THE LEROY BLOCKS
SOUTHEAST, PORTLAND
In December of 2021, Portland Street Art Alliance and a group of local artists and community members came together to create a mural dedicated to Leroy Sly Scott (1956-2020), a longtime houseless neighbor in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Portland. Artists Kyra Watkins, Caleb Ruecker, Sarah Farahat and Tammy MacKinnon designed and painted the mural. Tony Boone, a community member and Street Roots vendor, helped assist. The mural was painted on the side of the historic Belmont Market located at SE 34th & Belmont, owned by Nick & Genevieve Clock. Many who have lived, worked, and played in this neighborhood likely recognize Leroy. He lived on the streets of Belmont for three decades. Many of us remember Leroy fondly as he always greeted people with a smile and kind gesture.
In August 2019, Leroy finally moved from the streets into housing, thanks to the hard work of his friends who advocated for him until the end. Leroy lived happily in his own apartment, but always missed his friends on Belmont. Less than a year later, Leroy was rushed to the hospital. He was unable to eat or drink for many days because of immense back pain. After a lot of tests, doctors found cancer had spread throughout his entire body. Leroy sadly passed away two weeks later at the Peace Hospice House with his friends by his side, listening to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Folks from all around the city and world sent Leroy video messages, stuffed animals, cards, and his favorite candies. Friends held a socially distant memorial outside of Belmont Market for Leroy in which dozens of neighbors came to pay their respects and share stories about their dearly departed friend.
The Leroy Scott Memorial Mural now graces the side of Belmont Market, right next to the stoop Leroy spent many of his days. The portrait was painted by a muralist, Kyra Watkins. Next to it, in type designed by local artist Alicia Schultz, is his favorite saying, “All around the world, the same song," inspired by the Digital Underground song.
The lettering and alcove were painted with the help of Caleb Ruecker, Tiffany Conklin, Tony Boone, Sarah Farahat, and Tammy MacKinnon. Additional designs are being added by the team, created by local artist Woke, who also painted the new Belmont Market sign a few years ago
House Keys, Not Handcuffs.
A SECOND MURAL has been created at the Leroy Blocks on the back of Tao of Tea, in a parking lot at 35th & Belmont. This mural is an advocacy piece to support our houseless neighbors that often get pushed aside and overlooked. The mural was painted by a team of local muralists with the message “House Keys, Not Handcuffs.” Also included are call outs to the Street Roots newspaper.
DETAILS OF HOUSE KEYS, NOT HANDCUFF S MURAL
The mural was created by a team of 4 local muralists including Jade Sturms, Maddo Hues, and friends. It is designed in a style similar to the Keep on the Sunnyside Mural (30th & Belmont) and the mural at 3300 SE Belmont St, making it the perfect addition to the neighborhood's art collection. With both these new murals, PSAA has been helping host free BBQs for the local houseless community, working in partnership with Street Roots vendor, Tony Boone.
Once a year, PSAA chooses one pro-bono community project where we volunteer our management time and work to fundraise to secure a budget for artist stipends and paint supplies. These two murals are 100% community-driven and supported.
LEROY BLOCKS IN THE NEWS
Friends of Leroy, Tony Boone, Frank Sinatra (the dog) and Caleb Ruecker.
Photo Courtesy of: John Notarianni, OPB
