Elizabeth Furse: “the message has come from around the Nation; it has been delivered loud and clear from African-Americans who know. The…”

“the message has come from around the Nation; it has been delivered loud and clear from African-Americans who know. The message is that it's vital that young African-American men have role models, mentors, and leaders in their own community. They need to see that there is hope for their future, and that there are alternatives to guns, gangs, violence, and drugs. It is only then that we can hope to stem the violence, destruction, and disillusion of so many people's lives. I'm pleased to stand here today and honor Portland Police Chief Charles Moose, the first African-American police chief for the city of Portland. He is a strong advocate of programs that highlight youths, gang prevention, education, and community policing. He is known by name by many people in the community. He is a man who still walks the beat and stays in touch with people in their neighborhoods. But Chief Moose is more than just head of a large metropolitan police force in my home district. He also leads by example. When he was promoted to the top slot at the bureau, he could have moved to the suburbs and avoided problems that often plague cities, like decay, hopelessness, violence, and crime. But Chief Moose made a commitment to the city and to the people of Portland. He moved into the heart of the African-American community. He wanted to send the message loud and clear that people, especially young African-American men, could rise above their surroundings and accomplish great things.”