Renée Watson Collection - I See My Light Shining

Though often dubbed "America's whitest big city," Portland has a remarkable history of Black life. This collection chronicles said history, tracing key moments of disaster and displacement, but more importantly, the enduring bonds that have come to define Black life in the Pacific Northwest. Bookstore owner and wellness practitioner, Michelle Lewis also recounts how bussing alienated Portland’s Black children. “At the time, Madison [High School] wasn’t prepared for the influx of Black students that got bussed from North Portland, so when we got there … It was just—it was horrible."  Listen to the rest of her awesome interview #21

Click on picture below to hear the interviews and explore the project