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Ura Frances Schoen-Nesspaper Roo«
Univarsity of Oregon Library
LUgene, Oregon 97403
Portland, Oregon
PORTLflNÖ
Anna Street
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t i l l K V » V" O
Judge Mercedes F. Deiz
Multnomah County
Circuit Court
Judge Deiz Is Oregon's only
African-American female Judge.
T he concept of self-reliance has governed Marie
I Edwards most of her life. Passed on to her by her
mother and reinforced by her sister B. J., Marie had embark-
ed upon no less than two business ventures by the time she
/ V o f P o r tla n d
was eight years old - selling cookies and helping a local
‘
-
-
-
business merchant keep his shop clean.
1525 S.W. Park Ave.
“ Mother always told us that we could do anything we
set out to do. She also stressed the importance of hard
work, determination and consistency,” Marie recalled. “ So,
it was not unusual for me to see someone doing something
and to think that I could also do it.”
Come September 1988, Marie will witness the rewards
of her labor when “ Attitudes of Portland,” a Full Service
Salon and Art Gallery, 1525 S.W. Park Avenue (South Park
Square Building) has its Grand Opening. Containing 2200
square feet of space, the salon will offer full service - total
hair care, facial techniques, manicurists/pedicurists and a
art gallery, of mixed media art, that will occupy 600 square
feet of space. Marie will be the salon’s operator. Her
business associate is Mr. Robert Wright.
The opening of the salon and art gallery fulfills a long
time dream. “ Since the first time I visited my sister B. J.’s
salon, years ago, I knew that I wanted to be in this business.
B. J. would introduce me to the different chemicals, as well
Marie Edwards
as the business end. After I obtained my license, I began
working for various salons as both a manager and a practioner. Eventually, B. J. and I went to Europe to
study and practice. And by the time I returned, I was ready to open my own business,” she said with a
smile. “ B. J. remained in Europe.”
Marie opened her own salon in the basement of her home where it remained for 5-1/2 years. Once
her clientele had outgrown the original space, Marie set her sights on acquiring space that would compli
ment an art gallery. And after four tries to obtain a lease at four different locations,
Attitudes of Portland’ became a reality. Explaining the concept of the art gallery, Marie said, “ artists,
young and old, will have the opportunity to display their talents in our gallery. We will encourage artists
from throughout the City and the community to submit their work to us. Once we start the exhibit, we will
sponsor an exhibit once-a-month.”
Marie talked about the support she has received from Portlanders “ When I think about all of the
people who've supported us, I am overwhelmed by appreciation: Skip, Shelia Marcus, Whips & Waves,
my sister B. J., my mother, my daughter Qianna, DeWange Mann, Diann Hill, Robert Wright and a host of
others. My special thanks to all of the clients who’ve supported me during these years. It is because of
them that ‘Attitudes of Portland’ will be successful.’’
As Marie talked about her clients and supporters, tears flowed from her eyes. “ My mother always
taught us that anyone can achieve anything they want to achieve regardless of race or color, if they have
determination, work hard and set goals. I am a living example, and this is the message I want to share
with others," she said softly.
Congratulations Marie. The Portland Observer is proud to salute you as one of our News Makers
of the Week." We wish 'Attitudes of Portland’ much success.
Dr. E. Paul Williams
Vice President
Educational Services at
Portland Community College
Teletha Benjamin
Educator
For more than 30 years, Mrs.
Benjamin has served the African- j
American community in the
areas of education and social
service. Hats off to you sister
Benjamin!
Dr. E. Paul Williams, vice president for educational
services at Portland Community College, will replace
Dr. Jessica Bailey as executive dean of the PCC
Sylvania Campus in Southwest Portland.
Bailey has resigned the position, effective August
15, to accept a Bush Foundation fellowship next year at
Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of
Government.
Williams joined the college staff in 1981. Previous
to that, he was an administrator and instructor at
several California community colleges. He earned a
bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University
of Arizona; master's from the University of Wisconsin,
and doctorate in higher education administration from
the University of California at Berkeley.
Will The Real Ron Herndon Stand Up
Rose Marie Davis
Sales Representative
Portland Observer Newspaper
vators who have had such a pro
found impact on our quality of
life — Probably for the same
reasons. I am reminded of my
segregated sixth-grade class of a
better educational era, where a
class play opened with the line,
“ Saxon from yonder mountain
high, we mark thee send with
delighted eye." Well the Battle of
Hastings has been over for some
time (1066 A.D.), but the ‘Saxon
Viewpoint' is still with us.
When the establishment is
placed under fire over a long
Ron Herndon
p e rio d
of
tim e — q u ite
by Professor McKinley Burt
deservedly — and especially by a
committed Black leader, Black
Oregonian Columnist Phil
America has learned to expect at
Stanford asks, “ Will The
some point either a bold or subtle
Real Ron Herndon Stand
denigration of that person, or
Up?” (Wednesday, 8/3/88) The
some measure of less-than-divine
retribution. Today, we find this
Answer From The Black
process as a consistent, nation
Community Is That “ He
wide phenomenon, well-docu
Always Has, And He Always
mented by the Congressional
Will! And Therein May Lie A
Black Caucus.
Problem — For Some Folk.
Let us pay close attention here.
Mr. Stanford goes back a full six
hose who indicate a difficulty
years to cite the relevant position
in perceiving 'THE REAL
RON HERNDON’ may be repre statements of "four Black organi
zations and his allegedly-ephem-
sentative of those who have had
eral Ron Herndon, at a time when
equal difficulty in recognizing
they m ounted a d e fin itiv e
THE REAL McCOY (Automatic
opposition to the tone and tenor
Lubricator) and other Black inno
T
Amina Anderson
Executive Director
Black United Fund of Oregon
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ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK
NEWS MAKERS OF THE WEEK
Introducing:
Norma J. Scott
Standard Insurance Co.
Portland, Oregon
ERVER
25C
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of an Oregonian series on “ The
Rise of Yough Gangs." Had the
columnist gone back ‘another’ six
years — to 1976 — he would have
found the same complainants,
and their very same anticipation
of a tragic deterioration of the
com m unity, if sp e cific (and
available) remedies were not
applied.
Belatedly, the establishment
has discovered that the Ronnie
Herndons, and Black leadership
in general, were right the first
time. Look no farther than page
two of this Monday's Oregonian
for a litany of solutions to the
problems of that “ endangered
species," the Black male: “More
role models and support sys
tem s— Structured education and
job tracks — Reorganization of th
welfare system — Black busi
nesses— affordable housing.”
This is exactly what ‘local’ Black
leadership was saying back
‘then’: where was the nit-picking
e s ta b lis h m e n t
w h en
the
community needed adequate and
timely assistance in all of these
areas?
We may ask the Saxons from
yonder mountain high’ JUST
HOW TALL MUST ONE STAND
TO BE SEEN?
Anna Street is a 1968 graduate of
Tongue Point Job Corps Center. She is
currently employed as a Commis
sioner’s Assistant to City Commissioner
Dick Bogle. “ My experiences in govern
ment have taught me not only how to be
a good public servant but how to be a
good Christian servant as well,” says
Street.
The size of a person is not determined
by their status in life, nor how high they
can sit or go; but how much they are w ill
ing to give and how far down they are
Anna Street
willing to reach to help someone else.
There is a special joy in giving, a joy in reaping wnat one sows. Anna
Street exemplifies this philosophy in her daily life by breaking new
ground to make it easier for others to follow.
Anna is liaison to the Office of Neighborhood Associations. Past
liaison responsibilities have included the Bureau of Personnel
Services, the Economic Development Trust Fund, Purchasing (Minority
and Female Procurement Programs) and the Commissioner s Forum.
Most of her career experience has been in the area of Personnel —
Affirmative Action, Recruiting, Interviewing, Labor and Employee Rela
tions and Public Relations. “ I enjoy building linkages, resolving pro-
olems and making decisions” says Street, “ I’ve been blessed to form
some wonderful associations and develop some broad perspectives
on the role of government today.
In May 1967 she graduated from Western High School in Las
Vegas, Nevada, where her mother, Winnie Williams, four sisters and a
brother still live. Street has come a long way on her own.
Comming from a family in poverty, she entered Tongue Point
Job Corps Center for Women to study Business and Clerical Occupa
tions. She completed her courses in only 9 short months and went to
work for Philco-Ford as a PBX Operator and Typing Instructor on
Center. After a year, she resigned to further her education. In 1969 she
went on to attend Portland State University for four years.
“ I knew that if I tried I might fail," Street says, “ but that if I didn’t
try, I was sure to fail.” Street had dreams and those dreams gave her
hope. “ Poverty itself is hard. But poverty without hope is deadly.”
Anna sees many of our youth in this very predicament today.
“Someone cared enough to help me get past myself so that I
could get past other obstacles in my life, and I’m very grateful that they
pushed me to motivate me — without pushing me out the door, Street
says. “ My mentors helped me to develop a positive outlook on life and
I used to tell myself it was luck. But being older and wiser now, I know
that there is no such thing as luck. Luck is opportunity meeting up with
preparation."
As a result of those experiences, Anna says she always focuses
on returning some of that goodness that others have given to her.
“Thanks to all of those wonderful people,” Anna says with
enthusiasm, "black and white, I emerged as a winner!"
When Charles Jordan was appointed as Portland City Commis
sioner in 1974, Street joined him at City Hall. Jordan resigned and was
succeeded by Dick Bogle, and Anna has remained as a key member of
his staff since January. 1985. However, Street says she is not finished.
Although she has made some strides, she feels she still has a long
way to go. Religion is a natural part of Anna’s life, and she is active in
the Open Book Bible Study Group and is a member of Bethel A.M.E.
Church. When questioned about her future goals by those who have
mentored her through the years, she tells them to be patient.
“ God is not through with me yet,” Street ads. “When my founda
tion is sturdy, I can always focus on helping others — and those are the
times I find that I am happiest.”
For four years, Anna has served as the Region X Representative
for the National Job Corps Alumni Association. Past Board appoint
ments and memberships include OMSI, the Junior League of Portland,
Albertina Kerr Center for Children and the Reading Tree, to name a few.
A humble, gracious lady, Anna is the recipient of many local anc
national awards and recognitions including the NJCAA Presidential
Award for outstanding contributions, nomination to the Job Corps Hal
of Fame, NAACP Youth Award and the AMA Certificate of Apprecia
tion for contributions to its Teen Parent Program. Her goal is to pursue
a career in business or work at the management level in government or
private industry where “ she can make a difference.” Eventually Street
would like to direct a job corps center.
Anna Street not only is an excellent role model for youth, but a
wonderful example of what it means to be an exemplary human being.
Keep up the good work, Anna.
OBSERVER’S COMMENTARY
NEW PHILOSOPHY
he Portland Observer is in the process of implementing programs
that will not only reflect the community’s achievements and pro
gress, but will also document as much as possible, in any given
week, the history of African-Americans.
Historically and traditionally, African-American newspapers
have served as community resources, family resources, etc. When it
comes to the documentation of our history.
As reflected in our changing format, the Portland Observer will
document births, marriages, deaths, accomplishments, family
reunions, news, views, etc. We realize the importance of docu
menting and leaving behind, for our children and future historians, as
much of our history as possible.
In concert with this philosophy, we encourage our readers,
subscribers and supporters, to send us news from your part of the
city, state and community. Try to accompany this information with
black and white photographs. All photographs (unless requested) will
become the property of the Portland Observer. They will (after being
used) be stored in our files.
For more information about this format, please call 288-0033
and ask for the News Desk.
T
OBSERVER’S INDEX
FEATURES.................................................................... Pa8e 1
ED ITO RIA L/O PIN IO N ..............................................Page 2 I
RELATED STORIES/ BRIEFS...................................Page 3
ENTERTAINMENT..................................................... Page 4
FASHION SAVVY........................................................ Page 5 '
RELIGION..................................................................... Page 6,
CLASSIFIEDS.......................................................... Page 1-11
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