Participants in organization the Saturday, June 14 cleanup include, from left, Brian Saunders, Scorpion Surface Cleaning; Alexander Gebreab, Soul District Business Association; Vincent West, owner of Scorpion Surface Cleaning; Tony Jones, Coalition of Black Men; and James Posey, Coalition of Black Men and the local NAACP. (Courtesy photo/COBM)

Volunteers are needed for Saturday, June 14, to take part in Northeast Portland’s “Beautifying MLK Jr. Blvd: CD Community Clean-Up Day of Service.”

The effort is more than a one-day cleanup. It’s part of a larger campaign to “reclaim the corridor,” according to a press release, through Black-led revitalization, economic empowerment and cultural pride. It’s funded by a grant from Reimagine Oregon.

“This is a great opportunity for all of us to come together and help revitalize the MLK corridor,” said Tony Jones, economic development chair of the Coalition of Black Men. “It’s about working side by side to restore pride in our streets and show what’s possible when the community leads.”

Check-in, breakfast and orientation are set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at 376 N.E. Sumner St. The clean-up runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a social event.

Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate in graffiti removal, trash pickup and beautification efforts along the boulevard.

Those interested in volunteering can contact the Coalition of Black Men at info@cobmpdx.org, or 503-954-4027.

Those wishing to donate to the cause may do so at cobmpdx.org.