P o rtla n d O bserver J u n e 12, 1380
Behind the Walls
by l urry Huker 43502!
O.S.P. Correspondent
Cell Talk
David Wright # 39816
Assistant Editor
By Asmar A bdul Seifullah
(aka Joe West » 40404
By Larry Baker
Originally when the column “ Cell
I his correspondent went to the
The Walls applauds the Governor’s
Cell T alk” that you wuld like
Brothers incarcerated in O.S.P.
Talk” began it was agreed that the
o ffic e ot another security unit
decision
for
the
simple
reason
there
response to, please address a letter
The word is o u t...S T R IK E ,
need contact and support no matter
space fo r “ Cell T a lk ” would be
manager who stated the same thing.
are other peaceful options open,
to Uhuru Organization, 2605 State
STRIKE, STRIKE.
how small. Prison is a very lonely
used to a ir the grievenaces and
In tact he went one step farther
lo
d
a
y
,
employees
who
work
in
St.,
Salem, Oregon 97310 or call
But this time it is not the inmates
place and there are people out there
opinions o l the Black inmates incar
saying, such a strike would give him
Oregon penal in s titu tio n s are
378-2446 between 8 & 9 A.M . or 1 -
who are doing the shouting or
that can combat this loneliness.
cerated in Oregon State Peniten
the opportunity to gather some o f
receiving good wages compared to
2 p.m. on weekdays. I w ill per
threating the state and public with
There are bad people and good
tiary. It was also agreed that this
the inmates who worked in the
the “ yester-years.” A guard’s star-
sonally answer any and all letters
such actions, it's (hose employees
people confined in this prison, it ’s
column would be used to exhibit
plum bing shop and put them to
a guard’s starting wage is 51,030 per
and I would like to include as a part
who are non-line stall working in
the good that we should all be con
some o f the talent and skill that lies
work in the cell blocks fixing all
month, plus all kinds o f benefits.
of
Cell Talk” some articles that
the prisons under the Department ot
dormant behind these walls and is
cerned about. Drop a letter of sup
them up to a tee. A nother unit
I here are lots o f people standing in
answer the questions that any mem
Corrections. Those employees work
port to the editors o f the Portland
entombed in the madness that
manager stated that it would be like
ber o f the community might want
unemployment
lines who are just as
in industries, education department,
Observer in support of “ Cell Talk“
prison infects in all prisoners.
the old days, when the inmates
qualified to do some o f the striking
answers to . A lso in behalf o f
prison culinary, counseling depart
and think about getting involved in
As ol this date many o f the things
cooks ran the kitchen with only a
Uhuru. as the C o -o rd in a to r o f
employee s jobs and would be
ment and clerical o llic e s pools.
the war that Blackmen are waging
that “ Cell T alk” started out to do
couple ol stewards lor supervision,
Uhuru, I would like to invite any
thankful just tor the opportunity.
Such a strike would not allect em
behind the walls o f O.S.P.
haven’ t been done. I t ’ s not that
instead of ten stewards we have
And since these jobs are equal op
member ot the community to attend
ployee's positions who are hired as
there aren’ t grievances, opinions
today tripping over one another,
A little support now may prevent
a Uhuru general meeting. This in
portunity positions, I would expect
guards or work in security.
and talents that need airing but that
frying to find something to do. An
a crime next year. It might even help
vitation
includes
Black
and
white
to
see
lots
ot
minorities
heading
in
The deadline lor a strike is June
Black prisoners inside O.S.P. are
inmate followed by stating, “ Good!
some brother on the road to
this direction. I ’ll bet you ain’t no
people alike. This would be an ex
16, 1980.
reluctant to go on record as to how
maybe more money will gO back in
rehabilitation.
A man is still a man
picket line going to stop them. Not
cellent opportunity to dispell some
So coming Irom an inmate’s point
they feel about the system. I t ’ s
to the food pots, instead o f
even it he wears a number across his
it
they
got
children
to
feed
and
bills
of
the
myths
that
are
perpetrated
ol concern, one would have to go no
salaries.”
necessary that the community un
chest and when you’re a Blackman
to pay in this day and age.
about Blacks and prison.
further than to open a manual on
derstand that prison is a fearful
The State of Oregon and mem
with
a number, it’s stamped into the
I he reason this correspondent is
Through in te ra ctio n between
Policy and Procedures o l the
situation at best. Fearful in that
bers ot two local unions have been
core o f your soul.
Black
inmates
and
the
community
calling
this
so-called
strike
silly
and
C orrections D ivision governing
freedom is the ultimate goal o f all
locking horns over the past year in
childish is I am setting an com-
through “ Cell Talk” and through
“ employees work stopage” and it ’s negotiation of a new contract in
prisoners and they are very leary in
May Allah bless and protect the
pari.son to what would happen it we
the
community visiting Uhuru we
all laid out in black and white. The
expressing anything that w ill be used
volving higher wages and more
believers
and may we all someday
the inmates “ threatened” the State
can eliminate some o f the fear that
same manual governs inmates con
against them when the tim e fo r
benefits. The American Federation
become believers in something
with a strike every time we wanted a
now consumes Black prisoners.
duct.
parole comes around. They hesistate
positive.
o f State, County and Muncipal Em
fifty
cents
raise.
One
would
think
Procedural S tatem ent G over
in speaking out because the system
ployees (AFSCME) which involves
employees o f a prison would be set
nin g W ork S topage . “ It is the
really doesn’t allow fo freedom o f
about 220 clerical and support em
ting an example that the inmates
policy ol the Corrections Division
speech.
ployees at the penitentiary and the
could follow in getting grievances
that essential services to the public
What I mean to say is that
women’s prison wants open-end in
answered.
and to those who have been commu
fla tio n a ry pay increases, but the
everyone is accountable for their
I hope the families ot the inmates
ted to the Corrections D ivision’s State contends such a contract can
own actions and deeds. One way or
feel a little more secure after reading
care and custody shall be continued
the other we all have to pay our dues
be negotiable with guards and em
this week s column, because this
with the least possible interruption,
and the dues collectors have a way
ployees, but not with non-security
strike mess is not going to affect us
in the event o f a work stopage by
o f drawing retribution from those
personnel, since guards are
in any manner. In tact, the inmates
employees.
who openly advocate and express
prohibited from striking and non
are acting real cool about the
alternatives to the system. I f the
security employees are not. They
In the event o f a work stopage,
prison s employees dispute and
things that are being said in “ Cell
believe they should receive whatever
those incumbents in the positions
many ol those I have spoken with
Talk” are thought provoking then
identified on a roster maintained by
wage increase the guards get just
are not going to let any employee in
those people who w rite in it can
because they belong to the same
the Corrections Division Central
timidate them. The inmates will not
become a threat to the system. Per
Personnell Office, will provide the
union. Even though there has been a
be used this time in the news media
sonally I would hate to spend one
arbitration ruling, agreeing with the
services to assure continuance o f
as before by trying to make the
extra day behind these walls because
those services deemed essential by
union, the state has appealed the
public think that the inmates are
ol the stand that I ’ ve made but then
ruling and wants the courts to rule.
each affected functional unit
going to become unmanageable just
manager."
that's a personal problem that I can
I he employees had three options
because a battle is brewing between
handle.
upon the Stale’s appeal. (I) try to
W ell, th a t’ s pretty plain and
prison employees, management and
What 1 hope to accom plish
coach the State back to the
WHOECOp ^ , fl F 4 M IL V ° A V C A R E PROVIDER UN YOUR H O M E ,
the State of Oregon. And "Behind
simple. It means things around the
through this particular article is to
negotiation
table,
(2)
proceed
I he W alls,” will publically expose
Oregon State Penitentiary will go on
.S e
' ° C m 'ng a“ 's,’ nce " om A" u & pam'*Y Services end
through the courts, (3) S TRIKE. To
generate some interest in the com
as normally as can be expected with
any employee who intimidates any
munity in support o f “ Cell T a lk”
threaten the State with a strike when
maybe a few minor changes, if any.
inmate by trying to make believe we
I [ ainees wi" be squired to attend 4 training sessions a week 4
because if the community doesn’t
there are other options open, is a
The major concern ot the inmates
are going to suffer a big lock-down
participate.9 am l° 1 Pm J f° r 4 W6ekS- Chi,d™
V— and old«: may
support
“
Cell
T
alk”
I
’
m
afraid
that
very childish move. It is this
by a prison union strike.
is would such a strike constitute a
it won t continue. There are always
correspondent’ s o p inion alter
lock-down?” This correspondent
forces at work to prevent the truth
questioning many o f the employees
posed the question to H arold
(E d ito r’ s Note: This article in from being told. Your letters are
W HERE:
who work at this prison who would
Whitley, Chief o f Security at O.S.P.
dicates the position o f the writer needed it this type o f direct contact
A
M
A
F
A
M
IL
Y DA Y & N IG H T CARE
be affected by the strike that they
Detinately not,” was his answer of
only, and not th a t o f this
is going to continue.
1425 NE Dekum 285-0493
are not fully aware how the strike
assurance.
newspaper. The Observer believes in
It you have any comments about
decision materialized.
FO^ U^ T2 i l P i ^ O R M A TIO N contact Kaye or Sue a t ^ - n a o ,
“ This is a dispute between em
the right o j employees to organize
Governor Vic Atiyeh has assured
ployees and management and in no
and
to strike, and opposes those
the employees that he w ill not be
way will | have the inmates suffering
who
“ scab" by working or taking
tolerable o f any o f the prison em
by it.” indicated Whitley.
jo
b
s
fro
m employees who are on
ployees who do go on strike. Behind
strike.)
M t. Olive OES holds A n n u a l Session
The Twenty-first Annual Session
of Mt. Olive Grand Chapter Order
of The Eastern Star, affiliated with
the M.W. St. Joseph Grand Lodge,
Ancient Free and Accepted Mason
of Oregon, will begin June 16th thru
June 21. 1980, with all meetings
held at the Hall on N. Freemont and
Mississsippi.
Sunday, June 15th is St. John’ s
Day. Worship will be with Morning
Star Baptist Church, 106 N.E Ivy
St. a. 11:00 A.M . Rev. Lee Author
Madison, pastor.
Monday, June 16th, the opening
session will begin with a memorial
service for all deceased members.
All sessions will begin at 6:30 with
registrations.
Saturday, June 21st, 7:00 p.m.
Annual Banquet and Coronation at
the Red Lion M otor Inn, Jantzen
Beach. Scholarship awards will also
be given. I he public is invited to the
banquet to help recognize students
who will be going on to further their
education.
EXODUS
A ll members are urged to please
nc present and on time.
1518 N E KILLINGSWORTH
PORTLAND. OREGON 97211
Linnie R. Carter, Grand matron;
M abel Davis, G rand Secretary;
Levan Johnson. G rand Master;
Ihetma M. Syvester, Assc. Grand
Master; Talco Buffington. Grand
Patron; N apoleon Jelks, Assc.
Grand Patron; Julia Canter, past
Grand Matron and Grand instruc
tor.
YMCA begins day camp
Summer day camp at the YWCA
begins on June 16 with camps in five
locations within the Portland area.
There are two programs in the
Downtown area, one in Beaverton,
one in the Southwest area and one in
Northeast Portland. The program
continues through August 15.
The YWCA program is designed
for parents who are in need o f full
time day care during the summer
months. Payment is on a weekly
basis so children may be enrolled for
one week at a time for the whole
summer. “ It is very flexible,” says
Paul Nelson, coordinator o f the
program . “ We want parents to
know that whenever they need day
care throughout the summer, the
YW CA has a city-w ide program
that is ready and w aiting fo r
them. The cost ol the program is
530 per week. The day begins at 7:30
a.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m., giving
parents tim e to get to and from
work.
The program is for children be
Summ er s here! And tim e for day cam p...
tween the ages o f 6 to 12 and there
w ill be one counselor for every eight
(Photo by: Lorraine Stratton)
visiting various state parks that o f
children. The program will feature a
how to get around the city by them
fer recreational opportunities for
variety o f arts and crafts, swimming
selves. We want to emphasize all the
the children. For trips w ithin the
and recreational activities. Weekly
advantages o f c ity life and give
c ity the T ri-M et system w ill be
children a taste o f everything that is
trips outside o f the city are planned
utilized Says Nelson, " W e like to
u well as bus trips within the city.
available in a city like Portland.”
use the local bus system as much as
For all the weekly field trips the
For more information on the day
possible because it encourages in
Y W C A w ill utilize its own bus.
camp or to register children, call the
dependence and teaches children
YWCA at 223-6281.
284 7997
FROM THE FRONT DOOR
BY TOM BOOTHE
~
» --•
The quality of a winner is simply the will to succeed by consistantly putting forth his/her best
effort. The comparison is as follows:
1. SUCCESS equals (Consistent best effort)
2. H A PPIN ESS equals YOUR best effort
3. HEALTH equals YOUR best effort
4. W EALTH equals YOUR best effort
5. M O N E Y equals YOUR best effort
6. RESPECT equals YOUR best effort
1. FAILURE EQUALS (Lack of best effort and consistency)
2. M ISE R Y equals lack of best effort
3. SICKNESS equals lack of best effort
4. POVERTY equals lack ot best effort
5. LACK OF M O N E Y equals lack of best effort
6. DISRESPECT equals lack ot best effort
mus‘ understand ,hat everyone succeeds and everyone fails from time to time. The im
portant thing to remember is the selection of activities in which one performs.
Try to perform and give your best effort to activities that are constructive, productive and
beneficial to yourself and the people around you. There are a great many people who have
succeeded at becoming non-productive citizens, these persons have selected activities that
are not beneficial to themselves or the people around them. These people go on to become
POVERTY STm C K EN ' m RES' a" dnFAILURES'
MISERABLE, th.y
„ck, ,h ,y
T
E
D
‘ h™
* neVa' ad , " ° ‘,° h M ° " e y - ,n a ' hW -
■’ “ " « M C .
2?H,h8 0^ e r4hand there ar® tho8e citizana who have selected activities that are productive
and are beneficial to themselves and to the people around them. These persons go on to
become confirmed W IN N E R S or s u c c e s s .. and these successes lead to H A PPIN ESS and
happiness leads to HEALTH and health lays the ground work for W EALTH and wealth
S U C « ” sES
■"d ™ " ,¥ Bd" ° ’ RES,,ECT " " d r“ P,C'
r " »
«
* * »
*
Remember that you can be a W IN N E R IN LOOSING activities, and be looked upon as a
V° C8
V°
a n
ur
upon con«truc«vek productive good and positive thinqs
hat will benefit yourself and the people around you, and become a W INN ER of W IN N IN G
activities, and become known and respected as a W IN N E R , without saying a word.
t