The Afrofuturism Oasis: Empowering Our Futures

About AfroVillage PDX:
Rooted in the vision of Portland community member and activist Laquida Landford “Q,” AfroVillage PDX builds community, reduces social isolation, and supports the needs of Black women, people of the African Diaspora, and others impacted by systems of oppression. The movement acknowledges the reality that African-Americans are disproportionately impacted by the lack of affordable housing and access to critical services – making up 7% of the county's overall population while comprising 16% of its houseless population.
In response, AfroVillage PDX provides safe and healing-centered spaces, community resilience, direct care, and a variety of critical services including food, hygiene, and alternative shelter support to community members in need. The movement also works to address the systemic barriers that make housing, food, and economic opportunities less accessible to Black and Brown communities through innovative and sustainable solutions. Together with our partners, we spark creative ideas and envision alternative housing models focused on ownership, equity, and racial justice.
Purpose of the Event:
This SBW event aims to highlight and support AfroVillage’s Afrofuturism Oasis project, an initiative dedicated to creating sustainable, community-focused, and culturally sensitive solutions using retiring MAX cars, recycled materials, clean energy, and green infrastructure. The Oasis will be a sanctuary space centered on Afro-futuristic design to create a healing oasis for Black and Brown communities in East Portland. The project includes retrofitting a retiring MAX train to provide restrooms, a kitchenette, co-working areas, wellness spaces, free Wi-Fi, and more to our communities most in need.
The Oasis will be connected to utilities but will also be able to go off-grid in case of an emergency, ushering in a prosperous future centered on Black resilience and empowerment. This SBW event will also feature and fund a local Black artist to create a unique piece of artwork that will further highlight the project and its impact on the community.

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