The Faces of Black Oregon
From the article “THE FACES OF BLACK OREGON” by
S. Renee Mitchell
“Meet a vibrant community that thrives despite a history of discrimination.
The allure of Oregon’s sweeping coastal vistas, thick conifer forests and snowcapped peaks transcends a single demographic. But when black travelers visit the state, they invariably wonder why there are so few black people here. In fact, educator and historical scholar Walidah Imarisha has traveled the state for years with an informative lecture that answers the question: “Why Aren’t There More Black People in Oregon?”
The answer is rooted in the state’s three separate black exclusion laws that were once part of the Oregon Constitution. The discriminatory language was not even completely removed from the historical document until 2001.”
Read the rest of this informative piece HERE…
All Power to The People
All Power to The People:
Black Panther Party's Legacy in Portland
The Vanport Mosaic presents: All Power to The People: Remembering the Legacy of the Black Panther Party in Portland led by Kent Ford.
Come hear Mr. Kent Ford, founding member of Portland's chapter of the '60s-era black empowerment organization, share his personal memories of revolutionary activism, defending the community from police violence as well as organizing free breakfasts for children and health clinics.
We will screen the Vanport Mosaic-produced short documentary "Stings Like A Bee." The event culminates a moderated conversation between Mr. Ford and local historians, activists and community organizers including Portland State University Black Studies Department chair & associate professor, Dr. Ethan Johnson, writer and educator, Walidah Imarisha, and artist, Cleo Davis.
Doors open at 1:30 PM. Come early to explore informational tabling by local individuals, grassroots groups, and cultural institutions committed to social justice and advancing our community. Mr. Ford’s presentation will begin promptly at 2 PM.
About this Event:
Saturday, February 8
Billy Webb Elks Lodge, 6 N Tillamook St, Portland, OR 97227
Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students (available online and at the door).
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
More Info…
Preventative Steps for Surviving a Natural Disaster
It’s getting harder and harder to ignore the need for preparing for natural disasters and climate change-related events. This recent article in Sunset does a great job of giving you a quick overview of the best ways to prep for these events.
“Considering the array of catastrophes that the West is prone to—earthquakes, wildfires, floods, even tsunamis—can be overwhelming. While it’s true that we can’t prevent or even forecast these events, we can prepare for them, and that act can bring some peace of mind. And of course, you’ll be glad you did if the unthinkable should happen.
To make that process less overwhelming, we’ve compiled lists of all the essentials to stock and how to prepare for each type of emergency.”
Photos of Portland in the early 1900s
Stumbled upon a fascinating collection of street scene photos from the early 1900’s.
Check it out HERE.
The entire Earth In The Past web site is a rabbit hole of totally random photos-organized by region-from the early days of photography. It’s well worth a look!
Portland on my Mind's Holiday Event Calendar
Have you explored my December events calendar yet? Highly curated and chock full of all of the events we love to attend every year, such as The Tony Starlight Christmas Show or A Pittock Mansion Christmas, or new experiences we’re curious about (Twin Peaks Party, anyone?) Check out some of the fun and interesting happenings this month, and maybe I’ll see you at The Festival of the Last Minute at Saturday Market, or the screening of The Christmas Story at The Hollywood Theater.
Peruse our events for December. January and February are coming soon!
HOWNW.com
HOWNW.com™ is a free public resource for home buyers. It “was launched in 2008 as a public service website that provides real answers to common home buying questions.”
More from their web site:
The website includes a searchable, multi-lingual database of homebuying programs that are offered for homebuyers in the Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington County areas. Homebuyers may enter the area they wish to live in, number of people in their household, and their annual income to discover what financial programs and resources are available to help them become homeowners.
The website walks consumers through the homebuying process from start to finish and includes features such as a payment calculator, information on finding a loan, searching for a home, a real estate glossary and much more. In addition, information on consumer issues such as avoiding foreclosure, predatory lending, finding a healthy home, and credit is provided to help educate all consumers, including potential homebuyers.
Homebuyers may also turn to HOWNW.com™ for a list of homebuyer education and financial preparedness classes offered by our community partners that meet the requirements for homebuyer counseling required by some loan and assistance programs.
