Williams Ave. was once the vibrant heart of Portland’s Black community. Formerly known as the “Black Broadway,” the corridor included a concentration of Black churches, businesses, social service organizations and nightclubs that were thriving and active community institutions.

Although the landscape has changed, there is much to remember, celebrate and build upon. In 2012, the Williams Avenue Safety Project Stakeholder Advisory Committee recommended to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) that these stories be honored through an art history project that would have a prominent place on the corridor. Thus, the community-led Honoring History of Williams Avenue Committee and the Historic Black Williams Project were born.

Since then, local artists Cleo Davis and Kayin Talton Davis have been collecting stories, memories and histories from Black community members. The installation of their artwork has recently been completed. We hope that this project will serve as both a visual archive and an inspiration for future community efforts. View a map of the art walk and take a walk on Williams Ave to see the pieces and experience an important piece of Portland history.

Click here to view our walkable map

Contact Info:

historicblackwilliamsproject@portlandoregon.gov 

(503) 823-4239

LEARN MORE ABOUT  

• Williams Ave. Safety Project 
• Historic Black Williams Project (artist website) 

This project is supported by the Portland Bureau of Transportation and the Regional Arts and Culture Council.