Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 11, 2023)
January 11, 2023 Page 21 “Empower the Dream” Service Continued from Page 14 The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. W.J. Mark Knut- son, Senior Pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Portland. He has served Augustana since December 1995 and has spear- headed the effort resulting in a successful ballot measure to curb gun violence. The Bal- lot Measure 114, though it has drawn a certain amount of op- position, was passed by Oregon voters this past November. Augustana is a growing mul- ticultural congregation in the heart of the city, now in its 110th year. Since then, Augus- tana has grown from 243 mem- bers in 1995 to an 800-member congregation that is also home to several non-profits includ- ing the Community Alliance of Tenants, Familias en Accion, the Society for Haitian Arts, Culture and Social Support, Ir- vington Cooperative Preschool, the Well Arts Institute, and the Interfaith Movement for Immi- grant Justice. Over the past 30 years, Dr. Knutson has served on many local and national boards and committees, and has keynoted and conducted work- shops in a variety of settings. Vancouver Avenue is one of Portland’s historic venues and the only church in Oregon where the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed the “Beloved Community” in No- vember 1961 as part of his trip to the Pacific Northwest during the Civil Rights era. The public is encouraged to attend; dona- tions are encouraged during the service. All donation proceeds go to the Drum Major Schol- arship Fund to support future awards. If one can’t afford to make a donation, it will not be a barrier to entry. Please join us for this great event. When asked about the mean- ing of the event against the current social and political backdrop, Rev. Dr. J.W. Matt Hennessee, Senior Servant of Vancouver Avenue First Bap- tist said, “In times like these, it is imperative that we gather as a community to work together, celebrate together, and collabo- rate together to ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and constructive fu- ture. The spirit and legacy of Dr. King, Mrs. King, Mrs. Parks, Ms. Yolanda D. King, leaders like President Mandela, Malcolm X, and so many who came before us is what gives us encouragement and hope that we will overcome the difficulties, stresses, and strains of now and continue to build bridges that help create the ‘Beloved Community.’” The annual Drum Major Cel- ebration honors the life and leg- acy of Dr. King, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Ms. Rosa Parks, and Ms. Yolanda D. King. Each of them, in their own unique way, serve as a beacon light to anyone who is determined to help make our nation and the world better. Vancouver Avenue First Bap- tist Church, the celebration is scheduled for the Sunday im- mediately prior to the federal holiday honoring the late Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King Junior Day. The Empow- er the Dream inter-faith gather- ing and speaker series will take place on Sunday, January 15th at Vancouver Avenue First Bap- tist Church Sanctuary, 3138 N. Vancouver Avenue in Portland from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM. The public is encouraged to attend both programs and do- nations are encouraged, but should not be a barrier for at- tendance. All donation pro- ceeds go to the Drum Major Scholarship Fund to support future scholarship awards. Find Progressive News at www.portlandobserver.com A Quintessential Portland Experience experiences offered year - round ! Dinner • Adult from $98 | Child from $78 Includes 2.5-hour cruise, private table, fresh baked bread, 3-course dinner including dessert and live piano. Lunch • Adult from $66 | Child from $33 Includes 2-hour cruise, private table, fresh baked bread, choice of entrée and live piano. Brunch • Adult from $76 | Child from $38 Includes 2-hour cruise, private table, Champagne mimosas, coffee, tea, brunch buffet and live piano. Sightseeing • Adult $40 | Child $25 Sightseeing with local historical narration. Food and bar available for purchase. See website for details and to book. Local & Family Owned Since 1994 portlandspirit.com | 503-224-3900
