Community Programming
Local Conversations
I’ve been coming to Race Talks for over a year (almost 2) and continue to be impressed with the depth of conversations that occur each time. I also really appreciate that newcomers are 100% welcomed and people who are in different stages of learning are treated with equal respect and attention.
— October 2021 Forum
National Conversations
In 2020, the world was hit with a pandemic that triggered social, economic, and political unrest throughout the world. The global pandemic forced everyone to reconsider how we interface and communicate, especially when sharing personal space was no longer an option. Like most of the world, RACE TALKS pivoted to a virtual platform. For the past 11 years, we challenged Portlanders to consider how to make the world a better place by getting to know your neighbors and becoming more aware of individual privilege, all while exploring how race and racism play a role in our daily lives and interactions.
As we enter 2022, social unrest still smolders as systems of white supremacy are slowly torn apart especially within the criminal justice and educational environments. On this virtual tour, RACE TALKS will visit 11 cities and highlight practitioners in the fields of academia, business, government, and law. We will seek to understand how these cities are working to address matters of race and racism in their respective communities. Join RACE TALKS on the third Thursday of each month.
This is a virtual event. Registration is required. All ages welcome.
BIPOC
We invite community members who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to engage in affinity conversations. This is a safe space for BIPOC attendees to discuss historical and contemporary issues through the lens of race and racism.
Very healing, thankful to have the space to speak my feelings and share my thoughts, and to hear others’ perspectives and experiences.
— BIPOC Community + Conversations, March 2021
White Affinity
We invite community members who identify as White Allies to join us on the following days: We will engage in affinity conversations in a safe space for White Allies to discuss historical and contemporary issues through the lens of race and racism.
Working on this together in the group has drawn out how much more responsibility we have as white people to be in a process of continued self examination and focus on action. I felt the pull to put off the [group selected] readings and yet the accountability drew me back to the topics we had of white privilege and white fragility. I am more committed to keeping any defensiveness in check.
—White Ally Affinity Group, July 2021
LGBTQIA2S+
We invite those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning, Intersexual, Asexual, Two-Spirited (LGBTQIA2S), Non-Binary, and non-listed queer community members to join us on the following days: March 2nd, June 1st, September 7th & December 7th. We will engage in affinity conversations in a safe space for our LGBTQIA2S+ allies to discuss historical and contemporary issues through the lens of race and racism.
I wanted to emotionally take care of everyone in the [affinity] breakout room but it was totally unneeded because there were tons of smart and compassionate people who helped everyone grow through the experience.
— Queer/Trans+ Affinity Group, February 2021
The RACE TALKS Books + Conversations is an opportunity to participate in an facilitated, interactive conversation with a published author and discuss their book with them. In-person and virtual participation may vary based on COVID protocols. When available, Books + Conversations are partnering exclusively with Third Eye Books.
The RACE TALKS Movies + Conversation is an opportunity for community members to gather and watch a movie together that is significant to a historical or contemporary issue. After the feature, attendees will debrief the movie together. In-person and virtual participation may vary based on COVID protocols. Check RACE TALKS Community Calendar for event details.
Karaoke + Conversations is an 18 +, grown, and sexy event. It is currently on hiatus, and will return soon.
Latest Past Events
BLACK DRAG PDX
McMenamins Kennedy School Theater 5736 NE 33rd Ave, PortlandRACE TALKS: Uniting to Break the Chains of Racism, McMenamins History Department, Poison Waters and local Black drag queens, and sponsoring community partners are teaming up for a third year ... BLACK DRAG PDX
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Norma Jean's 4636 NE 42nd, PortlandFree Thanksgving Dinner!
RACE TALKS Holiday Market featuring BIPOC Women-owned Businesses
McMenamins Kennedy School Gym 5736 NE 33rd Avenue, PortlandDid you know that BIPOC women-owned businesses receive less than 1% of venture capital and Black women receive less than a quarter percent of that? Being intentional about eradicating institutional ... RACE TALKS Holiday Market featuring BIPOC Women-owned Businesses