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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (June 10, 2020)
No End to Massive Protests Established in 1970 New Police Chief Named to Build Trust Black leader says streets is where change will be won Chuck Lovell rises to the top of command See story, page 2 See Local News, page 3 PO QR code Volume XLVIV • Number 14 ‘City of Roses’ www.portlandobserver.com Wednesday • June 10, 2020 Honoring the Class of 2020 Reflecting on a school year cut short The Jefferson High School se- nior class created all of the Class of 2020 content for this special graduation edition of the Portland Observer. Inside you will find reflections from the students on a school year cut short by the cornonavirus pan- demic and how they are respond- ing to another tragedy, the police custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. See the letters of support and congratulations to the graduates from their teachers, administra- tors and adult mentors, like those from Self Enhancement, Inc. The students also include photos to showcase their school experience, list their favorite music, and share their special art projects. Valedictorian speeches by five of Jefferson’s achieving stu- dents, not able to be delivered at a formal graduation ceremony because of the social distancing requirements of the pandemic, are also included and will in- spire you. This special coverage was co- ordinated by Jefferson students attending a Senior Inquiry class, a dual-credit class designed through a partnership between the Jeffer- son High School Middle College for Advanced Studies and Port- land State University. All seniors at Jefferson take the class and earn 15 college cred- its upon completion. Jefferson teachers and Portland State pro- fessors help direct them on a path of individualized learning by en- gaging in community advocacy, action projects, art installations, writing and other types of aca- demic exploration. At its core, the Senior Inquiry model stimulates critical thinking and self-reflection while focus- ing on the importance of building strong relationships with class- Senior Tarisha Spencer is draped by messages of unity mates, instructors, high school and equality in the halls of Jefferson High School in a staff and community members. photo taken earlier this year. Committed to Cultural Diversity Congratulations Seniors! The Port- land Observer is proud to dedicate this special issue to all of our high school seniors, and especial- ly the Jefferson High School Class of 2020, the school histor- ically grounded Publisher Mark to the heart of Washington Portland’s Afri- can American community. We are proud to give a voice to these honored students during a difficult time, sharing their dreams for the future and providing them a proper sendoff after a senior year cut short by the coronavirus pandemic and the public health crisis that closed all schools since Spring Break. “Your lives were disrupted, but you have not been forgotten,” said Portland Observer Publisher Mark Washington. “Congratulations seniors and best wish- es to your future!”