Update
July 1993
THE URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
The Urban League of Portland has worked to promote equal opportunity for all Oregonians since 1945. The
League was originally formed to advocate for African Americans who came to Portland to build ships during
World War II. When Blacks were denied access to jobs and housing after the war, the League supported
legislation and policies which promoted equal treatment in employment, housing and education. Today the
League's stated mission is: 'To help African Americans and others achieve parity and economic self-sufficiency
through advocacy, community problem-solving, partnerships and by conducting programs designed to strengthen
the growth and development of individuals, families and communities."
The League continues to advocate for those who have experienced discrimination and also operates programs
that directly serve the needs of its constituents. These programs are described below.
ADUbT & SENIOR SERVICES
The Adult and Senior Service Center is one of eight district Senior Service Centers in Multnomah County. The
nter has two primary goals:
1)
To provide services to the elderly and disabled population that allow them to live independently in their
homes with dignity as long as it is possible aryd reasonably safe.
2)
To provide activities to senior and disabled citizens that will enhance their social skills and provide them
with opportunities for personal growth.
Case management services are provided for individuals who are experiencing problems that jeopardize their
independent living and diminish their lifestyle. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1993 the Center enrolled
103 new clients and served 593 clients overall.
In addition to case management, the Center provided
transportation to approximately 450 clients.
The Urban League is the lead agency for the Multicultural Senior Center at the intersection of Martin Luther
King, Jr. Blvd and N.E. Illingsworth in Northeast Portland. The Senior Services staff is co-located with Loaves
and Fishes' Northeast Meal Site and Multnomah County's Aging Services' Northeast Branch, offering a "single
point of entry" for senior and disabled services, with a focus on cultural diversity.
Social activities are provided for senior and disabled citizens to develop leadership skills and establish
community involvement. These activities help seniors maintain or build self-esteem, which makes for a healthy
and enjoyable lifestyle. About 150 seniors attend the Center daily for activities and meals. Programs at the
Center include:
Grandparents Education and Support Group: 87 "parenting" grandparents are working together to improve
)eir parenting skills and gain better access to services important to them and their grandchildren. A
Grandparents Support Group meets every other Thursday and other activities help increase public awareness
and community involvement in grandparent issues.
Living with Alzheimer's or normal forgetfulness: Caregivers meet in groups to share strategies, ideas, and
laughter, while clients with Alzheimer's or normal forgetfulness gather to sing, reminisce, and be involved in art
and music. Ten caregivers are currently enrolled.
Literacy and English as a Second Language Classes: These classes have helped 12 seniors improve their
speaking/understanding of English and reading/writing skills.
ADVOCACY
The Urban League advocates on a broad range of issues to improve the quality of life for African Americans and
other disenfranchised groups and individuals. The goals of the program are to:
(1) Empower constituents to understand and protect their rights and help agencies provide accessible and
accountable service so that clients can become more self-sufficient;
(2) Educate and inform organizations and the public about issues that negatively irripact our constituents;
(3) Effect change in attitudes, policies, systems, institutions and social conditions through problem solving and
creating new alternatives and solutions.
Program components include:
Research and Education -- Conduct research and develop concept papers, positions and testimonies on issues
pertinent to constituents; educate African Americans and others about existing and emerging issues negatively
impacting their quality of life and empower them to effect change. An example is the League's role in publicizing
the Efficacy development model in Portland. IP'
Legislative -- Create and influence legislation; educate elected officials. Examples include the League's support
for a fair state tax structure and discussions witlfOregon's congressional delegation about the National Urbar
League's Marshall Plan for America.
Mediation and Conflict Resolution -- Examples include the League's role as mediator after the Rodney King
verdicts and numerous job discrimination cases.
EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT
The League's Employment Department helps minorities, women and others find suitable employment in the
Portland metro area. Twenty-three local companies and organizations have become "Employer Partners" with
the Urban League. The goal of the Employer Partnership Program is to help African Americans and other
people of color achieve economic parity through employment. The original partners included: First Interstate
Bank, Mentor Graphics, Nike, Standard Insurance, and U.S. Bancorp. Since then ARCO, Bank of America,
Boeing, Cellular One, City of Gresham, Electro Scientific Industries, Halton Co., McDonald's, Meier & Frank,
Nationwide Insurance, Northwest Natural Gas, Saif Corp., Tektronix, U.S. Navy, Veterans Medical Center,
Wacker Siltronic and Zellerbach Industries have joined.
Partners send staff to work in the League's Employment Department periodically as volunteers, performing
similar duties as the League's staff: interviewing, referring clients to job openings, counseling and pre-screening.
The addition of these volunteers has allowed the League to provide more and better services to its clients. It
also helps employers become more sensitive and aware of cultural diversity issues in the work place.
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1993 the Department placed 340 people in jobs, an increase of more than
20% over 1992. Recruitment focuses on all protected class job seekers. The department has also introducer'
monthly resume and interview preparation workshops.
On March 5-6, 1993 more than 1800 job seekers and employers attended the Department's first annual "Career
Connections" job fair.
10 Things I Can no Everyday
To Celebrate Diversity
1. Say Something. Do not let racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic, and other stereotypical comments
continue in conversation without saying how you feel. Not speaking out against discrimination is
contributing to the problem.
r Know your right to express yourself. Take a deep breath. Expect to succeed.
e Look directly at the person you are talking to. Let your face and voice convey the idea that you are serious.
*Think about some phrases that you feel comfortable using such as "I find that joke offensive." or
"I feel strongly about eliminating discrimination and comments like that are4not o.k. with me."
*Remember, by speaking out against discrimination, you did the right thing.
2. Learn about other people and their lifestyles. Get to know new people. Read about
other cultures and lifestyles; eat new kinds of food; attend diverse community activities; go to museums
and listen to music. Listen to the points of view of others and what they have to say about themselves.
3. Be informed about issues. listen to what is going on in the world, read the newspaper, listen
to the radio, watch TV. Talk with others .about what you can do to respond to important issues.
4. Look for commonalties among people while celebrating our differences.
5. Get involved with your community. Support your neighbors, volunteer, make
suggestions, support local organizations that address diversity by volunteering or donating what you can.
6. Vote. You count. This is a way to make a difference.
7. Treat people as individ link... Do not make assumptions about them based
on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, religion, etc.
8. Tell your community about your beliefs and values.
Let your children, family, friends and co-workers know what you think
everyday, not just when incidents of discrimination occur. Teach our
children to love and respect one another.
9. This list is just a beginning, add your own ideas
and actions.
10. Contribute to Stand Up Portland
Stand Up Portland is a
diversity project that consists of a yea -long public awareness campaign,
culminating with a celebration in August of 1993.
3e Part of the Solution.
re.*
Celebrate Diversity
Special thanks to southeast Up19? for access to their resource materials.
208 N.W. Couch Street, Suite 222 r Portland, Oregon 972o9
STAND UP
PORTLAND
(5o3) 223-3299
FAX (503) 223-3474
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
1993/94 CORPORATE MEMBERS
As of July 19, 1993
Gold Members ($3000)
Corporate Members ($250)
Arco Oil
Bank of America
Boeing
First Interstate Bank
Meier & Frank
Nike
Portland Trail Blazers
Standard Insurance
United Airlines
United Parcel Service
U.S. Bank
Act III Theatres
Copeland Lumber Yard
Drake Beam Morin Inc.
Foster Pepper & Schefelman
Georgia-Pacific Corp.
GTE Northwest Inc.
HSI Security Systems Inc.
Housing Authority of Portland
James River Corp.
JBLK Insurance
KOIN-TV Ch. 6
KUPL Radio
Kentrox
Small Business
Members ($100)
Sponsor Members ($1000)
KeriP-Pacific Corp.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Cellular One
Emanuel Hospital
Fred Meyer, Inc.
Kaiser
KPTV Ch. 12
Lane Powell Spears &
Lubersky
Mentor Graphics
Nationwide Insurance
Company
Nordstrom
Northwest Natural Gas
Pacific Light and Power
Paragon Cable
Portland Hilton
Portland/Oregon Visitor
Assocition
Precision Castparts
R.R. Donnelly Northwest
Safeway Stores
Sisters of Providence
Steinfeld's Products Co.
Stoel Rives Bo ley Jones
& Gray
Tektronix
U S West Communications
Wacker Siltronic
Lutz Snyder Realtors
MacDonald Products
McDonalds
Nabisco
Northwest Temporary
Services
Oregon Health Sciences U.
Oregon Liquor Control
Commission
Pacific First Bank
PacifiCorp Financial Services
Pepsi Cola (Alpac)
Popper Supply Co.
Port of Portland
Portland Police Assoc.
Portland Teachers'
Credit Union
Red Lion Inns
Rose City Electric
Slayden Construction
Southland Corp.
TCI Cablevision
Weston Pontiac
Wieden & Kennedy
Zimmer Gunsul Frasca
American State Bank
Assoc. for Portland Progress
Atiyeh Brothers
Banlof Tokyo
Brewed Hot Coffee
Business Computer Training
David Chvatal CPA
City Club of Portland
Cleo Lillian Social Club
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Jeanette Fagan School
Geneva's Shear Perfection
Institute on Aging, PSU
Jewish Federation of
Portland
Junior Achievement
Neil Kelly Remodeling
Kienows Stores
K103 (KKCW)
Mayor Gussie McRobert
Melcor, Inc.
Metro Catholic Broadcasting
North Pacific Insurance Co.
One Church, One Child
Planned Parenthood
Portland Metro Chamber of
Commerce
Refuse Removal
Rejuvenation House Parts
Sun Wel
Sussam, Shank, Wapnik,
Caplan & Stiles
Trade Bindery Inc.
Tri-Met
United Finance
University of Portland
Wagner Mining
Washington Window
Cleaning Services
Westminster Presbyterian
Church
URBAN LEAGUE ANNUAL DINNER 1993
PRESENTS
OREGON TRAIL MULTICULTURAL REFERENCE LIST
BOOKS/EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Anderson, Martha Black Pioneers of the Northwest
Beasley, Delilah The Negro Trail Blazers in California
Brown and Ruby A Guide to the Indian Tribes of the Pacific Northwest
Cantor, George Historic Landmarks of Black America
Catlin, George Letters and Notes on North American Indians
De Marco, Gordon A Short History of Portland
Gamboa, Erasamo: he is a specialist on Northwest Latino/a history. Check the Oregon
Historical Quarterly for articles
Herd, Shirley Black Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia
Hunn, Eugene S. Nch'i-Wana, "The Big River": Mid-Columbia Indians and their Land
Jackson, George Black Women: grakers of History
Jessett, Thomas E. The Indian Side of the Whitman Massacre
Katz, William L. The Black West
Mac Coll, Kimbark E. Merchants, Money and Power: The Portland Establishment
1843-1913
McLagan, Elizabeth A Peculiar Paradise -.An History of Blacks in Oregon
National Japanese American Historical Society Strength & Diversity: Japanese American
Women, 1885-1990; this is a classroom study guide (intermediate level) available
with the Oregon Historical Society's Multi Cultural Studies packet; or by contacting
the National Japanese American Historical Society, Inc., 1855 Folsom Street, Suite
161, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415-431-5007).
Niethammer, Carolyn Daughters of the Earth: Lives & Legends of American Indian
Women
Portland Bureau of Planning History of Portland's African American Community from
1805-Present: the Albina Community *
Powell, Linda Asian Americans in Oregon
Taylor, Quintard Slaves and Free Men: Blacks in the Oregon Country 1840-1860
Webber, Bert Indians Along the Oregon Trail
Sunday Oregonian March 14th Issue - Oregon Trail Supplement
The Skanner - February Black History special issue
Limited copies available from Urban League, 280-2615
(continued on reverse)
OTHER RESOURCES
Tamawanis Ilahee - a film by RON FINNES about Native Americans. Mr Finnes can be
reached at 747-4854 or 36526 Jaspar Road, Springfield, OR 97478
Moving Mountains - a film by ELAINE VELASQUEZ about Laotians in the Pacific
Northwest
Black Families & the Railroad in Oregon & the Northwest: An Oral History - a videotape
available for rent from the Oregon Historical Society 222-1741
Multicultural Studies Packet - $5 from the Oregon Historical Society 222-1741
Social History Packet - available for $8 from the Oregon Historical $ pciety. For more
information call 222-1741
The Atfalati - Artifacts from Native Americans in WA County area; available from
Washington County Historical Society 645-5353
Kalapuyan Indians Artifact Kit - Marion Educational Service District 588-5385
Northwest Black Heritage: The Pioneers Artifact Kit- Oregon Historical Society 222-1741
Paiute Indians of the Great Basin Artifact Kit - demonstrates culture just prior to contact
with explorers and settlers. Oregon Historical Society 222-1741
Native American Star Legends Exhibit - Lane ESD Planetarium at the Willamette Science
& Technology Center. For more information call 689-6500
Oregon Historical Society Bookstore 222-1741; 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205
The Oregon Trail Computer Game - Computer simulation of life on the trail for ages 10adult. IBM & Macintosh compatible. Contact: MECC, 3490 Lexington Ave. N, St.
Paul, MN 55126-8097
National Japanese American Historical Society, Inc. 415/431-5007
1855 Folsom Street, Suite 161, Sap Francisco, CA 94103
Oregon Historical Society 222-1741
1200 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205
Oregon Trail Coordinating Council 22-TRAIL 228-7245
222 NW Davis, Suite 309, Portland, OR 97204
The Museum at Warm Springs - Liz Cross 553-3331 or fax 553-3338
PO Box C, Warm Springs, OR 97761
Dr. Darryl Millner - Director of Black Studies at Portland State University. Check for
articles and books by Dr. Millner at your local library
Oregon-California Trails Association 816/252-2276
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK LOCAL MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES TO ORDER THE
ABOVE TITLES IF THEY DON'T HAVE THEM.
RESOURCE LIST PREPARED BY CINDY RENFRO, INTERN FOR THE GOVERNOR'S
OFFICE, OREGON TRAIL PROJECT.
YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
The Youth & Family Service Center is one of six such centers in Multnomah County. The Center met or
exceeded its goals for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1993. Goals were met by providing services to 760 youth
the areas of individual and family counseling, gang awareness and prevention programs, parent and teen
support groups, education and employment assistance, Big Brother and Big Sister Volunteer involvement, boys
and girls groups, Southeast Asian outreach, and a diversion program.
In the Diversion Program juveniles referred by the courts provided 1,625 community service hours to
organizations like the Grace Collins Pre-School, Red Cross, Columbia Boys and Girls Club, and 17 other groups.
This alternative to the juvenile court system helps relieve stress on our judicial system and helps the youth
understand the direct correlation between their actions and the community they live in.
The Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program provided over 3,300 volunteer hours to 36 Little Brothers and
Sisters. There were 17 new matches during the period. The Counseling program grew as counselors began
support groups for rape victims and youth with anger management difficulties. A new ears has been on support
groups that build skills.
During the period more than 90 youth found entry-level jobs through the department's Youth Employment
Program and the Youth Empowerment and Employment Program based at the Center.
NULITES is a National Urban League program of leadership development and community service for
African-American youth. Last summer the program sent four youth to the National Urban League Youth
Conference in San Diego.
The department is grateful for its many volunteers -- including AARP workers, student interns, advisory
committee members and others. Together they provided 4,285 hours of service during the year.
WHITNEY M. YOUNG, JR. EDUCATION & CULTURAL CENTER
The Whitney M. Young Jr. Education & Cultural Center is an after-school homework/tutorial assistance program
for students who could not otherwise afford supplemental academic assistance. During the school year the
Center is open from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A summer program emphasizes reading, math,
writing and SAT test preparation.
Center features include a multicultural library, computers, guest speakers, cultural events, scholarship incentives,
one-on-one tutorial assistance, and a parent enrichment program for adults. Most of the Center's students live
in North/Northeast Portland. During the 1992-93 school year the Center served 251 students from grades 5
through college. These students represented a variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds and came from more
than 30 schools in the Portland metro area. Along with community volunteers, 27 students from the School of
Education at Portland State University did their field placement work at the Center during the year.
THE MALE RESPONSIBIUTY PROGRAM
The goal of the Male Responsibility Program is to reduce the high rate of adolescent pregnancy by helping
teenage males improve their decision-making abilities. The program emphasizes the responsibilities of manhood
and fatherhood, and the importance of education. Program objectives are:
1)
2)
To implement a program structured to help at least 200 at-risk males between the ages of 11-19, with
an emphasis on Male Responsibility, Human Sexuality, Career Planning, Life Management and the "Rites
of Passage."
To implement a Mentors Program consisting of 100 adult male volunteers to act as role models and
provide fraternal interaction with young males in the program.
During the school year weekly group sessions are held at Harriet Tubman, Whitaker and Beaumont middle
schools, at Jefferson High School, and at the Urban League. There are 384 youth currently enrolled. During
the year the Urban League was the lead agency for the African-American Male Connection Program
(AAMCP). The AAMCP provides services to African American males between the ages of 11 and 19 who ar
known to have gang affiliation, have dropped out of school, or who live in gang-affected neighborhoods. The
two programs served a total of 457 youth during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1993.
In 1992 the League introduced its "Rites of Passage Program," a 12-month initiation into the responsibilities
of manhood for young males ages 11 to 13. Three youth successfully graduated from the program at a
community ceremony during the December Kwanzaa Festival. A new group is preparing for initiation this year.
For the second year in a row, the Male Responsibility Program is coordinating a Summer Youth Employment
Program in which youth from Northeast Portland do home maintenance work for senior citizens. This year's
program sponsors include Key Bank of Oregon, Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, Gunderson, Inc., Willamette
Industries, Pacific/Hoe Saw & Knife Co. and Carr Chevrolet.
COMPUTER TRAINING CENTER
The Urban League's newest program is its Computer Training Center, which will open August 30, 1993. The
Center will offer 15-week courses in desk top publishing, Word Perfect, Lotus 1-2-3 and Data Base 4, as well as
basic typing. Beginning in January 1994, the Center will also offer courses for database specialists, network
specialists and system analysts. Courses will be offered free of charge or on a sliding scale, depending on client
income. The Computer Training Center was made possible by a grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust and the
support of IBM, Corp.
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND STAFF
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Darryl Tukufu
Michael Pullen
Gloria James
Nova Hill
Lovell Jones
FINANCE
Cletus Moore, Jr.
Linda Long
Carla Prevost
President and CEO
Director of Marketing
Administrative Assistant
Receptionist
Building Superintendent
V.P., Finance/Administration
Employment Verification
Membership Information
I
NORTHEAST YOUTH SERVICE CENTER
Director
Larry Foltz
Assistant Director
Larry Clayton
Counselor
Pamela Davis
Cheryl Johnson . . Volunteer Coordinator/Diversion
Counselor
Shale Moaydie
Youth Employment Coordinator
Tony Ross
Employment/Diversion Specialist
Katy Ise
Chiem-Seng Yaangh . . Southeast Asian Outreach
Office Manager
Donald Chalmers
Information Specialist
Herbert Hager
Diversion Specialist
Javier Mena
Diversion Specialist
Rob Beltran
EDUCATION & CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Herman L. Lessard, Jr.
Director
Curtis Scott
Coordinator, Male Responsibility ADULT AND SENIOR SERVICE CENTER
Director
Esther Hinson Director
WHITNEY M. YOUNG, JR. EDUCATION CENTER
Activities Coordinator
Pauline Reed
Gloria Phillips
Lead Case Manager
Program Assistant Josephine Brown
Lemil Speed
Case Manager
Tutor Daisylin Oten
Yaw Osei-Boye
Tutor Bettye Walker . . Information & Referral Specialist
Case Manager
Seng Fo Chao
EMPLOYMENT
Brenda Sherman-Sanders
Director For more information, contact: Urban League of
Luong Vu
Employment Specialist Portland, 10 N. Russell St., Portland, OR 9722
Donna Mackey
Employment Specialist (503) 280-2600
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