We are proud to have the incomparable Mr. Richard Brown as our Fall 2023 artist-in-residence. Mr. Brown is a local photographer and community activist that has been a fixture in the Black community for over 50 years. Not only has he documented the lives of generations of Black Portlanders, he has also worked tirelessly to address issues that affect the Black community.

Mr. Richard Brown is an activist and photographer whose work highlights what it means to be Black in Portland, Oregon. He takes photographs of the Black community, showcasing who they are and what kinds of lives they have.

He has been an activist for many years, and is passionate about helping police build better relationships with the communities they serve.

Mr. Brown has lived and worked in Portland for over 50 years. He began his career taking photographs for The Portland Observer, the city’s oldest Black-run newspaper, showcasing Black community members of all ages and backgrounds. He especially enjoys interacting with students and asking them what they might want to be when they grow up.

He is also very passionate about sharing Black history. One of Mr. Brown’s continuing projects is a weekly newsletter called The Talking Drum. It includes historical facts, current events affecting Black people, and comics created by Black cartoonists and from all over the United States. Mr. Brown also wrote a book titled, This Is Not For You, that highlights his years in Portland, mapping out his activist journey with the city and its people. 

The artist talk takes place in the school library. Please stop by the Main Office to sign in and receive a “Visitor” pass to the school.

Update, 1/17/24: This event was originally scheduled for Thursday, January 18, 2024.