Black Excellence•Portland

Friday! 3/8
Brought to you by •
“Word is Bond is proud to present: We Are Back Home.

February 1 - March 31, 2026.

Studio 516, 516 NW 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97209.

We Are Back Home is the debut art exhibit by Word is Bond in partnership with Art in Oregon. In the spirit of Sankofa, a Ghanaian proverb that means to go back to the past and retrieve what is useful for the future, the exhibit follows the journey of a group of young Black men who return home as young men and leaders.

Featuring stunning photos taken by Jason Hill during Word is Bond’s third annual Black Star Homecoming Expedition in the summer of 2025, and authentic Ghanaian art and fabrics collected by the young men, the We Are Back Home exhibit explores themes of Black identity, African diaspora, and leadership through the lens of six young men from Portland, Oregon.

Funds raised from the exhibition will support the third Black Star Homecoming Expedition to Ghana for the next cohort of youth leaders in the summer of 2026.

Stay tuned for more details and join us for our first public event this Thursday, February 5 for First Thursday in the Pearl District.”

Visit wordisbond.org to learn more.

🎨

WordisBondPDX

Brought to you by •

“Everybody Reads 2026 celebrates Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Lovely One. Pick up a free copy of the book at an open library while supplies last.

Additionally, all MCL Libraries are closed on January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

In the meantime, we have some exciting events planned for you:

Black History 101 Mobile Museum
Friday, Jan. 16
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum will display items from a collection of over 15,000 original artifacts of Black memorabilia dating from the the painful transatlantic slave trade to the hip-hop era. Doctor el-Hakim has brought the nation’s premier traveling exhibition of Black history on a remarkable journey across 43 states, sharing “our story” with over 1,000 institutions.

Craft Your College Essay
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Join this class to learn about writing an essay that will help get you into college. We’ll review the latest common application of 2025-26.

Intro to Beatmaking: Using Ableton Live
Thursday, Jan. 22
Learn the very basics of making beats on the computer and creating your very own songs. No experience is required and all skill levels are welcomed to attend this fun and creative class.

Read to the Dogs
Friday, Jan. 23
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. Call 503.988.5123 to register.

Black Environmentalism in Portland with Urban Forestry
Friday, Jan. 24
Join Urban Forestry to hear stories of Black community members and environmental projects in the Portland area, especially the Albina neighborhood. Following that, learn about current groups working to increase the Black community’s connection to nature within the city.”

Happy Birthday Mayor! Paul Knauls Sr.

“DON’T FORGET, today’s event is a DROP-IN celebration.
Come and shower Paul with some love and gratitude and eat some cake. Antonio Harris will be taking pictures and we will have memorable giveaways. But don’t feel pressured to stay very long. The Soul Restoration Center can accommodate only a limited number of people at a time! Much appreciated!”

Thank you! 🖤🖤
S. Renee Mitchell