Community Events

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
3

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
4

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
5

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
9

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
10

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Apr
11

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
11

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
12

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
16

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
17

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
18

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
19

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
23

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
24

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!
Apr
25

Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!

Join us for a hands-on community archiving session to preserve personal and collective histories. In partnership with City of PDX Archives.

Archiving Is Resistance ✊🏾 Memory Work Matters!

Join us for a series of hands-on community archiving sessions to preserve personal and collective histories. Memory workers from Don’t Shoot PDX and the Portland City Archives will be on-site to offer guidance. Coffee and light refreshments provided.

☕️ Coffee and Collections
Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Black Memory & Preservation Lab
510 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 400 | Portland, OR 97203

________________

Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists. @dontshootpdx @theblackgallerypdx

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Apr
25

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
25

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
26

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
30

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
May
9

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!
May
23

Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!

Join us for a hands-on community archiving session to preserve personal and collective histories. In partnership with City of PDX Archives.

Archiving Is Resistance ✊🏾 Memory Work Matters!

Join us for a series of hands-on community archiving sessions to preserve personal and collective histories. Memory workers from Don’t Shoot PDX and the Portland City Archives will be on-site to offer guidance. Coffee and light refreshments provided.

☕️ Coffee and Collections
Saturday, May 23 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Black Memory & Preservation Lab
510 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 400 | Portland, OR 97203

________________

Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists. @dontshootpdx @theblackgallerypdx

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
May
23

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Jun
13

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!
Jun
27

Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!

Join us for a hands-on community archiving session to preserve personal and collective histories. In partnership with City of PDX Archives.

Archiving Is Resistance ✊🏾 Memory Work Matters!

Join us for a series of hands-on community archiving sessions to preserve personal and collective histories. Memory workers from Don’t Shoot PDX and the Portland City Archives will be on-site to offer guidance. Coffee and light refreshments provided.

☕️ Coffee and Collections
Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Black Memory & Preservation Lab
510 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 400 | Portland, OR 97203

________________

Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists. @dontshootpdx @theblackgallerypdx

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Jun
27

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Jul
11

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!
Jul
25

Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!

Join us for a hands-on community archiving session to preserve personal and collective histories. In partnership with City of PDX Archives.

Archiving Is Resistance ✊🏾 Memory Work Matters!

Join us for a series of hands-on community archiving sessions to preserve personal and collective histories. Memory workers from Don’t Shoot PDX and the Portland City Archives will be on-site to offer guidance. Coffee and light refreshments provided.

☕️ Coffee and Collections
Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Black Memory & Preservation Lab
510 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 400 | Portland, OR 97203

________________

Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists. @dontshootpdx @theblackgallerypdx

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Jul
25

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Apr
2

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
29

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
28

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Mar
28

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
27

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!
Mar
27

Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!

Join us for a hands-on community archiving session to preserve personal and collective histories. In partnership with City of PDX Archives.

Archiving Is Resistance ✊🏾 Memory Work Matters!

Join us for a series of hands-on community archiving sessions to preserve personal and collective histories. Memory workers from Don’t Shoot PDX and the Portland City Archives will be on-site to offer guidance. Coffee and light refreshments provided.

☕️ Coffee and Collections
Friday, March 27 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Black Memory & Preservation Lab
510 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 400 | Portland, OR 97203

________________

Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists. @dontshootpdx @theblackgallerypdx

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
26

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

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Spring Break Out
Mar
25

Spring Break Out

Wednesday March 25, 2026 at the Black Memory Lab
510 SW Third Avenue Portland, OR 97204

This event has been moved from Tuesday to Wednesday 12:30-1:30pm: We are hosting the City Elections office to learn more about the ranked choice voting system! Do you have questions about our new voting style, and want to ask questions directly? Join us for a presentation, Q&A and a mock ballot activity! 


1:30-3:30pm: Audits Matter! Do you want to learn more about how to report government misconduct, or how public tax dollars are being mismanaged? From policies to programs and city bureaus, the City Auditor ensures transparency and accountability to serve the people. Come with questions and ideas for future audits, leave with a better understanding of how our local government works! Email us to RSVP: SocialOutreach@DontShootPDX.org

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Spring Break Out!
Mar
23
to Mar 27

Spring Break Out!

IT’S SPRING BREAK OUT WEEK - JOIN US!

MAR 24

First day of Spring Break 2026 with Sincere Studios!

Don't Shoot Portland's 
Annual Spring Break Out program!

 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Intro to Sewing class with Sincere Studio yesterday. Huge thanks to Frances for being so accommodating and helpful as we made our own tote bags!

Our Spring Break Out is a free week of events meant to bring communities together for art, education and important skill-sharing. Every year we make this possible thanks to the support of our donors and community partners who align their work with community access - THANK YOU! 

To support Spring Break Out or future Don't Shoot PDX programs, please email us at SocialOutreach@DontShootPDX.org

Wednesday March 25, 2026 at the Black Memory Lab
510 SW Third Avenue Portland, OR 97204

This event has been moved from Tuesday to Wednesday 12:30-1:30pm: We are hosting the City Elections office to learn more about the ranked choice voting system! Do you have questions about our new voting style, and want to ask questions directly? Join us for a presentation, Q&A and a mock ballot activity! 


1:30-3:30pm: Audits Matter! Do you want to learn more about how to report government misconduct, or how public tax dollars are being mismanaged? From policies to programs and city bureaus, the City Auditor ensures transparency and accountability to serve the people. Come with questions and ideas for future audits, leave with a better understanding of how our local government works! Email us to RSVP: SocialOutreach@DontShootPDX.org

Thursday March 26, 2026 at Hughes Food Forest
111 NE Failing Street Portland, OR 97212

5:30-7:00pm: Come by Hughes Food Forest to learn more about our ongoing project in NE Portland. All ages and experiences are welcome - just come equipped with a passion for food justice and a willingness to learn.

Please email us if you’re planning to attend! HughesFoodForest@DontShootPDX.org

Friday March 27, 2026 at the Black Memory Lab
510 SW Third Avenue Portland, OR 97204

10:00-12:00pm: Celebrate Women’s History Month and Black Futures Forward! Join Don’t Shoot PDX and Portland City Archives for the last day of Spring Break Out! This is an event in a series focused on building community, learning archival skills, and working to ensure community stories are accessible for future generations. Bring your personal archiving projects to work on, connect with community members, and receive guidance from the memory workers at DSPDX and Portland City Archives. Special guests Gahlena Avidan and Balinda Golden will be in attendance to record their oral histories. RSVP here.

This event has been moved from Tuesday to Friday: It’s time to reimagine community building! What makes us healthy, what sustains us and how do we respond in crisis? We will be joined by OHSU’s Cascade Life Alliance, who will share the incredible impacts made by organ donors and dispel the misinformation surrounding this important topic. Email us to RSVP: SocialOutreach@DontShootPDX.org

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Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
21

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
20

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
19

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
15

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
14

Window Into Solitary at The BLACK Gallery

Window Into Solitary
March 14 - April 30

___________


A photography exhibition sharing the stories of 17 people who survived solitary confinement, revealing the human cost of isolation.

Window Into Solitary is a photography exhibition that documents the lived experiences of 17 men and women who survived long-term solitary confinement. Through striking portraits and first-person testimony, the exhibition invites us to confront the human cost of isolation while honoring the resilience of those who endured it.

Each image is paired with powerful written reflections from participants about their time in solitary confinement and their perspectives on its widespread use across the U.S. carceral system. Together, these stories create a rare and urgent window into an often hidden reality.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement — a new book by Christopher Blackwell, Prof. Deborah Zalesne, Kwaneta Harris, and Dr. Terry Kupers. The book and exhibition together expose the cruel and unusual punishment faced by close to 125,000 people each day inside American prisons and call us to action.

Hosted by
The BLACK Gallery PDX: Don't Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists.

Look2Justice (Christopher Blackwell): Look2Justice provides peer-led civic education and empowerment programs to currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. We work to empower directly impacted people with the skills and knowledge to navigate legislative, policy, and narrative change so that they may advocate on their own behalf.

Social Documentary Network / ZEKE Magazine (Glenn Ruga): Glenn Ruga is a photographer, graphic designer and curator. He founded the Social Documentary Network (SDN) as a web platform for a globalcommunity of documentary photographers to present their work online. As a photographer, he has created traveling and online documentary exhibits on the struggle for a multicultural future. In 2015, Ruga launched ZEKE: The Magazine of Global Documentary, a printand digital magazine published by SDN presenting the best stories from the Social Documentary Network.

Photography by
Deborah Espinosa (Seattle), Lori Waselchuk (Philadelphia), Brian Branch-Price (New York), Brian Frank (San Francisco)

Exhibition Details

  • Opening Reception on March 14 from 5-8pm // FREE RSVP

  • March 14, 2026 through April 30, 2026

  • Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm by appointment - please send an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com to confirm your visit

  • Address: 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Mar
14

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Activate Portland 2026!
Mar
14

Activate Portland 2026!

Don’t Shoot Portland will be tabling at the upcoming Activate Portland event. Read on for more information and details for how to participate!

Join us for a day of connection with each other and over 20 organizations committed to creating a more beautiful and connected Portland! This exciting day at Tabor Space is filled with opportunities to network, attend workshops, and engage in meaningful discussions that empower our community to take action with a focus on regenerative agriculture, placemaking, social justice, mutual aid, community building, climate resilience, and land tending.

Event Highlights

  • Connect with like-minded people committed to making Portland a more resilient and inclusive city.

  • Share ideas and collaborate on impactful projects.

  • Learn from seasoned activists, community members, and organizations making a difference.

  • Talks by community leaders featuring Cameron Whitten of Brown Hope, Essence Satterfield from Feed'em Freedom Foundation, and David Grandfield from Portland Community Gardens.

  • Perfect for everyone, whether you're experienced or just getting involved, have lived here for decades or just moved to town!

Tickets can be purchased here:

https://www.portlandplacemaking.org/activate-portland-summit

View Event →
First Hughes Planting Day of the Season!
Mar
7

First Hughes Planting Day of the Season!

Volunteers Welcomed!

Are you or someone you know interested in learning how to grow your own food? No experience necessary, just an interest in learning about gardening basics while supporting a good cause!

 

Those interested can email us at hughesfoodforest@dontshootpdx.org to sign up - our first planting session of the year is happening in March! Learn more about the why behind this project and what’s to come. Come dream with us - you make it all possible with your support.

Hughes Community Church
10am - 3pm
111 NE Failing Street

View Event →
"For Artists of Color" Opening Reception at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
5

"For Artists of Color" Opening Reception at The BLACK Gallery

For Artists of Color 
An Unaffiliated Exhibition of Student artwork, By and for Students of Color hosted by The Black Gallery 

Exhibition Dates: February 22nd, 2026 - March 7th, 2026
Opening Reception: First Thursday, March 5th 2026 6pm - 9pm 

What is art without activism? What is art without resistance? What is art without protest?

For Artists of Color is an exhibition showcasing artwork from local Portland-Based artists. This exhibition is curated exclusively by and for students of color. On February 14th, 2025 a letter was sent out by the United States Department of Education. This letter imposed a view of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as being discriminatory towards white students because they cannot "equally benefit” from race and ethnicity based measures that intended to create a more equitable playing field for students of color. 

Many universities and arts organizations pushed back and fought against this letter, suing the department of education. The students in this exhibition were told that their institution wasn't fighting for them. Rather than support their community of student artists and defend their right to hold exhibitions solely for the Black, Indigenous and community of color they were told they couldn't. This exhibition stands as a counter, a push back against them, if you don’t want our community then you won't have us.

Please request appointments by emailing info@theblackgallerypdx.com Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm.

View Event →
"For Artists of Color" Student Exhibition at The BLACK Gallery
Mar
5
to Mar 7

"For Artists of Color" Student Exhibition at The BLACK Gallery

For Artists of Color 
An Unaffiliated Exhibition of Student artwork, By and for Students of Color hosted by The Black Gallery 

Exhibition Dates: February 22nd, 2026 - March 7th, 2026
Opening Reception: First Thursday, March 5th 2026 6pm - 9pm 

What is art without activism? What is art without resistance? What is art without protest?

For Artists of Color is an exhibition showcasing artwork from local Portland-Based artists. This exhibition is curated exclusively by and for students of color. On February 14th, 2025 a letter was sent out by the United States Department of Education. This letter imposed a view of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as being discriminatory towards white students because they cannot "equally benefit” from race and ethnicity based measures that intended to create a more equitable playing field for students of color. 

Many universities and arts organizations pushed back and fought against this letter, suing the department of education. The students in this exhibition were told that their institution wasn't fighting for them. Rather than support their community of student artists and defend their right to hold exhibitions solely for the Black, Indigenous and community of color they were told they couldn't. This exhibition stands as a counter, a push back against them, if you don’t want our community then you won't have us.

Please request appointments by emailing info@theblackgallerypdx.com Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm.

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Feb
28

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!
Feb
28

Portland in Black: Free Archiving Workshop with Don't Shoot Portland!

Join us for a hands-on community archiving session to preserve personal and collective histories. In partnership with City of PDX Archives.

Archiving Is Resistance ✊🏾 Memory Work Matters!

Join us for a series of hands-on community archiving sessions to preserve personal and collective histories. Memory workers from Don’t Shoot PDX and the Portland City Archives will be on-site to offer guidance. Coffee and light refreshments provided.

☕️ Coffee and Collections
Saturday,February 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Black Memory & Preservation Lab
510 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 400 | Portland, OR 97203

________________

Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our mission is to harness the power of creative expression to inspire, educate, and mobilize communities towards equity, justice, and transformative social impact. The BLACK Gallery powered by DSPDX is an extension of this programming, centering art as activism to showcase underrepresented artists. @dontshootpdx @theblackgallerypdx

View Event →
"For Artists of Color" Student Exhibition at The BLACK Gallery
Feb
26
to Mar 1

"For Artists of Color" Student Exhibition at The BLACK Gallery

For Artists of Color 
An Unaffiliated Exhibition of Student artwork, By and for Students of Color hosted by The Black Gallery 

Exhibition Dates: February 22nd, 2026 - March 7th, 2026
Opening Reception: First Thursday, March 5th 2026 6pm - 9pm 

What is art without activism? What is art without resistance? What is art without protest?

For Artists of Color is an exhibition showcasing artwork from local Portland-Based artists. This exhibition is curated exclusively by and for students of color. On February 14th, 2025 a letter was sent out by the United States Department of Education. This letter imposed a view of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as being discriminatory towards white students because they cannot "equally benefit” from race and ethnicity based measures that intended to create a more equitable playing field for students of color. 

Many universities and arts organizations pushed back and fought against this letter, suing the department of education. The students in this exhibition were told that their institution wasn't fighting for them. Rather than support their community of student artists and defend their right to hold exhibitions solely for the Black, Indigenous and community of color they were told they couldn't. This exhibition stands as a counter, a push back against them, if you don’t want our community then you won't have us.

Please request appointments by emailing info@theblackgallerypdx.com Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm.

View Event →
"For Artists of Color" Student Exhibition at The BLACK Gallery
Feb
22

"For Artists of Color" Student Exhibition at The BLACK Gallery

For Artists of Color 
An Unaffiliated Exhibition of Student artwork, By and for Students of Color hosted by The Black Gallery 

Exhibition Dates: February 22nd, 2026 - March 7th, 2026
Opening Reception: First Thursday, March 5th 2026 6pm - 9pm 

What is art without activism? What is art without resistance? What is art without protest?

For Artists of Color is an exhibition showcasing artwork from local Portland-Based artists. This exhibition is curated exclusively by and for students of color. On February 14th, 2025 a letter was sent out by the United States Department of Education. This letter imposed a view of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as being discriminatory towards white students because they cannot "equally benefit” from race and ethnicity based measures that intended to create a more equitable playing field for students of color. 

Many universities and arts organizations pushed back and fought against this letter, suing the department of education. The students in this exhibition were told that their institution wasn't fighting for them. Rather than support their community of student artists and defend their right to hold exhibitions solely for the Black, Indigenous and community of color they were told they couldn't. This exhibition stands as a counter, a push back against them, if you don’t want our community then you won't have us.

Please request appointments by emailing info@theblackgallerypdx.com Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm.

View Event →
Closing reception: If We Could Talk
Feb
16

Closing reception: If We Could Talk

A storytelling exhibit at The BLACK Gallery explores what ‘home’ means to members of a Portland community that’s been profoundly impacted by gentrification.

If We Could Talk is a socially engaged photography and writing project that blends history, race and place.

Many of the featured artists are members of North and Northeast Portland’s displaced Black community who have reclaimed their roots through the city’s North/Northeast Preference Policy. The policy informs the eligibility criteria for the Dr. Darrell Millner Building on North Interstate Avenue, where the artists live.

On view through February 16 at The BLACK Gallery at 916 NW Flanders St Portland, OR 97209

Photo by Valencia Edwards

View Event →
Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Feb
14

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

View Event →
Art & Design on 9th
Feb
12

Art & Design on 9th

The BLACK Gallery is excited to participate in the first ever Art & Design On 9th in the Pearl. On Thursday, February 12 from 5 - 7 pm, the public is invited to enjoy local art galleries and design showrooms while enjoying curated wine tastings from select Willamette Valley Vineyards.

This free pop-up is  a great way to sip, stroll and experience Portland’s creative scene.

View the full list of gallery and winery pairings below: 

Dominio IV at Adams and Ollman

Elk Cove Vineyards at Ann Sacks

Mars Water Wines at Black Gallery

Fairsing Vineyard at Blackfish Gallery

Evesham Wood at Elizabeth Leach Gallery

Rain Dance Vineyards at Hive

REX HILL at ILY2

Adelsheim Vineyard and Nash Vineyard at The Joinery

Iterum Wines at Laura Vincent Design & Gallery

Bergström Wines at SMG Collective

Sokol Blosser Winery at Waterstone Gallery

View Event →
If We Could Talk Art Exhibit at The BLACK Gallery
Feb
12
to Feb 16

If We Could Talk Art Exhibit at The BLACK Gallery

Visiting hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm. Please request an appointment by sending an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com

If We Could Talk is a storytelling exhibit debuting at The BLACK Gallery that explores what ‘home’ means to members of a Portland community that’s been profoundly impacted by gentrification. If We Could Talk is a socially engaged photography and writing project that blends history, race and place. Many of the featured artists are members of North and Northeast Portland’s displaced Black community who have reclaimed their roots through the city’s North/Northeast Preference Policy. The policy informs the eligibility criteria for the Dr. Darrell Millner Building on North Interstate Avenue, where the artists live.


Curated by Domenic Toliver and Gwen Hoeffgen.

Photo by Duanice Davis

Photo by Wynter Forbes

View Event →
If We Could Talk Art Exhibit at The BLACK Gallery
Feb
5
to Feb 8

If We Could Talk Art Exhibit at The BLACK Gallery

Visiting hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm. Please request an appointment by sending an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com

If We Could Talk is a storytelling exhibit debuting at The BLACK Gallery that explores what ‘home’ means to members of a Portland community that’s been profoundly impacted by gentrification. If We Could Talk is a socially engaged photography and writing project that blends history, race and place. Many of the featured artists are members of North and Northeast Portland’s displaced Black community who have reclaimed their roots through the city’s North/Northeast Preference Policy. The policy informs the eligibility criteria for the Dr. Darrell Millner Building on North Interstate Avenue, where the artists live.


Curated by Domenic Toliver and Gwen Hoeffgen.

Photo by Duanice Davis

Photo by Wynter Forbes

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If We Could Talk Art Exhibit at The BLACK Gallery
Jan
29
to Feb 1

If We Could Talk Art Exhibit at The BLACK Gallery

Visiting hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5pm. Please request an appointment by sending an email to info@theblackgallerypdx.com

If We Could Talk is a storytelling exhibit debuting at The BLACK Gallery that explores what ‘home’ means to members of a Portland community that’s been profoundly impacted by gentrification. If We Could Talk is a socially engaged photography and writing project that blends history, race and place. Many of the featured artists are members of North and Northeast Portland’s displaced Black community who have reclaimed their roots through the city’s North/Northeast Preference Policy. The policy informs the eligibility criteria for the Dr. Darrell Millner Building on North Interstate Avenue, where the artists live.


Curated by Domenic Toliver and Gwen Hoeffgen.

Photo by Duanice Davis

Photo by Wynter Forbes

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Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library
Jan
24

Open Hours at the Black Cultural Library

Our reference library holds an expansive collection of rare and limited literary works from civil rights advocates, artists and scholars.

The Black Cultural Library will host open hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, but is also available for groups or research appointments. 

For more information or to schedule your visit outside of our open hours, please email blackmemorylab@dontshootpdx.org

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