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.