Williams & Russell CDC Project Grand Opening Remarks
February 28, 2025
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you, Azalea, for inviting me to speak at this amazing event. And thank you for your leadership to get us to where we are today.
It's an honor to be here with you to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Williams & Russell Project.
And it's uniquely special to be here at the end of Black History Month, celebrating a project that will help to repair past injustices in the Albina neighborhood, on this very block – lifting up the past and current contributions and vitality of Black Oregonians – crafting a future of housing security and economic opportunity for the entire Black community.
Here in Albina – and across Oregon – Black Oregonians experienced displacement, institutionalized racism, and discriminatory policies – supported by government and community leaders who didn't see Black Oregonians as their neighbors, as their fellow citizens who should share in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Actions taken decades ago prevented generations from building the wealth and the prosperous communities they deserved.
But we know, despite the injustices and setbacks, that the history of Albina is also a story of vibrancy, community, determination, resiliency, and creativity.
We're celebrating this milestone today because of that legacy.
We're celebrating because the people here today knew that they could make a difference, and they kept working until they made it happen. With inspiring plans for housing development and a Black Business Hub, they saw an opportunity to not just house their neighbors, but to lift up community and a pathway to prosperity.
If you know me, you have heard me talk about our urgent need to build the affordable homes that Oregonians need. We need to build enough homes so Oregonians can live where they work. So they can afford a home that doesn't break the bank – so they have enough at the end of the month to make ends meet, to help their neighbors, and to build the life they want.
Everyone here knows that this is easier said than done. We face the effects of decades of underbuilding – and of redlining. Homes take time to build. The permitting systems are too complicated.
But seeing projects like this get started gives me hope that we're on the right track. That together, we can do this huge, complicated thing.
Before I close, I want to acknowledge the threats on the federal level to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It's scary. And there's a lot of uncertainty.
The rhetoric and actions of the current administration in D.C. go against everything Oregonians want: safety and belonging for themselves and for others – and opportunities for everyone to thrive.
Oregonians know that the inclusion of diverse voices in every room makes us better. As your Governor, I am dedicated to protecting and maintaining those values Oregon holds dear. This is a marathon and a fight. And we shall prevail.
Together, we are building a better Oregon for everyone. This project, and all of you who have breathed life into this dream, are creating a beautiful future.
Thank you!