New lending guidelines proposed by the Federal National Mortgage Association – also known as Fannie Mae – would permanently lock out some minority homebuyers by denying loans based on credit scores.
That's the message voiced by hundreds of affordable housing advocates around the nation....

On May 1, Tyrone Poole officially opened a 6,000 square foot childcare center at 1030 N. Lombard St., with a growing list of 20 children already enrolled.
Set up as a private business, Amazing Grace Women's Resource Center & Childcare Services nevertheless functions as a sort of social services agency – helping single mothers find employment, housing and education while providing low or no-cost childcare....

Dellicia McGee and Danisha McNair, both 15, perform a song at the All Ages Arts Night, Friday May 2nd at the Seattle Central Library. The duo participated in a Writing and Music Production Program with Arts Corp at Rainier Beach Community Center. The event featured art, music, hip hop dance, spoken word poetry and fashion created by teens.  Dozens of organizations that support young people were at the event, including Arts Corp, The Power of Hope, Youth Speaks Seattle and the Urban Wilderness Project.

If you've ever had problems with law enforcement, there is now someone in Seattle that wants to hear your story.
The Seattle/King County branch of the NAACP recently formed the People's Panel on Police Accountability to address issues and concerns about police accountability and inequitable treatment of minorities and the poor.
The NAACP declared a "state of emergency" in how minorities are being treated by the police after reviewing complaints to the organization, NAACP chapter president James Bible said.
"We've been deeply concerned about the interactions between people of color, the poor and law enforcement," Bible said. "With the numerous complaints we've received, we felt it was important to address this issue that's been affecting our community."...

In a city once known for its rock, Seattle is now looking to become a center for hip hop.
Starting May 18, Sportn' Life Records and Kublakai will be sponsoring a Northwest hip hop tour, showcasing Seattle's hottest hip hop acts....

Nimal wants to become a nurse, Sochetna a computer programmer, and Joana a detective. They and their classmates are now much more likely to achieve their dreams with the help of an innovative scholarship program offered by South Seattle Community College.
This new initiative, the 13th Year Promise Scholarship, is the first of its kind in Washington state, and gives every graduating senior in Cleveland High School's class of 2008 the opportunity to attend South tuition-free for one year, regardless of grade point, test scores or other factors....

What's happening for me in my City this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of free community events to fill your week. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below.

May 21 2008, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
at Olea Restaurant, 1338 NW Hoyt, Portland OR 97209
Innovative Job Seeking for the Region's Professionals
Job seeking has never been so much fun.
Visit www.colorsnwcareers.com to sign up.
For further details contact Bernie@theskanner.com

The Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center recognized renowned Portland musician Thara Memory (pictured) and artist Isaka Shamsud-Din with lifetime achievement awards at the IFCC Do North Awards Gala on Sunday. Memory, a master musician, teacher and composer, was given the award for Cultural Contribution.

Clarence Harper (right), a volunteer with the Neighborhood Emergency Team since 1995, was awarded a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from Americorps. He is pictured with Carmen Murlow, the director of the Portland Office of Emergency Management and John Klum, Portland's new fire chief.
Harper said he began volunteering with the NET team out of selfish reasons – he wanted to know how to make sure his family and friends were safe in the event of a disaster. But after getting involved with emergency preparedness, he said he realized the altruism of his actions....