PORTLAND, OR, USA – June 13^th 2013 – Soul River is pleased to announce the premiere of Soul River Chronicles: Conservation which will take place Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at the historical Billy Webb Elks Lodge in Portland, Oregon.

The Elks Lodge has been a focal point in the community for their work promoting diversity and supporting U.S. veterans. Located at 6N. Tillamook Street is considered a rich, historical landmark for the African American community of Portland. Built in 1926 as a project of the Portland YWCA, the building was used to reach out to Portland’s growing African American community. Throughout the 1920’s membership reflected segregated housing in the city with clubs from African-American, Japanese, Chinese, and Native Americans, causing people to refer to the Williams Avenue branch as the “Colored YWCA”. In coordination with churches in the area, the Elks Lodge provided programs and outreach to build a stronger community. Throughout the years, the building was used by the United Service Organizations as a recreation site for minority soldiers in Portland, a Red Cross emergency center following the Vanport flood, and a meeting space for groups including the NAACP, Oregon Association of Colored Women, Urban League, and Congress of Racial Equality.

After completion of the new YMCA building, the Elks Lodge was sold to Billy Webb who restored the building. Renamed the Billy Webb Elks Lodge, it continues to make its mark in the community by bringing people together and promoting diversity.

Soul River’s commitment to promoting diversity in the outdoors, giving back to U.S. veteran soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and bringing the community together has made the Billy Webb Elks Lodge the perfect venue for the premier of Conservation. The film’s aim is to raise awareness and inspire younger generations to become ambassadors of the outdoors by promoting outdoor diversity, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.