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^ ' Portland Observer B la c k H is to ry M o n th
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February 23.2011
President Promotes Future Technologies
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continued
from fron t
he promoted the work of several
middle school and high school stu­
dents who he said make him "opti­
mistic about America’s future."
The president said Intel has in­
vested $50 million in Oregon schools
over the last decade and started
programs to get children interested
in science and technology as early
as elementary school.
"I'm so proud of everybody here
at Intel, not only because of what
you do for these students or this
community, but because of what
you do for the country," Obama
said.
He also highlighted the work of
Nabil Mistkawi, an Intel scientist in
Hillsboro who found a solution to a
problem that had vexed engineers
for months — an eternity in the
technology cycle for the computer
chip manufacturer. Mistkawi found
the solution in just three days draw­
ing on knowledge from his PhD stud­
ies at Portland State University.
"An investment in education paid
off in a big way," Obama said. "For
Nabil. For Intel. For the millions of
workers and consumers who ben­
efited from that discovery."
Mistkawi said later it was "a great
honor for the president to mention
my accomplishments."
Before speaking to the crowd of
350 Intel workers, politicians and
other dignitaries, Obama met with
three boys from the Beaverton-
Hillsboro Science Expo and six girls
from Robert Gray Middle School
who are members of Intel's First
Lego Robotics Team.
Obama noted that he said during
his State of the Union address that
science fair winners should be cel­
ebrated as much as Super Bowl win­
ners. Since his favored Chicago
Bears fell short of the National Foot­
ball League's top game this year,
Obama said he's reserving all his
cheering for the Oregon science
students he met before his remarks.
He said he was most impressed
Friday with the students he met and
science projects they showed him.
"It gave them a chance to talk
about things like quantum ternary
algorithms," he said to laughter,
"and it gave me a chance to nod my
head and pretend that I understood
what they were talking about.
"They deserve our applause and
our praise, and they make me opti­
mistic about Am erica's future,"
Obama said.
During his address, Obama also
offered a morale boost for a basket­
ball team coached by his brother —
the struggling Oregon State Bea­
vers.
Alluding to the Beavers' less than
stellar 9-15 record, Obama said they
"are a very young team. But they're
on the move," drawing some chuck­
les. Beavers coach Craig Robinson
is the brother of first lady Michelle
Obama.
—The Associated Press.
Historic March Encore
c o n t i n u e d f r o m fro n t
At TriMet, we understand the value of
roadmaps for getting people where
they need to be. Our goal is to have
our workforce mirror the diversity of
the Portland metropolitan area. The
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
program has become a national model for
encouraging and supporting businesses
owned by people of color and women
when competing for contracts on TriMet
transit projects.
A public transit system used by all must
benefit all.
Visit trimet.org/dbe
T R I© M E T
See where it takes you.
them ,” said Raymond Burell III, a
V a n c o u v e r A v e n u e B a p tist
Church m inister and historian.
T hisP alm Sunday, on April 17,
the church is inviting the com m u­
nity to join them for a 60th anni­
versary celebration as it re-enacts
the historic march.
S e n io r P a sto r J.W . "M att"
Hennessee and other local clergy
plan to once again lead hundreds
of com m unity residents in a ju b i­
la n t m arch o f s o lid a rity up
V a n c o u v e r A v e n u e to the
church's location at Vancouver
and Fargo Street.
It was 60 Palm Sundays ago,
th at loud sp e ak e rs a m p lifie d
voices singing "I Shall be Free
Som eday," as more than 600 resi­
dents m arched in unison through
the streets o f Portland to their
new church home.
Upon arrival, the worshippers
and supporters were greeted by
more songs and services by the
late founding V ancouver Avenue
pastor Dr. Rev. O.B. W illiams and
five congregational choirs from
other local black churches. The
large crowd of m archers com fort­
ably filled 600 new seats, whereas
their form er church could only
provide room for 250 persons.
This Palm Sunday, marchers will
enact the historic event in a sim i­
lar fashion. Plans call for w orship­
pers and supporters to assem ble
at Lillis/A lbina Park located on
North Flint Avenue and Russell
Street to recreate the historic
march to-the church. The April 17
procession will be follow ed by an
11 a.m. Palm Sunday worship fea­
turing the renowned and soul-stir­
ring Reunion Gospel Choir as well
as local and out of state guest
singers and musicians. Civil rights
leader Dr. Joseph Lowery has been
invited to speak. An annual Palm
Sunday potluck feast will follow
the celebration.
For seniors or disabled indi­
viduals needing assistan ce or
wheelchairs during the anniver­
sary p ro c e s s io n , c o n ta c t the
church office for reservations.
Shuttle buses will also be avail­
able to take m archers from the
church to the park location.
In order to make this historic
Palm Sunday procession a trium-.
phant and com m unal success, the
church is seeking volunteers to
help out. For more inform ation,
contact Pastor Hennessee or other
V ancouver Avenue First Baptist
Church leaders at 503- 282-9496.
Your life experiences, compassion, humor and safe
home can help a teen in foster care and positively
impact our community. Call Boys & Girls Aid today
to learn more about the rewards of foster parenting:
503-542-2323 or visit boysandgirlsaid.org
would make a great
foster parent for a teen
Boys & Girls Aid
24/7 support, generous
reimbursement, and
.comprehensive training
available for all foster
parents.