Know Your City, a Portland nonprofit that celebrates Portland’s history and culture, has created a new box set of mini-comics about local heroes.
“Comics for Change! Illustrated Stories from Oregon’s Front Lines,” features stories of 10 men and women who challenge stereotypes to make Portland a leader in social justice. The organization is hosting a release party 5:30 p.m., Dec. 12 at Darcelle XV Showplace. Writers and artists from the series will present a brief slideshow about the project, while original artwork made for the comic series will be on display for one night only.
The works cover both history and current events, notably so with the comic that focuses on Ibrahim Mubarak and the saga of Right 2 Dream Too, which he helped establish. The homeless way-station is coming close to resolving negotiations with the city on a new location. The piece is written by Anne Marie DiStefano and illustrated by Jesse Reklaw.
The series also features Genny Nelson, co-founder of Sisters of the Road Café which has served meals to people on the streets for more than 30 years. The piece is written by Christen McCurdy and illustrated by Natalie Sept. Sisters served meals, but under Nelson’s leadership it became an organizing agent for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Cheryl Johnson, an environmental activist involved in stopping the LNG pipeline from coming into the area, and Paul Knauls, the “unofficial mayor of Portland,” are also featured, along with LGBTQ advocate Kathleen Saadat. Also celebrated are environmental activist Alex Brown, immigrant and refugee advocate Polo Catalani, Walter Cole a.k.a Darcelle, Portland Copwatch’s Dan Handelman, and Chief Wilbur Slockish.
