Boosting a new effort in equity in construction contracting in the Portland metro area, the National Association of Minority Contractors' Oregon chapter this week announced attorney Melvin Oden-Orr is its first-ever executive director.

We at The Skanner News are interested in compiling as much input as we can from the African and African American communities on bicycling culture in general and the Williams Street bike corridor development plans in particular.

The remains found on Rocky Butte last week are definitely those of missing teen Yashawnee Vaughn, and the Oregon State Medical Examiner says she died from a gunshot to the head.

The Seattle Public Library system will close for a week at the end of August and reopen after Labor Day, responding to a $67 million city budget gap. That's the bad news. The good news is, a new service is available to help readers plan ahead.

Renee Mitchell invites you to "Our Hair Yes! A Celebration of Natural Black Hair." It's part of a series of events that will explore the issues, bring awareness, and celebrate the beauty of natural African American hair. Come along to Talking Drum bookstore July 16 3 pm to take photos and join the conversation.

The new Killingsworth Station development at North Killingsworth and Interstate Avenue offers energy efficient homes with down payment assistance for first-time low-income homebuyers.

 

When Sam Thompson opened Seeznins he dreamed of creating a community space where young African Americans would feel at home. The police viewed the bar differently, and that a

The City of Portland is seeking new powers to control bars and clubs. Proposed changes to the city's Time, Place and Manner regulations, would expand the City's ability to restrict bar hours, require bar owners to hire security staff and place other conditions on bar owners. A public meeting to discuss the proposals is scheduled for 6 pm July 19 at Kenton Fire Station, 8105 N. Brandon Ave.   

Dentist Clarence Pruitt and engineer Jean Richardson were pioneers who broke down barriers of race and class. Now their legacy is on display at Oregon Health and Science University's Kohler Pavilion, two of many pioneers honored in the hospital's new Diversity Wall. The 25-foot-long commemorative wall is located close to the top of the aerial tram, where hundreds of visitors each week will view it.

In seven Oregon state prisons, one job assignment has become especially sought-after; at one, you have to be all but a lifer to get on the team.
The prison garden, according to a number of program administrators around the state, has become a way for inmates to learn new skills, cooperate on a project and help feed themselves and their communities.