Guns in the Hood: A Brief History of Klan Violence in Oregon
On December 23, 1921, the mayor of Portland, Oregon, announced that he was forming a vigilante group to assist the Portland Police. One hundred civilians would be armed—with guns, badges, the power to make arrests, and the cloak of anonymity—and … Continue reading Guns in the Hood: A Brief History of Klan Violence in Oregon
A Season of Recognition and Reconciliation
As the media is constantly bombarding viewers with the growing debate around the subjects of colorblind and critical race theory, I often think about my childhood and what my parents taught us about racism and how to deal with it. … Continue reading A Season of Recognition and Reconciliation
The Roots That Connect Us
As I think about the idea of roots, I ponder the question: where did it start for me? My mind wanders to people, places, smells, laughter, and family. I am not sure if my musings will make much sense, but … Continue reading The Roots That Connect Us
My Nappy Roots
It was a crystal-clear day in early September, one day before my first day of another school year, this time at a brand-new school. I was playing in our newly sodden back yard while other children started classes. Daydreams flooded … Continue reading My Nappy Roots
When Your Roots Are Severed
I was sitting in a writing workshop with a group of writers, and our assignment was to make a family tree. We could employ some creative license in making our trees. I set out putting together my creation, complete with … Continue reading When Your Roots Are Severed
Racist Roots & White Privilege
The best question is, “If I have the ability to help heal a wound or make something right that is wrong (whether because of my ancestors or not), shouldn’t I?” Continue reading Racist Roots & White Privilege
Discovering My Roots: My Personal Journey
If you forget your roots, you’ve lost sight of everything. Walter Payton Whenever you meet someone new, it’s common to ask them, “Where are you from?” It’s just a natural thing to ask. It gives people an idea of who … Continue reading Discovering My Roots: My Personal Journey
Where Do We Go From Here?
“Where do we go from here, where do we go? And is it real or just something we think we know? Where are we going now, where do we go? ‘Cause if it’s the same as yesterday, you know I’m … Continue reading Where Do We Go From Here?
The July Issue, “Roots”
Whether you refer to the fall in the Garden of Eden, America’s original sin, Alex Haley’s wrenching novel and movie series, or the point in your life where innocence was lost, and you discovered that you were different. For some, … Continue reading The July Issue, “Roots”
Three-Fifths 