One of my goals with Village Portland is to inspire neighbors to get involved— and spotlighting the good work happening in East Portland is a big part of that.
Outreach takes time, so it was helpful that Asian Pacific American Network hosted the seven winners of their Placemaking Project grants nearby. Winning projects include: a historical zine made by high school students; a hand-drawn deck of cards featuring Jade and Midway Districts locations and people; and other depictions using dance, film, illustration, and theatre (full project descriptions here).
APANO’s mission (org website) is social justice, and that covers a lot of ground. They organize around issues on a state and neighborhood level, develop leadership, and promote cultural awareness.
This summer they’re organizing Mic Check, a cultural event series for Asian and Pacific Islanders and Jade Night Market August 19th and 26th. They publish a monthly roundup of culture and arts events around Portland here, and you can follow their work by signing up for emails / social media on their website.
I know I’m just scratching the surface of APANO’s work— and all the amazing work being done in East Portland— but it’s a merry journey.
FRIDAY
Citizenship class at Midland Library: “Learn about the process of becoming a citizen. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are in English, and are taught by Goodwill instructors.”
For more information, call 503- 577-9984.
Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave * 10:30 am – noon * free
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Portland Pickles won their opener against Marysville, and have games this weekend. Yes, there is a person in a giant pickle outfit leading cheers. His name is Dillon, and his tale is told in epic detail here.
Lents Park, 4808 SE 92nd Ave * Fri & Sat @ 7:05 pm, Sun @ 5:05 pm * $7, $9, $10 buy here
SATURDAY
“Join The City Repair Project in welcoming our partner, The Village Coalition (VC), for an interactive evening of listening, learning, and being led by community members experiencing houselessness on the streets of Portland. The VC Speakers Bureau will take you on their journeys from housing vulnerability, through their uncertain lives of accumulating the burdens of displacement, and into the realities of living outside and unsheltered in Portland.”
SUNDAY
Both the Montavilla and Lent Farmers Market are open Sundays!
Lents Farmers Market, SE 92nd Ave & Reedway St, between Foster and Harold * 9 am – 2 pm
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
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“Cooking Around the World: Cuban Black Bean Soup”. Samples and instructions provided. Registration and more information here.
“Whether this is your first taste of Cuban cooking or you’ve been enjoying this cuisine for years, you won’t want to miss this class! You will learn to make Cuban black bean soup with Edurne Garcia-Andre.”
Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd * 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm * free
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“Join the Coalition of Communities of Color for an interactive workshop on local food justice efforts in Lents! With stations located around beautiful Zenger Farm, you will learn and participate in discussions about Green Lents pollinator habitats and community orchards, Zenger farms very own Black Food Sovereignty Council, and seasonal first foods gathering with Wisdom of the Elders.”
This event is free of charge, but registration is required. Register here. Priority will be given to communities of color and low-income communities. Lunch will be provided.
Village Portland 