By Shireen Hasan

Are you looking for places to go or activities to do in and around Portland? Here are a few ideas:

1) MudBone Grown LLC farms, an African-American run farm growing food for the community, is located at 7900 NE 33rd Dr., in Portland. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate. Children, elders, youth, and families can help with planting and general farming for the next upcoming season working with Shantae Johnson and Arthur Shavers – the king and queen of this operation. Contact the Oregon Food Bank email volunteer@oregonfoodbank.org to sign up. Visit http://www.mudbonegrown.com.

2) Growing food at home – Local community gardening co-op looking to work with at least 50 African-Americans and families who are maintaining and growing food in their own yards to buy and sell from other African Americans with home gardens – building better communities. Email to irisekemeticgardening@gmail.com to sign up.

3) Kee’s “Loaded” Food Cart, where you can enjoy real soul food of a prestigious restaurant type quality! Various changing menu items Thursday through Sunday, such as mouth-watering fried chicken, ‘fall off the bone’ beef brisket, succulent sausage and more! Delicious homemade dessert and drink are included. This is the place to visit. It is rumored that folks from all over town and out of town come to take advantage of this opportunity to indulge. Servings that are so large they will last you a few days or have you rolling over like Santa if you eat it all in one sitting! Kiauna Nelson is the queen of this ‘throne’. Located at 3625 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Instagram keesloadedkitchen. Do not waste another minute. Go Eat!

4) RiptzCity Wings owned and operated by ‘Boss with the Sauce’ who was mentored by The Horn of Africa’s king. ‘Boss with the Sauce’ offers catering for small up to large groups. Choose from 4 grilled, hot, barbecue and honey wing dishes for any occasion. Southern side dishes include macaroni and cheese, red beans and rice, or customized veggie, chicken, steak, or shrimp jambalaya. 2-3 days advance notice preferred. Email: riptzcitywings@gmail.com.

5) Writing in Medu Ntr – Learn how to read and write the beginning basics of Kemetic language where all writings originated from – hieroglyphic readings and writings of Ancestors. Come and join the ongoing fun! McCoy Village Apartments Community Center at 4430 NE MLK JR. BLVD (corner of NE Prescott & MLK), in Portland. Ages 3 years and up. Contact Community Outreach Coordinators Sah’Rah or Shireen. Email: irisekemetichomeschool@gmail.com

6) Private Kemetic Homeschool Network for ages preschool and older. I Rise Kemetic Homeschool and Education Resource Center is a new program for parents who want to homeschool their own children, but want a culturally centered education alternative and learning option. This program is specifically for families who identify as Black, African-American, etc. If you are interested in more information, please contact Community Outreach Coordinators Sah’Rah or Shireen. Email: irisekemetichomeschool@gmail.com

7) Village Home Education Resource Center – Homeschooling and alternative education. Choose from a variety of classes. For children of all ages. Visit http://www.villiagehome.org or call 503-597-9100.