The inspiration behind Here I Am comes from my experience of being a Black woman born, raised, and residing in Portland. To those on the outside, who have not been exposed to the Black community in Portland, the community does not exist. So much so, upon meeting me, many outsiders ask, “There are Black people in Portland?” This notion is further confirmed when Black newcomers move to the city and express disappointment in the difficulty of finding and connecting with the Black community.

This project is a tribute to our community.

This project is the proof that the Black community not only exists in Portland but is bound together by the strongest of ties.

This project is our way of saying, Here I Am.