Committed to Cultural Diversity www.portlandobserver.com 1 1 M etro f t Jr, Decem ber 20. 200 6 Step Back with the ‘Dreamgirls’ À Movie puts Motown s girl groups in spotlight •fjortlanit ODb See story in Focus, page B3 - SECTION Street Turns to Rosa Parks First new signs unveiled The official unveiling of new street signs for Rosa Parks Way were unveiled last Thursday in aceremony drawing com­ munity leaders to the thoroughfare's sym­ bolic intersection with Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. City Commissioners Dan Saltzman and Eric Sten attended theevent with members of the Albina Ministerial Alliance, Pied­ mont neighborhood representatives. Ur­ ban League of Portland President Marcus Mundy and other community leaders. The Albina Ministerial Alliance brought the proposal to rename Portland Boule­ vard to Saltzman, who introduced the or­ dinance toCity Council for consideration. Council’s unanimous decision Oct. 18 followed six months of outreach efforts about the proposal to honor Rosa Parks, considered the mother o f the modem civil rights movement. “This unveiling is a tribute to Rosa Parks’ courage and triumph over racial segregation.” said Saltzman. “It is an honor to be involved in this event along with other community leaders and our citizens to honor the memory of this icon of civil rights” After brief comments from those in­ volved in making the name change pos­ sible, the first Rosa Parks Way sign was unveiled. City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Piedmont neighborhood repre­ sentatives, members of the Albina Ministerial Alliance and other community leaders gather to unveil the street signs going up in honor of Rosa Parks, the new name replacing Portland Boulevard. ¿s «**'..* JL * ■ \ s>- H m Bai « tSW M i * IB JflH T $ J , photo by M \ rk Y\ ashington /T iie P ortland O bserver Brandon’s Story: The Ultimate Rebound Break from past is path of success At the age o f 18, Brandon Hoggans was sent to prison. At the age of 27, he is making sure he never goes back. Hoggans, who went to Roosevelt High School in north Portland, spent more than seven years incarcerated for robbery after his conviction nine years ago. He admits he hung with the wrong crowd. However, the experience of being locked up woke him up and made him vow that he wouldn't turn into a career offender like his cell mates. Since being released, he has been good on his word. You’ll find Brandon now either studying to be a nutritionist at Portland Community College's Cascade Campus or grabbing rebounds for the school's men's basketball team. Once he gets his transfer degree, he plans to go on to Oregon State University for his bachelor's degree. Following that up with a master's degree isn’t out of the question. "I've made some poor choices in life," Hoggans said. "But this term I have a 3.5 GPA. I do like the atmosphere at Cascade. There is no reason why anyone shouldn't succeed. Everybody, staff and students, are nice and very helpful." He alsocredits his family and his inner strength. "I have strong support from my family," he said. "My will and determination to be a success and stay grounded is why I'm here today. 1 always stay positive." He chose the area of nutrition because some of his family members suffer from diabetes and he continued on page B5 Freemont St. Contact 503-413-1850, for reservations, seating is limited. RSVP to­ day. Season for Giving Fort Lantern Tours The African American Health Coalition, a non-profit that touches the lives of mil­ lions of African Americans each year, reminds you to support your community organization. All donations, grants, and gifts are tax deductible. For more informa­ tion, visit aahc-portland.org. Fort Vancouver National Historical Site, 1001 E. 5 St., will host the highly antici­ pated lantern tours from 7 p.m. to9 p.m. on: Friday, Jan. 5, Saturday, Jan. 20, Friday Feb. 2, and Saturday, Feb. 17. Reserva­ tions are required. For information; call 360-816-6230. Diabetes Support Group Holiday Art Exhibit Legacy Emanuel Hospital hosts a diabe­ tes support group the first and third Thurs­ days of every month, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., in Room 1027. Next meetings are Thurs­ day, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Jan. 4. WSU Vancouver, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., presents Acrylics on Clay, by local artist Linda Sawaya, through Jan. 12, in the Student Services Gallery and selected works by Ines Epperson thru Jan. 28. in the Engineering and Life Sciences building. F or m ore in fo rm a tio n , visit vancouver.wsu.edu. Weight Loss Series New Seasons Market at Northeast 33rd and Killingsworth Street will host the free weight loss classes on Jan. 31, Feb. 28. March 28, and Apri 125 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nutritional Cooking OnTuesday,Jan.9.from6:30p.m.to8p.m., the National College of Natural Medicine will host a free nutrition class and cooking demonstration by the Nike chef at 2 2 1 N.E. Brandon Hoggans of northeast Portland has bounced back after serving more than seven years in prison. He serves as an inspirational leader of the Portland Commu­ nity College men's basketball team. Bradley-Angle House The Bradley-Angle House needs volun­ teers to help its outreach against domestic violence. Women of color and bilingual women are encouraged to call. For more informa, ion.call 503-282-9940. Write Around Volunteers Are you interested in becom ing a facili- tator for Write Around Portland’s vol­ unteer-run ten-w eek w orkshop? The w orkshop is for low -incom e adults, homeless or m entally disabled people or others who face harriers to w riting w orkshops. C ontact Jill Tuleya at 503- 796-9224. The Oregon Food Bank seeks volunteers on Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon, to sort and repack perishable foods. Call 503-282-0555, e x te n sio n 272 or visit Oregonfoodbank.org. Work Against Abuse Volunteer for Crisis Line Community Advocates invites those in­ terested in protecting children from abuse to become an event volunteer, event out­ reach, technology expert, graphic artists or office support team member. For infor- mation.call 503-280-1388. W anttom akeadifferenceinyourcom m u- nity? Volunteers and advocates are needed forthe Portland W omen's Crisis Line. The needs include on-call advocates to re­ spond in person or over the phone, out­ reach and e d u catio n al e ffo rts, and fundraising and administrative duties. Call 503-232-4176 for more information. Women in Community Service Volunteer female mentors are being sought by Women in Community Service to work with incarcerated women at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The women provide support and encouragement for inmates transitioning from prison back into the community. For information, call 503-570-6614, Oregon Food Bank Home buying Classes Portland Community Land Trust helps first time and low-income homebuyers purchase homes at below market price. Attend a tree, one-hourclass to learn more about the p ro c ra m . C o n tact breastfeeding to infant CPR and much more. For a schedule of events, call 503- 574-6595 or visit: providence.org/classes. Stroller Class for Moms Are you a new mom or have a toddler? Get some exercise and meet other moms at the free Stroller Strides class, 9 a.m. to 10a.m. Tuesdays and Thursday at Peninsula Park. All you need is a stroller, water, a mat or towel and comfortable shoes. Call Helen at 5(>3-26< )-5() 18 for more i nftirmal ion. Hatha Yoga Class In Other Words Books and Resources hosts Hatha Yoga classes for beginners and all levels, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at In Other Words. 8 N.E. Killingsworth. All genders and ages and donations are wel­ come. Black History Museum I he Black History Museum o f Oregon is seeking brilliant minds o f concerned individuals to help in restructuring the museum foundation's com m ittee. For information, call 503-284-0617. community service