Proper representation amongst decision makers has long been a gripe in the Black community. The Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF) is launching its African American Leadership Academy (AALA) this month to address the problem.

The Obama administration has tapped Portland attorney Robert Stoll to champion everyday American consumers dealing with the powerful financial services industry.

According to police code, a 1011 refers to when an officer reports in for service at the beginning of the day. Thus, the Portland Police Bureau found it fitting to open a patrol substation at the old Southeast Precinct on Thursday Oct. 11.

The power of music was on full display at PCC Cascade Campus this past Friday as the Journey to Freedom (JTF) Project hosted its Teaching With a Purpose Conference. The theme of this year's conference was Infusing Hip Hop Into Education.

"Go to MyLife.com, the Internet's leading people search site, just type in your name and see if someone is searching for you – for free," proclaimed a television advertisement for Los Angeles-based website MyLife.com.  Unfortunately, according to documents filed today by the Washington State Attorney General's Office, there was nothing free about MyLife.com's services.

The conference aims to bring together community activists, parents, youth, researchers, teachers, social workers, therapists, writers, spiritual leaders and social justice pioneers from all walks of life to build networks of understanding, resistance and healing

As the owner of an independent insurance agency, Vince McCreary makes sure his customers come first. "I work for insurance companies but really, I work for the insured, making sure they get the best rates possible and the right company," he says.

More than 200 people from 14 states attended training on the sex trafficking of minors, at Portland's Embassy Suites Hotel, Oct. 4 and 5.

While most fans know the basic story of hip-hop's origins in block parties in the South Bronx, many aren't aware of the conditions that produced the highest selling music genre in the world.

The Portland Parents Union, a member of the Dignity in Schools coalition, is observing the National Week of Action on School Push-out with  a "restorative listening" event on disproportionate suspensions and expulsions of students, Saturday, Oct. 6, 4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock.