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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 2024)
Page 4 The Skanner Portland & Seattle February 21, 2024 Black History Month FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 12-3PM URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRA- TION: Let’s come together celebrate the past and inspire the future. The event is FREE, and guests will enjoy light refresh- ments, kids activities, crafts, spoken word and more. Join us! Beaverton Resource Center, 13565 SW Walker Rd, Beaverton. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 5-7PM BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION MARKET AT UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND: This event will bring together and celebrate Black- owned businesses in the Portland area. There will be different vendors with savory food, drinks, desserts and raffles for every- one to enjoy. This is a drop-in, free event and all are welcome. Chiles Center, University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2-4PM BLACK HISTORY MONTH: HONORING BLACK HERITAGE THROUGH ART: Explore various techniques used by African/Black artists, while incorporating your own style! Made possible by The Na- tional Endowment for the Humanities Fund of The Library Foun- dation. Register online at the library’s website. Gresham Library, 385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham See Community Calendar on page 5 WORLD TELEGRAM STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 6-9PM NARPSKI & FRIENDS—A BIPOC FILM SHOWCASE: Snow sports are often a homogenous space and most snow sport films reflect that. We hope these films inspire new perspectives and high- light a message: people of color belong on the slopes. Guests will receive a free raffle ticket and a free drink ticket to redeem one beer at the bar. Additional drinks and food will be available for purchase. Tickets on a sliding scale from $0-20. Polaris Hall, 635 N Killingsworth Court. Hurston The Skanner News F rom music and dance to litera- ture, visual arts, and beyond, Black creatives have played pivotal roles in shaping cul- tural narratives, challenging soci- etal norms and leaving an indeli- ble mark on the world of art. Music The realm of music is one of the arenas in which Black artists have significantly affected global cul- ALLAN WARREN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS NMY SIBLING’S KEEPER: BLACK, TRANS, & QUEER LEGENDS CON- NECT: Black and Beyond the Binary Collective are excited to host our next panel during Black History Month. This free, virtu- al panel will center on accessibility, Black liberation, and creat- ing inclusive spaces for all! Malakai Strong, Maxwell Joy Moore, Roux Haile, and Yante Turner will provide us with a Black, Trans, & Queer perspective on Disability and Disability Justice. Regis- ter at blackbeyondthebinarycollective.org. Coates Baldwin ture. From the rhythmic beats of jazz and blues to the soulful melodies of gospel and the elec- trifying energy of hip- hop, Black musicians have pioneered genres that transcend borders. Icons like Duke El- lington, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, and contemporary figures like Beyoncé and Ken- drick Lamar achieved immense commercial success and used their platforms to address social justice issues and advocate for change. Dance Dance is another realm where Black Ellington artists have left an enduring legacy. The evolution of dance, from the spirited rhythms of traditional African dances to the innovation of hip-hop choreography, demonstrates the profound influence of Black creativity. Pioneers like Alvin Ailey revolution- ized modern dance, blend- ing African-American experiences with artistic ex- pression to create evocative performances that continue to captivate audiences world- wide. Literature Literature, too, bears the unmistakable imprint of Black voices. From the Harlem Renais- sance to the present day, Black writers have crafted narratives that illuminate the Black experience, chal- lenge stereotypes and con- tribute to the rich tapestry of American literature. Literary luminaries such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin and contemporary voices like Toni Morrison and Ta-Nehi- si Coates have reshaped sto- rytelling, providing insights into the complexities of race, identity and resilience. Visual Arts Visual arts, encompassing painting, sculpture and pho- tography, have also been pro- CARL VAN VECHTEN, PUBLIC DOMAIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1-3PM This year’s Black History Month places the theme “African Americans and the Arts” at center stage, inviting a profound reflection on the immense influence of Black Americans on the diverse landscape of artistic expression. FARM SECURITY ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE OF WAR INFORMATION COLLECTION Portland Metro Celebrating Black Influence EDUARDO MONTES-BRADLEY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Community Calendar 2024 Ailey foundly influenced by Black artists. From the vibrant works of Romare Bearden to the politically charged paintings of Kara Walker, Black vi- sual artists have utilized their craft to challenge perceptions and con- tribute to a broader conversation about representation and identity. As we celebrate “African Amer- icans and the Arts” during Black History Month in 2024, it is an opportunity to recognize the pro- found effect of Black creatives across artistic disciplines. Their contributions have enriched the cultural fabric of America and served as catalysts for social change and understanding. The theme invites us to reflect on the enduring legacy of Black artists, acknowledging the power of the arts to transcend boundaries, foster inclusivity and amplify the diverse voices that contribute to the vibrant mosaic of human expression.