Week on the Web June 13 2015

In a week that saw a Black girl manhandled by police in Texas, and a pregnant woman brutalized by police (Read The Cut's story here) there were a few bright moments.

Serena the Great

Serena Williams won the French Open last week. The win gave Serena her 20th major title. Only Margaret Court with 24 titles and Steffi Graf with 22 have won more during their careers. And Serena isn't done yet. She's at the peak of her power. Is she the greatest of all time? Her fans certainly think so. Here are all 28 of her Grand-Slam wining moments. The New York Times compared her to LeBron James, saying what LeBron does for basketball, Serena does for tennis. Read the New York Times story.

As always we have a lot to be grateful for:

Ornette Coleman

The jazz visionary has left the house. But he left us his music and for that he will never be forgotten.

Laws that Actually Help

This week the Oregon Legislature came through for women, families and maybe even for former prisoners. Gov Kate Brown signed a bill to ensure women's insurance ccovers at least 12 months of contraception. Both Republicans and Democrats are on board to pass a law that will make it easier to take guns away from domestic abusers. Democrats are pushing hard for a law that will expand paid sick leave. And that's not all. Oregon Senators are supporting the Ban the Box campaign. But don't hold your breath. The House isn't on board yet. Read our story here.

Second Chances for Youth Offenders

A Washington State Supreme Court decision will make it easier for youth with criminal records to leave them behind. The ruling said it is constitutional for juvenile records to be sealed allowing young people to move on in life without the record appearing every time they apply for a job or try to rent an apartment.

Portland Black Pride

Portland Black Pride will be marching in the Pride Parade Sunday 14 June. After the march you can find them in their booth on the waterfront. And chek out all the events at Portland Black Pride 2015

Kick Off Party: June 17

BLACKOUT Party: June 18^th

Real Talk: June 20^th

Blackesque: June 20^th

Families of Color Day Out: June 21

So now we feel better can we go back to that poolside in Texas for a minute:>

Here's Dr Boyce Watkins and friends talking about that incident in McKinney Texas: