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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 3, 2016)
August 3, 2016 Page 13 Arts & ENTERTAINMENT Hughes Home Wanted for Cultural Space Renée Watson, a former Portland resident now work- ing as an author and educa- tor in New York, has under- taken a project to turn the historic Langston Hughes home in Harlem into a space for emerging and established authors to gather, create and showcase their work. Watson has launched a nonprofit organization, I, Too, Arts Collective, with the goal of celebrating the lega- cy of the black poet, novelist and playwright by leasing the Harlem brownstone where he lived and created during the last 20 years of his life. Currently empty, Watson en- visions the brownstone as a space for artists, poets, and creators to come together, mentor one another, and build The Harlem brownstone where Langston Hughes lived and created during his last 20 years of life. Avalon Flowers 520 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, OR 97204 • 503-796-9250 A full service flower experience Cori Stewart-- Owner, Operator • Birthdays • Anniversaries • Funerals • Weddings Open: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am til 5:30pm Saturday 9am til 2pm. Website: avalonflowerspdx.com email: avalonflowers@msn.com We Offer Wire Services Renée Watson upon the rich cultural legacy left by Hughes. “I’ve walked past the brownstone where Langston Hughes lived many times and wondered why it was empty,” explains Watson. “How could it be that his home wasn’t pre- served as a space for poets, a space to honor his legacy? “The historical and cul- tural spaces where African American pioneers lived and created should be preserved,” she adds. “This is not just for nostalgic reasons, but I see a need for young people to know about and understand the legacy they are a part of; the artists and activists who paved the way for them.” I, Too, Arts Collective is currently seeking donors to help raise funds for their first year of expenses, including renovations to the brownstone and leasing costs. They have until the end of August to gather the funds, and they’ve established a website where supporters can help them reach their goal at generosi- ty.com/community-fundrais- ing/i-too-arts-collective. To find out more about Renée’s work and to support the I, Too, Arts Collective, visit her website at rennewat- son.net or email her at info@ reneewatson.net.
