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J anuary 20,1993 » T he P ortland O bserver
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and The National Advertising Representative Amalgamated Publishers,
Inc., New York, NY. and The West Coast Black Publishers Association •
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K a p la n In tro d u c e s N e w SAT C o u rs e
F re e D ia g n o s tic T e sts And
In fo rm a tio n a l S e m in a rs A v a ila b le To
H igh S c h o o l S tu d e n ts a n d P a re n ts
For thousands of anxiety-ridden
high school students planning to take
the SAT in 1993, there is good news:
Kaplan Educational Center, the
nation’s leading test preparation com­
pany, has introduced a new course
designed to make both the most ambi­
tious and apathetic of students alike
into test-taking gurus.
The course, called “Challenge, “
provides a highly structured training
program which integrates the exam
curriculum with personal guidance
and frequent practice tests. The course
is based on a cycled-leariiing program
consisting of eight lessons and four
practice tests which are computer
analyzed to identify students’ indi­
vidual strengths and weaknesses. Stu­
dents also use comprehensive home
study books which complement the
classroom instruction.
Students who will take the SAT
can try a free diagnostic test at the
Pordand Kaplan center, to see how
they would perform on the actual
exam. In addition, there will be a free
informational seminar on Sunday,
February 7th, 1 P.M.; The Galleria,
4th floor. Room 402. The seminar
will cover SAT exam information,
preparation and test taking strate­
gies. For reservations and informa­
tion, call 1-800-KAP-TEST.
Kaplan is the largest test prepara­
tion organization in thecountry. With
150 centers and 600 satellite class­
room locations in the U.S. and abroad,
the company serves over 150,000 stu­
dents annually for college and gradu­
ate admissions exams such as the
SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT and
MCAT;professional certification and
licensing exams for medicine, nurs­
ing, dentistry and accounting; and
specialized exams for international
students and professionals. Kaplan is
a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
Washington Post Company, who also'
owns the Washington Post newspaper
and Newsweek Magazine.
The Black Middle Class of ‘93
are the African-Americans who could
This week, the Blacks in Govern­ contribute the most and actually con­
ment organization wi|l be doing its tribute the least What's up with this?
annual Martin Luther King event in But, maybe this is an unfair charge.
Seattle, and the local Black Federal Perhaps these Blacks are quietly work­
Executive Board members will have ing behind the scenes to improve the
their “show ‘n tell” event here in condition of their less fortunate broth­
Portland In Seattle, the big-name, ers and sisters while benefiting their
keynote speaker will be Tony Brown. own conditions. NOTt
During this time for remember­
No doubt he will deliver a fiery speech
cliallenging Blacks to get their act ing Dr. King and reviewing Black
together and work together to gain history, one can’t help but feel that all
economic prosperity by pooling the problems in the Black community
resources of the Black community. would be solved if Black progress was
State Treasurer Jim Hill will be the based on the number of conferences,
keynote speaker at the Federal Execu­ ceremonies, commemorations, and
tive Board event and will more than celebrations in which Blacks seems to
likely sing the praises of opportunities indulge. But the truth is that after
for hard working Blacks in Oregon. years of these events, little has changed.
As sincere as these efforts are, some­ In fact, conditions have gotten pro­
how the speeches and programs never gressively worse. And the reasons for
seem to bring about any changes or this. One explanation might be that,
action for Blacks to do more for them­ in general, these seemingly more pros­
selves. And unless something hap­ perous Blacks, in spite of all their talk
pens to alter the course, nothing will about Dr. Martin L. King and other
happen in 1993 to change the feeble civil rights events, are unable to real­
results of the last several years. Why is ize and appreciate the source of their
tenuous positions. Unfortunately many
this?
These two organizations and middle-class Blacks are confused about
events epitomize a puzzlingly lethar­ who brought them to the dance. So
gic condition on the part of those who they don’t believe that they need to
have benefitted the most from the leave the dance with the ones who
legacy of Dr. King and the many brought them there.
It appears that as Blacks become
others who died in the civil rights
movement. I am referring to the Black more upwardly mobile, they selec­
middle class, who just don’t seem to tively move away from Black things.
get it. Every year about this time, we They move to Beaverton and buy an
have to endure them in this outra­ “X “cap to wear when they visit the
geous hypocrisy. But where in the hell Black community. The most disturb­
are these Blacks the rest of the year? ing aspect is the tendency for some
They are the best educated and the middle-class Blacks, especially those
most economically stable and politi­ in key positions, to “hide out.” Appar­
cally astute: the more socially accept­ ently, their objective is to call as little
able people from the Black commu­ attention as possible to their black­
nity. So where are they when you need ness, collect a good pay check, and
live as if other Blacks don’t exist. Any
them?
There is a regressive tendency by aggressive association with Black
the Black middle class to be less in­ causes might endanger their prospects
volved in the struggles of the general for career and social acceptance.
Many of these African-Ameri­
Black community the higher they
cans
work for large companies, state
climb the socio\economic ladder. They
BY JAMES L. POSEY
and county government agencies,
commercial banks, and social and
health services organizations through­
out the Portland area. They are in the
best positions to work for Black em­
powerment. The irony is these are the
very people who could turn the tide
and begin to change the negative
dynamics for other Blacks. They are
the ones who have the greatest ability
to move the Black community toward
Black economic independence. For
example, most of these Blacks keep
their money in credit unions or banks,
institutions that have put little or no
reinvestment back into the Black com­
munity. Collectively, these Blacks
make enough money to establish a
Black credit union or effectively in­
fluence the direction of the only Black-
operated bank in the state. These
Black-owned institutions could then
more effectively work for economic
development in the Black commu­
nity.
Additionally, the Black middle
class has the ability to effect employ­
ment policies within their organiza­
tions. For example, every year about
this time, federal agencies make plans
for student internships. Needless to
say, typically few of these internships
include Black youth. Across the fed­
eral hiring spectrum, there is virtu­
ally an army of students getting a
head start. But Black youth won’t be
substantially included unless Blacks
who work in government, and not just
those in personnel, advocate for more
Black interns. The concept could be
carried out with many public and
private sector employers. This would
do much to avert the concerns about
idle minority youth facing the pros­
pect of another turbulent summer.
These are just a few of the actions
middle-class Blacks could take to ad­
vance the Black cause in 1993.
James Posey is a local, small
business owner with a background in
social work and social activism.
Class Helps People Manage Diabetes FEBRUARY IS
Living Gracefully With Diabe­ and setting priorities to lower the risk
BLACK HISTORY
tes,” a new class offered by St. Vincent of complications. Special attention
Hospital and Medical Center, will be will be given to everyday activities MONTH
such as grocery shopping and meal
offered on Wednesdays,
Jan. 27tofeb. 24, from7 to 9p.m. planning. The instructor is a regis­
The class will meet at the hospital’s tered nurse diabetes specialist. Cost is
Health and Lifestyle Center, 1885 NW $72 and preregistration is required
For more information contact the
185th Ave in Aloha.
Topics will include interpreting Health and Lifestyle Center at 645-
and monitoring blood glucose results 4864.
CALL 2 8 8 -0 0 3 3 or FAX 2 8 8 -0 0 1 5 TO
ADVERTISE OR RESERVE YOUR SPACE
Sickle Cell Treatment?: Although much more research is needed,
Gndlocked Legislature May Not Solve Budget: A Republican
Doctors Susan P. Perrine and Douglas V. Faller have administered
butyrate, a common food additive to three young people with sickle
cell anemia and three with thalassemia. The additive, used as a
flavor enhancer has no effect when eaten but injected into the
bloodstream, activates a gene that normally shuts down before
birth. This gene makes a fetal form o f hemoglobin. Activated later
in life, it replaces adult hemoglobin which is defective in both
diseases.
‘ The results are very exciting and dramatic. In every case, the
patients treated for even this short period o f time, (two to three
weeks) achieved levels of fetal hemoglobin that would be predicted
to completely alleviate their disease,: said Dr. Faller o f Boston
University Medical School.
The injectable form is now made only in small doses by Dr.
programs.
Perrine o f Children’s Hospital in Oakland, Calif.
Campbell and the House must originate revenue measures and
Larger doses are unavailable because drug companies do not
with his commitment to downsize government indicates little
feel there would be adequate profit in taking over production o f the
progress in the coming session.
medicine. ‘ It is purely economics. It’s not racism," Faller com­
Appeal Your Assessments: You have a better than 50% chance of
mented.
reducing your tax assessment according to the Oregon Department
Sickle cell anemia attacks 50 to 100 thousand black Ameri­
is six feet tall, weighs 175, has black hair, brown eyes and a scar
o f Revenue. Out of nearly forty thousand appeals in ‘91-’92 about
cans.
Butyrate may perhaps provide the first safe and simple
above his right eye. Although his last known address is Beaverton.
60% won some reduction in the size o f their tax bills. Multnomah
treatment
for the hereditary disease characterized by acute ab­
Yoakum is thought to be a hidden owner o f Gabi’s Lunge and
county alone had 59% o f its appeals result in lower assessments.
dominal
pains
and ulcerations on the legs.
Restaurant at 5700 N.E. Martin Luther King Blvd. Call 823-HELP
So if you’ re homeowner and your assessment seems high, appeal.
Cascade
Business
Center Closing: Continuing financial prob­
if you know this man’s whereabouts. Your identity and information
Your odds o f reduction are better than half.
lems are forcing Cascade Business Center Corporation to close
will remain confidential. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered by the
New School Violence: The stabbing o f a Madison High School
after a unanimous vote by the board o f the nonprofit corporation
Crime-stoppers program for information leading to an arrest in this
student broke a ‘ five or six years" period of non-weapon use
last Tuesday according to Thomas Briggs, board president.
case.
January 11. The wound was superficial but police are seeking the
Tenants have been told to be moved by mid-march from the
Library,
Jail
Levies
Come
To
May
Vote:
After last week’s
other 19 year old student who committed the assault. The cause
38,000 square foot complex at 4 1 3 1 N. Vancouver Ave. Two center
rejection
of
a
four
percent
utility
tax
last
week,
Multnomah
county
o f the attack has not been determined, partly due to linguistic
employees and six incubator businesses will be among those
commissioners agreed informally to put $106.5 million worth of
problems. Students discovered with weapons are subject to expul­
displaced.
tax measures on the ballot for May 18 to keep libraries and jails
sion or transfer and a second offense can result in immediate
Peachtree Recycled Paper plans to find another space accord­
open for the next three years and to remodel the decaying Central
discipline although Vice-principal Ron Hudson said that ‘ it has been
ing to Cheryl Welch, owner. Her business started three years ago
Library. The additional 6% over the expiring levies is seen as equal
five or six years since we had anybody test us."
and now has six employees. Although moving will be expensive,
to the increased assessed value o f property in the county. It is
Thu Chi Vo, turned him self in Tuesday for the stabbing of Lam
she believes the business will survive. The departure of Tektronix,
hoped that it will not raise tax rates above the $10 per $1,000
That Ton, who was cut in the back of the head and had two stitches
the
center’s major tenant was the final blow since it took about 40%
mandated by Measure 5.
to close the half-inch wound. The cause of the fight leading to the
of
the
center’s annual budget o f $210,635 and created a serious
The commissioners plan to have a campaign committee
incident was still unknown since the argument was in Vietnamese.
need
for
new tenants.
explain and sell the idea to the voters.
Vo will very likely be expelled according to Vice-principal Hudson, if
‘
We
weren’t
able to get replacements for the partners that
More Money For Less Water?: Yes, a rate increase will be
the facts are what they seem to be after the official hearing.
left," Briggs commented, ‘ I feel that it has been a success. He
proposed by the Water Bureau as part of its budget this spring. No,
World Famous Pianist At Jefferson High: Andre Watts, popular
pointed out that the primary aim of the center was to provide a
it is not because o f last summer’s drought. Inflation and conser­
classical concert artist, visited Jefferson High School last Monday
training ground for businesses operated by women and members
vation proposals will drive up rates according to Mike Rosenberger,
(11 Jan) and talked to students about the rigors of a professional
of ethnic minorities.
Water Bureau administrator. Another possibility is seasonal in­
musician on the road. Since Watts performs around one hundred
Little Shaver» In Space: Eight Shaver Elementary School students
creases and there is discussion as to whether this would be
concerts a year with only occasional two week vacations, his ad vice
got a call from E.T. last Friday. Well, not E.T. but Endeavor, the U.S.
triggered by a shortage or just be automatic. The Water Bureau is
to other aspiring musicians was based on actual knowledge.
space shuttle as it circled the earth with Portlander Susan Helms.
also contemplating a change in billing procedures from quarterly
The pianist, known to audiences in Italy, Germany, Spain,
How toys behave in space was the subject. For eight minutes the
to monthly and ease the confusion caused by the fact that sewer
Switzerland and England, as well as most of the major cities of the
students spoke via telephone with the astronaut., Windup toys,
charges are included.
United States, pointed out that although ‘ practicing is a drag" it was
nerf basketballs, the free-fall movement o f the astronauts all
Twenty Year Plan: Opinions Wanted: Last Saturday, the first of
what prepared a musician for his opportunities. Travel planning,
added to scientific understanding and a memorable experience for
several meetings to get the public involved in ‘ visual preference
time management, finding suitable food and all-night laundries and
the
youngsters involved.
surveys" was held in North Portland at the Interstate Firehouse
rehearsing all deep travel from being much fun, the musician added.
Got
Your
Ticket: Three and a quarter million dollars are waiting for
Cultural Center. There will be another meeting Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
Dealer Sought by Police: ‘ Preacher", the alias for James
some
lucky
person in tonight's Megabuck's drawing as the prize
at Providence medical Center amphitheater at 4805 N.E. Glisan
Ray Yoakum, who also uses the names Peter Lee Brown and Lonnie
grew
because
no one won last Saturday. That means an income
St. Partners for a Livable Community is sponsoring the surveys to
Ford, is wanted by Portland police on charges of second degree
of about $162,500 for the next 20 years minus taxes, of course.
learn how Portland area residents want the region to grow with a
assault, second degree kidnapping and compelling prostitution.
Don't blame the Portland Observer if you don't win. After all, the
half million new residents expected to move in over the next 20
Suspected of dealing cocaine in kilos as w ell. Yoakum is considered
money does go for education and you may have learned a lesson.
years.
armed and has a reputation for being a very dangerous person. He
dominated House and a theoretically Democratic Senate seem
headed for stalemate over Oregon’s budget problems in the wake
o f Measure 5. In spite of calls from Governor in the w akeof Measure
5. In spite o f calls from Governor Roberts and Speaker Larry
Campbell for cooperation and non-partisanship, the lawmakers may
face deadlock through much o f the session since Democrats seem
amenable to tax increases that will have to originate in the
Republican-dominated House.
Measure 5, the 1990 property tax limitation, will cause an
anticipated shortfall o f $1.2 billion by 1995 and as much as $3.7
billion by 1997. Roberts proposed cuts of $900 million in programs
might be able to balance the general fund while her two suggested
tax packages are intended to restore the cuts and fund new
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