Starting with the Vanport Flood of 1948, this work tells the story of the upward struggle of the Albina neighborhood residents. Despite the systematic dismantling of the neighborhood by the local government and housing market, the community forged ahead to maintain unity with resilience, determination and hope. The historic events, landmarks, and resolve depicted in the mural include the legendary jazz scene, property red lining, police brutality, human struggle and the ravaging of Black spaces through “urban renewal.”  [more]

Starting with the Vanport Flood of 1948, this work tells the story of the upward struggle of the Albina neighborhood residents. Despite the systematic dismantling of the neighborhood by the local government and housing market, the community forged ahead to maintain unity with resilience, determination and hope. The historic events, landmarks, and resolve depicted in the mural include the legendary jazz scene, property red lining, police brutality, human struggle and the ravaging of Black spaces through “urban renewal.”

Inspired by the words of Maya Angelou in her poem, Still I Rise, "the nobleness of the human spirit" and the resolve to move beyond a “past rooted in pain”, the artist created the central figure pointing to the Still We Rise flag to encourage strength, pride and hope for future generations.

Let this work be held as a landmark at the core of this historic neighborhood that is so rapidly changing structurally, socially, and economically. Let this work capture the rich culture and history of Albina and inspire identity, pride and unity.  [less]