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Southeast Portland June 2010

On June 17th, we hosted Community History Storytelling: Southeast Portland in the Parish Hall at St. David of Wales Church. Seven people from various neighborhoods and organizations volunteered to share their reflections. An open forum for more storytelling followed the scheduled speakers, with the evening ending on a neighborly note of lively social exchange. In addition to learning about the history of Southeast Portland from the people who live, work, worship or play there, everyone enjoyed delicious, fresh and healthy food from the Farmer’s Market and People’s Food Cooperative. Click on the links below to read more!

Cece Hughley Noel spoke about growing up African American in a predominately white neighborhood in the 50’s and 60’s. Val Ballestrem spoke about the controversial and never constructed Mount Hood Freeway. Judith Mowry spoke about her experience living on Belmont Street for the last 24 years and the changes she has seen. Don MacGillivray spoke about the formation of the Buckman Community Association and the creation of St. Francis Park. Sharon Gary-Smith shared bitter sweet memories of growing up on SE Tibbetts Street, an incredible street of a few African American families in a largely white neighborhood. Dennis Gilliam works with Bob’s Red Mill and shared the history of the stone milling business and the reclamation of whole grain foods. Marc David Brown serves on the Board of People’s Food Cooperative and told the history of two distinct groups who started and collectively managed People’s. The Open Forum provided an opportunity for anyone who attended to share stories about the history of Southeast Portland communities.