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EDITORIAL
GUEST EDITORIAL:
The Black Vote Can
Make The Difference!
3-
r i v f i RIGHTS JOURNAL
LETTERS TO
THE EDITOR:
Unjustly
Imprisonment
A Token Of Appreciation
Dear Editor:
of various musical Instruments,
The Uhuru Sa Sa Organization
and samples of his gift for sing­
by Norman Hill
give special thanks to their host
ing. His talent combined with his
of guest that attended their
ecently, I went to Chile as a monitor of the Oct. 5 plebiscite on
words
of wisdom, called for a
October 7, meeting.
whether General Augusto Pinochet should continue as President.
standing ovation, and prevailed
The evening began w ith
The jubilant street demonstrations following Pinochet's admission of
astonishing message that left
Charles Dalton of Southern W il­
defeat were a vivid reminder to me of the importance and power of
many positive results.
lamette Private Industry Council.
the ballot. For with their votes, the people of Chile had taken the first
Dana Ritley gave a succlnt,
Mr. Dalton a dynamic speaker
step toward ending a 15-year military dictatorship.
however, sententious speech.
who Indeed, spoke powerful
Our own Nov. 8 presidential election may not offer as much
She spoke of an AIDS seminar
words. He enlightened the au­
drama as the Chilean plebiscite. But it is vital because, as I indicated in
that is to be held this month.
dience with knowledge, as well as
my last column, there re crucial issues at stake.
Dana Ritley was followed by the
giving lucrative advice to the
And like the voters in Chile, Blacks can demonstrate the power
voluptious
Patty Sikes, sales rep
organization to help it be more
of the ballot in this year’s election — just as they did when their votes
for the Observer. She spoke brief­
fructified. Pride, Dignity, and
made the difference in the 1948 Truman-Dewey election, the 1960
ly, yet held several people’s un­
Honor was felt when he spoke of
Kennedy-Nixon contest, and the 1976 Carter-Ford race. The Black vote
divided
attention. She appeared
the African-American race as be­
can be decisive in close elections like these, and the polls show that
to
be
a
very positive, and confi­
ing the original "Noble People,
dent. We would like to see more
this year’s race is very close.
and how a little nobleness is in-
Furthermore, the Black vote is becoming increasingly important
of her in the future.
veterated in us all. "We were once
because it is growing. The number of voting-age Blacks is 20.4 million
called the Noble ones," He said.
Also present was Uhuru Sa
or 11.2 percent of the electorate, up from 18.4 million or 10.8 percent in
Silence fell when he traveled
Sa’s
ways and means, Stanley
1984. Black registration grew from 9.4 percent of all registered voters in
back in time to show how
Holmes.
Mr. Holmes demon­
1980 to 10.5 percent in 1984. Between 1980 and 1984, Black voter
Africans were once the only
strated
his
intellectual abilities by
turnout increased from 8.9 percent of all voters in 1980 to 10.01 percent
civilized nation of people on the
presenting a number of plans to
in 1984. In the off-year election of 1986, the Black turnout grew still
planet Earth. He concluded his
better the community, Uhuru Sa
more as a percentage of the total vote (and made the difference in the
speech by expressing the impor­
Sa, and the African-American
Senate races in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, and
tance of seeking education while
man. Mr. Holmes defintely proves
California).
_
, ...
...
incarcerated.
that whatever the mind of a man
But that’s just the beginning of the story. The significance of the
Next, the audience was dazzled
can conceive, and the heart can
Black vote is compounded by its concentration in the South and in
by the multi-talented Nyewusi
believe, then he can achieve.
major northeastern and midwestern states. In 7 core states of the Old
Askari, editor of the Portland
South, Blacks constitute 20 percent or more of the voting-age popula­
Allen R. Cotton Sr.
Observer. He displayed many
tion. In the Northeast and Midwest, the figures are 15 percent in New
Treasurer - Uhuru Sa Sa
skills that included the mastering
York 14 percent in Illinois, 13 percent in Michigan and New Jersey and
10 percent in Ohio. Altogether these 12 states have 188 electoral
votes, more than two thirds of the 270 needed to win. In other words
Responses To ‘Abusive Teacher’ Article
the Black vote is concentrated in high electoral vote states.
Dear Editor
There is even more striking evidence that Black voters are heavi­
one of the best high school band
This letter is in response to the
ly represented in high-stake states. Of the 13 smallest states (each
directors in the State of Oregon. I
message written in the October 6,
having fewer than 5 electoral votes), 8 have a voting-age population that
have played a number of profes­
1988 issue of the Portland Ob­
is less than 1 percent Black. On the other hand, 6 of the 8 largest states
sional
engagements with Mr.
server titled “ Abusive Teacher”
(with more than 20 electoral votes each) have a voting age population
Cross and he’s also a great musi­
written by Deloise W illiam s
cian. The Portland Public Schools
that is at least 10 percent Black.
regarding Mr. Carnuel Cross. I
As further illustration of the power of the Black vote, consider
is fortunate to have a teacher the
have known Mr. Cross for two
the following. In 10 states, the Democrats will need only from 30
caliber of Carnuel Cross.
years as a fellow band director
percent to 40 percent of the white vote to win, assuming that Blacks
With the problems facing the
and Christian brother.
continue their past pattern of voting. These states are New York, Texas
Black
Community in Portland,
When I first read the message, I
Illinois, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas,
good
Black
male role models
was extremely upset that Ms.
and Delaware. In 7 states and the District of Columbia, less than 30 per­
such
as
Mr.
Cross
should be ap­
Williams would air dirty laundry to
cent of the white vote will be needed. The seven states are North
preciated
and
encouraged,
not
the press. How vindictive can you
Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Alabama, South Carolina, and
ripped apart in the press.
get! First of all, her account of the
Mississippi. And these 18 jurisdictions have 250 electoral votes, only
Carnuel and I are members of
alleged abuse is totally different
20 less than the number needed to win.
the
same church. He’s a devout
from the account I received from
So like the voters to their votes — they could be crucial. Besides,
Christian who loves the Lord and
Mr. Cross. Granted there are two
Blacks have had to fight harder for their right to vote than any other
cares deeply about people.
sides to every story, lets talk
group in America. In short, no one has more reason than Blacks to vote
The purpose of this letter isn’t
about the kind of person Carnuel
to criticize Darwin Singleton (who
on Nov. 8.
really is.
I know through my association
Last school year (1987-1988) I
Norman Hill is President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute.
with the Portland Civic Band) but
worked with Mr. Cross at Wilson
if we are going to air our dirty
High School before he was trans­
laundry to the press, I challenge
ferred to Marshall High. The suc­
Ms. Williams to disclose and
cess of the Wilson High Instru­
make public the accom plish­
tional
Urban
League,
speaking
of
mental
Music
Program
last
year
he National Urban League,
ments and dishonors of the last
the importance of voting on Nov. 8
(Second Place P.I.L. Band
through its 113 affiliates
five years of Darwin and his friend
Festival, Third Place in the
across the country, is conducting said, “ This upcoming election will
(who
was allegedly hit on the
have critical implications for the
Natioanl Jazz Band Finals in
a Get Out the Vote’ (GOTV) cam­
head) and compare that to the ac­
future
of
Black
America,
and
pro­
Orlando,
Florida,
and
Second
paign to increase Black voter turn­
complishments and dishonors of
mises to shape the nation's do­
Place among Oregon schools in
out in the November 8 general
Mr. Cross. Let’s include musical
mestic and foreign policy agenda
the Grand Floral Parade, just to
election.
a
cco m p lish m e n ts, academ ic
name a few. When he was trans­
well into the 21st Century.”
The GOTV is a part of the Lea­
records, letters of recommenda­
The
90-Day
Countdown
Cam­
ferred
to
Marshall
High
School
in
gue’s 90-Day Countdown Cam­
tion, police and arrest records (if
paign was released in a 114-page
January, he still helped out at
paign which was announced dur­
applicable), etc. and let the peo­
handbook which outlined the im­ Wilson on a regular basis. As a
ing the organization’s annual con­
ple decide who is the better role
portance of voter participation in
result, the music students at
ference July 31-August 3 in
model.
the
1988
election,
the
campaign’s
Wilson got to know him well.
Detroit, Ml.
Greg McKelvey,
plan
of
action,
and
profiles
of
They
loved
him.
In
fact,
many
of
The GOTV campaign will cul­
Band Director
states
with
Urban
League
affiliates
them
still
keep
In
touch
with
him.
minate with “ Get Out the Vote
Wilson High School
and Congressional districts with
Carnuel Cross is, without a doubt,
Sunday" services at selected chur­
10
percent
or
more
of
Black
voters.
ches in Urban League affiliate
The National Urban League, a
cities on Nov. 6 and Election Day
Dear Editor:
non-partisan
organization, has a
students. He became our friend,
GOTV activities.
We are writing in response to
long history in voter registration
going
far beyond the call of duty
John E. Jacob, President and
your recently published editorial
and voter education activities.
to
reach
us. He encouraged us
Chief Executive Officer of the Na-
letter concerning Mr. Carnuel
musically,
academically, and per­
Qro ss_ a music director for
sonally,
helping
us to become not
Portland Public Schools. Mr.
only better musicians, but better
Cross was referred to as “ an
people. Few teachers make the
abusive teacher” and an “ unfit
extra effort to show personal in­
role model.”
terest in their students, and fewer
Last fall, Mr. Cross came to
still make a significant positive
Wilson High to work with our
impat on them. Mr. Cross Is one
band. Not only did he exhibit
of the few who does both, and we
outstanding musical ability and
O R E G O N S OLDEST AFRICAN-AM ER IC AN PUBLICATION
w ill always remember him and
leadership, but also acted as a
Established in 1970
thank him for it. We love you,
strong positive role model. During
Leon H arris/G en Mgr
Cam!
Alfred L. HendersonPubiisher
the short time he directed our
Nyewusi Askari
band,
Mr.
Cross
maintained
not
Gary Ann Garnett
Sincerely,
News E d ito r/S ta ff W rite r
only professional but also per­
B usine ss Manager
The Wilson High School Band
sonal relationships w ith his
Mattle Ann Callier-Spears
R
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Joyce Washington
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R e lig io n E dito r
S a le s/M a rke tin g D irector
Richard Medina
Ruby Reuben
P h o to-C o m position
Sales R epresentative
L-r-ti
Lonnie Wells
Rosemarie Davis
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C irc u la tio n M anager
Sales Representative
B. Gayle Jackson
C o m p tro lle r
PORTLAND OBSERVER
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i.5
in Monrovia, the capital city of
Liberia. On Sept. 6, W illiams and
Bush were charged with treason.
he plight of political pri­
For the first few weeks that
soners is a person who has
been unjustly imprisoned not Williams and Bush were in Liber­
ian custody, they remained in
because of criminal activity but
solitary
confinement without any
because of political or controver­
of
the
most
basic life necessities,
sial activity. In most cases
such
as
a
toilet or bathing
political prisoners have to depend
facilities. They were not given a
on extra legal support from as
bed or mat to sleep on and only
many sources possible as well as
received a meager diet of rice. Ac­
activist legal representation in
cording
to several reports, both
their behalf. Usually public ex­
men were beaten and have been
posure of this kind of injustice
pressured to talk without having
helps to mitigate against con­
had private access to an attorney.
tinued political persecution and
Although Williams and Bush are
incarceration. However, there
both citizens of the United States,
have been cases of prolonged
they have been charged with
political imprisonment as in the
treason against the sovereign
cases of Mandela in South Africa
state of Liberia. How can a person
and Geronimo Pratt in the United
be charged with treason inside of
States.
a nation that he or she is not a
For two African-Americans to
citizen of?
be unjustly held in the African na­
I have personally known Curtis
tion of Liberia means that the
Williams for over 20 years and I
contradictions of political im­
know him to be a very committed
prisonment are not just limited to
and talented social activist.
regimes where white racism rules
Williams is a verterán of the
the day In court. The case of Cur­
1960’s civil rights movement. We
tis Hayes Williams and James
believe that letters should be w rit­
Bush in Liberia is a case of
ten and other forms of support ex­
u n ju s t b ru ta lity and ille g a l
pressed directly to the govern­
imprisonment.
ment of Liberia on behalf of
On July 13, 1988, Curtis Hayes
Williams and Bush.
Williams and James Bush were
Martin Luther King ,Jr. stated
arrested without charge and im­
that
“ an injustice anywhere, is a
prisoned in Liberia, West Africa.
threat to justice everywhere.” Cer­
They were held in communicado
tainly, we join with thousands of
for more than a week and detain­
supporters here in the United
ed for almost two months before
States to demand the freedom of
any charges were brought against
Curtis Hayes Williams and James
them. They are currently being
Bush.
held in the BTC military stockade
by Beniamin F. Chavis, Jr.
T
Dear Editor:
As a student within the Port­
land Public School system, I feel
that I have the obligation of wip­
ing a smear from the reputation of
one of the best teachers that I
have ever had. On October 6,
1988, in the Portland Observer, an
article was published condemm-
ing a Mr. Carnuel Cross as an
"abusive teacher and an unfit role
model."
I am the drum major of Wilson
High School’s Marching Band,
and last year I was granted the
privilege of working closely with
Mr. Cross. Since that time I have
kept in contact with him, watch­
ing him closely since I greatly
respect his teaching and leader­
ship qualities. I credit Mr. Cross
as being my biggest influence
and role model. One of the most
important things he taught me
was: keep them moving, learning,
smiling and laughing - with, not at
you. I have never seen, or heard of
Mr. Cross reaching out his hand
for anything other than a reassur­
ing pat on the back. I can not say
that what was printed did not hap­
pen, but I can say that it is more
out of character for my teacher
and friend, Mr. Cross, than any­
thing I can imagine him doing.
As drum major, I feel extremely
fortunate to have worked with
someone as genuinely interested
in the well being of the students’
activities, talents, and interests.
Mr. Cross is one of the most
wonderful people I have ever
come into contact with, and I can
only hope that everyone stumbles
upon as great and as caring of a
friend. Carnuel Cross is anything
but an unfit role model and
abusive teacher.
It is a shame for people such as
Mr. Cross to be succeptible to
such abusive slander written by
someone who so obviously does
not know him, and whose infor­
mation was based on her son — a
grown man who, if he is as much
of a student as she claimed,
ought to have written the letter
himself.
Amy Amato
Point Of View
Dear Editor
I want to share my outrage with
the community-at-large regarding
a series of recent events.
My favorite, very special person
Is a beautiful Black woman, 81
years young in mind and spirit.
Occassionally she uses Tri-Met
bus when shopping or picking up
church literature for the classes
she teaches.
One day, this lady was startled
by a loud noise and a sudden
splash of some kind of liquid that
drenched her clothes and covered
her glasses.
The young culprit responsible
for this behavior had been har-
rassing the driver and other pas­
sengers. He had thrown a open
can of pop through the window as
the bus waited for the light.
"Thank you” to the female
passenger that assisted mother's
attempt to dry her dress in some
manner. Fortunately mama was
also able to clean her glasses just
enough to see where she was
going.
At first when she heard the
loud noise that was accompanied
by the surge of liquid, she’d been
afraid it could have been the firing
of a weapon.
Now comes the second inva­
sion of her privacy and another
frightening excursion into fear.
About three weeks ago she got on
the bus, showed her pass, gath­
ered her package in her arm and
reached for her purse. It simply
wasn’t there? There was a three
block ride before she could get
off, with her heart pounding heavi­
ly. She walked back to the bus
stop. Two young girls sitting
there had seen ‘a lady’ get on
another bus with the purse stat­
ing she was going to turn it in to
the bus driver.
Needless to say, that didn’t oc­
cur! Well hello to you too! It’s
good to know that you’re “ such a
caring individual” that you used
the credit cards and kept the
purse, the money and the keys.
There was a brand new bible In
that purse, just recently bought,
waiting until the time when her in­
itials could be put on It.
Saluud! I’m sure you’re a bible-
reader ... at least, everyday
without fail. It appears you're a
Christian who loves to read the
word of God and you’re a practi­
tioner of the faith.
Who ever you are, you two peo­
ple who are responsbile; that’s a
misnomer. Whatever else you
may be you are certainly not
responsbile.
These acts can only serve to re­
mind you that you’re not in the
main stream. Your behavior is not
acceptable. We live in this com­
munity, too, and we are to be con­
sidered. Stop the outrage!
Daares G. King, retired