P.O. Black Family Village
The P.O. Black Family Village is creating over one hundred jobs for parents and students in our neighborhood. It’s also a school where students can get training for trades and other jobs. It’s a library to share history and contributions with our community. And it offers recreation for families to play, rest, and grow together in a caring environment.
Jobs — Education — Recreation
A safe and positive place to gather and grow
At Straight Path, Inc., we recognize that people need a safe and positive place to gather and grow. To support this unmet need in NE Portland, we have articulated a plan to restore and transform ten acres of vacant property on 42nd Avenue, near Killingsworth (the old Whittaker school site) which is owned by Portland Public Schools. Our project is the P.O. Black Family Village.
There is enormous community support for a project resembling ours. In March 2010, the Cully-Concordia Community Action Plan was updated. The plan outlines 4 goals which are:
1. Enhance the capabilities of schools to serve as multi-purpose centers of community life.
2. Expand community business and economic opportunities for the benefit of area residents and businesses.
3. Identify and pursue improvements to neighborhood amenities and infrastructure that affect neighborhood livability.
4. Contribute to community-building, connectedness and stability.
All aspects of the P.O. Black Family Village support these goals.
Advocating for Community Growth: P.O. Black Family Village
Led by Clarence Larkins, a dedicated community advocate, P.O. Black Family Village is a testament to our commitment to the Black community in NE Portland. This initiative seeks to reclaim the Adams High School property for the development of educational, employment, and recreational facilities, honoring the rich history and contributions of Black residents in the area.
Employment: Jobs and Opportunities
Creating Sustainable Futures
The P.O. Black Family Village project will generate over 100 jobs, offering opportunities in retail, education, and community services. This initiative is a step towards addressing inequality and enhancing community welfare.
Resource: Ancer Haggerty Library
Honoring a Local Hero Through The Ancer Haggerty Library
In tribute to Judge Ancer Haggerty's remarkable legacy, the planned Ancer Haggerty Library will be a center for learning and inspiration, highlighting the contributions of Black judges in Oregon.
Education: Harriet Adair Trade School
Fostering Skills for Tomorrow at Harriet Adair Trade School
Named after the esteemed educator Harriet Adair, this trade school aims to offer students both academic education and apprenticeship training in construction preparing them for the evolving job market.
Recreation: Mitchell Harper Community Center
Building Community Connections
The Mitchell Harper Community Center will be a vibrant hub for sports, arts, and community events, named in honor of Mitchell Harper's extensive service in local government and community development.
Arts: Performing Arts Theater
Celebrating Diverse Cultures
The Performing Arts Theater in P.O. Black Family Village will be a 700-seat venue celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Cully community through performances and events.
The building blocks of the P.O. Black Family Village contain three components; education, recreation, and jobs. Each and every part of our project supports at least one of these three components, and several support a combination. Our vision includes a trade school, a recreation/community center, a performing arts center, a library, and retail outlets. Every building in our plan is named after local African Americans who have made significant contributions to the livability of the Portland community.
Another important factor in Straight Path, Inc.’s plan for the P.O. Black Family Village is approximately 270 parking spaces. Providing ample parking will prevent any burden on the surrounding community.
We, at Straight Path, Inc., believe that we have come up with a well-thought-out plan of great benefit to the NE Portland Community. The plan aligns with the Cully-Concordia Action Plan and the surrounding community’s needs as demonstrated by the comment cards from the “Connections’ event. In addition, the P.O. Black Family Village aligns with Straight Path, Inc.’s mission to assist in restoring families by facilitating opportunities for a “Fresh Chance”. Families in the area will greatly benefit from the education, recreation, and jobs created at the P.O. Black Family Village.