“16 Bars” Going WorldWide
Local emcee boasts global exposure following debut release
Rapper/songwriters has amassed a huge following of fans across the states and the world at large following the release of his debut project "16 Bars". This output finds Bars exhibiting his often eclectic range, spinning on the usual braggadocio-train that’s expected from rappers, to moments of humbleness and vulnerability.
Opportunity Shines
Housing advocate honored at retirement
Home Forward has honored longtime board member Lee Moore in a big way after his announcement of retirement. A community building at the housing agency’s latest HOPE VI re-development, Stephens Creek Crossing in southwest Portland will be named “The Lee E. Moore Sr. Opportunity Center” in honor of Moore’s advocacy for housing programs.
Roosevelt Design Needs Your Help
Future and current Roosevelt High School families, neighbors and citizens are encouraged to give their input as the Roosevelt High School modernization project has moved to an exciting stage. Planning efforts are now focused on schematic design in which the layout of educational spaces and common areas are envisioned.
A Spotlight on Women in Film
Portland’s POWFest opens Thursday
The Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival, a.k.a. POWFest, kicks off its 7th consecutive year with screenings, Thursday, March 6 through Sunday, March 9 at the Hollywood Theatre in northeast Portland.
Multicultural Film Series Screening
The community is invited to a free screening of “The Canary Effect,” a powerful film on the brutal treatment of Native Americans through practices and policies, from early American settlers to the political realities of today.
A Witness for Justice and the Common Good
Using religion to discriminate is not new
"One of the privileges of living in the United States is the freedom to speak out and step forth on any variety of issues. The public square in the United States provides the platform for our voices to be heard, whether we agree or disagree on the topic at hand."--Rev. M. Linda Jaramillo
Hip-Hop Shakedown
Show comes to abrupt end after police swarm club
The shutdown of a Hip Hop show in SE Portland sheds light on a longstanding complaint that "Hip Hop is being targeted by the City of Portland".
New Stewardship
Community radio station hires local activists
Monica Beemer and Mic Crenshaw, two very well-known local non-profit leaders begin their stewardship at KBOO this month. They’ll share the duties of Station Manager.
Liv Warfield Makes it Big
Powerhouse vocalist in national spotlight
Portland powerhouse vocalist Liv Warfield is having a breakout year. Warfield had her national TV debut last month with a stunning performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon where she performed a song from her new album’s lead track, "Why Do You Lie."
The Oscars and My 10 Best Films of 2013
Some wonderful films get the attention they deserve
Our 'Opinionated Judge' Darleen Ortega reflects on her 10 favorite films of 2013 in preparation for this years upcoming Oscars
The Black Experience
Local author weaves personal tales into fascinating read
A debut book of poetry about the pain of political prisoners and the power of the black American experience intricately weaves personal tales into a fascinating read. The author, Walidah Imarisha, is local activist and professor of Black Studies at Portland State University. The Portland Observer’s Donovan M. Smith sat down with Imarisha at Powell’s Bookstore to discuss the inspirations behind “Scars/Stars” and to dig into the nuances behind her work.
PCC Men's Basketball Win First Title
Coach shatters losing ways with PCC's first ever post season birth
Portland Community College's basketball squad has earned their first title in school history after defeating Pierce College in a 92-86 bout. The win is highlighted by the fact that just two seasons ago, the PCC basketball squad capped of their season with 0 wins.
White Fighter Pilots Saved by Black Squadron
Thanks for bringing Uncle Don Home
At the Tuskegee Alabama Army Airfield in the early 1940s a group of young black men would come to not only meet the arduous task of becoming Air Force fighter pilots, they would make an incredible mark in history for their pilot prowess and become a shining example in the fight against racism.
Bringing Cultural Awareness to Campus
‘We can’t forget the community we come from’
Staci White reminds us of the importance of the Black Student Union at PCC and knowing African history.
Drawing to a Final Verdict
Ancer L. Haggerty reflects on journey to and from the bench
Judge Ancer L. Haggerty seems to prefer to let his distinctions and accomplishments shine for themselves. The journey that saw him go from just another face in the Marines to making history as both the first African-American federal judge and first black circuit court judge in Oregon was not necessarily what he envisioned for himself early on.
Favorites to Watch
It’s the final stretch for Portland International Film Festival
Our 'Opinionated Judge' reviews films from the final stretch of this year's Portland International Film Festival.
Relating to the African-American Experience
Black Resource Center going strong
The Black Resource Collection in the North Portland Library is home to a vast collection of materials concerning worldwide black culture. The compilation of items of over 7,000 materials-strong consists of various books, periodicals, films and music relating to the African-American and overall black experience.
Cully Park Closer to Reality
Northeast site gets $1.25 million for construction
The future building of Thomas Cully Park in northeast Portland is moving ahead thanks to new $1.25 million investment by the city of Portland. Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz announced last week that the funding comes from System Development Charges – money raised from construction development, rather than general fund tax dollars.
Uplifting Black History Performance
Group of artists takes you on the journey
A group of local artists will take you on the breathtaking, soul encompassing journey through a series of performances that are perfect for family outings, groups, classrooms and more. Pacific University’s Black Student Union invites the public to enjoy the 8th annual theatrical production of Who I Am at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center at 2014 Cedar Street in Forest Grove.
Budding Actors Hone Skills
Celebrating a playwright of color and performers of all colors
Portland area students are getting exposed to the work of the late Pulitzer Prize winning and African American playwright August Wilson in a real theater experience. Sixteen high school students are finalists for parts in a local acting competition’s final round. The Portland August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals are produced and presented by the Red Door Project, and co-hosted by Portland Center Stage.
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