Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 26, 2014)
Page 6 The Portland Observer Black History Month February 26, 2014 BOWEIVEL Bringing Cultural Awareness to Campus Classic Cuts & Lawn Care Maintenance ‘We can’t forget the community we come from’ .......... fc i 1 1 i .1 r»' ■> i i Mowing, Edging & Trimming • Pruning, Tilling, & Gardening Clean-Up & Hauling • Leaf & Debris Removal • Composting Yard Maintenance • Bark Dusting • Power-Washing • &More! Commercial & Residential Services For free estimates call Owner James Wimbish at: 503-890-4826 “Your satisfaction is my guarantee” Boweivel @comcast.net Avalon Flowers 520 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, OR 97204 • 503-796-9250 A full service flower experience •Birthdays • Funerals ’ Anniversaries • Weddings Open: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am til 5:30pm Saturday 9am til 2pm. Cori S tew art- Owner, Operator Website: avalonflowerspdx.com email: avalonflowers@msn.com We Offer Wire Services by S taci W hite First, I want to start by saying that the Black Student Union at P o rtlan d C om m unity C o lleg e wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the Associated Students of Portland Community College. The Black Student Union has been around for some time and each year our priorities are made in con junction with the selection of a stu dent as BSU coordinator. However, what we all keep in mind is that we cannot forget the community we came from. Each year, our central mission is bring cultural awareness on cam pus, and foster mentorships and networking opportunities for stu dents. With Black History Month being here once a year, we are also reminded of who we are and of how far we have come. We continue to be fearless despite what society has done to suppress us. Black Student Union members each have their own version of what being a member of the Black Student Union means to them. For example, BSU student Tony Funchess says the group is about stay silent. ‘T o be African American is to realize color is blind,” she said. For Brittany Stringfellow, the or ganization means “strength, perse verance, intelligence and tenacity,” and to another BSU student, Belinda Washington, it means “coming to gether with my fellow African- American peers to strengthen our community by helping each other.” For me, the Black Student Union has given me permission to be fear less and not apologize for being black. Being black means being dig nified by the Civil Rights move ment; having the Panthers chant “Black Power,” and being creatively profound in the arts, such as dance, music, and literature. We are natural entertainers; this is how we express ourselves through our triumphs and adversities. Words cannot express what the Black Student Union has done for me and how being black has shaped my life. As we move forward at PCC Staci White and beyond, each one of us will continue to educate and define what making sure PCC is “a safe space it means to be black. where I can be authentically me, We stand proudly as the Black learn my history and engage in mean Student Union with our fist held ingful dialog and activities that pro high to the sky to celebrate Black mote cultural awareness for my self History Month. and others.” Staci White is the Black Student To student Kerinä Blanchard, the Union Coordinator at Portland BSU provides a voice for those who Community College. ADRC Aging and Disability Resource Connection ------of OREGON------- Support and services relating to: Aging «Disabilities «Veterans Abuse reporting Housing resources Transportation Meals In-home support Legal resources Public benefits Medicare help Other related issues Caregiver support 1-855-673-2372 TTY 711 www.ADRCofOregon.org Toll Free
