“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
House Painting in Porters Quarters
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January, and MLK Day of Service challenges Americans to transform the King Holiday into, “a day on, not a day off!” If you are looking for a meaningful community service opportunity this MLK day, you can volunteer to paint homes in Gainesville’s historically Black Porters Quarters neighborhood.
Wedged between UF and Downtown Gainesville, Porters Quarters was founded in 1884 by landowners Watson Porter and Olivia Porter, who sold the land exclusively to Black families. Today’s Porters residents are threatened by rapid gentrification. Community-centered neighborhood beautification will help residents remain in their homes.
Volunteers are needed to paint two homes in Porters on Monday, January 17 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Volunteers can park at Porters Community Center (512 SW 6th Avenue). Organizers will provide painting supplies, food, and music. Remember to wear painting clothes and close-toed shoes. To sign up, call Faye Williams, President of Porters Quarters Community Connection at (352) 226-2623.