Williams & Russell CDC

??The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here! ?? We invite you to join us for a historic groundbreaking ceremony for the Williams and Russell project on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM PT at North Russell Street and North Williams Avenue. After 50 years of being vacant, we take a step toward repairing the harm of urban renewal and racist redlining practices that disrupted the Black community in North Portland. This momentous occasion will bring together community members, local leaders, board members, and political representatives to mark the beginning of a community-led reparative development project focused on healing, progress, and transformation. ????? #CommunityDevelopment #HistoricRevitalization #BlackHistory #Portland #UrbanRenewal #WilliamsRussellCDC #InclusiveGrowth #Empowerment

?? Historic Groundbreaking Event Recap! ?? Last Friday, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the $120M Williams & Russell project in Portland’s historic Albina district. After over 50 years of vacancy, this 1.7-acre site will bring affordable housing, a Black business hub, and community-driven opportunities to the area. The event featured incredible and moving remarks from Governor Tina Kotek, Northeast Portland’s “unofficial” Mayor Mr. Paul Knauls, and a powerful rendition of the Black National Anthem by Tiffany Dempsey. Thank you to all your partners and speakers:?Tina Kotek Tiffany D. Azalea Renfield, MPA, MPP, MS-HRM Lew Frederick Travis Nelson Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc. Kymberly H. Portland Housing Bureau Leslie Goodlow Prosper Portland Chabre Vickers Legacy Health LLC Vicki G. Flossin Media EARLY PR Agency Nicole Early Ashni Pabley PORTLAND HOUSING CENTER Dana Fuller Shephard Karis Stoudamire-Phillips Dickinson Consultants Joy Dickinson Bryson Davis Mrs. Joy Alise Davis, M.A. COLAS Andrew Colas Adre Anyeley Hallová This project is a step toward healing, progress, and empowerment for Black Portlanders and the broader community. We're excited to see what the future holds! Thank you to everyone who supported us and came out to the event.? You can keep up with all future happenings here: https://lnkd.in/gDGAkpGz?

Honoring the Legacy of Albina: A Celebration of Black History Month This Black History Month, we reflect on the rich history of Albina, Portland's once-thriving Black neighborhood. In the early 20th century, the area was home to a strong Black community, with many finding work in the railroad industry. Despite facing discriminatory policies like the 1919 Portland Realty Board’s ban on property sales to Black and Asian residents, Albina continued to flourish as a hub of Black culture, business, and community. Though these harmful policies led to the displacement of over 170 Black families and the loss of generational homes and businesses, the spirit of Albina endures. The resilience of those who lived and worked here is an essential part of Portland’s story. In honoring Albina's legacy, we must continue to recognize the ongoing impact of these injustices, and seek ways to support the economic and cultural vitality of Black Portlanders today. By supporting initiatives like Williams & Russell that promote affordable housing and Black entrepreneurship, we can help strengthen and sustain the legacy of this historic community. #BlackHistoryMonth #Albina #PortlandHistory #Redlining #BlackCommunity #ReparativeDevelopment

?? Happening TODAY! Join the CTBUH Webinar with the Williams & Russell Project Leaders! ?? The Williams & Russell Project invites you to a special discussion with our leadership and Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats (CTBUH) TODAY from 12:30 PM PT to 1:15 PM PT! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gmAEe68C This is your chance to hear from: - Azalea Banks, Executive Director of Williams & Russell - Bryson Davis, President of Williams & Russell - Kymberly Horner, Project Partner from PCRI They’ll share how the Williams & Russell Project is bringing the powerful concept of reparative development to life in Portland’s historic Albina district. ?? This is an inspiring conversation about how urban development can repair, heal, and uplift communities! ?? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect and learn from these incredible leaders! Register now and be part of shaping a more equitable future! #WilliamsAndRussell #CTBUH #ReparativeDevelopment #UrbanRevitalization #InclusiveCommunities #Albina #AffordableHousing

Join Us for a Special CTBUH Webinar featuring Williams & Russell CDC! The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)?is hosting an exclusive conversation with members of?The Williams & Russell Project—the overall winners of the?CTBUH 2024 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Award!? ? ??? Date:?Friday, February 7? ?? Time:?12:30 - 1:15 pm ?? Speakers: Azalea Renfield, MPA, MPP, MS-HRM, Bryson Davis, Kymberly H. ??? Location:?Online Webinar ??? Register here:?https://lnkd.in/gmAEe68C This webinar, hosted by the?CTBUH EDI Committee, will dive into: ? The vision behind?The Williams & Russell Project?and its impact on Portland’s Black community ? Insights into the CTBUH EDI Award submission and judging process ? Reflections on attending and receiving this prestigious award The?Williams & Russell Project?is dedicated to empowering Portland’s Black community through?affordable housing, homeownership opportunities, and business support?in a 1.7-acre redevelopment effort. This is an incredible opportunity to hear from the leaders shaping a more inclusive future in urban development. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion! Register now to be part of the conversation. #WilliamsAndRussell #CTBUH #EDI #UrbanDevelopment #EquityInHousing #AffordableHousing #InclusiveCommunities

? Celebrating Black History Month with the Williams & Russell Project ? This February, Williams & Russell honors the rich legacy of Black culture, history, and community. We are deeply committed to recognizing the contributions and history of Black folks in North Portland. We are working daily to restore the North Williams and Russell block into the vibrant, thriving community and business hub that it once was for the majority of African Americans in Portland and Oregon. We hope to accomplish this by building affordable housing units and a Black business hub on the 1-acre plot. But we can’t forget those that paved the way before us.?? We are inspired by the resilience, innovation, and spirit of those who came before us. Their stories remind us of the power of community and the ongoing fight for justice and equity. This month, let’s celebrate Black excellence and commit to working toward a future that uplifts all communities. We are proud to be part of a project bringing reparative justice to Black Oregonians. #BlackHistoryMonth #WilliamsAndRussell #BlackExcellence #CommunityLeadership #Inclusion #ReimaginingTheFuture

?? Partnering for Justice: Commons Law Center & Williams & Russell CDC ?? We’re proud to partner with The Commons Law Center in our shared mission to make justice accessible for all. Their sliding-scale legal services bridge the gap between legal aid and private attorneys, empowering underserved Oregonians. They're creating a lasting impact by making legal services sustainable and focusing on community education. Together, we’re strengthening communities by providing financial and legal support to those most need it. We value their commitment to justice and look forward to continuing this vital partnership. https://lnkd.in/gbyuAgcW #CommunityPartnerships #AffordableJustice #LegalAid #WilliamsAndRussell #CommonsLawCenter #SocialImpact #EquitableCommunities

?? Our Values: Equity & Justice ?? At Williams & Russell CDC, we are committed to dismantling systemic barriers and addressing the ongoing impacts of historical injustices on Portland's Black community. The principles of equity, fairness, and social justice drive our work. We recognize the importance of creating opportunities that empower and uplift those who have been historically marginalized. Every step we take aims to ensure a level playing field where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Through community-led development and reparative initiatives, we are working to repair the harms of the past and build a future rooted in justice and inclusion. #EquityAndJustice #WilliamsAndRussell #SocialJustice #CommunityEmpowerment #ReparativeDevelopment #BlackPortland #SystemicChange #FairnessForAll?

Today, we pause to reflect on two significant moments in our nation’s history: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day. On MLK Day, we remember Dr. King’s powerful message of justice, equality, and service to others. His words still resonate deeply: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” As Williams & Russell works towards our mission to create an energetic community that supports the economic and community growth of Black Portlanders, we are also committed to creating spaces that uplift, empower, and provide opportunity for all—aligning with Dr. King’s vision of a more just and equitable future. In parallel, Inauguration Day serves as a reminder of the continuous evolution of our democracy. It marks not just the beginning of a new leadership chapter, but also an opportunity to reaffirm our collective responsibility to create inclusive, thriving communities. As we look to the future, let’s honor both Dr. King’s legacy and the ideals of our democratic process by building with intention, inclusivity, and the belief that true progress is measured by how we lift up one another. #MLKDay #InaugurationDay #CommunityDevelopment #Redevelopment #Equity #Justice #InclusiveGrowth #ServiceToOthers #BuildingForTheFuture