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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 7, 2011)
Page 6 Fortiani» (Observer December 7, 2011 Opinion articles do not necessarily represent the views o f the Portland Observer. W? welcome reader essays, photos and story ideas. Submit to news@portlandobserver.com. New Prices Effective May 1,2010 Martin Avi w w e»y cou? £Uáy op c L wat ^ change - Cleaning Service Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Residential & Commercial Services Minimum Service CHG $45.00 A small distance/travel charge may be applied CARPET CLEANING 2 Cleaning Areas or more $30.00 Each Area MlCRO-CuMATfe OFÍKTolERAHcE PRO TECTS CORE. B E U E F S / Pre-Spray Traffic Areas A f f e c t on EXTREMÉ , NtW ieS. (Includes: 1 small Hallway) 1 Cleaning Area (only) $40.00 Includes Pre-Spray Traffic Area (Hallway Extra) THE MAT CHAH^-f suY W O H 'Y ' S tairs (12-16 stairs - With Other Services): $25.00 Area/Oriental Rugs: $25.OOMinimum Area/Oriental Rugs (Wool): $40.00 Minimum Heavily Soiled Area: Additional $10.00 each area (Requiring Extensive Pre-Spraying) UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Sofa: $69.00 Loveseat: $49.00 Sectional: $ 109 - $ 139 Chair or Recliner: $25 - $49 Throw Pillows (With Other Services): $5.00 % ADDITIONAL SERVICES • Area & Oriental Rug Cleaning • Auto/Boat/RV Cleaning • Deodorizing & Pet Odor Treatment • Spot & Stain Removal Service • Scotchguard Protection • Minor Water Damage Services SEE CURRENT FLYER FOR ADDITIONAL PRICES & SERVICES Call for Appointment (503) 281-3949 Engaging More in the Occupy Movement Drawing strength by giving back about a w om an nam ed dent Stephanie Bullock, and died a O seo la M cC arty from few months after Stephanie’s gradu Hattiesburg, Mississippi. ation in 1999. In 1995 at the age of 85, 1 tell that story because it reminds Ms. McCarty, an African- us of the legacy of community ser A m erican w om an w ho vice and philanthropy that have al by M arc H. M okial earned a living washing and ways been at the heart of the black The black ironing other people’s laun community. There is no way we ‘Twittersphere” and “blogosphere” dry, donated her entire life-savings, could have survived the hardships < are abuzz with talk about ways to $ 150,000, to the University of South of slavery, Jim Crow, the Great De ( engage more African Americans in ern Mississippi to give black chil- pression and the Great Recession ! he “Occupy” movement. There are < ;ven social networks forming under The black church has led the way. Community t he banner: “Occupy the Hood.” From Zuccotti Park in M anhat- “giving circles, ” where individuals collectively pool an to W estlake Park in Seattle, their resources and decide what projects to fund, are he participants in Occupy events t end to be overwhelm ingly young, on the rise. For years, philanthropic organizations I vhite, and middle class. This is such as the National Urban League, National Black he case even though the ills the United Fund and the United Negro College Fund, ( Occupy M ovem ent have identi- ied, income inequality and the have been providing critical, and in some cases, life C orrupt and predatory actions of saving assistance. »ig banks, are hitting comm uni- ies of color the hardest. dren the chance she never had to without leaning on one another - In pondering the potential rea- attend the previously segregated whether that meant assisting travel ons for this disconnect, I thought university. ers on the Underground Railroad, or hat maybe the stress of unemploy Her actions inspired many and sharing food with an out-of-work ment and lack of opportunities are led President Clinton to award her neighbor. Giving back has always s o draining in the “hood” that there the Presidential Citizens Medal. been front and center in the African- s imply isn’t enough time or energy Osceola McCarty’s only wish was American experience. t( mjoin a rally. Or maybe, with more that she be allowed to attend the The black church has led the o f a focus on racism’s role in struc- graduation of the first recipient of way. Community “giving circles,” tl lral inequality, more people of color the McCarty Scholarship. She de where individuals collectively pool w 'ouldjoin. Then, however, I thought veloped a friendship with that stu their resources and decide what projects to fund, are on the rise. For years, philanthropic organizations such as the National Urban League, National Black United Fund and the United Negro College Fund, have been providing critical and in some cases, life-saving assistance to mil lions of African Americans. A new generation of African American philanthropists is also making a dif ference , people like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, and Alphonse Fletcher are empowering the most vulner able to dream and create better to morrows. As we enter the holiday season, we should draw strength from that well-spring o f compassion. We should remember, while public pro test has its place, these African A m erican s th at have w alked through the doors of opportunity and achieved economic success have an absolute responsibility to make a difference and to give back. Giving back can be in the form of time and talent as well as money. Occupy the Hood with whatever gifts you have. As Oseola McCarty put it, “If you want to be proud of yourself, you have got to do things you can be proud of.” Marc H. Morial is president and chief executive officer o f the Na tional Urban League.
