Me, Myself, and Us: Evolving Identity Beyond Labels
As a multimedia artist, MOsley WOtta uses personal, lived experiences to drive his explorations into identity, place, race, and care. Through examples from his recent work, which incorporates musical, visual, and immersive performance with discussion and dialogue practices, WOtta will guide participants in exploring how identity labels both inform our relationship to our communities—and how it can transform them.
“My Heart Belongs Where the Trees Are”
Community Storytelling Fellow Bruce Poinsette explores Black placemaking in Eastern Oregon.
“We Are the Original Conservationists”
Jennifer Perrine writes about Oregonians of color working in the environmental justice movement.
Conversation Project: Working on Our Whiteness
Amid today’s social uprisings, many white people have become acutely aware that racism shapes our communities in Oregon and beyond. Many of us have also begun realizing how poorly our experiences have equipped us to make sense of these times, and we have many questions. Join Emily Drew in a conversation that asks, How can we who are white show up as more effective and less damaging participants in struggles to interrupt racism in our community? How can white people engage in efforts to dismantle racism in ways that do not reproduce or place unfair burdens upon people of color to be our teachers? This conversation is for white people to reflect together on what it means to “do our work” as white people, which includes taking responsibility for one another, educating ourselves, and coming to view other white people as our partners—not competition—in developing antiracist identity.
Consider This with Kiese Laymon
Join us for an onstage conversation with Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy and How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America.
This event is part of our Consider This series on People, Place, and Power. In his writing, Laymon engages with the personal and the political: race and family, body and shame, poverty and place.
"Just Go Do It"
Bruce Poinsette explores the stories of three Black Muslim community leaders in Oregon.
Here Lies
Paul Susi writes about Chee Gong, a Chinese migrant laborer who was wrongfully convicted and executed in 1889.
We Know What We've Experienced
Jennifer Perrine writes about how Wild Diversity is making outdoor spaces safer for BIPOC & LGBTQ+ communities.
Here Lies
Paul Susi writes about Chee Gong, a Chinese migrant laborer who was wrongfully convicted and executed in Portland on August 9, 1889.
Consider This: Black Political Power in Oregon
Join us for a conversation on the state of Black political power in Oregon with Joy Alise Davis, executive director at Imagine Black; Keith Jenkins, director of Southern Oregon Black Leaders, Activists, & Community Coalition; and Marcus LeGrand, vice-chair of Bend-La Pine Schools. Journalist Bruce Poinsette will facilitate the conversation.
This program will take place in-person and will be streamed live, for free, on YouTube. Read more about this event.
We're Here for Each Other
Jennifer Perrine writes about how Oregonians of color are building relationships in the outdoors.
Oregon's Black History: 450 Years in 45 Min
Friends of Seaside Public Library welcome Zachary Stocks, public historian and Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers. Stocks will trace the history of people of African descent who have lived and worked in Oregon since before the founding of the earliest English-speaking settlements in the Americas. This presentation will bring new light to the historic legal and social marginalization of African Americans in Oregon.
This event was made possible by a grant from Oregon Humanities. The event will be held in the Community Room of the Seaside Public Library.
Conversation Project: Working on our Whiteness
Amid today’s social uprisings, many white people have become acutely aware that racism shapes our communities in Oregon and beyond. Many of us have also begun realizing how poorly our experiences have equipped us to make sense of these times, and we have many questions. Join Emily Drew in a conversation that asks, How can we who are white show up as more effective and less damaging participants in struggles to interrupt racism in our community? How can white people engage in efforts to dismantle racism in ways that do not reproduce or place unfair burdens upon people of color to be our teachers? This conversation is for white people to reflect together on what it means to “do our work” as white people, which includes taking responsibility for one another, educating ourselves, and coming to view other white people as our partners—not competition—in developing antiracist identity.
A History of Housing Discrimination in Oregon
Oregon has a little-known history of housing displacement, discrimination, and segregation that has laid the foundation for the disparities we see in our state today. Starting from Oregon's founding as a territory, we'll look at how racist practices from that time still have an impact today, examine how governmental policies and programs reinforced systemic racism through practices like redlining, and delve into how the real estate industry and the Federal Housing Administration further solidified racial and economic disparities in the state.
The event will stream live on the Forest Grove City Library's YouTube channel. The program is supported by a grant from Oregon Humanities.
Consider This: How Do You Reconcile a Lynching?
Join Forest Grove Public Library for a live-streamed Consider This conversation with Taylor Stewart, founder and executive director of the Oregon Remembrance Project. This program will broadcast live on the Forest Grove City Library’s YouTube channel starting at 6:30 p.m.
Beyond Pigmentocracy
Chance White Eyes and Rachel L. Cushman write about how racism, representation, and internalized oppression affect their family
Hidden Histories: Pendleton's Early Chinese Community
The ninth and final program in the Portland Chinatown Museum's series Hidden Histories: Oregon's Early Chinatowns and Chinese Worker Settlements looks at the history of Pendleton. Since at least the 1980s, tourism, media depictions, and even well-known works of fiction have promoted the idea that nineteenth-century Chinese immigrants built and occupied an extensive tunnel network under the city of Pendleton and in many other locations throughout the American West. In this program, Priscilla Wegars, PhD, and Renae Campbell, MA, will explore these "Chinese tunnel" rumors and compare those in Pendleton with the historical record of Pendleton’s Chinese community.
Conversation Project: Can We Get Along?
Rodney King’s iconic question still resonates today. Despite decades of social justice movements, police brutality and divisions persist in the United States. COVID-19 has only added more challenges. How can we connect to each other during these times? What holds us back from connecting with each other? How do our personal experiences contribute to barriers, or and have the potential to break them down? Join facilitator Chisao Hata as she holds space to examine individual questions on race, cultural values, and what brings us together and what separates us. This Program is presented with Multnomah County Library as part of Everybody Reads 2022. Learn more at multcolib.org.
Who Gets to Fight Climate Change?
JL Jiang on navigating climate activism as a second-generation Asian American
Dear Pepe Siesta
Javier Cervantes writes a letter to Pepe Siesta—an iconic image of a man napping under a sombrero—after a surprise encounter in Central Oregon.
Beyond Capacity
Paul Susi writes about racism, the pandemic, and rage at a severe-weather homeless shelter.
People, Places, Things
Tabitha Espina remixes the Oregon Department of Energy’s 2020 statement on climate change and energy in Oregon.
Can We Get Along?
Rodney King’s iconic question still resonates today. Despite decades of social justice movements, police brutality and divisions persist in the United States. COVID-19 has only added more challenges. How can we connect to each other during these times? What holds us back from connecting with each other? How do our personal experiences contribute to barriers, or and have the potential to break them down? Join facilitator Chisa Hata as she holds space to examine individual questions on race, cultural values, and what brings us together and what separates us.
The New Americans
Brian Liu on David Chang's Ugly Delicious, honesty, and what it means to be Asian American.
Flowers for Block 14
Holly Hisamoto on reckoning with race, erasure, grief, and belonging at Portland's Lone Fir Cemetery.
Consider This with Clint Smith
A conversation on education, memory, race, and democracy with the author of How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America.
Consider This with Eric K. Ward
Our 2020–21 Consider This conversation series is all about democracy and civic engagement—how it works, who gets to participate, and how it can break down. We're hosting live conversations with journalists and scholars with insight into how our democracy is working and the threats it faces. On April 7, join Eric K. Ward, director of Western States Center, for a conversation on democracy, participation, and justice.
“We Know Who’s Got Our Six Now”
Bruce Poinsette considers the Father's Group, an intergenerational community group in Central Oregon, as an example for the future of Black-led organizing in Oregon.
Fermenting My Asian American Identity
Jen Shin writes about how a summer in Vietnam helped her embrace her Korean heritage.
Navigating Systems: Code Switching & Imposter Syndrome
Join Portland Through a Latinx Lens to explore the concepts of code switching and imposter syndrome with hosts Amy Bader and Estefania Zavala. This program is supported by a Responsive Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
The Fire is Upon Us
On February 18, 1965, an overflowing crowd packed the Cambridge Union in Cambridge, England, to witness a historic televised debate between James Baldwin, the leading literary voice of the civil rights movement, and William F. Buckley Jr., a fierce critic of the movement and America’s most influential conservative intellectual. The topic was “the American dream is at the expense of the American Negro,” and no one who has seen the debate can soon forget it. Forest Grove Public Library presents this online program featuring Nicholas Buccola, Elizabeth and Morris Glicksman Chair in Political Science at Linfield University and author of The Fire Is upon Us: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley Jr., and the Debate over Race in America, in conversation with Dr. Paul Snell, Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics and Government at Pacific University. This event will stream live to the library's Facebook page and YouTube channel starting at 6:30 pm and will include a Q&A session at the end of the evening. This program is made possible with support from Oregon Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Oregon Cultural Trust.
Consider This: Anti-Racism
Pick up your dinner and refreshments, then join this panel of local experts to discuss anti-racism, minority representation, and how to combat systemic injustice.
Tutoring the Kingpin
May Maylisa Cat writes about how helping a friend apply for the citizenship exam revived memories of her own experiences of educational discrimination and marginalization.
I Dream an Oregon
Trying to get Oregonians to invest in antiracism left me frustrated and disillusioned. But I’m still pushing. An essay by Bruce Poinsette
Editors' Note: Outside
In this issue, we’ve taken an expansive view of what it means to be outside. In addition to stories about outdoor recreation and who gets to enjoy it, you’ll find stories of living outside, on city streets and amid the woods; stories about leaving the places we feel safe for work and about making new spaces outside the mainstream.
Taking Up Space
Mareshah “MJ” Jackson writes about how the story of Blackness in the outdoors is more than a narrative of tragedy.
People, Places, Things
Gwen Trice in Maxville, Oregon
The Other Side of What We Know
Caitlyn May writes about searching for the identity lost when her mother was adopted by a white family in New York.
Awakening White: White People Helping Each Other to Understand and Interrupt Racism
Join Emily Drew in a conversation that asks, How can we who are white show up as more effective and less damaging participants in struggles to interrupt racism in our community? How can white people engage in efforts to dismantle racism in ways that do not reproduce or place unfair burdens upon people of color to be our teachers?
Race and Adoption
In this conversation, facilitator Astrid Castro will ask participants to explore questions such as, What role do race and racism play in your family? What are the personal experiences that inform how you talk to adopted children in your life about where they are from? Where do you need to grow to be the best resource you can be for children who are adopted?
Black Opera: Singing over Ourselves
Singer Onry writes about making a place for himself as a Black man in the white world of opera.
The Struggles That Unite Us
Eric K. Ward reflects on how the idea of the urban-rural divide only serves to separate us.
CANCELED - Conversation Project: Race and Adoption
The decision to adopt across racial or cultural lines is a lifelong commitment to exploring matters of race and identity, confronting racism in all its forms, and developing new skills and perspectives. In this conversation, facilitator Astrid Castro will ask participants to explore questions such as, What role do race and racism play in your family? What are the personal experiences that inform how you talk to adopted children in your life about where they are from? Where do you need to grow to be the best resource you can be for children who are adopted? While particularly of relevance to families directly in transracial adoptive families, this conversation will also raise questions of how we talk to children about important issues like race and identity, adoption, and cultural appropriation.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled to a later date.Indian Enough
Emma Hodges writes about how the "enduring colonialist notion" of blood quantum fails to encompass the complexity of Native identity.
Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?
Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Power dynamics influence who benefits from certain cultural experience, and—given the global nature of our world—parts of our individual and cultural identities are shaped by cultures other than our own. How do we make sense of this and what effect does it have on us as individuals and as Oregonians? Facilitator Surabhi Majahan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.
White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs. This conversation is open to and welcomes people of all racial backgrounds and identities.
Beyond Invitation: How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Organizations and communities are working to invite broader groups of people to engage in their work as employees, patrons, board members, and donors. Having a statement at the end of a job announcement to encourage communities of color, queer people, and women to apply can be a start, but how do policies, environment, and culture support this invitation? How do they fail to support it? How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion.
CANCELED - Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities. Please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exploring-power-privilege-with-courage-creativity-and-compassion-registration-92806255007
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.CANCELED - Oregonians and the State’s Racist Past, Present, and Future
Oregon has a long history of racism that continues to influence the state today. While we often look at how the state’s racist history affects policies and institutions, we talk less about how it affects people’s personal understanding of racism and racist experiences. Join facilitator Tai Harden-Moore in a conversation that asks, What does Oregon’s racist past mean for Oregonians? How does the state’s history affect how bias shows up for individuals? This conversation will also look at how we can identify our own racial biases and work toward concrete ways to move forward as individuals and community.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.Oregonians and the State’s Racist Past, Present, and Future
Oregon has a long history of racism that continues to influence the state today. While we often look at how the state’s racist history affects policies and institutions, we talk less about how it affects people’s personal understanding of racism and racist experiences. Join facilitator Tai Harden-Moore in a conversation that asks, What does Oregon’s racist past mean for Oregonians? How does the state’s history affect how bias shows up for individuals? This conversation will also look at how we can identify our own racial biases and work toward concrete ways to move forward as individuals and community.
White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs. This conversation is open to and welcomes people of all racial backgrounds and identities.
Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities.
Sentenced for a Season, Punished for Life: How Long Should People Pay for Past Crimes?
Many of us have grown up being told—and believing—that after a person serves their sentence for a crime, their slate is wiped clean. Every possibility exists for them to find a decent job, a decent apartment, a decent car. From there, they can go on to build a decent life. But the truth does not often bear out this scenario. A felony conviction can restrict travel options, licensing options for employment, housing, and financial aid, just to name a few. What does it mean to our society that 8 percent of our overall US population—and 33 percent of African American men—who have felony convictions run into these barriers after they serve time in prison? Join facilitator Pamela Slaughter in a conversation about how this reality affects our communities and what alternatives might look like.
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs. This conversation is open to and welcomes people of all racial backgrounds and identities.
Conversation Project: Oregonians and the State’s Racist Past, Present, and Future
Oregon has a long history of racism that continues to influence the state today. While we often look at how the state’s racist history affects policies and institutions, we talk less about how it affects people’s personal understanding of racism and racist experiences. Join facilitator Tai Harden-Moore in a conversation that asks, What does Oregon’s racist past mean for Oregonians? How does the state’s history affect how bias shows up for individuals? This conversation will also look at how we can identify our own racial biases and work toward concrete ways to move forward as individuals and community. This event will take place in the Austin Room.
Conversation Project: Where Are You From?
This conversation aims to bring people together to discuss the diverse experiences of belonging in Oregon. Challenging stereotypical visions of what it means to be an “Oregonian,” participants are asked to consider how being an Oregonian or part of the community looks different for all of us. Centered around participants’ unique identities, we will look inward and share how our race, gender and other identity markers shape our relationships to our community and the world around us. We will touch on Oregon’s founding racial exclusion laws, immigration trends and share how we can foster inclusion in our own lives.
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Many Oregonians have a vision of a future that includes communities built on values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the same time, we live in a society that marginalizes and excludes people of color. Facilitators Traci Price and Anita Yap will lead participants in a conversation that looks at how Oregon’s history of racism influences our present and asks, How can understanding Oregon’s historic and current impacts of racism contribute to our sense of place and vision of the future? How can diversity and inclusion create thriving communities?
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs. This conversation is open to and welcomes people of all racial backgrounds and identities.
The Air I Breathe—2014
Ifanyi Bell writes about growing up tolerated and underestimated in Portland in the 2014 “Quandary” issue.
Good Hair—2017
Kimberly Melton writes about the meaning of hair and going natural despite family and society expectations in the 2017 “Carry” issue.
Our Most-read Stories of 2019
Our readers' favorite articles and videos from the past year explore housing and exclusion, hidden histories, race, gender, and poverty.
Conversation Project: Oregonians and the State’s Racist Past, Present, and Future
Oregon has a long history of racism that continues to influence the state today. While we often look at how the state’s racist history affects policies and institutions, we talk less about how it affects people’s personal understanding of racism and racist experiences. Join facilitator Tai Harden-Moore in a conversation that asks, What does Oregon’s racist past mean for Oregonians? How does the state’s history affect how bias shows up for individuals? This conversation will also look at how we can identify our own racial biases and work toward concrete ways to move forward as individuals and community.
OH Grant Event: Stories My Mother and Father Told Me: Diana Lo Mei Hing
Diana Lo Mei Hing shares stories about growing up in China on the eve of the Cultural Revolution and in Italy. She was born in Hong Kong and spent her childhood in Canton City, China in the years leading up to the Cultural Revolution. When she was eleven, the family fled to Milan, Italy where she received a fine arts education. She is a well known artist in Italy where she continues to exhibit. Since 2015, she and her American husband, a fine art photographer, have made their home in Portland. This event is part of the Portland Chinatown History Museum's ongoing series, Stories My Mother and Father Told Me, a series exploring the experiences of immigrants in Oregon featuring artists, writers, and community elders.
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs. This conversation is open to and welcomes people of all racial backgrounds and identities. This event will take place in the auditorium.
CANCELED - Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?
Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Power dynamics influence who benefits from certain cultural experience, and—given the global nature of our world—parts of our individual and cultural identities are shaped by cultures other than our own. How do we make sense of this and what effect does it have on us as individuals and as Oregonians? Facilitator Surabhi Majahan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods. This conversation will take place in the program room.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.CANCELED - Conversation Project: What Are You?
The number of mixed-race people and interracial families in Oregon is growing. What are the challenges and benefits of growing up mixed-race, raising mixed-race children, or being an interracial couple in a state that’s historically been mostly white? How can we openly discuss our own ethnic and racial heritage with each other without being regarded as odd or unusual? How have the answers to “What are you?” changed through the decades? Dmae Roberts, who has written essays and produced film and radio documentaries about being a biracial Asian American in Oregon, leads a discussion of heritage that goes beyond checking one race on US Census forms. This conversation will take place at the PCC Rock Creek Event Center, Section A.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.CANCELED - Conversation Project: Where Are You From?
This conversation aims to bring people together to discuss the diverse experiences of belonging in Oregon. Challenging stereotypical visions of what it means to be an “Oregonian,” participants are asked to consider how being an Oregonian or part of the community looks different for all of us. Centered around participant’s unique identities, we will look inward and share how our race, gender and other identity markers shape our relationships to our community and the world around us. We will touch on Oregon’s founding racial exclusion laws, immigration trends and share how we can foster inclusion in our own lives. This event will take place at the Multnomah Arts Center in room 30.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities. This event will take place at the Multnomah Arts Center in room 30.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
Organizations and communities are working to invite broader groups of people to engage in their work as employees, patrons, board members, and donors. Having a statement at the end of a job announcement to encourage communities of color, queer people, and women to apply can be a start, but how do policies, environment, and culture support this invitation? How do they fail to support it? How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion. This event will take place at the Multnomah Arts Center in room 30.
Conversation Project: Sentenced for a Season, Punished for Life
Many of us have grown up being told—and believing—that after a person serves their sentence for a crime, their slate is wiped clean. Every possibility exists for them to find a decent job, a decent apartment, a decent car. From there, they can go on to build a decent life. But the truth does not often bear out this scenario. A felony conviction can restrict travel options, licensing options for employment, housing, and financial aid, just to name a few. What does it mean to our society that 8 percent of our overall US population—and 33 percent of African American men—who have felony convictions run into these barriers after they serve time in prison? Join facilitator Pamela Slaughter in a conversation about how this reality affects our communities and what alternatives might look like.
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs. This conversation is open to and welcomes people of all racial backgrounds and identities. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m., and the conversation will begin at 5:45 p.m.
Conversation Project: Oregonians and the State’s Racist Past, Present, and Future
Oregon has a long history of racism that continues to influence the state today. While we often look at how the state’s racist history affects policies and institutions, we talk less about how it affects people’s personal understanding of racism and racist experiences. Join facilitator Tai Harden-Moore in a conversation that asks, What does Oregon’s racist past mean for Oregonians? How does the state’s history affect how bias shows up for individuals? This conversation will also look at how we can identify our own racial biases and work toward concrete ways to move forward as individuals and community. This conversation will take place in the auditorium.
Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities.
Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities. This conversation will take place in the Sellwood Library Meeting Room.
Conversation Project: What Are You?
The number of mixed-race people and interracial families in Oregon is growing. What are the challenges and benefits of growing up mixed-race, raising mixed-race children, or being an interracial couple in a state that’s historically been mostly white? How can we openly discuss our own ethnic and racial heritage with each other without being regarded as odd or unusual? How have the answers to “What are you?” changed through the decades? Dmae Roberts, who has written essays and produced film and radio documentaries about being a biracial Asian American in Oregon, leads a discussion of heritage that goes beyond checking one race on US Census forms. This event will take place in the Education Room.
Conversation Project: The Hate We Live In
We live and work among systems that were built on racism. Even people who believe in and work for racial equity are immersed in a culture that silently supports structural oppression, especially anti-Black racism. What does it mean for us as individuals to live and breathe these values from the time we are born? How do we start to see and address our own personal biases? Join facilitator Tyler White for a conversation that will help participants recognize oppression of all kinds and provide tools to combat hate by calling out the injustices present in everyday life. This event will take place at the Riverside Campus in HEC129.
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs. This conversation is open to and welcomes people of all racial backgrounds and identities. This event will take place in the Lee Conference Room.
Conversation Project: The Hate We Live In
We live and work among systems that were built on racism. Even people who believe in and work for racial equity are immersed in a culture that silently supports structural oppression, especially anti-Black racism. What does it mean for us as individuals to live and breathe these values from the time we are born? How do we start to see and address our own personal biases? Join facilitator Tyler White for a conversation that will help participants recognize oppression of all kinds and provide tools to combat hate by calling out the injustices present in everyday life. This event will take place at the Redwood Campus Student Center.
Conversation Project: Sentenced for a Season, Punished for Life
Many of us have grown up being told—and believing—that after a person serves their sentence for a crime, their slate is wiped clean. Every possibility exists for them to find a decent job, a decent apartment, a decent car. From there, they can go on to build a decent life. But the truth does not often bear out this scenario. A felony conviction can restrict travel options, licensing options for employment, housing, and financial aid, just to name a few. What does it mean to our society that 8 percent of our overall US population—and 33 percent of African American men—who have felony convictions run into these barriers after they serve time in prison? Join facilitator Pamela Slaughter in a conversation about how this reality affects our communities and what alternatives might look like.
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Many Oregonians have a vision of a future that includes communities built on values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the same time, we live in a society that marginalizes and excludes people of color. Facilitators Traci Price and Anita Yap will lead participants in a conversation that looks at how Oregon’s history of racism influences our present and asks, How can understanding Oregon’s historic and current impacts of racism contribute to our sense of place and vision of the future? How can diversity and inclusion create thriving communities?
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
Organizations and communities are working to invite broader groups of people to engage in their work as employees, patrons, board members, and donors. Having a statement at the end of a job announcement to encourage communities of color, queer people, and women to apply can be a start, but how do policies, environment, and culture support this invitation? How do they fail to support it? How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion.
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit, rural communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs.
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
Are we as self-sufficient as we can be? As we should be? What are the pleasures and pitfalls of doing it yourself? This conversation investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
Conversation Project: Race and Adoption
The decision to adopt across racial or cultural lines is a lifelong commitment to exploring matters of race and identity, confronting racism in all its forms, and developing new skills and perspectives. In this conversation, facilitator Astrid Castro will ask participants to explore questions such as, What role do race and racism play in your family? What are the personal experiences that inform how you talk to adopted children in your life about where they are from? Where do you need to grow to be the best resource you can be for children who are adopted? While particularly of relevance to families directly in transracial adoptive families, this conversation will also raise questions of how we talk to children about important issues like race and identity, adoption, and cultural appropriation.
Conversation Project: Oregonians and the State’s Racist Past, Present, and Future
Oregon has a long history of racism that continues to influence the state today. While we often look at how the state’s racist history affects policies and institutions, we talk less about how it affects people’s personal understanding of racism and racist experiences. Join facilitator Tai Harden-Moore in a conversation that asks, What does Oregon’s racist past mean for Oregonians? How does the state’s history affect how bias shows up for individuals? This conversation will also look at how we can identify our own racial biases and work toward concrete ways to move forward as individuals and community.
Conversation Project: What Does it Mean to Be Good?
Most of us believe we are good people. But if we are all good people, with little room for fallibility, who are the people responsible for supporting structural oppression like racism, sexism, and heterosexism? If we hope to be “good,” what are our moral responsibilities in a society of privilege, power, and oppression? Join facilitator Brittany Wake in a discussion that explores the values associated with how we come to establish ourselves as good people and what that means for our potential complicity in perpetuating marginalization.
Process and Privilege
Cynthia Carmina Gómez writes about how efforts to rename a Portland street for César Chávez faced intense opposition, despite following a process that other petitions were allowed to circumvent.
Black Mark, Black Legend
Intisar Abioto writes about uncovering the lineage of Black artists in Portland.
Intisar Abioto and Kimberly A. C. Wilson on the Stories of Black Artists in Oregon
A conversation with 2018 Emerging Journalists, Community Stories fellow Intisar Abioto and Kimberly A. C. Wilson, her mentor for the fellowship, on celebrating Black presence and creativity in Oregon.
Conversation Project: Where Are Queer People Welcome?
A majority of Americans now accept gay and lesbian relationships, but the queer population is made up of a diversity of communities and experiences. Are all queer people accepted, tolerated, and embraced everywhere? Where are we made to feel welcome? Where do we feel unwelcome and unsafe? How do race, language, gender identity, family structure, faith, where we work, and where we live shape how we are seen, welcomed, and accepted? Join facilitator Jill Winsor in a discussion that explores how the complexity of the queer community intersects with the spaces and communities that surround us.
Grant Funded Event: Public Showing of "Circles" Film Followed by Discussion
Resolutions Northwest presents a screening of Circles, a documentary by Cassidy Friedman about the restorative justice work done by Eric Butler, a school counselor in Oakland, California. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion that will give parents, educators, and activists who are working toward transformative justice, on small and large scales, an adaptable blueprint to apply in their own lives and in schools. This event is made possible in part by a responsive program grant from Oregon Humanities.
Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities.
Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities.
Conversation Project: Race and Adoption
The decision to adopt across racial or cultural lines is a lifelong commitment to exploring matters of race and identity, confronting racism in all its forms, and developing new skills and perspectives. In this conversation, facilitator Astrid Castro will ask participants to explore questions such as, What role do race and racism play in your family? What are the personal experiences that inform how you talk to adopted children in your life about where they are from? Where do you need to grow to be the best resource you can be for children who are adopted? While particularly of relevance to families directly in transracial adoptive families, this conversation will also raise questions of how we talk to children about important issues like race and identity, adoption, and cultural appropriation. This event will take place in the Community Room.
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit, rural communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
Organizations and communities are working to invite broader groups of people to engage in their work as employees, patrons, board members, and donors. Having a statement at the end of a job announcement to encourage communities of color, queer people, and women to apply can be a start, but how do policies, environment, and culture support this invitation? How do they fail to support it? How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion. This event will take place in Columbia Room 102.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
Organizations and communities are working to invite broader groups of people to engage in their work as employees, patrons, board members, and donors. Having a statement at the end of a job announcement to encourage communities of color, queer people, and women to apply can be a start, but how do policies, environment, and culture support this invitation? How do they fail to support it? How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion.
Conversation Project: The Hate We Live In
We live and work among systems that were built on racism. Even people who believe in and work for racial equity are immersed in a culture that silently supports structural oppression, especially anti-Black racism. What does it mean for us as individuals to live and breathe these values from the time we are born? How do we start to see and address our own personal biases? Join facilitator Tyler White for a conversation that will help participants recognize oppression of all kinds and provide tools to combat hate by calling out the injustices present in everyday life.
Conversation Project: What Does it Mean to Be Good?
Most of us believe we are good people. But if we are all good people, with little room for fallibility, who are the people responsible for supporting structural oppression like racism, sexism, and heterosexism? If we hope to be “good,” what are our moral responsibilities in a society of privilege, power, and oppression? Join facilitator Brittany Wake in a discussion that explores the values associated with how we come to establish ourselves as good people and what that means for our potential complicity in perpetuating marginalization.
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Although Census data show Oregon’s population becoming more racially diverse, the state remains one of the whitest in the nation. Many Oregonians value racial diversity and the dimension and depth it adds to our lives, yet we remain largely isolated from one another and have yet to fulfill the vision of a racially integrated society. Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation about the challenges to creating racially diverse, inclusive communities despite the accomplishments since the civil rights era. What does the racial integration of place require of us, and how might we prepare to create and embrace this opportunity?
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
Organizations and communities are working to invite broader groups of people to engage in their work as employees, patrons, board members, and donors. Having a statement at the end of a job announcement to encourage communities of color, queer people, and women to apply can be a start, but how do policies, environment, and culture support this invitation? How do they fail to support it? How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion.
Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities.
Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities.
Conversation Project: Race and Adoption
The decision to adopt across racial or cultural lines is a lifelong commitment to exploring matters of race and identity, confronting racism in all its forms, and developing new skills and perspectives. In this conversation, facilitator Astrid Castro will ask participants to explore questions such as, What role do race and racism play in your family? What are the personal experiences that inform how you talk to adopted children in your life about where they are from? Where do you need to grow to be the best resource you can be for children who are adopted? While particularly of relevance to families directly in transracial adoptive families, this conversation will also raise questions of how we talk to children about important issues like race and identity, adoption, and cultural appropriation.
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Although Census data show Oregon’s population becoming more racially diverse, the state remains one of the whitest in the nation. Many Oregonians value racial diversity and the dimension and depth it adds to our lives, yet we remain largely isolated from one another and have yet to fulfill the vision of a racially integrated society. Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation about the challenges to creating racially diverse, inclusive communities despite the accomplishments since the civil rights era. What does the racial integration of place require of us, and how might we prepare to create and embrace this opportunity?
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit, rural communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs.
Oregon Shorts
The Northwest Film Festival's program of Oregon short films includes Sika Stanton and Donnell Alexander's "An Oregon Canyon," produced as part of Oregon Humanities' This Land project.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
Organizations and communities are working to invite broader groups of people to engage in their work as employees, patrons, board members, and donors. Having a statement at the end of a job announcement to encourage communities of color, queer people, and women to apply can be a start, but how do policies, environment, and culture support this invitation? How do they fail to support it? How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion. RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctPXs1pMbZlDuVK5qCaZfYOX1cb2GG9oqXQ3Oe_WWi7wGxhA/viewform
Conversation Project: What Are You? Mixed-Race and Interracial Families in Oregon’s Past and Future
The number of mixed-race people and interracial families in Oregon is growing. What are the challenges and benefits of growing up mixed-race, raising mixed-race children, or being an interracial couple in a state that’s historically been mostly white? How can we openly discuss our own ethnic and racial heritage with each other without being regarded as odd or unusual? How have the answers to “What are you?” changed through the decades? Dmae Roberts, who has written essays and produced film and radio documentaries about being a biracial Asian American in Oregon, leads a discussion of heritage that goes beyond checking one race on US Census forms.
Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
As individuals and groups, we experience different levels of privilege and power. Recognizing our relationship to oppression can bring feelings of guilt, shame, and grief. How can we hold space for these feelings while also creating conditions for new insights to emerge to deepen our understanding of each other and ourselves? Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities.
Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives.
Conversation Project: Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives.
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities.
Conversation Project: Race and Adoption
In this conversation, facilitator Astrid Castro will ask participants to explore questions such as, What role do race and racism play in your family?
Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be Good?
Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression
Conversation Project: Sentenced for a Season, Punished for Life
How Long Should People Pay for Past Crimes?
Talking about Place, Race, and Family
An interview with Ezra Marcos Ayala, a photographer and father of three living in Ashland.
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: The Hate We Live In
Join facilitator Tyler White for a conversation that will help participants recognize oppression of all kinds and provide tools to combat hate by calling out the injustices present in everyday life.
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: Race and Adoption
In this conversation, facilitator Astrid Castro will ask participants to explore questions such as, What role do race and racism play in your family? What are the personal experiences that inform how you talk to adopted children in your life about where they are from? Where do you need to grow to be the best resource you can be for children who are adopted?
Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be Good?
Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
Organizations and communities are working to invite broader groups of people to engage in their work as employees, patrons, board members, and donors. Having a statement at the end of a job announcement to encourage communities of color, queer people, and women to apply can be a start, but how do policies, environment, and culture support this invitation? How do they fail to support it? How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion.
Conversation Project: What Are You? Mixed-Race and Interracial Families in Oregon’s Past and Future
The number of mixed-race people and interracial families in Oregon is growing. What are the challenges and benefits of growing up mixed-race, raising mixed-race children, or being an interracial couple in a state that’s historically been mostly white? How can we openly discuss our own ethnic and racial heritage with each other without being regarded as odd or unusual? How have the answers to “What are you?” changed through the decades? Dmae Roberts, who has written essays and produced film and radio documentaries about being a biracial Asian American in Oregon, leads a discussion of heritage that goes beyond checking one race on US Census forms.
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Although Census data show Oregon’s population becoming more racially diverse, the state remains one of the whitest in the nation. Many Oregonians value racial diversity and the dimension and depth it adds to our lives, yet we remain largely isolated from one another and have yet to fulfill the vision of a racially integrated society. Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation about the challenges to creating racially diverse, inclusive communities despite the accomplishments since the civil rights era. What does the racial integration of place require of us, and how might we prepare to create and embrace this opportunity?
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit, rural communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs.
Conversation Project: Where Are You From?
In 2015, Oregon’s population exceeded 4 million people. Not only are we growing in number, we’re also changing demographically. Considering that Oregon has a history of racial exclusion, these changes prompt questions about Oregonian identity and values. How do we build communities that welcome people of all backgrounds? How are minority and under-represented populations included and treated today? Drawing on the diverse histories and backgrounds of attendees, Kerani Mitchell leads a conversation that asks what makes us Oregonian and how can we create inclusive communities.
Conversation Project: What Does it Mean to Be Good?
Most of us believe we are good people. But if we are all good people, with little room for fallibility, who are the people responsible for supporting structural oppression like racism, sexism, and heterosexism? If we hope to be “good,” what are our moral responsibilities in a society of privilege, power, and oppression? Join facilitator Brittany Wake in a discussion that explores the values associated with how we come to establish ourselves as good people and what that means for our potential complicity in perpetuating marginalization.
Civil Discourse and Civil Resistance
Oregon Humanities’ 2018–19 Think & Drink series examines themes of journalism and justice.
Family Ties
Emilly Prado writes about how changes to immigration legislation shape the lives of undocumented families in an excerpt from "More than Words," her project for Oregon Humanities' Emerging Journalists, Community Stories project.
Peace and Dignity
Mohamed Asem writes about finding community in shared stories of unjust detention in an excerpt from his memoir, Stranger in the Pen.
Our Most-read Stories of 2018
Our readers' favorite articles and videos from the past year explore stories of identity, place, and belonging.
Croppings: Enrique Chagoya, Reverse Anthropology
Through January 27, 2019, at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?
Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Power dynamics influence who benefits from certain cultural experience, and—given the global nature of our world—parts of our individual and cultural identities are shaped by cultures other than our own. How do we make sense of this and what effect does it have on us as individuals and as Oregonians? Facilitator Surabhi Majahan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.
Conversation Project: Can We Get Along?
Examining Our Personal Experiences of Connection and Community
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
Organizations and communities are working to invite broader groups of people to engage in their work as employees, patrons, board members, and donors. Having a statement at the end of a job announcement to encourage communities of color, queer people, and women to apply can be a start, but how do policies, environment, and culture support this invitation? How do they fail to support it? How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion.
Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?
Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead a conversation that explores cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.
Conversation Project: Where Are You From?
In 2015, Oregon’s population exceeded 4 million people. Not only are we growing in number, we’re also changing demographically. Considering that Oregon has a history of racial exclusion, these changes prompt questions about Oregonian identity and values. How do we build communities that welcome people of all backgrounds? How are minority and under-represented populations included and treated today? Drawing on the diverse histories and backgrounds of attendees, Kerani Mitchell leads a conversation that asks what makes us Oregonian and how can we create inclusive communities.
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit, rural communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs.
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be Good?
Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities.
Exploring Power and Privilege with Courage, Creativity, and Compassion
Join facilitator Ridhi D’Cruz for a conversation that explores how we face and transform oppression in our everyday lives. This conversation will include some hands-on activities.
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation about the challenges to creating racially diverse, inclusive communities despite the accomplishments since the civil rights era.
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation about the challenges to creating racially diverse, inclusive communities despite the accomplishments since the civil rights era.
Conversation Project: Race and Adoption
In this conversation, facilitator Astrid Castro will ask participants to explore questions such as, What role do race and racism play in your family? What are the personal experiences that inform how you talk to adopted children in your life about where they are from? Where do you need to grow to be the best resource you can be for children who are adopted?
Conversation Project: Sentenced for a Season, Punished for Life
What does it mean to our society that 8 percent of our overall US population—and 33 percent of African American men—who have felony convictions run into these barriers after they serve time in prison? Join facilitator Pamela Slaughter in a conversation about how this reality affects our communities and what alternatives might look like.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Think & Drink with Danielle Allen
The 2018–19 Think & Drink series on Journalism and Justice continues with a conversation with political theorist Danielle Allen, professor at Harvard University and author of the memoir Cuz: The Life and Times of Michael A.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Think & Drink with Eli Saslow
Join journalist Eli Saslow, author of Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist for a conversation about how white supremacist movements are born and how they gain power.
Croppings: The Casta Paintings
Multimedia works by Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez at the Schneider Museum of Art in Ashland
What Work Does a Street Sign Do?
A conversation with geographer Natchee Blu Barnd on how place-naming shapes perspectives of history related to Indigenous peoples in the US.
Black. Muslim. Woman.
Tiara Darnell talks to Fatmah Worfeley, a nineteen-year-old Portland activist and student, about racism within the Muslim community, her parents’ interracial marriage, reconciling her Palestinian and Libyan heritage, and coming to terms with her Blackness.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Vanport Mosaic Festival 2018
The 2018 Vanport Mosaic Festival offers six days of memory activism opportunities, commemorating the seventieth anniversary of the Vanport Flood and the fiftieth anniversary of the Fair Housing Act through screenings, live performances, tours, exhibits, and community engagement initiatives
Vanport Mosaic Festival 2018
The 2018 Vanport Mosaic Festival offers six days of memory activism opportunities, commemorating the seventieth anniversary of the Vanport Flood and the fiftieth anniversary of the Fair Housing Act through screenings, live performances, tours, exhibits, and community engagement initiatives
Vanport Mosaic Festival 2018
The 2018 Vanport Mosaic Festival offers six days of memory activism opportunities, commemorating the seventieth anniversary of the Vanport Flood and the fiftieth anniversary of the Fair Housing Act through screenings, live performances, tours, exhibits, and community engagement initiatives
Vanport Mosaic Festival 2018
The 2018 Vanport Mosaic Festival offers six days of memory activism opportunities, commemorating the seventieth anniversary of the Vanport Flood and the fiftieth anniversary of the Fair Housing Act through screenings, live performances, tours, exhibits, and community engagement initiatives
Vanport Mosaic Festival 2018
The 2018 Vanport Mosaic Festival offers six days of memory activism opportunities, commemorating the seventieth anniversary of the Vanport Flood and the fiftieth anniversary of the Fair Housing Act through screenings, live performances, tours, exhibits, and community engagement initiatives.
Vanport Mosaic Festival 2018
The 2018 Vanport Mosaic Festival offers six days of memory activism opportunities, commemorating the seventieth anniversary of the Vanport Flood and the fiftieth anniversary of the Fair Housing Act through screenings, live performances, tours, exhibits, and community engagement initiatives.
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
White Man's Territory
Kenneth R. Coleman writes about the exclusionary intent behind the 1850 Donation Land Act in this excerpt from his book, Dangerous Subjects: James D. Saules and the Rise of Black Exclusion in Oregon.
Becoming Asian
Scot Nakagawa explores the roots of race and the model minority myth
Read. Talk. Think.
Things that make you say “O. Hm.” from Oregon Humanities people and programs, and new books by Oregon authors
Think & Drink with Rinku Sen
Deschutes Public Library, Oregon Humanities, and OSU-Cascades Diversity Committee present a Think & Drink conversation on racial justice and democracy in the twenty-first century with Rinku Sen, author of Stir It Up: Lessons in Community Organizing and The Accidental American: Immigration and Citizenship in the Age of Globalization..
Gamanfest: Reclaiming Identity Through Art and Activism
Inspired by the spirit of gaman—"perseverance" or "endurance"—and those Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated in government camps during World War II, this festival serves as a venue for artists and activists within the Asian American community who use their heritage and culture as motivation for the work they create.
Gamanfest: Reclaiming Identity Through Art and Activism
Inspired by the spirit of gaman—"perseverance" or "endurance"—and those Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated in government camps during World War II, this festival serves as a venue for artists and activists within the Asian American community who use their heritage and culture as motivation for the work they create.
Conversation Project: Where Are You From?
Drawing on the diverse histories and backgrounds of participants, Kerani Mitchell leads a conversation that asks what makes us Oregonian and how can we create inclusive communities.
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Facilitators Anita Yap and Traci Price will lead participants in a conversation that looks at how Oregon’s history of racism influences our present and asks, How can understanding historic and current impacts of racism in Oregon contribute to our sense of place and vision of the future?
Finding Our Way Amidst Racial Differences
A public discussion on the skills, awareness, and actions needed to improve race relations in Ashland. Facilitated by Marjorie Trueblood-Gamble from Southern Oregon University and Adam Davis from Oregon Humanities.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Many Oregonians value racial diversity and the dimension and depth it adds to our lives, yet we remain largely isolated from one another and have yet to fulfill the vision of a racially integrated society. Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races.
Conversation Project: What Does it Mean to be Good?
Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races, such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.
Conversation Project: After Obama *POSTPONED*
Talking Race in America Today
Black History Month Film Series: "I Am Not Your Negro"
Self Enhancement, Inc. presents Raoul Peck's film I Am Not Your Negro, followed by a panel discussion with Aisha Karefa-Smart, a niece of James Baldwin, and Darrais Carter, assistant professor of Black studies at Portland State university. This program is made possible in part by a Responsive Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
Conversation Project: What Does it Mean to be Good?
Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression
Think & Drink with Rinku Sen and Mary Li
The 2017–18 Think & Drink series on race, power, and justice concludes with a conversation with Rinku Sen. Sen is a senior strategist for Race Forward, a national organization that advances racial justice through research, media and practice, and a contributing writer for the organization’s daily news site, Colorlines.
Conversation Project: Where Are You From?
Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.
Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be Good?
Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression
Conversation Project: After Obama *POSTPONED*
Talking Race in America Today
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be Good?
Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Field Work: People in Motion
The University of Oregon’s Wayne Morse Center explores borders, migration, and belonging.
Protecting Inequality
Anoop Mirpuri on the economic causes of racist policing
To Heart Mountain
Alice Hardesty travels to see the site of a World War II prison camp that her father designed.
Cuts and Blows
Tashia Harris on living without expectation of safety
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: After Obama
Talking Race in America Today
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: After Obama
Talking Race in America Today
Race and Domestic Violence
Join Adelante Mujeres, Bradley Angle, YWCA of Greater Portland, and Micronesian Islander Community for an evening of poetry, education, and discussion to foster a greater understanding of the significance of race and ethnicity in relationship to domestic violence.
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: After Obama
Talking Race in America Today
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: What Does it Mean to Be Good?
Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
What systems are in place to prevent the racial integration and equity many of us strive for? Knowing what we do, how do we act—as individuals and communities—to embrace the opportunity presented by a more diverse Oregon?
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: After Obama *CANCELLED*
Talking Race in America Today
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
History in the News: Whose Monuments? Whose Memory?
Join Willamette Heritage Center for a panel discussion on historical monuments, memory, and the complex history of colonialism, racism, and white supremacist imagery in American culture. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation
How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?
Conversation Project: After Obama
Talking Race in America Today
Conversation Project: Race and Place
Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future
Conversation Project: What Are You?
Mixed-Race and Interracial Families in Oregon’s Past and Future
Reaching Back for Truth
Gwen Trice has spent the last fifteen years uncovering her father’s legacy and the history of Oregon’s Black loggers, who lived and worked in Wallowa County at a time when Oregon law excluded Blacks from the state.
What Is Mine
Editor Kathleen Holt on looking for identity in the post-colonial welter of midcentury Hawaii.
A City's Lifeblood
As efforts to clean up Portland Harbor begin, the communities most affected by pollution see a chance to reconnect to the Willamette River. By Julia Rosen
Think & Drink with Walidah Imarisha
A conversation on criminalization, poverty, prisons, harm, and systems of accountability within the US criminal justice system with writer and educator Walidah Imarisha.
Think & Drink
A conversation focusing on race, power, and justice
Stake Your Place
The Cully neighborhood of Portland offers a glimpse at the complex racial, ethnic, and economic factors at play in a community trying to resist the forces of gentrification, displacement, and change.
Conversation Project: What Are You?
Mixed-Race and Interracial Families in Oregon's Past and Future
Vanport Mosaic Festival
Theater, documentaries, historic exhibits, lectures, and tours will explore will explore the history and legacy of Vanport. Oregon Humanities is a cosponsor of this event.
"Priced Out" Screening and Dialogue
Watch an excerpt from the film and then join the discussion about how rising housing prices are displacing Portland's black community. Oregon Humanities is a cosponsor of this event.
Conversation Project: Where Are You from?
Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
"Spiritrials" Post-Show Discussion with Mic Crenshaw
A conversation reflecting on the show with hip hop artist and activist Mic Crenshaw. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
"Spiritrials" Post-Show Discussion with Pancho Savery
A conversation reflecting on the show with Pancho Savery, professor of English and humanities at Reed College. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
"Spiritrials" Post-Show Discussion with Creator Dahlak Brathwaite
A conversation reflecting on the show. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
"Spiritrials" Post-Show Discussion on Faith and Religion
A conversation reflecting on the show with Conversation Project leader Elizabeth Harlan-Ferlo of Interfaith Muse. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
The Opposite of What We Know
Writer Putsata Reang reflects on the project "Bitter Harvest"
"Spiritrials" Post-Show Discussion with JoAnn Hardesty
A conversation reflecting on the show with JoAnn Hardesty, President of NAACP Portland branch. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
Bitter Harvest
Writer Putsata Reang and filmmaker Ivy Lin explore the stories of Chinese laborers in the 1900s who helped establish the state's reputation as an international beer capital, despite exclusion laws that kept them from owning the hop farms where they worked.
Conversation Project: Where Are You from?
Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians
Conversation Project: Where Are You from?
Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.
POSTPONED Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.
Bitter Harvest Screening and Discussion
Video screening and panel discussion about This Land's Bitter Harvest project
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Race & Place: Old Town's Chinatown and Japantown through Chinese American and Nikkei Eyes
Chinese and Japanese American elders explore Old Town's multiethnic and multiracial past. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon
Many Oregonians value racial diversity and the dimension and depth it adds to our lives, yet we remain largely isolated from one another and have yet to fulfill the vision of a racially integrated society. Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.
Conversation Project: Where Are You from?
Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians
Think & Drink on Poverty, Displacement, and Inequality
A conversation with Portland leaders and activists working on creative ways to mitigate the effects of the city's housing shortage and build more stable, prosperous communities.
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Conversation Project: Where Are You From?
Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians
Race & Place: Old Town's Chinatown and Japantown through Chinese American and Nikkei Eyes
Chinese and Japanese American elders explore Old Town's multiethnic and multiracial past. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
Conversation Project: Where Are You from?
Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians
Think & Drink on the Future of Urban Development in Portland
A conversation about the future of housing and urban development in Portland with civic leaders and developers poised to make it happen.
History in the News: Immigration in Oregon's Past and Present
The first program of the 2017 History in the News forum series explores the history of immigration, immigration law, and immigrant rights in Oregon. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
Conversation Project: What Are You?
Mixed-Race and Interracial Families in Oregon's Past and Future
Community Forum on Identity and the Use of Race on National Forms
The NAACP Eugene-Springfield Branch hosts a forum about racial identification on government forms. This is an Oregon Humanities grant-funded event.
Conversation Project: What's in a Label?
Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories
Portland Expo Center: A Hidden History
This film produced by Jodi Darby for Oregon Humanities shares the experiences of Japanese Americans who were imprisoned in the Portland Expo Center during World War II.
Words Have Life
Filmmaker Sika Stanton reflects on the making of “An Oregon Canyon”
Facing the N-Word
Writer Donnell Alexander reflects on the making of “An Oregon Canyon”
An Oregon Canyon
Produced by Sika Stanton and Donnell Alexander for Oregon Humanities, this film reveals the story of a canyon in Jefferson County, Oregon that was renamed for John A. Brown in 2014, one of the first Black homesteaders in Oregon.
Within Makeshift Walls
Author Eric Gold on the Portland Expo Center’s era as a prison for Japanese Americans during World War II.
The Farmers of Tanner Creek
Writer Putsata Reang on the little-known history of Chinese farmers and vegetable peddlers in Portland
"I'm Not Staying Here Another Day"
A conversation about the Great Migration with Isabel Wilkerson and Rukaiyah Adams
Just People Like Us
Writer Guy Maynard on a little-known history of a Southern Oregon community during World War II where prisoners of war were more welcome than US military of color
A Tremendous Force of Will
A conversation about the Great Migration's and the civil right movement with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson
In the Land of the New
Mexican immigrants find home in el nuevo South. An excerpt from Translation Nation by Héctor Tobar
Community in Flux
The long-persecuted Roma people begin to speak out. By Lisa Loving
My North Star
How Mumia Abu-Jamal Led Me to Activism. An essay by Walidah Imarisha
Posts
Readers write about Safe
Future: Portland
Civic leaders describe the loss of Portland's strong black communities and the hope of restoring them in the future in a video by Ifanyi Bell.
Magazine Podcast: Quandary
Talking about Ferguson, feminism, and filling out forms with Oregon Humanities magazine contributors
The Late Show
Journalist Nigel Duara on the media becoming part of the story in the 2014 protests in Ferguson, Missouri.
Boxed In
Writer Wendy Willis ponders which race to check and which people to leave behind when asked about her racial and ethnic background.
The Air I Breathe
Filmmaker Ifanyi Bell writes about growing up underestimated in Portland
The Bamboo Ceiling
Alex Tizon on how "Orientals" became "Asians." An excerpt from Big Little Man: In Search of My Asian Self
Origin Stories
The surprising beginnings of six of Oregons claims to fame
Small Man in a Big Country
Native language is just the first thing an immigrant family abandons in order to become American. An excerpt from Little Big Man: In Search of My Asian Self by Alex Tizon
What It Means to Say Portland
Mitchell S. Jackson on the experience of growing up Black in North and Northeast Portland.
A Hidden History
Walidah Imarisha on revealing the stories and struggles of Oregon’s African American communities.
Dangerous Subjects
An excerpt from R. Gregory Nokes's book Breaking Chains looks back at Oregon's history of exclusionary laws.
More Than Skin Deep
Scholar Naomi Zack on the science and social construction of race in America
One America?
A conversation between Gregory Rodriguez and Tomas Jimenez about American identity, race, immigration, and ideology.
Picture Their Hearts
Dionisia Morales looks back at her parents interracial marriage before the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
Being Brown
Bobbie Willis Soeby on when skin lies and when skin tells the truth
My Brother, the Keeper
A woman tries to understand her brother's need to hoard. An essay by Dmae Roberts
Uprockin' the Rose City
The community that hip hop built in Portland. An article by Walidah Imarisha
Legally White
Muslim immigrants vie for citizenship in the early twentieth century. By Kambiz Ghaneabassiri
What Remains
A search for the site of a notorious massacre in Hells Canyon