The project is a scavenger hunt type of activity that will take participants to 8-10 sites in the historically Black Albina neighborhood to showcase the significance both past and present, of the Black community in Portland, and to educate about healthy relationships and end domestic violence. It will take place over 2 weeks March 18 and ending April 3, 2022 which will encompass Spring Break. This will give participants time to complete the hunt at their convenience.

At each site, or stop, participants will have to complete an activity that will have feature either an historical fact or a healthy relationship habit. Each completed activity will earn points and accumulated points will convert to entries to a raffle for a valuable package of gift certificates to activities as well as items that all members of a family would appreciate. Participants will be able to use an app or a paper map to record their activities and points.

This project seeks to address the following needs: Lack of public familiarity of Portland’s Black community – the stops will be curated to showcase sites of historical significance in the Albina neighborhood, as well as the activities of current organizations. Secondly, the shame surrounding domestic violence – domestic violence is very prevalent and should be thought of as a public health issue. It is often at the root of many other social problems that get more media attention; homelessness, mass shootings, suicide. This project will create the space to focus on the issue. Finally, the lack of education on relationship – stop activities will share these healthy skills, and teach how to recognize red flags or controlling behaviors. These are preventive measures to stop intimate partner and family abuse before it begins.