RANDAL WYATT

For the 70th week of "7 QUESTION SUNDAY" we shine the spotlight on another influential individual from the PNW. Randal is and activist and artist form Oregon working to make the Portland community a better place for all.

4EVRGRN: Hey, Randal! Tell us a little about yourself.

Randal: I am Randal Wyatt, a Portland native who has been a community organizer/activist and Hip-Hop artist for close to 16 years.  I have worked in the field of mental health and philanthropy as a counselor, mentor, and advocate for 10 years before starting Taking Ownership PDX.  I started Speaker Minds, a 6 piece hip hop/soul/funk band, 10 years ago, and recently began performing solo under my regular name about 3 years ago and have been playing shows all over the west side of American for almost 15 years under various aliases.  

1) What is the biggest challenge your organization faces?

RW: The biggest challenge we are facing so far is getting all of our ducks in a row to complete our 501(c)3. It's more of a tedious process than a challenge but I am looking forward to this process being complete.

2) How has the community response been to Taking Ownership?

RW: The support we have gotten for Taking Ownership PDX goes beyond words. It took off faster and with more support than we could have imagined, and we are so thankful! And the gratefulness the families we are helping express makes this the most rewarding work I've ever done, which I am also grateful for.

3) You guys set a large fundraising goal, how is that going?

RW: So far it is going amazingly well, and I strongly believe we will reach our goal! Every day I am getting messages from people, organizations, and/or companies that want to help us raise money. It's truly amazing.

4) Best meal in the PNW?

RW: Hmmm, I'm a big seafood fan so I love to go to the coast and eat a seafood boil with a couple of oyster shooters.

5) Favorite local product?

RW: Any merchandise that my band Speaker Minds comes out with haha. (Shameless promo)

6) What’s the one thing anyone who visits the PNW must see or do?

RW: I know most Oregonians would talk about some river or mountain to visit but I'm not very outdoorsy. I would like for all visitors to support Black businesses in Portland when they come because our community is very small and could use as much support as we can get from tourists.

7) Where’s your favorite escape in the PNW?

RW: Definitely the coast, Lincoln City to be specific.

Keep up with all the action by following:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/takingownershippdx

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randalwyattsm/ and https://www.instagram.com/takingownershippdx/

Website - https://takingownershippdx.com/ and https://www.speakerminds.com/