Page 16 The Skanner January 11, 2017
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Portland’s Central Eastside
MLK Briefs cont’d from pg 15
Community Celebrates Martin
tribes against the invasion of oil pipelines on treaty
lands and rivers, have raised awareness that people
of color still in areas for equal justice and civil rights.
The commemoration of the anniversary of Dr.
King’s passing will include music from the Marana-
tha Choir, speeches from other community leaders
and a call to prayer for our nation for all people of
faith.
In the atmosphere of outspoken racism and reli-
gious phobia that have prevailed recently in some
quarters, citizens seek public forums to express sup-
port for increased awareness and tolerance which Dr.
King espoused. Now, more than ever, is the time to say
that violence, hate speech, and other persecutions of
people of color will not stand.
For more information, please call the Rev. Joyce
Smith at (360) 600-3579 or email her at jsmith4077@
aol.com.
Luther King Jr with a Day of Service
A decade ago, the Central Eastside industrial area
was primarily home to industry and wholesalers. To-
day, pioneering boutiques, restaurants, and retailers
also inhabit the neighborhood, as well as pedestrians,
bicyclists, and an increasing number of people expe-
riencing homelessness.
From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 16, more than 200 indi-
viduals from Central Eastside businesses, communi-
ty volunteers, and SOLVE will join in a neighborhood
cleanup to bolster the health and nurture the commu-
nity of this neighborhood, the clean up will span MLK
Jr. Blvd to the Willamette River, between Burnside &
Hawthorne Blvd. The project is spearheaded by a col-
lective of Central Eastside businesses called the Mer-
chants & Makers Committee of the Central Eastside
Industrial Council (CEIC) and SOLVE.
The goals of the cleanup are to build a strong, sup-
portive community while strengthening the environ-
mental health of the city’s core. Merchants & Makers
recognize that as the neighborhood transitions, and
that all neighborhood businesses will benefit from
working together to keep its streets clean and wel-
coming.
Sponsors of the event are: the Merchants & Makers
Committee, Cargo, Bunk Bar, F&B Cafe, Pure Simple
Juice, SOLVE, Union Pine, and Water Ave Coffee.
SOLVE website: http://solveoregon.org/get-in-
volved/events/mlk-day-solve-willamette-river-clean-
up
CEIC website: http://ceic.cc
World Arts Foundation Holds MLK
Tribute
World Arts Foundation, Inc. presents its 32nd con-
secutive Tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. undoubtedly one of the great American heroes and
world citizens. The 2017 tribute will include speak-
ers, arts and musical tributes to local artists whose
contributions have put Portland on the map and will
last a lifetime.
Portland’s annual “Keep Alive the Dream” is recog-
nized regionally and nationally as one of the largest
community-based celebrations in the U.S. World
Arts Foundation, Inc. humbly offers to give voice to
the heritage of ordinary citizens’ struggle for peace,
social justice, civil rights, and human dignity.
The entire program will honor Martin Luther
King, Jr. by showcasing a variety of outstanding ex-
pressions in song, oration, dance and drumming.
Program format will include digital media, high
definition tape-delayed broadcast, and live artistic
presentations commemorating “A Single Garment of
Destiny.” Program participants will include an array
of community speakers from various civic and social
community organizations.
Invited guests include a diversity of talented local
and regional speakers and performances by: Senator
Lew Frederick, The Honorable Margaret Carter, Ray
& Ada Tellis, Bravo, Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir,
Bishop Grace Osborne, Kukatonon, The Legendary
Beyons, Kemba Shannon Dance Ensemble local stu-
dent groups and choirs from Portland Public Schools
including the nationally acclaimed Jefferson Dancers
and many more.
Lifetime Achievement Awards is a program center-
piece, which recognizes the contribution of individ-
uals and organizations for exemplary community
service. Our 2017 recipients include:
Raymond Burrell, Pearl Thomas, Rolia Manyongai,
Amando Gonzales, Dr. Carole Smith, Ron Silver, Ray
& Ada Tellis, Eldon Jones; and posthumously: Geof-
frey Neil Brooks; Pastor Mary Overstreet; Karen
“KK” Bowles-Scott, and Ann Granville.
Victory Village and Bazaar complements the full
day of voices, music, and purpose with arts, crafts,
services, educational materials, food, photographs,
films, and a network of arts and education advocates.
“Keep Alive the Dream” will be live video streamed
on YouTube and Facebook, and aired live through
Portland Community Media (Cable 11). Portland Pub-
lic Schools (Television Services), and KBOO-FM Radio
(90.7 FM) will broadcast the live program in real time.
SPONSORS include but are not limited to: Portland
Public Schools, Providence Health & Services, Port-
land Association of Teachers, Oregon Education As-
sociation, TriMet, Enterprise Holdings, Multnomah
County Commissioner Loretta Smith (District 2),
State Farm - Cedric Berry Agency, Portland, Gener-
al Electric, Concordia University, KBOO Radio (90.7
FM), Portland Community Media and many others.
A donation of $5.00 or five cans of non-perishable
food will be accepted gratefully and given to local
food banks. All attendees will be admitted free!
Five Beaverton Congregations to
Host Forum on Racism Jan. 17
“What Happened to the Dream?” or “The Siege of
the Dream” or “What Can We Do to Restore the Sab-
otaged Dream?” are all working titles for an honest
discussion on race at 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at Southminster
Presbyterian Church in Beaverton.
Five Beaverton congregations: Murray Hills Chris-
tian Church, Christ United Methodist Church, Cedar
Hills United Church of Christ, Spirit of Grace, and
Southminster Presbyterian are hosting a panel dis-
cussion as a companion event to the annual Martin
Luther King Jr. celebration which will be held at 4
p.m. Jan. 15 also at Southminster.
Organizers of the event wanted to create an oppor-
tunity for suburban residents to interact with lead-
See MLK BRIEFS on page 18