Portland observer., May 18, 1978, Page 10, Image 10

Pag* 10 Portland
Thursday
May 18. 1078
V
Behind the wall
Larry Baker «36021.
O.S.P. t e r m wodea
to widen perspectives, all of which
strengthen and mature each individual
character. The members of our class are
bringing in others, who like themselves,
are looking for something real - some
thing tangible and who want to express
some of the things which they have for so
long kept locked away.
I will shed some light on the diverse
topics of the class (these are just a few):
politics, criminal procedures, white and
blue collar crimes, prison structure, ad
ministration and exploitation, rehahilita
lion and its meanings, theatrics (histto­
nics and pantomime), individuality and its
traits, and re-entry into society.
The class is comfortable and open, it is
something that I (and the rest of the class
I’m sure) truly look forward to!
Each Tuesday morning a Black woman
aits in a room surrounded by 22 Black
men and three white men. discussing how
drugs played a large pan in their
incarceration inside the wads.
Rosalie Bootlie has fought hard over
the past couple of years to establish a
drug class like this, not only for men m
prisons and of her race, but for others
who wish to participate.
Mrs Boothe is the founder and director
of the “House of Exodus", located at 1518
N X Kilhngsworth in Portland, a pro­
gram that mainly deals with alcoholics
and offers such services as "one to one
counseling", anti-abuse monitoring, and
referral. Mrs. Boothe quickly realmed
that drugs play a large part in the Bl*k
community. so she offers her services t^ a
small group of Black men who will return
to the community someday. The follow
ir,g articles are prisoners feelings an
what Mrs. Boothe has brought to them
since the drug class started this year.
by Stephen Kennedy «38359
J etea D Sane
Peetry Editer
drug
with
no compassion for someone else, there
fore we are seeking the Black cornmu
nity's support with the hope of eliminat
ing such misconceptions. W ith your help,
we are certain we can overcome many at
the obstacles which now confront us.
because men in this theoretic framework
are perceived as indivisible social beings
whose every action has a purpose.
We would like to say this to our
Black Brothers and Sisters out in the
world today, our Black skin is an un­
deniable bond, yet we seek to take that
bond a little higher to unite the minds and
hearts of our people.
Coining into O.S-P. in March of “76,
with a seven year sentence at O.S.P. I
immediately started participating in their
drug therapy classes on Tuesday, in
which I am the longest attending mem­
ber.
The majority of the people in the class
are Black Brother's whose crimes are
related to drugs and who have been
comforted with drugs all their lives
because of tbe kind of environment they
grew up in. like myself. No«» we are
typically victims of this deadly i rug that
is called H. that had us unaware of
ourselves, unresponsive to the world
around us evoking memories of the past,
anticipating tbe future, dwelling on what
has gone before, and worrying about
what is yet to come, and to completely
block out our present situation.
In
coming in contact with this deadly drug it
prevented us from responding sponta­
neously. to be able to acquire and hold
a responsible job. to present ourselves as
a responsible individual, and to be accept­
ed as working, law abiding citizens. We
fit life into some predetermined frame
work provided by our own.
Mx Black Brothers and I, in this drug
therapy class, inside O.S-P., have mis­
trusted whatever natural responses to
life we might once have had. Looking at
this problem quite seriously, my Brothers
and I and Rose Boothe, who works for the
Mental Health Division; have devoted a by Thomas P. Andersen «38586
lot of time in coming to O.S.P. and
I started using drugs when I was
working with the Brothers and myself
thirteen and continued up to the present
within tbe class, which is helping us
time. I was expelled from high school, so
considerably towards being an asset to
I went into the Army and was undesirab­
our community, family, and society.
ly discharged a year later. Tve had
This is being written for the purpose of
numerous jobs, but I was never able to
allowing interested parties of tbe Black
hold one down for more than three or four
community an intimate glimpse at the
months, so I stole to keep myself going.
problem these Brothers and myself were
In the course of one of these robberies my
experiencing as social beings in our Black
partner and I killed a man and now I'm
community. However, we, as drug users,
doing a life sentence for it.
are now aware that only within our Black
I haven't been in this drug program too
community we can fulfill our principles
long, but I like what I see and bear, and it
All our qualities are then conceived as
has helped me to understand people
expressions of social interaction; and will
somewhat. I was never very friendly
indicate movement towards a high prior
with people and I believe that this is
ity in society and will restrict the feelings
changing.
As myself and one other
of inferiority or inadequacies.
person are the only whites m my class it
We drug users are striving to involve
has been very interesting - all of a
our members in the therapy class with
sudden I am a minority it's helped me to
activity in community services and other
better understand Black people and their
functions which will better prepare us to problems.
serve the Black communities from which
I think it is an excellent program and
we came in a positive and progressive
deserves the respect and support of
fashion. In doing this, we also hope to everyone who cares about tbeir fellow-
show the public that with their help and man.
support we can be productive individuals
The mere fact that we are inmates here
by Edmsad LaKoy Evans «37380
in O.S.P. puts us at an even greater
disadvantage -- because we are so often
Tbe participants in tbe drug program
neglected, outcast, thought of as indi­ feel secure in tbeir confidentiality and are
viduals capable of nothing more than therefore more self-assured and creative
committing crimes - men with little or ■there was perpetual apprehension of
Oregon roads face ruin
Measure 5 vote critical
Oregon roads—many of
2 The modest 2c gas tax
them old—are losing a
increase and the fair 12
disastrous battle against In­
percent weight-mile tax
flation. weather, pounding
increase for trucks and
traffic, and lack of funds to
buses will assure funds
Keep them repaired and
for vitally necessary
maintained
repair and maintenance
Measure 8— TBS can save
Highway experts warn that
roads
road
d eterioration
is
Passage of Measure 5 will
serious
If
road-ruin
is
not
accomplish two vitally Im­
reversed now. the cost to
portant road-saving tasks
replace roads may be almost
1. Measure S DEMANDS
prohibitive within a few
that highway funds be
years Already maintenance
used FIRST for repair and
and operation costs are up
maintenance to reverse
73% since 1970
deterioration
Our roads need HELP
Vote Measure 5 YES
*B«C »o by Mtoftway w nprow m eoi C o rw n tttM W « rr« r A M c*l»nirtw «
M O S W SirttiX
tfc Aveno« R x tie n d O»«g o r 97304 Ahon« 2 2 1 1470
I
CM um r
intrusions from prison functionaries,
which were alleviated the first day I. The
areas which we explored in our class
were immensely vast because the guide
lines and principles were founded on
everyone« honesty and openness.
The attendance in our class is excellent
due to the fact that the guys know they
have a place where they can express
whatever they like, in a style that is most
comfortable for them. Also I contribute
part of the attendance to the fact that we
have a beautiful, intelligent, and very
versatile teacher (I use the word teacher
simply because I cannot find a more
descriptive word at present) who is seen
and respected as an equal because of her
great self-confidence and the impressive
style in which she uses in approaching the
group and individuals.
The class is
productive in helping us overcome disabi­
lities. Such as speaking blocks, shyness
and things of this nature, it helps us to
fortify confidence, disregard facades, and
latcrcrtod in
African
JOHN REED BOOK STORE
Is tbe Dekam Building
519 S.W. 3rd Avaaae
Sixth Fleer
227-2902
Legal Notice
Notice of Pendency of Litigation and Proposed Settlement and Dumissal of Class
Allegations of Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Race and National Origin in
Violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Against
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS. LOCAL 701.
years in the operating engineers' trade. Group II referral status will be accorded
other minority group discriminatee» who have some of those hours, until they get
2.000 hours of work experience and training, at which time Group I status will be
attained.
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF OREGON
1.4 Training. Each minority group discriminatee may choose to take training as an
“experienced apprentice" and shall receive the regular apprenticeship training and
education offered by the Heavy Equipment Operator Joint Apprenticeship and
Training Committee (JATC) and. if complying with training and work requirements,
shall receive also a supplemental training stipend as follows:
a. $150 in cash, or in room, board and transportation costing $150 per week for the
initial four weeks of offsite related training.
b. An additional subsistence allowance of $150 per week payable to a discriminatee
who is the head of a household during the initial four weeks of offsite related training.
c. Supplemental unemployment compensation shall be payable in weekly amounts
up to $150 at times during the first six months after the apprentice successfully
completes the initial offsite related training. However, the maximum total amount of
such payments to any individual shall not exceed $800.00.
d. The priority referral status benefit will also be available to persons taking
training.
UNITED MINORITY WORKERS, et al..
Plaintiffs.
CIVIL NO. 74 395
V.
INTERNATIONAL
UNION
OF
OPERATING ENGINEERS. LOCAL
701,
Defendant.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
NITY COMMISSION.
OPPORTU
CIVIL NO. 76-577
Plaintiffs
v.
INTERNATIONAL
UNION
OF
OPERATING ENGINEERS. LOCAL
701; OREGON COLUMBIA CHAPTER.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRAC
TORS OF AMERICA.
Defendants.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED SETTLEMENT
If you are a member of a racial or ethnic minority, (a Black person or Spanish
sumamed American) and tried to obtain employment in the operating engineers trade,
your rights may be affected by this lawsuit and its proposed settlement, and you
should read this notice carefully.
On May 12. 1974 a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in union membership,
training and work referral practices was filed by the United Minority Workers and
certain named individuals (hereafter UMW) against the International Union of
Operating Engineers. Local 701 (hereafter Local 7011 in the Federal Court in Portland,
Oregon under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. On June 24, 1976
the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (hereafter EEOC)
filed a similar lawsuit against Local 701 under Title VII and joined as an interested
party the Oregon Columbia Chapter, Associated General Contractors of America
(hereafter AGC). These two lawsuits were consolidated on April 4, 1977. The
Defendants have denied the allegations of unlawful discrimination. The esses have not
come to trial gnd the Court has made no findings or determinations which substantiate
or refute any of the claims The respective parties, with the assistance of the Court, in
these cases have engaged in negotiations for the purposes of a settlement. The terms
of a proposed consent decree have been agreed to by the EEOC. UMW, Local 701,
AGC and provisionally by the Court.
The proposed consent decree provides certain benefits to a defined group of
minority persons. These benefits are described below in the summary of the consent
decree. If you wish to obtain the benefits, you must complete a claim form not later
than June 1. 1978.
A summary of the terms of the proposed consent decree is set forth below. A copy of
the complete proposed consent decree is available for examination at the office of the
Clerk of the U.S. District Court. Room 604, Federal Courthouse. 620 S.W. Main Street.
Portland. Oregon 97205, between the hours of 9:00 s.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday.
THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT
1.1 Dismissal of class actieo allegations. Under the terms of the proposed consent
decree, the class action allegation« of the UMW lawsuit will be dismissed and no class
of persons will be certified.
1.2 Discrimination defined The proposed consent decree defines as a minority
group discriminatee an individual who:
a. is Black or a Spanish sumamed American.
b. is now or at one time was a bon* fide resident within the geographical
jurisdiction of Local 701 (Oregon and parts of Washington); and
c. registered for work referral at Local 701 or applied for operating engineers' work
with a contractor within the geographical jurisdiction of Local 701 at a time between
4/29/70 and 1/1/77. Three types of benefits to a minority group discriminatee are
contained in the proposed consent decree: priority referral status, training or back
pay.
1000 Co«c«Oe C
1.3 Priority referral status. A minority group discriminatee who applies shall be
accorded referral status in Group I if be has 2,000 hours of work or training in recent
1.5 Back pay. Any minority group discriminate« who does not elect priority referral
status or training may make a ciaim against a back pay fund of $15,000 established by
Local 701. This fund shall pay up to $500 to each claimant for each proven good faith
attempt to obtain work (as defined in the proposed consent decree) between April 1st
and October 1st of any calendar year between 1970 and 1976, inclusive. No claimant
shall receive more than $1.000 for any calendar year or more than a total from the fund
of $2,000. If claims exceed the amount of the fund, there will be no disbursements
from the fund until all claims have been proved or disproved. If proved claims exceed
the amount of the fund, the fund will be distributed on a prorated basts.
1.6 Claim form . Claim forms for priority referral status, training or back pay may
be obtained by requesting a copy either in person or by written request addressed to:
Carney. Probst, Levsk & Cornelian. Attorneys at Law. 410 Riviera Plaza. 1618 S.W
First Avenue. Portland. Oregon 97201, or: Gaylord & Thom**, Attorney* at Law, 1400
S.W. Montgomery. Portland, Oregon 97201. Claim forms must be completed and
returned personally or by mailing and actually delivered not later than 5:00 p.m., June
1.1978. addressed to: Gaylord & Thomas, Attorneys at Law. 1400 S.W Montgomery.
Portland, Oregon 97201. Failure to complete and return ihe claim form by that date
will disqualify a claimant from further consideration for priority referral statu*
training or bark pay under the proposed consent decree
TIMETABLE AND COURT HEARING
2.1 The Court has provisionally approved the proposed consent decree described
above, which would settle these lawsuits, subject to consideration of any showing
made as to why the Court should not finally approve the settlement. A hearing to
determine whether the Court should approve the proposed settlement will be held on
May 22. 1978 at 9:00 a m. in Room 717 of the U.S. Courthouse, 620 S.W. Main Street
Portland, Oregon 97205. If the consent decree is approved by the Court, all race
discrimination claims of members of the alleged, but not certified class, will be finally
settled and compromised.
Failure to participate under the terms of the proposed consent decree may
terminate your individual right to bring an action against Local 701 or AGC for race
discrimination for years prior to 1977, and you will not be entitled to share in the
benefits of that settlement.
You need do nothing with regard to this notice unless you wish to obtain priority
referral statu*, training or back pay as described above, or to appear at the hearing to
object to the proposed settlement
Any person who wishes to object to the terms of this settlement must appear at the
hearing on May 22,1978 to show cause why the settlement and content decree should
not be approved. However, no person will be heard and no papers or briefs submitted
by any such person shall be considered, except by special permission of the Court,
unless, on or before May 19. 1978, the person files with the Court a written notice of
intention to appear and all papers and briefs which that person wants to submit.
This notice has been approved by counsel for Plaintiffs and Defendants and by the
Court.
DATED thia 1st day of May, 1978.
/ • / Otto J. Skopil, Jr.
U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE
Additional claim forms are available at:
United Minority Workers
106 N.E. Morris Street
Portland. Oregon
(503) 288-6617
Urban league
5329 N.E. Union Street
Portland, Oregon (503) 288-0168