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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 16, 1995)
•• • P age A 5 T he P ortland O bserver • A ugust 16, 1995 Minority Business For The Year 2 0 0 0 And Beyond; Part I by P rof . M c K inley B ürt It is certainly not a case o f “ Here We Go A gain!” The American eco nom ic and p o litic a l p icture has changed the business environment for all and sundry and in a most drastic manner; at all levels o f entre preneurship and for all races and classes. Yet the fundamental prereq uisites for success remain the same: Preparation and commitment. In this current approach to meth ods fo r achieving a better share o f the Am erican/Portland economic pie, what we most emphatically w ill not do is take more than a passing note o f those really high-flying black enter prises. Though Ebony and Black Enterprise magazines like to feature these ventures in detail, we think the more “ meat-and-potatoes” type op erations make for better models and learning techniques fo r the m ulti tude. Besides, look at what is hap pening to many o f them because there is not a supporting m inority econom ic and social substructure. Just briefly: TLC Beatrice Inter national Holdings, Inc. has had a rocky and uncertain road as the na tio n ’ s largest black-owned company (Over a billion dollar valuation). This food distribution business, founded by the late Reginald E. Lewis, has been run by his w idow, an immigrant Asian attorney and as indicated in a recent network show (Pinnacles), the business is no longer considered “ black,” or nearly as promising. A strong tide o f disappointment has run through America’ s black com m unities at a ll levels since Johnson Products Co. o f Chicago, one o f the nation’ s most prominent black-owned fam ily businesses (hair care) merged w ith IV A X Corp., a white-owned cosmetics and pharma ceutical conglomerate. Perhaps to ward the end o f this series we might consider how in many cases some foresight and planning might prevent these “ cultural losses” occasioned by death or divorce. A t a recent meeting o f a new crop o f prospective m inority entre preneurs, I was questioned about two in particular o f my past experiences. Teaching business at Portland State University and at the Northeast ex tension campus, and as Advisor to M in o rity Business for the Model Cities program. Since as before, my advice/curriculum is drawn from real time experience as a business owner and accountant for scores o f d iffer ent types o f enterprises, there was appreciation that I brought in some current practitioners and successful former students (now 20-year veter ans). A fter dealing with information retrieval (and glut), marketing, pur chasing, leasing, form design and control and the aspects o f accounting that N O C O M PU TER C AN DO “ FOR” YO U , it was pointedly re vealed that “ we” still have some struc tured disabilities related to establish ment prescribed “ plantation econom ics.” A frequent plaintive query was “ how do we start a business without the playing field leveling provided by “ set-asides,” which definitely seem on the way out?” Some may remember that years ago, I anticipated the eventual phase out o f this institutionalized disability Wilson Keeps Up Push On Affirmative Action Gov. Pete Wilson o f California is now the point man in the fight to eliminate affirm ative-action pro grams based on race and sex. In speeches across the country, and in a successful push to eliminate preference programs in the Universi ty o f California system, the governor has seized upon an issue that by all accounts commands the attention o f many Americans. But this is a 180-degree switch for Wilson, one he has made rapidly since affirmative action shaped up as a major issue in the 1996 presidential campaign and he decided to get into the race. For most o f his 30 years in pub lic life, Wilson, a Republican, has strongly supported race- and sex- based preference programs in hiring, contracting and college admissions. As recently as last September, he signed a b ill to make it easier for minority-owned businesses to quali fy for state aid, among the most c rit icized types o f affirm ative-action programs. And in October, just be fore winning a second term as gover nor, he said, “ I have long supported set-asides as a means to assist tradi tionally underrepresented business es.” Set-aside programs reserve a share, sometimes fixed, o f govern ment contracts for minority-owned businesses. In the months since he became an opponent o f affirm ative action, W ilson has said that his earlier advo cacy, during his days as mayor o f San Diego in the 1970s and early 80s and for years afterward, stemmed from a need, then acutely felt among m il lions o f Americans, to make up for the nation’ s history o f discrimina tion. In any case, he has said, as mayor he needed to comply with federal laws requiring preferences. “ But 30 years later,” he said at a recent news conference in Burbank, “ it is impossible to say that we should continue to discriminate against bet ter-qualified applicants in favor o f lesser-qualified applicants who have experienced no discrimination, and to penalize those who have practiced no discrimination.” Some o f W ilson’ s critics con tend that his switch in position is that o f a Republican moderate edging to the right in search o f support from the kind o f delegates who tend to dom i nate the party’ s presidential nomi nating process. Whatever the case, W ilson is not the only politician to have jumped sides on the issue. One o fh is Republican presidential rivals. Sen. Bob Dole o f Kansas, was for many years a strong supporter o f steering federal jobs, contracts and other opportunities to women and minorities. Now Dole, too, favors where the minority or female busi ness person might be deprived o f the real competitive learning skills nec essary to a “ real” function in the American economy. Many noted that in the actual “ real-time” business enterprises I got my university stu dents to form and operate (success ful), I insisted that they market solely on the basis o f ability. O f course, there was a game plan for the racist shutouts. This was especially apropos to marketing plans aimed at wealthy operators now ro m p in g in the “ Elysian Fields” o f properties once owned by hard w orking Portland blacks As I describe the scene in my social comment in “ Perspectives,” on page 2: “ Urban Renewal., when the grand removal saw the personal urban planning and wealth-building dreams o f black people go down the drain (and into the coffers and bot tom lines o f corporate giants that straddle the Coliseum area).” Not unlike the experience o f many whites in the Columbia Gorge. Pay atten tion! Bob Rau To Open Luncheon Events At Albertina ending the effort. But an examination o f W ilson’ s record on the subject offers insight into a Presidential candidate who, perhaps more than any other, has had hands-on experience with set-asides Bob Rau, rioted authority on antiques and for seven years co-host o f the OPB television show “ The Collectors” , w ill open a special fall series o f luncheon events at Albertina’ s at The Old Kerr Nursery and quotas. on Monday, September 18. Back in the early 1970s, few M r. Rau, him self a collector o f major cities moved more rapidly or fine antiques as well as a licensed resolutely on affirmative-action pro appraiser o f antiques, a w riter and a grams than San Diego, thanks mainly nationally-known consultant, w ill to M ayor Wilson. discuss treasures from the past and By 1979, c iv il rights advocates then w ill informally appraise small and political analysts were describ antiques guests may wish to bring. ing the c ity ’s programs as “ national The luncheon events are open to ly acclaimed.” One o f the mayor’ s the public and reservations open campaign fliers boasted: August 11. Tickets for the event, “ Pete has been a strong support including the discussion, appraisal er o f the affirmative-action efforts and Albertina’s 3-course gourmet supported by the m inority communi luncheon, are $20.00 each and must ty. He believes that America's m i be purchased in advance. For reser norities have been handicapped for » vations and ticket information, call years by inadequate housing, educa 231-0216. Because o f limited seat tion and jo b opportunities, and he ing, early reservations are advised. has dedicated his efforts to alleviat Mr. Rau’s talk and the luncheon w ill ing these problems.” be repeated Wednesday, September That flie r now provides stark 20. Albertina’ sis located at424N . E. contrast to W ilson’ s remarks o f this 22nd Ave., Portland. Feb. 25, when he broke unequivocal The luncheon series w ill contin ly w ith affirm ative action just as he ue Monday, October 2 with Maggie was about to announce that he would Zelgani o f Gourmet Works o f A rt run for president and just as polls and on October 16 w ith author and were beginn ing to show voters’ deep humorist Sue Kirby. The concluding ly concerned, even resentful, over luncheon ofthe series, Monday, Oc preference programs. tober 30, w ill feature Sandra Lee K o ch, “ The H at L a d y ” and chocolateer Dick Fuhr o f The Candy CRC Chairperson Praises Voting Rights Act U .S. C om m issio n on C iv il Rights Chairperson Mary Frances Berry called on all Americans to jo in her in commemorating the 30th anni versary o f the Voting Rights Act. “ This Commission is proud to have played a vital role in preparing the way for this watershed event in the history ofthe c iv il rights movement,” she said. The Commission’ s first public hearing, held in Montgomery, Ala., in December 1958, was on voting rights. Like the C ivil Rights Act o f 1964, the Voting Rights Act o f 1965 was built on a foundation o f facts and recommendations presented by the Commission in its early reports. These two acts are regarded as the cornerstone o f U.S. c iv il rights as they exist today. “ The creation o f the Commis sion by Congress in 1957, and enact ment o f the C iv il Rights and Voting Rights Acts,” Berry noted, “ were Federal government responses to America’ s growing revulsion over officially-sanctioned injustices suf fered by A frican Americans. Many o fth e challenges to such injustices. the sit-ins, the Freedom Rides, the c iv il rights marches, participated in by Americans across racial lines and captured by television camera crews fo r the evening news, galvanized public support for passage o f these laws.” The 1965 law, strengthened by amendments in 1982, has provided vital voting protections and greatly increased the participation o f A fr i can Americans and language m inor ities in the American political pro cess, Dr. Berry stated. Referring to the long history o f denying African Americans and oth er m inorities access to the ballot. B erry cautioned that the N ation should be vigilant against any weak ening o f the law and o f voting rights. The Commission on C iv il Rights Chairperson noted that proposals to change the law and its enforcement are numerous. The key to judging a proposed change is whether it w ill actually strengthen voting rights. She pointed out that minorities still face barriers to electing repre sentatives o f their choice at all levels. “ But i f we look at the history o f Po’ Folk Construction, Inc. V 1 <A - In GOD almighty we trust After Licensed • Bonded • Insured 901 N.E. Roselawn Portland, Oregon Basket. A ll proceeds from the special luncheons w ill benefit the programs o f Albertina Kerr Centers, one o f Oregon’ s largest human services agencies. On Town Hall: Aug 20 One Size Fits All Seattle’s school board has urged its schools to require uniforms or adopt dress codes. Schools strug gling to combat gang violence be lieve uniforms could help. Aug 27 The Power Of Talk T V and radio talk shows alter nately entertain and enrage us. The president him self scolded extremist talk programs for helping incite the kinds o f prejudices that led to the Oklahoma C ity bombing. Yet talk shows also feature poignant personal experiences that can change the lives o f viewers for the better. Parents Names: Michael and Janet Rust o f Portland, and Charles O. Daniels Activities: Peninsula Little Softball, Tennis, Portland Foursquare Homeschoolers Handbell Choir, Celebration Singers, Acting and Drawing. Sponsors O f Certification Fee: Evelyn. Harris, Realty World Progressive, Hair by Brian Sims, and Pieces o f a Dream. , ta — • »7 •<»*... A County Grants To Enrich Kids *-» .J ( all 503-288-0033 SPECIALIZING IN YOUR LEGAL NEEDS Real Estate W ills & Trusts Medical M alpractice Accidents-Personal Injuries Landlord/Tenant Small Business Law Product Liability C rim inal Defense Collections Call Daniel E. Russell at 282-7999 For your free initial consultation. V a • - Clark County has grants funds available for projects to help young people. Karmel Shield, coordinator o f the C ounty’s Youth Investment Fund Program, said about $76,000 is available for new projects to help rural youth. The Youth Investment Fund was established by the Clark County Board o f Commissioners to help improve the lives o f young people. In the past, the project has helped Hispanic youths stay in school and move on to college. The project also involves community services in which young people do public service in return for group recreational opportunities, dramatic arts classes and counseling assistance. “ The fund is just not about dealing with problems,” Shields said. “ It’ s about preventing them from happening by offering options. A number o f programs are doing great things, but most o f the programs take place in urban, suburban areas. This year we want to make rural commun ity projects a priority.” I f interested in suggesting a project call Karmel Shields at 699-2130. Seattle Magic Wheels Portland Brothers Free Kids Picnic Northwest United Brothers M .C. Association Kid 's Happy Clown Faces Free Pop • Free Food • Big Fun • Games August 19th, 1995 12:00 Noon Alberta Park (19th & Kitlingsworth) • • • • • • • • SPONSORED BY: M .L .K Safeway E & M M arket 42nd Street M arket Alberta Street M arket K id ’s Happy Clown Faces Provided By Sharon Williams Portland Buffalo Soldiers Seattle Brothers of the Sun For More Information Please Call the Clubhouse: 282-6847; Iron Horse: 282-0271; or 287-8673 Army Hometown News Arm y 2nd Lt: Robert C. M urray has graduated from the 72-day Ranger training course at the Infantry School at Fort Benning. Columbus, GA. The training phases are conducted at Fort Benning, in the mountains o f northern Georgia, in the desert at Fort Bliss, Texas, and in the Florida swamps. The course is designed to develop confident and capable small- unit leaders. Additionally, emphasis is placed on developing skills in the planning and conducting o f ground, airmobile, airborne, and waterborne patrolling operations. Murray, an infantry training officer at Fort Benning, GA., is the son o f C lifford Murray, and Dina Murray, both o f Portland. He is a 1989 graduate o f Roosevelt High School and a 1994 graduate dg V. '\,v ♦iT”. o f Portland State University, Ore. Lt. Murray attended the Infantry O fficer Basic Course prior to Ranger School; his next duty station w ill be at Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, Hawaii for a 3-year tour o f duty. BE MY BROTHERS BAR-B-Q ¿Elie P o r t i a n i» (f) h sv v o r f Law Offices of Daniel E. Russell, P.C. • Divorce & Familv Law Megan Rose Daniels Advertise In CHOICES • • • • 281-5935 Before voting rights, we find that in one Southern State for example, only 7 percent o f the African Americans o f voting age were registered on the eve o f the passage o f the Voting Rights Act,” she added. “ Two years later, a m ajority o f African Americans o f voting age were registered in that state.” Dr. Berry recollected that in I9 6 0 President D w ig h t D. Eisenhower had called the right to vote “ one o f the strongest pillars o f a free society.” “ Our society cannot afford any weakening o f the p illar,” she said. “ The most appropriate way to praise the Voting Rights Act on its anniver sary is for all Americans to register and vote to show their appreciation o f this most fundamental freedom." The U. S. Commission on C ivil Rights is an independent, bipartisan fact-finding agency. Its members are Chairperson M ary Frances Berry, V ice Chairperson Cruz Reynoso, and Commissioners Carl A. Anderson, Arthur A. Fletcher, Robert P. George, C onstance H o rn e r, R ussell G. Redenbaugh, and Charles Pei Wang Mary K. Mathews is S taff Director Miss Jr. West Multnomah Countij - Prctccn 7 3 3 9 N. E. MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD PORTLAND, OREGON “TRY THE REST THEN COME HAVE THE BEST” CATERING SERVICE AVAILABLE DINE IN OR TAKE OUT PLACE ORDERS BY PHONE OR FAX (503) 283-0201 (503) 283-0203 FAX HOURS SUN - THURSDAY 1 0 :0 0 A.M. TO 9 :0 0 P.M FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1 0 :0 0 A.M. TO 1 1 :0 0 P.M. FEATURING BAR-B-Q DINNER & CREOLE DISHES PROPRIETORS: EDDIE AND JOSIE RICHEY • * ' ». i ll