LIVE: Newest downtown park dedicated to Portland drag queen icon Darcelle XV holds grand opening

[00:00:01][music] [singing] Well, almost so he can hook you up next.

[00:00:29]Okay.

[00:00:31]Sounds like >> I'm probably going to park up on that line just to on the way. [laughter] I don't know how long >> an old uh like janky ass parking garage, right? Structural problems or something.

[00:01:27]Yeah, at least they put something.

[00:01:34]>> Yeah.

[00:01:36]>> All right, man. I'll catch up with you in a little bit.

[00:01:38]>> Yes.

[00:02:03]Yeah.

[00:02:20]>> Oh yeah. Is it good?

[00:02:37]Well, the police have an issue with >> the uh I think honestly here You know what?

[00:03:22]Uh, and I even sent that to her via text message. I was like, And then the waterfront competition is happening now.

[00:03:32]>> And they had the groundbreaking.

[00:03:34]>> He doesn't want to be. Yeah.

[00:03:39]>> I know. What a what a break.

[00:03:55]>> I know. So all of a sudden I turn around like I don't know.

[00:04:43]Heat. Heat.

[00:05:03]Yeah.

[00:05:35]Oh my [music] [music] feel.

[00:05:48][music] [music] [music] >> [music] >> Thank you.

[00:06:12][music] Thank you. [music] You never know when [music] you got to get, you know, high.

[00:06:38][music] I think we're good to go. We have a plan.

[00:06:43][music] We have another plan.

[00:06:48]A whole another plan. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[00:07:07][music] >> [music] [music] >> We got it.

[00:07:28][music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[00:07:43][music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[00:08:02][music] Heat. Heat. N.

[00:08:11][music] Heat. Heat.

[00:08:20][music] [music] All you need [music] for you [music] is inspiration. Your dream [music] makes no difference in your [music] mind.

[00:08:48]If you're a fire girl, it's the music.

[00:08:54]It will give [music] you life. You're a superstar.

[00:08:58]That's what you are. You always come [music] through.

[00:09:09][music] [music] That's just [music] where you only [singing] [music] [music] [music] Let your body [music] [music] [music] [music] love [music] you.

[00:10:27]>> [music] >> Ginger together [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

[00:10:56][music] [music] Heat.

[00:11:08][music] Heat. Heat.

[00:11:16][music] >> [music] >> I don't really I think this time [music] I sh Yeah. [music] Heat.

[00:11:58][music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> and all my little secret [music] just I got it for my heart.

[00:12:30]Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

[00:12:47]Heat.

[00:12:59]>> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Oh [music] my god.

[00:13:40][music] >> [music] >> Okay.

[00:13:53][music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] >> I keep on [music] >> looks like security over there.

[00:14:48]I got this feeling there when you were gone. [music] I pushed my car into the bridge. I was I threw it into a bag [music] and pushed it downstairs. [singing] I pushed my car into the bridge. I don't care. I love it. [music] I don't care.

[00:15:13]>> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[00:15:30][music] >> [music] >> down in the Milky Way. You want me down on Earth, but I am in [music] space.

[00:15:42]You're so damn hard to believe. We got the switch from the seven days, but our night is I love it.

[00:15:51][music] I love it.

[00:15:59][music] Heat. Heat.

[00:16:05][music] [music] I only ask you to show me real [music] show me [music] falling down on me. [music] Falling down on me.

[00:16:42][music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat.

[00:16:59][music] [music] >> [music] >> I don't [music] know why [music] I tr [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[00:17:51][music] Heat.

[00:18:00]Heat.

[00:18:02][music] [music] >> [music] >> feel and yes [music] we want Heat. Heat.

[00:18:42][music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Just [music] like the world is [music] super we are [music] [music] DJ. sayious [music] [music] [music] music.

[00:19:55]Heat. Heat.

[00:20:00][music] >> [music] >> Superstars. We are who we are. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

[00:20:32][music] my life.

[00:20:37]I want to make I want you to feel me. I want you.

[00:20:43]I want you to see me. [music] If you want to get out of me, I want you to me.

[00:20:52]You can't [music] [music] a full of strangers, different faces.

[00:21:03][music] It feels like you're alone.

[00:21:08]Why don't you stay? [music] Stay here after hours.

[00:21:15][music] I know you don't want to leave. Heat.

[00:21:17]Heat.

[00:21:24][music] >> [music] >> You waiting on this liy [music] [music] is over. You want to come with me. My home never closer. [music] Just want you to feel free.

[00:21:55]>> [music] [music] >> strangers different places.

[00:22:11]Why don't you stay? [music] Yeah. [music] Heat.

[00:22:28][music] >> [music] [music] >> down [music] on the side of the devil.

[00:23:04]Heat. Heat.

[00:23:06][music] [music] Yeah.

[00:23:19]Heat. [music] [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[00:23:49][music] Heat. Heat.

[00:24:00][music] [music] >> [singing] [music] >> You can say [music] everything [music] [music] [music] you >> [music] >> Do you believe in love?

[00:24:50]I [music] can feel something inside.

[00:24:54]I really don't think it's wrong [music and singing] enough.

[00:24:58]Do you believe in love? [music] I can feel something inside me say I really don't think [music] you're strong enough.

[00:25:17][music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

[00:25:40][music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

[00:25:48][music] say [music] [music] I >> [music] >> I don't need you anymore.

[00:26:40]>> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[00:26:52]Heat. Heat. Heat.

[00:27:16]Good afternoon, Portland.

[00:27:20]Good afternoon. Afternoon from our 15 company, the oldest rank in the whole world, celebrating 59 years.

[00:27:30]Oh my gosh.

[00:27:32]And here we are. Can you believe they asked me to be developer? So you don't see they're tearing down the DJ.

[00:27:42]Pay no attention to the situation behind me. We're not officially starting over.

[00:27:46]So welcome to the ribbon.

[00:27:51]Oh my gosh. Look at all the beautiful people showing to our community and the the job that the the folks hardworking folks who worked on this project have done. They uh just worked their little cheeks off. It is fantastic. Um I am going to be back. But first, it's entertainment time. Please welcome to the stage our worldrenowned, awardwinning, We're so proud of them.

[00:28:16]Here are the Portland Gay Men's Chorus.

[00:28:46]>> [music] [music] >> If you [singing] were gay.

[00:28:59]that be okay.

[00:29:02]I mean, [music and singing] just I like you anyway because you see [music] if it were me, I would [music] feel free [singing] to say that I was gay. But I'm not gay.

[00:29:20][music] >> [music] >> If you were clear, I'd still [music] be here year after year because you're dear to me. [music] And I know that you would accept me too if I [singing] told you today. [music] Hey, guess what? I'm gay. But I'm not gay.

[00:29:55]I'm happy [music] just being with you.

[00:30:01]So what [music] should I [singing] do in bed with God? [music] >> [music] >> with you.

[00:30:16]I shout hooray.

[00:30:20]And here I [music] say, [singing] but I wouldn't get in your way. You can count on me [music] to always be beside you [singing] every day. To tell you [music] is okay. You were just born that way.

[00:30:39]And as they say, it's in your DNA.

[00:30:42][music] >> There you are. [cheering] [applause] [applause] choked up all of that.

[00:31:32]>> Sorry.

[00:31:34]Yeah.

[00:31:43][music] [music] [singing] A beautiful city.

[00:31:59]Yes.

[00:32:02]Best [music] city.

[00:32:14]>> Don't say that to a female person.

[00:32:27]C.

[00:32:33]>> [music] [singing] >> The cream was [music] [music] will sing.

[00:33:06]Yes, [music] we can see it.

[00:33:26]You're not going to fly.

[00:33:28]>> [music] >> Rejoice [music and singing] [music] like but much more [music] next Thursday night.

[00:34:18]>> Yeah, I'd say it's going to be about [music] I should also be here.

[00:34:34][music] >> [applause] >> Hi folks. Uh, my name is Brits. I'm the artistic director of PGMC. I just want to say thank you so Oh, thank you. Uh, I want to say thank you so much for being here for the ribbon cutting of this incredible new park. We're so lucky to have this here in the city of Portland, a beautiful city. Um, the next song we're going to sing for you is by an artist known as KT Musgraves. It's a song called Follow Your Arrow, which is about living your truth. And if you want to hear this song and many, many more, I would encourage you to please come to our Pride show at the end of June, June 27th at the Arlington Theater, uh, Concert Hall. Uh, we'll be performing a show called Transformation, which is all about gender identity and living your life uh, with the fullest amount of self-acceptance and joy that you possibly can. It's going to be a fabulous show. So, please come up. And this is follow.

[00:35:56][music] >> [music] >> of your marriage.

[00:36:09][music] But they'll call [music and singing] you as soon as you first [music] you're on track.

[00:36:28][music] If [singing] you do, then if you don't, so you might as well just do whatever you [singing] want. [music] Make lots of noise. Kiss lots of boys and kiss lots of girls. If that's something [singing and music] you're into straight and narrow, it's a little too straight. [music] Roll up the joint.

[00:36:54]Just follow your [singing] arrow wherever it follow [music] your arrow [singing] wherever it [music] Go [music] to church, you'll go to hell.

[00:37:16]The first [singing] one on the rockous son. [music] You can't win the [singing] loss.

[00:37:26]You can be [music] join.

[00:37:31]Make lots [singing] of noise.

[00:37:33]Lots of boys and kiss [music] your arrow wherever it [music] You just did so many [music] trips around the sun. You [singing] can you only live [music] [music] [singing] I'll be doing [music] your space. [music] >> No, no, no, no. I'm asking you if you need the space. You're okay.

[00:38:54][music] >> [applause] [applause] >> Once again, I just want to say thank you so much for being here for this wonderful event today. Uh the last song that we're going to sing for you with a small contingent of the chorus. Please note this is only about maybe an eighth of us. If you come to our show on June 27th, you'll see a full full complete of 150 singers on stage dancing light. It's going to be fabulous. So, please come again. Um, the final song that we're going to sing for you is Darcel's favorite. It is The Rose by Amanda Mcru. Um, and it's a song that has been incredibly special to us at Portland Games Chorus because not only was it Darcel's favorite, but it's a song that we sing for special occasions when we need to memorialize boss or someone that we care about deeply who is no longer.

[00:39:54]Uh so as you listen, please think of Darcel, think of smile.

[00:40:06]>> Okay. Okay.

[00:40:28]picture [music] say [singing] [music] that your soul >> [music] >> Some sayless [music] I say love [singing] is [music] a flower and you it's Holy Spir. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [singing] [music] [singing] >> [music] >> takes [singing] a chance is the one [music] who won't be ten [singing] to him.

[00:41:56]And [music] the soul afraid [singing] of dying and never [music] to live. [singing] [music] When the night [singing] has been too lonely [music] and the road [singing] has been too long and you think [music] that love is all for the lucky Am [music] I strong? [singing] Just remember in the winter fare [music] [singing] the bit snow lies [music and singing] the sea that with the sun [music] in the spring becomes the >> [music] >> service.

[00:43:17][applause] [applause and cheering] [applause] [cheering] Woo!

[00:44:01]>> Yeah, really.

[00:44:19]It's all players.

[00:44:37]making.

[00:44:47]>> Well, you know, he has a history and we're here to honor Oh, there's someone I know.

[00:45:11]>> Oh, I know that guy.

[00:45:15]>> Yeah, but I don't see his garden.

[00:45:19]Eric used to be my neighbor.

[00:45:26]I'm going to find you.

[00:45:34]He's the architect.

[00:45:41]>> The grand opening.

[00:45:51]Yeah.

[00:45:58]And the mayor Well, I like to tell people it's the best job and the worst job I've ever done.

[00:46:09]The budget's done for now, but we've got more work.

[00:46:25]too many people, but there's such a there's such a generational difference too, you know, we had this one uh priority setting day and you could tell that the difference in generations are They get triggered, you know, they're like delicate. They're always sanctimonious.

[00:46:52]Whatever.

[00:46:53]>> I was supposed to say hi to Steve.

[00:46:55]>> Steve >> Daener, that's what he said. He said, "Go wave in front of your camera." So, hi Steve.

[00:47:02]>> Good to see you.

[00:47:03]>> See you, too. Enjoy.

[00:47:12]Hello everyone.

[00:47:14]Hello.

[00:47:15]Beautiful day for a beautiful day, huh?

[00:47:19]>> Awesome. Come here to celebrate with you guys today. It's an honor to be invited here for this grand opening for the park.

[00:47:29]Uh just was asked to come out and uh do a prayer.

[00:47:35]I also uh sing a couple songs for the our part of the celebration turquoise pride. Uh just want to introduce myself.

[00:47:47]I'm a drum carrier for turquoise pride here. Pawa drum. Um come from Arizona.

[00:47:54]Uh the nay tribe from Arizona. And my brothers here are different tribes from uh different areas.

[00:48:02]But uh today I just want to come out here and celebrate with you guys and say a prayer for the acknowledgement for the land and our people the indigenous people that were here before us. They were here before we came before the city came before anything came. This was the hunting grounds. This was the fishing grounds with the people that used to camp out here for fishing and hunting long ago. But today we are here to cities are taking over and among other things. But you know but we always good to keep that in mind to keep that in their memories that you know where where we come from. You know the animals are out here the birds are out here they still looking for homes and place to stay. We pushed them out. You know it's not a very big world out here. It's a small world.

[00:48:57]So we got to remember those that cannot speak for themselves with the four-legged, the two-legged, the water people, the feather people, also the valleys, also the mountains. We got to keep that in mind. You know, we're only here for a little while. We're not going to be here for long, but we celebrate to come out here in a good way. Shall we be leave in a good way? And I want to say thank you for that. So today I'll open a prayer for each and every one of us and for the land and for this beautiful part that's taking place. They'll be safe for the rest of the time being that's going to be here. Hope that something good happens and uh expire from there. You know it's a good day to be happy. It's a good day to be who you are and to be who we are. It's also there's going to be a Native uh gathering up at Delta Park this weekend. It's going to be a pawa over there. Those that want to check out the Native American dancing and drumming and singing and food and art and indigenous uh beat works and jewelries and stuff like that. Come on out, enjoy, spend some money out there. [laughter] But I want to say thank you for that. So I'm going to open a prayer in my first language that my creator blessed me with which is my the nay language and then those of you don't if you don't understand it don't be offended I'm just praying to the creator and giving thanks and also pray in your own land which our creator taught you to pray and also uh remember we always look up to the sky when we say creator it means one thing we know we don't No, but we always say just give thanks and to the mother earth too, which is our mother takes care of us. We're here today. It wasn't being taken care of today, we would not be out here celebrating and having a good time.

[00:50:58]So, we have to understand between the sun and the earth, we're right in the middle of it. So, we got to take care of it. So, thank you for that.

[00:51:16]This corner All this car creator just want to say thank you for allowing us to be here today. It's a beautiful day that you blessed us with and thank you for the beautiful park that's being opened today here for people to celebrate and to enjoy the park and also keep it safe and keep it drug-free. Great spirit and take care of us and each of us as we travel on the road as the things that we need to do or things that we are doing today. Take care of us and look after us. Great spirit. We pray for those that cannot speak for themsel. We pray for those trees in the valleys, the mountains, the feather people, the four-legged, the two-leggeds, also the fish, the waters.

[00:52:42]Thank you for most of blessing us. It's a good day to celebrate this.

[00:52:50]>> Thank you.

[00:52:50]>> It's been so funny. [applause] Yeah, [music] come on.

[00:53:29]Yeah, [music] I think >> [music] >> Hallelujah.

[00:54:07]Hallelujah.

[00:54:10]Hallelujah. [music] Yeah. [music] Yay.

[00:54:21][music] [music] [music] Yeah.

[00:54:49][singing] Glory.

[00:55:11]Hey my God.

[00:55:41]Hallelujah.

[00:55:44]Hallelujah.

[00:55:59]I might be Hallelujah.

[00:56:44]Hallelujah.

[00:56:49]Hallelujah.

[00:57:00]I really [applause] >> [music] >> Hey, [singing] I am >> [music] >> Hey. [music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. I [music] highly I [music] am [music] [music] [music] high. Yeah.

[00:59:10]High.

[00:59:13][music] [music] [music] [music] Yeah.

[00:59:39]Hallelujah.

[00:59:47][music] Yeah. [music] [music] [screaming] I love you.

[01:00:13]2.

[01:00:29]Hallelujah.

[01:00:48]High.

[01:01:00]Hallelujah.

[01:01:07]my high I might I High.

[01:01:46][applause] [cheering] [applause] I want to say thank you for allowing us to be here today. We're going to sing a couple songs. We all have a certain window. So, I know these songs, they take a little a little longer sometimes.

[01:02:07]So, if you want to hear some more POW songs, come to Delta Park over the weekend. Thank you. Have a good day.

[01:02:16][applause] Thank you so much. Thank you everybody.

[01:02:20]Let's give it one more time for Turquoise Pride Intertribal Drum Group.

[01:02:25]Turquoise Pride. Thank you so much. That was really fabulous. [applause] Thank you for sharing that with us. And before that, one more time, let's hear it for the Portland game chorus and DJ Aspen.

[01:02:36][applause and cheering] I believe DJ Aspen is gonna be playing some more tunes after our program. Hey everybody, welcome once again. I'm Poison Waters. Thrilled to be here as your MC today for the official ribbon cutting of Darcel 15 Plaza.

[01:02:50][cheering] [applause] We have a short program for you. You're going to hear from people that knew Darcel the best. and we're going to hear from people that know this project the best from the ground up to today's um historic ribbon cutting. We first I would like to introduce Darcel's family is here in the front row. We want to say hello to Darcel's son Jr. and his wife Julie, [applause] the mayor of Rodney Avenue, and Darcel's daughter Mered and her husband Dennis.

[01:03:24][applause] [cheering] And with that, we're actually going to invite Mary up to say a few words on behalf of Darcel's family.

[01:03:36]>> Pause for dramatic effects.

[01:03:41]>> DJ, we need like some awkward music when the people are making their way to the stage.

[01:03:49]They're like, "No, you're not getting that tight budget. You know, we can't afford it.

[01:03:56]Oh my gosh. Hi. Oh, do all all of today's speakers.

[01:04:02]>> Oh, all of today's speakers. If you could join me on stage, we have a chair for you. The finest that you can rent for the city of Portland. And oh, hey, look at that. A cute couple right there.

[01:04:13]And so, if you're going to speak, hi. If you're on our docket this week, if you could make your way to the stage and then Oh, see that's why we didn't have walk-on music because I was supposed to invite them up here first. Silly me.

[01:04:25]Drag queens in the sun. I can't tell you. All right, please put your hands together for Darcel's driver with his daughter, Mered. [applause and cheering] Thank you all for coming out today on this beautiful and memorable afternoon.

[01:04:45]This plaza is a great honor for our family from the city Darcel loved. We take pride in knowing how thrilled he would be that his legacy will live on at a gathering place of happiness, love, and unity.

[01:05:03]He loved his club, Darcel Showplace.

[01:05:06]Darcel 15 Showplace. Um, he loved performing. He performed for 56 years.

[01:05:14]>> [cheering] >> Yeah, [applause] >> he was a brilliant businessman and a trailblazer for the LGBTQ plus community.

[01:05:29]Among his many accomplishments, he once told me that his greatest honor was to be kned as a honorary royal roarian.

[01:05:40]>> Yes. [cheering] [applause] Our family feels immense gratitude to everyone who has helped make this a reality in Darcel's name, our father and grandfather. Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your the program. [applause] Thank you, Meredy. Thank you so much.

[01:06:02][applause] Yeah, you moving on up. You up here now, Mery with the mayor. Don't touch the mayor.

[01:06:11]I found out the hard way. Hey, 6 feet. 6 feet. Okay. Um, sorry. [laughter] Every time I see him, I just go all silly. Um, now I would like to introduce our next speaker, District 2 city councelor Dan Ryan, who initiated the name change while serving as parks commissioner. Here he comes.

[01:06:31]Come on, Mr. Ryan.

[01:06:36]Hello, Portland. Happy Pride. [cheering] [applause] >> First, I want to acknowledge the family, Mary Dean, and the rest of you. They're all right up here in the front. It's really great to have you here. The first phone call I made to get this started was was of course to the family. And then Kevin Cook aka Poison Waters um really helped with that liaison ship.

[01:07:00]And I'm just so grateful that we met you where you are and that that this is exactly what I hope you you visioned for this plaza. So, it's so great to do this in honor of your loved one. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

[01:07:16]Well, I just want to look at my notes and see if any of them make sense anymore. I also want to tell the family that we're going to have a memorial plaques for for Darcel and that will be a ritual that we want to make sure all of you are aware of and that we'll plan it with your calendars. Okay, that'll be coming up later cuz the Darcel Plaza is still coming together and it does it will need the memorial plaques to honor Darcel. Thank you.

[01:07:43][applause] So, this is a story where this 60some gay commissioner was in the right place at the right time. I'd just been appointed parks commissioner. I just told then Adena Long, the director, how important it was for downtown's parks, plazas, and squares to be restored and beautified so he can get some joy and some activation downtown again.

[01:08:10][cheering] [applause] At at the same time, I was aware that Darcel was towards the end of their life. And so, a little awkward, but I started asking questions about what it would be like to change the name of what was O'Bryant Square, an eyesore for quite a while, and how we could uh restore that and what it would take to change the name. And there was this rule that it would take 5 years after the passing. And so we all know that wasn't going to be okay. And so we had to pass an ordinance that got rid of that rule. And I'm so grateful to the rest of the city council back in 2023 for joining me and making sure that we could not only do the name change, but we could do it um quickly. And so I just want to acknowledge that those are the stuff you don't really see, but that was a big deal. [applause] Then came the Stevens and the Steves.

[01:09:11]There's uh Steven we and Steve. You were called Steven underwear in Steve accent.

[01:09:20]So Steven Lynn was the is the is the was the owner of the underwear the famous underwear store right over here. Yes. And then Steve Steve Witcherly was a big wig at Clean and Safe. And after working with Clean and Safe to restore Director's Park and get programming back there and turn that around, I knew they were a good partner. So, I'm just so grateful that they said yes. And then we started then working with the implementation with the parks staff. And there were, you know, the usual push backs.

[01:09:53]Permitting's always a little bit of a challenging thing. And we had to mend fences, pun intended, to get this fence up because we knew that we wanted this to be a performance venue. And so what you have here today is a is a state-of-the-art outdoor performance venue where you can plug and play so the artists that perform here won't have to shle in all that stuff. And you needed a defense to protect it at night. It's common sense. [applause] Thank you, Ross Swanson, and your entire team. Ross is the guy behind the scenes that did everything. His hands up over there. [applause] [cheering] And my former chief of staff in 2023 conveniently became a a big deal in parks. Kelly Torres, wave your hand.

[01:10:40]Yes. And so basically had insiders telling me when I had to show up to raise a little, you know what, to keep this moving along because we didn't need this the standard five-year process.

[01:10:51]Let's get this done in at least three.

[01:10:53]And so I'm just so grateful that we're here today. And now I want to go back in time to tell you what this meant to me.

[01:11:00]So at one time I was young, 1980. I was uh just graduated from high school. And my mother, Donna Jean, and her three friends from Sunnyside, Washington, that's they were having a slumber party, her classmates. And I came home earlier than usual and they still weren't home.

[01:11:18]And so mom and her three giggly friends showed up and they were in the best mood. Oh, Danny, we went to a female impersonator uh performance. It was so fun and they were just so happy and giggly. And these are women like in their 50s, 60s at the time. And so two years later, it was a lot easier to come out first of all. Um, but what I really got from that is that this place must be special if these group if this group of women, several of them from Eastern Washington, that's how they say Washington. [laughter] And they were just so happy and I thought, what is this place? So 5 years or so later when I had a chance to go as an out young gay man, I got what it was about it. Like it really welcomed everybody just like this plaza is going to do. And it's so important that Portland has inclusive, welcoming places for all of us to show up and experience joy.

[01:12:14][applause] And so I want to end with this, and that's that it's important for Portland right now to really embrace our downtown spaces. It's really important that we bring the Keller Fountain when we brought that back. When we brought back the Elk, when we brought when we got directors Yes. when we brought director's park back up and running, Piner Square, Waterfront Park, the skate park. So, I was so grateful that in my 18 months as park commissioner, I could make an imprint on the on the need for our downtown spaces to really be activated with joy like they deserve.

[01:12:53]So, I want to thank all of you for being here and I want to tell one more story and that is have any of you been watching the World Cup? Anyone?

[01:13:01][applause] Did you notice that story about how the Japanese fans cleaned up after themselves?

[01:13:09]Portland, we got to learn how to clean up after ourselves.

[01:13:13]Be like the Japanese.

[01:13:15][applause] And now we're going to end with some some call response. When I say Portland, you say pride. Portland. Pride.

[01:13:22]>> Portland.

[01:13:23]>> Pride.

[01:13:23]>> When I say Darcel Plaza, you say pride.

[01:13:26]Darcel Plaza.

[01:13:27]>> Pride.

[01:13:28]>> Darcel Plaza.

[01:13:29]>> Pride.

[01:13:30]>> When I say love, you say pride. Love.

[01:13:33]>> Pride.

[01:13:34]>> Love.

[01:13:35]>> Pride.

[01:13:36]>> So, this 64year-old living with HIV for 40 years, man that's still alive in their hometown is just so grateful right now. And I'm standing on the shoulders of all those brothers and some sisters I lost in the 80s and the early 90s. I know that they're here in spirit and I hope that you all feel them as well. You can't cancel the truth. Here's to love.

[01:14:01]Here's to Daro Plaza. Thank you all for being here.

[01:14:05][applause] >> Thank you, Councelor Ryan. Thank you so much. And now I'm so excited to bring to the microphone one of the former performers with Darcelune who knew Darcel the best and the longest. She flew all the way in from Las Vegas, Nevada to be with us today.

[01:14:26]Please welcome Landa Jackson.

[01:14:31][cheering and applause] Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you.

[01:14:36]Thank you.

[01:14:37]>> [applause] >> What I want you all to understand is that Darcel was a beautiful performer.

[01:14:42]But Darcel and Roxy, they were visionaries. I ran I ran into a sign marquee that said, "Male dancers wanted." I was 16 years old. I walked inside. I said, "I'm a dancer." Darcel said, "Okay." Roxy said, "Well, show us what you can do." Darcel said, "No, he's too young." Roxy said, "Give him a chance." I did the moonwalk across the stage. Darcel said, "You're hired."

[01:15:04]Seriously. Then they said, "Wait a minute. We have a problem. He's too young. He can't be around liquor.

[01:15:09]Walter, you know this. They put me up in the DJ booth while I do the show. I come down. I do the number. Go back in the DJ booth for many years. And then I saw the drag show afterwards. I said, "Darcel, I want to do drag like them." He said, "Well, we got to find your name." Darcel named me Wanda. Roxy gave me a bucket of fried chicken called me Wanda Kentucky Jackson.

[01:15:31]>> And what Darcel and Roxy saw in me is something I didn't see in myself. They saw that I could endure. I could persevere. Most of all, I could make something of myself. I was homeless and living under the bridge. At the time, they didn't know that. So, when I told them that, they made sure that everything I needed was taken care of, at least until my high school years. And once I graduated, I may drag a full-time career. Going through the AIDS epidemic, like you said earlier, surviving the stroke and aneurysm. Darcel taught me and my community taught me how to be tough and fight. even when we're not supposed to fight, still fight.

[01:16:05][applause] And when I when I come back to Portland, especially a person of color, because back then, every door shut in my face except for Darcel the door at her club and to her African-American performance and the performers that work under her and everyone that's walked into Darcel's club in your lifetime. When you walk to that building and when you leave that building and when you go in the future, take away what Darcel worked so hard for as a veteran, as a husband, as a grandmother, as a grandfather, most of all as an international trailbreaker and window glass breaking performer. She was Darcel for sure.

[01:16:44][applause] >> And I want to say to the family, thank you for sharing him with us. and him and Roxy were a team. And Darcel and Roxy, I'm the only person in Portland that they named biologically, she would be considered my drag mother. And I'm that's why I'm wearing her hair now. I'm proud of it. And to all of you that are here, listen to my voice. If you come if you come to a moment in your life that you're not sure about something or somebody looks at you and don't accept you or someone closes the door in your face like they have to me several times.

[01:17:18]When someone tells you no, you come to this park, you look up and you say yes.

[01:17:25][cheering] [applause] >> I want to thank all you all, especially the people who made this possible. Thank you for having me and the people that are out there in the audience that are part of my life. my mother, my sister, David, Tommy, all the bars that hired me after my stroke. Thank you for giving me purpose. Thank you for giving me my reason. And thank you for making people with disabilities matter like me. Okay.

[01:17:49][cheering] >> Thank you. Thank you, Lex.

[01:17:54][applause and cheering] Thank you, L. Welcome home, baby. Good to see you. Welcome home.

[01:18:01]>> [applause] >> And now I would like to introduce our next speaker, Deputy City Administrator for public works, Brian Donal.

[01:18:13][applause] >> Good afternoon.

[01:18:24]>> Good afternoon.

[01:18:26]>> Little bit more louder. Good afternoon.

[01:18:29]There you go. My name is Priya Napal and I'm the WC administrator for public works for the city of Portland.

[01:18:36]Darcel's impact on Portland went far beyond glam and glitter. DSA created spaces where everyone felt welcome, safe, and free to be themselves. Places where people could set aside their worries for a little while, feel lighter, and leave with a lot of joy and a dash of glitter.

[01:18:58]That legacy is exactly what great public spaces should go do. And that is how the city of Portland wants our public spaces to serve our community.

[01:19:09]And I'm proud to be here to welcome Portlanders back into the space.

[01:19:17][applause] Darcel 15 Plaza honors a beloved LGBTQ plus cultural icon while reflecting Portland's commitment to investing in vibrant inclusive public spaces every for everyone.

[01:19:36]The city of Portland and its community partners transformed a site that satwaken for years into a warm and welcoming public destination at a transformation that contributes to the revitalization of downtown Portland and strengthens our a community for generations to come. And this is just the beginning. Later this summer, Peabot will complete a new street plaza on Southwest 9th Avenue, featuring overhead lighting, artwork, large planters, expanded pedestrian space, creating an even stronger connection into the plaza, and helping bring more energy and activity to downtown.

[01:20:18][cheering and applause] This work is funded in part through a federal grant that is also supporting improvements to Pride Plaza just a few blocks away on Harvey Milk Street.

[01:20:32]Continuing continuing Portland's commitment to vibrate inclusive spaces in the heart of downtown.

[01:20:39]And projects like this only happen because of partnership. And I want to recognize the many teams who helped bring this vision to life. and I have many people to thank. So, please hold your applause until the very end. I want to begin by thanking councelor Ryan for his leadership and championship of this place. And I also want to thank the support of Mayor Wilson and the counselors in district 4.

[01:21:06]I thank the design team led by NNA landscape architecture alongside Emirio Engineering, Kandiff Electrical Engineering and Guild Works Designs who created this canopy that you see at the top.

[01:21:20]Next, the construction team who brought the design to life and worked so hard to get the space ready for summer.

[01:21:29]Construction was led by Falcrum Construction and their team included Zeala Van Construction A2 Pioneer Waterproofing.

[01:21:40]I also want to thank Peepart and their team for creating the sidewalk and the demolition that happened prior to the plaza being built.

[01:21:49]And then I thank the project management team at Portland Parks and Recreation.

[01:21:54]Ross Swanson, [cheering] >> Reed Blanchard, Lura Lillard, [cheering] >> Jane Alexander, >> Jesus Rodriguez, I also want to thank the many community partners who worked alongside the project team whom I met with in many of the buildings up here in the past year and who would set you know uh pictures every every couple of weeks on the progress that have made over the past year. They regularly regularly helped us track progress, provided valuable feedback, and held us accountable to delivering a space that truly reflects community vision. So, please raise your hand if you're a member of one of these teams wherever you are. Let's give a please join me in giving them a big round of applause. [applause] Thank you very much. I also want to recognize our partners at downtown Clean and Safe who will help activate this plaza through events and cultural programming. Beginning with beginning with a spectacular spectacular grand opening next Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m.

[01:23:14][cheering] [applause] I hope you will come back for the celebration and many future events.

[01:23:22]This plaza is more than a public space.

[01:23:25]It is a place for community, celebration, culture, and joy.

[01:23:31]And that feels like a very fitting tribute to Darcel. Thank you.

[01:23:38][applause] >> Thank you so much, Deputy City Administrator Priya Donopal. Thank you.

[01:23:43]And now I would like to introduce your district 4 city councilors, Olivia Clark and Mitch Green. [cheering] [applause] >> Hi everybody. Good afternoon. It's really great to be here. And the best thing is to see all your smiling faces.

[01:23:59]Give yourself a hand.

[01:24:02][applause] >> For those of you who may be new to Portland, you may not know what this block looked like before today. Just a few years ago, O'Bryant Square was this horrible blighted block where crime was happening, drug activity. but through the tireless efforts of people in the community in partnership with business and civic leaders, many of whom are here like councelor Ryan. Let's give him another hand.

[01:24:29][applause] He's one of my best friends on the council.

[01:24:34]But look at what it is today. Darcel 15 Plaza is a welcoming place for everyone.

[01:24:40]It serves really as a new attraction for more people and more events and everyday activity in the central city. This is part of our downtown economic resurgent resurgence. It's going to create a lot of foot traffic, supporting nearby small businesses, and giving all of us and visitors more reasons to spend time downtown. So, I look forward to seeing this place overflow with performers on this stage, visitors, and community connection. So, once again, I'm Olivia Clark. I represent this district on the city council, but I'm also the chair of the public works committee, which covers uh transportation, water, sewer, and parks. These bureaus take care of assets that value more than $75 billion, which we all own and we must maintain while keeping our eye on the future. So over the past year, our public works committee has focused on the mainten maintenance and the long-term care of all those things that we all own. So the plaza exemplifies our public works investments that support livability, downtown vitality, and pride in place.

[01:25:51]It's an important asset that will serve Portlanders well into the future. The plaza shows that what uh thoughtful care we can take of our assets. Once an underutilized public space is now turning into a wonderful, welcoming and active community destination. I came by here in March just to see the progress to check in on the construction. So, it's really thrilling to see the end product and it's finally completed. It was also it's also very important right now that we acknowledge uh the LGBTQ community and return to Harvey Milk Street. Last year, I stopped by Scandals. You all remember Scandals?

[01:26:32]On its very last day of operation, it was the end of a 60-year era of gay establishments along this thoroughfare.

[01:26:40]So, civic recognition matters, especially for communities whose stories have too often been pushed to the margins. Our public landscape should always reflect the full story of Portland, and that includes the LGBTQ plus history and drag culture. So with the opening of the plaza, we now have a visible permanent reminder that queer Portlanders have shaped the culture, the humor, the resilience, and the identity of our city.

[01:27:12][applause] >> Right on.

[01:27:16]Thank you all. So just to close, I want to thank all the community members that had a hand in this, all the advocates in the audience, all the city staff that are in the audience and the partners who make this tribute possible. I want to also thank you for all being here and most of all and the family.

[01:27:34]I want to thank the memory of our beloved Darcel. Thank you so much.

[01:27:40][applause and cheering] Thank you so much, Olivia.

[01:27:48]Good afternoon, Portland. Happy Pride.

[01:27:51]Yeah, [applause] it's an incredible honor to be here today and celebrate this beautiful new plaza. First, I'd like to thank the remarkable coalition of community members, LGBTQ plus advocates, small business owners, city officials, and a special special recognition for Councelor Dan Ryan. And I mean this from the bottom of my heart. You made this happen in a timely fashion. And I always say you're our fourth district 4 city councelor because you do care so much about downtown. So give it up for Dan.

[01:28:24][applause] You all came together to make this vision a reality. That spirit of collaboration is truly inspiring. It's something we need a lot more of. So thank you to every single person who had a hand in bringing Darcel 15 Plaza to life. But as beautiful as this place is, it is extremely beautiful. We all know that the real reason we're here today is Darcel.

[01:28:45]Darcel was a true Portland icon. When it was anything but safe or popular, Darcel stood up. She was part of a rich, radical tradition in this town. And she pursued justice with more sequins, more glitter, and more style than anyone this city has ever known.

[01:29:04]>> [applause] >> And in that pursuit, she she pushed our city and our country to be better, to be more accepting, to open doors that had been slammed shut for far too long. And so, as we open this beautiful new plaza, I hope it will be many things. A place for celebration, for music, for community, a place to enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of a busy and complicated city. But I also hope it will be a place where people will gather and raise their voices and demand better. Because our fight is not over.

[01:29:37]If we're going to protect and expand on the progress we're celebrating here today, we need to keep going. Rights for trans people, for people of color, and for immigrants are under attack from our own federal government. And for and far too many of our neighbors are still denied even the most basic economic rights, the right to housing, to healthcare, and to a good job. And so I hope this plaza will be a space where we can come together to keep pushing, keep organizing, and keep opening doors for everyone who's been left out. Darcel once said she wanted to be remembered because she made someone smile and care.

[01:30:11]Well, Darcel, we remember. And thank you.

[01:30:15][applause] [cheering] Thank you, city councilors.

[01:30:22]And now I'm so excited.

[01:30:27]>> [laughter] >> Please welcome, it's my honor to welcome the mayor of Portland, Keith Wilson.

[01:30:36][applause and cheering] [applause] >> Well, all right. What a beautiful day.

[01:30:48]This is what makes Portland fantastic.

[01:30:50]Look at all of you out there today. I'd like to begin by just thanking the elected officials that are here today. I see Loretta. I see my counselors. Just thank you for the hard work that you do.

[01:31:02]But I'd also like to just begin today with welcoming Representative Travis Nelson to the stage with a very special recognition for the incomparable, the amazing, the most beautiful Poison Waters. [applause and cheering] >> Yeah.

[01:31:21]Uh, thank you so much, Mr. Mayor.

[01:31:24][applause] Good to be with you all today on this beautiful day for this fantastic event.

[01:31:29]State Representative Travis Nelson. I represent North and Northeast Portland.

[01:31:32]Also, the first openly LGBTQ plus black person to serve in the legislature.

[01:31:37][cheering] [applause] So, back in 2023, State Representative Maxine Dexter, now Congresswoman Dexter, >> put forth a resolution honoring the life and contributions of Darcel in the wake of Darcel's death. Unfortunately, that resolution did not make it through the legislature due to a walk out that occurred. I'm here today to announce that the legislature will be will be bringing that resolution back and we have every intention of getting that passed during the next legislative session. [cheering and applause] >> Poison waters.

[01:32:22]So last long session last year, a bunch of folks in community had the idea of recognizing some folks who never get recognition but have contri contributed so much to the LGBTQ plus community, AfricanAmerican drag queens.

[01:32:41]>> [applause] >> So we got together, crafted a resolution, introduced it in the House of Representatives, and got that resolution across the finish line.

[01:32:52][cheering] [applause] >> In fact, we had the first known drag show on the floor of a Capitol building in the history of the United States.

[01:33:06]>> [cheering] [applause] >> And none of that would have been possible if it weren't for Poison Waters. So, I'm here today to give Poison a copy, an official copy of the resolution that was passed, House Resolution 3.

[01:33:24][applause] And just wanted to say again, thank you so much, Poison, for all that you do and have done for our community. [cheering] >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> Thank you, Travis.

[01:33:46]Now, I just want to thank Poison Waters for her leadership as well. I was at a uh a discussion a few months ago and Poison was pointing out to the crowd that she's kissed every mayor in the recent past.

[01:34:08]She doesn't know that I'm a heartbreaker.

[01:34:12]I might be the one that got away. I'm just telling you.

[01:34:19]All right. I blushed when she said that.

[01:34:21]I think holy cow. All right. Darcel 15 Plaza is a new gem in the heart of our magnificent city. Is a place that honors an extraordinary Portland icon and is also a place that reflects who we are and who we aspire to be as a city.

[01:34:41]Darcel 15's Plaza is one of creativity, its courage, its joy, and its welcome that we've talked about so much. For generations of Portlanders, Darcel helped create a space where people could gather, we could create, we could celebrate, we could laugh, and we could be free to be ourselves.

[01:35:03]It is deeply meaningful that we are now honoring the legacy of a public space that will continue to welcome the LGBTQ plus community that is so strong in Portland. We're a city that welcomes all and a city that stays together to protect all. The design of this plaza embodies Portland's long-standing dedication to inclusive, vibrant places.

[01:35:27]It's open, flexible, colorful, and built for gathering. It gives people a place to pause, connect, celebrate, and experience the unique spirit of our downtown and how we bring each other together.

[01:35:44]Today, it is becoming a fresh and expansive plaza that brings new energy to the central city that transforms our future. And this isn't by accident.

[01:35:56]It happened because of the work of city staff, many of those that are here today.

[01:36:01]the community partners, designers, builders, advocates, and Portlanders who believed in this space and that Priya had highlighted. And one that I would like to ask to come to the stage with me is Commissioner Dan Ryan. Dan, would you step up here?

[01:36:17][applause] Dan is my high school classmate and we went to Roosevelt together and I've known him for 45 years. Go Riders.

[01:36:34]In 2023, in our darkest days when we weren't thinking about the future, we were just trying to think about getting through tomorrow and our loved ones.

[01:36:47]Dan knew that we needed a vibrant downtown to create that livable space to give us something to work forward and towards. He worked with the city council commission. He passed the resolution.

[01:37:00]All five of the commissioners voted to support this. That hard work, that dream, that vision is manifested today.

[01:37:09]And on behalf of Portland, I'm so grateful to work with you as a colleague. Your leadership, your vision has led to today. Would you please allow me a great big round of applause for Commissioner and my colleague, Counselor Dan Ryan? [cheering] [applause] [applause] So proud of the people that work hard and see the future and then they do not quit. And that has always been Dan. What an incredible space [snorts] this is. I look at Portland and I see our renaissance coming back and this is a manifestation of that. I look at the flock food hall across the street where you can get your sushi and your burger, your slice of pizza and come over during the day and enjoy this with community together. This is what's going to bind us as we move the city forward. We still have hard and important work to do.

[01:38:09]We're not denying that. Our colleagues aren't denying that. But this is one of those jewels in the crown that's really going to bring Portland back and really put us at the place and the pinnacle of the nation's best city. And I'm confident we're on our way to all those who made this day possible. Thank you to Darcel who just brought the life and the meaning and the love to Portland over those many decades. Thank you. Thank you everybody for being here today. onward.

[01:38:43][applause] [cheering] Thank you so much.

[01:38:49]Thank you, Heartbreaker.

[01:38:52]The fabulous mayor, Portland, Keith Wilson, and thank you to my friend, Representative Nelson. What a nice surprise. I had no idea. That's crazy.

[01:38:59]It's hard to surprise me cuz I'm in charge of everything. And I know I'm like I literally was like, "Why is Travis here? He wasn't invited to speak.

[01:39:08]Why does he have a folder? He's going to do a long speech. Oh god. Okay. Now, today's event is our soft opening and preview of what this plaza can be. I do want to note that the plaza will temporarily close from today till the day before the grand opening so we can get it really polished and shiny looking good. So, welcome and goodbye.

[01:39:31][laughter] We're opening and we're closing on the same day, but it's just temporarily for a week. Now, uh, we're going to do some final construction finishes and prep prepare for the spectacular spectacular grand opening, which is next Thursday from 5:00 p. p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It's going to be amazing. And we have a fabulous stage show prepared for you from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. And in true Landa Jackson fashion, she just told me she's flying back next Thursday to perform.

[01:39:58][cheering] >> [applause] >> I guess we'll just have to take Maria's five minutes away. I don't know.

[01:40:06]We'll figure it out. We'll figure it out. Oh, now I'm in big trouble. Okay. I hope you all plan to come back next week. It's going to be really special and spectacular. Now, we would like to share with you a symbol of joy and happiness that Darcel always wanted to share with everyone. Up here, you see we have some beautiful, brightly colored flowers that match our beautiful sky sails. And we invite you all to come up and take a flower that you will keep for yourself or you'll hopefully pass it along to someone else. Sharing Darcel's story of joy, being true to yourself and always in times of trouble. Remembering that the show must go on.

[01:40:45][applause] Pause for flowers to be distributed. Oh, I'm not supposed to say that. Sorry.

[01:41:00][laughter] They said stick to the script.

[01:41:05]Page five, turn.

[01:41:10]Oh, y'all can come up and get a flower.

[01:41:13]>> Come and help yourself. Drag queens, theater people, don't be shy. Come on up. Helen Raptor, she got your flower.

[01:41:21]She got your flower and she's cut.

[01:41:24]Oh, thank you.

[01:41:26]Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to stand in front of the counselors. Okay, so it's now time for the official ribbon cutting of Darcel 15 Plaza.

[01:41:38]I invite you all on stage to join us.

[01:41:41]Darcel's son and daughter. So, if we all want to come up and stand, we're going to do some photos first. I certainly don't need to be in the middle. If we can put Jr. and and um Mered in the middle. Y'all come up and we're going to pose right here >> for photos.

[01:42:00]>> Yeah, >> Darcel and Mary. And then we'll flank on either side.

[01:42:08]Go.

[01:42:11]Fill in. Fill in. Okay.

[01:42:16]Here. You come be over here.

[01:42:21]Oh my gosh, the spool of thread of ribbon.

[01:42:28]>> Can we see everybody?

[01:42:31]>> Anyone hiding?

[01:42:32]>> Can you see everybody? Oh, here. Yeah, you guys come here. We could We can make it bigger. He's got a big roll.

[01:42:39]>> No, I mean of the ribbon >> and Yeah. behind you.

[01:42:57]>> You want me to do a count? Okay. Are we ready? Do we get the photos?

[01:43:01]>> Oh, can you sit back? Can I squeeze in?

[01:43:03]You have more. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I know.

[01:43:06]Excuse me. Okay. Great. Hi. Nice to meet you. Are you ready?

[01:43:12]>> Five, four, three, two, one.

[01:43:19]Please welcome to Darcel 15 Plaza.

[01:43:23]Thank you all so much. Thank you very much. Thank you all very much. Thanks to everyone on stage. Thanks to everyone in the audience. We really appreciate everybody coming out and sharing this beautiful day with us. We're going to have DJ Aspen playing some more tunes.

[01:43:36]If you like to hang out, check out our community partners in the vendor booths.

[01:43:40]And we look forward to seeing you next Thursday for our spectacular spectacular grand opening. Thanks everybody. See you then. Bye. Bye.

[01:44:03]Sorry.

[01:44:08]>> Sorry.

[01:44:19]>> Your flower will >> Oh, hi person.