Under the Hood

Peddlers of Hate Tracks the Rise of the KKK in Oregon

Local journalist Steve Law’s gripping account shows how they seized power—and why they lost it.

08/24/2026 By Chris Lydgate

Demographics

Oregon’s Getting More Diverse, According to the US Census

New data shows that the percentage of white Oregonians is falling, while multi-racial and Hispanic/Latino populations are on the rise.

08/12/2021 By Julia Silverman

History

Sad, Bad Times: A Look at the Darker Side of Portland’s Past

Not everything in the Rose City has been rosy.

09/06/2020 By Sam Pape

Essay

Fight for Your Rights

Award-winning writer and Portland native Mitchell S. Jackson reflects on the sneaky power of protest.

06/10/2020 By Mitchell S. Jackson

The Long View

How Oregon’s Racist History Can Sharpen Our Sense of Justice Right Now

Writer Walidah Imarisha on eight years of talking about the brutal history of race in Oregon.

02/25/2020 By Walidah Imarisha

High Choir Act

This Catlin Gabel Choir Teacher Is Writing a Requiem for Victims of Racial Violence

Damien Geter’s An African American Requiem will premiere at the Schnitz in May.

01/21/2020 By Conner Reed

Signal Boost

The Numberz Is Portland’s Only All-Black Radio Station

Launched by two Grant High School alums, the Numberz aims to unite a community spread thin by gentrification.

01/21/2020 By Conner Reed

Essay

Black Girls Matter: Navigating Portland's Systemic Racism as a Parent of Daughters

For us black moms, the safety of our daughters is always on our minds.

01/21/2020 By Kali Thorne Ladd

Law and Order

Nearly 3 Years After the Horrific MAX Attack, Jeremy Christian Goes on Trial

Jury selection in the trial of Jeremy Christian begins on Tuesday.

01/20/2020 By Julia Silverman

Art

This Portland Artist Uses Her Own Hair to Explore Race

Catch Lisa Jarrett's latest show Future Ancestors at Ori this month.

09/23/2019 By Fiona McCann

Cars

A Rally of Gas-Guzzling Junkers Is Cleaning Up Oregon’s Backcountry

The now-global Gambler 500 road race is cheap, weird, and totally from here.

05/28/2019 By Marty Patail

Profile

Author Mitchell S. Jackson Is a Blistering, Lyrical Voice of Our Time

For proof, read the Portland-raised writer's staggeringly smart new book, Survival Math.

02/26/2019 By Fiona McCann

Theater

What Happens When You Put the Stories of Police Officers Onstage?

After tackling racial profiling and police violence, Portland's Red Door Project takes on a new challenge.

12/21/2018 By Rebecca Jacobson

Hometown Hero

The Newest DC Comics Superhero Is a Girl of Color from Oregon

Meet Naomi, a new character created by Portland writers Brian Michael Bendis and David Walker.

12/21/2018 By Fiona McCann

Long Story Short

This Portlander Wants to Get More People of Color into the Art Museum

John Goodwin pushes for inclusion in art collecting.

09/11/2018 By Emma Mannheimer

Time Out

Kids of Color Get Punished More Than White Kids. One Portland School Is Changing That.

A couple of simple tweaks (and a lot of conversation) are paying off.

08/14/2018 By Zach Dundas

Lab Life

This Portlander Creates Super-Fun Science Videos for Kids

Lindsey Murphy—aka “Crazy Aunt Lindsey”—makes DIY experiments fabulous.

05/22/2018 By Rebecca Jacobson

The Oregon Woman: The Chief

Danielle Outlaw Is the First Black Woman to Lead the Portland Police

The 41-year-old talks racial tensions, raising two sons, and doughnuts.

04/24/2018 By Fiona McCann

Design Week 2018: Gaming in Color

Hair Nah Creator Momo Pixel Wants Designers to Use More Color

"Especially in Portland, there’s this concrete, off-white, 'add wood' feel."

03/27/2018 By Sarah Hutchins

Politics

No Woman of Color Has Ever Served on Portland City Council. This Election Could Change That.

Meet the contenders in this historic race.

03/27/2018 By Beth Slovic Illustrations by Alice Mollon