portland, a diverse field of candidates faces votes in a campaign for with candidates of color and clearly liberal credentials election as an Oregon running in all four contested races for seats on the Portland Circuit Court Judge for City Council, including mayor; an open position on the Multnomah County. Oregon Circuit Court in Multnomah County; and contest- ed positions for Metro Councilor and Oregon Secretary of State. The names of Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Ber- nie Sanders will appear on the Democratic Primary Ballot for President, but Biden is already the presumed nominee after beating Sanders in recent contests and holding what political experts say is an insurmountable lead. Sanders and Warren have already conceded, but in some cases they can collect more delegates for the party convention. A two-way race for Multnomah County District At- Warren Campaigns for Judge torney features Mike Schmidt, a former deputy DA and broker. But far from coddling his son, the senior Warren justice reform candidate who has won endorsements from Experience and community was insistent that his son learn the value of work. From civil rights and racial justice advocates versus Ethan O. the time he was just 9 years old, while other kids were Knight, another former deputy DA and assistant U.S. At- ties win accolades playing summer sports, Warren Jr. was expected to work torney who has endorsements from a wide swath of the legal establishment, prosecutors, police and firefighters. by Beverly Corbell and work hard. Two ballot measures face voters in Portland, a proposed The Portland Observer Warren said he remembers joining his grandfather at Ernest “Ernie” Warren Jr., a seasoned Portland lawyer, the time, who would pick him up before daybreak, to go city measure to renew a 10-cent per gallon fuel tax to pay passionate civil and criminal defense attorney and long pick whatever produce was in season on local farms. for street repairs, maintenance and safety; and a proposed time advocate for pursing justice issues, is asking voters “So I know what it’s like to go out and pick berries and Metro tax on high incomes and business profits of over $5 to put him on the bench for an open seat on the Oregon beans all summer long and have your hands all stained million to pay for homeless services. Circuit Court for Multnomah County, one of six candi- with dirt,” he said. Continued on Page 11 dates running in Oregon’s May 19 vote-by-mail election. Warren said the values he learned growing up in a big Warren has been a mainstay in Portland’s African close knit family formed the basis for his lifelong involve- American community since his family migrated here from ment in the community. In 1990, he opened the first Afri- Texas in the 1930s and ‘40s. can American-owned law firm in the state with the goal of The Warren clan came to Portland from Pleasant Hill, “being a resource to the community, serving the common Texas after mechanization took their farming jobs, During good and steadfastly pursuing justice.” He said he was in- World War II, employment at ESCO Corporation, today spired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice a global manufacturer of metal parts, provided economic anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” opportunity. By the 1960s, there were more Warrens in “I’m running because I want to be a person who main- Portland than back in Texas, and like other second and tains justice and always do what is right,” Warren said. third generation members of the black community, they In his 31 years in practice serving a diverse clientele, were employed in many different professions. Warren earned a reputation as a passionate attorney and In an interview the Portland Observer, Warren told how his father, Ernest Warren Sr., was a successful insurance Continued on Page 11 Ballots for the May 19 vote by mail election are out. Page 2 May 6, 2020 Young Activist Runs for Metro Council coronavirus pandemic caused a tunities that have happened.” Position has no worldwide health crisis, said he Service to others is his life’s felt lucky that he had been able to calling, Whitten said, but his great incumbent in find successful employment and a passion is racial justice, and his career in public service. But while initial encounter with racism was crowded field he credited the support he’s had, he when he first got to Oregon. by Beverly Corbell also pointed to his own hard work “We were in Albany and went The Portland Observer to make a productive life for him- there to stay at my friend’s dad’s When Cameron Whitten moved self. house, but after one night the dad to Portland at age 18, he had no To focus on his campaign, asked us to leave because he was place to live and no resources, but Whitten ended his tenure as exec- uncomfortable having a black man a local nonprofit with a long histo- utive director of the Q Center to in his house,” he said. “Coming ry of helping homeless youth took devote the time necessary to win from Virginia, where I never had him in. Now he wants to give back an election. Besides the Q Center experienced overt racism like that, and is running for the District 5 which offers programs to support it made no sense to me. I actually seat on the Portland Metro Coun- the LGBTQ+ community, Whitten laughed at myself and said, ‘What! cil, a regional government serving has served as founder of the racial There are racist people in Oregon?’ Multnomah, Clackamas and Wash- justice nonprofit Brown Hope, Ten years later I no longer find it ington counties. known for the Reparations Power funny.” “I was a client at Outside Inn, Hour and Blackstreet Bakery. He The historic racist devastation I had access to mentors, to meals, also serves on the boards of Reach of the black community in Port- to shelter, and I had advocates that Community Development and Pio- land by gentrification and so-called helped me enroll in school and be neer Courthouse Square. civic improvements or Urban Re- successful,” Whitten said, describ- A long time activist, Whitten newal, cannot be overstated, Whit- ing his experience with the organi- led protests following the deaths ten said. zation and a concern that too many of Trayvon Martin, Eric Gardner, “Place is so important. Place others, like he was 10 years ago, Sandra Bland and other people of shapes our identity, it shapes our are still vulnerable. color, and in 2012 he staged a 56- community and it shapes our fu- photo by Beverly Corbell/The Portland Observer “Our world is so broken right day hunger strike in front of City ture,” he said. “In Portland, we Steeped in Portland political activism for a decade, Cameron now, and I think the resources that Hall that focused attention on the took that from our black commu- Whitten is running for a seat on the Metro Council in the May currently exist do not adequate- suffering caused by the city’s hous- nity.” 19 Primary. He most recently served as executive director of the ly meet the needs we have,” he ing crisis. Whitten is so passionate about nonprofit Q Center and is founder of the racial justice nonprofit said. “There are people who are On top of all that, in 2016 he the loss to the black culture in north Brown Hope. extremely vulnerable with very in- earned his bachelor’s degree in and northeast Portland that he even tense challenge.” economics from Portland State ness administration. number of years I’ve been on this launched a walking tour, “The Hid- Whitten, in an interview with University, and he is currently “I’m 28 and the impact I have planet,” Whitten said. “But I think Continued on Page 5 the Portland Observer before the studying for his master’s in busi- made has been outsized to the it speaks to my passion and oppor-

gized last week to people who have The encountered problems trying to ap- Established 1970 USPS 959 680 Week ply for unemployment during the 4747 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97211 in coronavirus crisis. A record number The Portland Observer welcomes freelance submis- of people have applied for bene- sions. Manuscripts and photographs should be clearly Review fits, but many have been stymied labeled and will be returned if accompanied by a self addressed envelope. All created design display ads be- COVID Hospitalizations Fall by breakdowns in the system. “If come the sole property of the newspaper and cannot State officials reported the number be used in other publications or personal usage with- you’re waiting on an unemploy- out the written consent of the general manager, unless of Oregonians sick enough to be ment claim: I hear your frustration,” the client has purchased the composition of such ad. hospitalized with coronavirus hit © 2008 THE PORTLAND OBSERVER. ALL RIGHTS Brown, a Democrat, wrote on Twit- RESERVED, REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN a new low Sunday. There were ter. “I’m sorry for the delays.” PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. 92 active hospitalizations May The Portland Observer--Oregon’s Oldest Multicultur- al Publication--is a member of the National Newspa- 3. That number represents a drop Hispanics Hit Hard by Virus per Association--Founded in 1885, and The National of more than 40%t from the 156 New data show that nearly half of the Advertising Representative Amalgamated Publishers, Inc, New York, NY, and The West Coast Black Pub- reported hospitalizations on April people who have tested positive for lishers Association 8, the first day state officials dis- COVID-19 in Washington County, closed active hospitalizations for representing Hillsboro, Beaverton confirmed cases of COVID-19. and other local cities identify as Hispanic, even though the coun- ty’s overall Hispanic population is 16.5%. The pandemic brings into PO QR code sharp focus the systemic social, Publisher: Mark Washington, Sr. economic and health inequities that Editor: Michael Leighton many of our Latinx residents already Advertising Manager: Leonard Latin face, Washington County public Office Manager/Classifieds: health officials announced. Lucinda Baldwin Protest at State Capitol Creative Director: Paul Neufeldt Hundreds of people opposed to Bottle Drop Complaints A dispute over large crowds at Reporter/Web Editor: Beverly Corbell Oregon’s stay-at-home order demonstrated at the state Capitol a BottleDrop center at Hayden Public Relations: Mark Washington Jr. on Saturday as public health offi- Meadows in north Portland has Office Assistant/Sales: Shawntell Washington cials in the state announced doz- escalated with the owner of the ens more cases and five additional retail strip mall hiring guards and CALL 503-288-0033 deaths from COVID-19. Most of fencing off a vacant lot where peo- FAX 503-288-0015 the protesters were white and did ple were lining up to return cans. [email protected] not wear face masks, and many The retail development’s CEO Va- [email protected] waved American flags and Trump nessa Sturgeon said the company [email protected] campaign signs. needed to step in to prevent drug Postmaster: Send address changes to dealing and fights, but representa- Portland Observer , PO Box 3137 , Record Unemployment Claims tives of the bottle drop said it was Portland, OR 97208 Oregon Gov. Kate Brown apolo- the guards causing chaos. May 6, 2020 Page 3 INSIDE L o c a l N e w s The in Week Review page 2

Adam Cherkaoui, the owner of Taste of Casablanca, found himself shuttering his food cart to protect his family and clients from the spread of COVID-19. He one of the small businesses served by Micro Enterprises Services of Oregon (MESO), a nonprofit born out of the Black United Fund. With MESO’s help he received a grant to help him support his family until he can reopen.

Metro page 6 Grassroots Lender on Front Lines Nonprofit community resource pushes ahead by Michael Leighton The loan account will be backed hair and nail salons, family-owned ascade Portland Observer Editor by contributions from foundations, markets and dry cleaners. C A small business micro lender traditional banks and other donors. The micro lender normally sees page 6 born out of the Black United Fund Shah said her nonprofit is being about 600 to 700 people a year, but Connections is building up its resources to help inundated with requests for help. is now getting nearly a hundred firms survive financially during the “These obstacles seem insur- calls each week, she said coronavirus pandemic. mountable right now, but I believe “There’s been small victories Micro Enterprise Services of and trust in what I have seen in the but there’s also a lot hardship” Shah Oregon’s (MESO) “40/60” loan past 15 years: MESO entrepreneurs said. “It’s what it is right now. Quite product is gearing up to help very have the skills, grit and persever- devastating.” small businesses with flexible loans ance to not only survive the current Shah is quite optimistic, howev- to help them pay rent and other ex- situation, but emerge stronger for er, over the long run. She worked penses as public health stay at home the experience,” she reported. at MESO through the 2008-2009 orders have locked out customers In an interview with the Portland Great Recession, which had a very and starved their businesses of cash Observer, she described how the bad impact for many local minority flow. Because the loans are meant to coronavirus public health crisis has businesses. But over time, she says be small, under $10,000 each, they brought “an alarming trajectory” MESO saw great success in helping can help a lot of firms, according of financial need from the variety small firms get a start or keep their to MESO Executive Director Nita of very small business owners her doors open. Shah. nonprofit traditionally serves, like “These are people with amazing dreams, and we try to help them make their dreams happen,” Shah said. Always based in northeast Port- land since its beginnings in 2005, pages 9 Opinion MESO has offices on Martin Lu- ther King Jr. Boulevard and Shaver Street. It also has satellite offices in Beaverton and Gresham’s Rock- pages 10 Classified/Bids wood neighborhood. But now be- cause of the state stay at home or- ders, its 16 employees are getting 503-288-0033 used to working from home, utiliz- Subscribe ing video conferencing and other ! Fill Out & Send To: online tools to reach people. Shah says her staff of is re- sponding to twice the amount of Attn: Subscriptions, PO Box 3137, Portland OR 97208 work during the current crisis and $45.00 for 3 months • $80.00 for 6 mo. • $125.00 for 1 year “putting everything they can into (please include check with this subscription form) helping.” She is hopeful that small, Name: minority businesses can make a Felicia Wells-Thomas of the small businesses micro lender Micro rebound, especially based on what Telephone: Enterprises Services of Oregon (MESO) gets a big hug from Ime happened after the last major eco- Address: Etuk, a videographer and one of her clients who obtained services nomic downturn. from the nonprofit. The photo was taken several weeks ago before Continued on Page 4 or email [email protected] the social distancing requirements of the coronavirus pandemic. Page 4 May 6, 2020

to provide care for a maximum of 10 children at a time under state require- Grassroots Lender ments adjusted for COVID-19. Continued from Page 3 who worked with them and the city MESO said Benson was hap- for help, Taste of Casablanca and py she could help essential work- After the last recession, Shaw Ladybugs Childcare. ers with much needed child care, said lots of unemployed workers Adam Cherkaoui, the owner of but she worried about whether she came to MESO wanting to access Taste of Casablanca, had invested would be able to keep all of her em- its resources and programs with $2,000 earlier this year to relocate ployees on the payroll. Her concern help to start their own business and his food cart to a food cart pod in was eased after she was selected to be their own boss. She expects this the Sellwood neighborhood from receive a $10,000 Small Business to happen again. his previous location in St. John’s. Relief Fund grant from Prosper “There’s no damper on people’s But instead of a grand opening cel- Portland with support from Oregon ability to come back, though it’s ebration, Cherkaoui found himself Community Foundation. hard right now,” she said. shuttering his business to protect his Micro Enterprise Services of Or- A unique feature of MESO’s new family and clients from the spread egon was formed by the Black Unit- loans is providing flexible payment of COVID-19, MESO reported. ed Fund as a grassroots initiative to plans for its small loans, unlike Cherkaoui was able to negotiate assist small businesses that were banks. The patient and flexible lend- with the owner of the food cart pod experiencing challenges in the wake ing will have payments that can be to temporarily pay reduced rent and of gentrification, new development, stretched out so the small business recently learned he’s been award- and increased rents in North/North- can catch up with expenses like rent ed a Small Business Relief Fund east Portland. until cash flow returns, Shah said. grant from Prosper Portland, the MESO is a designated Small The loans are geared to businesses city’s economic development agen- Business Administration micro that often do not have financial re- cy, with support from the Oregon lender, an IDA fiduciary, a USDA lationships with banks and bigger Community Foundation, another Rural Micro-entrepreneur Assis- financial institutions. nonprofit. tance Program lender, and a Com- “We don’t want to get any one in The grant, along with the federal munity Development Financial In- too much debt. We are not predato- stimulus, will help him support his stitution. ry,” Shah said. family until he can reopen his food For more information about MESO also works to connect cart. MESO, email meso@mesopdx. small business owners and entrepre- Angela Benson has spent the past org or call 503-841-3351. To make neurs with other important resourc- nearly three years building Lady- a donation or learn more about the es, from links to emergency relief bugs Childcare into a state-certified “Open for Business” fund, email grants, to a free online platform to home-business serving between 16 Nita Shah at [email protected] help connect with customers, to tips and 22 families. In the space of a sin- or visit mesopdx.org/donate. If for marketing during COVID-19. gle day in March, however, Benson you prefer to make a donation of- And when there is success, saw her monthly business revenue fline, you can send a check payable MESO likes to share the good news, drop by more than 50%, MESO re- to “MESO” and mail it to MESO, as they did in a recent newsletter ported. While Ladybugs Childcare 4008 NE MLK Jr. Blvd., Portland, featuring two minority-owned firms is still open for business, it is limited OR 97212.

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Continued from Page 2 waterfront park, a public plaza with local “We need to increase the support that we markets and events, public park blocks with have around anti-harassment in the work- den History of Albina,” and talked about the neighborhood emphasis, residential and place, we need to ensure that people have Albina neighborhood that was first divid- commercial development and more. living wage jobs, and we need to make sure ed by Interstate 5 and further replaced by The project as proposed by ODOT — that we see the diversity within our own Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, the Moda without caps — is estimated at $795 mil- management and leadership,” he said. Center, the Portland Convention Center and lion, and with caps the cost could run as Whitten is also closely watching devel- expansion of Legacy Emanuel Hospital. high as $1 billion. opments for the massive Broadway Corri- Robert Lewis IV, 34, died in a shooting “The reason why, sadly, we called it “The Whitten said he supports Albina Vision’s dor project that will entail development of on April 24, 2019. Hidden History of Albina” tour is because position to create caps over the highway. the 14-acre site of the downtown U.S. Post when we walk down these historic streets, “With a seismically sound cap, you Office distribution center, which the city everything is gone, it’s hidden, everything’s could rebuild this community, bring it back bought for $88 million in 2016, that will Unsolved Homicide been destroyed,” he said. “We have to have together,” he said. We could have parks, eventually include “4 million square feet of programs like these walking tours, because streets, multi-use buildings, but they have new commercial, employment and residen- once it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind.” to be done right. I believe the black commu- tial development.” Hits One Year Mark These days, Whitten is more concerned nities deserve nothing less than a full, safe Whitten said he plans to make sure that with the future of the Albina neighborhood and seismically strong capping that allows the city lives up to the goal listed on the Reward offered in cold case than its past, given current discussions us to recreate what was lost. I fully support project’s website at broadwaycorridorpdx. The Portland Police Bureau, in partner- about how proposed new construction to Albina Vision and I will do what I can so com, “to connect the Old Town/Chinatown ship with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is ask- Interstate 5, built in 1947, might be used to they are successful.” and Pearl District neighborhoods, with the ing for the public’s help to solve a homicide bring the neighborhood back together. He further spelled his platform in the goal to maximize community benefits, par- that occurred one year ago. The latest Rose Center project, as it’s race for Metro Council. ticularly to those groups that haven’t bene- On April 24, 2019, at 7:07 p.m., Portland called, was proposed by the Oregon Depart- “I will commit to working with a broad fitted from other urban projects.” Police and medical personnel responded ment of Transportation to add shoulders and coalition in the fight to ensure that Portland “We need to have living wage jobs, proj- to the report of a person injured in a shoot- auxiliary lanes to I-5 in the Rose Quarter has an economy that works for all, that we ect agreements, meet diversity goals for ing near Southeast 93rd Avenue and Henry area in order to smooth traffic flow between have affordable housing and that we take recruitment, implement strategies for reten- Street. The victim, Robert Lewis IV, 34, was I-5 and two other interstate highways. action on the climate in a way what does tion, find resources for people to get drivers found dead. An autopsy determined that he ODOT has stated that the project will not leave our diverse communities behind,” licenses and child care, monitoring and ac- died from a gunshot wound. “improve community connections by rede- Whitten said. “When it comes to the econ- countability, stop wage theft and create safe Officers located evidence of gunfire at the signing overpasses and reconnecting neigh- omy, we know that even as there have been working conditions, “he said. scene but did not locate any suspects in the area. borhood streets, enhancing public spaces new jobs in the region, the benefits have not Other candidates running in the May 19 Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash re- and promoting economic development op- been equitable. And for our black commu- vote-by-mail election include Karen Spen- wards of up to $2,500 cash for information, portunities.” nity there are huge disparities in access to cer, a patent lawyer and business consul- reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an But just how that will play out is still up living wage jobs and the ability to get ad- tant; Chris Smith, a member of the Portland arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tip- in the air. The nonprofit Albina Vision wants vanced degrees and to secure positions of Planning and Sustainability Commission; sters can remain anonymous. Visit the App to rebuild a diverse neighborhood by see- management and leadership.” Mary Peveto, executive director Neighbors Store and download P3 Tips to submit se- ing caps built over I-5 that will support a He said management should also pay at- for Clean Air; and Mary Nolan, former Ore- cure and anonymous tips; online at p3tips. connection to the Willamette River with a tention to the way it treats employees. gon House Majority Leader. com/823 or call 503-823-HELP (4357). Page 6 May 6, 2020

Mississippi Vancouver Alberta East County North Portland Beaverton Don’t Shoot Founder Runs for Mayor Activist stands out in field of 19 candidates by Beverly Corbell The Portland Observer After Teressa Raiford’s young nephew was killed by gun violence in 2010, she moved from Texas back to Portland, her hometown, and became a community activist to demand accountability for senseless gun deaths. Raiford’s activism led to an invitation to meet former First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. It was 2013. After vis- iting with Mrs. Obama she followed up the following year with the creation of the non- profit Don’t Shoot Portland. By 2019, her organization was one of the top human and civil rights nonprofits in the city voted by a Willamette Week reader’s poll. Now Raiford is taking her activism a step further and is running for mayor of Portland, joining a field of 19 candidates, including in- cumbent Mayor Ted Wheeler. Raiford said she became disappointed with Wheeler, the former State Treasurer and Multnomah County Chair, soon after he took the reins of Portland’s government, accusing him of isolating himself in office and creating an environment of distrust and dishonesty. “We got somebody full of excuses that picked allies so that he wouldn’t have to be accountable or responsive to community members,” Raiford said. “My priority is to communicate with com- munities, build civic participation and en- gage them on issues that matter to us, so that when outcomes happen people are part of the planning process,” she said. Raiford had a rough childhood growing up in northeast Portland. She and her siblings were in and out of often abusive foster and group homes until they were adopted by her photo by Beverly Corbell/The Portland Observer grandmother, she said. Teressa Raiford, founder of Don’t Shoot Portland and candidate for mayor of Portland, says she got involved as an activist As an adult, she worked in low level jobs candidate to bring change to Portland government, “We’re criminalizing poverty, we’re criminalizing brown people, we’re at Nordstrom’s but moved to Dallas to get criminalizing mentally ill and disable people and not doing anything about it,” she said. away from domestic violence, she said, and later found she had skills that were in de- other people,” she said. living in right now and it’s only going to a team to audit the work that our bureaus mand at a major bank. Raiford said her entrepreneurial and prob- get worse.” are doing through the mayor’s office so “I was in sales support, generating calls, lem-solving skills would serve Portland well Her concerns were expressed during an we can see where those efficiency models and in six months I was the department man- if she is elected. interview with the Portland Observer ear- can be supported and where we’re lack- ager,” she said. “When they came in with a “I love Portland and I love all our chil- ly last month before the devastating losses ing in effective bridging or distribution of new banking system, I picked it up fast and dren and want to give them opportunities,” of employment, the closing of schools, and resources, how we can compromise to do moved on up into deregulated energy in busi- she said. “We haven’t given everybody those public health crisis brought on by the corona- better and what partners do we need to let ness services.” opportunities and I want to be the leader that virus pandemic. go,” she said. After her unit was dissolved and she was makes that happen.” The city needs to do more to create jobs Raiford said the city is doing too many laid off, Raiford went into business for her- The city is moving too fast creating “a that lead to stable incomes and stable hous- demolitions; that parks need more funding; self. globalized city of technology people,” Rai- ing, Raiford said, and, if elected, she wants preschools should be better supported; and “I started my own company called Gene- ford said. “But if we’re building that city to do a complete survey of city services early the foster care system needs to be over- sis Mobile Tax, because I figured all this stuff on top of our vulnerable community mem- on in her term. Continued on Page 11 they were teaching me I could use to help bers, then we’re creating a crisis that we’re “In the first 100 days, I want to bring in May 6, 2020 Page 7 Campus Love, Support during COVID-19 the period immediately following the Sep- tember 11 attacks. People are sewing pro- tective masks in their homes. Neighbors are Cascade checking up on each other, offering to make by Dr. Karin Edwards shopping trips on behalf of the most vulner- able. Friends and loved ones are reaching Connections out to each other, across the distance, just to NEWSPAPER There’s an African proverb that says, “A offer words of love and encouragement. Ev- mind, once stretched, never returns to its ery day, we see the outpouring of gratitude original state.” I would like to suggest a and appreciation for the unflagging efforts 2020 Graduation Special Edition corollary for the COVID-19 era: A society, of front-line health care workers. stretched by a pandemic, cannot return to At the Cascade Campus of Portland its original state. Community College, where I am campus Please join The Portland Observer Our collective response to the novel president, the acts and gestures of love and coronavirus outbreak resembles the char- support are enough to bring a tear to my in honoring the 2020 Graduates. acter of the American nation itself -- which eye. The Cascade Food Pantry -- which is to say, it has brought to the fore both the distributes thousands of pounds of food best and worst aspects of the human spirit. per month in the best of times -- after be- of We have seen selfless acts of generosity, ing forced to shut its doors, has arranged Class kindness, and self-sacrifice; and we have to mail grocery store gift cards to needy 2020 seen foolish displays of bravado, risk-tak- students in lieu of food. Prior to PCC clos- Congratulations ing and willful ignorance. ing its physical facilities, staff rushed to And we have seen, as we always do in get laptops and other necessary pieces of Congratulations Class of 2020 times of crisis, the worst consequences of technology in the hands of students so that Sherry! from the pandemic fall upon members of mar- they could continue their studies from their ginalized communities. homes. Our Campus Learning Garden staff 1 Unit Ad 2 Unit Ad The Portland Observer Amid the chaotic landscape of life are bagging and distributing fresh produce for your dedication during a pandemic, one undisputed fact to students. Faculty, staff, and students Select the ad size that works best for you: and accomplishment. stands out: No one is beyond the reach of alike have set up networks of support in • 1 Unit Ad: 1.9” wide by 3.35” tall; $75 COVID-19. The novel coronavirus kills order to stay connected. We wish you well in rich, poor, black, white, brown, straight, And all of us who are staying home are, • 2 Unit Ad: 3.93” wide by 3.35” tall; $125 all your future endeavres. queer, conservative, and liberal people to one degree or another, sacrificing mobil- • 4 Unit Ad: 3.93” wide by 6.81 ”tall; $250 alike, with elegant precision. It respects ity, income, and all the social interactions neither boundaries nor borders, neither sta- that help define the human experience, all Please send all ads to tus nor privilege. The virus has come for to “flatten the curve” and protect those us all. most vulnerable to COVID-19. [email protected] 4 Unit Ad Thus it is that, during widespread suffer- With all this altruism going on, one 4747 NE Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd, Portland, OR 97211 ing, we have seen an outburst of goodwill Continued on Page 10 Phone: (503) 288-0033 • Fax: (503) 288-0015 and unity that evokes the best memories of Page 8 May 6, 2020 Action Tips on COVID-19 Prevention The Oregon Health Authority is coordinating the state’s response to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The agency is providing the most current information on the disease and what recommenda- tions that you, your friends and your family can take to keep every- one safe. If you need more information about COVID-19 or resources to manage your survival during the public health crisis, call 211. You can also visit OHA’s coro-

novirus webpage, govstatus.egov. com/OR-OHA-COVID-19 for Avalon Flowers the latest updates and resources. 520 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, A search feature is updated regu- OR 97204 • 503-796-9250 larly as new information becomes available. In addition, there is a A full service flower experience COVID-19 healthcare partner re- sources page. • Birthdays • Anniversaries If you’re looking for information about employment and business Cori Stewart-- • Funerals • Weddings during the pandemic, check for up- Owner, Operator dates on the governor’s COVID-19 response website, govstatus.egov. Open: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am til 5:30pm com/or-covid-19#forEmployees. Saturday 9am til 2pm. Finally, the Oregon Health Au- thority reminds residents to take Website: avalonflowerspdx.com low-tech and proven action steps to email: [email protected] protect yourself from illness: Wash We Offer Wire Services your hands, cover your cough, stay at home to the maximum extent possible, and practice physical/ social distancing. According to R State Farm public health authorities, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed, which means if you must go out, be sure to leave 6 feet between you and any person you come in contact with. Michael E Harper Other ways to help prevent the Agent spread of this illness include us- ing a face-covering or mask when Providing Insurance you go out, clean and disinfect fre- quently touched surfaces daily and and Financial Services call your doctor if you think you’re experiencing symptoms. Home Office, Bloomingon, Illinois 61710 You can also visit coronavirus. gov for more information, includ- We are located at: ing a list of possible symptoms, 9713 S.W. Capitol, Portland, OR testing, what to do if you’re sick, and other frequently asked ques- 503-221-3050 • Fax 503-227-8757 tions. [email protected]

971-276-8674 Cut, trim, edge, power washing, hauling, leaf removal, cleanup, anything! FREE ESTIMATES FAIR PRICING May 6, 2020 Page 9 The Links, White Rose Honor Scholars 2020 Class scholarships announced The Portland Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the White Rose Educational Fund, Incorpo- rated are pleased to announce their 2020 scholarship awards going to 11 students who are in attendance in eight schools in the Portland Metropolitan area and Vancouver, Wash. The White Rose Educational Fund scholarship recipients are: • Oladayo Babatunde - Clacka- mas High School (The Tim & Jan Gillespie Scholarship). • Amira Tripp Folsom - LaSalle Catholic College Prep (The Lydia R. Roy Memorial Scholarship). • Bereket Getachew - DelaSalle North Catholic High School (The Haynes/Moore Scholarship). The Portland chapter of The Links, Incorporated is led by civic-minded professional women committed to service through friend- • Taylor Green - Roosevelt High ship in the Portland and Southwest Washington areas since 1957. School (The Friends of Woodlawn School in Honor of Linda J. Harris • Taji Chesimet - DeLaSalle Scholarship). High School • Mekedes Hilete - Jefferson High • Rachel Ngare - Columbia River School (The Barbara Leonard Me- High School morial Scholarship). • Sydney Rawls - Grant High • Kalkidan Ketema -DeLaSalle School (The Arts Scholarship). High School (The Haynes/Moore A virtual scholarship reception Scholarship). will be held on May 9 at 2 p.m. in The Links scholarship recip- honor of these students. Visit The ients are: Portland Chapter of The Links, • Joseph Ayalew - DeLaSalle Incorporated and The White Rose High School Educational Fund, Incorporated • Zenaye Brown - Camas High websites for more program infor- School mation.

Opinion articles do not necessarily represent the views of the Portland Observer. We welcome reader essays, photos and story ideas. Submit to [email protected]. Opinion DA Supports Warren for Judge Multnomah County District 100 civil and criminal cases (both Attorney Rod Underhill released state and federal) in Multnomah the following statement to endorse County alone. As a new lawyer, he Portland attorney Ernest Warren worked for the Metropolitan Pub- for Multnomah County Circuit lic Defender’s Office from 1989 to Judge in the upcoming May 19 1990. election: “I have known and worked Ernest Warren, a Portland na- with Ernie Warren for close to 30 tive, is a well-known criminal de- years. During that time Ernie has fense and civil attorney who has been a model of professionalism, practiced in Multnomah County ethics, compassion and compe- for more than 30 years. He has tence. Ernie Warren will make a been a managing member of the great addition to the Multnomah law firm Warren & Sugarman County Bench. I am proud to sup- since 1990 and has tried more than port Ernie Warren for Judge.”

Advertise with diversity in The Portland Observer Call 503-288-0033 or email [email protected] Page 10 May 6, 2020

possess the technology to do it. If you’re poor, you’re more likely to Campus Love, Support have a job that requires repeated Continued from Page 7 graphic group, African Americans contact with other people in public Good Day Reader -- GOOD NEWS HERE are not alone: Latinx Americans places, and doesn’t offer paid sick might be forgiven for thinking and Native Americans are also suc- leave. The Multi-Trillion dollar Travel Industry is looking to that everyone is experiencing the cumbing to COVID-19 at higher We have before us, all of us to- get YOU the “greatest savings” on your Travel, Hotel/ impact of the pandemic equally rates than Americans of European gether, both an opportunity and a -- but that’s not the case. In real- descent. decision. We have the opportuni- Condos accommodations. Travel that will SAVE & ity, COVID-19 has exposed for The reasons for the dispro- ty to not let things return to nor- MAKE you/your Family cash to travel on/pay-off Bills/ all to see the fundamental cracks portionate mortality rates among mal, because “normal” isn’t good etc. You can access this travel biz membership for in our society, and exacerbated the people of color have their roots enough. We have the opportunity $1, $20 or $100. You decide. divides that have been part of our in the systemic inequality and in- to address the systemic inequal- culture from the very beginning. stitutional racism that define life ity and institutional racism that PLUS you can WIN/EARN a $3000 5-star vacation, Let’s start with the most glaring, for marginalized communities. mean -- among a great many other get airfare and travel spending cash too. For and tragic, iniquity that the virus Intergenerational poverty means things -- that right now, in 2020, in more info ph coach John at 503-358-9655. has revealed. If you are an Amer- decreased access to healthy foods. the midst of widespread suffering, ican of African descent, you are People of color are more likely to some people are more likely to die Note: We have a special for Non-Profits fundraisers. nearly three times as likely to die live in densely populated areas, than others because of the color from COVID-19 than the popula- and in multi-generational house- of their skin. We have the oppor- tion at large. Why? Because pri- holds, which makes practicing tunity, at long last, to demand full mary co-morbidities of COVID-19 social distancing more difficult. humanity for every single person. -- diabetes, hypertension, and car- People of color are more likely to We have the opportunity to loosen diovascular disease -- those pre-ex- work in low-paying jobs that don’t our grip on the past and look to- lassified isting conditions which raise mor- offer health coverage. ward the future we want to build. C As for the decision? Well, I’m tality rates in conjunction with the If you’re poor, it’s more like- virus, are present at higher rates in ly that you need public transit to ready to make it. Are you? the African American population. get to work. If you’re poor, you’re Dr. Karin Edwards is president While the virus is hitting black less likely to have a job that can be of the Cascade Campus of Port- folks harder than any other demo- done from home, and less likely to land Community College. Don’t Shoot Founder Runs for Mayor Continued from Page 6 then,” she said. “It’s very devas- ing anything about it,” she said. tating because you are normalized Raiford said her life experi- hauled. to be sexualized, to be abused, and ences give her the empathy and “In foster care, we were all I don’t want that to be anybody understanding that Wheeler does abused,” she said. “It was system- else’s experience.” not have. ic marginalization and it’s going Raiford’s activism for Black “Ted’s never been homeless to take systemic dismantling that Lives Matter and her own group’s or worried about where his next in order for it to change.” protests over the killings of young meal is coming from, or seeing By the time her grandmother black men by police got her arrest- his friends being killed and won- got custody of her when she was ed in 2015, when police claimed dering if he’s going to die, getting 13, she and her siblings had al- she was trying to start a riot. They kicked out of a home, the things ready been through a lot, Raiford lied, Raiford said, and she was that the majority of us deal with said. eventually acquitted. Now she every day,” she said. “By the time she got us back wants to see attitudes change. Raiford never found out who I had been raped and had a baby, “We’re criminalizing poverty, murdered her nephew. But said my brother had been molested and we’re criminalizing brown peo- the reason she founded Don’t was hanging out with gangs, and ple, we’re criminalizing mentally Shoot Portland was to hold the my sister had her second child by ill and disable people and not do- city accountable. “We called it a community action plan against violence, all Engage in the Change kinds of violence — hunger, rac- Call for Art and Community Art Show - asks YOU to make art ism, political violence — we’re to reflect the neighborhoods and city where we live. anti all of that,” she said. According to her website, ter- Cash Prizes: Deadline to make ART is August 15, 2020. essaraifordformayor.com, by • Best 18 and Under: $100 working with labor movements, • People’s Choice: $100 A Community Art Show will be planned nonprofits and other groups, Rai- • Best of Show: $200 after August 15th, location and date TBD. ford’s focus will be on providing Guidelines: humane and effective solutions to • Submit anytime between NOW and deadline the houseless crisis, fighting for • Post submissions on this FB page or send to [email protected] w/ Engage Art in subject line living wages, doing the most for • Can include visual art; written poetry, spoken word, video, or song renters’ rights and creating true ra- • To be considered for prize for “Best 18 and Under,” note in your post if you cial justice in our city. are 18 and under. The other mayoral candidates • Please feel free to post photographs of works in progress or updates for the May 19 Primary vote-by- To be Considered for Community Art Show: mail election as listed by Mult- • Choose one piece of art to share with public nomah County Elections,are Ran- • For visual art, size limits: flat pieces can be no larger than 16 - 20 inches; dy Rapaport, Bruce Broussard, and for 3-dimensional pieces can be no larger than 12”x12”x12” (if larger, Michael Burleson, Jarred Bep- take photograph) ristis, Willie Banks, Daniel Hoff- • For visual art, flat pieces must be ready to hang (need D-ring or wire hardware attached); and can be framed or not man, Lew Humble, Beryl Sylvia • Entries will be dropped off at a date and location TBD and need to include McNair, Sharon Joy, Michael information attached on a piece of paper to the back of the submission: Patrick Jenkins, Mark White, Name, Email Address, Physical Address, Title, Medium Michael O’Callaghan, Ozzie • This art show does not guard works of art against loss, destruction, damage or theft González, Floyd Heinrich La Bar, This project was funded in part by the Regional Arts and Culture Council Piper Crowell, Cash Blanco Car- (RACC) and is connected to the Concordia Conversations event that ter and Sarah Iannarone. happened January 12, 2020. May 6, 2020 Page 11 Warren Campaigns for Judge

Continued from Front Warren grew up in Portland, Warren serves as a member of and first attended Jefferson High Multnomah County District Attor- successful trial lawyer. He has School before graduating from ney Rod Underhill’s citizen bud- fought for affordable housing, Sunset High School in Beaver- get advisory committee, a position for example, as a long time legal ton. He received his bachelor’s he says helps him promote good counsel for Portland Communi- in economics and a master’s in public safety policies. Underhill ty Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc., business administration from has endorsed him in the election. the African American-led housing Willamette University in Salem “People’s safety is my biggest provider in north and northeast and finished law school at Ari- priority,” Warren said. “You have Portland. zona State University College of to be able to evaluate the person Warren’s history with PCRI Law in 1988. who comes before you. It’s one goes back to its beginnings in the He mentions the years of ex- thing to be in possession of a drug early 1990s when hundreds of perience representing people who needle; it’s another to be charged Portland families were left in the can’t afford a lawyer and his help with attempted murder. Are they lurch by an unscrupulous mort- to other disadvantaged people, a danger to the community or are gage company which scammed like those experiencing mental they a flight risk? You’ve got to re- unsuspecting families out of their health issues, as examples of why ally assess that.” homes. he would be a good judge. Warren has won many awards Warren said the late Gretch- “I think people should vote for for his work over the years. He en Kafoury, then a Portland City me because of what we’re trying said one that he’s most proud was Council member, came to him and to do now as a community with being presented the 2018 Mult- asked him to represent — for free respect to affordable housing nomah Bar Diversity Award. But — a new nonprofit to rescue those and getting the homeless off the instead of just accepting the hon- Ernie Warren Jr., a candidate for Oregon Circuit Court Judge properties and help people get streets,” he said. “I want them to or, Warren gave the entire bar a for Multnomah County and a lifelong advocate for justice their homes back. The mortgage know I really care about people PowerPoint presentation on why issues, proudly displays the 2018 diversity award he received company was eventually exposed and I would significantly take in diversity is important — and prof- from the Multnomah Bar, the group representing all lawyers in in the press and was convicted of every person’s individual circum- itable. Multnomah County. racketeering and fraud. stance into consideration.” “I had received a study from the “That was an easy yes,” Warren Warren said 95 percent of a cir- Massachusetts Institute of Tech- that looked at the diversity back- The five other candidates said. Initially, he helped 49 out cuit judge’s cases concern crimi- nology where they got $1 mil- grounds of the 100 most profitable for Circuit Court Judge, 4th of 50 displaced people get their nal law, and having handled more lion for researching diversity and of Fortune 500 companies. District, Position 12, are As- homes back, except for one own- than 1,000 cases in court, includ- found it was really profitable: Or- “Again, the most profitable cor- sistant U.S. Attorney Adrian er who wanted to remain a tenant. ing 100 homicide cases, he has ganizations that had both men and porations are the corporations that L Brown, Multnomah Coun- He also helped PCRI acquire 300 plenty of experience as a crimi- women working together was 40 are most diverse,” he said. “God ty Pro Tem Judge Monica other properties that had gone to nal defense attorney. But he also percent more profitable than firms doesn’t make any mistakes, so that Herranz, and attorneys Sonia default and rehabilitated them wants voters to understand he also that just had homogenous groups was my argument — diversity is Montalbano, John E. Schlosser with help from the city through a knows the prosecutor’s side of is- of all men or all women,” he said. profitable and morally correct.” and Rima Ghandour. community block grant. sues. Warren cited another study

cilor, black activist and former Important Election Looms executive director of the Qcenter, Continued from Front embroiled by a sex scandal with Carmon Whitten, is running in a an18-year-old intern. In another contested contest with four other Ballots were mailed out from open position, nine candidates are candidates. the Multnomah County Elections running to replace retiring City In most of these local races, if office last week and must bere- Commissioner Amanda Fritz, no candidate receives the more turned to county election officials including Isham “Ike” Harris, a than 50 percent of the vote neces- by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 in black pastor and school bus driver sary to win outright, the top two For your light bulbs & parts order to be counted. And for the and Carmon Rubio, the executive finishers will face off in the No- to repair or make fixtures first time, return postage will be director of the Latino Network. vember General Election. In the paid thanks to a new state law by Loretta Smith, the former Mult- special election to fill the term of Web: www.sunlanlighting.com the Oregon Legislature. If ballots nomah Commissioner and long the late Commissioner Fish, if no E-mail: [email protected] can’t be in the mail by May 14 in time member of Portland’s black candidate receives a majority, a 3901 N. Mississippi Ave. order to arrive in time they should community who worked for years special runoff election will be held Portland, OR 97227 be dropped off at an official coun- in Sen. Ron Wyden’s office, once on Aug. 11. 503.281.0453 ty elections drop boxes, according again seeks a seat in Portland city In a partisan contest for U.S. Fax 503.281.3408 to elections officials. government, this time to complete Congress representing the Port- In Portland, Mayor Ted Wheel- the term of Portland City Com- land area, Earl Blumenauer faces er is running for a second term in missioner Nick Fish who recently a challenge for the Democratic a contest that drew 18 other candi- died in office. The special election Party nomination from Albert dates, including Teressa Raiford, a comes two years after Smith fin- Lee, a member of Portland’s black political activist from the African ished second in a historic contest in community and a former college American community who start- which Jo Ann Hardesty was elect- dean. ed Don’t Shoot PDX to demand ed the first African American fe- State Rep. Tawna Sanchez, accountability for senseless gun male on the Portland City Council. a member of Portland’s Native deaths and has joined other Black Ernest “Ernie” Warren of Port- American community and di- Lives Matter activists to demand land’s African American commu- rector of Family Services at the police reforms. nity is running for a rare open po- NAYA Family Center in northeast Mingus Mapps, a public pol- sition on the Oregon Circuit Court Portland is running unopposed for icy consultant with deep roots in for Multnomah County. Warren re-election in the Democratic Pri- the black community is running has 31 years of experience as a mary. There is no Republican in against his former boss, City criminal defense attorney in Port- the race. Sweet Street Food Cart Commissioner Chloe Eudaly. The land. He’s been endorsed by Mult- Multnomah County Commis- Located at 15th and Alberta race has eight other candidates, nomah County District Attorney sioners Sharon Meiran, Jessica call 503-995-6150 to place order including former Mayor Sam Ad- Rod Underhill who is retiring at Vega Pederson and Lori Stegmann Mon. - Sat., 11:00am - 7:00pm • Closed Sunday ams, the first openly gay office the end of his term. are also all running for re-election Wednesday Special: 3 Wings $3.00 holder in Portland whose term was For a position as Metro Coun- unopposed. Friday Special: Rib Sandwich, Beef or Pork, $5.00 Seasonal Specials Page 12 May 6, 2020