02/25/2026
When multidisciplinary artist and cultural storyteller Tristan 'TK' Irving was invited to unveil a custom scarf at halftime of a Portland Timbers match, he saw more than a design moment — he saw a community one. He knew exactly who should stand beside him: soccer fanatic 's Ja’Kai.
Together, they stepped onto the field, where Ja’Kai had the honor of placing the scarf with Timber Joey on the iconic log. 🪵 🧣
Created in collaboration with the Timbers, the scarf centers Black culture, soccer and community, TK said. Blending kente-inspired patterns, Adinkra symbols and portraits of Black youth in motion, the design affirms that Black culture and Black youth are essential to Portland soccer’s present and future.
"Its primary pattern draws from the Akan kente cloth WOFRO DUA PA A NA YEPIA WO, which means 'one who climbs a tree worth climbing gets the help they deserve,'" TK said. "It speaks to the belief that meaningful effort is supported by the community because everyone benefits from its fruits."
For so many of our patients, their time with us is just one chapter. Our hope is that when they step back out into the world, they do so stronger, supported and ready for whatever comes next. Because when the tree is worth climbing, a community helps you rise — and moments like this remind us that these kids are already branching out toward something extraordinary. 🌲💚 More about Ja'Kai: https://bit.ly/4r0wWrv
