Page 8 • Portland Observer
March 28, 1990
T his W eek I n H istory
In the days before AIDS, oat bran, and
the dim inishing ozone layer, times were
still tough--prim arily for minorities.
W hat follows is this week in history,
and the role these seven days have played
both for and against the struggles of v anous
minority groups to obtain equality.
M arch 29, 1920-Florence Kelley,
General Secretary of Consumer's League,
speaks in Portland. Kelley was a driving
force in pushing for eight-hour work shifts,
standardized minimum wage, and accurate
labeling on products.
M arch 30, 1920-Women's suffrage
(right to vote) for Mississippi is voted down
94-23 in the House of Representatives.
Regrettably, few civil rights victories
occurred in the forty years that ensued. The
'60s, however, was a particularly revolu­
tionary phase for human rights, touched off
by the presidency of John F. Kennedy.
Lyndon Johnson tended to live off of Ken­
nedy's accomplishments, but at least did
not back the movement toward equality.
Other keystone figures, such as John Len­
non, furthered the movement even after the
libertarian Kennedy metamorphosis ended.
A pril 2, 1962-The Roman Catholic
archbishop of New Orleans, Joseph Francis
Rummel, tlireatens excommunication to
members of the racist group White Citizens
Council.
M arch 30, 1963-Federal government
seeks order to stop interference with "ne­
groes" registering to vote. City officials in
Greenwood, Mississippi arrest eight Afri­
can-Americans on charges o f "disorderly
conduct" when the workers attempt to reg­
ister other African-Americans to vote.
Though the population of Blacks outnum­
bered whiles 2:1 in the area, the registered
white voters outnumbered Blacks 16:1.
A pril 2, 1963-Though known for its
liberalism, Berkeley, CA turns down an
ordinance designed to prevent city housing
discrimination. Voters in Berkeley also
elected a mayor who did not approve of the
ordinance.
March 31,1964-Sen. Hubert Humphrey,
D-Minn., gives a 3-hour-and-25-minute,
pushing for the civil rights bill in the Sen­
ate. "They have been the most patient
people God ever created," he said o f Blacks
being banned from restaurants and "public"
parks. "But they are sick o f it; they've had
enough of it." Said Sen. Thomas Kuchel,
R-Calif., of the bill: "It is not a partisan
fight...it is an American fight. It is a fight
to keep faith with the hopes and aspirations
of those who come before us and those who
will come after us."
M arch 31, 1965-Benjamin Clark,
member of the Southern Christian Leader­
ship Conference, announced an African-
American boycott of merchants in the en­
tire state of Alabama. The boycott was in
response to the inability of Alabama's Black
citizens to vote (remember, women fought
and won this battle nearly a half-century
before blacks gained the right to vote).
Same day-A demonstration by the Na­
tional Party of America (an anti-semitic or­
ganization) at Portland State College re­
sults in students tearing up the NPA's signs,
bashing the vehicle they demonstrated in.
by Angelique Sanders
and even lighting the truck on fire. Police
removed six NPA members from the scene
(for protectional purposes, not to press
charges).
—
M arch 31, 1966-An election in South
Africa results in-what was, according to the
Prime Minister of the all-white Nationalist
Party .Hendrik Verwoerd-"the greatest elec­
tion victory in South Africa's history." This
is what his "great victory" means: of the
ruling body the House of Assembly, 126
seats went to the Nationalist Party, 39 went
to the opposing United Party, the liberal
Progressive Party received one seat, and
the four remaining seals went to "the col­
oreds". Actually, these seats were not even
held by persons of color; rather, whites
ruled these seats (and, consequently, the
power that came with them) to supposedly
represent the nonwhite population (which
numbered twelve million at the time, over
the white count of less than 3.5 million).
On that day. Apartheid took a great leap
forward, and human equality was given a
great shove backward.
A pril 3,1968-Dr. Martin Luther King
is slapped with a ten-day restraining order,
by U.S. District Judge Bailey Brown. The
motion's purpose was to prevent King from
leading a march.
*********
It would be farcical to say the battle is
over, and that Blacks and whites, Christians
and Jews, women and children, and other
minorities have triumphed. These dates
were only stepping stones. Should the war
for equality ever end, every human will
benefit.
Young World Talent Foundation, Inc. is registering girls ages 13 to 17 for its photo fashions competitions. 1 he categories
will include Portrait Photos and Sewn Fashion Photos. The sewing awards will provide an opportunity for teens to
express their individuality by creating their own look. For contest rules and an application send a stamped self-addressed
business size envelope to: Young World Talent Foundation, Incorporated, P.O. Box 19234, Chicago, Illinois 60619. The
Black Teenage Contest begins the national search for Miss Black Teenage U.S.A. (United States Achievers) Pageant, to
be held in Chicago, Illinois. Lessie M. Jackson is the founder/director of Miss Black Teenage U.S.A. and Young World
Talent Foundation, Incorporated. She is a veteran pageant promoter with over 25 years of experience. From left to right
are teenagers Angel Jackson and Denine Taylor preparing for the sewing contest.
S tR V lC fj
about your SOCIAL SECURITY...
Make Use of What You Have, Stop Making
Excuses For What You Don ’t Have . . .
by Ullysses Tucker, Jr.
honest. Call it a way of bonding between
Recently, after hitting several buckets * ‘outsiders " o r a means to share the weekly
of golf balls with a group o f “ brothers” frustrations caused by being culturally iso­
from various geographical locations around lated in Oregon. Thinking or talking about
the United States, the topic of conversation positive experiences in other cities can
progressed to the social life/culture, Black ultimately provide strength during pain and
leadership, and the rich traditions Portland dark moments.
lacks compared to other cities.
Three days later, I picked up a Royal
A couple of the “ brothers” were real Esquire Times and noticed a “ Tribute to
critical, but most of them did not really care Black History Month: Blacks Contributing
because each had the economic means to to Oregon Products and Services.” While
fly anywhere in the country when neces­ reading through the extensive list of names,
sary. Others were just plain tolerant We I realized that Portland has some major
talked about Jesse Jackson in Washington, league players in the area of arts, politics,
D.C., Andy Young and Maynard Jackson in education, and entertainment. In your m a­
Atlanta, David Dinkins in New York City, jor cities, most people believe that there is
Tom Bradley in Los Angeles, and Governor great power in numbers and you can look as
Douglas W ilder in Virginia, not to mention far as the last race for mayor in New York
Norm Rice, newly elected Mayor of Se­ City and the governor’s race in Virginia to
attle.
see how numbers can get you over the
When the topic hit social life, we talked
hump.
about “ Dominiques’' (Wilkins) in Atlanta,
Also to my surprise, I knew about 90%
“Two Steps Down” in Brooklyn, the “Cotton
of the people listed in the tribute and more
Club’ in Chicago, “ Triple’s ” in D.C.,
importantly, each were a telephone call
“ C liffs” in Oakland, and the “ Video Bar”
away. I thought to myself, list the 100 most
in Dallas. Talked about the Fredrick Douglass
influential Black people in ten major cities
Home in D.C., Black colleges, Ebenezer
and chances are, they are not accessible.
Baptist Church, Hyde Park in Chicago, the Not even to media types like myself.
site where Crispus Attucks a Black man,
Granted, Oregon is very soft in terms
was killed in the American Revolution (he of number of Blacks and other culture
was the first to die), the Museum of African opportunities. However, it is strong in terms
Art in New York, Black neighborhoods.
of who can individuals who can make deci­
Black-owned businesses. Black women, and sions and return your telephone. Try get­
everything Black under the sun that Oregon ting a hold to the Dick Bogle equivalent in
did not have or need more of.
New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C.,
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for Boston, or Philadelphia. They travel with
young, urban Black professionals or “ out­
very large entourages or armed guards. It's
siders” as they are called by some local
not uncommon to see Bogel or any other
people, to “ Portland Bash’’ in a non-mali- perceived Black leader out listening tojazz,
cious way. I am guilty myself to be real strolling through Irving Park alone, or just
DEBBYE TURNER, MISS AMERICA 1990 is shown here holding the "AIF
Prevention Guide," a free publication produced by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) to help parents and other concerned adults discuss HIV and
AIDS prevention with young people.
The guide, part of the federal government's "America Responds to AIDS"
public information campaign, is available to adults by calling the National
AIDS Hotline 1-800-342-AIDS (English-speaking), 1-800-344-SIDA (Spanish-
speaking), or 1-800-A IDS-TTY (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).
Turner encourages parents to talk with their children about AIDS and supports
the guide as part of her overall effort to speak out on issues of importance to
young people and to the nation. In her travels throughout the U.S., she is urging
young people to resist negative peer pressure and to strive for excellence.
enjoying what the city does have to offer.
More of us should.
Let me see, we have the National
Headstart Director, Ron Herndon, living
here as well as one of the few Black-owned
and operated radio stations in the U.S. in
KBMS, a Black Symphony head in James
DePriest, a Black Superintendent of schools,
Matthew Prophet; several Black publica­
tions, Black businesses, and a Editor, Bill
Hilliard, at the Oregonian. We have musi­
cians like Marlon McClain of the Dazz
Band, who has worked with the Crusaders,
Maurice White, KennyG., Jeff Lorber, and
Pleasure. We have Mel Brown, Bruce Car­
ter, and a host of other excellent individu­
als in the arts, athletics, and more. Wally
Scales, VP/Marketing-Promotions has been
with the Trail blazers 18 years. He was
hired at a time when there were hardly, if
any, Blacks in management around the
National Basketball Association. We have
many true pioneers for a state that has only
30,000 Blacks in the entire state, the same
amount of people living within ten blocks
in Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes housing
U .S . O y s r l w » •< tle a llh anZ Hum an S e rv i« » /Social Security Adminulrauon
QUESTION: My brother was recently
diagnosed as having AIDS. Will he be
able to get health care u n d er M edicare?
He Is only 32.
ANSWER: There is no immediate cov­
erage available to him. To receive health
benefits under Medicare, a person must be
age 65 or older, or severely disabled and
have received Social Security disability
benefits for 24 months. If he is not eligible
for Social Security disability benefits, he
can apply for supplemental security income
(SSI) benefits and possibility its companion
health care program, Medicaid. He may be
eligible if his income and resources are
within certain limits. He should contact
Social Security at 1(800)234-5772 for So­
cial Security and SSI benefits, and Adult
and Family Services in Oregon for M edi­
caid.
Q U ESTIO N : My wife recently suf­
fered a stroke which left her unable to
speak clearly. The doctor said th a t speech
th erap y will help her. Will M edicare pay
for this?
ANSWER: Medicare medical insurance
can help pay for your wife’s speech therapy.
However, her doctor must prescribe the
therapy, set up a plan of treatment, and
periodically review the plan. She can re­
ceive those services as an outpatient of a
participating hospital or skilled nursing
facility, home health agency, clinic, reha­
bilitation agency, or public health agency
approved by Medicare. The organization
providing the therapy must submit the claim
and will charge her only for that part of the
475 deductible which has not been met, 20
percent of the remaining approved amount
(the co-payment), and the charges for any
noncovered services.
project.
It is my opinion that big cities make
business, political, and educational leaders
less accessible because the demands and
expectations are greater. The pressure too!
The poverty is worst, the crime is higher,
unemployment is an acceptable lifestyle,
moral is terrible, esteem is lost, and hope­
lessness rolls down urban streets like a
mighty stream. Portland has hope. As long
as leaders are accessible and willing to
listen to the will of the people, hope will
stay alive.
Anyway, even when I did live in those
other major cities, I failed to make use of
the cultural opportunities surrounding me.
I found peace in knowing that I had options
should I desired enrichment. In Portland, I
QUESTION: I receive Medicare serv­
have far less options but I enjoy those
ices through a health m aintenance o r­
options to the fullest. In short, the next time
ganization (H M O ). The other day I re ­
I got together with my “ buddies ’ ’ for some
ceived a notice saying th a t some o f the
golf and the “ bashing” started, I suggested
charges were not approved for paym ent
that “ if Portland gives you lemons, make
by M edicare. I feel th a t the services I
some lemonade and chill."
received are covered services. W hat can I
Better still, the next time you hear
do?
someone complaining about Portland, tell
them about the little kid, who moaned to his -
ANSWER: Decisions concerning cov­
parents about not having new “ Air Jor­
erage and payment for services are gener­
dans” like the others until he ran across
ally made by the HMO involved. Any ques­
another kid with no feet. Make use o f what
tions about a decision in these two catego­
you g o t, . .
ries should be directed to your HMO. Each
year you should receive a full, written ex­
planation of your appeal rights from your
*********
HMO. If you haven’t been receiving this,
Self Enhancement, Inc., the non-profit
contact your plan’s membership office or
group headed by E. Ray Leary and Tony
write to the Health Care Financing Admini­
Hopson, would like for you to join them on
stration to obtain one.
March 30,1990, from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Q U ESTIO N : Why do some families
for their “ Spring Fling.” It will be held on
receive Social Security survivors benefits
the 41st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower.
after the death of a p aren t and o th ers do
Donation, $10.00. Proceeds will support
not?
their summer programs. By the way, Ray &
ANSWER: Some reasons might be: the
Tony are not alone over there! Hello to
deceased parent was not insured under Social
Rick, Joy, Brenda, Phil, and the rest of the
Security; the children are too old to qualify;
staff. Keep up the good work with our
or
the surviving spouse cannot qualify be­
young people.
cause he or she earns too much to receive
benefits. If the deceased parent was insured
Taste Tickler
Portland’s Greatest Sub Since 1971
1704 N.E. 14th (& Broadway)
(503) 282-3681
We Love Phone Orders
SJOERD CLOO
under Social Security, survivors benefits
are payable to the surviving spouse until the
youngest child reaches age 16, and to the
surviving spouse until the youngest child
reaches age 16, and to the surviving spouse
from age 60 (or 50 if disabled). Surviving
children who remain unmarried can receive
benefits until they are age 18 (or 19 if still in
full-time attendance at an elementary or
secondary school). Benefits are also pay­
able for children 18 or over who were dis­
abled before age 22.
Q U ESTION: My husband is p erm a­
nently disabled and gets SSI. O ur d augh­
te r w ants to live with us tem porarily with
her 3-year-oId son. Will Social Security
reduce or cu t off my h u sb and’s SSI pay­
m ent because she is living w ith us?
ANSWER: Any change in the number
of persons living in the household o f an SSI
recipient should be reported to Social Secu­
rity . His benefit might be reduced; however,
under some circumstances it might even
increase. Call Social Security at 1(800)234-
5772 and explain the situation.
Carl A. Tellarico, Purchasing Manager, Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc.,
accepts the National Minority Business Council (NMBC) Award for “ Outstanding
Corporate Support” from Denise Richardson, WNYW-TV broadcaster. Seagram
received the award “ in recognition of tremendous contributions and enthusiastic
support of small/minority business.” The Company was also cited for an
“ interest and concern in providing the opportunity to do business [that]
exceeds expectations.” The award was presented during the NMBC 10th
Anniversary Business Awards luncheon in New York.
The NMBC is a non-profit umbrella organization that encompasses more than
200 minority businesses across the nation. Its purpose is to assist minority
entrepreneurs to develop their marketing, sales and management skills; to
foster economic growth for minority enterprises, and to move such companies
into the mainstream of the global business economy.
Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc., Is the U.S. subsidiary of The Seagram
Company Ltd., a leading worldwide producer and marketer of distilled spirits,
wines, coolers, juices and soft drinks.
For more information, contact Sheila Lynch, (212) 557-0100.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Portland Observer newspaper is owned
and operated solely by the Exie Publishing
Company of Portland, Oregon. Exie
Publishing Company has no affiliation with
any other publication in Oregon and the
public should be aware that any notices or
statements by parties or individuals claim­
ing such affiliation is unauthorized.
Questions pertaining to the aforementioned
should be directed to the business office of
the Observer at 4747 N.E. Martin Luther
King Jr. Blvd., Portland, Oregon, 97211.
Telephone (503) 288-0033 or
FAX (503) 288-0015.