November 4. 1987, Portland Observer, Page 3
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METROPOLITAN
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A Man of Excellence
by Nyewusi Askari
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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.
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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,
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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
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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
--
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Lifetime warranty on above honored at any
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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.
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Did you know that for almost 30 years you could have bought some of
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You'll find canned and
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Chemical Clean & Repair $29’X
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Open Mon. thru Frl 8-5 • Set by Appt.
Sea creatures living at depths below 3,000 feet have been found to be
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Portland, OR 97211
C o m in g to P o rtlan d :
"Willie Morrow
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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:
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(503) 283-4123
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