The Emerson Street Groundbreaking Ceremony was a great example of how the many facets of a neighborhood can come together to create positive change as well as just to celebrate being a community. It was great to see all the different organizations as well as individuals that contributed to the garden- Groundwork Portland and the Portland Brownfield Program both had a huge part in getting the project off its feet, kids from the Blazers Boys and Girls Club have already started incubating plants for when the soil is ready, and members of the Oregon Tradeswomen built a brand new shed for the location!
After a speech by Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who praised community gardens as being “…a real enhancement of the quality of life in Portland,” neighborhood artist Deluxe Delight performed free style for us, even getting the volunteer manning the barbecue to sing along. After that, four girls from the local high school dance troupe got everyone clapping with some awesome dance moves. The evening was finished off with a few songs by youth hip hop artists World Family, including one with the appropriate lyrics, “I learned to build a community through this dirt, with a whole lotta love, never gonna hurt.”
People seemed really interested in the information JHC had to share, and we signed up a lucky family for a Healthy Home Check-Up, so all in all it was a great event and definite success! Thank you to the Emerson Street neighborhood for a wonderful event.
For pictures, check out our Facebook album!