Since 2015, Street Roots has been publishing Planet Portland, a periodic series of articles on the personal journeys within Portland’s immigrant communities. These are their stories.
Meet Kilong Ung, who spent four years as a slave laborer in Cambodia
Ung survived hell before coming to Portland, where he realized his dream of becoming a Royal Rosarian.
Meet Parfait Bassale, a musician from West Africa
He has a unique style of music and storytelling aimed at teaching empathy.
Meet Cristina Castaño Henao, a social worker from Colombia
When Henao brought her talents to Portland, she learned how even in the land of plenty, there are needs.
Meet Thuy Huyen, a Vietnamese refugee crowned Ms. Oregon
Huyen ran for Ms. America on the platform of world poverty, something she knows firsthand.
Meet Dela Moradpour, a translator from Iran
She grew up punk in conservative Tehran, but don’t tell Moradpour she was “oppressed.”
Meet Apala Barclay, a political cartoonist from Liberia
Before emigrating from Liberia, Barclay was targeted by authorities for his work.
Meet Geovani Rodriguez, a health care worker from Cuba
Rodriguez had thought his days at a detox clinic were over, until he went through the doors once again – this time, to help others.
Additional stories from Street Roots:
The making of an American family
Ram and Purni Chhetri immigrated to the U.S. to give their children a better future – one outside the walls of a refugee camp. Trying to adapt to U.S. culture was awkward for the Bhutanese family – until they met Steve Sieg.
A young immigrant’s story of empowerment
Giselle Lopez Ixta immigrated to Woodburn from Michoacán, Mexico, when she was 5. The diverse community has fueled her desire to create social justice.
This article appears in 2017-02-03.