20th Annual Drum Major “Empower the Dream” Service
- Portland Observer
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
“Now is Still the Time”
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Portland’s historic Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church (the first and only largely African-American Church in Oregon listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2017) and its vibrant community will host the 20th annual Drum Major Celebration. The Sunday Service will be held at 1:50 PM in the Sanctuary.
The Church is located at 3138 N. Vancouver Avenue in Portland and the theme, “Now Is Still the Time” is consistent with the King Center in Atlanta is: “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.” The Vancouver Avenue Church Praise Team, Members of the Northwest Freedom Singers, and Members of the Gospel Music Workshop of America will render music. Elected public officials have been invited to give greetings as well as inter-faith leaders representing several denominations of the faith community.
The keynote speaker will be announced on the day of the event for security purposes.
Vancouver Avenue, an almost 82-year-old Church in the heart of North/Northeast Portland is one of the City’s historic venues and the only church in Oregon where the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed the “Beloved Community” in November 1961 as part of his trip to the Pacific Northwest during the Civil Rights era. The public is encouraged to attend; donations are encouraged during the service. All donation proceeds go to the Drum Major Scholarship Fund to support future scholarship awards, and educational and cultural opportunities. If one can’t afford to make a donation, it will not be a barrier to entry. Please join us for this great event.
In addition, Drum Major Scholarships will be given to Student Humanitarians (chosen by their school counselors) from the following schools: Jefferson High School, Roosevelt High School, DeLaSalle North Catholic School, Helensview High School, Second Home, POIC Rosemary Anderson High School.
When asked about the meaning of the event against the current social and political backdrop, Rev. Dr. J.W. Matt Hennessee, Senior Servant of Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church (is also celebrating his 21st pastoral anniversary on that day) said, “In times like these, it is imperative that we gather as community to work together, celebrate together, and collaborate together to ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and constructive future. The spirit and legacy of Dr. King, Mrs. King, Mrs. Parks, Ms. Yolanda D. King, leaders like President Mandela, Malcolm X, and so many who came before us is what gives us encouragement and hope that we will overcome the difficulties, stresses, and strains of now and continue to build bridges that help create the ‘Beloved Community.’”
The annual Drum Major Celebration honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Ms. Rosa Parks, and Ms. Yolanda D. King. Each of them, in their own unique way, serve as a beacon light to anyone who is determined to help make our nation and the world better.
Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, the celebration is scheduled for the Sunday immediately prior to the federal holiday honoring the late Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr Day. The Empower the Dream inter-faith gathering and speaker series will take place on Sunday, January 18th at Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church Sanctuary, 3138 N. Vancouver Avenue in Portland from 1:50 PM-4:00 PM.
The public is encouraged to attend and donations are encouraged, but should not be a barrier for attendance. All donation proceeds go to the Drum Major Scholarship Fund (a 501 c-3 non-profit organization) to support future scholarship awards for education and cultural development.