Donovan M. Smith is a former reporter, photographer,and web editor for The Portland Observer. He is a Portland native and graduate of Oregon Episcopal School
Recent Stories
School gets a Jump Start
As kids return to the classroom, Rosa Parks already in full swing
The end of the Labor Day weekend meant that Tuesday was first day of school for most children in Portland but not at Rosa Parks Elementary.
Blue presents: The Tao of Pimpin’
Local author merges unlikely concepts for enlightenment
Uhuru Rahman to some virtually, better known to many in the analog world simply as ‘Blue’ recently published her semi-autobiographical book titled ‘The Tao of Pimpin.’’ Now, she is inviting those willing to discover just how two seemingly different concepts can lead to a journey of fulfillment.
Hands Up, Don’t Shoot!
Portland voices solidarity with citizens of Ferguson
The police shooting death of a black teenager halfway across the country have Portland residents raising their hands and voices in solidarity demanding justice in the case.
Look to Your Left!
Bike lane on Williams Avenue switching sides for safety
Crews are set to break ground in the coming days on a project that will move the bike lane on Williams from the right side of the street to the left and bring in a host of other new infrastructure in a city-led move planned to improve safety on the heavily used throughway.
Stepping Up
Community bike ride a call for peace now and beyond
Hop in your seat, put rubber to the pavement and ride. You’re invited to help take back the streets as the longtime Northeast Alberta Street non-profit Community Cycling Center hosts a public bike ride in response to a surge in violence by local youth and other young men.
Global Impact
Portland photographer visits Nigeria to produce documentary
Photographer Alex Riedlinger looks to bring the vibrancy of he captured in a trip to southwest Nigeria, that in part saw people trying to hold on to ancient ways of worship and living in the midst of an increasingly globalized world.
Grow, Portland, Grow!
Impacts on race not studied in population forecast
Portland, you’re growing. Metro’s latest projections see the region swelling to about 3 million people in the next 20 years, an increase of around 400,000 people. For communities of color already impacted by gentrification, low employment and other factors, what does that mean for the future?
A Falling Taboo
As ‘pot shops’ open nearby, what does it mean for Oregon?
A measure to legalize recreational marijuana will be on Oregonians ballots this November; past efforts to be shut down. With nearby Washington, opening up fully legal 'pot shops' what does it mean for Oregon?
Silence the Violence!
Youth take a stand to stop the community bloodshed
Youth lead a demonstration in McCoy Park in response to a recent rash of shootings, some fatal this summer to tell the community "Silence the Violence!"
Dawson Unveiling
Historic park ready for new memories
The $2.7 million city-led move to renovate north Portland's Dawson Park comes with new amenities, and nods to the local Black community in the quick changing neighborhood.
Recent Photos
