Petition to Require Oregon Schools to Teach History of Redlining

Require Oregon Schools to Teach the History of Redlining and Segregation

Oregon was originally colonized as a whites only state and remained that way until 1926.

If you didn't know that, now you do, but just imagine how much more you aren't aware of. Oregon has a deeply rooted history of racism that is present today in all facets of the state, from education and law enforcement to the distribution of wealth among white owned businesses over black owned businesses. Everything has been affected by this founding idea of a white-only state.

Have you heard of the Vanport flood? Redlining? The history of Alberta street? If you answered no to ANY of these questions, the education system in Oregon has failed you and the black community. Read More…

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Virtual Vanport Mosaic Festival.

Vanport Mosaic Festival:

Health, Hate, Housing and History

I hope you’ll join me for this (and so many more!) Virtual Vanport Mosaic Festival events.

As part of The ~virtual~ Vanport Mosaic Festival 2020 - May 8-30

Vanport Mosaic presents:

Health, Hate, Housing, and History: Lessons at the Intersection of Race and Pandemics
A live presentation by Allan Lazo/Executive Director, Fair Housing Council of Oregon
Wednesday, May 26 - 12:30pm PT/3pm ET

Streaming on https://www.facebook.com/VanportMosaic/live
and www.vanportmosaic.org/festival2020

FREE// If you can, please support our memory activism collective by a tax-deductible donation to >> vanportmosaic.org/donate

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"Who gets to be an American?" is partly rooted in attaining the American Dream, but what happens if we deny part of that dream to some members of our community? And what if denying access to the American Dream opens those communities to being further ostracized, othered, and excluded?

Can we envision a just future by remembering a history of exclusion? Strengthen your memory activism by recognizing that this moment today reflects a history of communities of color being excluded and then blamed during past health crises.

More Information…

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PDX Tip Jar-Extending a Hand to Service Industry Workers

“If you'd like to support our Portland service industry workers during these uncertain--and very stressful--times, I'm compiling a list of cooks, bartenders, servers, baristas, dishwashers, & other essential folks who keep our city's food & beverage culture thriving. A small contribution can help these folks stay afloat financially while we wait to see what develops in the coming weeks.”

“The premise is simple: Tip a dollar, $5, $10, $20—or whatever you’d like—directly to a Service Industry worker! Tip someone at random or browse the full list to find your favorite spots.”

Read More…

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21 Mid-century Renovations in Portland That Maintain Their Northwest Charm

From dwell magazine, a look at 21 stunning mid-century home renovations that not only hearken back to the glory days of Mid-century Modern design, they’re updated for modern convenience and embrace a Northwest feel.

“When renovating a historic home—even if it's from the 1950s or later—
one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to balance its original character with the necessary functional and aesthetic updates for a 21st-century house. Below, we've gathered some of the best examples of thoughtful renovations in Portland, Oregon, where architects and designers have carefully blended key Northwest architectural elements with modern features.”

Read More…

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What Makes Buyers Fall in Love with a Home?

Realtor.com® just analyzed keyword home search data in each U.S. state to determine regional must-have features when searching for a home, and it’s fascinating to see the different search terms state-by state. I’m sure it would surprise no one to read that the number one feature Oregon home buyer’s are searching for is an ADU. Check out the most popular features by state here…

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The Faces of Black Oregon

From the article “THE FACES OF BLACK OREGON” by

S. Renee Mitchell

“Meet a vibrant community that thrives despite a history of discrimination.

The allure of Oregon’s sweeping coastal vistas, thick conifer forests and snowcapped peaks transcends a single demographic. But when black travelers visit the state, they invariably wonder why there are so few black people here. In fact, educator and historical scholar Walidah Imarisha has traveled the state for years with an informative lecture that answers the question: “Why Aren’t There More Black People in Oregon?”

The answer is rooted in the state’s three separate black exclusion laws that were once part of the Oregon Constitution. The discriminatory language was not even completely removed from the historical document until 2001.”

Read the rest of this informative piece HERE…

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All Power to The People

All Power to The People:

Black Panther Party's Legacy in Portland

The Vanport Mosaic presents: All Power to The People: Remembering the Legacy of the Black Panther Party in Portland led by Kent Ford.

Come hear Mr. Kent Ford, founding member of Portland's chapter of the '60s-era black empowerment organization, share his personal memories of revolutionary activism, defending the community from police violence as well as organizing free breakfasts for children and health clinics.

We will screen the Vanport Mosaic-produced short documentary "Stings Like A Bee." The event culminates a moderated conversation between Mr. Ford and local historians, activists and community organizers including Portland State University Black Studies Department chair & associate professor, Dr. Ethan Johnson, writer and educator, Walidah Imarisha, and artist, Cleo Davis.

Doors open at 1:30 PM. Come early to explore informational tabling by local individuals, grassroots groups, and cultural institutions committed to social justice and advancing our community. Mr. Ford’s presentation will begin promptly at 2 PM.

About this Event:

Saturday, February 8

Billy Webb Elks Lodge, 6 N Tillamook St, Portland, OR 97227

Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students (available online and at the door).

No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

More Info…

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