Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 4, 2015)
February 4, 2015 The Portland Observer Black Sam Ashby, managing principal for Speed of Thought Consulting, LLC, brings his voice and experience to a grass roots initiative for black males in Portland to address education, employment, family stability and criminal justice. My Brother’s Keeper continued from page 3 Initiative by the National League of Cities is designed to address education, employment, family stability, and criminal justice. The Portland effort will include the participation of men of color from 20 local organizations who will act as conveners, facilitators, policy guides, and collective voices to exert influence and push for change for the better treatment of males from Portland’s African-American community. Mayor Charlie Hales took a lead in the project which will be carried out through the city Office of Equity and Human Rights. He joined supporters to explain the details of the initiative during a Jan. 26 press conference at Self Enhancement Academy, the pub- lic charter school serving the black community on North Kerby Av- enue. “I believe that it is possible to move from disparity to possibil- ity, and that’s what the Black Male Achievement Initiative is about,” Hales said, “I do believe that with support from the community, sup- port from elected officials, like those who are here today, and with community leadership, that it is truly possible.” A two-year process of commu- nity engagement and visioning was undertaken to gain feedback, clarity, and direction for the work planned by the initiative. Multnomah County Commis- sioner Loretta Smith attended the announcement ceremony and has pledged her office’s support for jobs and mentoring. Dante James, director at the Office of Equity and Human Rights, said black males face unique and persistent systemic barriers that demand a focused, holistic response. “Those barriers have created outcomes that are unacceptable, outcomes that are keeping fami- lies in poverty, maintaining an educational atmosphere that does not allow for success, pro- motes the continuation of the school to prison pipeline, and History Month inhibits employment opportuni- ties,” he said. The Black Male Achievement Initiative will use a data-driven approach to highlight disparities and hold systems and leaders ac- countable for ensuring black men and boys have sufficient access and opportunity to the factors that lead to good health, safety and success. The mayor’s office has commit- ted $150,000 of funding to boost additional monies that were al- ready set aside to fund summer youth employment. Additionally, there will be on-going discussions with philanthropic organizations for financial support to sustain the program. Page 9 Platinum Fade Salon Come in and be pampered • • • • • • • Box Braids Hair Extension Relaxer Color Wash & Set Press & Curl Dredd Loc Ashley Lewis Specializing in All Hair Types 5010 NE 9th, Unit A, Portland, Or 97211 503 284-2989