Pioneer Square Rally for Justice, Police Accountability
A broad cross section of Portland groups are calling for public involvement in police union talks and other reforms at an 11 a.m. rally on Sept. 25 in Pioneer Square.
The Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition for Justice and Police Reform is sponsoring the rally and march that will feature a variety of speakers.
In less than a year, Portland police have been involved in several high profile cases involving the use of excessive force. These include the shooting deaths of three men and a 12-year-old girl was tasered and shot with a bean bag gun at a MAX station. The AMA Coalition has taken a strong stand for scrutiny of the police bureau's use of excessive force, the need for more public involvement in the Independent Police Review Committee, and opening police union contract talks to the public.
"The main goal of the rally on September 25th is to continue mobilizing the community for justice and police reform," said Reverend Dr. LeRoy Haynes, of the AMA Coalition. "Our work is not done. We need to restore a respectful relationship between Portland's police force and the community."
Urban League Election Debate, Maternal Health Discussion
The Urban League, along with the African American Alliance, is hosting an election debate from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23 at Emanuel Temple Church, 1033 N. Sumner St.
The debate will be moderated by Lolenzo Poe, Sharon Gary-Smith and KOIN News Anchor Ken Boddie. It will feature candidates for the Metro Council, governor, treasurer and county commissioner district 2. Although gubernatorial candidate John Kitzhaber will be there, Republican challenger Chris Dudley will not.
The moderators will present their own questions, as well as questions from the audience and social media. The public is welcome to attend and portions will be broadcast on KOIN News 6.
The Urban League of Portland will also convene a Policy Makers Roundtable on Reproductive Health, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Portland Building, 1120 SW Fifth Ave, 2nd floor in Conference Room C. The focus will be on maternal and fetal health outcomes in the African-American community.
The goals for the Roundtable include:
• Explore model programs and policies from across the country that improve maternal and fetal health outcomes in the African-American community and which could be implemented in Portland
• Highlight local and state wide statistics on maternal and fetal health in the African-American community
• Focus on action that policy makers can take to support improved infant and maternal outcomes
The Urban League has organized a very rich and diverse advisory committee for the Policy Makers Roundtable that represents a very broad and deep analysis around reproductive health and reproductive justice.
'Grassharper' Celebrity Golf Tourney This Weekend
The second annual Grassharper Invitational Celebrity Gala and Golf Tournament – presented by former Portland Trail Blazer, Michael Harper – will be held Monday, Sept. 27 with a long list of celebrity attendees. This year, the event supports Park Academy School, People of Purpose and Associates (POPA), and Minority Information Outreach (MIO). Each organization's mission is to promote character development, confidence, and teamwork through education, volunteerism and community outreach.
More than 30 celebrity golfers, including Trail Blazer Alumni, former NFL players, TV and Radio personalities, and actors are expected to play on Monday, Sept. 27 at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Course. Plus, more than 300 supporters, sponsors and advocates from across Oregon will be in attendance at a special gala dinner on Sunday, Sept. 26, at Embassy Suites, Washington Square, which will kick-off the weekend event featuring an oral and silent auction.
The Gala and Golf is open to the public. The gala will have an oral and silent auction while enjoying live music, dinner and other supporters of education, family and community. Visit http://grassharper.org/Events.htm for more information.
To attend one or both events, please call Alethea at 503-267-7020 or email ALETHEA@CAPTIVUSONLINE.COM.
Oregon Music Hall of Fame Inducts New Members
The 4th annual Oregon Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert will be held Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Roseland Theater and will feature performances from four legendary Oregon artists, including reunions by the original members of Black n' Blue, Shock, The Kingsmen and a reunion of Le Bon. This year's master of ceremonies will be the ever-colorful comedian and performer, Tony Starlight.
OMHOF will induct 7 artists and 3 industry people. A new category, Artist of the Year, was also added to this year's event. Artists are Black 'N Blue, Denny Bixby, Kevin Burke, Peter Dammann, Tim Hardin, Linda Hornbuckle, and Rebecca Kilgore. Industry inductees are Andy Gilbert, Mike Quinn, and Les Sarnoff. The artist of the year is Pink Martini.
Tickets are available at all Ticketwest (Fred Meyer, Music Millennium) outlets. The show is 21 and over. General admission tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. VIP ticket packages are available at $90 in advance and $100 at the door. VIP ticket packages include premium reserved seats, a signed collectable event poster by Gary Houston, plus admission to an after-event reception with the inductees and performers.
Malian Mango Madness Dance Party
On the 50th anniversary of Mali's independence, the Ko-Falen Cultural Center holds their annual Mango Madness Dance Party Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Springbox Gallery at 2234 NW 24th Ave. in Portland at 8 p.m. The event benefits the Ko-Falen Cultural Center in Bamako, Mali. For more information, visit www.ko-falen.org. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $15 for students with ID.
