Introducing Juneteenth Rutherford Park Elevates First Portland park Significance named for black As day becomes woman holiday, NFL star See Local News, page 3 leads youth on justice march Established in 1970 See story, page 2

PO QR code ‘City of www.portlandobserver.com Volume XLVIV • Number 15 Roses’ Wednesday • June 24, 2020 Committed to Cultural Diversity Toppled in Protest

Jeremy Christian Killer Taunts Victim Heated exchange delays Christian photo by Michael Leighton/The Portland Observer A historic bronze statute commemorating the namesake for Jefferson High School sits on the ground awaiting transport to school sentencing district storage on Monday, June 15, after being toppled one night earlier during a protest against police brutality and racism. by Michael Leighton Portland Observer Editor Community healing is priority now, principal says Sentencing for the Jeremy Christian, the racist-spewing Max rider convicted A historic bronze statute commemorat- the statute, school officials said. pendence, but also a slave owner. of killing two men and injuring a third ing the namesake for Portland’s Jefferson Automobile tire tracks could be seen Some members of the school communi- as they defended two black teenagers High School has sparked new conversa- nearby, indented into the all-weather ath- ty have advocated for the statute’s removal he was verbally assaulting on a MAX tions about the appropriate name for the letic track that surrounds the football field, along with the name of the school, others light rail train in 2017 was delayed on school and its future after the statute was the apparent evidence that a vehicle was want the Jefferson High School name pre- Tuesday after Christian was thrown out toppled to the ground during a June 14 pro- used to help pull the statute down. served because of its long history as Port- of court for going on a tirade against the test over police brutality and racism. Jefferson High School Principal Mar- land’s most diverse high school serving first victim who spoke. A crowd of several hundred people had garet Calvert said the goal now for school African American families for generations. Demetria Hester was testifying about gathered for a Black Lives Matter demon- leaders is to promote community healing. Jefferson High School alumnus Clif- her encounter with Christian the day stration to hear speeches and participate in Calvert acknowledged that in recent ford Walker has led community efforts to before the fatal stabbings on a different a planned march to , located years both the statute and name for the remove the Jefferson name and statute for Max train when he threatened to kill her several blocks to the east on Northeast school have become more controversial several years, saying a slave owner isn’t for being a black woman and struck her Killingsworth Street. But when the march- because of the historical context to Thomas an appropriate centerpiece for the histori- in the eye with a bottle. ers moved away from the school, another Jefferson, the nation’s third president and splinter group descended and tore down the author of the U.S. Declaration of Inde- Continued on Page 4 Continued on Page 4 Page 2 June 24, 2020 The Week in Review COVID-19 Cases Increase ’s coronavirus cases increased by 514 people during the week- end and a quarter of the new cases are based in Multnomah County, where officials say a majority of the spread is occurring among close social networks, such as family and friends. Governor Calls on Lawmakers Gov. Kate Brown announced last week she will convene a special legislative session starting on Wednesday to address the state’s COVID-19 pandemic and to improve police accountability following weeks of protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Black Woman Handcuffed at Emanuel Hospital Complaints about a black woman handcuffed and detained Thursday by Legacy Emanuel security has prompted the hospital to suspend its security officers’ further use of handcuffs and trespass arrests in non-violent situations. The woman ultimately was released and not charged, the Oregonian reported. Washington Statue Toppled A quiet evening of demonstra- tions for racial justice and police reform in Portland on Thursday last week ended with another group of protesters razing of a George Washington statue at northeast 57th and Sandy. Some wrapped the statue’s head in an American flag and lit the flag on fire. Gresham Votes to Fly Black Lives Matter Flag photo by Dj Willingham The Gresham City Council voted unanimously on Monday to fly the Brennan Scarlett, a former Central Catholic football standout and now a linebacker with the Houston Black Lives Matter flag at City Hall until the end of July. It comes Texans of the NFL, speaks out for racial justice on Friday, June 19 during a Black Lives Matter rally days after the resignations of Gresham’s mayor, police chief and city at in observance of Juneteenth, In the wake of national and local protests over police manager and reports blaming those in leadership positions for drop- brutality and racial injustice, Portland government leaders have declared Juneteenth a new annual ping the ball on diversity training in the police department. paid holiday for city and county employees. Police Tactics Review Ordered Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and new Police Chief Chuck Lovell said they will review police tactics after hearing accounts of officers threat- Juneteenth Elevates in Significance ening and roughing up journalists covering demonstrations against po- to King School Park as they chant- ployees. lice brutality. “Members of the media, not just in Portland but around As day becomes ed “Black Lives Matter.” Although Juneteenth has been the country, should not be targeted, hurt, or arrested while reporting on In another Juneteenth protest regularly celebrated by Mult- demonstrations,” the two leaders said in a joint statement last week. holiday, NFL organized by young people, par- nomah County employees and ticipants reflected on what the hol- community members as a day of star leads youth iday and the Black Lives Matter commemoration, education and movement means to them during achievement, the chair’s designa- on justice march a gathering at the Salmon Springs tion places the day of observance Portland observed Juneteenth Fountain, downtown. Later, mem- alongside Independence Day, Me- for the first time as an official bers of Portland’s interfaith com- morial Day and Presidents’ Day in holiday Friday and the day was munity wrapped up the day with significance and impact. celebrated by thousands of people a prayer at Plaza, “We have a profound respon- who marched for racial justice in downtown. sibility at the county to acknowl- Atlanta Officer Charged demonstrations against police bru- Both Portland and Multnomah edge that the structural inequities tality, protests that have continued County have made Juneteenth an in our community and country are An Atlanta police officer was charged last week with murder for the almost daily in the city since the official annual paid holiday for rooted in the original enslavement shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in a fast-food parking lot two Memorial Day police custody their employees in a moment of of black people,’’ Kafoury said in weeks ago, the latest in a long line of unarmed African Americans death of George Floyd, a black reckoning for the history of an- a statement. “Observing the day of whose fatal encounters with law enforcement have been document- man whose neck was pinned to the ti-blackness and racism in Port- black liberation honors the histor- ed on video. Brooks, a 27-year-old father-of-three, “never presented ground in Minneapolis for more land. ic and current struggle, acknowl- himself as a threat” according to prosecutors. than 8 minutes before he died. Last Wednesday, the Portland edges the strength of our black At Peninsula Park in north City Council voted unanimously neighbors, friends and family, and Portland, a large group of young to adopt Juneteenth as an annual reminds us of the hard and nec- people gathered to celebrate black Day of Remembrance and paid essary work we must continue to lives with speakers in a Juneteenth holiday. dismantle systems of oppression.’’ event organized by Malik Mont- “Since the death of George Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on gomery, a 22-year-old who grew Floyd, thousands of people have Thursday proclaimed June 19 as up in the neighborhood and host- reached out to my office demand- Juneteenth in Oregon and said ed with the help of the Big Yard ing accountability and change,” she will introduce a bill in 2021 to Foundation, a nonprofit that sup- Wheeler said. “Today’s ordinance make it a state holiday. ports community empowerment. and resolution are a direct result Brown said celebrating black The speakers took to the stage of our commitment to listen and freedom “is fiercely important as to share their experiences and respond to our community. This people around the world protest speak out for racial justice. Bren- is not performative. This is our re- systemic racism and undeniably nan Scarlett, a former Central ality and it is our responsibility to show that Black Lives Matter.” Catholic football standout and resolve the brutality of the past.” Juneteenth commemorates now a linebacker with the Hous- Multnomah County Chair June 19, 1865, when the Union ton Texans of the NFL, called on Deborah Kafoury cited the histor- army brought word of the Eman- the community to unify behind a ical systemic oppression of black cipation Proclamation to enslaved Web: www.sunlanlighting.com • E-mail: [email protected] peaceful message for change. people as the backdrop to her re- people in Texas. It is celebrated as 3901 N. Mississippi Ave. • Portland, OR 97227 The group then marched down cent order to make Juneteenth an the end of slavery in the United 503.281.0453 • Fax 503.281.3408 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard annual holiday for all county em- States. June 24, 2020 Page 3 INSIDE L o c a l N e w s The in Week Review page 2

A photo of the late Burdine Rutherford, courtesy Portland State University Special Collections and page 6 Portland Parks Metro & Recreation.

Arts page 8 ENTERTAINMENT& Introducing Rutherford Park tions. Civil Rights Bill, which in 1953 First Portland The green space and play- outlawed discrimination in public ground formerly known as Lynch- places on the basis of “race, reli- park named for view Park at 167th and Market gion, color or national origin.” Street will be called Verdell Bur- The park was recently renovat- black woman dine Rutherford Park. It honors ed with a new playground, picnic A newly redeveloped park in Rutherford, a civil rights leader shelter, paved pathways, public art outer northeast Portland has been and historian who lived in Oregon and a soccer field. renamed to honor a late female from 1913 to 2001. Renaming the park was a proj- leader from Portland’s historic Af- As president of the Portland ect kick-started by former City rican American community, and chapter of the NAACP she helped Commissioner Nick Fish, who di- removes a previous moniker for pass the Public Accommodations Continued on Page 3 the park that drew racist connota- Bill, also known as the Oregon Opinion See inside Police Defunding Proposals Pass lassified ids pages 10 C /B Vote eliminates former gang task force, school police The Portland City Council followed through on Hardesty defended the smaller amount, saying the a pledge from the Mayor and City Commissioner $50 million was not based on a specific analysis. Established 1970 USPS 959 680 Jo Ann Hardesty by voting to cut nearly $16 mil- Hardesty worked for years to transform the Port- 4747 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., lion from the police budget in response to concerns land Police Bureau from the outside as an activist Portland, OR 97211 about excessive use of force and racial injustice. and was the first black woman on the City Commis- The Portland Observer welcomes freelance submissions. Manuscripts and photographs should be clearly labeled and The money will be saved by eliminating a gun sion when she was elected in 2019. will be returned if accompanied by a self addressed envelope. PO QR code All created design display ads become the sole property of the reduction violence team, formerly called the gang “What I know is that there are a lot of people tak- newspaper and cannot be used in other publications or per- Publisher: Mark Washington, Sr. enforcement task force; school police resource of- ing to the street every night who have not before this sonal usage without the written consent of the general man- ager, unless the client has purchased the composition of such Editor: Michael Leighton ficers; and the bureau’s transit division. It redirects month actually understood all the work that commu- ad. © 2008 THE PORTLAND OBSERVER. ALL RIGHTS the revenue from police to social service programs. nity and government has done,” said Hardesty, who RESERVED, REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART Office Mngr/Clasfds: Lucinda Baldwin WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. The Portland Chloe Eudaly was the lone commissioner to vote proposed smaller cuts to police in last year’s budget Observer--Oregon’s Oldest Multicultural Publication--is a Sales Director: Leonard Latin member of the National Newspaper Association--Founded no on the cuts made during a budget session on June that failed. Creative Director: Paul Neufeldt in 1885, and The National Advertising Representative Amal- 17, saying they weren’t deep enough. The police Thousands of protesters have filled the streets of gamated Publishers, Inc, New York, NY, and The West Coast Office Asst/Sales: Shawntell Washington Black Publishers Association budget had stood at about $245 million before the Portland every night for three weeks following the CALL 503-288-0033 • FAX 503-288-0015• [email protected] council action. death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who [email protected]• [email protected] Some protesters have demanded cuts of $50 died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed Postmaster: Send address changes to Portland Observer, PO Box 3137, Portland, OR 97208 million for police, but City Commissioner Jo Ann his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. Page 4 June 24, 2020

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State Farm R Demetria Hester speaks at Jeremy Christian’s sentencing on Tuesday. Killer Taunts Victim Christian to hear their victim tes- possible of release after 30 years, Continued from Front timonies, she allowed Christian claiming the law is unconstitu- Michael E Harper As Hester was making her vic- to be connected by video only tional and ignores past Supreme Agent tims statement, she told Christian while seated in another room. Court decisions. That caused another delay. Christian was found guilty ear- Providing Insurance “You are a waste of breath and when you die and go to hell, I Hester also spoke to the in- lier this year on 12 counts, includ- and Financial Services hope you rot.” He then erupted justice against African American ing those murders and attempted out of his chair and started shout- like herself, accusing the crimi- murder, as well as assault and in- Home Office, Bloomingon, Illinois 61710 ing profanity at her. The judge nal justice system, police and the timidation. ordered him removed, and as he judge in the case of bias against Sentencing was originally We are located at: was whisked out of the court- people who are black, accommo- scheduled for March but was can- 9713 S.W. Capitol, Portland, OR room by sheriff’s deputies, he dating a white defendant rights to celed and rescheduled due to the espouse white supremacy speech coronavirus pandemic. Only 19 503-221-3050 • Fax 503-227-8757 yelled out to Hester, “I should have killed you!” over the terror it causes. people were in Judge Albrecht’s [email protected] Multnomah County Judge Christian could be sentenced courtroom Tuesday in an effort Cheryl Albrecht told Christian he to life in prison with no chance of to ensure physical distancing is had been warned not to be disrup- parole for the first degree murders maintained during the proceed- tive and she would not allow him of Taliesin Namkai-Meche, 23, ing. to return to the courtroom for the and Ricky Best, 53. But defense The sentencing hearing was rest of the hearing. But after oth- attorneys say the judge can only scheduled to resume Wednesday er witnesses indicted they wanted hand him a life sentence with the morning.

have to unpack what’s going on. The goal is to heal ultimately.” Toppled in Protest Calvert said the nightly pro- was ever made. tests against unjust racism and Continued from Front The “action” to remove the police brutality in Portland, en- cally prominent African American statute without permission by pro- tering the fourth week on Mon- school and neighborhood. testers, puts the issue back before day after the Memorial Day The school has also had oth- the school community and neigh- police custody death of George er discussions about removing borhood, the principal said. Floyd in Minneapolis and other the statute and/or changing the “We’re working it through,” killings of African Americans at school’s name, but black residents Calvert told the Portland Observer. the hands of police, “Is bringing and others had differing opinions “It’s complicated. It’s important to racism into focus. We are in a de- and no long term determination listen to the black community. We fining moment.” Employee Claims Racism by Supervisor A former Fred Meyer employ- his suit. Mangum finding “substantial ev- ee who says he was fired after he Among other racist comments, idence” that Mangum was “sub- complained about a pattern of rac- Mangum’s suit says his manager jected to increased scrutiny” ism at work has filed a $2 million had commented to him that the after he complained, and that lawsuit against the grocery store African American shoppers were Mangum “was terminated as a chain. buying up the watermelons and result.” Michael Mangum, who is 26 collard greens and when he saw In a response to BOLI, Fred and African American, says in the black women shopping he would Meyer said it gave the manag- lawsuit filed last week that he and tell Mangum that his mother was er a verbal warning about one other employees complained to in the store, according to the law- comment. The BOLI investigator higher ups, but Fred Meyer retal- suit. The manager said it was a found that Fred Meyer’s response iated by ending his employment. joke, according to an investigation to the manager -- or at least the Mangum worked in the produce by the Oregon Bureau of Labor file documenting the company’s department of the Interstate store and Industries. response -- was lacking. from 2014 to 2019, according to The state agency sided with --Associated Press June 24, 2020 Page 5 Suit Claims Unjust Force on Young Black Male Sheriff denies neck hold was used The mother of a young African not find any evidence that a deputy American male filed a $300,000 placed a knee on the boy’s neck. lawsuit Thursday, saying three The deputies were responding to sheriff’s deputies pinned him to a call about a “large group of ju- the ground at the Clackamas Town veniles following and physically Center Mall — one by press- assaulting a female juvenile” and ing a knee on his neck, after the Benbo was briefly detained and 12-year-old witnessed a fight and handcuffed because he was the was walking away. only person who refused to follow The incident happened last orders from deputies, Roberts said. August, over nine months before “We do not train deputies to re- widespread national outrage over strict a person’s airway or impede the killing of George Floyd af- their ability to breathe. It was de- ter he was put in a similar hold termined the involved deputies by Minneapolis police. The boy, followed training and policy,” he Ka’Mar Benbo, is now 13 but was wrote, adding that the sheriff’s 12 at the time and the friends he department participated in a “lis- was with repeatedly told Clacka- tening session” last October over mas County deputies his age, the concerns about the incident. lawsuit said. Roberts said the investigation Video released by a Portland law firm shows a Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputy restraining a In an emailed statement, Sheriff included a review of photos and 12-year-old black male at Clackamas Town Center last August, and a photo taken after the incident Craig Roberts disputed the allega- videos and interviews with wit- shows bruises to his head. A lawsuit claims a Clackamas County sheriff’s deputy used unjust force by tions and said an investigation did nesses and deputies. But Benbo’s placing his knee on the boy’s neck. him not to move and don’t reach sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s of- sure that we use appropriate force for anything,” said McDavid. fice wrote her a letter saying “we and that every use of force contin- The deputies ultimately let have completed a thorough inves- ues to be reviewed by my agency,” Benbo go and no criminal charges tigation” and the deputy was ex- Roberts said in his statement. were filed. The lawsuit says Ben- onerated. Authorities told McDavid they bo suffered scrapes and bruises, “I can only imagine the fear a didn’t call her about the incident headaches, loss of sleep and feel- parent has for their child of color at the time because her son wasn’t ings of racial stigmatization and engaging with police. I know that injured, she said. The lawsuit in- “fear of police.” there is nothing I can say to make cludes photographs that show McDavid filed a complaint the their worry go away. What I can day after the incident with the say is: I will do my part to make Continued on Page 12

A family photo shows Ka’Mar Benbo in July, when he was 12. (Photo courtesy Jarena McDavid) mother, Jarena McDavid, was not necessary information, we will interviewed and neither was the certainly evaluate it,” he said. child, the family’s attorney, accord Kafoury said Benbo was a to Jason Kafoury, the family’s at- witness to a fight between two torney. girls he didn’t know at Clacka- “They elbow him in the head mas Town Center, which is in the and then they take him to the suburbs south of Portland. Mall ground, handcuff him and put security called police and as Ben- the knee to the neck and leave bo and his friends were leaving him there for several minutes,” the mall’s parking lot, responding Kafoury said. “No police report deputies grabbed him by the arm, was generated and they never in- Kafoury said. terviewed my client about what Benbo’s mother said one of her happened.” son’s friends called her to tell her Chris Owen, spokesman for what was happening after Benbo the Clackamas County District screamed out, “Please, call my Attorney, said nothing had been mom!” submitted to prosecutors on the “It was terrifying. I didn’t know incident. “If we get presented the what was happening. I just wanted Page 6 June 24, 2020

Mississippi Vancouver Alberta East County North Portland Beaverton

Future Connect students from Portland Community College pose with Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read. The program helps eliminate barriers to college by providing first generation or low-income students with ongoing assistance throughout their time at PCC. Knocking Down Barriers to College Oregon High Education Coor- for low-income Pell Grants. manager. “We are excited to to help students complete PCC grant dinating Commission to sup- During the past six years, PCC be on the forefront of help- required math and writing port under-served students. has raised nearly $40 million ing our college be more stu- courses. supports The grant will support efforts in grant funding to bolster stu- dent-ready with the support In 2011, the Future Connect to eliminate barriers to college dent support infrastructure, of this grant.” Program began as a partner- and provide students with on- and more than $6.5 million The monies will directly ship with the city of Portland under-served going assistance throughout since the start of 2019. help an incoming group of 330 to serve schools in Multnomah Portland Community Col- their time at PCC. “We are part of nine com- Future Connect students and County. Future Connect has lege can enroll more first gen- Future Connect students munity colleges who received provide nearly 125 individu- since expanded, thanks to eration and low income stu- have historically been 85 awards from the state for this al scholarships, officials said. partnerships with Beaverton dents because of a new one percent students of color and upcoming year,” said Josh A new aspect of the program and Hillsboro to serve stu- year grant of $413,910 by the nearly 90 percent eligible Laurie, PCC Future Connect will include services tailored dents in those cities, as well. June 24, 2020 Page 7 Introducing Rutherford Park Continued from Page 3 rected a naming committee before his death in January. The committee was made up of nine local community members. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced the new name earlier this month amid the protests in response to the death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a white po- lice officer in Minneapolis. “I am honored to recognize Verdell Burdine Ruther- photo courtesy Portland Parks & Recreation ford’s role as a leader and historian for the black com- Charlotte Rutherford visits the park re-named for her late mother, Verdell Burdine Rutherford, a Portland civil munity by selecting her name for the first Portland park rights leader and historian who helped pass legislation in Oregon to outlaw discrimination in public places on the named after a black woman,” said Wheeler. basis of “race, religion, color or national origin.” The park was originally named for Patrick Lynch, who in the late 1800s donated land for the park and adjacent but she would have accepted this honor humbly, knowing biggest victories – the passage of the Public Accommoda- Patrick Lynch Elementary School, which still bears his that this park will provide a place for the community to tions Act of 1953 which outlawed discrimination in public name. Three other elementary schools named for the gather together.” places on the basis of race, religion, or national origin. Lynch family were renamed in 2017. Verdell Burdine Rutherford was born in Oklahoma In 2011, a decade after her passing, her daughter, Char- At the time, Centennial School District Superintendent in 1913 and moved with her family that same year to lotte, gifted her historical collection of artifacts from Port- Paul Coakley said many newer families coming into the Oregon, who hoped who hoped to get farmland under land’s historical African American community to Portland district associated the name with lynching, the killings the Enlarged Homestead Act of 1909. Upon arrival, State University. It remains accessible for academic re- of black Americans in America’s violent and racist past. they learned that black people were prohibited from search and public use as the late leader desired. “Mom rightfully considered herself a local historian,” owning free land in Oregon. Due to public gathering restrictions during the Verdell’s daughter, Charlotte Rutherford said in response In 1936, Verdell married Otto Rutherford and settled COVID-19 pandemic, a community celebration at Verdell to the park renaming. “She was a hardworking volunteer in Portland. Together, they were leaders of the Oregon Burdine Rutherford Park will be held at a later date, offi- and community activist who did not seek the limelight, chapter of the NAACP, and oversaw one of the NAACP’s cials said. Page 8 June 24, 2020 Arts ENTERTAINMENT&

Happy 2nd Birthday S.J. Washington!

Sweet Street Food Cart Located at 15th and Alberta call 503-995-6150 to place order Mon. - Sat., 11:00am - 7:00pm • Closed Sunday Portland Parks & Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play program returns Monday with the distribution of Wednesday Special: 3 Wings $3.00 free meals for kids at several parks and some apartment complexes, citywide. The program has been Friday Special: Rib Sandwich, Beef or Pork, $5.00 Seasonal Specials expanded to provide food security in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Avalon Flowers Kids Ready for Summer Lunch + Play 520 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, Parks program apartment complexes, take-home meals to Portland children this OR 97204 • 503-796-9250 activities are being planned, such summer - nearly five times more returning with as art kits, activity packs, free than a typical season. The pro- A full service flower experience books, and games. The program gram will take place at parks in ar- take home is part of an expanded effort by eas with a clear need for free and • Birthdays • Anniversaries the city of Portland and Portland reduced lunch programs and areas area school districts to provide where other free food providers Cori Stewart-- • Funerals • Weddings activities food security in the wake of the are less accessible, officials said. Owner, Operator A summer Lunch + Play pro- COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the sites are in east and gram for kids by Portland Parks Lunch + Play gives kids a free, north Portland. Open: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am til 5:30pm & Recreation opened on Monday healthy meal for lunch during “This summer looks different Saturday 9am til 2pm. with expanded free meals at Port- summer when school is out. The than any other, with the challeng- land parks, citywide. food distribution program contin- es posed by the COVID-19 health Website: avalonflowerspdx.com This year, in addition to the ues a Portland Parks & Recreation crisis,” says PP&R Director Ad- email: [email protected] distribution of meals at lunchtime endeavor dating uninterrupted ena Long. “But Portland Parks We Offer Wire Services or during the early afternoon at from the 1970s. & Recreation has been providing convenient park locals and several Schedules are available for summertime food for nearly 50 all 26 sites at portlandoregon. years. We are continuing to help gov/parks/freelunch. Due to the people be healthier, life to be more COVID-19 crisis, children do not stable, and neighbors to make life- need to be present in order to re- long summer memories through ceive a meal as they did in years this flagship program. Our thanks past. to all our City and non-profit Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler partners who are helping deliver said he was proud of all the sup- summertime fun, food, and mem- port the program has received to ories.” help keep thousands of young If you’d like to donate to help people nourished and healthy. the Free Lunch + Play program “COVID-19 and widespread serve Portland’s children, vis- layoffs have made hunger one it portlandoregon.gov/parks/ of our community’s most urgent lunch+play. needs this summer,” Wheeler said. Due to the COVID-19 public “Special thanks to NIKE, Inc., health crisis, everyone visiting a Bank of America, and our oth- park and/or taking part in the Free er partners who made it possible Lunch + Play program should to expand our service during this adhere to physical distancing time of higher need. “ guidelines - staying at least 6 feet PP&R and its partners expect away from others when in a public to distribute nearly 500,000 free space. June 24, 2020 Page 9

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 Fighting for Health and Justice the U.S. Supreme Court could dismantle Discrimination creates a barrier to cess expert, compassionate sexual and Racism called out the protections of Roe v. Wade — which health, both inside and outside the doctor’s reproductive health care, information and means 3.5 million black people stand to office. The stresses of anti-black racism, education without shame or judgment. We as public health have their state ban access to abortion. microaggressions and discrimination take are committed to addressing and correcting Public health by definition is built on a toll on the health black people. implicit bias and structural racism within epidemic the principle of saving lives. For too long our organization so that we can continue by Sirius Bonner this nation has underinvested and under-re- White supremacy and systemic racism to improve our delivery of health care and Planned Parenthood sourced black and Latinx communities — permeate every structure in our society. education to the people and communities Columbia Willamette leading to less access to health care and Now is not the time to simply call out ex- we serve. believes reproductive dramatic healthcare disparities. Maternal treme violent racism. We must stand in We also must call on governors and freedom will never be mortality is three times higher for black solidarity with those demanding change city leaders everywhere to hold their po- achieved until people women than for white women. The death through uprisings and protests. We must lice forces accountable. No police violence are able to make choic- rate due to breast cancer is 40 percent high- look inward into how white supremacy should go without direct and swift conse- es, care for their children and families, and er. Black women have twice as many unin- continues to show up in the institutions we quences. pursue their life’s interests without fear of tended pregnancies, and are four times as are part of, including Planned Parenthood. As we continue to watch our country’s violence or murder at the hands of police likely to contract HIV. Like most century-old organizations, two very different, racially divided, sys- and white supremacy. As our nation confronts the COVID-19 Planned Parenthood is steeped with our tems of justice unfold, we demand an end We’re outraged by the senseless vio- pandemic, we see these disparities loud own structural racism and white suprem- to the inequity that continues to define ev- lence that took George Floyd, Ahmaud and clear: Economic inequality, structur- acy. Planned Parenthood’s mission today ery moment of life for Black America. Arbery, Breonna Taylor and too many oth- al racism and public health failures have is to build a world in which every person Sirius Bonner serves as vice president ers. As our nation faces a pandemic that is translated to exponentially higher infec- — regardless of their race, income, insur- of equity and inclusion at Planned Parent- disproportionately ravaging black commu- tion and death rates in the black and Latinx ance, gender identity, sexual orientation, hood Columbia Willamette. For more in- nities, we must address the public health communities. abilities or immigration status — can ac- formation visit ppcw.org. crisis that racism presents. To our black patients, staff and support- ers and the black community whose lives, health and safety are constantly under at- tack: Planned Parenthood stands with you. For more than 400 years, the systems that built and uphold American society have demonstrated a disregard for black people’s humanity. Today, brutal police forces across the country are strong-arm- ing and killing black people before our very eyes. The over-policing of black bodies ex- tends far beyond the actions of individual police officers. It is in our workplaces, our schools, our public institutions. It is in our healthcare system. It is this same policing of black bodies that makes the promise of reproductive freedom unattainable for black people in this country. Many of the states where pol- iticians enact abortion bans are states with higher-than-average black populations. They’re also states with voter suppression, gerrymandering, “stand your ground” laws and anti-immigration legislation. In addition, because black people are more likely to depend on Medicaid for health care, they are often barred from us- ing their own insurance to access abortion. To make matters worse, later this month

tions that would statistically make people arming campus security should apologize Letter to the Editor of color less safe rather than more safe. In- to the family of Jason Washington and to stead, you went against the stated opinions the PSU community, and resign as a PSU I testified three times to you when the of the majority of the PSU community. In trustee. question of starting an armed police force the silent seconds following your voice Now, yet again, I am just one member of Disarm PSU originally came to you six years ago. I op- vote I stood and said, “I can’t breathe,” and the PSU community and I know many of posed it then, noting that the literature in walked out. my feelings are shared by many others, and our journals gave us many reasons to not Last year, with a slightly different as- I’m insisting that you reverse your poor de- Police make that decision and that, as a research semblage of PSU trustees, in a hearing that cision from those years ago and #DisarmP- Dear PSU Board of Trustees, university, we should be paying attention took place in Lincoln Hall following the SU. Not after a long study. Now. I write you speaking only for myself to the scholarship. murder of Jason Washington--exactly the Yours for a nonviolent future, and hoping that many others will also Along with the majority of students tragedy we forecasted and that trustees ig- Tom Hastings, assistant professor of write you regarding the matter of campus polled and the votes of the PSU Faculty nored-- in my testimony, I noted that any of conflict resolution at Portland State Uni- police carrying guns. Senate, I urged you not to set up condi- the board members who voted in favor of versity. Page 10 June 24, 2020 Classified/Bids SONGBIRD – BRAND NEW – NOW LEASING!! INVITATION TO BIDS This beautiful property in the Eliot neighborhood of Portland Subscribe! offers 61 affordable apartments. 30 units subsidized with On-Call Crane and Rigging Services the Project Based Voucher Program, with rents approx. 30% ITB 3848 503-288-0033 of the household’s adjusted income, are now available. Fill Out & Send To: Pre-applications will be available online on June 22, 2020. Pre-apps Bid Date: July 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. received by July 7, 2020 will be randomly ordered. Pre-apps received The Oregon Zoo, a department of Metro, a metropolitan service after July 7 will be added to the end of the lists. For more district organized under the laws of the State of Oregon and the info, visit bridgehousing.com/properties/songbird or leave us Metro Charter, located at 600 NE Grand Avenue, Portland, OR a message at (415) 748-3988 or songbird@bridgehousing. 97232-2736, is hereby requesting sealed bids for On-Call Crane com. Disabled applicants are encouraged to apply. We do and Rigging Services. not discriminate on the basis of disability. Income and other Attn: Subscriptions, Sealed bids are due no later than 2:00 p.m., July 7, 2020, at restrictions apply. Rents subject to change. EHO. BRIDGE http://bidlocker.us/a/oregonmetro/BidLocker PO Box 3137, Property Management Company. The Oregon Zoo needs qualified and experienced, on-call contrac- Portland OR 97208 tors specializing in crane & rigging services. The Oregon Zoo has $45.00 for 3 months an immediate need for the demolition & removal of structures $80.00 for 6 mo. in our Colobus-Swamp Monkey exhibit. Typical areas in the Zoo $125.00 for 1 year SUB-BIDS REQUESTED where crane & rigging services could be utilized, including but not (please include SW Capitol Highway: Taylors Ferry Rd. to SW Garden Home Rd. limited to Animal exhibits, animal holding areas, guest facing ar- eas, and staff only areas check with this Storm Water Management and Street Improvements subscription form) Portland, OR ITB documents can be viewed and downloaded from the Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN) at http://orpin.oregon. Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting: 6/26/2020 at 10:00a.m. (Site Work) gov/open.dll/. Name: Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting: 6/26/2020 at 2:00p.m. (Concrete) Metro may accept or reject any or all bids, in whole or in part, or RSVP for Meeting Invitation / [email protected] waive irregularities not affecting substantial rights if such action is Last Day for Questions: 6/25/2020 deemed in the public interest. Telephone: Sub Bids Due: 7/2/2020 at 2:00p.m. Metro extends equal opportunity to all persons and specifically Requesting bids for the following Subcontractor Packages: encourages minority, women-owned, emerging small businesses and service disabled veteran owned businesses to access and SUB021.1 – MULTNOMAH NORTH STORM FACILITY SITE WORK participate in this and all Metro projects, programs and services. Address: SUB020.1 – 42ND FACILITY STORM FACILITY SITE WORK SUB027.1 – MULTNOMAH SOUTH STORM FACILITY SITE WORK Metro and its contractors will not discriminate against any per- son(s), employee or applicant for employment based on race, col- SUB017.1 – MULTNOMAH NORTH FACILITY CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE or, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, SUB018.1 – MULTNOMAH SOUTH FACILITY CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE political affiliation or marital status. Metro fully complies with Title SUB026.1 – CIP RETAINING WALL 42ND STORM FACILITY VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regu- This project is subjected to prevailing wage rate law and City of lations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to or email subscriptions@ Portland Community & Equity Inclusion Plan requirements. obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, see www.oregonmetro.gov. portlandobserver.com Please Direct Questions To: James W. Fowler Co. Attn: Sondra Jameson [email protected]

James W. Fowler Co. is an EEO employer and requests sub bids from all interested firms, including small business enterprises, disadvantaged business enterprises, minority business enterprises, women business enterprises, and emerging small business enterprises.

L e g a l N o t i c e s

Advertise with diversity in Need to publish a court document or notice? Need an affidavit of publication quickly and efficiently? Please fax or e-mail your notice for a free price quote! The Portland Observer Fax: 503-288-0015 Call 503-288-0033 e-mail: [email protected] or email [email protected] The Portland Observer June 24, 2020 Page 11 Young Rapper Signs Deal BUSINESS A teenage rapper from Hous- DIRECTORY ton’s African American com- munity has taken the world by storm with her infectious energy and sharp rhymes. Nickelodeon last week an- nounced it has signed a deal with 13-year-old social media star and hip-hop artist, Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High to develop original programming for the en- tertainment channel, supporting 971-276-8674 her music career and an exclu- sive line of consumer products. Cut, trim, edge, All Teased Up A musical prodigy who has power washing, Hair Salon & Barbershop dazzled famous fans like Nick Covid-19 Special Cannon and Le’Veon Bell with hauling, leaf removal, Space Available for her viral freestyle raps, Lay Lay cleanup, anything! has been writing, producing, rap- Barbers and Stylists ping and singing since the age of FREE ESTIMATES Contact: five. At age 11, she became the Janet Henderson youngest female rapper to sign a FAIR PRICING 503-449-2555 recording deal and released her debut project, Tha Cheat Code following a jaw dropping perfor- mance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. $5.00 With TV appearances, nation- al ad campaigns and book deals firmly under her belt, the sky is TEES the limit for this talented young photo courtesy Nickelodeon CLUBS star. Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High FAMILY REUNIONS SCHOOL CLUBS BUSINESSES In Loving Memory SCREEN PRINTING

Wilma Pauline antiques, decorating her home, going fishing and getting dressed 971-570-8214 Graham up! She adored her five grandchil- Jan. 12, 1934 - dren, Lesa, Elijah III, Meyaka, June 11, 2020 Alexandrea and Eli IV (Bo), She Wilma Pauline Graham passed also had two great-grandchildren, away peacefully Thursday, June Malea and Naya; and several niec- 11, 2020 of natural causes after es and nephews. a long illness. She was born in Wilma was preceded in death Hazelhurst, Miss., Jan. 12, 1934 by her husband, Grand Master to George Byrd and Georgia Till- Mason and Deacon Elijah Gra- man, and was the oldest of four ham Sr.; her mother Georgia; fa- children. She was raised in Empo- ther George; brother Willie Zeal ra, Miss., with her Aunt Hopie and and sister Alice Faye. She leaves Uncle Charlie White. behind to celebrate her memory, Martin Cleaning Service She traveled to Oregon and her sister Ruth, her sons, grand- MCS Residential & Commercial Business joined Vancouver Avenue First Wilma was a Licensed Practical children and numerous other fam- Baptist Church, where she met Nurse for 50 years. She worked at ily members. Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning•Minimum Service CHG. deacon Elijah Graham Sr. They Emanuel Hospital, Holiday Park We lost a beautiful wife, mom, $50.00 (A small distance/travel charge may be applied) were married in 1952, which was and OHSU, retiring as head nurse sister and grandmother. She will Ask about all our other special services available the first wedding at the church. at Terwilliger Plaza. FOREVER be in our hearts. CARPET • UPHOLSTERY • AREA/ORIENTAL RUG • VEHICLES They had two sons Elijah (Tim) Wilma had a loving, giving The family would like thank AUTO/BOAT/RV ODOR TREATMENT• SPOT & STAIN REMOVAL Graham Jr. (Leisa) and Tony An- spirit. She enjoyed entertaining Cherrywood Parkview Memory Call for Appointment (503) 281-3949 dre Graham. her family and friends. She loved Care. Page 12 June 24, 2020 Food

Chicken Salad with Opening Up and Giving Back Bacon, Lettuce, Erica Fahnbulleh, owner of Essence Hair Design, 4710 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr., reopens her business under new Phase One coronavirus regulations for public safety, while reaching out to distribute free food boxes from the Sunshine and Tomato Division for those in need each Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. On Friday, Multnomah County was officially reopened for business under the state’s re- Ingredients: opening process, requiring safe distancing between people and masks to be worn • 5 slices bacon in all public places. • 3 cups diced cooked chicken • 1 cup chopped fresh tomato • 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced • ¾ cup mayonnaise Providing Insurance and Financial Services • 2 tablespoons minced green onion • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste Ernest J. Hill, Jr. Agent • 12 leaves romaine lettuce • 1 large avocado, sliced 5010 NE 9th Ave 311 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, Or 97211 Portland, OR 97211 Directions: Phone: 503 284-2989 1. Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turn- 503 286 1103 Fax 503 286 1146 ing occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon We specialize in a variety [email protected] slices on paper towels; crumble. of cuts for men and 24 Hour Good Neighbor Service R 2. Stir chicken, bacon, tomato, and celery together in a bowl. women, hot towel razor 3. Whisk mayonnaise, parsley, green onions, lemon juice, Worcester- shire sauce, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl until dressing is shaves, braiding, hair smooth. Pour dressing over chicken mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate extension, Shampoo, blow dryer and Platinum fade. until chilled, at least 30 minutes. State Farm R 4. Stir chicken mixture and serve over romaine lettuce leaves; garnish Call Today or Walk in !!! with avocado slices. Unjust Force Continued from Page 5 scrapes and bruising around Ben- bo’s eye and on his cheek. She said she first contacted an attorney about the case last year, but was pleased the lawsuit was filed Thursday because of the na- tional attention to police brutali- ty and racial injustice following Floyd’s death. “Right now, it’s a prime time. George Floyd, for goodness sakes — watching his video made me cry because that could have been my child,” McDavid said. --Associated Press