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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 20, 2021)
Page 8 October 20, 2021 $25,000 Reward Offered in Shooting Makayla Maree Harris The FBI has offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Makayla Ma- ree Harris, an 18-year-old, who was killed in a mass shooting, downtown. Police belief Harris was the unintended target in a gang related shooting that took place around 2 a.m. on July 17 on Southwest Third Avenue between Harvey Milk and Washington streets. When they arrived, police found seven people wounded by gunfire. The shooters fired from a car in the street before it sped away. It is also believed that many potential witnesses ran off after the shooting and may not have provided information to investigators. “Innocent people pay a heavy price when violent criminal gangs battle on our streets. Those clashes – facilitated by the constant buying, selling, trading, and stealing of weapons – have helped to drive the homi- cide rate in Portland to record highs,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Ore- gon. Makayla’s mother, Felicia Martinez called her daughter, a recent high school graduate, a beautiful, happy person. “I know someone out there knows who did this, please do the right thing and help hold the person or persons accountable for their actions. We deserve clo- sure and Makayla who had her innocent life taken de- serves justice,” said a statement from Martinez. If anyone has information, witnessed any part of what happened, or has video of anything that happened prior to, during, or after the shooting, they are asked to contact Portland Policeby emailing crimetips@ portlandoregon.gov or contacting the FBI at 1 (800) CALL-FBI or at tips.fbi.gov. Black Arts Center Proposed Continued from Page 3 honored. The plans reflect the vision of a more inclusive parks and recre- ation system, Rubio said. The Interstate Firehouse Cul- tural Center is an historic com- munity arts center located at 5340 N. Interstate Ave. It has a theater which seats nearly 100 people, a rehearsal studio, and art gallery. The center’s advisory panel has been meeting for three years to help determine an enduring frame- work for the site which fulfills its original goals and is programmat- ically and financially sustainable, officials said. With that in mind, the committee proposes that the existing site and building be redeveloped and ex- panded as a center for the arts and culture of Portland’s Black com- munity, and as a showcase for its historical and cultural contributions. The City has issued a Request For Proposals for a feasibility study which will produce market, financial, and operational anal- yses to determine a sustainable operating plan for the community resource. Highland Christian Center will honor Senior Pastor and First Lady, Dr. Shon and Madeline Neyland for two plus years of service during a special celebration, Sunday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. Building Community Continued from Page 5 congregation every Sunday, Dr. Neyland met with Gov. Brown to present a strategic plan for open- ing Oregon’s churches. Joined by a select group of other church leaders in a second meeting, even- tually, a modified version of the plan was enacted and Highland again, along with other churches, opened its doors to the people in December of 2020 as the restric- tions were loosened. “Has it been easy?” questions First Lady Madeline, “Absolutely not. But has it affected us? It has. But when you look at the fruit of your labor, down the line and then you look back, it‘s well worth it.” While many churches remain closed, Highland continues to grow. Highland has a lot to cel- ebrate. The theme of the upcom- ing Pastor’s Appreciation service is “Celebrating God’s Shepherd and Servant.” Isaiah 40:11 says, “He shall feed his flock like the shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall lead those that are with young.” Min- ister Lamont Williams will lead a special community choir in praise and worship and Rebecca Huffman will perform the ser- monic solo. For more information, call the Highland Christian Center at 503- 287-9567.
