Page 6
BLACK
HISTORY
MONTH
February 8, 2017
Resilience
and
Triumph
c ontinued from f ront
of Portland’s historically black neighbor-
hoods, Burell believes that it is more im-
portant now than ever to protect the black
community’s heritage. At 90 years old, the
lodge can attest to the struggle, resilience
and triumphs of Portland’s black commu-
nity.
“Landmarks, like the Elks Lodge, can
also stimulate revitalization,” Burrell as-
serts.
McLemore joined the Elks after mov-
ing to Portland to spend his retirement
with family. He explains that the need
for a black social club was borne out of
the segregation of the early 20th century.
Under ownership of the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of the Elks, the building has
long been a longtime hub of Portland’s
black community, including through wa-
tershed moments in the city’s history,
such as the Vanport Flood.
“This was a clearing house for the rela-
tives of those who had been separated by
the flood,” he explains.
Today, the lodge continues its
long-standing tradition of community
service, hosting parties, family reunions
and celebrations of life. A myriad of other
clubs and organizations, like the National
Association of Black Veterans, make use
of the Elks’ hospitality.
McLemore says that he hopes 2017
photo courteSy o regon h iStorical S ociety and a lder , llc
The Billy Webb Elks Lodge at 6 N. Tillamook St, pictured with its new shingle siding from a renovation a few years ago. The
lodge is the one of the last venues that Portland’s black community can call its own.
will see a period of revitalization for the
lodge.
“We’re trying to get younger people in
here, so we can pass the torch onto them,”
the 72-year-old explains.
In addition to recruiting new members,
the lodge is hoping to install an industrial
kitchen so that it can cook low-cost meals
for seniors.
“We’re trying to develop new pro-
grams for the community,” McLemore
says, explaining that he anticipates fund-
ing for building renovations and new
programming through a combination of
grants and community donations.
“This is the center of the black neigh-
borhood,” McLemore says. On the
lodge’s historic significance and its cur-
rent activities, he says that he is contin-
ually surprised by the personal histories
that community members associate with
the building.
“It’s real interesting to hear about how
people come back,” he explains. “Ev-
erybody has a connection with the lodge
someway. “It’s been a lifeline for every-
body… I just can’t believe it sometimes.”