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T houghts O n
M artin L uther
K ing , J r .
By Chris McCoy
by Ruby Reuben
team
African American community
can lay claim to some of the nation’s most talented
performing artists. The only problem is, very few are
receiving their righteous dues Yet, everyday, in someway,
they keep delivering the goods. They give us music. They
give us song. They give us dance. They give us joy. they
give ns magic. They tpake our soul dance with laughter.
They are our cultural bearers and they enrich our lives
everyday, in every way.
They are as diverse as the notes riding on a funky bass
line in a ‘shonufT, ‘funky’, James Brown song. From
singing the blues to ‘Do Woppin’ about blue swede shoes;
from the theater to the pulpit; from the schoolhouse to the
concert stage, they are here among us. Very special people,
they are.
They come to us with names like Thara Memory, Mel
Brown, Brenda Phillips, Wanda Walden, Bruce Smith.
Janice Scroggins, Linda Hombuckle, U-Krew, Anothony
Armstrong, Shelia Dale, Denise Williams, Louise Norris-
Moaning, Shades of Color, House of Sound, One Stop
Records, to name a precious few. Everyday, in every way,
thy take us on enriching journey back into ourselves; back
to the center spot of an ancient universe called earth. But
more importantly, they refuse to allow us to forget who we
are as we try to define what living in America really is.
And from among those cultural bearers steps Ruby
Reuben, contemporary, African American female, Griot.
The Director of Sojourner Truth Theater, she is fast
becoming Oregon’s most recognizable, traditional story
teller, in the African American, Oral Tradition.
Traditionally, African American Griots bore the re
sponsibility of not only keeping the culture alive, but
passing it on. The tradition continues. When we hear the
sweet horn of Thara Memory, we are hearing music which
has an ancient source that gives definition to our very soul
What makes them so special is, they only come in ones.
There was and will be only one Miles Davis; one Nat King
Cole; One B.B. King; one Big Mama Maybell, one Ma
Rainey; one Bessie Smith.
In Portland’s performing arts community, there is but
one Ruby Reuben. However, from her oneness, we are
graced with the presence of some of America’s greatest,
African American female freedom fighters: Rosa Parks,
Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and Billy Holiday.
Through dramatic characterization, complete with era
attire, they become the women to whom we are introduced.
At any given time, they can make us laugh, cry, feel deep
pain or just go numb from the impact of it all. That impact
■eV ■
(a student of Martin Luther King Elementary!
• -
■ ‘ - »
Martin Luther King believed in human
relations. He wanted peace and love all
u
In order to put on
a public show, we
had to use furni
ture from our
homes as props.
We had to finance
everything out of
our own pockets.
And since our
training was so
Important, most of
us put In triple
tim e.”
over this nation. It took a long time for
his word to be heard. Non violence
was his word. Martin Luther King was
a man of peace. He wanted the blacks
to be released. Dr. King had high
expectations. He wanted all kids to
have an equal education. Martin
Luther King was a great man. He made
everybody understand that they could
all live in the same land
G ive M e
Y our Y oung
Give me your young
while their minds are still fresh,
Give me your young
who not concerned about their
dress.
Give me your young
who want to sharpen their minds,
is often energized by the sounds of African-inspired
drums, bells, the blues, scat-singing, the harmonica and
other percussion instruments.
Ruby's journey began when she joined The So
journer Truth Theater Company twelve years ago.
Entering as a student-in-training, she soon assumed the
position of Business Manager. ‘‘It was a hard job, she
said. “In order to put on a public show, we had to use
furniture from our homes as props. We had to finance
everything out of our own pockets. And since our training
was so important, most of us put in triple time. The
philosophy w as, ‘The things you learn about acting today,
you will be expected to use onstage tomorrow ’”
“One of gut main supporter’s was Geneva’s Lounge,”
she recalls. “Can you imagine performing cultural theater
on the dance floor of one of the community 's most
Continued on page 12
Give me your young
who want to value their time.
Give me your young
that no «one seems to care for,
tri’
Give me your young
who are quietly fading more and
more.
Night Court
And Day Care
Offer Healthy
Alternatives
The Moore Street Center has been very busy over the
past few months strengthening its programs for young
people.
North Portland males at high risk of becoming
involved with gangs find a fun and healthy alternative
through the center’s Night Court, a weekly Friday-night
basketball tournament The event averages 20 to 30
players every Friday night. Having recently celebrated
its first-year anniversary . Night Court has built owner
ship and confidence among the players and v olunteers.
In addition to basketball, participants will soon enjoy on
site seminars on topics ranging from AIDS awareness,
self-esteem, motivation, drug and alcohol awareness,
medical screening, and job training
The Moore Street Center is also expanding its Child
Care programs. Families can now enroll infants, tod
dlers, and school-asc children in one of the center's two
Give me your young
who in their dreams are reaching
for the sky,
Give me your young
who want their slice of the pie.
Give me your young
facing the taunts and jeers of their
peers,
Give me your young
looking to succeed in their chosen
careers.
Give me your young
who have something to say,
Give me your young
For tomorrow they have gone
away.
Photo taken by Heather Handley for The Salvation Army: Players involved in The Salvation Army's
Night Court program listen to their coach Robert Richardson of Portland Youth redirection.
by Observer Staff
Continued on page 12
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