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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 17, 2016)
February 17, 2016 Black History Month O PINION Page 19 New Prices Effective May 1, 2014 Martin 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 Pre-Spray Trafic Areas (Includes: 1 small Hallway) 1 Cleaning Area (only) $40.00 Includes Pre-Spray Trafic Area (Hallway Extra) Gun Violence a Critical Public Health Issue No time for talking and debating b riAn l. p Auling 100 Black Men of America, Inc. recently participated in a tele- vised discussion on gun violence called “The Gun Fight.” Since the tap- ing of that show, gun violence in our communities has become even more personal because it has again directly impacted more of the youth we mentor. Zaevion Dobson had been a mentee of 100 Black Men of Greater Knoxville, Tenn. since he was 8 years old. The standout high school football player was at- tending a gathering of teammates and friends when a gunman drove by opening ire. Without regard for his own life, Zaevion dove on top of three young ladies to shield them. He gave his life that day. Weeks later in Washington, D.C., another one of our youth was walking down the street, when a car pulled up and one of its pas- sengers said, “If you want to live, you need to run.” He began run- ning, and they began shooting. by The mentee was shot, but unlike Zaevion, he will survive. But with what scars? I realize that there are many contributing factors to this carnage in our com- munities and no single answer to end this ram- pant disrespect for life. Too many people merely want to debate gun poli- cy and gun laws, while and ethnic demographic national- ly. The FBI’s 2014 Crime in the United States report found that 82 percent of whites murdered by guns were killed by other whites. Similarly, 90 percent of blacks murdered by guns were killed by other blacks. The mental and physical health effects of gun violence, howev- er, impact us all. If we don’t stop the rhetoric and start investing in The mental and physical health effects of gun violence, however, impact us all. If we don’t stop the rhetoric and start investing in interventions that impact young people’s lives, we will continue to suffer consequences of gun violence in cities nationwide. our children are being murdered at places they are supposed to be – homes, churches, schools and playgrounds. Gun violence is a critical public health issue impacting commu- nities of every economic stature interventions that impact young people’s lives, we will continue to suffer consequences of gun vio- lence in cities nationwide. The mentoring services by 100 Black Men of America teach youth how to make better choices, provide guidance on setting and achieving goals, and demonstrate how to diffuse situations before they escalate to tragic conse- quences. Our economic empowerment programs promote job skills train- ing, inancial literacy and entre- preneurship. Our health and well- ness initiatives increase students’ school attendance rates, which have a direct impact on their abil- ity to learn, earn and succeed. That’s why education reform is one of our top priorities, and we are pushing hard in our advoca- cy efforts with local and national policymakers to ensure that every student in every community has access to high-performing schools and high-quality teachers. Gun violence cut short the life of Zaevion Dobson, one so full of hope and promise. The time for talking and debating is over. We must take swift and decisive ac- tion to end this crisis in our com- munities before another precious life is needlessly lost. Brian L. Pauling is national president and chief executive of- icer of 100 Black Men of Amer- ica, Inc. To learn more about the organization and ind a chapter in your community, visit 100black- men.org. Stairs (12-16 stairs - With Other Services) : $25.00 Area/Oriental Rugs: $25.00 Minimum 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
