February 19, 2014
^ Portland Observer
Black History Month
Page 5
North Portland Library
Branch Manager
Patricia H. Welch
presents selections
from the library’s
unique Black Resource
Collection. The compi
lation consists of over
7,000 materials,
including various
books, periodicals,
films and music relating
to the African-American
and overall black
experience.
PHOTO BY
M ark W ashington /
T he P ortland O bserver
Relating to the African-American Experience
Black Resource
Center going strong
The Black Resource Collection in the
North Portland Library is home to a vast
collection of materials concerning worldwide
black culture. The compilation of items of
over 7,000 materials-strong consists of vari
ous books, periodicals, films and music relat
ing to the African-American and overall black
experience.
The collection opened during the 1950’s
after members of the city ’ s black community
rallied for a library collection of black litera
ture in north and northeast Portland that was
more reflective of the area’s residents. A
fund was setup by the community, and there
after the Black Resource Collection was bom.
The collection also contains reprints from
the h isto rically black in stitu tio n Fisk
University’s Library Negro Collection con
sisting of works penned about African Ameri
cans between 1800 and 1930; a resource not
available anywhere else in the state of Or
egon. Michael Powell of Powell’s Books
donated the 385 volumes to the branch.
Most items from the Black Resource Co
lection remain available for the public t
checkout.
This year, the North Portland Library, k
cated at 512 N. Killingsworth St., is celebrai
ing its 100th anniversary of serving the con-
munity. For more information about the li
brary and its services, call the branch at 50^
988-5394.
CELEBRATE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
.
7 --------<M
c it iin e n ia r y acnooi in rne Harkrose School District
would provide for grand views, a sports field and basketball court, accessible play and picnic
areas, shelters, pedestrian and bike paths, parking, community gardens, and a fenced off-leash
aog area. It s one of two new parks proposed for east of 1-205.
Cully Park Closer to Reality
are restricted to expanding capacity
only. Fritz said.
restroom, north slope restoration,
Officials said most of the city’s
and improvements to Northeast existing parks are at a crossroads
72nd.
because of flat or declining operat
As the city commits to new parks ing funding. The Parks bureau has
in communities where none cur maintenance needs totaling over
rently exist, the monies being used $400 million. From aging playground
continued
from page 3
replacements to leaking roofs, the
list of needs is huge, and grows
every year.
Fritz said it’s time for Portland to
begin to think about how it can
generate sufficient funds to main
tain and repair existing parks and
facilities.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE NIGHT
TRAIL BLAZERS VS. JAZZ
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Call today for special pricing and a pass to a pre-game
social featuring guest speakers and Blazers alumni.
844.RIP.CITY