Community Events
Liberated Archives at University of Portland
Last fall, Public Research Fellows and the social justice minor at University of Portland were working on a Clark Library exhibit that would showcase archival research done by students in collaboration with Don’t Shoot PDX.
Now, anyone can engage with this work at the library’s Covert Gallery, where you'll find zines brimming with commentary, letters, photographs and even clippings of Beacon articles dating back to the early 1960s — all highlighting the history of racial injustice and collective resistance in Portland and at UP.
Policing Justice at portland contemporary of art (pica)
Policing Justice
Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA) presents Policing Justice, an exhibition and related programming with local, national, and international artists.
DATES:
Exhibition Dates: February 23 – May 19, 2024
Gallery Hours: Thursday & Friday, 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
OPENING WEEKEND EVENTS:
Opening Reception: Friday, February 23, 2024, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Walkthrough with curators and artists at 5:00 p.m.
Free / Open to the public
The Emancipation of Isaka Shamsud-Din
The BLACK Gallery is honored to announce our upcoming exhibit, The Emancipation of Isaka Shamsud-Din: A Liberated Archives Exploration of Fine Art. This exhibit features unique, never before seen works by the multi-disciplinary artist, showcasing decades of archival drafts, drawings, silkscreens, sketches and prints. Rare ceramics, hand-made clothing, wood carvings and special editions of larger paintings will also be incorporated within the show.
The BLACK Gallery will host a first look on May 2nd from 5:00 - 7:00pm as part of First Thursday.
A public opening reception will take place on Saturday, May 4th at 2:00pm.
Visits are by appointment only and will fill up quickly. The BLACK Gallery is open from 12:00 - 5:00pm Thursday through Sunday.
Isaka Shamsud-Din (b. 1940) has devoted much of his artistic career to depicting the lives and histories of African-American people in easel paintings, murals, and prints. But he has also been a civil rights activist, an important member of the Nation of Islam, and a mentor to young people. As a boy, newly arrived from Texas, Shamsud-Din and his family lost all they had to the devastating Vanport flood of 1948.
Isaka Shamsud-Din is known in the Pacific Northwest as a mural artist, art professor, and social commentary artist who critiques the complex history that makes up the African American experience. His large-scale paintings imbue vivid color and bold energy, bringing his characters to life. He collages past and present elements into allegorical vignettes that reflect culture and history. His suggestive work shows both the grace and anguish of the people he depicts.
A Portland painter and teacher, Isaka Shamsud-Din received his training at the Pacific Northwest College of Art (formerly the Museum Art School) and Portland State University, where he taught art and worked in community outreach. He has received grants from the Metropolitan and Oregon Arts Commissions, as well as a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. His many public commissions include murals for the Portland Justice Center, the Albina Neighborhood, the Children’s Museum, and Portland State University.
Memory Work for Black Lives Plenary
The second biennial plenary, Memory Work for Black Lives will be held
on April 12-13 at the White Stag Commons at the University of Oregon
Portland, with a hybrid component for off-site attendees.
This two-day event is co-organized by UO Libraries and human rights organization, Don’t
Shoot Portland. The plenary will center the voices of Black activists and
artists as well as librarians, archivists, UO students and faculty to discuss
the power of Black archival memory.
The emphasis of this event will be on community archiving initiatives, and how such efforts can instigate
significant positive change for the people they serve, as well as shift the
dominant historical narrative to be more accurate and inclusive.
Organizers
Taishona Carpenter: Board President, Don’t Shoot Portland
Danielle Mericle: Curator of Visual Materials, UO Libraries
Morning Star Padilla: Head of Arts and Liaisons, UO Libraries
Teressa Raiford: Founder, Don’t Shoot Portland
Event sponsors
City of Portland Archives
UO Division of Equity & Inclusion
University of Oregon Library
Oregon Humanities Center
UO Library Diversity Committee
UO Special Collections & University Archives
Artist: Power and Practices
Discover the Power of Ethical Storytelling at Artist: Power and Practices
Join Don't Shoot Portland and M.Martinez Photo at the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art on Saturday, March 23rd for "Artist: Power and Practices."
This stimulating community conversation brings together five of Portland's most innovative creators to discuss the power that visual storytellers hold and the ethics around their process. Photographers and videographers are invited to engage in two intimate group conversations that explore various ethical practices, challenges, and resources, led by the featured artists.
Take your professional practice to the next level and gain valuable resources to more ethical practices and perspectives while establishing meaningful connections with other creatives in the field amidst PICA’s Policing Justice Exhibit.
Film Screening at Clinton Street Theater in collaboration with PICA's Policing Justice
This series of film screenings at Clinton Street Theater is part of Policing Justice, which is on view at PICA from February 23 – May 19, 2024.
Thursday, March 21, 7:00 p.m.
Arresting Power: Resisting Police Violence in Portland, Oregon (2015)
Shorts: State of Oregon (2017), Defund the Police, and Practical Abolition
Tickets & Details are here:
https://pica.org/events/policingjustice-film2
Opening Reception: Liberated Archives at University of Portland
Don’t Shoot Portland will be hosting a public reception to celebrate the newest installation of Liberated Archives, done in collaboration with the Social Justice Minor and Public Research Fellows at UP. Please join us for light refreshments, conversation and remarks by DSPDX!
Covert Gallery in the Clark Library
University of Portland on the first floor
4 to 7pm
Public Reception at The Black Gallery
ADRIENE CRUZ: POWER PRAYER FOR THE COMMUNITY
March 7 - April 21
This intimate exhibition touches on 32 years of Cruz’s working practice, reflecting on her meditative use of fiber materials, the visual language of her installation and sculptural practice, and her spiritually guided methodology to transform utilitarian objects into relics and treasures. Titled after Cruz’s most recent work, Power Prayer for the Community was a publicly engaged project hosted at the Portland Art Museum on February 24th. Regional Black artists were invited to contribute a talisman or amulet to adhere to various pieces of fabric. This open-studio format program allowed Cruz to work collaboratively with artists, engage with the public, and offer viewers a glimpse of her studio life. The result of this collective work is featured here, in the spirit of an egungun prayer flag. As in all of Cruz’s work, the threaded rituals in bringing materials together take on a resonance of ancestral power, healing, and blessing. Featured in conjunction with the expansive exhibition Black Artists of Oregon curated by Intisar Abioto, you can see more of Cruz’s work at the Portland Art Museum on view through March 31st.
This public program and exhibition is curated by Teena Wilder, Art Bridges Community Partnerships and Curatorial Fellow, Portland Art Museum in partnership with Black Art/ists Gathering.
The Black Gallery is open to the public by appointment only, Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 5pm. Group and class visits are highly encouraged - please email our team to arrange guided tours at info@theblackgallerypdx.com.
Black Artists of Oregon Convening
This convening explores Black arts stewardship, collecting, and caretaking practices through a multitude of artist, collector, curator, community and institution voices. Presented in connection with the Black Artists of Oregon exhibition, this day and a half program includes panel discussions, lectures and performances that address the connection between nurturing Black artistic legacy and scholarship within the larger work of Black institution building in Oregon.
Full schedule, list of presenters and registration link can be found here.
Policing Justice Artist Panel discussion
Don’t Shoot Portlands’ Board President Taishona Carpenter will be joining other Policing Justice exhibiting artists on February 24 for a panel discussion! This event is free to the public - please read on for more details.
Moderator: Mac Smiff
Participants: Taishona Carpenter, Robert Clarke, Alfredo Jaar, Kimberly Moreland, Sandy Rodriguez, Master Artist Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr., and Robert Trafford
Free / Reservations strongly encouraged due to limited seating!
Community Art Build with DSPDX and Media Pollution!
Join us for an exciting in-person event at the Pacific Northwest College of Art! This community art build is a unique opportunity to collaborate with Don't Shoot PDX and Media Pollution to create powerful art that raises awareness and sparks conversations about important social issues. Together we will create protest art that will be incorporated in Don't Shoot PDX's installation in the POLICING JUSTICE exhibition at Portland Institute for Contemporary Art!
Artist Talk with Malique Pye at The Black Gallery
Please mark your calendars and join us for an artist talk by Malique Pye, currently showing his oil painting series, Still Life of Lives Made Still, at The Black Gallery. This exhibit is meant to uplift survivors of racial violence and to commemorate the countless lives cut short as a result of rampant white supremacy.
We are inviting community members to honor loved ones who are no longer here with us by visiting the exhibit to write a message, bring flowers or adding photos to the memorial.
Saturday February 10, 2024
3 to 4pm
916 NW Flanders Street Portland, OR 97209
Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday by appointment only - schedule your visit here.
First Thursday Reception: Still Life for Lives Made Still
The Black Gallery powered by DSPDX is proud to present a solo exhibit by Malique Pye, Still Life of Lives Made Still, an oil painting series created to memorialize those lost to racial violence, vigilantism and police brutality.
Opening Reception on First Thursday
February 1 from 5 to 7pm
The Black Gallery
916 NW Flanders Street Portland, OR 97209
This exhibit will serve as a living memorial space as we invite community members to share names, images and photos of loved ones who are no longer with us.
Ahmaud Arbery, 2020, Malique Pye
Still Life for Lives Made Still
Artist Statement by Malique Pye:
“I’ve often found myself wondering where I am supposed to be. Within my communities, friends, family, and home. Growing up I looked for my place in art constantly, not just as a Black kid but also as a Black artist. I always felt I lacked representation but more importantly, Black people lacked representation. In school I was only taught about Black artists, and mainly during February; the Harlem Renaissance artists, musicians, and writers. It wasn’t until I entered high school where I learned of Jean-Michel Basquiat, after him there were no other Black artists I learned about that I can recall. At the same time I began to find my preference of an art genre that I came to hone, Academic style. A style of art that was seen to represent the highest of fine art and wealth, but never showed Black or Brown people. Especially with the still life subject paintings, a medium I was required to do in school. But every composition I created lacked emotion and energy to me. I did not get the appeal of painting foods, silverware, or kitchenware; and how it was revered so highly by the art world.
Throughout my life, and still to this day, I have seen, heard of, and experienced acts of racism. During the Black Lives Matter movement I was mentally at one of the lowest, most anxious and depressed points of my life. I was constantly filled with rage and sadness because I felt like I could do nothing. I was constantly seeing people who looked like me, my brother, my mother, sister, and whole family, on the news because they were murdered for being Black. I was overwhelmed with the reality that on any given day, any one of us could potentially be on the news next. I was also, and still am, upset with how fast the media moved on to the next ‘story’, with society following suit shortly after.
I took the emotions I was feeling yet unable to verbalize and began to paint. I want to bring remembrance and representation to these paintings, and I want the ‘high art society’ to see them. This is the one of several reasons I created the still life series.
Firstly, I am declaring that the still life genre is not only for wealthy white Europeans, and to show representation of Black people. The objects I am choosing to show are to represent people who were murdered due to racism - from police, white supremacist vigilantes, and pure evil. The objects depicted in these paintings are what the person is most remembered for and is a physical depiction of the trivial “reason” their life was taken.
These works are to be seen as memorials, as these lives are not to be seen as moments. These lives lost deserve to be respected and remembered for more than the few weeks the media covered the news of their murders.
We are still being targeted and murdered. There is unfortunately an ongoing list of names that can be added and lives that need to be represented.
I want you to walk away from these images with understanding, these objects are ‘why’ a life was taken. How long did you remember them? Say their names. Write their names. Learn their stories. Learn OUR stories.”
Reclaim MLK
This event is a protest, meant to include everyone as we support and uplift the voices of Black people. We are unapologetic in our movement for Black Lives and we use this event to center the voices of our children, who are most vulnerable to the systemic violations of civil liberties.
Guidelines and Accessibility Pledge for Reclaim MLK 2024!
We want everyone to feel welcome to support and participate in this movement work to uplift the Black family and our entire community. Not many events center the voices of children to uplift the Black community so we reclaim Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day for this purpose.
Our children deserve to be centered and celebrated by our diverse community because when we center the voices of our most marginalized then we are truly doing the work of change agents.
Community Art Build w/DSPDX + Antiracist Speaker Professor Ernest Crim III!
Join Don't Shoot Portland in celebrating 10 years of honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr! Every year, Don’t Shoot Portland invites the community to learn the art of screen printing in support of our social justice work. This free art workshop will take place at the Pacific Northwest College of Art at 511 NW Broadway Portland, OR 97209.
During these printmaking sessions we build community, bridge local issues and make incredible protest art to show solidarity alongside one another during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's birthday on Monday, January 15, 2024. Join us in continuing the fight for racial justice and human rights!
From 11am to 2pm we will make new signage for this years' community action followed by a lecture and book signing with visiting antiracist educator Ernest Crim III from 2 to 3:30pm.
About Ernest Crim:
Ernest Crim III is a Public Teacher, antiracist educator and hate crime victor, who uses (Black) historical narratives to empower and educate through a culturally equitable lens. Mr. Crim, a south side of Chicago native and University of Illinois graduate, is a former high school history educator of 12 years, who now also advocates for social justice issues and teaches Black History to the world through social media with a platform that reaches roughly 4 million people each month. Additionally, he is the CEO of Crim’s Cultural Consulting LLC, an international speaker, an author of two and a passionate progressive education activist who has worked closely with organizations to advocate for educational equity, reparations, mental health awareness and food justice. Mr. Crim has been featured on, and has collaborated with, CNN, HBO, The Washington Post, ABC, WGN, PBS, CBS, NBC & Newsweek and various other outlets.
About Don't Shoot Portland:
Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our year-round programming allows us to advocate for community members facing racism and discrimination by providing legal representation and direct advocacy. Since our inception in 2016, Don’t Shoot Portland has hosted its own dialogues, community forums and workshops focusing on history, archiving and social culture. The art proponent of our work acts as a communicative tool to facilitate discussions about race in America while providing educational assets to those most affected by discrimination in public policy.
A Black Renaissance Artist Talk with The Black Gallery at Expensify
Join us for an exciting discussion with artists Mika Martinez, Philip R. Robinson, Isaka Shamsud-Din, Kyra Watkins and more to be announced!
The Black Gallery invites you to join us at the Bank of Expensify for the Black Renaissance Artist talk on December 22, 2023. Guests are invited to meet the artists and participate in a community discussion about the exhibit, which includes fine art such as rare paintings, sculptures, textiles and photography.
The Black Renaissance Art Auction is a showcase of auction items on display by Black and Brown artists whose work shows a genuine look into Black Life in America. These rare treasures span generations from the 60s to present day. This event will be intimate - tickets for entry are limited and guests must be registered.
This live event will be recorded!
Freelance Finance: Empowerment through Education w/Shift Accounting + DSPDX
Are you an entrepreneur or freelancer? Educate yourself with the basics of finance management at our free workshop by Don't Shoot Portland!
Jenna Goldin (Enrolled Agent, Licensed Tax Consultant, and co-owner of Shift Accounting LLC), will be presenting a two-hour workshop covering topics such as business structures, self-employment taxes, types of income and expenses, record keeping, quarterly taxes, and more. Jenna’s presentation will include ample time for an in-depth Q&A so that attendees will leave feeling more empowered to take control of their finances.
This is a brown bag event where you are free to bring a lunch while learning the basics of freelance finance management. Support the food carts at Midtown Beer Garden across the street and then join us at Expensify - 401 SW 5th Avenue, for the workshop!
About Jenna:
Jenna has been preparing taxes for small businesses and individuals since 2010. Jenna’s work in tax preparation was born of the intention to bring a social justice lens to accounting. Her mission is to utilize tax prep and money knowledge to build empowered communities based on equity through the redistribution of wealth.
Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our year-round programming allows us to advocate for community members facing racism and discrimination by providing legal representation and direct advocacy. Since our inception in 2016, Don’t Shoot Portland has hosted its own dialogues, community forums and workshops focusing on history, archiving and social culture. The art proponent of our work acts as a communicative tool to facilitate discussions about race in America while providing educational assets to those most affected by discrimination in public policy.
Black Renaissance Art Auction
The auction will remain open for bidding through January 1, 2024 in an effort to bring together artists, philanthropists, and passionate individuals dedicated to making a profound difference in our community. By combining the power of art and community engagement, the Black Renaissance Art Auction will elevate the collective voice of our society and address critical social issues affecting the most vulnerable. Public gallery hours will run Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 6pm by appointment only. Please schedule your visit here.
Additional on-site events will occur through the length of the auction, including artist talks, community-based workshops, a banned book bank, exciting panel discussions and more.
For more information about the art auction, including sponsorship opportunities, private tours, and event details, please visit theblackgallerypdx.com or contact Taishona Carpenter at taic@dontshootpdx.org
First Thursday! Black Renaissance Art Auction at Bank of expensify
Join us for First Thursday to view our Black Renaissance Art Auction, currently hosted at the Bank of Expensify in downtown Portland through January 1, 2024!
This much-anticipated event will not only showcase exceptional artwork from talented, socially engaged artists but will also ensure the significant impact it creates by channeling the proceeds toward Don’t Shoot Portlands’ low barrier community activism endeavors.
Artists include James Bester, Julian V.L. Gaines, Mika Martinez, maximiliano, Philip A. Robinson Jr, Isaka Shamsud-Din, Vo Vo, Kyra Watkins
When: Thursday, December 7 from 4 to 8pm
Where: Bank of Expensify, 401 SW 5th Avenue
The auction will remain open for bidding through January 1, 2024 in an effort to bring together artists, philanthropists, and passionate individuals dedicated to making a profound difference in our community. By combining the power of art and community engagement, the Black Renaissance Art Auction will elevate the collective voice of our society and address critical social issues affecting the most vulnerable.
Public Opening: A Black Renaissance Art Auction Benefit for Don’t Shoot Portland
The Black Gallery x Bank of Expensify:
A Black Renaissance Art Auction Benefit for Don’t Shoot Portland
401 SW 5th Avenue Portland, OR 97204
November 28, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Artists include James Bester, Julian V.L. Gaines, Mika Martinez, maximiliano, Philip A. Robinson Jr, Isaka Shamsud-Din, Vo Vo, and Kyra Watkins.
Auction will go live on November 28, 2023 with a public opening taking place at the Bank of Expensify from 1pm to 6pm.
Auction will remain open for online bidding until December 31, 2023. Additional on-site events will occur through the length of the auction, including artist talks, community-based workshops, a banned book bank, exciting panel discussions and more. All donations will go directly to support Don’t Shoot Portlands’ youth-focused art and education programming.
RSVP HERE.
BEYOND WALLS SCREENS IN PORTLAND, OREGON
Beyond Walls will feature five short documentaries and conversations with community changemakers
November 4, 2023, Portland, OR – Portland area organizations partner to host the free screening series Beyond Walls, showcasing five short documentaries and a conversation with local change makers and leaders. The screening will take place on Monday, November 27th from 7:00PM to 9PM at Clinton Street Theater.
The films chosen for Beyond Walls, a Working Films led program, examine prison abolition from a wide range of perspectives with the hope of inspiring people to imagine and take action toward a world invested in community and not punitive practices.
Two of the films featured in Beyond Walls, are Practical Abolition, and Defund the Police. These two short animations challenge the idea that investing in policing will solve society’s problems. The films instead imagine what’s possible if society invested in resources that actually keep communities safe.
Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our year-round programming allows us to advocate for community members facing racism and discrimination by providing legal representation and direct advocacy. Since our inception in 2016, Don’t Shoot Portland has hosted its own dialogues, community forums and workshops focusing on history, archiving and social culture. The art proponent of our work acts as a communicative tool to facilitate discussions about race in America while providing educational assets to those most affected by discrimination in public policy.
The Beyond Walls screening will run from 7 to 9pm on Monday, November 27 at Clinton Street Theater in Portland, OR. More details can be found here. Contact Taishona Carpenter at contact@dontshootpdx.org with questions and to request any special accommodations.
About Beyond Borders and Working Films
Beyond Walls is a project of Working Films, a national nonprofit organization based in Wilmington, NC. Recognizing the power of stories to inspire and transform, Working Films builds partnerships between nonfiction media-makers, nonprofit organizations, educators, and advocates to advance social justice and environmental sustainability, and support community-based change. Beyond Walls was curated by: Center for Political Education, Critical Resistance, MPD150, and Survived + Punished. Learn more about Beyond Walls: https://www.workingfilms.org/beyond_walls.
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Not Black Friday 2023
Join us for our annual Black Lives Matter, Not Black Friday program! Every year we utilize this time to provide support and resources to our communities in need as well as to remind them that they matter all year long.
This year, we are teaming up with Milk Crate Kitchen to cook and distribute nutritious and healthy meals on Friday, November 24, the day after Thanksgiving. We host an entire week of events to uplift the message of Black Lives Matter, Not Black Friday - join us by volunteering here!
Architecting Sustainable Futures
We are proud to be participating in the Architecting Sustainable Futures conference taking place in New Orleans from November 7th - 9th to continue engaging with work that supports our Liberated Archives/CRT journey! Join our Instagram page to receive live updates and behind-the-scenes looks at our work.
HipHop 50: Sip & Paint at The Black Gallery!
Join us for a night of creativity & rhythm as we celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop at our Sip & Paint! This event benefits the work of DSPDX. Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of Hip Hop culture while you sip on your favorite drinks and let your artistic spirit flow. Our guest instructors will guide you in creating a unique work of art inspired by iconic Hip Hop album imagery, beats, and lyrics. Get ready to groove to the tunes that have shaped generations and paint your way through the history of this influential genre while playing hip-hop trivia and winning exclusive prizes!
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to have fun, this sip and paint promises an unforgettable fusion of art and music that pays tribute to half a century of Hip Hop's impact on our lives. Grab your brushes, pour a drink, and let's paint the rhythm of Hip Hop together!
Canvas and art supplies are included in your tax deductible donation entry. Join us for trivia, music, art and drinks!
21 + up only will be permitted.
TheBlackGalleryPDX.com / DontShootPDX.org
Friday the 13th: Sip & Paint
Our next round of our weekly October sip and paints continues on Friday the 13th with fun, creativity and hip-hop! Join us with a scary hip-hop playlist, trivia and on-site raffling, and as always, your favorite cocktail as you paint.
Registration can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/731407458397?
First Thursday HipHop 50: Sip & Paint
Join us to celebrate Hip Hop 50 & social change to benefit the work of Don't Shoot Portland!
Donations are tax-deductible.
Registration via EventBrite is here!
Join us for a vibrant evening of creativity and rhythm as we celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop at our Sip and Paint pop-up! Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of Hip Hop culture while you sip on your favorite drinks and let your artistic spirit flow.
Our guest instructors will guide you in creating a unique work of art by iconic Hip Hop album imagery, beats, and lyrics. Get ready to groove to the tunes that have shaped generations and paint your way through the history of this influential genre.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to have fun, this sip and paint promises an unforgettable fusion of art and music that pays tribute to half a century of Hip Hop's impact on our lives. Grab your brushes, pour a drink, and let's paint the rhythm of Hip Hop together!
Canvas and art supplies are included in your tax deductible donation entry.
21 + up only will be permitted.
Better Than A Shoebox - Preserving your Family and Community History
Don’t Shoot Portland, in partnership with the City of Portland Archives, invite you to attend BETTER THAN A SHOEBOX - Preserving Your Family and Community History, a free archiving workshop that offers hands-on instruction from experienced archivists, oral history experts, and community memory workers.
The workshop will feature a talk from DSPDX founder, social justice activist, and community archivist, Teressa Raiford. Teressa will discuss the importance of community archives, keeping history within the community, and her endeavors into memory work through the DSPDX Archives.
Attendees are encouraged to bring items from their family or community collections including photographs, documents, and artifacts to use as examples as they practice proper handling, labeling, and storage of their materials. Each attendee will be provided with an archival supply kit to get them started on their preservation journey!
In addition to preservation techniques, attendees will have the opportunity to scan their archival items and learn about recording oral histories to digitally preserve their stories for generations to come. Register now!
Refreshments and beverages will be provided.
Sunday Parkways in SW Portland
Celebrate community on September 10 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Portland Sunday Parkways Southwest event! Don’t Shoot Portland will be tabling for the day, come by and learn more about our programming and sign up to volunteer.
More information can be found here: https://www.portland.gov/sunday-parkways/southwest-event-2023
Soul2Soul Festival
Soul2Soul is designed to engage, invigorate, and empower the African Diaspora and African Americans in Oregon. It is a catalyst to heighten understanding within and between our communities, to showcase our contributions of the arts to the world and to elevate our oneness in the spirit of Ubuntu (“I am because you are”). This vision is emboldened in our theme of: Building Bridges - Celebrating Black Resilience & Uniqueness.
The event will offer participants an outdoor and indoor experience with multiple stages featuring live music entertainment, “pivotal moments”, spoken word, African dancing and drumming. In addition, Soul2Soul will offer cultural food (Soul Food & African cuisine), vendor booths, health resources, children activities, and more.
Don’t Shoot Portland is tabling on August 26 - come and join us!
Liberated Archives at Society of American Archivists Conference
The University of Oregon Libraries and civil rights organization Don't Shoot Portland continue to use the art of collaboration to create access for the movement for Black Lives in institutional spaces. Utilizing our research on discrimination in public policy and institutional development has helped us communicate on oppression in systems of welfare, social services, and education.
In this session, the presenters discuss our long term goals to facilitate community archiving within a post-custodial framework; liberate archives for social justice action; and build trust and transfer ownership between systematically marginalized communities and archives.
Register for the hybrid conference today! https://www2.archivists.org/am2023/schedule
Displacing Black Portland
This Sunday we are hosting another FREE educational presentation by Oregon Black Pioneers at our office in downtown Portland! "Displacing Black Portland" will focus on the impact of policies of systemic racism on the Portland Black population. Join us in community for this unique learning opportunity.
Don't Shoot Portland Annex
927 NW Everett
Sunday July 23, 2023
10:00 AM - 12PM
Uncovering Oregon's Black History
We’re excited to host a free presentation with Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers - Join us at 10am on July 15 for the first of multiple workshops and presentations we will be hosting in partnership! Events will take place at our office, the DSPDX Annex, at 927 NW Everett.
People of African descent have lived and worked in Oregon since before the founding of the earliest English-speaking settlements in the Americas. Despite this, the popular narrative of our state's history excludes the experiences of African Americans before the mid-20th century. This erasure is the result of historic legal and social marginalization that contributes to the ignorance of Oregon's Black heritage, as well as influences contemporary disparities in housing access, community investment, and policing. For this presentation, Oregon Black Pioneers will attempt to correct the record by highlighting key individuals and events that characterize Oregon's unique and centuries-old Black history.
Artist Talk with Julian Gaines
We are excited to have fine artist Julian Gaines joining us to discuss his works in The Black Gallery’s collection that are currently on display in our inaugural exhibit. Gaines will share his thoughts on Juneteenth, freedom and the history of this American holiday.
More of Julians’ work can be seen in a current group exhibition at Russo Lee Gallery now through July 1.
Black Souls, 2018
Artwork image by @composeyourselfmagazine
Flyer by @omnivoreland