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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 4, 1987)
November 4. 1987, Portland Observer, Page 3 F. METROPOLITAN • • . I • : «•.' ;• *.*.*.•. ■ JL -. t<- /.*. & -. Wgjb g A Man of Excellence by Nyewusi Askari <• • A *• ... ?-.<'• ^ 7 '- - r. .*.>*< • .<» During my fourty-two years of living in America (most of it in the Deep South), I have had the opportunity to meet many African-Americans who epitomized the ancestoral definition of "Wise One . Driven by a know ledge of life's true possibilities, they tend to spread magic wherever they go. In our motherland, these "Wise Ones" are profoundly honored and revered. In America, they are much too often ignored, viewed as unimpor tant, and driven into inactivity. Eventually, they fade into oblivion. These thoughts and more entered my mind as I listened to Professor Bud highlight his life's journey. • 1945-1954: Anticipating H&R Block by many years. Professor Burt established the Pacific Business Service with an Income Tax Division that served clients throughout the country; had branch offices (and home solici tors) throughout Vanport City, Oregon's second largest city, until it was flooded out of existence. • 1966: Won a National Science Foundation Award for The Dalles, Oregon School District; was first in the nation to put an on-line computer education system in an elementary school classroom. In 1969, Portland Public Schools refused Professor Burt's offer to install the system in their back in 1969. "In late 1969, I received a call from Dr. Stanley Jacobs, internationally known inventor of DMSO, asking me to visit the Lake Oswego Montessori School and demonstrate my techniques. There, I designed and imple mented a "Computer Learning Board" for four- and five-year-old children." "It was a computer program based upon the sequences of daily tasks most likely to be performed by five-year-olds — from getting out of bed, to brushing their teeth, to arriving at school and receiving assignments. P lease D riv e C a re fu lly In 1985, almost 20 percent of all pedestrian injuries involved children under 15 years old. Oregon AAA asks motorists to drive very carefully. Remember, many youngsters are still learning the pedestrian safety rules. ? ...' ‘r- r <l ■- / ? ;• •• e r-;. •• Cycles and loops were built into the algorithm such as 'finding bathroom occupied by siblings' and, then, looping back there 'until vacant.' The system worked very well, but, again, I could not get the school system interested." A new kind of excitement began to gleam in his eyes. "But, I see my self as ready to take advantage of a long series of learning cycles. I am prepared to carry out some innovative, experience-based educational pro grams and models in the field of science and mathematics. I am talking about national models which can greatly escalate the process of bringing inner-i ity youth and others up to par and Deyona. "For instance, for the past five years, I have been developing data banks and outlining physical and operational parameters for a new type of inner-city Technology Applications Center that goes far beyond anything being done in the country today. I have incorporated everything I have learned in fourty years about interface and interaction between science industry and education. Integral to the process is the motivational thrust provided by the contributions of African-American and African students and inventors; an expansion of the mode I introduced in my book, Black Inventors of America'." Then there was a long silence: a warm silence, a promising silence, 533 N.E. K illingsw orth 503-288-6338 Quality Copies - 284-2129 (« 0« N I 7TH OPEN 7 DAYS DELIVERED! kinko's 223*2056 You can gd looking copw without rvm leaving your desk. Jus call Kinko a We pKk up vour originals and delivn crop dear cop« nght to voir door-within horn' or-« Qualm copies— Krnko s delivers’ k D IA M 4 fi« k ing 3201 NE Columbia Blvd. New Radiators Portland, OR 97211 (503) 282-9707 (206)699-4550 i silence in memory of all the great Africans and African-Americans (past and present) who've enriched our lives (Black and White) with their innova tive magic. Preparing to depart, Professor Burt gave me an assuring smile. "This s not a speculative or dream project, but as evidenced in this interview, an experience-based culmination of proven ventures. I'll tell you what . . . My former students keep coming by from all over the country to say thanks, md they are from every category of professional accomplishment you can mention That's where it's at!" He smiled and then was gone. Hours later, as I continued to absord tiie shared magic of his personal journey, I became totally humble. I asked myself, "W hat manner of a man is this? One so humble, so sharing, so dedicated to the proposition that all children deserve the best of our every thing. What manner of a man is this, who, at age 65, took my heart in his hands and blessed it with an inspiration that will live inside of me and my work forever7" Now I know why Professor Burt smiled such an assuring smile. He already knew what I am still learning: "The more we give, the longer we live." Thanks. Professor . . U n ite d N eg ro C o lleg e Fund B e n e fit 1002 I.W. JEFFERSON OPEN 24 HOURS Walnut Park Lock & Key > ’ 3* f •H 4? . r P a rt II o f II classrooms. • 1969: Wrote a book: "Black Inventors of America" detailing major inventions by African-Americans. The book is currently in use in school systems in their country and abroad. • 1974-1979: Designed and taught the first government-sponsored and university-accredited Affirmative Action course. More than half of Portland's Affirmative Action Officers for the government and the private sector took Professor Burt's course. • 1977: Secured a large federal grant to support on-the-job medical education for women and minority students. This program was operated by Portland Metropolitan Steering Committee. • 1978: Designed exhibits and placed the U.S. Department of Agri culture/Forest Service in the National Convention of the NAACP. This was the first time in its history that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had been an integral part of the National Convention of a major Black organization. "Subsequent communication and visits with the Forest Service per sonnel (and Black colleges) around the nation has suggested that the sub sequent interaction between this agency and the national conventions of similar Black organizations — a process that followed on the last ten year _ has resulted in the direct employment of hundreds of Black scien tists, engineers, technicians, secretaries, accountants, truck drivers, drafts men, surveyors, etc.,” Professor Burt explained. "I think this has to be my best effort to date. May I give due credit here to former City Commissioner Charles Jordan who first introduced me to the Forest Service through Mr. Jetie Wilds, then the Civil Rights Director of Region 6, and to Mr. William Green, his successor. And also to Mr. Phillip Murray who handled the New York end of my contract for the NAACP Convention. Closer to home, Professor recalled a particular phone call he received -- New Cores s99®?* s75 ?5‘ Lifetime warranty on above honored at any Radiator King in U S on all non-commercial cars and trucks to 3/4 ton »*>&■ < <7 ‘ / »-w? ; »?><»• •«.Mli ¡3$ •à 4k:- Semper Fidelis Club is having their annual Fall Tea, Autumn Roaring 20's, November 8, 1987, 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. at the home of Mrs. Ernestine Wiseman, address: 5225 N.E. Rodney. Donations from the proceeds will be contributed to the National Negro College Fund. IF k Avarat & PS?« & •:?;ì o f J -o o z BEAUTY SUPPLY K For A ll Your Beauty Supply Needs Complrff Coolmg Syttrni Sonico lor Truer mg 24 hr. Emergency Service Hoory Equipment Monne. Auto m d Light Trucia WINTERIZATION SPECIAL Puwer flu s h plus up to 2 gals ot antitreeze/coolant Wholesale Pricing On Groceries Gone Public Did you know that for almost 30 years you could have bought some of your groceries at wholesale prices? The Bee Company, for over 30 years, has offered the public weekly shipments of name-brand groceries at genuine wholesale prices. You'll find canned and packaged goods, pet foods, as well as frozen and close-dated deli products on the shelves. The best feature is that you do not have to buy by the case. You buy just what you want to buy, just the amount you need. Located at 800 N. Killingsworth, just east of 1-5, they are open Monday through Saturday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Isn't it about time you save on your grocery bill? FREE RADIATOR CHECK HEATER SALES/SERVICE SO t 99 “t I Rebuilt Radiators « a .« * ; Chemical Clean & Repair $29’X Rod Out & Repair Open Mon. thru Frl 8-5 • Set by Appt. Sea creatures living at depths below 3,000 feet have been found to be blind or to possess their own phosphorescent lighting system N O W OPEN N o rth East R e d e e m e r D a y C are C e n te r High Quality Service, Hot Meals, Sliding Fee Scale 3605 N.E. 10th St. 284 8904 or 289 9569 Call after 6:00 P.M. PHONE 283-3171 They'll Tell You All About It $48*ï* •Additional charge to remove and replace radiated Portland, OR 97211 C o m in g to P o rtlan d : "Willie Morrow r r Date: Monday, December 7, 1987 Time: 6:00 p.m. Place: Ramada Inn — Coliseum Price: $15.00 Learning more is the thing to do. "D o n 't be left o u t.'' Licensed persons only: Barbers & Cosmetologists Tickets on sale at Unity of Love Beauty Salon Come In or call for information: 6720 N .E. Union Portland, OR 97221 (503) 283-4123 » . a » VA JS»r* - <* •' Vt* - »• r'f'AAΫ1 • 4 * ..Alt