A Summer of Black Joy
Organized by Multnomah County REACH with help from local organizations including I Am M.O.R.E., Love Is Stronger, Play Grow Learn and others, Reclaiming Black Joy is now a household name among the Black communities of Multnomah County. Every summer, hundreds gather at various parks in Portland to celebrate culture, resilience and joy. This creative placemaking initiative aims to re-create community bonds after decades of displacement and hardship that have rocked the county’s Black neighborhoods.
With support and sponsorship from the REACH program and community volunteers, Reclaiming Black Joy events offer a range of free activities including music, poetry readings, hair braiding and haircuts, information on community resources, face painting, photo booths, vaccinations and more. While the vendors and location may change, one thing is certain: a free meal (from a local Black business) and fun is guaranteed. Starting in July and continuing through October, these events occur once or twice a month and provide no-cost family-friendly environments in a post-pandemic landscape that has devastated households. The result is nothing short of joyous and spectacular, a celebration of culture and connection to heal old wounds.
For more on this story, see the Multnomah County Health Department press release.