July 5, 2017 Page 5 Terence Keller A full Service Realtor • List & Sell your House • Find your New Home • Help you Invest • Find you the Best Loan • Help with Pre-Sale Prep • Hold Open House to sell your home Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, the historic African American congregation serving north and northeast Portland, is getting help from Portland’s economic development agency to develop the first per- manent museum dedicated to Portland’s black history. Revitalizing Cultural Roots Grants support black history museum, other projects Z aChary S enn t he P ortland o bServer Prosper Portland, the city’s re- named economic development agency, is awarding a series of grants to help revitalize and expand north and northeast Portland estab- lishments that represent the rich history and culture of Portland’s historically black neighborhoods. The new Community Livabili- ty Grants represent projects in the agency’s North Interstate Avenue Corridor, which includes a big chunk of inner north and north- east Portland, aim to preserve the area’s diversity and promote the by health of minority-owned busi- nesses. The Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church received a grant of $62,500 that it will use toward expanding its square footage from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet. With the additional space, the church will be increasing its non-religious programming, and is beginning the process of developing Portland’s first permanent museum dedicated to the city’s black history. The Billy Webb Elks Lodge also received $62,500, which it will use to upgrade its kitchen and increase its exterior signage. Alberta Main Street is the re- cipient of a $20,000 grant that will allow the organization to design, fabricate and install cultural and historical markers showcasing Al- berta Street’s black heritage and rich cultural background. Recipients of the grants are ex- pected to contract with State of Oregon-certified minority-owned, women-owned or disadvantaged small businesses to complete any capital additions or improvements. In a statement, Prosper Portland Executive Director Kimberly Bra- nam said that the grants will help the organization to better serve communities that have been shut out from the economic benefits of development in the past. “We believe these successful proposals will advance our goals to enhance partnerships and sup- port thriving, vibrant neighbor- hoods,” Branam said. In total, $300,000 worth of Community Livability Grants were awarded by Prosper Port- land. The organization expects that the grants will leverage an es- timated $1.1 million in additional funds toward north and northeast Portland communities. Portland is my Town Call Terence Keller 503 839-6126 Liberty Group Realtors Inc. terencekellersr@gmail.com • Oregon License 200306037 5010 NE 9th Ave Portland, Or 97211 Phone: 503 284-2989 We specialize in a variety of cuts for men and women, hot towel razor shaves, braiding, hair extension, Shampoo, blow dryer and Platinum fade. Call Today or Walk in !!! Spring Special Sweet Street Food Cart Located at 15th and Alberta call 503-995-6150 to place order Mon. - Fri., 11:00am - 7:00pm • Sat. - Sun., 11:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday Special: 3 Wings $2.00 Friday Special: Rib Sandwich, Beef or Pork, $4.00