Communities of Faith: Where Black Portlanders Worship

In Portland, Oregon, the tight-knit Black community that rooted itself in North and Northeast neighborhoods has been pushed by gentrification into Troutdale, Gresham and Lents in the east and to Beaverton and Tualatin to the west. For Portland's Black communities of faith, that means many more people traveling many more miles for worship and fellowship -- especially on Sunday mornings. Here we honor our communities, their dedication, and their history. Special thanks to the Oregon Historical Society, which gave permission to use print #82152, of the Shilo Baptist Church in Montavilla, 1916. Also special thanks to the Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, Patrick Lamb and the Northwest Gospel Project for music from their CD, "Heavenly Brother."

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Portland
• Oregon
• gentrification
• Black churches
• gospel
• faith
• religious communities
• Black community
• Portland history

[PRUDENCE19831]

@keemonta True.

[keemonta]

You would think that will all of the building space available, community participants, and "leaders" working in these churches there would be some type progress. But were still as powerless as we were 50 years ago. Gentrification wouldn't be possible if the people were well educated, mentally stable, and financial healthy. But the church teaches you to sing, shout, and dance through your problems. We should use these gatherings to educate ourselves, otherwise they are a waste of time.