M A R . 3, 1999 Page B I 2 <Tliv IJortlaub Oibeeruer--------------------------------------------------- A DIALOGUE ON RACE SERIES [ J r y & s \ w eek at a state’s history. W hite H ouse Now, lawm akers and c erem o n y , community activists have President Clinton issued a full joined together and pro pardon to Army Lt. Henry O. posed a bipartisan “ Day flipper, the first African Ameri o f A cknow ledgem ent,” can to graduate from West when state governm ent Point. Lt. Flipper was forced leaders could come to out of military service in 1882 gether and officially rec after receiving a dishonorable ognize the state’s racial discharge that the Army later h istory , condem n d is ruled was racilly motivated. c rim in a tio n , and c e l The President’s action fully ex ebrate those in history onerates Lt. Flipper o f all with the courage to bring wrongdoing, and finally sets about change. It is an idea right an injustice that lasted for whose time has come. —- j The proposal, which over a century. Here in Oregon, we have a has been introduced in the similar opportunity to address state legislature and has another racial injustice from the support o f the Gover our nation’s past. It was nearly nor, would play an impor 150 years ago when territorial tant role in helping our legislators voted to ban African state come to grips with Americans from living or trav i t ’s racial past. It also eling in Oregon. The law was would give all Oregonians repealed some eighty years a chance to think about later, but it is still a painful re modern-day issues of race and approaches about how to deal minder o f an ugly period in our perhaps produce a few creative with those issues. in race relations in the 150 ted to the ideal that all men and years since Oregon passed w om en are created equal. it’s exclusionary law, but Laws like this play an impor there is still a ways to go. tant role in dealing with racial We as a nation are still issues, but it will by no means struggling with issues o f solve the nation’s racial prob race. lem s. W hen it com es to Racism and hate con achieving true racial under tinue to stain our national standing and healing, there is greatness. The brutal mur no substitute for an open dia der o f James Byrd Jr. in logue. That’s the goal behind Jasper, Texas, is a painful th e reminder o f that. I plan to Acknowledgement.” “ D ay introduce in the Senate O f course, observing a “Day this week the Hate Crimes o f Acknowledgement” w on’t P rev en tio n A ct, w hich erase past w rongs. And it would hopefully prevent w on’t magically wipe out the horrific crimes like the vestiges o f hate and intoler one in Jasper from hap ance that still plague our coun pening again. It would put try today. It would encourage bigots and racists on no people to speak frankly and tice that hate crimes will honestly on an issue that they not often find too uncomfortable be to le ra te d in America. to discuss. It will be a day to 1 hope to pass the Hate educate. It will be a day for un C rim es Prevention Act derstanding. And a day with T here’s no doubt that our this year to send the clear mes out blame. These things alone nation has made great strides sage that our nation is commit- will make it a productive day. Senator Ron Wyden The Portland Public Schools Celebrate Black History Month We all “Stand on the shoulders of Gants" Learn as much as you can about those giants so that, in the future, others can see clearly of Steve Bradley Band Thursday, February 11 • 7:00 pm Valentine’s Dance with X Angels Friday, February 12 • 7:00 pm Mt. Hood Jazz Festival Concert Series KKJZ 5th Birthday Bash with Rick Braun Sunday, February 14 • 7:00 pm • $20 admission Arthur Moore Four Blues Band Thursday, February 18 • 7:00 pm Paul Delay Trio Thursday, February 25 • 7:00 pm Songwriters in the Round • Craig Caruthers Sunday, February 28 • 7:30 pm • $7 admission All ages welcome • No charge except where noted February Music