SELF ENHANCEMENT, INC.

CHAPTER: PORTLAND — Portland, OR

Big Picture

Project Color Corps Portland Chapter collaborated on a special mural project with Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI) in Portland, Oregon.

SEI began as a one-week summer basketball camp in 1981. It aimed to provide a positive alternative for African American teens living in an area of Portland that was leaving them behind.

By 1989, SEI had grown into a year-round program providing academic support and comprehensive wraparound services for African American students and their families. In 1997, SEI opened the Center for Self Enhancement, which continues to serve as a safe haven for thousands of children and is the hub of SEI’s work. SEI has remained a pillar in the North Portland community and continues to expand its programs to provide youth and families with a continuum of services.

In 2023, SEI served 4,430 students. In 2024 they are projected to serve 16,073.

"SEI is thrilled to collaborate with Project Color Corps on designing a stunning mural for The Center for Self Enhancement's atrium. We have approached this project with great care to ensure that the artwork embodies the strength of our community and the elements essential for collective success."

—Shantel Waddell
Director of Extended Day Programs
Self Enhancement Inc.(SEI)

A Conversation About Color

Project Color Corps administered surveys to the SEI staff specifically asking how they want the SEI community to feel in their space. They shared feedback about their favorite colors and how certain colors make them feel.

Project Color Corps embraced themes such as Heritage & Future, with the long-term vision for SEI to become the future African American Cultural Center for the Portland Community. In collaboration with artist and muralist Kyra Watkins of Portland Street Art Alliance, the community survey and powerful imagery and symbolism that intentionally embraces Portland, and the BIPOC culture were merged with their dreams to foster a sense of belonging and a welcoming ethos for all members of the community.

The Transformation

After assessing the feedback from the SEI community two palettes emerged: SPARKLY CONFIDENCE and CALM + CARED FOR.

After the vote, SPARKLY CONFIDENCE was the winner. Many volunteers, with the guidance of Kyra, rolled up their sleeves and painted the gorgeous artwork, “The Village” and transformed the SEI interior.

"I am so excited to help facilitate SEI’s newest interior mural. And moreover, I am thrilled at the opportunity that the community will have in bringing this mural to fruition. My hope is to deliver a mural that will gleam with esteem and will inspire for many years to come."

—Kyra Watkins
Artist & Muralist
Portland Street Alliance