September 5 ,1 9 9 0 --The Portland Observer—Page 5
Portland Observer
—
5ÏÏZÔTHE LOCKER ROOM
Hardeman hopes for career after PSU
PUSH Needs to Shove in Another Direction
by Ullysses Tucker, J r.
Listen, I am sick and tired of
“ investors” . Now, I own a M azda 626,
has worked hard to obtain a solid educa­
hearing folks in the Black community
a TEAC stereo, an IBM typew riter,
tion and made career sacrifices to grow
complain about NIKE’s underpresenta­ and an RCA color television. Does or reach a certain level, I would hate to
tion of minorities in management and on
th at make me an investor? Should I think that my success or achievement
its board of directors. I am mad, but not
occurred because I was Black. I am
be able to dictate policy within the
at NIKE. According to a recent study
qualified, but I just so happen to be
corporate boardroom s of these m ajor
released by UCLA, 95% of top level
corporation? No! No, because first of Black. I don’t want anything because
all, I’m not an investor. I ’m a con­ I’m Black outside of respect for my
management jobs arc held by white men.
intellectual capacity or skills. Should
Even more deplorable, these figures have sum er of these products. Investors
Blacks be hired for reasons outside of
barely moved over the last ten years. If own stock and consumers spend money.
skills and ability? I hope that the Rev.
Consum ers choose to spend money.
Black folks want to boycott, do it across
As one enlightened intellectual peer Tyrone Crider is not suggesting that. If
the board and fairly. Don’t just single
out the NIKE corporation. Go after stated, “ when 1 go to Fred Meyer’s to equal opportunity for jobs is the real
purchase a carton of milk, all I expect it issue behind the boycott, then come up
Exxon, MGM, and countless others.
with some hard evidence that NIKE has
Angelique Sanders, a co-worker to be is fresh. Does Fred Meyer’s owe
been discrimi-
at this publication and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
nating hiring
a friend was quick to
practices or re­
criticize Black lead­ "Ten percent of their total workforce is minority. There are
strict upward
ers for not jumping several major corporations and companies in the city, who do not
mobility among
on the PUSH band­ come close to this figure or committment to minorities. Leave
Blacks. Ipreson-
wagon. I thought she NIKE alone or go after everyone. NIKE is overrepresented by
ally know some
was out of bounds.
minorities."
________________
very successful
There is something
""
Blacks
em ­
to be said about ne-
ployed
by
NIKE
all
over
the
United
gotiation over baseless confrontation or me something as an investor because I
States.
purchased some milk from them?”
claims. Furthermore, why did PUSH
To take the issue even deeper,
fail to contact the Black leaders in Port­ People choose to buy NIKE shoes just
what
good
is it going to do adding an
like they choose to buy British Knights,
land to get an inside perspective on
already
“
fat
minority cat” to the Board
NIKE’s relationship with the commu­ Cons, AVIA, or any other brand.
of
Directors
of
upper level management
Operation PUSH even accused
nity and its hiring practices? Granted,
when
it
does
nothing
for the poor kid in
NIKE of targeting and exploiting Black
NIKE’s employment figures might be
Northeast
Portland?
All
it does is make
low compared to Chicago standards, but consumers. Firstof all, I’m trying to fig­
a
rich
guy
even
richer.
I’d
much rather
this must be looked at in light of the rela­ ure out where the exploitation is oc-
see
NIKE
fund
projects
like
they do now
tively low minority population in the curing because remember, NIKE does
or
adopt
elementary
school
classes and
not advertise in Black publications! Oh,
state of Oregon. Since January of this
pay
for
their
college
education
should
year, NIKE has hired more than 1,039 maybe it’s through because another Bo
they finish high school. The “ I Have a
Knows com m ercial-Do you know,
new employees, 21 % of them minorities
ip a marketplace that has a 7% avail­ money, do you know do you know? If Dream Foundation” (Ken Lewis, Presi­
dent of LASCO shipping; Attorney Pam
NIKE did start advertising in Black
a b ly of minorities. Ten percent of their
Jacklin, partner with Stocl, Rives, Boley,
publications, would that further increase
total workforce is minority. There are
Jones, and Grey; and Leonard Girard,
several major corporations and compa­ the exploitation of the Black race? Is the
Rev. Tyrone Crider advocating exploi­ VP/Portland General Corp.) recently
nies in the city, who do not come close
adopted a fifth grade class at the Dr.
to this figure or commitment to minori­ tation of Black people? Let’s play with
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary
ties. Leave NIKE alone or go after Crider’s rhetoric for a moment. PUSH
everyone. NIKE is overrepresented by contends that, since Blacks buy 13% of School along with several other corpo­
NIKE products, Blacks should at least rations. That’s an investment!
minorities.
Now the question remains, can
My grandmother once told me get 13% of NIKE’s jobs. According to
NIKE
do
better? According to the UCLA
this premise, local Black t.v. reporters
to “ never bit the hand that feeds you.”
study,
every
major corporation can. All
like George Bundy Smith, Ken Boddie,
Not to suggest that the Black leadership
had this in the back of their minds, but and Carmen Jefferies would lose their indications suggest that NIKE is a better
corporate citizen that most. Corpora­
NIKE has been an excellent corporate jobs to whites because whites are 92%
tions have an obligation to hire and
partner and these pro-NIKE Black lead­ of the viewers of t.v. in Oregon, even
promote qualified minorities and women,
though Blacks are “ underrepresented”
ers value the relationship. Why destroy
both because they represent the man­
in on-camera jobs. Blacks stand to lose
a relationship bacause someone half a
agement pool of the future and their
a great deal with this logic. If the PUSH
country away tells you how you ’re being
economic clout can deliver a knockout
boycott of NIKE is very successful and
treated? NIKW has supported many
punch. Boycotting NIKE is unfair and
Blacks purchase 0% of NIKE products,
causes in the minority community and
wrong. Let us take a long hard look at all
will continue to be a responsible corpo­ does that mean NIKE no longer has an
major
corporations in America, not just
obligation since no Blacks are buying
rate partner. Black leaders know this.
NIKE.
NIKE products? Regardless of race, all
It’s tough living in the same house after
If Black folks around town or
corporations should offer equal oppor­
you’ve taken a bite of that hand.
tunities for promotions and employment around the nation put their money in
According toOperation PUSH,
Black banks, invested in their own busi­
to people, whether they buy products
NIKE owes the Black people becasue
nesses,
and communities-thcn perhaps
marketed
by
that
company
or
not.
Black people buy NIKE products. Ty­
Black
people
will truly realize what
As
a
Black
professional,
who
rone Crider specifically called them
Black Power is all about.
CORDELL PROM OTIONS
presents
36 Rounds of
PROFESSIONAL
B O X IN G
September 29, 1990
IO
B O U N D S
- L IG H T W E IG H T S
Albany, Oregon
VS.
MANUAL ARCE
Reno, NV
ALSO FEATURING * * * * * * * * *
F L Y W E IG H T S
vs.
LUCIANO REYES
Salem. OR
8 Rounds
Caldwell. ID
CLAYTON HIRES
M ID D L E W E IG H T S
vs.
JERRY WARD
Portland, OR
6 Rounds
Reno. NV
J U N IO R
W E L T E R W E IG H T
BLAIR DANIALS
VS.
Portland. OR
4 Rounds
Since arriving at Portland
Stale in 1986, from Clover Park
high school in Tacoma Washington,
Dominique Hardeman has manned the
left comer spot for the Vikings the
last three seasons. In that three year
span Hardeman has given up only
two touchdown receptions. A mark
noteworthy of N.F.L. attention.
1990 will mark the end of a
fabulous football career at Portland
State. But hopefully for Hardeman it
will mark the beginning of another
football career.
"My goal has always been
to play in the N.F.L." says
Hardeman who often fantasizes about
covering such N.F.L. receivers as
Jerry Rice or Anthony Carter. "If I
could just get a chance and break into
a camp I would be satisfied with the
opportunity."
Despite Hardeman's hopes
he is realistic about his situation.
Despite his quality performance
Hardeman is playing al the Division
II level.
Making a jump from
Portland State to a Division I school
is quite a rise in competition let
alone making the jump to the N.F.L.
"Il's hard to get noticed at
this level because the competition
isn't
that high," said Hardeman.
"There have been a lot of good
players come out of PSU who
couldn't make it in the N.F.L."
Since the Pokey Allen era
began in 1986 PSU has produced
such
all-amcrican's
as
Chris
Crawford, Barry Naonc, Tracy Eaton,
Brent Napicrkowski, Anthony Spears
and Kevin Woolfolk.
Yet only
Eaton is collecting an N.F.L. pay
check from the Phoenix Cardinals.
The rest arc finished with their
careers.
vs
Salem. OR
4 Rounds
J U N IO R
MARK EMERY
De Pau! Youth Treatment Center
will receive proceeds from the 9th An­
nual Ernie Bonner Golf Classic. The
Golf Tournament will take place at East
Moreland Golf Club, 2425 S.E. Bybec,
Did you know, when you give to United Way thousands of
kids benefit: Not just through healthcare and daycare services, but on Saturday, September 15. l e e times
hundreds ofways. So please, give generously U nttedW © will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will con-
Unue through 12:30 p.m. An awards
ceremony will follow. Fifty-five to sixty
players are anticipated for this year’s
event.
The golf tournament was initiated
by Ernie Bonner in 1981 as a fund raising
evenL and ha« continued to provide support
to a varieiy of charities each year. This is
the second year De Paul’s Youth Pro­
gram will benefit
Players in the Ernie Bonner Golf
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TO BE
ANNOUNCED
M ID D L E W E IG H T
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PORTLAND ARMORY • 10,000 N.E. 33rd Drive (South of Marine Drive)
mind because I played beside him and
against the same competition he
faced."
Aside from the fact that
Hardeman plays at the Division II
level he has another strike against
him, his height. Listed at 5'8", 175
lbs, Hardeman has the weight but
stands two to four inches shorter then
the N.F.L's average corner.
"My height has always
■ Golf Classic
TO BE
ANNOUNCED
4 Rounds
Salem, OR
Hardeman has allowed only
two touchdowns in his career
J Ernie Bonner
H E A V Y W E IG H T
JOHN COZAD
"We’ve had some players
play here who you just knew where
going to go pro," said Hardeman.
"Then all of the sudden you look
around and they're still here at the
end of their careers."
Everyone except Eaton, who
Hardeman played with and still looks
up too.
"Eaton was an inspiration to
watch play,” said Hardeman. "His
making it sticks in the back of my
bothered me." says Hardeman. "I've
always wished I was taller. If that
turns out to be the factor which
keeps me out of the pro's l'U be very
disappointed."
Although his height is a
concern, the N.F.L. has been known
to scout players who may lack the
physical stature but not the physical
talent. Darryl Green and Lemuel
Stinson arc small corners who
currently start in the N.F.L. In fact
Green played at Texas A & I, a
Division II school. It's no secret
why Hardeman has always looked up
to Green.
"When I see another small
corner playing in the N.F.L. it just
reassures me that I'll get a shot if I
perform," said Hardcmtin.
So far Hardeman has had no
problems performing. Teams tend to
shy away from Hardeman's side of
the field because his coverage skills
are too good. Two touchdowns in
three years will not exactly entice
opponents to pass in his area.
Hardeman's major asset in covering
receivers is his speed. Hardeman has
been timed in the forty-yard-dash at
4.47 seconds,
faster then most
NJF.L. comers.
Last season Hardeman was
named to the all-conference team.
Heading into his senior year
Hardeman is being praised as the top
comer in the Western Football
Conference.
"I've been playing in this
league now for three years," said
Hardeman.
"Every year my
confidence has grown and I now feel
like there’s nothing I can't do. I
almost dare opponents to throw to
my side."
This
Saturday
night
Hardeman will have his chance to
prove his pass defense against Iowa
Wesleyan. The Tigers run the "run
and shoot" offense and are sure to air
it out Hardeman's way. If they dare.
Golf Tournament to Help
Chemically Dependent
I Come and enjoy the splendour of autumn at TUnnel Moun­
BILLY MARTINEZ
KENNY CARSON
by AARON FENTRESS
THE
Classic will be well rewarded. There will
be trophies for the lowest scoring man
and woman, the highest scoring player,
the lowest scoring couple, lowest scor­
ing elected official, and many more
awards. Interested players may contact
Ernie Bonner at 232-9517.
DePaul Treatment Centers, Inc. is a
non-profit organization which provides
long-term, residential treatment for low-
income adults and youth in our commu­
nity who suffer addictions to alcohol and
drugs. De Paul’s Youth Program pro­
vides comprehensive treatment to ap­
proximately 300 adolescents each year
through residential treatment, day treat­
ment and outpatient services. Treatment
at De Paul is offered exclusively to those
who lack the financial resources to re­
ceive treatment elsewhere.
PUSH vs. NIKE - The Debate Continues
Minority Hiring:
NO PUSH-OVER
On August 11 th, Operation PUSH
ambushed NIKE with a barrage of
charges: not hiring enough blacks; too
few blacks in management and board
positions; too much overseas produc­
tion; not contracting with enough black
businesses. NIKE reacted by challeng­
ing PUSH’S motives, citing $6000 in
advertising purchased by NIKE com­
petitor REEBOK in PUSH’S maga­
zine. NIKE also defended its minority
hiring practices and civic involvcment-
and promised to do m ore-but refused
to release actual employment data.
The debate raises larger issues that
affect all businesses: What responsi­
bility do companies have to hire mi­
norities? Do they have a GREATER
duty if more of their customers are
minorities? Arc there different stan­
dards for companies based in areas
with small minority populations? Arc
people who buy a company’s prod­
ucts “ investors,” as PUSH labels
NIKE buyers, or merely “ custom­
ers” ? Do companies owe more to the
community or their bottom line?
White males hold 95% of the top
management jobs in the U.S., and the
percent of minorities in those jobs has
changed little in the last decade. Why
are so few minorities in upper manage­
ment positions at major companies?
How do NIKE’s hiring practices com ­
pare with other local companies? Is a
boycott an appropriate solution to the
problem of minority hiring and ad­
vancement? What do YOU think? Join
host Jack Faust, PUSH director Tyron
Crider and other guests for this timely
debate on Sunday, September 16th from
6-7 p.m. For seat reservations, please
call Frank Mungeam, Alison Highbcrger
or Liza McQuade at 231-4620. Guests
should arrive at KATU studios (21 st &
NE Sandy Blvd) between 5:00-5:15
p.m. The public is welcome, but reser­
vations are required.
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