NORTH PORTLAND (TIP): A section of the Punjabi diaspora in the US’s North Portland has announced to film a documentary on the Ghadar movement and its founder Sohan Singh Bhakna, whose image will also appear in the community-painted mural.
After Amritsar Tribune highlighted the condition of memorial, library set up by Sohan Singh at his native village Bhakna, a release, mailed from the US by the Peninsula Odd Fellows Lodge, stated that it is undertaking the initiative to depict the epoch-making event in the 35’x83’ community-painted mural to honor the diverse and influential figures who have shaped North Portland’s history. Founded in 1895, the Peninsula Odd Fellows Lodge, which also houses a museum depicting local history, has been a cornerstone of the North Portland community, providing support through charitable initiatives and preserving local history.
The release stated that the artwork will feature prominent individuals whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the community. Among other notable leaders, honorees include Dr Merriman, Oregon’s first Black physician, William Killingsworth, a key figure in the building of numerous North Portland landmarks, Hattie Redmond, a Black suffragist whose leadership was instrumental in securing voting rights for women in Oregon, Thomas Monahan, a trolley car conductor turned civil servant, and Sohan Singh Bhakna who helped found the Ghadar movement after an anti-immigrant mob tried to forcibly expel Punjabi workers from St. Johns.
Community volunteers will begin painting the mural on July 26 to honor the diverse and influential figures who have shaped North Poland’s history.
Community volunteers will begin painting the mural on July 26 at the First Annual Unity in the community celebration. Oregon Public Broadcasting will be present at the celebrations, filming for an upcoming documentary on the Ghadar movement and its leader Sohan Singh Bhakna.
It stated that Navdeep is a writer and professor, and the son of Pashaura Singh Dhillon, who was raised by Sohan Singh Bhakna, will be present to launch the painting of Bhakna’s image.
It stated that their goal with this mural is to foster community pride and spark interest in North Portland’s rich and diverse history to preserve and celebrate for generations to come.
The project to make the mural becomes even more special due to its inclusive approach. The project will involve community volunteers, including students, local artists, and residents eager to participate.