Among the major issues that Portland should contemplate is the growing racial and class divide it is experiencing, particularly among the city's large Black and Brown communities.
Why is race important to rethinking Portland? Because Portland's non-White population is growing quickly. Like other American cities, Portland's long-term future will depend upon the level of success these new citizens achieve. To date, the conditions don't bode well for our city.
Portland has a major class and racial gulf in economic resources available to Whites and the advantages it provides in buying homes and investing in neighborhoods. Recently the Chicago Sun-Times ran a major series on class and race in Chicago that illustrates my perspective.

Last week's question: Should the United States set a timeline for the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq? c Yes, immediatly   c Yes, on a definite

Tuskegee Airman Bill Ellis, right, at podium, is joined by fellow airman U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) Edward P. Drummond Jr. and four more of their compatriots at Jefferson High School on Nov. 8, where they gathered to share their stories with students. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first-ever Black pilots enlisted by the U.S. Armed Forces; they saw their first duty protecting bombers overt Europe in World War II.

Any day now, the House of Representatives could vote on the budget reconciliation bill, a controversial package that will cut federal spending by $54 billion. The savings would come from cuts to programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, veterans benefits, Head Start, child support enforcement and aid to foster children.
Republican leaders say the bill is necessary to reduce the federal deficit, but so far they have not managed to secure the 218 votes necessary to pass the bill in the House. Opponents — including some Republicans — say the bill makes cuts in exactly the wrong places, and will set back efforts to reduce poverty and hunger in the Northwest. U.S Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., said he opposes the bill because he is concerned about its impact on low-income Americans.

Portland will become a national epicenter for progressive Christians this week when it plays host…

When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, most of the 90 people working for the Portland-based Coast…

Portland's 26th annual Black Colleges Conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.…

Erika Waterbury, 4, front right, joins her mother, Jeametta Waterbury, right, and Torie Dotie, left, Nov. 5 at the Intiman Theatre's third annual Black Nativity Gospel Workshop in the Intiman Studio. The free event kicks off Intiman's eighth annual holiday production of "Black Nativity: A Gospel Song," a play by Langston Hughes.

WASHINGTON—The Republican-controlled Senate will begin hearings Jan. 9 on Judge Samuel Alito's appointment to the Supreme Court, spurning President Bush's call for a final confirmation vote before year's end.

SEATTLE—By day, the historic Pioneer Square district is a vibrant cross-section of art…