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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 19, 1997)
; /-r »— > P aci B5 I m P ortland O bserver • F ebruary 19, 1997 BLACK HISTORY ^ a r t l a n h ($)bßerüer The Asantehene and the Cloth That Speaks in A vonie B rown , A n NNPA C orrespondent _______ ______ Two magnificent images domi nate the Point of View Gallery in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C. The first is a majestic photograph, circa 1926, of Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I, King of the Asante na tion in Ghana (1888-1896). The other is a foundation for the story that unfolds in the exhibit, “ King / Ï i A "^*” / i A’’^ ' * ’ ! i asantehene. The enstooling of the new King is on of the Asante's most important ceremonies. It takes place before the Golden Stool, the state most revered symbol, believed to possess the soul, power and strength of the Asante nation. Prempeh inherited a nation riddled with internal unrest as well as external pressures from Britain, who was keen on controlling the wealth of the region. II is response to “We initiated the Point of View Gallery for just such exhibitions, so that we can focus on one compelling work of art or several compelling works of art that addressed a certain theme. In this instance it turns out to be one work of art which in and of itself is so rich that I decided to tell the whole story that has to do with the cloth,” said Fortune. At the age o f 16 Agyeman Prempeh I was "enstooled" as the Prempeh’s Royal Cloth.” Education specialist Leasa I'arra Fortune, curator of the exhibit, said choosing to focus the exhibit on King Prempeh I was based on the fundamental recognition that a work of art is a very special historic docu ment. she explained that the work, some of which is over 100 years ago, was chosen because much is known about the cloth and its owner’s criti cal role in the history of Ghana. A’^ ' ^ ’A s A '^ '^ 'Z « A A’v " • " l i î this political turmoil was profoundly simple In addressing internal rifts Prempeh believed that the good ot the nation took precedence over the needs of the individual Similarly he was committed to resisting Brit ish control and maintaining the Asante n a tio n 's sovereignty Prempeh's insistence on the au tonomy of the Asante is indicated in his May 7, 1871 refusal to Britain's offer of a treaty of protection W h e re T e m p o ra ry E m p lo y e e s a re P e rm a n e n t S a tis fa c tio n MULTNOMAH COUNTY Proudly Salutes Black History Month 1997 ¿2 < 22 S WORKING TOGETHER---- 222 Multnomah County is actively working with minority owned businesses to enhance participation by M/W/ESB Finns on county contracts. We are collaborating with other jurisdictions in an attempt to bring consistency to governmental procurement and contracting processes. 3 < > For recorded information on contracting opportunities with Multnomah County and Metro call the Hotline (503)797-1933. < ■Nl > To contact our M/W/ESB Program Office c^ll (503) 284-5429. < > Or visit Multnomah County’s web site: http://www.multnomah.lib.or.us/purch 22 < A » A '^ ’' / ï A ^ ^ / ï A’ ’/ i í A ; a -^ i i a ^ ^ z ï ï < F A X (5 0 3 )2 8 4 -7 9 7 7 a INNOVATIVE PROGRESSIVE VALUE DRIVEN If you are seeking a career opportunity with an orga nization that offers challenge and opportunity, con sider Southwest Washington Medical Center. Located in Vancouver, Washington, just minutes from most points in the Portland Metropolitan areas, we are a growing dynamic acute care medical facility. We are seeking individuals who are highly guest service oriented, creative, and team players in a vari ety of areas and specialties. From Physical Therapists to Food Service Workers, Radiology Technicians to Registered Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Housekeepers, opportunity and chal- lenge await. This is the spirit of Black History Month. Its significance is well-rooted in the belief that no obstacle is impossible to overcome through hard work and perseverance. In celebration of that spirit. Bank of America is proud to salute our great heroes and heroines who have conquered infinite odds; and helped to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. It’s these people who have taught us all We offer competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. For more information about our openings please contact our Job Line at that there are no obstacles too large to overcome as long as our heart is w illing and our spirit rem ains strong. (360) 256-2268 1 (800) 455-4443 Doug Williams, Human Resources Specialist at (360) 256-2269 V (360) 256-3244 TDD m Bank of America — R a n k in g O n A m e r ic a ' Equal Opportunity Employer r 1997 Hank o f America M A S A Membei I D l( •v
