Going into “NorthBound,” I was looking for two things: voice and moments. Admittedly, I’m relatively new to Glenn Waco, only first hearing him tear up features on Mic Capes’ “Rise and Grind.” Between those features, the slew of tracks he released over the summer, and following him on social media, my impression was a young …
You know what’s ironic about Vice’s “Portland Has a Hip-Hop Problem?” Many local artists complain about getting no love in their hometown and how Portland is a bandwagon city. Yet, almost all of the local publications have covered everything in the Vice article better and not received close to the attention or generated as much …
Last week I took the opportunity to attend the PAALF (Portland African American Leadership Forum) intergenerational forum. Whenever Black people get together to talk, skeptics ask questions like, “Why? What’s the point? What are you actually going to get accomplished?” People have no shortage of excuses for passing up these events. They will focus …
The biggest irony of the Rick Ross “date rape” controversy was that everyone saw a rise in their profile except female MCs. Everyone from Rosa Clemente to Crunk Feminist to Talib Kweli to Jasiri X made their presence felt in the conversation. I even read an article today interviewing children. With everyone talking about what …
Female MCs Get No Shine and I’m Part of the Problem Read More »
While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is a widely celebrated national holiday, there is considerably less fanfare for the birthdate of Black icon Malcolm X. “We don’t see events that honor him like Dr. King,” says Karanja Crews, founder of the Journey to Freedom Project (JTF). As a response, JTF is hosting its Malcolm …
Journey to Freedom to Host Malcolm X Birthday Weekend Read More »
When National Public Radio host Michele Norris came to Portland last Wednesday to address the YWCA Inspire Luncheon, she focused on the pressing issues of racism and domestic violence. In her keynote speech before the multiracial crowd of YWCA supporters, Norris talked about an online initiative she started called The Race Card Project, in which …
NPR’s Michele Norris Graces YWCA’s Inspire Luncheon Read More »
Trisa Kelly is surprised she is making history. “I’m amazed that in 2012 you can still be a first Black anything,” she says. Last month, Kelly was named to Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (ODVA) governor-appointed Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee — the first Black woman to be appointed, and the youngest to serve. She was …
Chaplain Maj. Trisa Kelly: Making History in Oregon — Again Read More »
The Black vote took the forefront last Tuesday at the “Countdown to Election Day: Candidates Forum on Equity and Accountability.” Lack of representation, funding for programs that have an impact on communities of color and accountability were the defining issues of the evening. The Urban League of Portland (ULPDX), the African American Alliance and the …
Portland Urban League Forum Brings Black Vote to Forefront Read More »
When I wrote a personal essay about racist tweets among students at Lake Oswego High School (“Lake Oswego’s worst-kept secret,” published March 17 in The Oregonian), I never expected such an outpouring of responses. The nickname “Lake No Negro” is known in many circles, and yet many people were shocked and frustrated to learn institutional …
My turn: Essay on racism in Lake Oswego prompts wide-ranging response Read More »
When Jeff Martens came to Portland Startup Weekend (PDXSW) two years ago, he had left his last employer and was looking for a fresh start. “I was going to look for a job but then I thought it would be great if I could start my own business instead of getting a job with someone …
54 Hours + Your New Business Plan = Portland Startup Weekend Read More »