A local man is fighting to change the course of history for local Black families by helping them save their homes and lay a stronger foundation for generations to follow.
The group Taking Ownership PDX helps Black homeowners with everything from yard maintenance to roof repairs.
Randal Wyatt, who founded Taking Ownership PDX, says it's all part of an effort to fight the gentrification that has pushed so many local Black families out of their own neighborhoods.
Randal and his team of workers and volunteers help address some of the historical struggles the local Black community has endured.
“We gotta help Black people keep their homes so they can continue to build generational wealth, keep that wealth in our communities in our neighborhoods,” Wyatt said.
Randal says homes that fall into disrepair, because the owners can't afford the upkeep, are more easily lost, families more easily displaced, communities more easily torn apart.
As a local historical example, he points to the destruction of the once-thriving and historically-Black community in Portland's Albina neighborhood.
“They broke up this neighborhood with I-5, with Memorial Coliseum,” he said.
Taking Ownership PDX is doing whatever it can to rebuild resiliency in Portland’s Black community.
"I just want to encourage portland to come out and be a part of black history month. It's everyone's history, it's all of our history, and we just need to be involved," said Jared Overly, the volunteer director with Taking Ownership PDX.
Saving homes for owners, building generational wealth, setting up the next generation for further success, and keeping that hope alive for Randal’s own two sons.
“They're about to be men and I have the resources to give them a solid foundation to get a leg up and, and live an easier life than I had,” Wyatt said.
Each Monday in February, we are bring you stories from the local African-American community, highlighting individuals who are carrying on the legacy.
ABOUT OUR SPONSOR
The Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR) has established a legacy of support services for BIPOC communities to be proud of. In 1983, leaders in North and Northeast Portland, Oregon noticed that many philanthropic organizations were providing minimal support to communities of color. Our mission, to assist in the social and economic development of Oregon’s underserved communities and to contribute to a broader understanding of ethnic and culturally-diverse groups, is accomplished through several response areas, including three Pillars of Service: (1) Post-Secondary Options, providing services to BIPOC youth interested in pursuing higher education, the skilled trades, or direct-to-career routes, (2) Community Justice & Equity, helping connect Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses to the resources and relationships they need to thrive, and (3) Community Giving, supporting mission-aligned BIPOC and/or female-led and -serving grassroots organizations that provide vital resources for our community. For more information call (503) 280-1978.